Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Walid Elmonir, Haitham Elaadli, Anan Amer, Hammed El-Sharkawy, Mohamed Bessat, Samy F. Mahmoud, Mustafa Shukry Atta, Wael F. El-Tras
Summary: Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are prevalent among preschool and school children in Egypt, with Entamoeba histolytica and Ascaris lumbricoides being the most common parasites. Risk factors for IPIs include preschool age, living in rural areas, belonging to low-income families, lack of safe drinking water, poor hand hygiene, and consumption of unwashed vegetables. Contact with pets, household reared animals, and stray animals also increase the likelihood of exposure to zoonotic parasites.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Estephany Tapia-Veloz, Marisa Guillen, Maria Trelis, Tannia Valeria Carpio-Arias, Monica Gozalbo
Summary: The study examined malnutrition in Spanish schoolchildren and its association with lifestyles. It also explored the use of Nutrimetry as a nutritional status indicator and collected data on intestinal parasitism and its risk factors. The prevalence of overweight was found to be 32.6%, and 49.5% of the children had intestinal parasitism. The source of drinking water was identified as a risk factor for intestinal parasitism.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Chii-Chii Chew, Xin-Jie Lim, Lee-Lan Low, Kin-Mun Lau, Maziana Kari, Ummi Kalthom Shamsudin, Philip Rajan
Summary: The indigenous children in Peninsular Malaysia face significant challenges related to malnutrition, including limited access to nutritious food and healthcare services, as well as cultural barriers. Healthcare providers need to possess cross-cultural communication skills and adapt to the unique environment to effectively address these challenges and implement successful nutrition programs. Collaboration between various stakeholders is crucial in overcoming the multifactorial challenges faced by healthcare providers in serving the indigenous communities.
Article
Education & Educational Research
Federica Agnese, Zakirah Othman, Anni Mitin, Wan Ahmad Jaafar Wan Yahaya
Summary: This study assesses the use of WhatsApp Group for participatory monitoring in a rice farming program in a rural village of Sarawak, Malaysia. The study finds that WhatsApp Group offers flexibility and methodological diversity in participatory monitoring, but there are limitations in terms of participation and negotiation due to group structure. Agricultural policies should prioritize inclusive access to ICT devices and facilities to effectively promote digital platforms. The study also suggests that social media can enhance multi-stakeholder participation, but should be complemented with non-ICT means of communication for rural farming communities.
INTERACTIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS
(2023)
Review
Parasitology
A. S. Tahar, L. M. Bilung, K. Apun, R. L. Richard, Y. A. L. Lim
Summary: Intestinal parasitic infections are common in rural settings, especially among indigenous populations in Sarawak who are socially and economically disadvantaged. Improvement of mass control programs in the state is needed based on a review of distribution and transmission to better understand the diseases. Attention should be given to intestinal parasitic infections in rural populations, and efforts to improve rural livelihood and sanitation are crucial in reducing the number of infections.
TROPICAL BIOMEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ludovica Monti, Marco Di Antonio
Summary: G-quadruplexes (G4s) are nucleic acid structures that are involved in the regulation of eukaryotic organisms. Bioinformatic studies have shown the presence of G4-forming sequences in protozoan genomes, suggesting their potential roles in regulating important processes in these parasites. This review focuses on the neglected trypanosomatid parasites, Trypanosoma and Leishmania spp., and discusses the potential of G4-formation in modulating transcriptional activity to combat parasitic infections.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Mariana Pinheiro Alves Vasconcelos, Juan Camilo Sanchez-Arcila, Luciana Peres, Paulo Sergio Fonseca de Sousa, Marcelo Augusto dos Santos Alvarenga, Julio Castro-Alves, Maria de Fatima Ferreira-da-Cruz, Marilza Maia-Herzog, Joseli Oliveira-Ferreira
Summary: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Brazilian Amazon rainforest region to assess the prevalence and association between malarial and intestinal parasitic infections. The study found high prevalence of malaria, intestinal protozoan infection, and intestinal helminth infection. Polyparasitism was common, highlighting the need for comprehensive control measures.
JOURNAL OF INFECTION AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Ingrid Papajova, Julia Bystrianska, Michal Giboda, Soren L. Becker, Jurg Utzinger, Hanspeter Marti
Summary: In Slovakia, the Roma population, the second-largest ethnic minority, faces poor living conditions and limited access to healthcare. Almost 40% of children in segregated settlements are infected with intestinal parasites, with Ascaris lumbricoides and Giardia intestinalis being the most common species. Efforts are needed to improve the health status of this neglected population.
Article
Nursing
Siew Yieng Yong, Sidiah Siop, Wee Meng Kho
Summary: The study found that the prevalence of EM practice in ICU patients was 65.6%, with deep sedation and vasopressor infusion being the most commonly reported factors inhibiting mobility. Invasive ventilated patients had a significantly higher likelihood of remaining in bed compared to non-invasive ventilated patients. The average adherence rate of the EM protocol was 52.5%.
Article
Business
Ching Seng Yap, William Keling, Poh Ling Ho
Summary: This study explores the influence of internal and external factors on the entrepreneurial performance of rural indigenous women entrepreneurs (RIWEs) in Sarawak. The study finds that internal factors such as self-belief, perseverance, commitment, and risk-taking motivate RIWEs to start their business and contribute to their success. External factors such as social networks, financial resources and support, business training and workshops, and government policies also play a crucial role in RIWEs' entrepreneurial success.
GENDER IN MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Jana Caudet, Maria Trelis, Susana Cifre, Jose M. Soriano, Hortensia Rico, Juan F. Merino-Torres
Summary: This study examines the interactions between gut prokaryotic and eukaryotic communities, metabolic comorbidities, and diet in obese individuals. The presence of certain parasites is found to be associated with changes in bacterial diversity and composition, potentially impacting metabolic disorders.
Article
Oceanography
Samantha Ambie, Cindy Peter, Gianna Minton, Jenny Ngeian, Anna Norliza Zulkifli Poh, Aazani Mujahid, Andrew Alek Tuen
Summary: Kuching Bay is an important area for artisanal fishing activities and a significant marine habitat for coastal cetaceans. The study found that negative interactions between fishermen and cetaceans include gear damage, entanglements, and depredations. However, there is also evidence of mutualistic relationships, such as feeding discarded fish to cetaceans.
OCEAN & COASTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Veronica Casmo, Sergio Chicumbe, Rosa Chambisse, Rassul Nala
Summary: Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are a public health problem among army recruits in southern Mozambique. The study found a prevalence of IPIs of 25.1%, with Entamoeba coli and Trichuris trichiura being the most common parasites. Parasitic infection was associated with the origin of the participant and the province of Sofala had the highest prevalence.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Jorge Aruni Chura, Fabio Macchioni, Federica Furzi, Victor Balboa, Erika Mercado, Jose Gomez, Patricia Rojas Gonzales, Veronica Poma, Armando Loup, Mimmo Roselli, Percy Halkier, Antonio Montresor, Piero Olliaro, Alessandro Bartoloni, Michele Spinicci, Simona Gabrielli
Summary: The study assessed the prevalence of protozoa and helminth infection among school-age children in different ecological zones of La Paz, Bolivia. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 82.2%, with protozoa (80%) being more common than helminths (23.3%). The study revealed the importance of sanitation and deworming programs in reducing parasitic infections among children.
Article
Development Studies
Christine Horn, Sandra M. Gifford
Summary: This paper discusses the impact of lack of access to ICTs on Indigenous communities in remote Sarawak, Malaysia, emphasizing the importance of social connectedness and relationships in motivating ICT uptake and supporting social network maintenance.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY FOR DEVELOPMENT
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Chong Chin Heo, Abdul Rani Rafiz, Romano Ngui
Summary: The study reported an autochthonous case of A. ceylanicum infection in Malaysia, where a 66-year-old Indian lady presented with chronic diarrhea. Colonoscopy revealed worm infestation, and symptomatic improvements were observed after treatment.
ACTA PARASITOLOGICA
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sivaneswari Selvarajoo, Jonathan Wee Kent Liew, Tock H. Chua, Wing Tan, Rafdzah Ahmad Zaki, Romano Ngui, Wan Yusoff Wan Sulaiman, Poo Soon Ong, Indra Vythilingam
Summary: This study found that using a combination of gravid oviposition sticky (GOS) traps and dengue non-structural 1 (NS1) antigen testing can effectively reduce the occurrence of dengue cases by early surveillance of Aedes mosquitoes. The study also showed that this surveillance method significantly improved participants' knowledge, attitude, and practice towards dengue control.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Pei Yee Tan, Syahirah Nadiah Mohd Johari, Kim-Tiu Teng, Radhika Loganathan, Soo Ching Lee, Romano Ngui, Kanga Rani Selvaduray, Yvonne Ai Lian Lim
Summary: This study assessed the anthropometry and blood biochemical status of rural primary schoolchildren in Malaysia and found a high prevalence of malnutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and anemia. Indigenous schoolchildren and younger children were at a higher risk. Targeted measures are needed to improve the nutritional status of these children.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF NUTRITION
(2023)
Correction
Veterinary Sciences
Van Lun Low, Siti Sarah Azhar, Tiong Kai Tan, Premaalatha Bathmanaban, Sazaly AbuBakar, Panchadcharam Chandrawathani, Hassan Nizam Quaza Nizamuddin, Mohd Saeid Faizah Hanim, Ngah Hamid Akma, Mohd Noor Norlizan, Yvonne Ai Lian Lim
VETERINARY RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Wei Yin Vinnie-Siow, Van Lun Low, Tiong Kai Tan, Meng Li Wong, Cherng Shii Leong, Nazni Wasi Ahmad, Yvonne Ai Lian Lim
Summary: There is limited information on the mosquito species that transmit canine filariosis. In this experimental study, Ae. togoi is identified as a potential vector for both D. immitis and B. pahangi. Additionally, the observation of B. pahangi infection in the head region of Cx. quinquefasciatus is documented for the first time under laboratory conditions.
PATHOGENS AND GLOBAL HEALTH
(2022)
Review
Anthropology
Farhat Abjani, Priya Madhavan, Pei Pei Chong, Karuthan Chinna, Charles Anthony Rhodes, Yvonne Ai Lian Lim
Summary: This review discusses and summarizes the major risk factors associated with urbanization that affect the human gut microbiota and consequently human health. The structure of the human gut ecosystem is reflecting the continuous rise in urbanization. As per the discussed data, urbanization and its associated factors have long-standing effects on the human gut microbiota, resulting in alterations in microbial diversity and composition. The increase in chronic inflammatory diseases in urbanized societies is a matter of serious concern.
ANNALS OF HUMAN BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Nursing
Shu P. Wong, Sen M. Tan, Mahmoud Danaee, Khairunnajwa Muhamad, Munirah Jamal, Farida Islahudin, Faizah Khairudin, Syed C. Edmund, Kian M. Chang, Muhd Z. Zakaria, Yvonne A. L. Lim, Reena Rajasuriar
Summary: The objective of this study was to test the validity and reliability of OMDQ-Mal, a patient self-assessment score for oral mucositis. The results showed that OMDQ-Mal had high internal consistency and good test-retest reliability. It also demonstrated moderate to strong correlations with physician scores.
ASIA-PACIFIC JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY NURSING
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Pei Yee Tan, Radhika Loganathan, Kim-Tiu Teng, Soo Ching Lee, Syahirah Nadiah Mohd Johari, Kanga Rani Selvaduray, Romano Ngui, Yvonne Ai-Lian Lim
Summary: Despite global efforts to control intestinal parasitic infections, soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections remain prevalent, especially in developing countries. A study in rural areas of Malaysia investigated the effects of red palm olein (RPO)-enriched biscuits on STH reinfection rates and infection intensities in primary schoolchildren with vitamin A deficiency (VAD). Results showed a significantly lower reinfection rate of A. lumbricoides and a reduction in fecal egg count in the experimental group, suggesting the potential beneficial effects of RPO supplementation. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore underlying mechanisms.
Article
Parasitology
Sandthya Pramasivan, Romano Ngui, Nantha Kumar Jeyaprakasam, Van Lun Low, Jonathan Wee Kent Liew, Indra Vythilingam
Summary: This study provides insights into the distribution of Leucosphyrus Group of Anopheles mosquitoes in Malaysia. A predictive statistical model was developed using significant environmental factors, and distribution maps were created. The research is crucial for informing future malaria control interventions.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Sandthya Pramasivan, Van Lun Low, Nantha Kumar Jeyaprakasam, Jonathan Wee Kent Liew, Romano Ngui, Indra Vythilingam
Summary: Although Malaysia is free of human malaria, there has been a rise in cases of Plasmodium knowlesi. This study investigates the genetic diversity of the mosquito vectors for P. knowlesi in Malaysia, with distinct clusters observed in An. latens, indicating the likely presence of two distinct or cryptic species. On the other hand, no distinct clusters were observed in An. cracens, An. balabacensis, or An. introlatus, suggesting a lack of pronounced genetic differentiation among their populations. Overall, all four species have undergone demographic expansion, indicating potential range expansion for these vectors in Malaysia.
Article
Parasitology
D. Sukumarran, K. Hasikin, Mohd Khairuddin, R. Ngui, Wan Sulaiman, I. Vythilingam, P. C. S. Divis
Summary: Timely and accurate diagnosis is crucial for malaria treatment planning. This study explores the use of deep learning object detection models to detect and distinguish malaria-infected and non-infected red blood cells. The Yolov4 model achieves the best performance, showing potential for detecting infected cells in whole thin blood smear images.
TROPICAL BIOMEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Parasitology
N. Abu Bakar, N. Sahimin, Y. A. L. Lim, K. Ibrahim, S. N. Mohd Zain
Summary: Poverty has been proven to be a key factor contributing to poor health and hygiene practices. This review highlights the prevalence of communicable and non-communicable diseases among Malaysia's 2.91 million low-income households. It also examines the government's initiatives in housing and healthcare for this marginalized community. However, more research is needed to accurately understand the epidemiology of diseases among the poor in order to effectively address this public health issue and develop appropriate policies.
TROPICAL BIOMEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Hematology
Shu Ping Wong, Yi Xian Er, Sen Mui Tan, Soo Ching Lee, Reena Rajasuriar, Yvonne Ai Lian Lim
Summary: This study investigates the changes in oral and gut microbiota of autologous HSCT recipients in the Asian region and their impact on mucositis. The study finds significant differences in diversity of microbiota before and after transplantation. Certain bacteria are associated with higher severity of mucositis, while others are associated with protective effects. These findings provide potential strategies for interventions to ameliorate mucositis outcome in HSCT recipients.
TRANSPLANTATION AND CELLULAR THERAPY
(2023)