OBJECTIVE: This study examines the association between caffeine intake and obesity prevalence in children and adolescents aged 2 to 19.
METHODS: This study used the database from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 2011-2020 March) to perform a cross-sectional study. A total of 10,001 classified children and adolescents were included in this analysis. All data were survey-weighted, and corresponding logistic regression models were performed to examine the associations between caffeine intake and the prevalence of obesity.
RESULTS: In a fully adjusted model, a per-quartile increase in caffeine intake was associated with a 0.05% increased prevalence of obesity. In the subgroup analysis, the multivariate-adjusted ORs (95% CIs) of the prevalence of obesity for per-quartile 1.3497 (1.2014, 1.5163) increments in caffeine intake were 1.5961 (1.3127, 1.9406) for boys and 1.4418 (1.1861, 1.7525) for girls, 1.5807 (1.3131, 1.9027) for white race and 1.3181 (1.0613, 1.6370), 1.0500 (0.6676, 1.6515) for the age of 2-5, 1.4996 (1.1997, 1.8745) for the age of 6-12, and 1.2321 (0.9924, 1597) for the age of 13-19.
CONCLUSION: The study suggested that higher caffeine intake may have a protective effect against obesity in specific subgroups, particularly among no overweight individuals. However, the association was not significant in other groups, indicating the need for a nuanced understanding of caffeine's impact on obesity in diverse populations.
METHODS: In a phase 3, international, randomized trial, we assigned, in a 2:2:1 ratio, patients with previously untreated EGFR-mutated (exon 19 deletion or L858R), locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC to receive amivantamab-lazertinib (in an open-label fashion), osimertinib (in a blinded fashion), or lazertinib (in a blinded fashion, to assess the contribution of treatment components). The primary end point was progression-free survival in the amivantamab-lazertinib group as compared with the osimertinib group, as assessed by blinded independent central review.
RESULTS: Overall, 1074 patients underwent randomization (429 to amivantamab-lazertinib, 429 to osimertinib, and 216 to lazertinib). The median progression-free survival was significantly longer in the amivantamab-lazertinib group than in the osimertinib group (23.7 vs. 16.6 months; hazard ratio for disease progression or death, 0.70; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.58 to 0.85; P<0.001). An objective response was observed in 86% of the patients (95% CI, 83 to 89) in the amivantamab-lazertinib group and in 85% of those (95% CI, 81 to 88) in the osimertinib group; among patients with a confirmed response (336 in the amivantamab-lazertinib group and 314 in the osimertinib group), the median response duration was 25.8 months (95% CI, 20.1 to could not be estimated) and 16.8 months (95% CI, 14.8 to 18.5), respectively. In a planned interim overall survival analysis of amivantamab-lazertinib as compared with osimertinib, the hazard ratio for death was 0.80 (95% CI, 0.61 to 1.05). Predominant adverse events were EGFR-related toxic effects. The incidence of discontinuation of all agents due to treatment-related adverse events was 10% with amivantamab-lazertinib and 3% with osimertinib.
CONCLUSIONS: Amivantamab-lazertinib showed superior efficacy to osimertinib as first-line treatment in EGFR-mutated advanced NSCLC. (Funded by Janssen Research and Development; MARIPOSA ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT04487080.).
DESIGNS: A sequential explanatory mixed-methods study was conducted, starting with a cross-sectional quantitative phase using a self-administered online questionnaire that adapted previous instruments to the current setting based on Human, Organisation, Technology-Fit and Technology Acceptance Model frameworks, followed by a qualitative phase using in-depth interviews. However, this article explicitly emphasises the quantitative phase.
SETTING: The study was conducted in five MOH hospitals with THIS technology from five zones.
PARTICIPANTS: Prior to the quantitative field study, rigorous procedures including content, criterion and face validation, translation, pilot testing and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) were undertaken, resulting in a refined questionnaire consisting of 41 items. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was then performed on data collected from 343 respondents selected via stratified random sampling to validate the measurement model.
RESULTS: The study found satisfactory Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin model levels, significant Bartlett's test of sphericity, satisfactory factor loadings (>0.6) and high internal reliability for each item. One item was eliminated during EFA, and organisational characteristics construct was refined into two components. The study confirms unidimensionality, construct validity, convergent validity, discriminant validity and composite reliability through CFA. After the instrument's validity, reliability and normality have been established, the questionnaire is validated and deemed operational.
CONCLUSION: By elucidating critical success factor and acceptance of Casemix, this research informs strategies for enhancing its implementation within the THIS environment. Moving forward, the validated instrument will serve as a valuable tool in future research endeavours aimed at evaluating the adoption of the Casemix system within THIS, addressing a notable gap in current literature.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 200 randomly selected commercial motorcyclists was conducted in May 2021. A chi-square test and multivariate analysis were used to analyze data.
RESULTS: The findings showed that most participants had a poor knowledge level (87.5 %), positive attitudes (74.5%), and poor self-reported practice (51.5%). Previous first-aid training and knowing an emergency call number for the police were predictors of good knowledge (AOR = 3.7064; 95% CI, 1.379-9.956 and AOR = 6.132; 95% CI,1.735-21.669, respectively). Previous first-aid training was also a predictor of positive attitudes (AOR = 3.087; 95% CI, 1.033-9.225). Moreover, the likelihood of having an excellent self-reported practice was less among participants under 40 years of age (AOR = 0.404; 95% CI, 0.182-0.897) and those who cared for up to five victims (AOR = 0.523; 95% CI, 0.282-0.969). Contrary, previous first-aid training (AOR = 2.410; 95% CI, 1.056-5.499) and educational level from high school and above increased the odds of having good self-reported practice (AOR = 2.533; 95% CI, 1.260-5.092).
CONCLUSION: Considering the study findings, training should be provided to improve the knowledge and skills of commercial motorcyclists since they are among the primary road users in Rwanda and involved in RTCs.
METHODS: A convenience sample of 39 Year 3 dental students (25 women and 14 men, mean age = 22) enrolled in a Bachelor of Dental Surgery program at a private dental school in Malaysia participated in a week-long Padlet-based peer feedback activity focused on periodontics. Thematic analysis was conducted on student interactions and reflections collected from Padlet posts and individual student reflections.
RESULTS: The study yielded promising outcomes. Padlet's asynchronous and anonymous nature fostered in-depth discussions, broader participation, and constructive feedback. Students reported a boost in confidence, increased engagement, and a sense of camaraderie. Thematic analysis revealed the successful application of Nicol and MacFarlane's feedback principles, including clarifying expectations, promoting self-assessment, facilitating teacher-student dialogue, and encouraging reflection and action.
CONCLUSION: The findings of this study suggest that Padlet, with its unique features, offers a valuable tool for educators seeking to foster collaborative learning and feedback literacy in dental education. Padlet's affordances can significantly enhance collaborative learning and feedback literacy, promoting a trusting environment for student-centered learning and self-regulation in dental education. The study's findings suggest that Padlet can foster cognitive flexibility, allowing students to consider multiple perspectives and adapt their thinking. The platform's asynchronous nature and anonymity feature appeared to contribute to a sense of community and psychological safety, fostering trust among students. The findings of this study have practical implications for educators seeking to implement effective feedback practices and leverage technology to create engaging learning experiences that foster trust, collaboration, and, ultimately, student success.
METHODS: Bactericidal effect of GO against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, antioxidant activity, and hydroxyapatite-like bone layer formation, gene expression analysis and appropriate biodegradation of the microbe-mediated synthesis of graphene was studied.
RESULTS: Isolated extracellular contents Streptomyces achromogenes sub sp rubradiris reduced nano-GO to graphene (rGO), which was further examined by spectrometry and suggested an efficient conversion and significant reduction in the intensity of all oxygen-containing moieties and shifted crystalline peaks. Electron microscopic results also suggested the reduction of GO layer. In addition, absence of significant toxicity in MG-63 cell line, intentional free radical scavenging prowess, liver and kidney histopathology, and Wistar rat bone regeneration through modulation of OPG/RANKL/RUNX2/ALP pathways show the feasibility of the prepared nano GO.
CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrates the successful synthesis of biographene from actinobacterial extracellular metabolites, its potential biomedical applications, and its promising role in addressing health and environmental concerns.
METHODS AND RESULTS: Streptomyces rochei SSCM102 was conclusively identified through morphological and molecular characterization. Synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from Streptomyces rochei SSCM102 was characterized using various techniques, including UV-Vis, XRD, SEM, EDX, and FT-IR. The UV-Vis spectrum of the reduced AgNPs exhibited a prominent peak at 380 nm, confirming the AgNPs. The UV-Vis spectrum confirmed the synthesis of AgNP, and SEM analysis revealed a cubic morphology with sizes ranging from 11 to 21 nm. The FTIR spectrum demonstrated a shift in frequency widths between 626 cm-1 and 3432 cm-1. The EDX analysis substantiated the presence of metallic silver, evident from a strong band at 1.44 keV. The synthesized AgNPs exhibited antibacterial efficacy against human pathogens Escherichia coli (64 ± 0.32 µg/ml), Klebsiella pneumoniae (32 ± 0.16 µg/ml), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (16 ± 0.08 µg/ml) by MIC and MBC values of 128 ± 0.64 (µg/ml), 64 ± 0.32 (µg/ml) and 32 ± 0.16 (µg/ml), respectively. Additionally, at a concentration of 400 µg/ml, the AgNPs displayed a 72% inhibition of DPPH radicals, indicating notable antioxidant capacity. The LC50 value of 130 µg/mL indicates that the green-synthesized AgNPs have lower toxicity by Brine Shrimp Larvae assay.
CONCLUSION: The study's novel approach to synthesizing eco-friendly silver nanoparticles using Halophilic Streptomyces rochei SSCM102 contributes significantly to the field of biomedical research and drug development. By demonstrating potent antibacterial properties and aligning with sustainability goals, these nanoparticles offer promising avenues for novel antibacterial therapies.
METHODS AND RESULTS: This study utilized different enrichment activities which catered for food, sensory, and cognitive enrichment. Eleven fresh fecal samples from captive Malayan tigers at Zoo Melaka and Night Safari were collected under different conditions. All samples were extracted and 16S rRNA V3-V4 region amplicon sequencing was used to characterize the gut microbiome of captive Malayan tigers subjected to various enrichment activities. Firmicutes, Actinobacteriota, and Fusobacteriota were the dominant phyla observed in the gut microbiome of captive Malayan tigers during enrichment activities. This study revealed β-diversity significantly varied between normal and enrichment phase, however no significant differences were observed in α-diversity. This study demonstrates that environmental enrichment improves the gut microbiome of Malayan tigers because gut microbes such as Lachnoclostridium, which has anti-inflammatory effects and helps maintain homeostasis, and Romboutsia, which has a probiotic effect on the gut microbiome.
CONCLUSIONS: This study provides valuable insights into the effects of enrichment activities on the gut microbiome of captive Malayan tigers, offering guidance for enhancing captive management practices aimed at promoting the health and well-being of Malayan tiger in captivity.
METHODS AND RESULTS: This study investigated the roles of two ILs, IL-8 and IL⍺, in TRAIL resistance in CRC. TRAIL-resistant HT-29 and TRAIL-sensitive HCT 116 cells, were treated with human recombinant IL-8 and IL-1⍺. The results indicated that treatment with IL-8 (2.5 ng/mL) significantly protected TRAIL-sensitive HCT 116 cells from TRAIL-induced cell death (p
METHOD: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among university undergraduate students in Nigeria. The study consisted of 300 participants in the EFA (males 55.7%, females 44.3%) and 430 participants in the CFA (males 54.0%, females 46.0%). Participants were selected using a convenience sampling approach to assess their perceptions regarding SDH. Content Validity Index (CVI), Face Validity Index (FVI), Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), Composite Reliability (CR), Average Variance Extracted (AVE), Cronbach's alpha, and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) were computed to determine the psychometric properties of the newly developed SDH scale.
RESULTS: In the EFA, two factors were extracted (structural determinants of SDH and intermediary determinants of SDH), with all 20 items retained. The total variance explained by the EFA model was 61.8%, and the factor correlation was 0.178. The Cronbach's alpha values of the two factors were 0.917 and 0.939. In the CFA, the initial model did not fit the data well based on fit indices. After several re-specification of the model, the final re-specified measurement model demonstrated adequate fit factor structure of the SDH scale with two factors and 20 items (CFI = 0.943, TLI = 0.930, SRMR = 0.056, RMSEA = 0.053, RMSEA p-value = 0.220). The CR was 0.797 for structural determinants of SDH and 0.794 for intermediary determinants of SDH. The ICC was 0.938 for structural determinants of SDH and 0.941 for intermediary determinants of SDH.
CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that the SDH scale has adequate psychometric properties and can be used to assess the perceived level of SDH. We recommended that this tool be tested in other populations with diverse age groups and other demographic characteristics.
METHODS AND RESULTS: Gene annotation of PbTS revealed that the inferred peptide sequence of PbTS comprises 1,680 bp nucleotides encoding 559 amino acids with an estimated molecular mass of 65.2 kDa and a pI value of 5.4. A similarity search against GenBank showed that PbTS shares similarities with the previously published partial sequence of P. bellina (ABW98504.1) and Phalaenopsis equestris (XP_020597359.1 and ABW98503.1). Intriguingly, the phylogenetic analysis places the PbTS gene within the TPS-a group. In silico analysis of PbTS demonstrated stable interactions with farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP), geranyl pyrophosphate (GPP), and geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP). To verify this activity, an in vitro enzyme assay was performed on the PbTS recombinant protein, which successfully converted FPP, GPP, and GGPP into acyclic sesquiterpene β-farnesene, yielding approximately 0.03 mg/L. Expressional analysis revealed that the PbTS transcript was highly expressed in P. bellina, but its level did not correlate with β-farnesene levels across various flowering time points and stages.
CONCLUSION: The insights gained from this study will enhance the understanding of terpenoid production in P. bellina and aid in the discovery of novel fragrance-related genes in other orchid species.
METHODS: The mammalian expression plasmid pCMV-p16INK4a was used to induce p16INK4a overexpression in THP-1 macrophages. Next, wild-type and p16INK4a-overexpressed macrophages were incubated with oxidized LDL to induce foam cells formation. Lipids accumulation was evaluated using Oil-red-O staining and cholesterol efflux assay, as well as expression of scavenger receptors CD36 and LOX-1. Cellular senescence in macrophage foam cells were determined through analysis of senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity and other SASP factors expression. Meanwhile, autophagy induction was assessed through detection of autophagosome formation and LC3B/p62 markers expression.
RESULTS: The findings showed that p16INK4a enhanced foam cells formation with increased scavenger receptors CD36 and LOX-1 expression and reduced cholesterol efflux in THP-1 macrophages. Besides, β-galactosidase activity was enhanced, and SASP factors such as IL-1α, TNF-α, and MMP9 were up-regulated. In addition, p16INK4a is also shown to induce autophagy, as well as increasing autophagy markers LC3B and p62 expression.
CONCLUSIONS: This study provides insights on p16INK4a in mediating macrophages foam cells formation, cellular senescence, and foam cells formation.
METHODS: This systematic review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria. A total of 488 studies were identified from five databases namely Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, and PsycINFO with 30 articles meeting the inclusion criteria. Covidence tool is used for screening and data extraction.
RESULTS: The findings highlighted six major themes as significant predictors of poor mental health among educators in Malaysia were work-family conflict and demands, pandemic impact, work environment, physical health, personality traits, and workload.
CONCLUSIONS: The outcomes of this review support future policy research on academic well-being, aiming to improve work-life balance for educators. Stakeholders can work towards creating a more supportive, productive, and sustainable academic environment in Malaysia.
OBJECTIVE: This study aims to examine the changes in the prevalence of GDM between 2016 and 2022 and its determining factors.
METHODS: The data analysed in this study were derived from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2016 and 2022, a nationwide study employing a two-stage stratified random sampling design in Malaysia. Changes in the prevalence were compared between data from NHMS 2016 and 2022, while factors were evaluated based on data from NHMS 2022. Descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed using IBM SPSS version 27.
RESULTS: The prevalence of GDM increased from 12.5% in 2016 to 27.1% in 2022. In both years, the prevalence was highest among those aged 44-49 years, those of Indian ethnicity, those in higher income groups and those with higher education levels. Advanced maternal age, high body mass index (BMI) and hypertension were associated with a greater risk of GDM.
CONCLUSION: The prevalence of GDM among the Malaysian population doubled from 2016 to 2022. The findings underscore the importance of implementing targeted programs for expectant mothers in high-risk groups to mitigate the incidence of GDM and its associated morbidities.
METHODS: This study adopted the mixed-method approach using both qualitative and quantitative data. The qualitative study relied on two data collection methods to explore the impacts of COVID-19 control measures on women and children in Ghana. These were: Focus Group Discussions (FGDs; n = 12) and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs; n = 18). The study complemented the qualitative data with survey data - household surveys (n = 78) which were used to support the nutrition and school closure data; and policy data gathered from government websites consisting of government responses to COVID-19. The qualitative data was analysed using the thematic approach with codes generated apriori with the NVIVO software. The quantitative data used percentages and frequencies.
RESULTS: Engagements with participants in the study revealed that the lockdown measures implemented in Ghana had consequences on child and maternal health, and the health care system as a whole. Our study revealed, for example, that there was a decrease in antenatal and postnatal attendance in hospitals. Childhood vaccinations also came to a halt. Obesity and malnutrition were found to be common among children depending on the location of our study participants (urban and rural areas respectively). Our study also revealed that TB, Malaria and HIV treatment seeking reduced due to the fear of going to health facilities since those ailments manifest similar symptoms as COVID 19.
CONCLUSION: Government responded to COVID-19 using different strategies however the policy response resulted in both intended and unintended consequences especially for women and children in Ghana. It is recommended that national policy directions should ensure the continuous provision of child and maternal healthcare services which are essential health services during lockdowns.