Browse publications by year: 2020

  1. Fulltext A laboratory study of fluoride concentration in infant formulas marketed in Malaysia and estimation of daily intake
    Mohd Desa, S. N. F., Muhamad, N. A., Mohd Nor, N. A., Abdul Razak, F., Abdul Manan, N. S., Abdul Manan, N. S., et al.
    International Food Research Journal, 2020;27(5):893-902.
    MyJurnal
    The window of maximum susceptibility for the development of dental fluorosis for anterior
    teeth is during the first two to three years of life. The primary source of fluoride intake for
    infants at this age is mainly from the diet including infant formula. Thus, the present work
    aimed to investigate the fluoride concentration in commercially available Malaysian infant
    formulas that required reconstitution before consumption. A total of 29 infant formulas available in the Malaysian market were reconstituted with deionised water, fluoridated tap water,
    and filtered tap water. The fluoride concentration of the infant formulas was analysed directly
    using a fluoride ion selective electrode. The daily fluoride intake estimation from the infant
    formulas was calculated using the median infant body weight and recommended volumes for
    formula consumption from newborn to > 12 months of age. Results showed that the fluoride
    concentration of the infant formulas when reconstituted with deionised water ranged between
    0.009 to 0.197 mg/L that contributed to the estimated daily fluoride intake ranging from 0.005
    to 0.100 mg (total intake per day) or 0.001 to 0.025 mg/kg (total intake per body weight/day).
    The fluoride concentration in the selected infant formulas was low, but after reconstitution
    with fluoridated tap water, the overall fluoride concentration in infant formulas sample significantly increased (p < 0.001). Nevertheless, the estimated daily fluoride intake from infant
    formulas alone did not exceed the lowest-observed-adverse-effect level (LOAEL) of fluoride
    at 0.10 mg/kg/day.
    MeSH terms: Body Weight; Diet; Fluoridation; Fluorides; Food, Formulated; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Fluorosis, Dental; Water; Ion-Selective Electrodes; Infant Formula
  2. Fulltext Impact of juice extraction method on the physicochemical, functional, and sensory properties of Sabah snake grass (Clinacanthus nutans) juice mix
    Noranizan, M., Pean, L. F., Li, J. W., Aadil, R. M., Ahmad, T., Rosli, S. Z., et al.
    International Food Research Journal, 2020;27(5):835-845.
    MyJurnal
    The present work investigated the impact of several juice extraction methods (blender,
    centrifugal juicer, and slow juicer) and thermal pasteurisation (72°C, 15 s) on the different
    properties [physicochemical, polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity, and functional] of
    Clinacanthus nutans juice mix during storage (28 d, 4°C). Regardless of juicing technique, all
    juices had similar colour and antioxidants [tested using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl
    (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) methods]. The juices also had similar
    PPO activity and sensory acceptance in terms of colour, aroma, flavour, mouthfeel, and
    overall acceptability. The blender yielded juice with higher pH, soluble solids, and relative
    viscosity than other methods. The slow juicer was the best at retaining ascorbic acid (39.33 ±
    3.06 mg/100 mL), while the blender was best at retaining phenolic compounds (11.82 ± 0.12
    mg gallic acid equivalents/100 mL) and chlorophyll (6.95 ± 0.31 μg/mL). Pasteurisation
    negatively affected the colour, functional properties, and sensory characteristics (colour,
    aroma, flavour, and mouthfeel) of the juice.
    MeSH terms: Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Biphenyl Compounds; Chlorophyll; Color; Catechol Oxidase; Gallic Acid; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Phenols; Picrates; Viscosity; Pasteurization
  3. Fulltext Health benefits of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni as zero calorie natural sweetener: a review
    Haida, Z., Asikin, A., Hakiman, M.
    International Food Research Journal, 2020;27(5):783-789.
    MyJurnal
    Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni is a perennial herbal species with a number of therapeutic properties. The leaves of S. rebaudiana are the most important part of the plant as they contain high
    level of sweetener compounds known as steviol glycosides; which are known to possess
    antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antifungal activities. Among the steviol glycosides, stevioside
    and rebaudioside A are the most abundant sweetening compounds of interest, documented to
    be 30 - 250 folds sweeter than sucrose or refined sugar. The therapeutic properties of the
    species make it more interesting as they play important roles as anti-hyperglycaemic agent to
    lower glucose levels in the blood, thus commonly used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus
    and obesity. Known to have sweet tasting leaves, its extract which contains antioxidant
    compounds have been used to treat cancer, reduce inflammatory, and hypertension. S. rebaudiana has drawn the attention of health-conscious fitness lovers all over the world as non-caloric sweetener, and has been widely cultivated for being the most suitable sweetening substitution.
    MeSH terms: Antifungal Agents; Antioxidants; Attention; Diabetes Mellitus; Glucose; Glucosides; Hypertension; Hypoglycemic Agents; Neoplasms; Obesity; Plant Extracts; Sucrose; Sweetening Agents; Plant Leaves; Stevia; Diterpenes, Kaurane
  4. Fulltext Ten - year Cardiovascular Disease Risk amongst workers in a tertiary healthcare institution in Kuala Lumpur
    Norfazilah Ahmad, Santhna Letchmi Panduragan, Yee,San Khor, Kalaiarasan Gemini, Nur Atikah Bahrin, Nur Husnina Azhar, et al.
    Borneo Epidemiology Journal, 2020;1(1):35-45.
    MyJurnal
    Strategising, which is an effective workplace intervention to curb cardiovascular disease (CVD), requires understanding of the CVD risk related to a specific working population. The Framingham Risk Score (FRS) is widely used in predicting the ten-year CVD risk of various working populations. This study aimed to use FRS to determine the ten-year CVD risk amongst workers in a tertiary healthcare setting and its associated factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted on workers who participated in the special health check programme at the staff clinic of a tertiary healthcare institution in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. A set of data sheets was used to retrieve the workers’ sociodemographic and CVD risk information. The prevalence of high, moderate and low ten-year CVD risk was 12.8%, 20.0% and 67.2%, respectively. Workers in the high-risk group were older [mean age: 54.81 (standard deviation, 5.72) years], male (44%), smokers (72.7%) and having hyperglycaemia (46.7%) and hypertriglyceridemia [median triglycerides: 1.75 (interquartile range, 1.45) mmol/L]. Diastolic blood pressure (aOR 1.07, 95% CI: 1.01,1.14), hyperglycaemia (aOR 8.80, 95% CI: 1.92,40.36) and hypertriglyceridemia (aOR 4.45, 95% CI: 1.78,11.09) were significantly associated with high ten-year CVD risk. Diastolic blood pressure (aOR 1.08, 95% CI: 1.03,1.13) and hypertriglyceridemia (aOR 2.51, 95% CI: 1.12-5.61) were significantly associated with moderate ten-year CVD risk. The prevalence of high and moderate ten-year CVD risk was relatively high. Amongst the workers in the high-risk group, they were older, male, smokers and with high fasting blood sugar and triglyceride. Understanding the ten-year CVD risk and its associated factors could be used to plan periodic workplace health assessment and monitor to prevent CVD
    MeSH terms: Blood Glucose; Blood Pressure; Cardiovascular Diseases; Child, Preschool; Cross-Sectional Studies; Fasting; Health Facilities; Humans; Hyperglycemia; Hyperlipidemias; Malaysia; Male; Reference Standards; Risk Factors; Triglycerides; Hypertriglyceridemia; Prevalence; Workplace; Tertiary Healthcare
  5. Fulltext A Scoping review of the effectiveness of control interventions of human and Canine Rabies in an effort to Rationalise the One Health Approach
    Nur Asheila Abdul Taib, Razitasham Safii
    Borneo Epidemiology Journal, 2020;1(1):16-34.
    MyJurnal
    According to the World Health Organization (WHO), rabies is one of the 18 neglected tropical diseases, together with dengue, leprosy, and trachoma, among others. Despite being a vaccine-preventable disease, the latest estimate of annual human rabies mortality from a 2015 study is as high as 59,000 throughout 150 countries. In human rabies, more than 95% of the cases are due to dog bites, making the elimination of canine rabies a global priority by fighting the disease at its animal source. World Health Organization (WHO), World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, and the Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC) have warranted the One Health framework with the objective of complete eradication of dog-related human rabies by the year 2030. In an effort to rationalise the One Health approach, this scoping review found 17 studies on assessing the effectiveness of control interventions of human and canine rabies. Different strategies were implemented based on the endemicity of rabies in a particular country. Overall, the combined strategies using the One Health approach, which allows effectiveparticipation and communication between different agencies, have shown promising results in reducing rabies cases. These strategies will hopefully realise the goal in the Global Strategic Plan to achieve zero canine-mediated human rabies death by the year2030.
    MeSH terms: Agriculture; Animals; Bites and Stings; Communication; Dengue; Dogs; Goals; Humans; Leprosy; Rabies; Rabies Vaccines; Trachoma; World Health Organization
  6. Fulltext Complications of Melioidosis: a systematic review
    Marilyn Charlene Montini Maluda, Michelle May D. Goroh, Tan, Eric Chee How, Syed Sharizman Syed Abdul Rahim, Richard Avoi, Mohammad Saffree Jeffree, et al.
    Borneo Epidemiology Journal, 2020;1(1):5-15.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Melioidosis, also known as Whitmore disease, is caused by the gram-negative bacillus, Burkholderia pseudomallei and remains a public health concern in Southeast Asia and northern parts of Australia. This study attempts to identify all possible complications of melioidosis and its outcomes.
    Methods: Literature search was conducted from databases such as PubMed, Science Direct and Scopus from 1st January 2000 to 31st August 2019. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) search strategy was used with the terms ‘Melioidosis’ or ‘Burkholderia pseudomallei’ and ‘Complications’.
    Results: A total of 162 titles were identified and 22 articles were included in the review. Findings showed that among the 22 articles, the ratio of male to female melioidosis incidence was 2.3 to 1, with most cases (86.4%) aged older than 14 years old and showed a mean age of 46 years old. A third (7/22) of the papers reported the involvement of the nervous system as a complication of melioidosis followed by cardiovascular complications. Among the 23 cases reported, 13 had underlying medical conditions with most of them (84.6%) having diabetes mellitus or newly diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. Overall, only one case (4.3%) had resulted in mortality, while 17.4% developed complications and 78.3% managed a full recovery after undergoing treatment for melioidosis.
    Conclusion: The most commonly found complication of melioidosis involved the nervous system but patient outcomes were favourable. Rare complications included mycotic aneurysm that can be fatal. Melioidosis can affect almost any organ leading to various complications.
    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Aged; Aneurysm, Infected; Asia, Southeastern; Australia; Bacillus; Diabetes Mellitus; Female; Gram-Negative Bacteria; Humans; Male; Melioidosis; Middle Aged; Nervous System; Public Health; Bibliometrics; Incidence; Burkholderia pseudomallei; PubMed; Medical Subject Headings
  7. Fulltext A systematic literature review on technology-enhanced learning in medical education
    May Honey Ohn
    Borneo Journal of Medical Sciences, 2020;14(1):3-17.
    MyJurnal
    This systematic review was aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of technology-enhanced learning (TEL) used in medical teaching for undergraduate medical students. The objectives are to (a) identify various teaching modalities which are used to enhance TEL; (b) evaluate whether TEL is more effective than traditional learning (TL) in cognitive and affective learning domain outcome. The empirical studies were searched in the following databases: Google Scholar, MEDLINE, ERIC, ProQuest, Cochrane Library and Scopus. All papers published from 2008 to 2018 were included. From eligible studies, the study design, study field, study population, intervention methods, type of assessment and learning achievement were abstracted and summarized the information. The search results were independently reviewed by two authors. From a pool of 1384 articles, 43 eligible articles were identified, enrolling 7292 undergraduate medical students examining comparative study between TEL and traditional learning. The results showed that there was a high degree of heterogeneity seen amongst the included studies in terms of TEL modalities used. The majority of intervention studies favoured online resources, while the rest used various offline multimedia electronic devices, virtual simulations and blended modes. Overall findings showed promising data that TEL is better than TL with regards to knowledge gain and skill acquisition, as well as providing higher student satisfaction. In all, the findings present blended learning in a positive and promising light in time, particularly where systematic reviews on technology-enhanced learning in the field of the undergraduate medical programme have produced mixed result.REVIEW ARTICLEA Systematic Literature Review on Technology-Enhanced Learning in Medical EducationMay Honey Ohn1*, Bareth Ravindran2, Chan Zhi Wei3, Khin Maung Ohn4, Ng Pey Luen5Borneo Journal of Medical Sciences 14 (1) January, 2020: 3 – 171 Emergency Department, Sandwell & West Birmingham NHS Trust, United Kingdom2 Surgical Department, Hospital Tuanku Ja’afar Seremban, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia3 Orthopaedics Department, Hospital Sungai Buloh, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia4 Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia5 Radiology Department, Hospital Queen Elizabeth II, Sabah, Malaysia* Corresponding author’s email: mayhoney.ohn@gmail.com Received: 14 July 2019 Accepted: 5 November 2019Borneo Journal of Medical SciencesBJMSKeywords: blended learning, technology-enhanced learning, medical education, hybrid learning, undergraduate medical students
    MeSH terms: Cognition; Education, Medical; Electronics; Emergency Service, Hospital; Faculty; Honey; Humans; Learning; Malaysia; Orthopedics; Personal Satisfaction; Radiology Department, Hospital; State Medicine; Students, Medical; Bibliometrics; MEDLINE; Multimedia; Electronic Mail
  8. Fulltext Paradigm shift: a need of the hour in the techno era
    Krishna Dilip Murthy
    Borneo Journal of Medical Sciences, 2020;14(1):1-2.
    MyJurnal
    It is time to cogitate as to “how and what ”we teach in the medical faculties/schools. We are aware that the generation of students is different; called the “Z”-generation. So, in keeping with the trends in the field of globalization, IR 4.0, artificial intelligence and the techno era, there is a need to change and become flexible to meet the demands of the artificial intelligence and the era. The future generations will be the Centennials who will adapt heutagogy (pronounced as: hyoo-tuh-goh-jee) principles to learn what they are passionate about. Heutagogy was first defined by Hase and Kenyon (2000) as a form of “self-determined learning”. So, in other words, pedagogy (the art and science of teaching children) and andragogy (the art and science of teaching adults) periods are almost over or take a back seat. In simpler terms, pedagogy is faculty-centred education; andragogy is student-centred education is not enough1. Heutagogy is self-directed, transformative and the present thing2. We need to be aware and cognizant of this fact in order to cater to our clients of the next generation.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Artificial Intelligence; Child; Faculty, Medical; Family Characteristics; Humans; Learning; Schools; Social Responsibility; Students; Internationality
  9. Fulltext Influence of miracle fruit (Synsepalum dulcificum) extract and microencapsulated Lactococcus lactis Gh1 on the antioxidant activity and probiotic viability of functional yogurt
    Fazilah, N. F., Zani, N. F. A., Wasoh, H., Ariff, A., Halim, M.
    International Food Research Journal, 2020;27(4):683-693.
    MyJurnal
    Nowadays, functional food market is dominated by dairy-based probiotic products, mainly
    yogurt. The nutritional values of yogurt can be further enhanced by the inclusion of miracle
    fruit (Synsepalum dulcificum) and potential probiotic Lactococcus lactis Gh1. The present
    work investigated the anti-oxidative capacity and survivability of probiotic strains of six
    yogurts fortified with S. dulcificum pulp extract and encapsulated L. lactis Gh1 (in
    alginate-starch coating agent via extrusion technique). The flavonoid contents (TFC) were not
    significantly different between yogurts, whereas the phenolic contents (TPC) showed an
    increasing trend throughout the storage. Among the yogurts, the one supplemented with both
    S. dulcificum and encapsulated L. lactis Gh1 showed the highest TFC (1.18 µg QE/mL) and
    TPC (15.382 μg GAE/mL). The antioxidant assay (DPPH) showed a gradual increase on the
    first 7 d, but decreased afterward. In comparison, yogurts fortified with S. dulcificum demonstrated higher antioxidant activity (± 80% DPPH inhibition) than the plain yogurts (± 50%
    DPPH inhibition). The viability of starter cultures (Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus) drastically increased during the first week (log 8 ~ 10
    CFU/mL) especially for yogurts containing free cell L. lactis, but subsequently decreased ( log
    6 ~ 8 CFU/mL). The viability of L. lactis Gh1 in yogurts maintained at high count (log 9.43
    and 9.04 CFU/mL) throughout 21 d when it was being encapsulated. In general, the fortification of S. dulcificum extract with microencapsulated L. lactis Gh1 had greatly enhanced the
    quality and potential benefits of the functional yogurts.
    MeSH terms: Alginates; Antioxidants; Dairy Products; Flavonoids; Fruit; Lactobacillus acidophilus; Nutritive Value; Plant Extracts; Starch; Lactococcus lactis; Yogurt; Dietary Supplements; Probiotics; Synsepalum; Streptococcus thermophilus; Lactobacillus delbrueckii; Functional Food
  10. Fulltext Effect of selected high pressure processing parameters on the sensory attributes and shelf life of jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus L.) bulb packed using different packaging materials
    Ng, S. K., Tan, T. B., Tan, P. F., Chong, G. H., Tan, C. P.
    International Food Research Journal, 2020;27(4):675-682.
    MyJurnal
    The effect of selected high pressure processing (HPP) parameters on the sensory attributes and
    shelf life of jackfruit bulb packed using vacuum skin (VS) and vacuum nylon (VN) packaging
    was studied. The samples were stored at chilled temperature (4°C) for shelf life study. HPP
    significantly (p < 0.05) increased the shelf life of VS- and VP-packed jackfruit bulbs to 60 d
    during chilled storage. In terms of colour stability during storage, both VS- and VP-packed
    HP-treated jackfruit bulbs exhibited no significant differences (p > 0.05) in L*, a*, and b*
    values. Also, the VS- and VP-packed HP-treated samples exhibited no significant differences
    (p > 0.05) in terms of texture. However, the sensory evaluation carried out among 48 panellists
    showed that there were significant differences (p < 0.05) between the untreated and HP-treated jackfruit bulbs. The aforementioned results had proven that HPP treatment of 500 MPa for
    5 min could successfully extend the shelf life and retain the physicochemical properties of
    jackfruit bulbs, regardless of the types of packaging used.
    MeSH terms: Color; Food Preservation; Nylons; Temperature; Vacuum; Food Packaging; Artocarpus
  11. Fulltext Effect of edible coating of sago starch-gelatine incorporated with papaya seed extract on the storage stability of Malaysian fish sausage (keropok lekor)
    Bakar, J., Abdul Kadir, N. S., Ahmad Mazlan, A. S., Ismail Fitry, M. R.
    International Food Research Journal, 2020;27(4):618-624.
    MyJurnal
    The quality change of fish sausage (keropok lekor) coated in sago starch-gelatine coating with
    papaya seed extract (PSE) during chill storage (7°C) was determined. During storage, pH,
    thiobarbituric acid value (TBA), colour, moisture, and the total plate count were evaluated. pH
    of samples significantly dropped (p < 0.05) during storage, and the highest decrease was in
    control sample. The moisture content in control sample had an increasing trend while that of
    samples with 5 and 7% PSE coatings significantly decreased, and only a slight change for
    samples with 0% PSE coating. All samples had significant increase in their TBA values during
    storage. The presence of the coating provided a positive effect on the colour of the fish sausages since no significant colour changes were observed during storage. TPC of control and
    coated sausage in 0, 5, and 7% PSE exceeded the recommended microbial standard after 2, 6,
    8, and 4 d of storage, respectively. Overall, coating with 5% of PSE was the most effective in
    retarding the quality deterioration of the fish sausages.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Color; Gelatin; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Meat Products; Plant Extracts; Reference Standards; Starch; Thiobarbiturates; Carica
  12. Fulltext Cholinesterase-based biosensor for preliminary detection of toxic heavy metals in the environment and agricultural-based products
    Sabullah, M. K., Khalidi, S. A. M., Abdullah, R., Sani, S. A., Gansau, J. A., Ahmad, S. A., et al.
    International Food Research Journal, 2020;27(4):597-609.
    MyJurnal
    Heavy metals with high chemical activity from sludge and waste release, agriculture, and
    mining activity are a major concern. They should be carefully managed before reaching the
    main water bodies. Excessive exposure to heavy metal may cause toxic effect to any types of
    organism from the biomolecular to the physiological level, and ultimately cause death. Monitoring is the best technique to ensure the safety of our environment before a rehabilitation is
    needed. Nowadays, enzyme-based biosensors are utilised in biomonitoring programmes as
    this technique allows for a real-time detection and rapid result. It is also inexpensive and easy
    to handle. Enzyme-based biosensors are an alternative for the preliminary screening of
    contamination before a secondary screening is performed using high-performance technology.
    This review highlights the current knowledge on enzyme-based biosensors, focusing on
    cholinesterase for toxic metal detection in the environment.
    MeSH terms: Agriculture; Cholinesterases; Mining; Sewage; Technology; Water; Biosensing Techniques; Metals, Heavy
  13. Synthesis of some N-sulfonated derivatives of 1-[(E)-3-phenyl-2-propenyl]piperazine as suitable antibacterial agents
    Abbasi MA, Ijaz M, Aziz-Ur-Rehman -, Siddiqui SZ, Ali Shah SA, Shahid M, et al.
    Pak J Pharm Sci, 2020 Jul;33(4):1609-1616.
    PMID: 33583794
    In the planned research work, the nucleophilic substitution reaction of 1-[(E)-3-phenyl-2-propenyl]piperazine (1) was carried out with different sulfonyl chlorides (2a-g) at pH 9-10 to synthesize its different N-sulfonated derivatives (3a-g). The structures of the synthesized compounds were characterized by their proton-nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR), carbon-nuclear magnetic resonance (13C-NMR) and Infra Red (IR) spectral data, along with CHN analysis. The inhibition potential of the synthesized molecules was ascertained against two bacterial pathogenic strains i.e. Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli. It was inferred from the results that some of the compounds were very suitable inhibitors of these bacterial strains. Moreover, their cytotoxicity was also profiled and it was outcome that most of these molecules possessed moderate cytotoxicity.
    MeSH terms: Bacillus subtilis; Carbon; Chlorides; Escherichia coli; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Protons; Carbon-13 Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
  14. Impact of COVID-19 in public health: Prevalence and preventive approaches
    Subramaniyan V, Chakravarthi S, Seng WY, Kayarohanam S, Fuloria NK, Fuloria S
    Pak J Pharm Sci, 2020 Jul;33(4):1739-1745.
    PMID: 33583811
    The outbreak of CoVID-19 infection rapidly increases worldwide. Most of the continents affecting from CoVID-19 and still widening its burden disease (Jones DS, 2020; Lai et al., 2020). Along with its fatality rates, CoVID-19 has caused physiological disturbances in the society and termed as "coronophobia". CoVID-19 with renal failure, severe pneumonia and respiratory syndrome patients have been reported to increase the severity of disease conditions (Sevim et al., 2020). Also, CoVID-19 with cancer patients increase the higher risk of infections. Currently, there is no vaccine or specific treatment against CoVID-19 and drug research centres continuously investigating the potential drug against CoVID-19 (Osama and Amer, 2020). For the past 20 years two major coronavirus epidemics have occurred in public includes SARS-CoV approximately 8000 cases and 800 deaths and MERS-CoV 2,500 cases and 800 deaths and these continuing sporadically (Cascella et al., 2020).
    MeSH terms: Disease Outbreaks; Pharmaceutical Preparations; Humans; Neoplasms; Pneumonia; Severity of Illness Index; Coronavirus Infections; SARS Virus; Renal Insufficiency; Epidemics; Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus
  15. Fulltext Challenges for Adolescents With Congenital Heart Defects/Chronic Rheumatic Heart Disease and What They Need: Perspectives From Patients, Parents and Health Care Providers at the Institut Jantung Negara (National Heart Institute), Malaysia
    Tye SK, Kandavello G, Wan Ahmadul Badwi SA, Abdul Majid HS
    Front Psychol, 2020;11:481176.
    PMID: 33584393 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.481176
    Objectives: This study aimed to describe the experiences and challenges faced by adolescents with moderate and severe congenital heart defects (CHD) or Chronic Rheumatic Heart Disease (CRHD) and to determine their needs in order to develop an Adolescent Transition Psychoeducational Program.

    Methods: The study involved seven adolescents with moderate to severe CHD/CRHD, six parents, and four health care providers in Institute Jantung Negara (National Heart Institute). Participants were invited for a semi-structured interview. Qualitative data were analyzed through the Atlas.ti 7 program using triangulation methods.

    Results/conclusions: We identified five themes concerning the experience and challenges of adolescents relating to: (1) emotional/psychological issues; (2) the progress of the illness; (3) relationship issues; (4) future preparation; and, (5) school and community. These themes were identified together with eleven subcategories. The staff expressed support for the development of the Adolescent Transition Psychoeducational Program and adolescents with CHD/CRHD and their parents were willing to participate in the program if their schedule allowed. Their suggestions to improve the program were classified into six categories, with two main themes, (1) the self-management of illness in life and the future; and, (2) social support. In conclusion, the findings from the situation analysis act as a basis for a conceptual framework that will contribute to the development of an Adolescent Transition Psychoeducational Program that aims to empower adolescents with CHD/CRHD, enabling them to manage challenges during the transition phase between childhood and adulthood.

    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Mental Disorders; Child; Health Personnel; Heart Defects, Congenital; Humans; Parents; Rheumatic Heart Disease; Schools; Social Support
  16. Fulltext Diversified Talent Cultivation Mechanism of Early Childhood Physical Education Under the Full-Practice Concept - Oriented by Preschooler Mental Health and Intelligent Teaching
    Wang N, Rahman MNBA, Daud MAKBM
    Front Psychol, 2020;11:593063.
    PMID: 33584429 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.593063
    In order to improve early childhood physical education, in this study, the talent cultivation mechanism for undergraduates was explored under the "full-practice" concept, oriented by preschooler mental health. First, from the perspective of preschooler psychology, the mechanisms of ability training and talent cultivation for undergraduates majoring in early childhood education were explored under the "full-practice" concept. Considering that the physical, psychological, and intellectual development of preschoolers shall follow the rules of physical education, and current early childhood education mainly focuses on intelligence education in China, early childhood physical education was analyzed further in this study. By investigating the undergraduate majors of early childhood education in Henan University, this study first summarized the current problems in early childhood education systems in universities. Secondly, combined with the form of physical education in kindergartens, strategies for talent cultivation and curriculum setting of early childhood physical education majors in colleges and universities were proposed. Finally, from the perspective of innovation and diversification of training forms, the cultivation of early childhood educators' physical education ability was analyzed at multiple levels and multiple objectives, and the integrated training system of early childhood education talents was constructed. The results show that, among all the courses for early childhood education major, compulsory courses account for 81.2% and optional courses account for 18.8%. In addition, a survey on undergraduates' attitudes toward the curriculum of their major demonstrates that 81.2% of the undergraduates thought that the range and content of practical courses should be increased, indicating that undergraduates majoring in early childhood education are dissatisfied with the current curriculum system, and they have an increased demand for practical courses. Correspondingly, it is vital to build and improve on the early childhood physical education. In terms of its talent cultivation, the "full-practice" concept helps combine theory with practice to improve the effectiveness of education and teaching, pushing forward the reform of the education system. Meanwhile, data- and intelligence-oriented teaching will become the new direction of modern sports development, as well as an important link for tracking and monitoring children's sports teaching in China. Through the continuous introduction of wearable artificial intelligence (AI) products, real-time monitoring of children's physical conditions can be realized, which helps improve the effectiveness of early childhood physical education.
    MeSH terms: Youth Sports; Artificial Intelligence; Attitude; Child; Child, Preschool; China; Curriculum; Educational Status; Humans; Intelligence; Mental Health; Physical Education and Training; Surveys and Questionnaires; Students; Universities
  17. Fulltext Genetic and Epigenetic Consequence of Early-Life Social Stress on Depression: Role of Serotonin-Associated Genes
    Soga T, Teo CH, Parhar I
    Front Genet, 2020;11:601868.
    PMID: 33584798 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.601868
    Early-life adversity caused by poor social bonding and deprived maternal care is known to affect mental wellbeing and physical health. It is a form of chronic social stress that persists because of a negative environment, and the consequences are long-lasting on mental health. The presence of social stress during early life can have an epigenetic effect on the body, possibly resulting in many complex mental disorders, including depression in later life. Here, we review the evidence for early-life social stress-induced epigenetic changes that modulate juvenile and adult social behavior (depression and anxiety). This review has a particular emphasis on the interaction between early-life social stress and genetic variation of serotonin associate genes including the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTT; also known as SLC6A4), which are key molecules involved in depression.
  18. Fulltext Effects of daidzin and analogue of ganoderma sinense on bacterially-expressed human hexokinase isoform 2 for anti-dengue drug design
    Nur Atikah Asman, Suriyea Tanbin, Fazia Adyani Ahmad Fuad
    Biological and Natural Resources Engineering Journal, 2020;3(2):27-34.
    MyJurnal
    Dengue disease, which is caused by dengue virus (DENV) has been a major worldwide concern, with increased number of cases each year. Currently, there are no specific medications to treat the disease. Hence, there is a dire need to develop novel drugs for disease treatment. Glycolysis is a metabolic pathway that serves as the main source of energy for DENV replication and targeting the pathway is one of the ideal approach to discover new anti-DENV drugs. This paper focuses on the inhibition of human hexokinase isoform 2 (HK2) enzyme, which is one of the important enzymes in glycolysis, in the quest to disrupt DENV replication. In order to search for potential inhibitors, two methods were conducted, which are ligand-based screening and structure-based screening approaches. Docking of Daidzin , which was derived from Kudzu, a Japanese plant, into the active site of HK2 has shown the nearest binding affinity score (-7.94 kcal/mol) to glucose‘s (GLC), which is -8.15 kcal/mol. Meanwhile, Ethyl (2R)-2-[[3-[2-[(4-methylbenzoyl) amino]ethyl]-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-b]pyridazin-6-yl]sulfanyl]butanoate (Ethyl 2(R)), a compound which is the analogue of ((22E, 24R)-6β-methoxyergosta-7, 9(11), 22-triene-3β,5α-diol) or compound 2 from Ganoderma sinense obtained from ligand-based screening was also docked into the binding site of HK2, showing a binding affinity score of -8.43 kcal/mol. Both docking was conducted by using AutoDock4 software at virtual screening phase. These compounds were further analysed in an inhibition assay to determine the effects of these potential naturally-derived inhibitors on the activity of HK2. The outcome from the inhibition studies showed that both compounds exhibited substantial inhibition on the activity of HK2 enzyme, where Daidzin, at 0.5 mM, resulted in HK2 remaining activity of 87.28%, while Ethyl (2R) resulted in 70.09% of HK2 remaining activity at 0.5 mM concentration. The results also indicate that as the concentration of these compounds increased, the percentage of remaining enzyme activity decreased. In conclusion, this study has served as a platform for the development of anti-dengue drugs based on naturally-derived compounds, which is anticipated to be a safer option for dengue treatment.
    MeSH terms: Binding Sites; Dengue; Dengue Virus; Pharmaceutical Preparations; Glucose; Glycolysis; Hexokinase; Humans; Isoflavones; Japan; Ligands; Software; Protein Isoforms; Catalytic Domain; Pueraria; Physical Phenomena
  19. Fulltext Effect of uv-ozone treatment on physicochemical properties of mesoporous hollow carbon nanoparticles
    Muhammad Nur Amir Azman, Yusilawati Ahmad Nor, Nur Husna Samsudin, Ma’an Fahmi Rashid Alkhatib, Yeow, Tshai Kim
    Biological and Natural Resources Engineering Journal, 2020;3(2):35-45.
    MyJurnal
    Carbon nanoparticles have been widely used in various applications. However, they are commonly known to have low dispersibility and chemical inertness which limit their practical ability in medical or biological area. Some studies have been performed to modify carbon nanoparticles such as carbon nanotubes using ultraviolet (UV)-Ozone system. However, little is known on the effects of such system towards other types of carbon nanoparticles such as mesoporous hollow carbon nanoparticles (MHCNs). Thus, in this study, improvement of MHCNs physiochemical properties have been studied using UV-Ozone treatment for the first time. The treatment was conducted in water as dispersant agent at ozone flowrate of 1.0 L/min and exposure time of 45 min. SEM images observed that MHCNs morphology and surface structure remain intact after the treatment. Observations on the dispersibility of MHCNs in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) solution shows that the dispersibility was improved compared to the untreated ones. This was supported by the low Z-average and PDI values of treated MHCNs obtained at ~400 nm and 0.2, respectively when compared to the untreated MHCNs which was obtained at 970 nm and 0.417, respectively. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed an increased in weight loss of treated MHCNs at the lower temperature compared to untreated MHCNs. Results from Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) showed an increase number of new functional groups that includes carboxylic acid group presence at the surface of treated MHCNs which contributes to the improvement of their dispersibility, thermal properties and chemical functionality. These findings opened a new possibility of using UV-Ozone treatment to improve physicochemical properties of MHCNs for medical area such as in drug delivery application in addition to their excellent storage and carrier system.
    MeSH terms: Carboxylic Acids; Cold Temperature; Excipients; Fourier Analysis; Ozone; Phosphates; Restraint, Physical; Structure-Activity Relationship; Temperature; Water; Weight Loss; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared; Nanotubes, Carbon; Nanoparticles
  20. Melatonin inhibits high glucose-induced ox-LDL/LDL expression and apoptosis in human umbilical endothelial cells
    Tiong YL, Ng KY, Koh RY, Ponnudurai G, Chye SM
    Horm Mol Biol Clin Investig, 2020 Jun 29;41(4).
    PMID: 32598308 DOI: 10.1515/hmbci-2020-0009
    BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the major cause of mortality in diabetic patients. Evidence suggests that hyperglycemia in diabetic patients contributes to increased risk of CVD. This study is to investigate the therapeutic effects of melatonin on glucose-treated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and provide insights on the underlying mechanisms.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cell viability was determined using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and membrane potential was detected using 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate and 5,5',6,6'-tetrachloro-1,1',3,3'-tetraethylbenzimidazolcarbocyanine iodide (JC-1) dye staining, respectively. While, cell apoptosis was determined by Annexin-V staining and protein expression was measured using Western blot.

    RESULTS: Our results suggested that melatonin inhibited glucose-induced ROS elevation, mitochondria dysfunction and apoptosis on HUVEC. Melatonin inhibited glucose-induced HUVEC apoptosis via PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Activation of Akt further activated BcL-2 pathway through upregulation of Mcl-1 expression and downregulation Bax expression in order to inhibit glucose-induced HUVEC apoptosis. Besides that, melatonin promoted downregulation of oxLDL/LOX-1 in order to inhibit glucose-induced HUVEC apoptosis.

    CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, our results suggested that melatonin exerted vasculoprotective effects against glucose-induced apoptosis in HUVEC through PI3K/Akt, Bcl-2 and oxLDL/LOX-1 signaling pathways.

    MeSH terms: Cell Survival/drug effects; Cells, Cultured; Gene Expression Regulation/drug effects*; Glucose/metabolism; Glucose/pharmacology*; Humans; Lipoproteins, LDL/genetics*; Lipoproteins, LDL/metabolism; Melatonin/pharmacology*; Signal Transduction/drug effects; Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/metabolism; Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells
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