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Zubair HT, Bradley DA, Khairina MD, Oresegun A, Basaif A, Othman J, Rifiat R, Hamidi F, Rahman L, Ezzadeen A, Ibrahim SA, Mansor S, Alkhorayef M, Abdul-Rashid HA. An extendable optical fibre probe survey meter for naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM) and other weak emitters. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11918. [PMID: 37488183 PMCID: PMC10366106 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39180-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
We have developed a radioluminescence-based survey meter for use in industries in which there is involvement in naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM), also in support of those needing to detect other weak emitters of radiation. The functionality of the system confronts particular shortcomings of the handheld survey meters that are currently being made use of. The device couples a LYSO:Ce scintillator with a photodetector via a polymer optical fibre waveguide, allowing for "intrinsically safe" inspection within pipework, separators, valves and other such component pieces. The small-diameter optical fibre probe is electrically passive, immune to electromagnetic interference, and chemically inert. The readout circuit is entirely incorporated within a handheld casing housing a silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) detection circuit and a microprocessor circuit connected to an LCD display. A 15 m long flexible PMMA optical fibre waveguide is butt coupled to an ABS plastic probe that retains the LYSO:Ce scintillator. Initial tests have included the use of lab-based mixed gamma-ray sources, measurements being made in concert with a reference conventional GM survey-meter. Characterization, via NORM sources at a decontamination facility, has shown useful sensitivity, covering the dose-rate range 0.10- to 28 µSv h-1 (R-squared 0.966), extending to 80 µSv/h as demonstrated in use of a Cs-137 source. The system is shown to provide an effective tool for detection of radioactivity within hard to access locations, in particular for sources emitting at low radiation levels, down to values that approach background.
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Affiliation(s)
- H T Zubair
- Fibre Optics Research Centre, Faculty of Engineering, Multimedia University, Jalan Multimedia, 63100, Cyberjaya, Malaysia
- Lumisyns Sdn Bhd, 47600, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - D A Bradley
- Centre for Applied Physics and Radiation Technologies, Sunway University, 46150, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
- School of Mathematics and Physics, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7XH, UK
| | - M D Khairina
- Lumisyns Sdn Bhd, 47600, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Adebiyi Oresegun
- Fibre Optics Research Centre, Faculty of Engineering, Multimedia University, Jalan Multimedia, 63100, Cyberjaya, Malaysia
| | - A Basaif
- Fibre Optics Research Centre, Faculty of Engineering, Multimedia University, Jalan Multimedia, 63100, Cyberjaya, Malaysia
| | - J Othman
- Alypz Sdn Bhd, Jalan Industri USJ 1/1, Taman Perindustrian USJ 1, 47600, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - R Rifiat
- Alypz Sdn Bhd, Jalan Industri USJ 1/1, Taman Perindustrian USJ 1, 47600, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - F Hamidi
- Alypz Sdn Bhd, Jalan Industri USJ 1/1, Taman Perindustrian USJ 1, 47600, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - L Rahman
- Alypz Sdn Bhd, Jalan Industri USJ 1/1, Taman Perindustrian USJ 1, 47600, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - A Ezzadeen
- Alypz Sdn Bhd, Jalan Industri USJ 1/1, Taman Perindustrian USJ 1, 47600, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - S A Ibrahim
- Fibre Optics Research Centre, Faculty of Engineering, Multimedia University, Jalan Multimedia, 63100, Cyberjaya, Malaysia
| | - S Mansor
- Fibre Optics Research Centre, Faculty of Engineering, Multimedia University, Jalan Multimedia, 63100, Cyberjaya, Malaysia
| | - M Alkhorayef
- Department of Radiological Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, P.O Box 10219, 11433, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - H A Abdul-Rashid
- Fibre Optics Research Centre, Faculty of Engineering, Multimedia University, Jalan Multimedia, 63100, Cyberjaya, Malaysia.
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Castillo-Aleman YM, Ann-Martinez M, Victorino-Roque JMR, Othman J, Ventura-Carmenate Y. Tele-ECP: A feasible telemedicine-based approach to extracorporeal photopheresis. J Telemed Telecare 2022:1357633X221122865. [PMID: 36046942 DOI: 10.1177/1357633x221122865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The acquisition of telecommunication technologies in clinical practices is transforming medical care capabilities, whereas applying telemedicine in apheresis medicine has resulted in the revolutionary concept of "telapheresis." This manuscript aims to describe the regulatory landscape of telapheresis by presenting the first "tele-ECP" (telemedicine-based approach to extracorporeal photopheresis) reported in the United Arab Emirates. The tele-ECP procedure was done successfully in a patient with chronic graft-versus-host disease, who, despite having one vascular access-related adverse event, it was solved promptly without further complications. Therefore, this telemedicine-based approach arose as a feasible practice, but required direct physical contact with other trained and privileged/credentialed staff.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - May Ann-Martinez
- Department of Immunology, 580443Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center (ADSCC), Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Jekhsi Othman
- Department of Immunology, 580443Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center (ADSCC), Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Yendry Ventura-Carmenate
- Department of Immunology, 580443Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center (ADSCC), Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
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Mohd Hanapi IR, Sahimin N, Lewis JW, Lau YL, Othman J, Tedong PA, Mohn Zain SN. Public health status of Myanmar refugees in South East Asia: A Malaysian case study. Trop Biomed 2021; 38:594-604. [PMID: 35001926 DOI: 10.47665/tb.38.4.103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reports over 80 million people are displaced worldwide with approximately 26.3 million categorized as refugees and over a million residing temporarily in South East Asia. Despite the lack of national legislative framework in place for refugees and asylum seekers (RAS), Malaysia hosts approximately 178,140 as registered with UNHCR and the majority originate from Myanmar. In this review, we examine refugees from South East Asia, particularly from Myanmar that have contributed to the largest influx of refugees to this region with a focus on their health status. The present study traces barriers to the health care of refugees in the country of asylum and also the challenges faced by these communities in accessing health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- I R Mohd Hanapi
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - N Sahimin
- Tropical Infectious Diseases Research and Education Cen tre (TIDREC), Universiti Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - J W Lewis
- School of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway, University of London, TW20 OEX Egham, Surrey United Kingdom
| | - Y L Lau
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - J Othman
- Department of Language & Literacy Education, Faculty of Education, Universiti Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - P A Tedong
- Department of Urban & Regional Planning, Faculty of Built Environment, Universiti Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - S N Mohn Zain
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Zubair H, Rifiat R, Oresegun A, Hamidi F, Othman J, Khairina M, Basaif A, Ibrahim S, Abdul-Rashid H, Bradley D. Fiber optic coupled survey meter for NORM and low-level radioactivity monitoring. Radiat Phys Chem Oxf Engl 1993 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.radphyschem.2021.109682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Syazwan A, Rafee BM, Juahir H, Azman A, Nizar A, Izwyn Z, Syahidatussyakirah K, Muhaimin A, Yunos MS, Anita A, Hanafiah JM, Shaharuddin M, Ibthisham AM, Hasmadi IM, Azhar MM, Azizan H, Zulfadhli I, Othman J, Rozalini M, Kamarul F. Analysis of indoor air pollutants checklist using environmetric technique for health risk assessment of sick building complaint in nonindustrial workplace. Drug Healthc Patient Saf 2012; 4:107-26. [PMID: 23055779 PMCID: PMC3460635 DOI: 10.2147/dhps.s33400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Purpose To analyze and characterize a multidisciplinary, integrated indoor air quality checklist for evaluating the health risk of building occupants in a nonindustrial workplace setting. Design A cross-sectional study based on a participatory occupational health program conducted by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (Malaysia) and Universiti Putra Malaysia. Method A modified version of the indoor environmental checklist published by the Department of Occupational Health and Safety, based on the literature and discussion with occupational health and safety professionals, was used in the evaluation process. Summated scores were given according to the cluster analysis and principal component analysis in the characterization of risk. Environmetric techniques was used to classify the risk of variables in the checklist. Identification of the possible source of item pollutants was also evaluated from a semiquantitative approach. Result Hierarchical agglomerative cluster analysis resulted in the grouping of factorial components into three clusters (high complaint, moderate-high complaint, moderate complaint), which were further analyzed by discriminant analysis. From this, 15 major variables that influence indoor air quality were determined. Principal component analysis of each cluster revealed that the main factors influencing the high complaint group were fungal-related problems, chemical indoor dispersion, detergent, renovation, thermal comfort, and location of fresh air intake. The moderate-high complaint group showed significant high loading on ventilation, air filters, and smoking-related activities. The moderate complaint group showed high loading on dampness, odor, and thermal comfort. Conclusion This semiquantitative assessment, which graded risk from low to high based on the intensity of the problem, shows promising and reliable results. It should be used as an important tool in the preliminary assessment of indoor air quality and as a categorizing method for further IAQ investigations and complaints procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai Syazwan
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor
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Syazwan A, Rafee BM, Hafizan J, Azman A, Nizar A, Izwyn Z, Muhaimin A, Yunos MS, Anita A, Hanafiah JM, Shaharuddin M, Ibthisham AM, Ismail MH, Azhar MM, Azizan H, Zulfadhli I, Othman J. Development of an indoor air quality checklist for risk assessment of indoor air pollutants by semiquantitative score in nonindustrial workplaces. Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2012; 5:17-23. [PMID: 22570579 PMCID: PMC3345885 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s26567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To meet the current diversified health needs in workplaces, especially in nonindustrial workplaces in developing countries, an indoor air quality (IAQ) component of a participatory occupational safety and health survey should be included. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to evaluate and suggest a multidisciplinary, integrated IAQ checklist for evaluating the health risk of building occupants. This IAQ checklist proposed to support employers, workers, and assessors in understanding a wide range of important elements in the indoor air environment to promote awareness in nonindustrial workplaces. METHODS The general structure of and specific items in the IAQ checklist were discussed in a focus group meeting with IAQ assessors based upon the result of a literature review, previous industrial code of practice, and previous interviews with company employers and workers. RESULTS For practicality and validity, several sessions were held to elicit the opinions of company members, and, as a result, modifications were made. The newly developed IAQ checklist was finally formulated, consisting of seven core areas, nine technical areas, and 71 essential items. Each item was linked to a suitable section in the Industry Code of Practice on Indoor Air Quality published by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health. CONCLUSION Combined usage of an IAQ checklist with the information from the Industry Code of Practice on Indoor Air Quality would provide easily comprehensible information and practical support. Intervention and evaluation studies using this newly developed IAQ checklist will clarify the effectiveness of a new approach in evaluating the risk of indoor air pollutants in the workplace.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai Syazwan
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
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Holtkamp M, Othman J, Buchheim K, Meierkord H. Diagnostische Merkmale des Status pseudoepilepticus im Notfall-Setting. Akt Neurol 2006. [DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-953348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess risk factors and prognosis in patients with refractory status epilepticus (RSE). METHODS We retrospectively analysed all episodes of status epilepticus (SE) treated between 1993 and 2002 on the neurological intensive care unit (NICU) of the Charite-Universitatsmedizin Berlin. The predictive and prognostic features of RSE were compared with non-RSE (NRSE). All patients with "de novo" SE were followed up to identify the possible development of post-SE symptomatic epilepsy. RESULTS A total of 83 episodes fulfilled our criteria of SE. Of these 43% were refractory to first line anticonvulsants. The mean age of patients with SE was 53.3 (SD 19) years, with only two patients younger than 18 years. Encephalitis was significantly more often the primary cause in RSE (p<0.05), whereas low levels of antiepileptic drugs were significantly more often associated with NRSE (p<0.001). Hyponatraemia within the first 24 hours after onset of status activity was significantly more often associated with RSE (p<0.05). In RSE, compared with NRSE, significantly longer duration of seizure activity (p<0.001), more frequent recurrence of epileptic activity within the first 24 hours after the end of seizure activity (p<0.001), longer stay in the NICU and in hospital (p<0.001 and p<0.01, respectively), and more frequent development of symptomatic epilepsy (p<0.05) were seen. CONCLUSIONS SE treated in the NICU is frequently refractory to first line anticonvulsant drugs. Encephalitis is a predictor for RSE, which is associated with markedly poor outcome, in particular, the development of post-SE symptomatic epilepsy. Thus prevention of this most severe form of SE should be the primary target of treatment of SE.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Holtkamp
- Department of Neurology, Charité-Univeristätsmedizin Berlin, Schumannstrasse 20/21, 10117 Berlin, Germany.
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Holtkamp M, Othman J, Buchheim K, Schielke E, Meierkord H. Eine maligne Form des Status epilepticus. Akt Neurol 2004. [DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-833119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Orr WC, Shamma-Othman Z, Levin D, Othman J, Rundell OH. Persistent hypoxemia and excessive daytime sleepiness in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Chest 1990; 97:583-5. [PMID: 2306962 DOI: 10.1378/chest.97.3.583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Fourteen patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and chronic hypoxemia were studied to evaluate the relationship between hypoxemia and objective and subjective daytime sleepiness. Patients were selected with a waking PaO2 of less than 70 mm Hg and less than 50 percent predicted FEV1. Clinically, none of these patients had complaints of significant daytime sleepiness. Each patient underwent standard all-night polysomnographic evaluation followed by a multiple sleep latency test (MSLT). There was no significant correlation between the mean sleep onset latency for the MSLT and the waking PaO2, PCO2, FEV1, or spontaneous desaturations during sleep. Patients with COPD exhibited a mean MSLT that was within normal limits, despite a short total sleep time and numerous arousals from sleep. We conclude that there appears to be no relationship between chronic daytime hypoxemia and subjective reports and objective measures of daytime sleepiness.
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Affiliation(s)
- W C Orr
- Presbyterian Hospital, Oklahoma City
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Abstract
This study combined the use of cephalometrics and overnight polysomnographic monitoring to analyze the effects of a modified functional appliance on airway, sleep, and respiratory variables in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Twelve patients without overt anatomic or pathologic evidence of obstruction were selected on the basis of an initial single night of polysomnographic monitoring, which confirmed the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. The patients subsequently were fitted with a modified functional appliance designed to securely hold the mandible in an anterior-inferior position. A subsequent overnight polysomnographic study was obtained with each patient wearing the appliance. Lateral cephalometric radiographs with and without the appliance in place were also obtained. The mean vertical and horizontal changes in mandibular position while wearing the appliance were 8.49 mm and 2.28 mm, respectively. The findings indicate that 10 of the 12 patients had decreases in the rate of complete airway obstructions from a mean of 28.86 to 18.69 events per hour, and in the total apnea index from a mean of 53.81 to 35.99 events per hour. A reduction in the rate of obstructive events is attributed to the effect of the appliance on the oropharyngeal structures. Six cephalometric measurements are presented to provide a means of assessing effects of the appliance on the oropharynx and associated structures. The modified functional appliance is a conservative, successful treatment alternative that could benefit patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- P E Bonham
- Department of Orthodontics, University of Oklahoma, College of Dentistry, Oklahoma City
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