Background: In Malaysia, the prevalence of adolescents’ suicidal ideation has increased over the years. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate the predictors of suicidal ideation among adolescents. Hence, the aim of this study was to examine the predicting effects of depression and self-esteem on suicidal ideation among Malaysian adolescents. In addition, the relationships between depression, self-esteem, and adolescents’ suicidal ideation were explored as well.
Methods: By using a multistage cluster sampling method, a cross-sectional study was conducted in secondary schools in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The participants were comprised of 852 adolescents (51% males and 49% females) aged 13-17 years old who completed self-administered questionnaires. Pearson’s Correlation analysis was used to analyse the relationships among depression, self-esteem, and adolescents’ suicidal ideation, while Standard Multiple Regression analysis was used to examine the predicting effects of depression and self-esteem on adolescents’ suicidal ideation.
Results: Depression had a positive correlation with adolescents’ suicidal ideation (r = .290, p < .001), while self-esteem had a negative correlation with adolescents’ suicidal ideation (r = -.283, p < .001). Results also showed that both depression (β = .200, p < .001) and self-esteem (β = -.186, p < .001) significantly predicted adolescents’ suicidal ideation.
Conclusion: The study found that depression is a risk factor, while self-esteem is a protective factor of adolescents’ suicidal ideation.
Scrub typhus is an acute febrile illness caused by the bacteria Orientia tsutsugamushi, which can be transmitted to humans through the bite of infected trombiculid chigger mites. Besides the typical clinical features of fever and eschar formation, the central nervous system has been reported to be involved as evidenced of reported cases ranging from meningitis to meningoencephalitis. Here, we describe an atypical presentation of scrub typhus case that occurred in a 34-year-old Malay male who presented with quadriplegia following an insect bite at the back of his neck. Our case displayed unusual findings of this rare condition in a non-aboriginal Malaysian population. Based on previous literature, we emphasized the importance of prompt diagnosis of scrub typhus in order to reduce the mortality and morbidity and to improve the quality of life for patients with complications of this disease.
Migration is a widespread phenomenon throughout the world and it has been under way since time immemorial. While studies have focused on the causes of migration and the impact of migrants, studies focusing on the emotional experience of the left-behind older persons’ adjustments in their twilight years after the departure of their adult children, are few and far between. Thus, the perspectives of these left-behind older parents/persons are less understood. This paper aims to contribute to the literature by addressing the gap which will be filled through the experiences of left-behind Malaysian older persons. Drawing on in-depth interviews extracted from a qualitative study that focused on the strength of long-term marriages among Malaysian Chinese couples, this paper captures four older couples’ experiences that depict their feelings about their adult children’s migration. Analysis suggests that the children’s migration was induced by a lack of support and resources, followed by unequal educational opportunities. To deal with the gap left by their children, these older urban parents depend on kinship connection and community support in times of need. Government initiatives may also be able to empower the community in innovating and implementing plans which are tailored to the needs of the older parents left behind by children who have migrated. The living arrangements and recent bereavement experiences captured from the older couples can serve as cues for healthcare professionals and social support providers to assess the risks of social isolation and suicide among these left-behind older parents.
Venous malformations (VM) of vulva, perineum and pelvis are uncommon condition which may present with cutaneous varices or aesthetically disabling swelling of external genitalia. Herein, we report a young woman who presented with a large left vulva bluish tinged swelling, progressively increasing in size since birth. Computed tomography of the pelvis and lower limbs confirmed the diagnosis of extensive VM of pelvis and perineum. She underwent selective angiogram which revealed venous malformations of left vulva and gluteal region with no arterial supply to the lesion. Surgical excision was performed but complicated with bleeding which necessitate multimodal hemostatic procedures and blood transfusion. There is no recurrent swelling after 5 years follow up. Surgical excision of vulvar venous malformation offer good cosmetic outcome. However, appropriate planning with axial scan, angiogram and operative technique including multimodal hemostatic measure are important steps to achieve good result with no recurrence. We discussed on challenges on management of this case in relation to the currently available literature.
A 71-year-old lady with rheumatoid arthritis developed painful peripheral vasculitic neuropathy of the lower limbs and was treated with high dose steroid and cyclophosphamide. Eight months later, she presented with left hip and back pain for a week, with minimal relief from regular analgesia. Although the initial pelvic radiograph was normal, a repeat film performed two weeks later showed a destructive lytic lesion in the left pubic bone, confirmed as osteomyelitis with intramuscular collection by MRI. Cloxacillin was started empirically, and when the blood culture isolated methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA), it was planned to be given for six weeks via a peripherally inserted central catheter. Despite an initial response, she became febrile on the fifth week of antibiotic therapy. Subsequent blood culture isolated Trichosporon asahii. Her condition deteriorated, and she succumbed on the fourth day of antifungal therapy. In conclusion, the diagnosis of osteomyelitis pubis, a rare complication of MSSA bacteremia, could be delayed in an atypical presentation.
Background: Urinary incontinence is a common problem among older women. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of urinary incontinence among older women aged 55 years and over in the Klang valley, the most densely populated urban area in Malaysia, and to determine any potential ethnic differences.
Methods: This study used cross-sectional data from the Malaysian Elders Longitudinal Research (MELoR) study. A total of 863 participants were included, with a mean age of 67.97 ± 7.50 (S.D.). They were selected by simple random sampling from the electoral rolls of three parliamentary constituencies.
Results: The prevalence of urinary incontinence was 30.8%. Mixed urinary incontinence (UI) was present in 44.7%, stress UI in 39.1% and urge UI in 16.2%. Ethnic Malays (38%) were more likely than ethnic Indians (32.3%) and Chinese (29.7%) to have UI. Ethnic Malays were also more likely to have stress UI and Indians were more likely to have urge UI .
Conclusion: The prevalence of UI in this study was comparable to other Asian and worldwide studies. The significant association between ethnicity and UI, however, has not been reported in any previous studies. Further studies should identify factors which may determine these ethnic differences in UI.
Depression is a frequent companion of stroke. It is associated with a degree of functional impairment that might adversely affect rehabilitation. A study was carried out to determine the rate of self-reported depression at admission and after six months, and the associated factors, in patients with stroke who were referred for rehabilitation. A multiple binary logistic regression was used to determine the associated factors at six months. Depression was recorded in 45% of patients at admission and in 39% at six months after the stroke. Patients who were employed, those who were depressed at admission, those who did not return to work and those who did not return to driving six months after stroke, were significantly associated with depression.
Background: Set-up errors are errors which are inevitable in radiotherapy. However, they should be kept to a minimum to achieve the maximum radiation dose to a tumour as to maximise treatment efficacy. This study aims to quantify those errors and assess if they remain within the tolerance limit of 5 mm in all directions. This study will also determine the adequacy of the margins for set up error for 3DCRT of rectal cancers at University of Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC).
Methods: A total of 20 rectal cancer patients (July 2018 to May 2019) who were treated with radiotherapy amounting to a total of 119 CBCT images were included in the study. Population systematic errors and random setup errors were calculated.
Results: Population systematic errors and random setup errors in the vertical, longitudinal and lateral direction were tabulated in Table 1. There is a large deviation (>5 mm) noted in some patients’ setup between the first 3 days and the next successive day of imaging. Clinical target volume (CTV) to planning target volume (PTV) margin were calculated using Van Herk’s margin recipe (M=2.5Σ+0.7σ). The margins were 5.0 mm, 6.2 mm, and 4.0 mm for vertical, longitudinal and lateral directions, respectively. The systematic error for the population was 1.1 mm, 0.9 mm, 0.9 mm in the vertical, longitudinal and lateral directions respectively, while the random error is 3.2 mm, 5.7 mm and 2.5 mm in the vertical, longitudinal and lateral directions respectively.
Conclusion: All of the patients involved in the study were within tolerance limits at some point in their treatment. The results demonstrated that a larger margin is needed in the longitudinal direction. Weekly CBCT is also necessary after the initial 3-day imaging to ensure that patients are kept within the tolerance limits.
Social anxiety is explained as noticeable anxiety or fear in one or more social situations where the individual is exposed to possible analysis by others. This research is aimed to determine the association between perfectionism and social anxiety among adolescents in Selangor, Malaysia. A final sample of 327 participants, between 13 to 18 years old, was collected. Data collection was conducted in two public secondary schools and two private high schools in Selangor. This survey included three instruments of analysis: The Child-Adolescent Perfectionism Scale, Kutcher Generalized Social Anxiety Disorder Scale for Adolescents and Demographic Questionnaire. The results showed that there is a significant positive association between perfectionism and social anxiety. This study has proved the positive association between perfectionism and social anxiety among adolescents in Selangor, Malaysia. Therefore, it is important to identify those students with these issues and guide them in an effective way to overcome the issues.
Chemical composition and anticholinesterase activity of the essential oil of Pavetta graciliflora Wall. ex Ridl. (Rubiaceae) was examined for the first time. The essential oil was obtained by hydrodistillation and was fully characterized by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A total of 20 components were identified in the essential oil, which made up 92.85% of the total oil. The essential oil is composed mainly of β-caryophyllene (42.52%), caryophyllene oxide (25.33%), β-pinene (8.67%), and α-pinene (6.52%). The essential oil showed weak inhibitory activity against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) (I%: 62.5%) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) (I%: 65.4%) assays. Our findings were shown to be very useful for the characterization, pharmaceutical, and therapeutic applications of the essential oil from P. graciliflora.
Polyalthia is one of the largest genera in the Annonaceae family, and has been widely used in folk medicine for the treatment of rheumatic fever, gastrointestinal ulcer, and generalized body pain. The present investigation reports on the extraction by hydrodistillation and the composition of the essential oils of four Polyalthia species (P. sumatrana, P. stenopetalla, P. cauliflora, and P. rumphii) growing in Malaysia. The chemical composition of these essential oils was determined by gas chromatography (GC-FID) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The multivariate analysis was determined using principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) methods. The results revealed that the studied essential oils are made up principally of bicyclogermacrene (18.8%), cis-calamenene (14.6%) and β-elemene (11.9%) for P. sumatrana; α-cadinol (13.0%) and δ-cadinene (10.2%) for P. stenopetalla; δ-elemene (38.1%) and β-cubebene (33.1%) for P. cauliflora; and finally germacrene D (33.3%) and bicyclogermacrene for P. rumphii. PCA score and HCA plots revealed that the essential oils were classified into three separated clusters of P. cauliflora (Cluster I), P. sumatrana (Cluster II), and P. stenopetalla, and P. rumphii (Cluster III) based on their characteristic chemical compositions. Our findings demonstrate that the essential oil could be useful for the characterization, pharmaceutical, and therapeutic applications of Polyalthia essential oil.
MeSH terms: Humans; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; Medicine, Traditional*; Oils, Volatile/chemistry*; Sesquiterpenes/chemistry; Species Specificity; Terpenes/chemistry; Cluster Analysis; Principal Component Analysis; Polyalthia/chemistry*; Sesquiterpenes, Germacrane/chemistry
Objectives Steroid-induced ocular hypertension and glaucoma are associated with extracellular matrix remodeling at the trabecular meshwork (TM) of the eye due to reduced secretion of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), a family of enzymes regulating extracellular matrix proteolysis. Several biological functions of steroids are known to involve regulation of adenosine A1 receptors (A1AR) and nuclear factor kappa B (NFKB). Since MMPs expression in TM has been shown to be regulated by A1AR as well as transcription factors, it is likely that dexamethasone-induced changes in aqueous humor dynamics involve reduced MMP and A1AR expression and reduced NFKB activation. Hence, the current study investigated the association of dexamethasone-induced reduction in MMP secretion with reduced NFKB activation and A1AR expression. Methods Human trabecular meshwork cells (HTMCs) were characterized by estimating myocilin and alpha smooth muscle actin expression and then were treated with dexamethasone 100 nM for 2, 5 and 7 days. The MMP secretion was estimated in culture media using Western blot. Immunocytochemistry (ICC) and ELISA were done to investigate the effect of dexamethasone on NFKB phosphorylation. A1AR expression in HTMCs was determined using Western blot and ELISA. Results Dexamethasone caused a significant reduction in both MMP-2 and -9 expression compared to untreated group after five and seven days but not after two days of culture. Significantly reduced phosphorylated NFKB and A1AR protein levels were detected in dexamethasone treated compared to vehicle treated HTMCs after five days of culture. Conclusions Dexamethasone reduces MMP-2 and -9 secretion by HTMCs and this effect of dexamethasone is associated with reduced NFKB phosphorylation and A1AR expression.
The rich and diversified Malaysian flora represents an excellent resource of new chemical structures with biological activities. The genus Xylopia L. includes aromatic plants that have both nutritional and medicinal uses. This study aims to contribute with information about the volatile components of three Xylopia species essential oils: Xylopia frutescens, Xylopia ferruginea, and Xylopia magna. In this study, essential oils were extracted from the leaves by a hydrodistillation process. The identification of the essential oil components was performed by gas chromatography (GC-FID) and gas chromatography-coupled mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The major components of the essential oils from X. frutescens were bicyclogermacrene (22.8%), germacrene D (14.2%), elemol (12.8%), and guaiol (12.8%), whereas components of the essential oils from X. magna were germacrene D (35.9%), bicyclogermacrene (22.8%), and spathulenol (11.1%). The X. ferruginea oil was dominated by bicyclogermacrene (23.6%), elemol (13.7%), guaiol (13.4%), and germacrene D (12.3%).
This study was aimed to investigate the chemical compositions of the essential oils from Goniothalamus macrophyllus and Goniothalamus malayanus growing in Malaysia. The essential oils were obtained by hydrodistillation and fully characterized by gas chromatography (GC-FID) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Analyses of the essential oils from G. macrophyllus and G. malayanus resulted in 93.6 and 95.4% of the total oils, respectively. The major components of G. macrophyllus oil were germacrene D (25.1%), bicyclogermacrene (11.6%), α-copaene (6.9%) and δ-cadinene (6.4%), whereas in G. malayanus oil bicyclogermacrene (43.9%), germacrene D (21.1%) and β-elemene (8.4%) were the most abundant components.
Background: The toxicity of inhaled silver nanoparticles on contractile and pro-inflammatory airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) that control airway calibre is unknown. We explored the oxidative activities and sulfidation processes of the toxic-inflammatory response. Method: Silver nanospheres (AgNSs) of 20 nm and 50 nm diameter and silver nanowires (AgNWs), short S-AgNWs, 1.5 μm and long L-AgNWs, 10 μm, both 72 nm in diameter were manufactured. We measured their effects on cell proliferation, mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) release and membrane potential, and also performed electron microscopic studies. Main results and findings: The greatest effects were observed for the smallest particles with the highest specific surface area and greatest solubility that were avidly internalised. ASMCs exposed to 20 nm AgNSs (25 μg mL-1) for 72 hours exhibited a significant decrease in DNA incorporation (-72.4%; p < 0.05), whereas neither the 50 nm AgNSs nor the s-AgNWs altered DNA synthesis or viability. There was a small reduction in ASMC proliferation for the smaller AgNS, although Ag+ at 25 μL mL-1 reduced DNA synthesis by 93.3% (p < 0.001). Mitochondrial potential was reduced by both Ag+ (25 μg mL-1) by 47.1% and 20 nm Ag NSs (25 μg mL-1) by 40.1% (*both at p < 0.05), but was not affected by 50 nm AgNSs and the AgNWs. None of the samples showed a change in ROS toxicity. However, malondialdehyde release, associated with greater total ROS, was observed for all AgNPs, to an extent following the geometric size (20 nm AgNS: 213%, p < 0.01; 50 nm AgNS: 179.5%, p < 0.01 and L-AgNWs by 156.2%, p < 0.05). The antioxidant, N-acetylcysteine, prevented the reduction in mitochondrial potential caused by 20 nm AgNSs. The smaller nanostructures were internalised and dissolved within the ASMCs with the formation of non-reactive silver sulphide (Ag2S) on their surface, but with very little uptake of L-AgNWs. When ASMCs were incubated with H2S-producing enzyme inhibitors, the spatial extent of Ag2S formation was much greater. Conclusion: The intracellular toxicity of AgNPs in ASMCs is determined by the solubility of Ag+ released and the sulfidation process, effects related to particle size and geometry. Passivation through sulfidation driven by biogenic H2S can outcompete dissolution, thus reducing the toxicity of the smaller intracellular Ag nanostructures.
Many people are now expressing their increased concern about serious environmental destruction as a result of human irresponsible environmental behaviour. The aim of this paper is to explore current scenarios of intention to practise solid waste segregation-at-source between households in Selangor. A total of 400 respondents in Selangor who aged 18 and above were employed to respond to bilingual research questionnaires. The results of the descriptive investigation indicated that plastic was the most major solid waste material segregated daily among the respondents. The majority of Selangor citizens surveyed had heard about and strongly supported this environmental policy. Approximately half of the sample agreed that the policy of solid waste segregation-at-source was extremely important in addressing serious negative global environmental issues. Unfortunately, due to a lack of awareness as well as insufficient technologies and facilities in their housing areas, one-fifth of the respondents had never intended to practise solid waste segregation-at-source in their daily lives. By realising ongoing challenges in the long-term implementation of solid waste segregation-at-source in Malaysia, this current research therefore provides an essential opportunity to explore the importance of having the intention to practise solid waste segregation-at-source among Malaysian citizens and of enriching existing local literature.
Kemajuan teknologi maklumat dan komunikasi menerusi pengenalan dan aplikasi sistem kedudukan global (GPS - Global Positioning System) dan papan tanda elektronik telah melancarkan mobiliti pengguna di jalan raya terutama di kawasan bandar. Justeru, kajian ini akan mengupas persepsi pengguna terhadap penggunaan alat pandu arah atau kombinasi alat pantu arah yang kerap digunakan oleh pengguna belia. Menerusi soal selidik yang diedarkan di sekitar Lembah Klang, terdapat tiga dapatan utama. Pertama, papan tanda masih menjadi pandu arah ke destinasi serta menjadi amaran atau isyarat situasi sebenar di jalan raya. Kedua, pengguna selesa menggunakan aplikasi GPS menerusi telefon pintar berbanding dengan GPS terbina pada kenderaan, terutama di kawasan bandar. Ketiga, responden lebih menggunakan kombinasi papan tanda dan aplikasi GPS pada telefon pintar apabila membuat perjalanan di jalan raya berbanding dengan kombinasi papan tanda, aplikasi GPS pada telefon pintar dan GPS terbina pada kenderaan. Keputusan ini dilihat dapat membantu penawaran bagi ketiga-tiga alat pandu arah tersebut untuk menambah baik perkhidmatan dan meningkatkan lagi keunikan alat pandu arah tersebut agar kekal releven dalam pasaran pada masa hadapan.
Alcohol is an organic solvent that generally used in research and industry especially in food, pharmaceutical and beverage products. It is also reported widely used in cosmetic industries to produce cosmetic products such as perfume, skin care and personal care products. However, the discussions on shariah and alcohol issue are still very limited. Thus, the main focus of the present study is to analyze the status of alcohol in shariah by focusing on analyzing history of alcohol. Furthermore, issues related to alcohol in Islam were also discussed in this article.
Perkhidmatan penghantaran makanan adalah satu perniagaan yang semakin popular
di Malaysia. Permintaan terhadap perkhidmatan ini bukan sahaja daripada kalangan
pekerja pejabat, tetapi juga daripada kalangan mahasiswa di universiti. Oleh itu,
tujuan utama kajian ini adalah untuk mengenal pasti sosioekonomi mahasiswa yang
menggunakan perkhidmatan ini, dan juga menganalisis atribut dan persepsi
penggunaan perkhidmatan penghantaran makanan dalam kalangan mahasiswa di
Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). Kajian ini terdiri daripada 200 orang mahasiswa
UPM yang dipilih secara persampelan rawak sistematik. Persempelan Rawak
sistematik dijalankan bagi mendapatkan responden di empat kolej kediaman yang
terpilih. Soal selidik yang digunakan berasaskan Kurtz model. Ia bertujuan untuk
mengetahui atribut perkhidmatan yang ada di pasaran kini, dan persepsi penggunaan
perkhidmatan penghantaran makanan dalam kalangan mahasiswa. Hasil kajian
menunjukkan responden wanita dan responden dari bandar lebih ramai
menggunakan perkhidmatan penghantaran makanan. Atribut perkhidmatan yang
paling tinggi peratusnya ialah atribut perkhidmatan ini memudahkan. Perkhidmatan
penghantaran makanan memudahkan mahasiswa mendapat makanan dan
memenuhi keperluan fisiologi. Responden dalam kajian ini berpuas hati
menggunakan perkhidmatan penghantaran makanan ini. Hasil kajian ini
menyumbang data kepada pengusaha restoran yang menjual makanan secara atas
talian apatah lagi pada era Covid-19. Data ini dapat digunakan oleh pengusaha
restoran dalam memahami pengguna atas talian serta mengatasi permasalahan
pengguna, terutama golongan mahasiswa.
Health risk factors have been highlighted among Nigerian students at Universiti Putra Malaysia, but the pattern of food expenditure on diets that are said to be a control measure for the prevalence of risk factors such as chronic diseases, obesity, diabetes, and hypertension has been poorly discussed. The purpose of this paper is to examine food expenditure on diets and its relationship to health risk factors among Nigerian students in Universiti Putra Malaysia. Cross-sectional research design was used and data for the study was obtained using structured questionnaire. A total of 236 Nigerian students’ participants from Universiti Putra Malaysia aged 25-45 years consented to participate in this study and 233 were selected through systematic random sampling. Health conditions and personal risk factors were measured with the Institute for Public Health (2015) of National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS, 2011) questionnaire. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES 2007-2008) of Flexible Consumer Behavior Survey (FCBS) on food expenditure questionnaire was used in measuring all food and beverages spending of respondents for the period of 30 days. The data collected was cleaned and entered into a database and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Descriptive analyses for continuous data were expressed in mean and standard deviation while categorical data were presented in percentage. Pearson correlation analyses were used to examine the relationship between food expenditure on diets and health risk factors. The findings of the study showed that 67% were males and 33% females. The association between health risk factors and food expenditure were positively weak, but significant r = 0.14, (231), p < 0.05. The findings suggested that an increase in food expenditure pattern on diets was significantly associated with a minimal increase in health risk factors. For an average student food expenditure on diets, this can lead to a real obstacle to healthy eating. The findings provided recommendations for food expenditure on diets and health risk factors interventions and policies aimed at University students.