Browse publications by year: 2023

  1. Maalouf A, Agamuthu P
    Waste Manag Res, 2023 Sep;41(9):1420-1434.
    PMID: 37125680 DOI: 10.1177/0734242X231160099
    This review provides the history and current paradigms of waste management (WM) practices in developing nations during the last five decades. It explores the evolution of the challenges, complexities, and trends during this period. This paper, for the first time, presents an estimation of the amount of municipal solid waste (MSW) generated in developing nations in the last five decades based on the material flow analysis approach. Overall, the amount of MSW in developing countries has increased from about 0.64 billion Mt in 1970 to 2 billion Mt in 2019. This review demonstrates the importance of finding new WM approaches in developing nations in the context of formulating policies, strategies, and highlights the major trends that re-define WM in developing countries. It also aims to present the holistic changes in technology, economic and environmental feasibility aspects to attain an integrated sustainable WM system in developing countries. Specific focus on open-burning, open-dumping, informal recycling, food waste, plastic pollution, and waste collection with reference to Sustainable Development Goals are explained. Drivers for the way forward including circular economy are investigated.
    MeSH terms: Developing Countries; Food; Refuse Disposal*; Waste Management*; Recycling; Solid Waste/analysis
  2. Cipta DA, Kusumadewi I, Siste K, Werdhani RA, Diatri H
    PMID: 37139475 DOI: 10.51866/oa.196
    INTRODUCTION: Depression is a common mental disorder in primary care settings both globally and locally. Even with considerable impacts on patients' quality of life and public healthcare costs, most people with depression do not receive evidence-based treatment. Integrating mental healthcare services into primary care is essential to address the treatment gap for depression. As counsellors and care coordinators, family physicians have a vital role in providing primary mental healthcare services. This study aims to assess Indonesian family physicians' knowledge of depression and identify the associated factors.

    METHOD: This cross-sectional observational study included a total of 83 family physicians from the Association of Indonesian Family Physicians. Data were collected using online questionnaires, including demographic and knowledge assessment instruments and the Care Coordinator Scale (CCS). Descriptive and multiple linear regression analyses were performed.

    RESULTS: The knowledge of depression, particularly in terms of prevention, diagnosis, pharmacological treatment, and post-referral treatment, was insufficient among the family physicians. The medication education (P=0.006) and follow-up care plan (P=0.04) domains of the CCS were associated with the family physicians' knowledge of the management of depression in the linear regression analysis (R2=0.077).

    CONCLUSION: Interventions to improve Indonesian family physicians' knowledge of depression, focusing on medication/pharmacological treatment and considering them as care coordinators, are essential.

  3. Kho SS, Nyanti LE, Chai CS, Kho SK, Ismail AM, Voon PJ, et al.
    Respir Investig, 2023 Jul;61(4):473-477.
    PMID: 37182371 DOI: 10.1016/j.resinv.2023.04.003
    Peripheral transbronchial needle aspiration (pTBNA) allows the access of pulmonary nodules without bronchus sign but is limited to cytological examination. A 39-year-old man with left parotid carcinoma presented with an incidental lung nodule. Target localisation was performed with manual airway mapping, virtual bronchoscopic navigation, and pTBNA. Direct target validation using radial endobronchial ultrasound (rEBUS) was performed through the puncture defect. Targeted pinpoint biopsy with a 1.1 mm cryoprobe through the pTBNA puncture defect confirmed metastatic adenoid cystic carcinoma. Guided pTBNA with rEBUS validation followed by cryobiopsy of lung nodules without bronchus sign is potentially feasible for histological and molecular analyses.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Bronchi/pathology; Bronchoscopy*; Humans; Lung/pathology; Male; Biopsy, Fine-Needle
  4. Sadiq AC, Olasupo A, Rahim NY, Ngah WSW, Hanafiah MAKM, Suah FBM
    Int J Biol Macromol, 2023 Jul 31;244:125400.
    PMID: 37330084 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.125400
    Several water and wastewater technologies have been implored for the removal of dyes during wastewater treatments; however; different types have been reportedly found in surface and groundwater systems. Hence, there is a need to investigate other water treatment technologies for the complete remediation of dyes in aquatic environments. In this study, novel chitosan-based polymer inclusion membranes (PIMs) were synthesized for the removal of malachite green dye (MG) which is a recalcitrant of great concern in water. Two types of PIMs were synthesized in this study, the first PIM (PIMs-A) was composed of chitosan, bis-(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate (B2EHP), and dioctyl phthalate (DOP). While, the second PIMs (PIMs-B) were composed of chitosan, Aliquat 336, and DOP. The physico-thermal stability of the PIMs was investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), both PIMs demonstrated good stability with a weak intermolecular force of attraction amongst the various components of the membranes. The effects of the initial concentration of MG, pH of the MG solution, stripping solution, and time were investigated. At optimum conditions, both membranes (PIM-A and B) recorded the highest efficiencies of 96 % and 98 % at pH 4 and initial contaminants concentration of 50 mg/L, respectively. Finally, both PIMs were used for the removal of MG in different environmental samples (river water, seawater, and tap water) with an average removal efficiency of 90 %. Thus, the investigated PIMs can be considered a potential suitable technique for the removal of dyes and other contaminants from aquatic matrices.
    MeSH terms: Adsorption; Coloring Agents/chemistry; Polymers/chemistry; Environmental Restoration and Remediation*; Waste Water
  5. Ng YJ, Chan SS, Khoo KS, Munawaroh HSH, Lim HR, Chew KW, et al.
    Biotechnol Adv, 2023 Nov;68:108198.
    PMID: 37330152 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2023.108198
    Surfactants have always been a prominent chemical that is useful in various sectors (e.g., cleaning agent production industry, textile industry and painting industry). This is due to the special ability of surfactants to reduce surface tension between two fluid surfaces (e.g., water and oil). However, the current society has long omitted the harmful effects of petroleum-based surfactants (e.g., health issues towards humans and reducing cleaning ability of water bodies) due to their usefulness in reducing surface tension. These harmful effects will significantly damage the environment and negatively affect human health. As such, there is an urgency to secure environmentally friendly alternatives such as glycolipids to reduce the effects of these synthetic surfactants. Glycolipids is a biomolecule that shares similar properties with surfactants that are naturally synthesized in the cell of living organisms, glycolipids are amphiphilic in nature and can form micelles when glycolipid molecules clump together, reducing surface tension between two surfaces as how a surfactant molecule is able to achieve. This review paper aims to provide a comprehensive study on the recent advances in bacteria cultivation for glycolipids production and current lab scale applications of glycolipids (e.g., medical and waste bioremediation). Studies have proven that glycolipids are effective anti-microbial agents, subsequently leading to an excellent anti-biofilm forming agent. Heavy metal and hydrocarbon contaminated soil can also be bioremediated via the use of glycolipids. The major hurdle in the commercialization of glycolipid production is that the cultivation stage and downstream extraction stage of the glycolipid production process induces a very high operating cost. This review provides several solutions to overcome this issue for glycolipid production for the commercialization of glycolipids (e.g., developing new cultivating and extraction techniques, using waste as cultivation medium for microbes and identifying new strains for glycolipid production). The contribution of this review aims to serve as a future guideline for researchers that are dealing with glycolipid biosurfactants by providing an in-depth review on the recent advances of glycolipid biosurfactants. By summarizing the points discussed as above, it is recommended that glycolipids can substitute synthetic surfactants as an environmentally friendly alternative.
    MeSH terms: Biodegradation, Environmental; Humans; Prospective Studies; Water
  6. Tan PC, Ramasandran G, Sethi N, Razali N, Hamdan M, Kamarudin M
    BMC Pregnancy Childbirth, 2023 Jun 17;23(1):450.
    PMID: 37330467 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-05771-7
    BACKGROUND: Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) affects about 2% of pregnancies and is at the severe end of the spectrum of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy. HG causes severe maternal distress and results in adverse pregnancy outcomes long after the condition may have dissipated. Although dietary advice is a common tool in management, trial evidence to base the advice on is lacking.

    METHODS: A randomized trial was conducted in a university hospital from May 2019 to December 2020. 128 women at their discharge following hospitalization for HG were randomized: 64 to watermelon and 64 to control arm. Women were randomized to consume watermelon and to heed the advice leaflet or to heed the dietary advice leaflet alone. A personal weighing scale and a weighing protocol were provided to all participants to take home. Primary outcomes were bodyweight change at the end of week 1 and week 2 compared to hospital discharge.

    RESULTS: Weight change (kg) at end of week 1, median[interquartile range] -0.05[-0.775 to + 0.50] vs. -0.5[-1.4 to + 0.1] P = 0.014 and to the end of week 2, + 0.25[-0.65 to + 0.975] vs. -0.5[-1.3 to + 0.2] P = 0.001 for watermelon and control arms respectively. After two weeks, HG symptoms assessed by PUQE-24 (Pregnancy-Unique Quantification of Emesis and Nausea over 24 h), appetite assessed by SNAQ (Simplified Nutritional Appetite Questionnaire), wellbeing and satisfaction with allocated intervention NRS (0-10 numerical rating scale) scores, and recommendation of allocated intervention to a friend rate were all significantly better in the watermelon arm. However, rehospitalization for HG and antiemetic usage were not significantly different.

    CONCLUSION: Adding watermelon to the diet after hospital discharge for HG improves bodyweight, HG symptoms, appetite, wellbeing and satisfaction.

    TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered with the center's Medical Ethics Committee (on 21/05/2019; reference number 2019327-7262) and the ISRCTN on 24/05/2019 with trial identification number: ISRCTN96125404 . First participant was recruited on 31/05/ 2019.

    MeSH terms: Antiemetics*; Female; Hospitalization; Humans; Nausea/etiology; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Outcome
  7. Idris SN, Amelia TSM, Bhubalan K, Lazim AMM, Zakwan NAMA, Jamaluddin MI, et al.
    Environ Res, 2023 Aug 15;231(Pt 1):115988.
    PMID: 37105296 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115988
    Plastics have become an integral part of human life. Single-use plastics (SUPs) are disposable plastics designed to be used once then promptly discarded or recycled. This SUPs range from packaging and takeaway containers to disposable razors and hotel toiletries. Synthetic plastics, which are made of non-renewable petroleum and natural gas resources, require decades to perpetually disintegrate in nature thus contribute to plastic pollution worldwide, especially in marine environments. In response to these problems, bioplastics or bio-based and biodegradable polymers from renewable sources has been considered as an alternative. Understanding the mechanisms behind the degradation of conventional SUPs and biodegradability of their greener counterpart, bioplastics, is crucial for appropriate material selection in the future. This review aims to provide insights into the degradation or disintegration of conventional single-use plastics and the biodegradability of the different types of greener-counterparts, bioplastics, their mechanisms, and conditions. This review highlights on the biodegradation in the environments including composting systems. Here, the various types of alternative biodegradable polymers, such as bacterially biosynthesised bioplastics, natural fibre-reinforced plastics, starch-, cellulose-, lignin-, and soy-based polymers were explored. Review of past literature revealed that although bioplastics are relatively eco-friendly, their natural compositions and properties are inconsistent. Furthermore, the global plastic market for biodegradable plastics remains relatively small and require further research and commercialization efforts, especially considering the urgency of plastic and microplastic pollution as currently critical global issue. Biodegradable plastics have potential to replace conventional plastics as they show biodegradation ability under real environments, and thus intensive research on the various biodegradable plastics is needed to inform stakeholders and policy makers on the appropriate response to the gradually emerging biodegradable plastics.
    MeSH terms: Biodegradation, Environmental; Humans; Lignin; Plastics*; Polymers; Starch; Biodegradable Plastics*
  8. Yip YS, Manas NHA, Jaafar NR, Rahman RA, Puspaningsih NNT, Illias RM
    Int J Biol Macromol, 2023 Jul 01;242(Pt 1):124675.
    PMID: 37127056 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.124675
    Maltooligosaccharides (MOS) are functional oligosaccharides that can be synthesized through enzymatic cascade reaction between cyclodextrin glucanotransferase (CGTase) and maltogenic amylase (Mag1) from Bacillus lehensis G1. To address the problems of low operational stability and non-reusability of free enzymes, both enzymes were co-immobilized as combined cross-linked enzyme aggregates (Combi-CLEAs-CM) with incorporation of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and Tween 80 (Combi-CLEAs-CM-add). Combi-CLEAs-CM and Combi-CLEAs-CM-add showed activity recoveries of 54.12 % and 69.44 %, respectively after optimization. Combi-CLEAs-CM-add showed higher thermal stability at higher temperatures (40 °C) with longer half-life (46.20 min) as compared to those of free enzymes (36.67 min) and Combi-CLEAs-CM (41.51 min). Both combi-CLEAs also exhibited higher pH stability over pH 5 to pH 9, and displayed excellent reusability with >50 % of initial activity retained after four cycles. The reduction in Km value of about 22.80 % and 1.76-fold increase in starch hydrolysis in comparison to Combi-CLEAs-CM attested the improvement of enzyme-substrate interaction by Tween 80 and pores formation by BSA in Combi-CLEAs-CM-add. The improved product specificity of Combi-CLEAs-CM-add also produced the highest yield of MOS (492 mg/g) after 3 h. Therefore, Combi-CLEAs-CM-add with ease of preparation, excellent reusability and high operational stability is believed to be highly efficacious biocatalyst for MOS production.
    MeSH terms: Cross-Linking Reagents; Enzyme Stability; Oligosaccharides; Polysorbates*; Temperature
  9. Tookhy NA, Isa NMM, Mansor R, Rahaman YA, Ahmad NI, Bui DT, et al.
    Parasitol Res, 2023 Jul;122(7):1475-1488.
    PMID: 37145225 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07845-z
    Lymnaeid snails play a crucial role in the transmission of trematode cercariae as an intermediate host that can infect humans, ruminants like buffalo, and other animals, resulting in serious economic losses. The purpose of the study was to identify the morphological and molecular characteristics of snails and cercariae collected from water bodies near buffalo farms that were integrated with palm oil in Perak, Malaysia. The presence or absence of snails in 35 water bodies was examined via cross-sectional study. From three marsh wetlands, 836 lymnaeid snails were gathered in total. Each snail's shell was morphologically identified to determine its family and species. The cercarial stage inside each snail's body was observed using the crushing method and trematode cercariae types were determined. In addition, the target gene Cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (Cox1) and the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) region were used to identify the snail species and cercarial types according to the species level. The findings indicated that the collected snails belong to the family lymnaeidae and Radix rubiginosa species. In snails, the cercarial emergence infection rate was 8.7%. Echinostome, xiphidiocercariae, gymnocephalous, brevifurcate-apharyngeate distome cercariae (BADC), and longifurcate-pharyngeal monostome cercariae (LPMC) are the five morphological cercarial types that were observed. The cercariae were identified using morphological and molecular techniques, and they are members of the four families which are Echinostomatidae, Plagiorchiidae, Fasciolidae, and Schistosomatidae. Interestingly, this is the first study on R. rubiginosa and several trematode cercariae in Perak water bodies near buffalo farms that are integrated with palm oil. In conclusion, our research shown that a variety of parasitic trematodes in Perak use R. rubiginosa as an intermediate host.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Buffaloes; Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Malaysia; Schistosomatidae*; Water; Cercaria/genetics
  10. Chen M, Fargen KM, Mocco J, Siddiqui AH, Miyachi S, Mahadevan J, et al.
    J Neurointerv Surg, 2023 Jul;15(7):623-628.
    PMID: 37147004 DOI: 10.1136/jnis-2023-020309
    MeSH terms: Humans; Radiology, Interventional*; Checklist*
  11. Vijayasree VP, Abdul Manan NS
    Int J Biol Macromol, 2023 Jul 01;242(Pt 1):124723.
    PMID: 37148927 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.124723
    In this study, magnetite carboxymethylcellulose (CMC@Fe3O4) composite as magnetic biological molecules were synthetized for the use as adsorbent to remove four types of cationic dyes, namely Methylene Blue, Rhodamine B, Malachite Green, and Methyl Violet from aqueous solution. The characteristic of the adsorbent was achieved by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM), X-ray Diffraction, Vibrating Sample Magnetometer and Thermal Gravimetric Analysis techniques. Besides, essential influencing parameters of dye adsorption; the solution pH, solution temperature, contact time, adsorbent concentration and initial dye dosage were studied. FESEM analysis showed the magnetic Fe3O4-TB, Fe3O4@SiO2, Fe3O4@SiO2-NH2 and CMC@Fe3O4 composites were in spherical shape, with average size of 43.0 nm, 92.5 nm, 134.0 nm and 207.5 nm, respectively. On the saturation magnetization (Ms), the results obtained were 55.931 emu/g, 34.557 emu/g, 33.236 emu/g and 11.884 emu/g. From the sorption modelling of Isotherms, Kinetics, and Thermodynamics, the adsorption capacity of dyes is (MB = 103.33 mg/g), (RB = 109.60 mg/g), (MG = 100.08 mg/g) and (MV = 107.78 mg/g). With all the adsorption processes exhibited as exothermic reactions. The regeneration and reusability of the synthetized biological molecules-based adsorbent was also assessed.
    MeSH terms: Adsorption; Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium/chemistry; Cations; Coloring Agents; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Kinetics; Silicon Dioxide; Ferrosoferric Oxide*
  12. Kaur CP, Yong CC, Rajamanikam A, Samudi C, Kumar S, Bhassu S, et al.
    Parasitol Res, 2023 Jul;122(7):1463-1474.
    PMID: 37162590 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07842-2
    Blastocystis sp. is an enteric protistan parasite that affects individuals worldwide with gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, and flatulence. However, its pathogenicity is controversial due to its presence among asymptomatic individuals. Blastocystis sp. subtype 3 (ST3) is the most prevalent subtype among humans that have been associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and colorectal cancer. Axenization of the parasite has been shown to impede its growth thus revealing the importance of accompanying bacteria in ensuring Blastocystis sp. survival. This study aims to identify the influence of accompanying bacteria on the growth of Blastocystis sp. ST3. Blastocystis sp. cultures were treated with Meropenem, Vancomycin, and Amoxicillin-Clavulanic acid (Augmentin). Bacteria-containing supernatant of antibiotic-treated and control cultures were isolated and identified through 16 s rRNA sequencing. Morphological changes of antibiotic-treated Blastocystis sp. ST3 were also observed. The cultures treated with meropenem and augmentin exhibited opposing effects with reduced growth of isolates from symptomatic patients and a significant increase in asymptomatic isolates. Whereas, vancomycin-treated cultures had no difference in the growth of Blastocystis sp. ST3 isolates from symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. Isolates from symptomatic and asymtomatic patients had 6 and 2 distinct bacterial species identified with Proteus mirabilis as the common bacteria among both types of isolates. Morphologically, Blastocystis sp. ST3 cultures exposed to meropenem and augmentin demonstrated an increase in pre-cystic forms. These findings demonstrate the effects of accompanying bacteria on the growth of Blastocystis sp. ST3 that could translate into clinical manifestations observed among Blastocystis sp.-infected patients.
    MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology; Feces/parasitology; Humans; Vancomycin; Blastocystis*; Amoxicillin-Potassium Clavulanate Combination
  13. Warsi Khan H, Kaif Khan M, Moniruzzaman M, Al Mesfer MK, Danish M, Irshad K, et al.
    Environ Res, 2023 Aug 15;231(Pt 1):116058.
    PMID: 37178749 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116058
    An emerging contaminant of concern in aqueous streams is naproxen. Due to its poor solubility, non-biodegradability, and pharmaceutically active nature, the separation is challenging. Conventional solvents employed for naproxen are toxic and harmful. Ionic liquids (ILs) have attracted great attention as greener solubilizing and separating agent for various pharmaceuticals. ILs have found extensive usage as solvents in nanotechnological processes involving enzymatic reactions and whole cells. The employment of ILs can enhance the effectiveness and productivity of such bioprocesses. To avoid cumbersome experimental screening, in this study, conductor like screening model for real solvents (COSMO-RS) was used to screen ILs. Thirty anions and eight cations from various families were chosen. Activity coefficient at infinite dilution, capacity, selectivity, performance index, molecular interactions using σ-profiles and interaction energies were used to make predictions about solubility. According to the findings, quaternary ammonium cations, highly electronegative, and food-grade anions will form excellent ionic liquid combinations for solubilizing naproxen and hence will be better separating agents. This research will contribute easy designing of ionic liquid-based separation technologies for naproxen. In different separation technologies, ionic liquids can be employed as extractants, carriers, adsorbents, and absorbents.
    MeSH terms: Anions; Cations; Humans; Naproxen; Solvents; Water; Ionic Liquids*
  14. Vyshnevska IR, Storozhenko T, Kopytsya MP, Bila NV, Kis A, Kaaki M
    Wiad Lek, 2023;76(5 pt 1):911-919.
    PMID: 37326070 DOI: 10.36740/WLek202305104
    OBJECTIVE: The aim: To estimate the role of macrophage migration inhibitory factor and soluble ST2 in predicting the left ventricle remodeling six months after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

    PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: The study involved 134 ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients. Occurrence of post-percutaneous coronary (PCI) intervention epicardial blood flow of TIMI <3 or myocardial blush grade 0-1 along with ST resolution <70% within 2 hours after PCI was qualified as the no-reflow condition. Left ventricle remodeling was defined after 6-months as an increase in left ventricle end-diastolic volume and/or end-systolic volume by more than 10%.

    RESULTS: Results: A logistic regression formula was evaluated. Included biomarkers were macrophage migration inhibitory factor and sST2, left ventricle ejection fraction: Y=exp(-39.06+0.82EF+0.096ST2+0.0028MIF) / (1+exp(-39.06+0.82EF+0.096ST2+0.0028MIF)). The estimated range is from 0 to 1 point. Less than 0.5 determines an adverse outcome, and more than 0.5 is a good prognosis. This equation, with sensitivity of 77 % and specificity of 85%, could predict the development of adverse left ventricle remodeling six months after a coronary event (AUC=0.864, CI 0.673 to 0.966, p<0.05).

    CONCLUSION: Conclusions: A combination of biomarkers gives a significant predicting result in the formation of adverse left ventricular remodeling after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

    MeSH terms: Humans; Macrophage Migration-Inhibitory Factors*; Prospective Studies; Biomarkers; Ventricular Function, Left; Treatment Outcome; Ventricular Remodeling/physiology; Percutaneous Coronary Intervention*; ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction*
  15. Shaw SA, Lee C, Ahmadi M, Karim Shor Muluk H, Mohamed Jibril Z, Ahmadi L, et al.
    Int J Soc Psychiatry, 2023 Jun 16.
    PMID: 37326111 DOI: 10.1177/00207640231179323
    BACKGROUND: Among refugees residing in countries of first asylum, such as Malaysia, high rates of psychological distress call for creative intervention responses.

    AIMS: This study examines implementation of a Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) model promoting emotional well-being and access to services.

    METHOD: The one-session intervention was implemented in community settings by refugee facilitators during 2017 to 2020. 140 Participants including Afghan (n = 43), Rohingya (n = 41), and Somali (n = 56) refugees were randomized to receive either the intervention at baseline, or to a waitlist control group. At 30 days post-intervention, all participants completed a post-assessment. Additionally, after completing the intervention, participants provided feedback on SBIRT content and process.

    RESULTS: Findings indicate the intervention was feasible to implement. Among the full sample, Refugee Health Screening-15 emotional distress scores reduced significantly among participants in the intervention group when compared to those in the waitlist control group. Examining findings by nationality, only Afghan and Rohingya participants in the intervention condition experienced significant reductions in distress scores compared to their counterparts in the control condition. Examining intervention effects on service access outcomes, only Somali participants in the intervention condition experienced significant increases in service access compared to the control condition.

    CONCLUSIONS: Findings indicate the potential value of this SBIRT intervention, warranting further research.

  16. Ng MG, Chan BJL, Koh RY, Ng KY, Chye SM
    PMID: 37326115 DOI: 10.2174/1871527322666230616092054
    Parkinson's disease (PD) is a debilitating neurological disorder characterized by progressively worsening motor dysfunction. Currently, available therapies merely alleviate symptoms, and there are no cures. Consequently, some researchers have now shifted their attention to identifying the modifiable risk factors of PD, with the intention of possibly implementing early interventions to prevent the development of PD. Four primary risk factors for PD are discussed including environmental factors (pesticides and heavy metals), lifestyle (physical activity and dietary intake), drug abuse, and individual comorbidities. Additionally, clinical biomarkers, neuroimaging, biochemical biomarkers, and genetic biomarkers could also help to detect prodromal PD. This review compiled available evidence that illustrates the relationship between modifiable risk factors, biomarkers, and PD. In summary, we raise the distinct possibility of preventing PD via early interventions of the modifiable risk factors and early diagnosis.
  17. Rathinasamy V, Mohamad ET, Komoo I, Legiman MKA, Romanah NA, Hanapi MNB
    Environ Monit Assess, 2023 Jun 16;195(7):850.
    PMID: 37326879 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-11453-w
    Jurong Formation underlies part of Southern Johor Bahru which comprises well cemented and consolidated volcanic-sedimentary rocks. The study aims to assess quality and hydrogeochemistry of rock aquifer in Jurong Formation at Southern Johor Bahru which is mainly overlain by rhyolitic tuff. It also evaluates the differences in quality and hydrogeochemistry of rhyolitic tuff aquifer found in source and floodplain zones of South-West Johor Rivers Basin. In this study, a total of nine samples from four wells, namely TW1-TW4, were collected at foothills of Gunung Pulai (TW1) and Iskandar Puteri (TW2-TW4) in Southern Johor Bahru. The samples were examined for physiochemical parameters. The groundwater in the study area is fresh and non-saline with hardness of soft to hard. The pH of groundwater in source zone is significantly higher than in floodplain zone. Meanwhile, the hardness of groundwater in source zone is significantly lower than in other deep wells in floodplain zone as more calcite mineral is present. The concentration of manganese, iron and zinc is lower at source zone than floodplain zone. Three facies of water types were encountered during the study such as CaNaHCO3 in TW2, CaHCO3 in TW1 and TW3 and CaCl2 in TW4. The deep wells in floodplain zone are susceptible to saline intrusion. Finally, the groundwater quality in the study area is found to control by rock weathering especially silicates and carbonates, rainfall and proximity to seawater. This suggests the major control on groundwater chemistry is due to leaching of volcanic rocks and dissolution on calcite infillings. In conclusion, the groundwater is clean and safe in general although pH value is slightly acidic closer to straits and magnesium's presence in higher concentration at TW2.
    MeSH terms: Calcium Carbonate; Environmental Monitoring; Malaysia; Groundwater*; Water Quality
  18. Chen X, Al Mamun A, Hussain WMHW, Jingzu G, Yang Q, Shami SSAA
    PLoS One, 2023;18(6):e0287284.
    PMID: 37327240 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287284
    As the economy evolves and markets change after Covid-19, demand and competition in the labor market increase in China, and employees become increasingly concerned about their career opportunities, pay, and organizational commitment. This category of factors is often considered a key predictor of turnover intentions and job satisfaction, and it is important that companies and management have a good understanding of the factors that contribute to job satisfaction and turnover intentions. The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors that influence employees' job satisfaction and turnover intention and to examine the moderating role of employees' job autonomy. This cross-sectional study aimed to quantitatively assess the influence of perceived career development opportunity, perceived pay for performance, and affective organisational commitment on job satisfaction and turnover intention, as well as the moderating effect of job autonomy. An online survey, which involved 532 young workforce in China, was conducted. All data were subjected to partial least squares-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). The obtained results demonstrated the direct influence of perceived career development, perceived pay for performance, and affective organisational commitment on turnover intention. These three constructs were also found to have indirect influence on turnover intention through job satisfaction. Meanwhile, the moderating effect of job autonomy on the hypothesised relationships was not statistically significant. This study presented significant theoretical contributions on turnover intention in relation to the unique attributes of young workforce. The obtained findings may also benefit managers in their efforts of understanding the turnover intention of the workforce and promoting empowerment practices.
    MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Job Satisfaction; Personnel Turnover; Surveys and Questionnaires; Reimbursement, Incentive; Intention*
  19. Hajizadeh A, Heath L, Ahmad A, Kebbe M, Jebb SA, Aveyard P, et al.
    Soc Sci Med, 2023 Jul;329:115997.
    PMID: 37327596 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.115997
    Clinical trials have shown that providing advice and support for people with excess weight can lead to meaningful weight loss. Despite this evidence and guidelines endorsing this approach, provision in real-world clinical settings remains low. We used Strong Structuration Theory (SST) to understand why people are often not offered weight management advice in primary care in England. Data from policy, clinical practice and focus groups were analysed using SST to consider how the interplay between weight stigma and structures of professional responsibilities influenced clinicians to raise (or not) the issue of excess weight with patients. We found that general practitioners (GPs) often accounted for their actions by referring to obesity as a health problem, consistent with policy documents and clinical guidelines. However, they were also aware of weight stigma as a social process that can be internalised by their patients. GPs identified addressing obesity as a priority in their work, but described wanting to care for their patients by avoiding unnecessary suffering, which they were concerned could be caused by talking about weight. We observed tensions between knowledge of clinical guidelines and understanding of the lived experience of their patients. We interpreted that the practice of 'caring by not offering care' produced the outcome of an absence of weight management advice in consultations. There is a risk that this outcome reinforces the external structure of weight stigma as a delicate topic to be avoided, while at the same time denying patients the offer of support to manage their weight.
    MeSH terms: England; Humans; Primary Health Care; Referral and Consultation; Weight Gain; Weight Loss*
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