Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 433 in total

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  1. Angelopoulou E, Paudel YN, Papageorgiou SG, Piperi C
    ACS Chem Neurosci, 2021 08 04;12(15):2749-2764.
    PMID: 34275270 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.1c00295
    Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder with obscure pathogenesis and no disease-modifying therapy to date. AD is multifactorial disease that develops from the complex interplay of genetic factors and environmental exposures. The E4 allele of the gene encoding apolipoprotein E (APOE) is the most common genetic risk factor for AD, whereas the E2 allele acts in a protective manner. A growing amount of epidemiological evidence suggests that several lifestyle habits and environmental factors may interact with APOE alleles to synergistically affect the risk of AD development. Among them, physical exercise, dietary habits including fat intake and ketogenic diet, higher education, traumatic brain injury, cigarette smoking, coffee consumption, alcohol intake, and exposure to pesticides and sunlight have gained increasing attention. Although the current evidence is inconsistent, it seems that younger APOE4 carriers in preclinical stages may benefit mostly from preventive lifestyle interventions, whereas older APOE4 noncarriers with dementia may show the most pronounced effects. The large discrepancies between the epidemiological studies may be attributed to differences in the sample sizes, the demographic characteristics of the participants, including age and sex, the methodological design, and potential related exposures and comorbidities as possible cofounding factors. In this Review, we aim to discuss available evidence of the prominent APOE genotype-environment interactions in regard to cognitive decline with a focus on AD, providing an overview of the current landscape in this field and suggesting future directions.
    Matched MeSH terms: Life Style
  2. Syafiqah, H.N., Umar, R., Kamarudin, M.K.A., Hazmin, S.N., Dianah, A.R.S.N., Jaafar, H., et al.
    ASM Science Journal, 2018;11(101):183-194.
    MyJurnal
    Nowadays, the wireless technology has become a lifestyle; even the children have their own
    mobile phones, although they are categorized as high risk susceptible to health problems
    due to radiation. Thus, the public exposure that stemmed from electromagnetic radiations
    become public concern since studies have been done and the finding showed that the repetitive
    and long term exposure may have adverse health effect. This study was conducted to
    evaluate the exposure level at UMT and UniSZA campuses by measuring the electric field
    strength. This measurement was conducted using omni-directional antenna below 4 GHz,
    connected to spectrum analyzer. In this paper, the measured values are compared with
    the previous study from several locations and then the spatial maps of exposure level are
    developed. The result shows that high exposure level was recorded at UMT and UniSZA.
    From this study, the findings may assist the Ministry of Health to monitor the public health
    due to non-ionizing radiation (NIR) exposure. This is crucial to make sure the international
    commission of non-ionizing radiation protection (ICNIRP) limit is complied. Moreover, the
    development of public NIR exposure policy can be initiated to the Malaysia government for
    health concern. For future study, the investigation of the suitable material used as antenna
    and casing or exposure reduction tool can be done to reduce NIR exposure rate on human
    body.
    Matched MeSH terms: Life Style
  3. Dolzhenko MM, Barnett OY, Grassos C, Dragomiretska NV, Goloborodko BI, Ilashchuk TO, et al.
    Adv Ther, 2020 11;37(11):4549-4567.
    PMID: 32979190 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-020-01490-z
    Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of premature deaths globally and in Ukraine. Dyslipidemia is a recognized risk factor for the development of CVD. Therefore, early detection and appropriate management of dyslipidemia are essential for the primary prevention of CVDs. However, currently, there is a lack of Ukraine-specific guideline recommendations focusing on the management of dyslipidemia in individuals with low-to-moderate CV risk, thus creating an urgent need for structured and easily implementable clinical recommendations/guidelines specific to the country. An expert panel of cardiologists, endocrinologists, and family physicians convened in Ukraine in March 2019. The expert panel critically reviewed and analyzed the current literature and put forth the following recommendations for the management of dyslipidemia in individuals with low-to-moderate risk of CVDs specific to Ukraine: (1) family physicians have the greatest opportunities in carrying out primary prevention; (2) lipid-lowering interventions are essential for primary prevention as per guidelines; (3) a number of nutraceuticals and nutraceutical combinations with clinically established lipid-lowering properties can be considered for primary prevention; they also have a suggested role as an alternative therapy for statin-intolerant patients; (4) on the basis of clinical evidence, nutraceuticals are suggested by guidelines for primary prevention; (5) red yeast rice has potent CV-risk-lowering potential, in addition to lipid-lowering properties; (6) in patients with low-to-moderate cardiovascular risk, a nutraceutical combination of low-dose red yeast rice and synergic lipid-lowering compounds can be used as integral part of guideline-recommended lifestyle interventions for effective primary prevention strategy; (7) nutraceutical combination can be used in patients aged 18 to 75+ years; its use is particularly appropriate in the age group of 18-44 years; (8) it is necessary to attract the media (websites, etc.) to increase patient awareness on the importance of primary prevention; and (9) it is necessary to legally separate nutraceuticals from dietary supplements. These consensus recommendations will help physicians in Ukraine effectively manage dyslipidemia in individuals with low-to-moderate CV risk.
    Matched MeSH terms: Life Style
  4. Lam LC, Ong PA, Dikot Y, Sofiatin Y, Wang H, Zhao M, et al.
    Age Ageing, 2015 Sep;44(5):835-40.
    PMID: 26271049 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afv099
    population ageing will lead to a leap in the dementia population in Asia. However, information about potentials for low-cost and low-risk interventions is limited.
    Matched MeSH terms: Life Style*
  5. Castro-Mejía JL, Khakimov B, Krych Ł, Bülow J, Bechshøft RL, Højfeldt G, et al.
    Aging Cell, 2020 03;19(3):e13105.
    PMID: 31967716 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13105
    When humans age, changes in body composition arise along with lifestyle-associated disorders influencing fitness and physical decline. Here we provide a comprehensive view of dietary intake, physical activity, gut microbiota (GM), and host metabolome in relation to physical fitness of 207 community-dwelling subjects aged +65 years. Stratification on anthropometric/body composition/physical performance measurements (ABPm) variables identified two phenotypes (high/low-fitness) clearly linked to dietary intake, physical activity, GM, and host metabolome patterns. Strikingly, despite a higher energy intake high-fitness subjects were characterized by leaner bodies and lower fasting proinsulin-C-peptide/blood glucose levels in a mechanism likely driven by higher dietary fiber intake, physical activity and increased abundance of Bifidobacteriales and Clostridiales species in GM and associated metabolites (i.e., enterolactone). These factors explained 50.1% of the individual variation in physical fitness. We propose that targeting dietary strategies for modulation of GM and host metabolome interactions may allow establishing therapeutic approaches to delay and possibly revert comorbidities of aging.
    Matched MeSH terms: Life Style
  6. Leisegang K, Dutta S
    Andrologia, 2021 Feb;53(1):e13595.
    PMID: 32330362 DOI: 10.1111/and.13595
    Alongside an increasing prevalence of couple and male infertility, evidence suggests there is a global declining trend in male fertility parameters over the past few decades. This may, at least in part, be explained through detrimental lifestyle practices and exposures. These include alcohol and tobacco consumption, use of recreational drugs (e.g., cannabis, opioids and anabolic steroids), poor nutritional habits, obesity and metabolic syndrome, genital heat stress (e.g., radiation exposure through cell phones and laptops, prolonged periods of sitting, tight-fitting underwear and recurrent hot baths or saunas), exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (e.g., pesticide residue, bisphenol A, phthalates and dioxins) and psychological stress. This review discusses these lifestyle practices and the current evidence associated with male infertility. Furthermore, known mechanisms of action are also discussed for each of these. Common mechanisms associated with a reduction in spermatogenesis and/or steroidogenesis due to unfavourable lifestyle practices include inflammation and oxidative stress locally or systemically. It is recommended that relevant lifestyle practices are investigated in clinical history of male infertility cases, particularly in unexplained or idiopathic male infertility. Appropriate modification of detrimental lifestyle practices is further suggested and recommended in the management of male infertility.
    Matched MeSH terms: Life Style
  7. Ng YG, Mohd Tamrin SB, Mohd Yusoff IS, Hashim Z, Deros BM, Abu Bakar S, et al.
    Ann Agric Environ Med, 2015;22(2):286-92.
    PMID: 26094525 DOI: 10.5604/12321966.1152101
    This cross-sectional study intends to investigate the associations of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among foreign labourers on a socio-economic background, occupational exposure, social lifestyle, and postures adopted during harvesting tasks. A total of 446 male respondents (263 FFB cutters; 183 FFB collectors) were studied using an interview-assisted questionnaire. OWAS was used to determine the severity of awkward posture based on videos of harvesting tasks recorded for each respondent. Analysis found that increasingly educated respondents had higher risk of developing MSDs. Shorter daily work duration and longer resting duration appear to increase the risk of neck and shoulder disorders among harvesters, which may be attributable to organizational work design. Awkward posture was a particularly significant risk factor of MSDs among FFB collectors. Among the results of the study, occupational exposure, postures and certain socio-demographic backgrounds explained some, but not all, the risk factor of MSDs among harvesters. An in-depth investigation, preferably a longitudinal study investigating the dynamic of work activities and other risk factors, such as psychosocial risk factors, are recommended.
    Matched MeSH terms: Life Style
  8. Hussein Z, Taher SW, Gilcharan Singh HK, Chee Siew Swee W
    Ann Glob Health, 2016 4 25;81(6):851-62.
    PMID: 27108152 DOI: 10.1016/j.aogh.2015.12.016
    BACKGROUND: Diabetes is a major public health concern in Malaysia, and the prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) has escalated to 20.8% in adults above the age of 30, affecting 2.8 million individuals. The burden of managing diabetes falls on primary and tertiary health care providers operating in various settings.

    OBJECTIVES: This review focuses on the current status of diabetes in Malaysia, including epidemiology, complications, lifestyle, and pharmacologic treatments, as well as the use of technologies in its management and the adoption of the World Health Organization chronic care model in primary care clinics.

    METHODS: A narrative review based on local available health care data, publications, and observations from clinic experience.

    FINDINGS: The prevalence of diabetes varies among the major ethnic groups in Malaysia, with Asian Indians having the highest prevalence of T2D, followed by Malays and Chinese. The increase prevalence of overweight and obesity has accompanied the rise in T2D. Multidisciplinary care is available in tertiary and primary care settings with integration of pharmacotherapy, diet, and lifestyle changes. Poor dietary adherence, high consumption of carbohydrates, and sedentary lifestyle are prevalent in patients with T2D. The latest medication options are available with increasing use of intensive insulin regimens, insulin pumps, and continuous glucose monitoring systems for managing glycemic control. A stepwise approach is proposed to expand the chronic care model into an Innovative Care for Chronic Conditions framework to facilitate implementation and realize better outcomes in primary care settings.

    CONCLUSIONS: A comprehensive strategy and approach has been established by the Malaysian government to improve prevention, treatment, and control of diabetes as an urgent response to this growing chronic disease.

    Matched MeSH terms: Life Style
  9. Chen PC
    Ann Acad Med Singap, 1987 Jan;16(1):110-4.
    PMID: 3592576
    Consequent to rapidly declining mortality and birth rates, developing countries, including Malaysia, can expect a rapid increase in the population aged 60 years and above. The health of the elderly is intimately tied up with both biophysical as well as psychosocial factors which include status loss, loneliness, fear of illness and death, poverty, harmful life-styles and deterioration of the quality of life. The effects of these psychosocial factors can manifest as sleep difficulties, worry and anxiety, depression, loss of interest, and a feeling of tiredness. In extreme cases, there may be auditory or visual hallucinations or paranoia. In the present paper, which is based upon a WHO sponsored study of 1001 elderly Malaysians, it is noted that 36% of the elderly have sleep difficulties, 47% "feel tired", 31% have a "loss of interest" and 22% are "worried tense". However 71% of the elderly are able to correctly perform at least 12 of 15 cognitive tests. 20% of elderly men smoke 15 or more cigarettes a day while 44% smoke at least one cigarette a day. 40% of elderly men indicate that their families complain about the amount of alcohol they drink. Undoubtedly primary health care programmes need to be re-oriented to the problems and needs of the elderly in countries such as Malaysia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Life Style
  10. Selvaratnam DP, Poo BT
    Ann N Y Acad Sci, 2007 Oct;1114:317-25.
    PMID: 17986592 DOI: 10.1196/annals.1396.025
    Malaysia is steadily progressing toward an aging population demographic pattern. While aging is a natural process, its impact can be painful individually as well as for the nation. Individually there is a loss of a paying job after retirement, loss of physical and mental fitness, and also occasionally the loss of social integration due to lack of mobility. For a nation, an aging population means a growing dependency ratio, a greater need of care, and more medical facilities for this age group. This article looks at the various economic and social implications of the aging population in Malaysia in general, and in the rural and urban setting specifically. The paper focuses on a research sample of 132 (66 rural, 66 urban) elderly persons. The findings suggest that the demographic patterns of the elderly vary from the rural to the urban setting, with differing issues that need to be addressed to alleviate problems encountered related to loneliness, lack of financial stability, and emotional strain. Policy suggestion will be geared toward providing a solution to problems at hand as well as aiding the working group members to prepare and sustain a comfortable livelihood for the aged in their later years.
    Matched MeSH terms: Life Style*
  11. Bonavina L, Fisichella PM, Gavini S, Lee YY, Tatum RP
    Ann N Y Acad Sci, 2020 12;1481(1):117-126.
    PMID: 32266986 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14350
    In symptomatic young patients with gastroesophageal reflux symptoms, early identification of progressive gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is critical to prevent long-term complications associated with hiatal hernia, increased esophageal acid and nonacid exposure, release of proinflammatory cytokines, and development of intestinal metaplasia, endoscopically visible Barrett's esophagus, and dysplasia leading to esophageal adenocarcinoma. Progression of GERD may occur in asymptomatic patients and in those under continuous acid-suppressive medication. The long-term side effects of proton-pump inhibitors, chemopreventive agents, and radiofrequency ablation are contentious. In patients with early-stage disease, when the lower esophageal sphincter function is still preserved and before endoscopically visible Barrett's esophagus develops, novel laparoscopic procedures, such as magnetic and electric sphincter augmentation, may have a greater role than conventional surgical therapy. A multidisciplinary approach to GERD by a dedicated team of gastroenterologists and surgeons might impact the patients' lifestyle, the therapeutic choices, and the course of the disease. Biological markers are needed to precisely assess the risk of disease progression and to tailor surveillance, ablation, and management.
    Matched MeSH terms: Life Style
  12. Hanipah ZN, Schauer PR
    Annu Rev Med, 2020 01 27;71:1-15.
    PMID: 31986081 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-med-053117-123246
    Metabolic surgery is increasingly becoming recognized as a more effective treatment for patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity as compared to lifestyle modification and medical management alone. Both observational studies and clinical trials have shown metabolic surgery to result in sustained weight loss (20-30%), T2D remission rates ranging from 23% to 60%, and improvement in cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension and dyslipidemia. Metabolic surgery is cost-effective and relatively safe, with perioperative risks and mortality comparable to low-risk procedures such as cholecystectomy, hysterectomy, and appendectomy. International diabetes and medical organizations have endorsed metabolic surgery as a standard treatment for T2D with obesity.
    Matched MeSH terms: Life Style
  13. Fournier T, Tibère L, Laporte C, Mognard E, Ismail MN, Sharif SP, et al.
    Appetite, 2016 12 01;107:362-371.
    PMID: 27521166 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2016.08.009
    The Malaysian society is experiencing and coping with a fast modernization process, which is characterized by a rapid urbanization and rural exodus, an important reduction of the size of households, and the emergence of a new middle class. The Malaysian Food Barometer launched in 2013 has provided better understanding how these macro issues have affected the lifestyles and especially the food habits of the Malaysians. The country has indeed undergone a transition period from under-nutrition to over-nutrition in a few decades, with the prevalence of overweight and obesity having markedly and rapidly increased. A quantitative survey (n = 2000), elaborated from a qualitative preliminary phase, was carried out with the aim of analyzing the transformation of food habits at the national level. The present article focuses on the BMI issue in Malaysia, and investigates its relationships with the socio-demographic variables of the population, as well as their eating patterns. The mean BMI is 23.64 kg/m2, with 9.5% of the sample being obese, and 22% overweight. Strong statistical associations have been identified between BMI and independent variables such as size of the living area, ethnicity, level of education, gender, and age. Contrary to general believe, overweight and obesity were neither associated with the number of food intakes taken per day (including snacks) nor with the frequency of eating out. Nonetheless, obesity is over-represented in people who have dissonant eating behaviors, i.e. who declare having fewer food intakes a day (food norms) than they do actually (food practices). This process testifies that the Malaysians are experiencing a "food transition", which is linked with socio-economic development.
    Matched MeSH terms: Life Style
  14. Shukri M, Jones F, Conner M
    Appetite, 2018 04 01;123:225-232.
    PMID: 29294321 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2017.12.027
    There is increasing evidence to suggest that work-family conflict is implicated in poor eating patterns. Yet, the underlying mechanism remains unexplored. The objectives of the present study were to demonstrate the interplay between work-family conflict, eating style, and unhealthy eating, and to test whether body mass index (BMI) and its interactions further explicate the relationships. In this study, 586 Malaysian adults (normal weight n = 437, overweight n = 149) completed a questionnaire, which included demographic variables, work-family scales, eating style measures, namely, restrained, emotional or external eating and reported food intake. As hypothesized, results showed that family-to-work conflict (FWC), emotional eating and external eating were positively related to unhealthy food consumption. In addition, emotional eating was found to moderate the impact of FCW on eating. These findings are consistent with research that has revealed emotional eating can indeed increase the positive association between stress such as conflict and unhealthy food choices. However, we found no clear support for the interactive effects of BMI. Our research builds on the findings of existing research as it demonstrates the role of eating style in explaining the association between work-family conflict and unhealthy eating. This conclusion has potential implications for appropriate interventions and calls for the enhancement of various policies to tackle obesity and other health problems.
    Matched MeSH terms: Life Style
  15. Durairajanayagam D
    Arab J Urol, 2018 Mar;16(1):10-20.
    PMID: 29713532 DOI: 10.1016/j.aju.2017.12.004
    Objective: To examine the potential effects of lifestyle factors on male reproductive health. Evidence of a global decline in human sperm quality over recent decades has been accumulating. Environmental, occupational, and modifiable lifestyle factors may contribute to this decline. This review focuses on key lifestyle factors that are associated with male infertility such as smoking cigarettes, alcohol intake, use of illicit drugs, obesity, psychological stress, advanced paternal age, dietary practices, and coffee consumption. Other factors such as testicular heat stress, intense cycling training, lack of sleep and exposure to electromagnetic radiation from mobile phone use are briefly discussed.

    Materials and method: A comprehensive literature search was performed to identify and synthesise all relevant information, mainly from within the last decade, on the major lifestyle factors associated with male infertility and semen quality. Database searches were limited to reports published in English only. A manual search of bibliographies of the reports retrieved was conducted to identify additional relevant articles.

    Results: In all, 1012 articles were identified from the database search and after reviewing the titles and abstract of the reports, 104 articles met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 30 reports were excluded as the full-text could not be retrieved and the abstract did not have relevant data. The remaining 74 reports were reviewed for data on association between a particular lifestyle factor and male infertility and were included in the present review.

    Conclusion: The major lifestyle factors discussed in the present review are amongst the multiple potential risk factors that could impair male fertility. However, their negative impact may well be mostly overcome by behaviour modification and better lifestyle choices. Greater awareness and recognition of the possible impact of these lifestyle factors are important amongst couples seeking conception.

    Matched MeSH terms: Life Style
  16. Johari SM, Shahar S
    Arch Gerontol Geriatr, 2014;59(2):360-6.
    PMID: 24882592 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2014.04.003
    The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its predictors among Malaysian elderly. A total of 343 elderly aged ≥ 60 years residing low cost flats in an urban area in the central of Malaysia were invited to participate in health screening in community centers. Subjects were interviewed to obtain socio demography, health status and behavior data. Anthropometric measurements were also measured. A total of 30 ml fasting blood was taken to determine fasting serum lipid, glucose level and oxidative stress. MetS was classified according to The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria. The prevalence of MetS was 43.4%. More women (48.1%) were affected than men (36.3%) (p<0.05). Being obese or overweight was the strongest predictor for MetS in men and women (p<0.05, both gender). High carbohydrate intake increased risk of MetS in men by 2.8 folds. In women, higher fat free mass index, physical inactivity and good appetite increased risk of MetS by 3.9, 2.1 and 2.3 folds respectively. MetS affected almost half of Malaysian elderly being investigated, especially women, and is associated with obesity and unhealthy lifestyle. It is essential to develop preventive and intervention strategies to curb undesirable consequences associated with MetS.
    Matched MeSH terms: Life Style*
  17. Chin KY, Soelaiman IN, Mohamed IN, Ibrahim S, Wan Ngah WZ
    Arch Osteoporos, 2012;7:135-45.
    PMID: 23225291 DOI: 10.1007/s11657-012-0091-2
    The influences of age, physical activity, and body anthropometry on calcaneal speed of sound are different among young adults, middle-aged, and elderly men.
    Matched MeSH terms: Life Style
  18. Abdul Rahman AR, Wang JG, Kwong GM, Morales DD, Sritara P, Sukmawan R, et al.
    Asia Pac Fam Med, 2015;14(1):2.
    PMID: 25729324 DOI: 10.1186/s12930-015-0018-3
    BACKGROUND: Hypertension is one of the world's most common health conditions and is a leading risk factor for mortality. Although blood pressure can be modified, there is a large proportion of patients whose blood pressure remains uncontrolled. The aim of this study, termed Edvantage 360°, was to gain a deeper understanding of hypertension management in Asia from the perspective of patients and doctors, and to propose strategies to improve blood pressure control.
    METHODS: Conducted in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand, Edvantage 360° was a mixed-methods observational study that used both qualitative and quantitative elements: qualitative interviews and focus groups with patients (N = 110), quantitative interviews with patients (N = 709), and qualitative interviews with doctors (N = 85).
    RESULTS: This study found that, although there is good understanding of the causes and consequences of hypertension among Asian patients, there is a lack of urgency to control blood pressure. Doctors and patients have different expectations of each other and a divergent view on what constitutes successful hypertension management. We also identified a fundamental gap between the beliefs of doctors and patients as to who should be most responsible for the patients' hypertension management. In addition, because patients find it difficult to comply with lifestyle modifications (often because of a decreased understanding of the changes required), adherence to medication regimens may be less of a limiting factor than doctors believe.
    CONCLUSIONS: Doctors may provide better care by aligning with their patients on a common understanding of successful hypertension management. Doctors may also find it helpful to provide a more personalized explanation of any needed lifestyle modifications. The willingness of the doctor to adjust their patient interaction style to form a 'doctor-patient team' is important. In addition, we recommend that doctors should not attribute ineffectiveness of the treatment plan to patient non-adherence to medications, but rather adjust the medication regimen as needed.
    KEYWORDS: Attitude to health; Hong Kong; Hypertension; Indonesia; Malaysia; Philippines; Qualitative research; South Korea; Taiwan; Thailand
    Matched MeSH terms: Life Style
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