Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 33 in total

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  1. Challenges faced by nurses in managing pain in a critical care setting
    Subramanian P, Allcock N, James V, Lathlean J
    J Clin Nurs, 2012 May;21(9-10):1254-62.
    PMID: 21777315 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2702.2011.03789.x
    To explore nurses' challenges in managing pain among ill patients in critical care.
  2. Fulltext Impact of education on ventilator-associated pneumonia in the intensive care unit
    Subramanian P, Choy KL, Gobal SV, Mansor M, Ng KH
    Singapore Med J, 2013 May;54(5):281-4.
    PMID: 23716155
    INTRODUCTION: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a common risk among critically ill ventilated patients. This study aimed to investigate the effects of nurse-led education on: (a) knowledge of and compliance with ventilator care bundle (VCB) practices among intensive care unit (ICU) nurses; and (b) reduction in the rates of VAP post intervention.

    METHODS: A quasi-experimental design with pretest-posttest evaluation and observation was used to investigate nurses' knowledge of and compliance with VCB practices, and the incidence of VAP. The study was conducted among 71 nurses, and the intervention involved structured education on VAP and its prevention using VCB in an ICU setting. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

    RESULTS: Nurse-led education significantly increased nurses' knowledge of (t[70] = -36.19; p < 0.001) and compliance with (t[65] = -21.41; p < 0.001) VCB practices. The incidence of VAP, which was 39 per 1,000 ventilator days during the two-month period before intervention, dropped to 15 per 1,000 ventilator days during the two-month period following intervention.

    CONCLUSION: Our findings show that nurse-led education on VAP and VCB significantly increased knowledge of and compliance with VCB practices among ICU nurses, and was associated with a reduction in the incidence of VAP among intubated and mechanically ventilated ICU patients. Inclusion of recent knowledge and evidence-based VCB guidelines for VAP prevention when educating anaesthetists, nurses, physiotherapists and other healthcare providers in the critical care setting is recommended.
  3. Fulltext Perceived susceptibility, and cervical cancer screening benefits and barriers in malaysian women visiting outpatient clinics
    Baskaran P, Subramanian P, Rahman RA, Ping WL, Mohd Taib NA, Rosli R
    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2013;14(12):7693-9.
    PMID: 24460355
    AIMS: A main reason for increasing incidence of cervical cancer worldwide is the lack of regular cervical cancer screening. Coverage and uptake remain major challenges and it is crucial to determine the perceived susceptibility to cervical cancer, as well as the benefits of, and barriers to, cervical cancer screening among women.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 369 women attending an outpatient centre in Malaysia and data were collected by administering a self-report questionnaire.

    RESULTS: The majority of the participants (265, 71.8%) showed good level of perception of their susceptibility to cervical cancer. Almost all responded positively to four statements about the perceived benefits of cervical cancer screening (agree, 23.1% or strongly agree, 52.5%), whereas negative responses were received from most of the participants (agree, 29.9%or strongly agree, 14.6 %) about the eleven statements on perceived barriers. Significant associations were observed between age and perceived susceptibility(x2=9.030, p=0.029); between employment status (p<0.001) as well as ethnicity and perceived benefits (p<0.05 [P=0.003]); and between education and perceived barriers to cervical cancer screening (p<0.001).

    CONCLUSIONS: Perceived susceptibility, including knowledge levels and personal risk assessment, should be emphasized through education and awareness campaigns to improve uptake of cervical cancer screening in Malaysia.
  4. Fulltext Breast cancer knowledge and screening behaviour among women with a positive family history: a cross sectional study
    Subramanian P, Oranye NO, Masri AM, Taib NA, Ahmad N
    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2013;14(11):6783-90.
    PMID: 24377606
    BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the commonest type of cancer among women, and in Malaysia 50-60% of the new cases are being detected at late stages. Do age, education level, income, ethnicity, relationship with breast cancer patients and knowledge of breast cancer risk factors influence breast screening practices? This study revealed interesting but significant differences.

    OBJECTIVES: To assess the knowledge of breast cancer risk factors and early detection measures among women in a high risk group.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross sectional survey of one hundred and thirty one women relatives of breast cancer patients was carried out. Participants were selected through purposive sampling, during hospital visits. A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection.

    RESULTS: The majority of the respondents (71%) had poor knowledge of the risk factors for breast cancer. Income, relationship with a patient and practise of breast cancer screening predicted performance of mammography, R2=0.467, F=12.568, p<0.0001.

    CONCLUSIONS: The finding shows inadequate knowledge of breast cancer risk factors and poor cancer screening practise among women with family history of breast cancer. Poor knowledge and practise of breast screening are likely to lead to late stage presentation of breast cancer disease. Some important predictors of breast cancer screening behaviour among women with positive family history of breast cancer were identified. An understanding of the strengths and significance of the association between these factors and breast screening behaviour is vital for developing more targeted breast health promotion.
  5. Role of Bacopa monnieri in the temporal regulation of oxidative stress in clock mutant (cryb) of Drosophila melanogaster
    Subramanian P, Prasanna V, Jayapalan JJ, Abdul Rahman PS, Hashim OH
    J Insect Physiol, 2014 Jun;65:37-44.
    PMID: 24780191 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2014.04.005
    Accruing evidences imply that circadian organization of biochemical, endocrinological, cellular and physiological processes contribute to wellness of organisms and in the development of pathologies such as malignancy, sleep and endocrine disorders. Oxidative stress is known to mediate a number of diseases and it is notable to comprehend the orchestration of circadian clock of a model organism of circadian biology, Drosophila melanogaster, under oxidative stress. We investigated the nexus between circadian clock and oxidative stress susceptibility by exposing D. melanogaster to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) or rotenone; the reversibility of rhythms following exposure to Bacopa monnieri extract (ayurvedic medicine rich in antioxidants) was also investigated. Abolishment of 24h rhythms in physiological response (negative geotaxis), oxidative stress markers (protein carbonyl and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) and antioxidants (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione-S-transferase and reduced glutathione) were observed under oxidative stress. Furthermore, abolishment of per mRNA rhythm in H2O2 treated wild type flies and augmented susceptibility to oxidative stress in clock mutant (cry(b)) flies connotes the role of circadian clock in reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis. Significant reversibility of rhythms was noted following B. monnieri treatment in wild type flies than cry(b) flies. Our experimental approach revealed a relationship involving oxidative stress and circadian clock in fruit fly and the utility of Drosophila model in screening putative antioxidative phytomedicines prior to their use in mammalian systems.
  6. Fulltext Preliminary study of an exercise programme for reducing fatigue and improving sleep among long-term haemodialysis patients
    Maniam R, Subramanian P, Singh SK, Lim SK, Chinna K, Rosli R
    Singapore Med J, 2014 Sep;55(9):476-82.
    PMID: 25273932
    INTRODUCTION: Fatigue and quality of sleep are the main factors that contribute to a poor quality of life among patients on long-term haemodialysis. Studies have also emphasised the importance of exercise for improving the wellbeing of dialysis patients. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of a predialysis low-to-moderate-intensity exercise programme for reducing fatigue and improving sleep disorders among long-term haemodialysis patients.

    METHODS: In this quasi-experimental study, an exercise programme was conducted three times a week for 12 weeks before long-term haemodialysis patients underwent dialysis at two centres. The patients were categorised into either the exercise group (n = 28) or control group (n = 27). The latter was asked to maintain their current lifestyles. Assessments of fatigue and sleep disorder levels were performed for both groups using self-reported questionnaires at baseline and after intervention. The patients' perception of the exercise programme was also determined using self-reported questionnaires.

    RESULTS: Paired sample t-test indicated improvements in fatigue level in the exercise group (mean fatigue score: post-treatment 40.5 ± 7.9 vs. pre-treatment 30.0 ± 10.9). Improvements in sleep disorders were also observed in the exercise group (mean score: post-treatment 7.6 ± 3.3 vs. pre-treatment 10.1 ± 3.8). However, sleep quality deteriorated in the control group (mean score: post-treatment 10.7 ± 2.9 vs. pre-treatment 9.3 ± 2.9).

    CONCLUSION: Simple low-to-moderate-intensity exercise is effective for improving fatigue, sleep disorders and the overall quality of life among haemodialysis patients.
  7. Chronotherapeutic effect of fisetin on expression of urea cycle enzymes and inflammatory markers in hyperammonaemic rats
    Subramanian P, Jayakumar M, Jayapalan JJ, Hashim OH
    Pharmacol Rep, 2014 Dec;66(6):1037-42.
    PMID: 25443732 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharep.2014.06.018
    BACKGROUND: Elevated blood ammonia leads to hyperammonaemia that affects vital central nervous system (CNS) functions. Fisetin, a naturally occurring flavonoid, exhibits therapeutic benefits, such as anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-oxidant, anti-angiogenic, neuroprotective and neurotrophic effects.

    METHODS: In this study, the chronotherapeutic effect of fisetin on ammonium chloride (AC)-induced hyperammonaemic rats was investigated, to ascertain the time point at which the maximum drug effect is achieved. The anti-hyperammonaemic potential of fisetin (50mg/kg b.w. oral) was analysed when administered to AC treated (100mg/kg b.w. i.p.) rats at 06:00, 12:00, 18:00 and 00:00h. Amelioration of pathophysiological conditions by fisetin at different time points was measured by analysing the levels of expression of liver urea cycle enzymes (carbamoyl phosphate synthetase-I (CPS-I), ornithine transcarbamoylase (OTC) and argininosuccinate synthetase (ASS)), nuclear transcription factor kappaB (NF-κB p65), brain glutamine synthetase (GS) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) by Western blot analysis.

    RESULTS: Fisetin increased the expression of CPS-I, OTC, ASS and GS and decreased iNOS and NF-κB p65 in hyperammonaemic rats. Fisetin administration at 00:00h showed more significant effects on the expression of liver and brain markers, compared with other time points.

    CONCLUSIONS: Fisetin could exhibit anti-hyperammonaemic effect owing to its anti-oxidant and cytoprotective influences. The temporal variation in the effect of fisetin could be due to the (i) chronopharmacological, chronopharmacokinetic properties of fisetin and (ii) modulations in the endogenous circadian rhythms of urea cycle enzymes, brain markers, redox enzymes and renal clearance during hyperammonaemia by fisetin. However, future studies in these lines are necessitated.

  8. Fulltext The Use of the Self-Standing Turning Transfer Device to Perform Bed-To-Chair Transfers Reduces Physical Stress among Caregivers of Older Patients in a Middle-Income Developing Country
    Goh CH, Muslimah Y, Ng SC, Subramanian P, Tan MP
    Front Med (Lausanne), 2014;1:32.
    PMID: 25593906 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2014.00032
    Manual transfer of elderly patients remains commonplace in many developing countries because the use of lifting equipment, such as hoists, is often considered unaffordable luxuries. The aim of this study was, therefore, to evaluate the usage and potential benefits of a low-cost, mechanical turning transfer device among elderly patients and their caregivers on a geriatric ward in a developing country in South East Asia. Fifty-six inpatients, aged 66-92 years, on a geriatric ward, and their caregivers were recruited. Participants were asked to transfer from bed-to-chair transfer with manual assistance, and the task was repeated using the Self-standing Turning Transfer Device (STurDi). The time taken to perform manual transfers and STurDi-assisted transfers was recorded. Physical strain was assessed using the perceived physical stress-rating tool for caregivers with and without the use of the device. User satisfaction was evaluated using the usefulness, satisfaction, and ease of use questionnaire. There was a significant reduction in transfer-time with manual transfers compared to STurDi-assisted transfers [mean (SD) = 48.39 (13.98) vs. 36.23 (10.96); p ≤ 0.001]. The physical stress rating was significantly lower in STurDi-aided transfers compared to manual transfers, shoulder [median (interquartile range) = 0 (1) vs. 4 (3); p = 0.001], upper back [0 (0) vs. 5 (4); p = 0.001], lower back [0 (1) vs. 5 (3), p = 0.001], whole body [1 (2) vs. 4 (3), p = 0.001], and knee [0 (1) vs. 1 (4), p = 0.001]. In addition, majority of patients and caregivers definitely or strongly agreed that the device was useful, saved time, and was easy to use. We have therefore demonstrated in a setting where manual handling was commonly performed that a low-cost mechanical transfer device reduced caregiver strain and was well received by older patients and caregivers.
  9. The effect of facilitated tucking on procedural pain control among premature babies
    Lopez O, Subramanian P, Rahmat N, Theam LC, Chinna K, Rosli R
    J Clin Nurs, 2015 Jan;24(1-2):183-91.
    PMID: 25060423 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.12657
    To determine the effectiveness of facilitated tucking in reducing pain when venepuncture is being performed on preterm infants.
  10. The effects of acupressure on depression, anxiety and stress in patients with hemodialysis: a randomized controlled trial
    Hmwe NT, Subramanian P, Tan LP, Chong WK
    Int J Nurs Stud, 2015 Feb;52(2):509-18.
    PMID: 25468282 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2014.11.002
    Patients with end stage renal disease on hemodialysis are affected by physiological and psychological stressors, which contribute to poor quality of life and negative clinical outcomes. Depression, anxiety, and stress are highly prevalent in this population. Effective interventional strategies are required to manage these psychological symptoms. Acupressure has been believed to be one of the complementary therapies that could promote psychological wellbeing.
  11. Effect of a reminder system using an automated short message service on medication adherence following acute coronary syndrome
    Khonsari S, Subramanian P, Chinna K, Latif LA, Ling LW, Gholami O
    Eur J Cardiovasc Nurs, 2015 Apr;14(2):170-9.
    PMID: 24491349 DOI: 10.1177/1474515114521910
    Medication non-adherence leads to a vast range of negative outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease. An automated web-based system managing short message service (SMS) reminders is a telemedicine approach to optimise adherence among patients who frequently forget to take their medications or miss the timing.
  12. Fulltext Pain assessment using self-reported, nurse-reported, and observational pain assessment tools among older individuals with cognitive impairment
    Ngu SS, Tan MP, Subramanian P, Abdul Rahman R, Kamaruzzaman S, Chin AV, et al.
    Pain Manag Nurs, 2015 Aug;16(4):595-601.
    PMID: 26088939 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmn.2014.12.002
    Pain assessment in older individuals with cognitive impairment is challenging. Evidence on the performance of pain assessment tools in this population remains limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of self-reported pain, nurse-reported pain, and observational pain tools among older patients with cognitive impairment using a prospective observational design. In all, 152 older individuals admitted to the acute geriatric ward were recruited through convenience sampling. Three methods of pain assessment were compared: self-reported pain (SRP), observational pain using the Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia (PAINAD) tool, and nurse-reported pain (NRP). Cognition and mood were assessed with the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15). There was moderate agreement between SRP and PAINAD (k = 0.438) and fair agreement between SRP and NRP (k = 0.263). There was statistically significant correlation between SRP and GDS-15 (r = 0.382, p p = .824). These results suggest that the use of an observational pain scale would be helpful in pain assessment among older individuals when the ability to report pain is not possible. However, self-reported assessments should be attempted first for cognitively impaired patients.
  13. Symptom experiences and coping strategies among multi- ethnic solid tumor patients undergoing chemotherapy in Malaysia
    Yahaya NA, Subramanian P, Bustam AZ, Taib NA
    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2015;16(2):723-30.
    PMID: 25684515
    BACKGROUND: This study was performed to assess patient symptoms prevalence, frequency and severity, as well as distress and coping strategies used, and to identify the relationships between coping strategies and psychological and physical symptoms distress and demographic data of cancer patients. This cross-sectional descriptive study involved a total of 268 cancer patients with various types of cancer and chemotherapy identified in the oncology unit of an urban tertiary hospital.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were collected using questionnaires (demographic questionnaire, Medical characteristics, Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale (MSAS) and Brief COPE scales and analyzed for demographic, and disease-related variable effects on symptom prevalence, severity, distress and coping strategies.

    RESULTS: Symptom prevalence was relatively high and ranged from 14.9% for swelling of arms and legs to 88.1% for lack of energy. This latter was the highest rated symptom in the study. The level of distress was found to be low in three domains. Problem-focused coping strategies were found to be more commonly employed compared to emotion-focused strategies, demonstrating significant associations with sex, age group, educational levels and race. However, there was a positive correlation between emotion-focused strategies and physical and psychological distress, indicating that patients would choose emotion-focused strategies when symptom distress increased.

    CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate that high symptom prevalence rates and coping strategies used render an improvement in current nursing management. Therefore development of symptoms management groups, encouraging the use of self-care diaries and enhancing the quality of psycho- oncology services provided are to be recommended.

  14. Fulltext Chemical composition, antifeedant, repellent, and toxicity activities of the rhizomes of galangal, Alpinia galanga against Asian subterranean termites, Coptotermes gestroi and Coptotermes curvignathus (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)
    Abdullah F, Subramanian P, Ibrahim H, Abdul Malek SN, Lee GS, Hong SL
    J Insect Sci, 2015;15(1):175.
    PMID: 25688085 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/ieu175
    Dual choice bioassays were used to evaluate the antifeedant property of essential oil and methanolic extract of Alpinia galanga (L.) (locally known as lengkuas) against two species of termites, Coptotermes gestroi (Wasmann) and Coptotermes curvignathus (Holmgren) (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae). A 4-cm-diameter paper disc treated with A. galanga essential oil and another treated with either methanol or hexane as control were placed in a petri dish with 10 termites. Mean consumption of paper discs (miligram) treated with 2,000 ppm of essential oil by C. gestroi was 3.30 ± 0.24 mg and by C. curvignathus was 3.32 ± 0.24 mg. A. galanga essential oil showed significant difference in antifeedant effect, 2,000 ppm of A. galanga essential oil was considered to be the optimum concentration that gave maximum antifeedant effect. The essential oil composition was determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The major component of the essential oil was 1,8-cineol (61.9%). Antifeedant bioassay using 500 ppm of 1,8-cineol showed significant reduction in paper consumption by both termite species. Thus, the bioactive agent in A. galangal essential oil causing antifeeding activity was identified as 1,8-cineol. Repellent activity shows that 250 ppm of 1,8-cineol caused 50.00 ± 4.47% repellency for C. gestroi, whereas for C. curvignathus 750 ppm of 1,8-cineol was needed to cause similar repellent activity (56.67 ± 3.33%). C. curvignathus is more susceptible compare to C. gestroi in Contact Toxicity study, the lethal dose (LD50) of C. curvignathus was 945 mg/kg, whereas LD50 value for C. gestroi was 1,102 mg/kg. Hence 1,8-cineol may be developed as an alternative control against termite in sustainable agriculture practices.
  15. Cognitive assessment tools in Asia: a systematic review
    Rosli R, Tan MP, Gray WK, Subramanian P, Chin AV
    Int Psychogeriatr, 2016 Feb;28(2):189-210.
    PMID: 26450414 DOI: 10.1017/S1041610215001635
    The prevalence of dementia is increasing in Asia than in any other continent. However, the applicability of the existing cognitive assessment tools is limited by differences in educational and cultural factors in this setting. We conducted a systematic review of published studies on cognitive assessments tools in Asia. We aimed to rationalize the results of available studies which evaluated the validity of cognitive tools for the detection of cognitive impairment and to identify the issues surrounding the available cognitive impairment screening tools in Asia.
  16. Pain experience and satisfaction with postoperative pain control among surgical patients
    Subramanian P, Ramasamy S, Ng KH, Chinna K, Rosli R
    Int J Nurs Pract, 2016 Jun;22(3):232-8.
    PMID: 25355297 DOI: 10.1111/ijn.12363
    Alleviating acute pain and providing pain relief are central to caring for surgical patients as pain can lead to many adverse medical consequences. This study aimed to explore patients' experience of pain and satisfaction with postoperative pain control. A cross-sectional survey was carried out among 107 respondents who had undergone abdominal surgery in the surgical ward of an urban hospital using the Revised American Pain Society's Patient Outcome and Satisfaction Survey Questionnaires (APS-POQ-R). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and chi-square test. Chi-square test showed significant association between race (P = 0.038), education level (P ≤ 0.001), previous operation status (P = 0.032) and operation status (P ≤ 0.001). Further analysis on nominal regression, association between dissatisfaction with factors of operation status (46.09 (95% CI 7.456, 284.947)) and previous operation status (13.38 (95% CI 1.39, 128.74)) was found to be significant. Moderate to high levels of pain intensity in the last 24 h after surgery, as well as moderate to high rates of pain-related interference with care activities were most reported. Pain still remains an issue among surgical patients, and effective pain management and health education are needed to manage pain more effectively after surgery.
  17. Fulltext Temporal regulation of proteome profile in the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster
    Subramanian P, Jayapalan JJ, Abdul-Rahman PS, Arumugam M, Hashim OH
    PeerJ, 2016;4:e2080.
    PMID: 27257555 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.2080
    Background. Diurnal rhythms of protein synthesis controlled by the biological clock underlie the rhythmic physiology in the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster. In this study, we conducted a proteome-wide investigation of rhythmic protein accumulation in D. melanogaster. Materials and Methods. Total protein collected from fly samples harvested at 4 h intervals over the 24 h period were subjected to two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, trypsin digestion and MS/MS analysis. Protein spots/clusters were identified with MASCOT search engine and Swiss-Prot database. Expression of proteins was documented as percentage of volume contribution using the Image Master 2D Platinum software. Results. A total of 124 protein spots/clusters were identified using MS/MS analysis. Significant variation in the expression of 88 proteins over the 24-h period was observed. A relatively higher number of proteins was upregulated during the night compared to the daytime. The complexity of temporal regulation of the D. melanogaster proteome was further reflected from functional annotations of the differently expressed proteins, with those that were upregulated at night being restricted to the heat shock proteins and proteins involved in metabolism, muscle activity, protein synthesis/folding/degradation and apoptosis, whilst those that were overexpressed in the daytime were apparently involved in metabolism, muscle activity, ion-channel/cellular transport, protein synthesis/folding/degradation, redox homeostasis, development and transcription. Conclusion. Our data suggests that a wide range of proteins synthesized by the fruit fly, D. melanogaster, is under the regulation of the biological clock.
  18. Fulltext The Effectiveness of a Wireless Modular Bed Absence Sensor Device for Fall Prevention among Older Inpatients
    Subermaniam K, Welfred R, Subramanian P, Chinna K, Ibrahim F, Mohktar MS, et al.
    Front Public Health, 2016;4:292.
    PMID: 28119908 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2016.00292
    Falls and fall-related injuries are increasingly serious issues among elderly inpatients due to population aging. The bed-exit alarm has only previously been evaluated in a handful of studies with mixed results. Therefore, we evaluated the effectiveness of a modular bed absence sensor device (M-BAS) in detecting bed exits among older inpatients in a middle income nation in East Asia.
  19. Life satisfaction and strain among informal caregivers of patients with traumatic brain injury in Malaysia
    Mazlan M, Ghani SZ, Tan KF, Subramanian P
    Disabil Rehabil, 2016;38(22):2198-2205.
    PMID: 26731553 DOI: 10.3109/09638288.2015.1123307
    Purpose This study aims to determine the life satisfaction and strain on informal caregivers when caring for traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients and to examine the factors predicting the level of strain among the informal caregivers. Method A cross-sectional survey on a purposive sampling was performed in a single centre in Malaysia recruiting caregivers of patients with TBI. Life Satisfaction Questionnaire-9 and Caregiver Strain Index questionnaires were used to ascertain the life satisfaction and strain of caregivers respectively. Relationship between life satisfaction and strain was analysed, together with factors significantly associated with strain. Results A total of 141 caregivers (77.3% women, average age of 46.1 years ±12.8 and mean duration of caregiving of 24.8 months ± 14.3) were included in the analysis. Most caregivers (75%) were satisfied with their lives but more than half claimed to have strain (57%). There was a significant relationship between life satisfaction and strain among the caregivers (p p = 0.04), presence of patient's neurobehavioural disturbances (OR 4.48, 95% CI 1.60-12.55, p = 0.004) and cognitive dysfunctions (OR 31.72, 95% CI 10.27-97.96, p 
  20. Fulltext Influence of Quercetin in the Temporal Regulation of Redox Homeostasis in Drosophila melanogaster
    Subramanian P, Kaliyamoorthy K, Jayapalan JJ, Abdul-Rahman PS, Haji Hashim O
    J Insect Sci, 2017 Jan 01;17(2).
    PMID: 28931163 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/iex040
    Numerous biological processes are governed by the biological clock. Studies using Drosophila melanogaster (L.) are valuable that could be of importance for their effective applications on rodent studies. In this study, the beneficial role of quercetin (a flavonoid) on H2O2 induced stress in D. melanogaster was investigated. D. melanogaster flies were divided into four groups (group I - control, group II - H2O2 (acute exposure), group III - quercetin, and group IV - quercetin + H2O2 treated). Negative geotaxis assay, oxidative stress indicators (protein carbonyls, thiobarbituric reactive substances [TBARS]), and antioxidants (superoxide dismutase [SOD], catalase [CAT], glutathione-S-transferase [GST], glutathione peroxidase, and reduced glutathione [GSH]) were measured at 4 h intervals over 24 h and temporal expression of heat shock protein-70 (Hsp70), Upd1 (homolog of IL-6 in Drosophila), and nitric oxide synthase (Nos) was analyzed by Western blotting. Groups II and IV showed altered biochemical rhythms (compared with controls). Decreased mesor values of negative geotaxis, SOD, CAT, GST, and GSH were noticed in H2O2, increased mesor of oxidative stress indicators (TBARS and protein carbonyl content) and a reversibility of the rhythmic characteristics were conspicuous after quercetin treatment. The expression levels of Hsp70, Upd1, and Nos were noticeably maximum at 04:00. Significant elevation of expression by H2O2 was nearly normalized by quercetin treatment. The possible mechanism by which quercetin modulates oxidant-antioxidant imbalance under oxidative stress could be ascribed to the modulation of the rhythmic properties. Our results will be helpful to understand the molecular interlink between circadian rhythm and oxidative stress mechanism.
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