Piper sarmentosum (PS) is an herb with various medicinal properties. The antioxidant activity of PS contributes to many
of its pharmacological effects such as anti-hypertension, anti-cancer and anti-diabetes. This systematic review provides
information regarding the antioxidant activity of PS. The review was conducted systematically to identify relevant published
articles on the antioxidant activity of PS. The collected data was based on the searched articles through PubMed, Science
Direct and Scopus databases between the years 1946 until March 2018. Only articles written in English and related
to antioxidant activity of PS were included in this review. Based on the literature searched, 130 potential articles were
identified and 19 articles met the inclusion criteria. Ten studies related to chemical assays, five studies combined in vivo
animal and chemical assays, three studies combined chemical assays and in vitro studies and a single study combined
chemical assay, in vitro and in vivo studies were included in this review. All studies showed positive effects of PS against
oxidation, indicating the potential of PS as a source of natural antioxidant.
Introduction: Adequacy of fruit intake contributes to an individual’s health
including reducing the risk of non-communicable disease. This study aimed to
assess consumption of fruits in various forms and to determine associated factors
and barriers. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 300 adults aged
20-39 years were purposely recruited from several urban locations in the Klang
Valley. Consumption of fruits in the past 12 months was assessed using a selfadministered food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), assisted with pictures of serving
size of fruits. Anthropometric measurements were taken and body mass index
and waist circumference computed. Results: Fruit intake among young adults
was lower (1.6±1.0 servings/day) than the Malaysian Dietary Guideline 2010 of
≥ 2 servings/day. Only 32.3% consumed fruits as recommended, with women
consuming significantly more fruits than men. Preferred fresh fruits were red apple,
banana and papaya. Consumption of fruit juice was associated with increase in
waist circumference (R2=0.261, p=0.027) after adjustment for age, sex, ethnicity,
education level and marital status. Fruit intake showed no significant association
with other anthropometric measurements. Sensory appeal, perceived health benefit,
easy to prepare and influence of family were the main determinants of fruit intake,
whilst affordability and availability were the major barriers. Conclusion: Fruit
consumption among young adults in this study was lower than the recommendation
for daily fruit intake. Studies with larger sample size are suggested to verify the
finding of significant association between fruit juice consumption and risk of
abdominal obesity.
Adulterated premixed coffees have turned into an issue in Malaysia lately and have caught the eye of the authorities due to death reports linked to these products. The major cause of this issue is reported that these premixed coffees have passed food inspection test and eventually released to the market for public consumption. These coffees were claimed to be spiked with several sexual enhancers like sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafill, which are common drugs used to treat erectile dysfunction. Methods: Chemometrics approach using UV-Vis spectroscopy was developed to detect the selected sexual enhancer drugs found in commercial coffees by employing SIMCA-P software for the multivariate statistical analysis. Seven brands of coffee samples were purchased from local stores, and 30 sachets each were tested, hence totalling to 210 samples. Each sample was named H, J, G, W, N, T, and K, respectively. Results: Three multivariate models were generated, namely principal component analysis (PCA), orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA), and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA). OPLS-DA was selected as the best model for the overall results as it displayed minimal discriminate. Sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil were detected in sample H, while vardenafil in brand J, and none in samples G, W, N, T, and K. Conclusion: OPLS-DA analysis showed discrimination for the sexual enhancer drugs in two brands of premixed coffee. The UV-Vis spectroscopy-based chemometrics method proved to be reliable and efficient in determining the selected drugs, as well as in saving time and cost.
There is a growing concern in using zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) for medical devices as alternative options in reducing hospital-acquired infections (HAIs). The commensal HAIs; Staphylococcus aureus (S.aureus) infect patients and lead to increased rates of morbidity and mortality. This study aims to investigate the antibacterial action of ZnO NPs in three different shapes; nanorod, nanoflakes and nanospheres impregnated in low-density polyethylene (LDPE) against S.aureus ATCC 25923. Methods: The antibacterial efficiency of ZnO NPs was studied through two standard test methods included were based on Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines MO2-A11 under light conditions of 5.70 w/m2 and American standard test method (ASTM) E-2149. Results: Preliminary screening did show a significant growth inhibition against S.aureus with ZnO NPs nanorod and nanoflakes, approximately in 7 to 8 mm zones of inhibition. Further analysis using ASTM E-2149 in dynamic conditions revealed variable activity depending on incubation treatment periods. It demonstrated the ZnO NPs in nanoflakes and nanosphere shape showed better inhibition against S.aureus with maximum reduction (100%). The FESEM results strongly suggest that the structure of ZnO nanoflakes and nanosphere played an importance role in nanomaterial-bacteria interaction which consequently cause cell membrane damage. Additionally, the irradiation under light treatment also enhance the generation of ROS and free radicals which helps the bactericidal activity against S.aureus. Conclusion: This study provides new insights for the antibacterial action of ZnO NPs/LDPE thin films in future biomedical appliances to reduce HAIs risks.
With the increasing clinical use of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nano-TiO2), a better understanding of their safety in the human use is critical. The present study aims to review the potential application of nano-TiO2 as targeted cancer therapy based on their toxicity risk which highly dependent on their physio-chemical properties. Methods: This review was performed based on PRISMA-P protocol that begin with literature searching on the selected databases; PubMed, Springer Link, Science Direct and general search engine; Google Scholar from 2013 to 2018. Studies retrieved by the pre-determined keywords (titanium dioxide nanoparticles, toxicity, genotoxicity, cytotoxicity, targeted cancer therapy) that assessed toxicity risk of nano-TiO2 in cancer therapeutics were included. Results: The search retrieved 252 articles. Assessment of eligibility by application of inclusion criteria yielded 14 articles. Nano-TiO2 induced cytotoxicity and genotoxicity in dose and time-dependent manner killing the cancerous cells. All studies used primary particles size < 100 nm with mean of 39.38 and standard deviation of 30.47 which is lower than the mean denoting diameter distribution from selected studies are concentrated from the mean. Conclusion: This review suggest that TiO2 nanoparticles can be considered as an ideal candidate for drug-delivery vehicle for targeted cancer therapy by specifically tailored their physio-chemical properties of this nanoparticles according to desired target site and functions to ensure its optimal efficacy.
Haematological parameters decrease following one unit of whole blood donation which results in a detrimental effect on cardiorespiratory fitness and maximal exercise capacity. However, it remains unclear to what extent blood donation will impact exercise performance across varying levels of cardiorespiratory fitness. The aim of this study is to compare the effects of a standard blood donation on maximal exercise performance performed 24 h post-blood donation in individuals with varying levels of cardiorespiratory fitness. Methods: Forty-two males (mean age 22 ± 2.1 years) were recruited and segregated into Low, Moderate and Superior fitness groups. Subjects performed a multi-stage shuttle run test on the day prior to a standard blood donation procedure, and subsequently 24 h post-blood donation. Blood samples were taken on both test days and analysed for haematological parameters. Results: Exercise performance, represented by predicted VO2max were 0.6%, 1.0% and 4.1% lower in the Low, Moderate and Superior fitness groups respectively. However, the magnitude of reduction was only statistically significant in the Superior fitness group (p = 0.017). Compared to baseline, all fitness groups demonstrated significant reductions in haematocrit (Low: -8.4%, Moderate: -9.1%, Superior: -7.2%) and haemoglobin (Low: -7.6%, Moderate: -7.8%, Superior: -5.5%) levels at 24 h post-blood donation. Spearman correlation analysis revealed that changes in haemoglobin concentrations were not associated with changes in exercise performance in all groups. Conclusion: Exercise performance was only significantly reduced in the Superior fitness group. Well-trained individuals should be refrained from blood donation just prior to competitions.
The biosynthesis of nanoparticles has been proposed as a cost-effective and environmental friendly alternative to chemical and physical methods. The present study was aimed to characterise Catharanthus roseus (C. roseus)-silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using a standardised C. roseus aqueous extract. Methods: The standardisation was performed by using Liquid Chromatography/Time-of-Flight ion trap Mass Spectrometry. An optimised C. roseus-AgNPs have been previously synthesised. Further characterisation of C. roseus-AgNPs was evaluated by zeta potential analysis and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Results: The chromatography analysis has revealed presence of thirteen possible indole alkaloids in C. roseus extract which were lochrovicine, lochnerine, vinleurosine, vindolinine, tabersonine, catharanthine, serpentine, catharosine, vincristine, catharine, ajmalicine, vinleurosine, and vindolicine. Zeta potential analysis exhibited the value at -16.6 mV. FTIR spectrum of C. roseus aqueous extract showed the absorption band at 3210.83 cm-1 (C-H stretch), 2934.11 (C-H bond), 1578.15 (N=O stretch), 1388.76 and 1314.89 (N=O bend), 1119.29 (C-O bond) and 729.94 (C-Cl bond). In comparison, FTIR spectrum of C. roseus-AgNP s showed the absorption band at 2925.01 and 2924.97 (C-H bond), 1622.93 (C-C=C symmetric stretch), 1383.19 and 1384.13 (N-O bend), 1037.92/1038.76/1238.3/1117.2 (C-O bond), 3169.4 (O-H bond), 774.59 and 691.53 (C-Cl bond). Conclusion: The present findings have shown that the C. roseus aqueous extract contains alkaloids that may responsible as reducing and stabilising agents in the synthesis of AgNPs.
Sterilisation is an essential step in the reprocessing of reusable dental instruments including burs that have become contaminated, or potentially contaminated. Transmission of disease or infection may happen as an effect of improper sterilisation of the reused instruments. Dental burs are one of the essential tools in any conservative dental procedures, which undergo multiple sterilisation cycles before being discarded. However, repeated sterilisation process is associated with the reduction in cutting efficiency of a bur that is potentially due to corrosion. Thus, this study aims to compare the effect of two sterilisation methods on cutting efficiency of a diamond bur that is commonly used in dental procedures. Methods: 30 fissure diamond burs were randomly divided into three sterilisation groups: Group A (dry heat), B (steam under pressure) and C (control). Each bur was used to cut teeth for 45 seconds for ten cycles. Between cuts, the burs underwent sterilisation based on their sterilisation groups. Amount of cutting weight was measured after each cut. Results: This study shows that no significant difference (p>0.05) in the cutting efficiency of the burs following sterilisation of Groups A and B. However, there is a significant mean difference (p
The aim of this study was to evaluate the experimental nanocomposite (Kelfil) against microleakage when bonded with two different types of bonding systems. Methods: Sixty sound extracted human permanent incisors were divided into six groups randomly. Each tooth was prepared with standardised Class III cavity on each proximal surface. The teeth were immersed in Rhodamin B dye for ten hours and sectioned to analyse the depth of dye penetration. The depth of the dye penetration was measured in micrometres by using confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM). Results: The depth of the dye penetration in the groups was compared by ANOVA test. The results showed comparable microleakage between different types of composites. Conclusion: The experimental nanocomposite (Kelfil) in comparison to the commercially available nanocomposite and micro-hybrid composite has comparable microleakage when bonded using self-etching and total-etched adhesive systems.
Breast cancer is the leading factor of mortality among women globally. According to the World Health Organization (2015), breast cancer is the second most common cancer after lung cancer; and contributes to nearly 15% of all cancer death among women in 2015. Moringa oleifera (M. oleifera) is a highly nutritious vegetable with various therapeutic benefits including anticancer. The therapeutic benefits are attributed to its bioactive compounds. Thus, study on the bioactive compounds of M. oleifera using various extraction methods with different extracting solvents have been the main focus of many researchers. Methods: The current study was carried out using Ultrasound Assisted Sequential Extraction (UASE) method and three extracting solvents (99.7% ethanol, 50% ethanol and deionised water) with ascending polarity. The yielded extracts were tested for possible anticancer effects against human breast adenocarcinoma cell line, MCF-7 and non-tumorigenic cell line, MCF-10A using microtitrate tetrazolium (MTT) assay. Results: The IC50 values of the 99.7% ethanol, 50% ethanol and deionised water extracts were 25, 200 and 180 μg/mL, respectively. Conclusion: M. oleifera could be a potential preventative and/or therapeutic agent for breast cancer, either used alone or as an adjunct to the standard chemotherapeutic drugs.
Discolouration of microhybrid composite resin is a common problem faced by both dental practitioners and patients. The accumulation of plaque, penetration of colourant particles from foods and beverages, dietary habits and the smoothness of restorations have been known to influence the quality of the aesthetic restoration. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of polishing systems on surface roughness that led to discolouration of the microhybrid composite resin. Methods: Forty five samples of microhybrid composite resin (Filtex Z100) restorations were polished with two different polishing systems; one-step polishing (OP) system on the distal surface and multiple-step polishing (MP) system on the mesial surface. All samples were then immersed in two common beverages: black coffee and cocoa, for 20 minutes daily throughout 28 days of the experimental period. Results: Data on visual colour measurement and spectrometer colour spectrum was subjected to one-way ANOVA test at a significance level of 0.05. Both solutions were found to cause a significant colour change (p=0.0195) on the microhybrid composite resin. Black coffee solution obtained the highest score (71.6) of visual colour change and the lowest reflectance value (62.818) on the distal surface. Surface roughness evaluation using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) had presented that both polishing systems used produced low level of surface roughness. Conclusion: Although MP system produced a smoother surface compared to OP system, a prolonged exposure to colourant particle found to cause an unacceptable discolouration of microhybrid composite resin.
CD4+CD25+ Foxp3+ T regulatory cell (Tregs) represents approximately 8-10% of the total CD4+ T cell population and are important for immune homeostasis and preventing autoimmune development. Thus, harnessing their functions as immune modulator may be coupled with the rapid advancement of nanotechnology development. Plant-mediated biosynthesis of silver nanoparticle (AgNP) is noteworthy due to simplicity, rapid rate and potentially render more biocompatibility with biomolecules. This study identified the effect of biosynthesized-AgNPs from Garcinia atroviridis (GA) in modulating inflammatory properties of Treg cells in Non-Obese Resistant (NOR). GA extract was used to biosynthesized AgNPs and was tested on the effect of inducing inflammatory properties in CD4+IL17Rhigh cells following 72hr in vitro treatment. Methods: Conventional CD4+CD25-Foxp3- cells from female NOR mice were sorted using magnetic separation and cultured in RPMI in the presence of anti-CD3/CD28 antibodies, TGF-β and IL-2 cytokines. Cells were then treated with or without GA-AgNPs for 48hr of iTreg cell induction and then re-cultured with new media treated with respective treatments received. After 72hr in vitro culture, cells were stained with fluorochrome-conjugated antibodies for flow cytometry. Results: Current result showed that AgNPs suppress CD4 expression in CD4+IL17Rhigh population. MAPK pathway proteins remain unchanged in both control and AgNP-treated groups. Conclusions: The preliminary findings may suggest the properties of GA-AgNPs in modulating CD4+ T cell population in normal condition. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the molecular mechanisms involve in such interaction. Current findings serve as basis in further identifying the immunomodulatory profile of nanoparticle for potential therapeutic use.
Citation: Mohd Saleh N, Nasir NH, Ibrahim NI. Designing Health Benefits Policies In Malaysia (ENPHC): A Country Assessment Report. Putrajaya: Joint Learning Network for Universal Health Coverage; 2018
MeSH terms: Chronic Disease; Malaysia; Primary Health Care
This article attempts to present the trend among young offenders undergone Community Service Order (CSO) in Malaysia. An archival time series analysis approach was applied to identify the ethnicity, gender, type of crime and the total number of young offenders undergone CSO across Malaysia from 2009 until 2015. Relevant information was gathered after obtaining official statistic from the Department of Social Welfare Malaysia. In sum, a total number of 13,896 cases were reported in six-year duration throughout Malaysia. The highest number of cases were recorded in Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur (545 cases). Moreover, an overall number of 2,989 young offenders have successfully undergone CSO from 2009 until 2015. The resultant data also indicated that majority of male young offenders undergone CSO are Malays in ethnicity (67.79%) and most of them have involved in property-related crime (47%). As an overall impact, the study provided implications to the concerned parties and key personnel such as welfare officers, criminal justice authorities and policies makers to reinforce the implementation of a community-based approach to recuperate young offenders who have involved in criminal activities.
The benefit mobile technology brings is not limited to learning and entertainment but it also modifies human aspect of social communication. Despite the high number of previous research available concerning smartphones, there is still a gap of research that needs to be addressed such as its effect towards social competence. As the social system becomes complex, communication technology evolves to ensure the social needs are accomplished. For this study, 236 students aged between 13-14 years old were recruited and given a set of questionnaire which comprised Mobile Phone Problem Use Scale, Social Competence Scale for Teenagers and Self Scoring Self-Control Scale. In this study, the researcher attempted to examine the effect of excessive smartphone usage on social competence with self-control as mediator. Regression analysis was used to estimate the effect between the variables. The result indicates that there is negative relationship between excessive smartphone usage and social competence. However, when self-control is tested in the model as a mediator, excessive smartphones usage was not prevalent to predict social competence. This concludes to the apparent role of self-control as a mediator. The implication of study has contributed to the practical importance and methodological aspect of studies involving social competence and self-control.
MeSH terms: Self-Control; Smartphone; Achievement; Adolescent; Humans; Learning; Surveys and Questionnaires; Regression Analysis; Research; Research Personnel; Students; Social Skills
The effectiveness of training is an important aspect in the development of training. After investing a lot of money to organize a training program, the organization often wants to know about the effectiveness of training given to trainee as well as how it can gives impact to the organization. This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of training tested through learning performance among trainees that undergo a transition in the Perbadanan Hal Ehwal Bekas Angkatan Tentera (PERHEBAT). In this study, personal characteristics and training program characteristics acted as the independent variables in predicting learning performance. The instrument used in this study was adapted from Trainee Characteristic Scale, Training Program Characteristic Scale and Training Effectiveness Scale by Siti Fardaniah (2013) for personal characteristics, training program characteristics and learning performance. Questionnaires to measure the dimension of training transfer for the training characteristics was adapted from the Learning Transfer System Inventory (LTSI) by Holton et al. (2000). Data obtained were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23. The multiple linear regression analysis indicated that extrinsic orientation, self-efficacy and organizational commitment have significant influence on learning performance. Relevance of training content and learning transfer design also affecedt learning performance. Findings in this study can be used as a reference to improve training effectiveness by focusing on personal characteristics and training characteristics conducted in PERHEBAT.
MeSH terms: Learning; Surveys and Questionnaires; Regression Analysis; Social Sciences; Transfer (Psychology); Linear Models; Self Efficacy; Orientation, Spatial
The prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) cases has been increasing worldwide. There are countless aspects of challenges faced by parents to bring up children with ASD. Parents of children with ASD are often reported to have higher stress in parenting compared to parents with normal children or children with other disabilities such as Down syndrome. Therefore, this study explored the challenges faced by mothers of children with ASD. Mothers whom were selected are the primary guardians and spend a lot of time nurturing these children. This qualitative study involved in-depth interviews with five (5) informants in Selangor. The thematic analysis identified the challenges faced by the mothers of children with ASD, which are the aspects of behavioral, financial and community acceptance. The findings showed that mothers to children with ASD encountered numerous complicated challenges which require the support of all parties to address those challenges. High support and compassionate understanding are really needed from the spouse, normal children, local communities, and government to alleviate their difficulties. Thus, the findings of this study hopefully will help various parties to understand the challenges faced by the mothers of children with ASD. It can also be the guiding principle in designing supportive programs and interventions for children with ASD as well as their parents.
MeSH terms: Autism Spectrum Disorder; Child; Down Syndrome; Empathy; Female; Humans; Malaysia; Mothers; Parents; Prevalence; Parenting; Spouses; Qualitative Research
The quality of life is an indicator of well-being that is seen as important in the establishment of policies to improve the welfare of senior citizens. The establishment of the Elderly Activity Center (PAWE) in urban and rural areas throughout Malaysia is one of the government's initiatives in preparation to be an old country by 2030. Nevertheless, since the establishment of PAWE in 2001, there has been scarce research about services provided to senior citizens at PAWE. Therefore, this study is conducted to identify level of quality of life among senior citizens at PAWE in urban and rural areas. The survey was conducted on 156 respondents in four PAWE locations namely PAWE Sungai Buloh, PAWE Cheras, PAWE Jenjarom and PAWE Sabak Bernam. The data were collected by using Older People Quality of Life (OPQOL-35) questionnaire. The data were then analyzed using Statistical Package Social Science (SPSS) by using descriptive analysis to identify the quality of life according to the respondents' demographic information. The results showed that the quality of life among urban respondents were higher than rural respondents, quality of life of male respondents were higher than female respondents while the quality of life among Chinese respondents was higher than Malay and Indian respondents. For the quality of life according to age, respondents aged 71 to 80 years were higher in qulity of life level than respondents aged 60 to 70 years and 81 to 90 years. This study is expected to give impact on the awareness to concerned parties about the advantages of community-based activity center which can increase the qualilty of life among elderly.
MeSH terms: Aged; Demography; Female; Government; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Quality of Life; Surveys and Questionnaires; Social Sciences
Now-a-days, understanding consumers’ buying motive is much more important for the marketers. As there is very limited literature in this field and no full version of psychometric tool are available for measuring consumer buying motive, we have taken initiative to develop ‘Consumers’ Buying Motive Assessment Tool’ (CBMAT). 388 early adult respondents were used in this study. In EFA, we found two-dimensional model of CBMAT having three factor at each dimension, comprising 26 items which explained 53.63% of sub-total variance of ‘Emotional’ dimension and 50.90% of sub-total variance of ‘Rational’ dimension. In both dimension, the reliability was high enough (Cronbach’s α of ‘Emotional’ = .826 and .837 for the ‘Rational’ dimension). We found high convergent validity within the same dimensional factors and high discriminant validity among different dimensional factors. By considering cutoff point (39), buyers’ motive can be low or high in both dimensions which comprises four types buyer motive such as ‘Equivocal’; ‘Utilitarian’; ‘Affective’ and ‘Indifferent’. These findings help to gain the psychometric properties of CBMAT which also support the ‘Dual Process Theory’. This study opens the door of further research on consumer buying motive.
Education is one of the most important aspects for every individual including people with visual impairments. Visually impaired students also have the right to a good educational opportunity to higher education. In this regard, this article explores the issues and challenges of visually impaired students in higher learning institution. This study uses a full qualitative approach, a case study in the Klang Valley. In-depth interviews were used in data collection involving 5 students with visual impairment: four males and one female. The findings showed that among the major issues faced by visually impaired students pursuing higher education in tertiary institution were self-esteem, financial and public stigma. In addition, visually impaired students also faced challenges in accessibility, peer-to-peer acceptance and difficulties in learning at the university. In conclusion, this study emphasises on issues and challenges often faced by students with visual impairments at higher learning institution so that appropriate supports and facilities can be effectively provided by the university.