Understanding the Challenges Faced by Hospitality Managers during COVID-19 Pandemic in Malaysia

The COVID-19 pandemic severely hit the hospitality industry in Malaysia. The Malaysian government implemented restriction orders and preventative measures, which had impacted business operations. This study aims to explore the challenges faced by hospitality managers during the early phase of the COVID-19 in Malaysia. Using qualitative purposive sampling, researchers interviewed 12 managers from the hotel and restaurant sectors. Based on the content analysis, the respondents reported several challenges, including generating revenues, controlling costs, and managing the workforce. Findings contributed significantly to various stakeholders such as the Malaysian government and the hospitality providers. Limitations and future recommendations are discussed. Keywords: Hospitality; COVID-19; Malaysia; Pandemic eISSN: 2398-4287 © 2022. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BYNC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians/Africans/Arabians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v7i19.3213

PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF SOME CHELATING AGENTS AND ANTIOXIDANTS ON THE BIOHAZARDS PRODUCED FROM WATER POLLUTION BY HEAVY METALS IN WISTAR RATS: BIOLOGICAL, GENETIC AND HISTOPATHOLOGICAL STUDY

Background: Heavy metals that normally cause problems are mercury (HgCl2) and lead acetate (LA). Chelating and inhibitor agents are the target to treat and overcome metal toxicity. The current study has been carried out to evaluate the protective effects of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) and meso 2,3 dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) against HgCl2 and LA toxicity. Materials and Methods: Ninety male Wistar rats were divided into nine equal groups. The groups were administered NAC and/or DMSA in presence or absence of LA (LA; 0.2% in drinking water) or HgCl2 (2 mg/kg BW) for 2 consecutive months. Serum and organs were collected for biochemical, genetic and histopathological changes. Results: Biochemical results revealed that LA and HgCl2 significantly increased the levels of liver and kidney biomarkers. Administration of NAC and DMSA considerably improved these altered changes. LA and HgCl2 decreased serum levels of antioxidants and were ameliorated in NAC and DMSA administered rats. LA and HgCl2 administration upregulated expression of IL-1β and IL-8 that were normalized by NAC and DMSA. Kidneys of LA and HgCl2 groups showed intraluminal hyaline casts. Kidneys of DMSA-administrated rats showed mild hydropic degeneration of renal tubular epithelium in LA and HgCl2 groups. Kidneys of NAC administrated rats showed atrophy of capillary tufts. Kidneys of LA and HgCl2 administered rats which received DMSA and NAC showed normal glomerular structure. Liver histopathology showed sever changes that were ameliorated by NAC and DMSA. Conclusion: Taken together, usage of NAC and DMSA provide significant protection against LA and HgCl2-induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in male Wistar rats

Helicobacter pylori infection might be responsible for the interconnection between type 1 diabetes and autoimmune thyroiditis

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Higher serological prevalence rates of helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection have been reported in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) and autoimmune thyroiditis (AT). Patients with T1DM are at increased risk for developing other autoimmune diseases, most commonly AT. It is unknown whether H. pylori infection could explain the high prevalence of thyroid autoantibodies and AT in T1DM. The aim of the current study was to evaluate anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) and anti-thyroglobulin (anti-Tg) autoantibodies in correlation with anti-H. pylori IgG and IgA in young patients with T1DM.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Anti-H. Pylori IgG, IgA, anti-TPO and anti-Tg antibodies titers were measured in 162 euthyroid patients with T1DM and 80 healthy controls matched for age, sex and socioeconomic status.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Seroprevalence of H. pylori was significantly higher in patients with T1DM than in healthy controls; 79% vs. 51.2%, p < 0.001. Anti H. pylori IgG was positive in 61.1% of patients with T1DM and 30% of controls, p < 0.001, anti H. pylori IgA was positive in 74% of patients with T1DM and 32.5% of controls, p < 0.001. Thyroid autoimmunity was also significantly higher in patients with T1DM than in controls; 56.7% vs. 6.2%, p < 0.001. Anti-TPO was positive in 25.3% of patients with T1DM and 3.7% of controls, p < 0.001, anti-Tg was positive in 47.5% of patients with T1DM and 6.2% of controls, p < 0.001. With simple and multiple regression analysis anti-H. pylori IgG and IgA titers were positively and significantly correlated with Anti-TPO and anti-Tg titers in patients with T1DM.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>our results support the idea of a connection between H. pylori infection and the occurrence of anti-TPO, anti-Tg autoantibodies and AT in young patients with T1DM. So, H. pylori infection could be considered as an environmental trigger for development of AT in T1DM. Young patients with T1DM should be screened for H. pylori infection.</p

The Transgene Expression of the Immature Form of the HCV Core Protein (C191) and the LncRNA MEG3 Increases Apoptosis in HepG2 Cells

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are regulated in cancer cells, including lncRNA MEG3, which is downregulated in Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC). In addition, hepatitis C virus (HCV) core proteins are known to dysregulate important cellular pathways that are linked to HCC development. In this study, we were interested in evaluating the overexpression of lncRNA MEG3, either alone or in combination with two forms of HCV core protein (C173 and C191) in HepG2 cells. Cell viability was assessed by MTT assay. Transcripts&rsquo; levels of key genes known to be regulated in HCC, such as p53, DNMT1, miRNA152, TGF-b, and BCL-2, were measured by qRT-PCR. Protein expression levels of caspase-3 and MKI67 were determined by immunocytochemistry and apoptosis assays. The co-expression of lncRNA MEG3 and C191 resulted in a marked increase and accumulation of dead cells and a reduction in cell viability. In addition, a marked increase in the expression of tumor suppressor genes (p53 and miRNA152), as well as a marked decrease in the expression of oncogenes (DNMT1, BCL2, and TGF-b), were detected. Moreover, apoptosis assay results revealed a significant increase in total apoptosis (early and late). Finally, immunocytochemistry results detected a significant increase in apoptotic marker caspase-3 and a decrease in tumor marker MKI67. In this study, transgene expression of C191 and lncRNA MEG3 showed induction in apoptosis in HepG2 cells greater than the expression of each one alone. These results suggest potential anticancer characteristics

Transplantation of insulin-secreting clusters generated from mesenchymal stem cells to control induced diabetes in rats

Diabetes mellitus (D.M) is a disease with a high and increasing prevalence. Insulin-producing cells (IPCs) generated from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have shown immense potential for therapy. This study aimed to compare the differentiation potential of 2 kinds of MSCs obtained from human bone marrow (BM), and umbilical cord blood (UCB) into IPCs. In addition, their therapeutic efficiency to control streptozotocin (STZ) – induced diabetic rats was investigated. MSCs were isolated from human BM and UCB, expanded and differentiated to IPCs. The Cells were evaluated by flow cytometry analysis for MSCs markers, RT-PCR for insulin gene expression and ELISA detection of C-peptide release. IPCS were transplanted into the liver of diabetic rats and then evaluated by weekly measurement of the fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels, and detection of in vivo release of C-peptide. This study demonstrated that FBG levels were reduced in diabetic rats transplanted with IPCs, but in rats transplanted with UCB-derived cells were significantly lower than in those transplanted with BM-derived cells. The amount of Cpeptide released from transplanted IPCs derived from BM-MSCs and UCB-MSCs was non-significantly different. The results indicate that UCB- MSCs and BM-MSCs are promising stem cell sources for IPCs that help in the development of a new strategy for treatment of D.M. However, transplantation of IPCs derived from UCB brings better results than BM-derived cells

Synchronous occurrence of primary mucinous carcinoma of recto-sigmoid colon and primary breast Carcinoma: A case report and review of literature

Background: Multiple primary malignant tumors (MPMTs) is simultaneous occurrence of two or more malignancies in different sites with different histopathological type and origin.Diagnosis and management of those patients are challenging due to uncertain guidelines. Case Presentation: A 63-year-old postmenopausal female patient of synchronous MPMTs in which the patient was diagnosed with a malignant mass in recto-sigmoid colon and a synchronous breast cancer was incidentally discovered during clinical and radiological patient evaluation. Treatment: Both colon procedure and breast procedure were performed together in one setting. The anterior resection of the reco-sigmoid mass and colocolonic anastomosis were done. Conclusion: Synchronous colon and breast cancer treatment plan should be individualized for each patient through a complete preoperative evaluation and MDT meeting to provide the best possible treatment for the patient

Characterization of pediatric head and neck masses with quantitative analysis of diffusion-weighted imaging and measurement of apparent diffusion coefficients

Purpose: Our objective was to investigate the accuracy of quantitative diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) to determine the histopathologic diagnosis of pediatric head and neck lesions. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 100 pediatric patients recently diagnosed with head and neck tumors. All patients underwent preoperative conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and DWI. Each lesion was evaluated according to signal characteristics, enhancement pattern, and diffusivity. The average apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) obtained from each tumor was compared to the histological diagnosis of benign, locally malignant, or malignant categories. Results: Our retrospective study showed a significant negative correlation between average ADC and tumor histopathologic diagnosis (P < 0.001, r = -0.54). The mean ADC values of benign, locally malignant lesions, and malignant tumors were 1.65 ± 0.58 × 10−3, 1.43 ± 0.17 × 10−3, and 0.83 ± 0.23 × 10−3 mm2 s−1, respectively. The ADC values of benign and locally malignant lesions were overlapped. We found a cut-off value of ≥1.19 × 10–3 mm2s−1 to differentiate benign from malignant pediatric head and neck masses with a sensitivity of 97.3’, specificity of 80.0’, positive predictive value of 94.7’, and negative predictive value of 88.9’. Conclusion: Diffusion-weighted MRI study is an accurate, fast, noninvasive, and nonenhanced technique that can be used to characterize head and neck lesions. DWI helps to differentiate malignant from benign lesions based on calculated ADC values. Additionally, DWI is helpful to guide biopsy target sites and decrease the rate of unnecessary invasive procedures

Evaluation of serum14-3-3η protein and Sema3A levels in rheumatoid arthritis: diagnostic and prognostic value

Abstract Background Serum14-3-3η protein plays an important role in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) as it is a joint-derived proinflammatory mediator. Semaphorin3A (Sema3A) plays an immune regulatory and bone remodeling role in many autoimmune diseases. Their role in rheumatoid arthritis needs to be evaluated for diagnostic and prognostic prospective values. Results The serum level of protein 14-3-3n was significantly higher in patients with RA than those in healthy controls. Serum 14-3-3η has a significant positive correlation with RF and ACPA, but not with either DAS28, ESR, or CRP. Serum 14-3-3η levels were significantly correlated with radiographically assessed joint damage. Serum Sema3A levels were decreased in rheumatoid arthritis patients compared to controls. There were also negative correlations with disease duration and activity score (DAS28), ESR, CRP, and RF. Conclusion The discriminative ability of 14-3-3η was comparable to RF and ACPA enhancing its diagnostic capacity. Sema 3A might serve as a predictive marker for radiographic severity and could have a potential therapeutic role in RA

Relation of cytokeratin 18-Apoptosense M30 to activity and fibrosis in chronic HCV patients

AbstractHepatitis C virus (HCV) is a progressive disease that may result in Chronic active hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Cytokeratin(CK)18 is an intermediary filament protein, expressed in hepatocytes, which is proteolytically cleaved during liver damage. M30 epitope of cytokeratin18(CK18-M30) is involved at different levels in apoptotic pathways. The aim of this study to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of cytokeratin 18-apoptosin M30 fragments (CK18-M30) as non-invasive method of liver fibrosis assessment and their correlation to METAVIR score. Serum concentrations of CK18-M30 were measured by ELISA in One hundred and sixty eight chronic hepatitis C patients (112 males and 56 females). Results showed that serum concentrations of CK18 were significantly increased in a stepwise fashion from A0 to A3 and from F0 to F4.There was highly significant positive correlation between CK18 and fibrosis stages (r = 0.881 & p < 0.001) and activity grades (r = 0.881 & p < 0.001). Also, serum CK18 correlated positively with serum levels of transaminases (r = 0.355 & p < 0.05). CK18 was correlated positively with viral level (r = 0.3 & p < 0.05). It was concluded that Elevated serum CK18-M30, as an indicator of enhanced apoptosis of hepatocytes, was increased and correlated significantly with inflammation severity, stages of fibrosis, transaminases (ALT) levels and viral load in chronic HCV patients. These findings may place CK18-M30 as a non-invasive marker of liver fibrosis and disease activity

Bipartite Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: New Technique for Avoiding Bile Duct Injury in Difficult Cases

The incidence of bile duct injury in laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is still two times greater compared to classic open surgery. This study offers new procedure to avoid this complication during LC. The gall bladder was divided into two parts above the Hartmann pouch and all contents were aspirated. Then, the distal part was dissected for short distance. The proximal part was dissected dome down until reaching to cystic duct which was tied or clipped and cut. J-vac drain was put in peritoneal cavity. Between September 2012 and October 2013, overall 77 patients (53 females and 24 males) with mean age of 49 years (between 23 and 67 years) underwent bipartite laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The mean operative time was 60 minutes (between 40 and 90 minutes). The dissection of both parts of gall bladder was safe and easy as close as possible from its wall. No biliary tract injuries were recorded during or after procedure and also at follow-up period (20 months). Bipartite laparoscopic cholecystectomy is safe, easy to do, and can avoid all complications especially bile duct injuries in difficult cases