Displaying publications 21 - 40 of 390 in total

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  1. Akinpelu AA, Chowdhury ZZ, Shibly SM, Faisal ANM, Badruddin IA, Rahman MM, et al.
    Int J Mol Sci, 2021 Feb 19;22(4).
    PMID: 33669883 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22042090
    This study deals with the preparation of activated carbon (CDSP) from date seed powder (DSP) by chemical activation to eliminate polyaromatic hydrocarbon-PAHs (naphthalene-C10H8) from synthetic wastewater. The chemical activation process was carried out using a weak Lewis acid of zinc acetate dihydrate salt (Zn(CH3CO2)2·2H2O). The equilibrium isotherm and kinetics analysis was carried out using DSP and CDSP samples, and their performances were compared for the removal of a volatile organic compound-naphthalene (C10H8)-from synthetic aqueous effluents or wastewater. The equilibrium isotherm data was analyzed using the linear regression model of the Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin equations. The R2 values for the Langmuir isotherm were 0.93 and 0.99 for naphthalene (C10H8) adsorption using DSP and CDSP, respectively. CDSP showed a higher equilibrium sorption capacity (qe) of 379.64 µg/g. DSP had an equilibrium sorption capacity of 369.06 µg/g for C10H8. The rate of reaction was estimated for C10H8 adsorption using a pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order and Elovich kinetic equation. The reaction mechanism for both the sorbents (CDSP and DSP) was studied using the intraparticle diffusion model. The equilibrium data was well-fitted with the pseudo-second order kinetics model showing the chemisorption nature of the equilibrium system. CDSP showed a higher sorption performance than DSP due to its higher BET surface area and carbon content. Physiochemical characterizations of the DSP and CDSP samples were carried out using the BET surface area analysis, Fourier-scanning microscopic analysis (FSEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis and Fourier-transform spectroscopic analysis (FTIR). A thermogravimetric and ultimate analysis was also carried out to determine the carbon content in both the sorbents (DSP and CDSP) here. This study confirms the potential of DSP and CDSP to remove C10H8 from lab-scale synthetic wastewater.
    Matched MeSH terms: Linear Models
  2. Nawaz MS, Nawaz MS, Shah KU, Mustafa ZU, Ahmed A, Sajjad Ahmed H, et al.
    Diabetes Metab Syndr, 2021 Feb 13;15(2):525-528.
    PMID: 33668002 DOI: 10.1016/j.dsx.2021.02.013
    BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Restless legs syndromes (RLS) are intrinsic sleeping disorder and its prevalence rate is 10-15% in general population but it is observed that prevalence rate is different in diabetes patients. Current study aims to find prevalence and determinants of RLS in people living with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Pakistan.

    METHOD: A multicenter cross-sectional observational study was conducted in 388 diabetes patients attending daily diabetes clinics and teaching hospitals in Pakistan's twin city between August 2019 and February 2020. The chi-square test and linear regression were used to detect RLS-related factors in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

    RESULTS: The prevalence of RLS found was; 3.1% patients with diabetes were suffering from very severe RLS, 23.5% from severe RLS, 34% from moderate RLS, 21.1% from mild RLS and 18.3% from non-RLS. Gender, age, education, blood glucose fasting (BSF), blood glucose random (BSR) and HBA1c were found to be significant predictors of RLS in patients with diabetes.

    CONCLUSION: Policy makers can develop local interventions to curb the growing RLS prevalence by keeping in control the risk factors of RLS in people living with type 2 diabetes.

    Matched MeSH terms: Linear Models
  3. Loh GOK, Wong EYL, Tan YTF, Ong LM, Ng RS, Wee HC, et al.
    PMID: 33429127 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2020.122517
    A simple, fast and sensitive LC-MS/MS method was developed to quantify terazosin in human plasma. The mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile-0.1% (v/v) formic acid (70:30, v/v). Prazosin was used as internal standard (IS). As deproteinization agent, acetonitrile produced a clean sample. A higher response intensity with more symmetrical peak was obtained using Agilent Poroshell 120 EC-C18 - Fast LC column (100 × 2.1mmID, 2.7 μm) compared with Kinetex XB-C18 (100 × 2.1 mm, 2.6 µm) column. The response of terazosin and IS were approximately two times in citrate phosphate dextrose (CPD) plasma compared with dipotassium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (K2EDTA) plasma. Plasma calibration curve was linear from 1.0 to 100.0 ng/mL, with coefficient of determination r2 ≥ 0.99. The within-run and between-run precision values (CV, %) were <5.2% and <7.8%, while accuracy values were 102.8-112.7% and 103.4-112.2%. The extended run accuracy was 98.6-102.8% and precision (CV, %) 4.3-10.4%. The recovery of analyte was >98% and IS >94%. Terazosin in plasma kept at benchtop was stable for 24 h, in autosampler tray for 48 h, in instrumentation room for 48 h, for 7 freeze-thaw cycles and in freezer for 140 days. Terazosin and IS stock standard solutions were stable for 140 days at room temperature and in the chiller. The high throughput method was successfully utilized to measure 935 samples in a bioequivalence study of terazosin.
    Matched MeSH terms: Linear Models
  4. Soliman K, Jirjees F, Sonawane R, Sheshala R, Wang Y, Jones D, et al.
    J Chromatogr Sci, 2021 Jan 01;59(1):64-70.
    PMID: 33047781 DOI: 10.1093/chromsci/bmaa078
    Anti-glaucoma latanoprost-loaded ocular implants provide prolonged delivery and enhanced bioavailability relative to the conventional eye drops. This study aims at the development and validation of a reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography method for quantitative analysis of nanogram levels of latanoprost in the eye, and for the first time, compares the use of fluorescence vs ultraviolet (UV) detectors in latanoprost quantification. The mobile phase was composed of acetonitrile:0.1% v/v formic acid (60:40, v/v) with a flow rate of 1 mL/min and separation was done using a C18 column at temperature 40°C. The fluorescence excitation and emission wavelengths were set at 265 and 285 nm, respectively, while the UV absorption was measured at 200 nm. The latanoprost concentration-peak area relationship maintained its linearity (R2 = 0.9999) over concentration ranges of 0.063-10 μg/mL and 0.212-10 μg/mL for the fluorescence and UV detectors, respectively. The UV detector showed better precision, while the fluorescence detector exhibited higher robustness and greater sensitivity, with a detection limit of 0.021 μg/mL. The fluorescence detector was selected for quantification of latanoprost released from ocular implants in vitro and in porcine ocular tissues. The developed method is a robust, rapid and cost-effective alternative to liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry for routine analysis of latanoprost released from ocular implants.
    Matched MeSH terms: Linear Models
  5. Tao H, Rahman MA, Jing W, Li Y, Li J, Al-Saffar A, et al.
    Work, 2021;68(3):903-912.
    PMID: 33720867 DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203424
    BACKGROUND: Human-robot interaction (HRI) is becoming a current research field for providing granular real-time applications and services through physical observation. Robotic systems are designed to handle the roles of humans and assist them through intrinsic sensing and commutative interactions. These systems handle inputs from multiple sources, process them, and deliver reliable responses to the users without delay. Input analysis and processing is the prime concern for the robotic systems to understand and resolve the queries of the users.

    OBJECTIVES: In this manuscript, the Interaction Modeling and Classification Scheme (IMCS) is introduced to improve the accuracy of HRI. This scheme consists of two phases, namely error classification and input mapping. In the error classification process, the input is analyzed for its events and conditional discrepancies to assign appropriate responses in the input mapping phase. The joint process is aided by a linear learning model to analyze the different conditions in the event and input detection.

    RESULTS: The performance of the proposed scheme shows that it is capable of improving the interaction accuracy by reducing the ratio of errors and interaction response by leveraging the information extraction from the discrete and successive human inputs.

    CONCLUSION: The fetched data are analyzed by classifying the errors at the initial stage to achieve reliable responses.

    Matched MeSH terms: Linear Models
  6. Qiu Z, Shen Q, Jiang C, Yao L, Sun X, Li J, et al.
    Int J Nanomedicine, 2021;16:2311-2322.
    PMID: 33776435 DOI: 10.2147/IJN.S302396
    Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative chronic disorder that causes dementia and problems in thinking, cognitive impairment and behavioral changes. Amyloid-beta (Aβ) is a peptide involved in AD progression, and a high level of Aβ is highly correlated with severe AD. Identifying and quantifying Aβ levels helps in the early treatment of AD and reduces the factors associated with AD.

    Materials and Methods: This research introduced a dual probe detection system involving aptamers and antibodies to identify Aβ. Aptamers and antibodies were attached to the gold (Au) urchin and hybrid on the carbon nanohorn-modified surface. The nanohorn was immobilized on the sensor surface by using an amine linker, and then a Au urchin dual probe was immobilized.

    Results: This dual probe-modified surface enhanced the current flow during Aβ detection compared with the surface with antibody as the probe. This dual probe interacted with higher numbers of Aβ peptides and reached the detection limit at 10 fM with R2=0.992. Furthermore, control experiments with nonimmune antibodies, complementary aptamer sequences and control proteins did not display the current responses, indicating the specific detection of Aβ.

    Conclusion: Aβ-spiked artificial cerebrospinal fluid showed a similar response to current changes, confirming the selective identification of Aβ.

    Matched MeSH terms: Linear Models
  7. Ahmad WMAW, Yaqoob MA, Noor NFM, Ghazali FMM, Rahman NA, Tang L, et al.
    Biomed Res Int, 2021;2021:5436894.
    PMID: 34904115 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5436894
    Background: Cancer is primarily caused by smoking, alcohol, betel quit, a series of genetic alterations, and epigenetic abnormalities in signaling pathways, which result in a variety of phenotypes that favor the development of OSCC. Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common type of oral cancer, accounting for 80-90% of all oral malignant neoplasms. Oral cancer is relatively common, and it is frequently curable when detected and treated early enough. The tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) staging system is used to determine patient prognosis; however, geographical inaccuracies frequently occur, affecting management.

    Objective: To determine the additional relationship between factors discovered by searching for sociodemographic and metastasis factors, as well as treatment outcomes, which could help improve the prediction of the survival rate in cancer patients. Material and Methods. A total of 56 patients were recruited from the ambulatory clinic at the Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). In this retrospective study, advanced computational statistical modeling techniques were used to evaluate data descriptions of several variables such as treatment, age, and distant metastasis. The R-Studio software and syntax were used to implement and test the hazard ratio. The statistics for each sample were calculated using a combination model that included methods such as bootstrap and multiple linear regression (MLR).

    Results: The statistical strategy showed R demonstrates that regression modeling outperforms an R-squared. It demonstrated that when data is partitioned into a training and testing dataset, the hybrid model technique performs better at predicting the outcome. The variable validation was determined using the well-established bootstrap-integrated MLR technique. In this case, three variables are considered: age, treatment, and distant metastases. It is important to note that three things affect the hazard ratio: age (β 1: -0.006423; p < 2e - 16), treatment (β 2: -0.355389; p < 2e - 16), and distant metastasis (β 3: -0.355389; p < 2e - 16). There is a 0.003469102 MSE for the linear model in this scenario.

    Conclusion: In this study, a hybrid approach combining bootstrapping and multiple linear regression will be developed and extensively tested. The R syntax for this methodology was designed to ensure that the researcher completely understood the illustration. In this case, a hybrid model demonstrates how this critical conclusion enables us to better understand the utility and relative contribution of the hybrid method to the outcome. The statistical technique used in this study, R, demonstrates that regression modeling outperforms R-squared values of 0.9014 and 0.00882 for the predicted mean squared error, respectively. The conclusion of the study establishes the superiority of the hybrid model technique used in the study.

    Matched MeSH terms: Linear Models
  8. Mohammadi A, Karimzadeh S, Jalal SJ, Kamran KV, Shahabi H, Homayouni S, et al.
    Sensors (Basel), 2020 Dec 16;20(24).
    PMID: 33339435 DOI: 10.3390/s20247214
    Digital elevation model (DEM) plays a vital role in hydrological modelling and environmental studies. Many essential layers can be extracted from this land surface information, including slope, aspect, rivers, and curvature. Therefore, DEM quality and accuracy will affect the extracted features and the whole process of modeling. Despite freely available DEMs from various sources, many researchers generate this information for their areas from various observations. Sentinal-1 synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images are among the best Earth observations for DEM generation thanks to their availabilities, high-resolution, and C-band sensitivity to surface structure. This paper presents a comparative study, from a hydrological point of view, on the quality and reliability of the DEMs generated from Sentinel-1 data and DEMs from other sources such as AIRSAR, ALOS-PALSAR, TanDEM-X, and SRTM. To this end, pair of Sentinel-1 data were acquired and processed using the SAR interferometry technique to produce a DEM for two different study areas of a part of the Cameron Highlands, Pahang, Malaysia, a part of Sanandaj, Iran. Based on the estimated linear regression and standard errors, generating DEM from Sentinel-1 did not yield promising results. The river streams for all DEMs were extracted using geospatial analysis tool in a geographic information system (GIS) environment. The results indicated that because of the higher spatial resolution (compared to SRTM and TanDEM-X), more stream orders were delineated from AIRSAR and Sentinel-1 DEMs. Due to the shorter perpendicular baseline, the phase decorrelation in the created DEM resulted in a lot of noise. At the same time, results from ground control points (GCPs) showed that the created DEM from Sentinel-1 is not promising. Therefore, other DEMs' performance, such as 90-meters' TanDEM-X and 30-meters' SRTM, are better than Sentinel-1 DEM (with a better spatial resolution).
    Matched MeSH terms: Linear Models
  9. Mahmud MA, Hazrin M, Muhammad EN, Mohd Hisyam MF, Awaludin SM, Abdul Razak MA, et al.
    Geriatr Gerontol Int, 2020 Dec;20 Suppl 2:63-67.
    PMID: 33370852 DOI: 10.1111/ggi.14033
    AIM: This study aimed to determine the factors that influence perceived social support among older adults in Malaysia.

    METHODS: We used the 11-item Duke Social Support Index to assess perceived social support through a face-to-face interview. Higher scores indicate better social support. Linear regression analysis was carried out to determine the factors that influence perceived social support by adapting the conceptual model of social support determinants and its impact on health.

    RESULTS: A total of 3959 respondents aged ≥60 years completed the Duke Social Support Index. The estimated mean Duke Social Support Index score was 27.65 (95% CI 27.36-27.95). Adjusted for confounders, the factors found to be significantly associated with social support among older adults were monthly income below RM1000 (-0.8502, 95% CI -1.3523, -0.3481), being single (-0.5360, 95% CI -0.8430, -0.2290), no depression/normal (2.2801, 95% CI 1.6666-2.8937), absence of activities of daily living (0.9854, 95% CI 0.5599-1.4109) and dependency in instrumental activities of daily living (-0.3655, 95% CI -0.9811, -0.3259).

    CONCLUSION: This study found that low income, being single, no depression, absence of activities of daily living and dependency in instrumental activities of daily living were important factors related to perceived social support among Malaysian older adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 63-67.

    Matched MeSH terms: Linear Models
  10. Zyoud TYT, Abdul Rashid SN, Suppiah S, Mahmud R, Kabeer A, Abd Manaf R, et al.
    Malays J Pathol, 2020 Dec;42(3):423-431.
    PMID: 33361724
    INTRODUCTION: Post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) provides information that helps in the determination of the cause of death and corpse identification of disaster victims. One of the methods for corpse identification includes assessment of the body stature. There is a lack of post-mortem imaging studies that focus on the anthropometric assessment of corpses. Our aim was to identify the relationship between cadaveric spine length and autopsy length (AL) among and autopsy length (AL) among a Malaysian population and derive a regression formula for the estimation of corpse body height using PMCT.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively assessed 107 cadavers that had undergone conventional autopsy and PMCT. We made 5 measurements from the PMCT that included cervical length (CL), thoracic length (TL), lumbosacral length (LS), total column length of the spine, excluding the sacrum and coccyx (TCL), and ellipse line measurement of the whole spine, excluding the sacrum and coccyx (EL). We compared these anthropometric PMCT measurements with AL and correlated them using linear regression analysis.

    RESULTS: The results showed a significant linear relationship existed between TL and LS with AL, which was higher in comparison with the other parameters than the rest of the spine parameters. The linear regression formula derived was: 48.163 + 2.458 (TL) + 2.246 (LS).

    CONCLUSIONS: The linear regression formula derived from PMCT spine length parameters particularly thoracic and lumbar spine gave a finer correlation with autopsy body length and can be used for accurate estimation of cadaveric height. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first ever linear regression formula for cadaveric height assessment using only post mortem CT spine length measurements.

    Matched MeSH terms: Linear Models
  11. Loh GOK, Wong EYL, Tan YTF, Lee YL, Pang LH, Chin MC, et al.
    PMID: 32905988 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2020.122337
    A simple, rapid, sensitive, and reproducible liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method was developed to determine sitagliptin in human plasma. Diphenhydramine HCl was used as internal standard (IS). The chromatographic separation was achieved using Agilent Poroshell 120 EC-C18 - Fast LC column (100 × 2.1mmID, 2.7) fitted with UHPLC Guard Poroshell 120 EC-C18 (5 × 2.1mmID, 2.7 µm). The mobile phase consisted of 0.1% v/v formic acid and methanol (45:55, v/v) run at a flow rate of 0.45 mL/min at 30 °C. Methanol produced relatively cleaner plasma sample as deproteinization agent. Polytetrafluoroethylene membrane was preferred over nylon membrane as the former produced clear plasma samples. The standard calibration curve was linear over the concentration range of 5-500.03 ng/mL. The within-run precision was 0.53-7.12% and accuracy 87.09-105.05%. The between-run precision was 4.74-11.68% and accuracy 95.02-97.36%. The extended run precision was 3.60-6.88% and accuracy 93.18-95.82%. The recovery of analyte and IS was consistent. Sitagliptin in plasma was stable at benchtop (short term) for 24 h, in autosampler tray for 48 h, in instrumentation room for 48 h (post-preparative), after 7 freeze-thaw cycles (-20 ± 10 °C), and 62 days in the freezer (-20 ± 10 °C). Both sitagliptin (analyte) and IS stock solutions were stable for 62 days when kept at room temperature (25 ± 4 °C) and in chiller (2-8 °C). The validated method was successfully applied to a bioequivalence study of two sitagliptin formulations involving 26 healthy Malaysian volunteers.
    Matched MeSH terms: Linear Models
  12. Edhborg M, E-Nasreen H, Kabir ZN
    J Interpers Violence, 2020 11;35(21-22):4779-4795.
    PMID: 29294818 DOI: 10.1177/0886260517717489
    Intimate partner violence (IPV) during the first year postpartum is common in Bangladesh, and many infants are exposed to hostile and aggressive environment. The aim of the current study was to investigate how IPV (physical, emotional, and sexual) impacts on the mother's perception of her infant's temperament 6 to 8 months postpartum, and whether maternal depressive symptom at 6 to 8 months postpartum is a mediator in this association. A total of 656 rural Bangladeshi women and their children 6 to 8 months postpartum were included in this study. Data were collected by structured interviews. The women were asked about physical, sexual, and emotional IPV; depressive symptoms (Edinburgh Postnatal Depressive Symptoms [EPDS]); and their perception of infant temperament assessed by the Infant Characteristic Questionnaire (ICQ). Descriptive analyses were conducted for prevalence of IPV and maternal depressive symptoms. Mediation analysis was conducted with a series of linear regressions with types of IPV as independent variables, ICQ including its subscales as dependent variables and maternal depressive symptoms as potential mediator. All the analyses were adjusted for the woman's and her husband's ages and number of children of the couple. Nearly 90% of the mothers reported some kind of IPV at 6 to 8 months postpartum. All types of IPV were directly associated with the mother's perception of her infant as unadaptable. Maternal depressive symptom was a mediating factor between physical IPV and the ICQ subscales fussy-difficult and unpredictable. In addition, depressive symptoms mediated between sexual and emotional IPV, and the mother's perception of the infant as unpredictable. The results showed that IPV influenced how mothers perceived their infant's temperament. It is important that health care professionals at maternal and child health services enquire about IPV with possibilities to refer the family or the mother and infant for appropriate support.
    Matched MeSH terms: Linear Models
  13. Nair AB, Gandhi D, Patel SS, Morsy MA, Gorain B, Attimarad M, et al.
    Molecules, 2020 Oct 26;25(21).
    PMID: 33114598 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25214947
    Sinigrin, a precursor of allyl isothiocyanate, present in the Raphanus sativus exhibits diverse biological activities, and has an immense role against cancer proliferation. Therefore, the objective of this study was to quantify the sinigrin in the R. sativus roots using developed and validated RP-HPLC method and further evaluated its' anticancer activity. To achieve the objective, the roots of R. sativus were lyophilized to obtain a stable powder, which were extracted and passed through an ion-exchange column to obtain sinigrin-rich fraction. The RP-HPLC method using C18 analytical column was used for chromatographic separation and quantification of sinigrin in the prepared fraction, which was attained using the mobile phase consisting of 20 mM tetrabutylammonium: acetonitrile (80:20%, v/v at pH 7.0) at a flow rate of 0.5 mL/min. The chromatographic peak for sinigrin was showed at 3.592 min for pure sinigrin, where a good linearity was achieved within the concentration range of 50 to 800 µg/mL (R2 > 0.99), with an excellent accuracy (-1.37% and -1.29%) and precision (1.43% and 0.94%), for intra and inter-day, respectively. Finally, the MTT assay was performed for the sinigrin-rich fraction using three different human cancer cell lines, viz. prostate cancer (DU-145), colon adenocarcinoma (HCT-15), and melanoma (A-375). The cell-based assays were extended to conduct apoptotic and caspase-3 activities, to determine the mechanism of action of sinigrin in the treatment of cancer. MTT assay showed IC50 values of 15.88, 21.42, and 24.58 µg/mL for DU-145, HCT-15, and A-375 cell lines, respectively. Increased cellular apoptosis and caspase-3 expression were observed with sinigrin-rich fraction, indicating significant increase in overexpression of caspase-3 in DU-145 cells. In conclusion, a simple, sensitive, fast, and accurate RP-HPLC method was developed for the estimation of sinigrin in the prepared fraction. The data observed here indicate that sinigrin can be beneficial in treating prostate cancer possibly by inducing apoptosis.
    Matched MeSH terms: Linear Models
  14. Tay AK, Khat Mung H, Badrudduza M, Balasundaram S, Fadil Azim D, Arfah Zaini N, et al.
    Eur J Psychotraumatol, 2020 Sep 16;11(1):1807170.
    PMID: 33062211 DOI: 10.1080/20008198.2020.1807170
    Background: The ability to adapt to the psychosocial disruptions associated with the refugee experience may influence the course of complicated grief reactions. Objective: We examine these relationships amongst Myanmar refugees relocated to Malaysia who participated in a six-week course of Integrative Adapt Therapy (IAT). Method: Participants (n = 170) included Rohingya, Chin, and Kachin refugees relocated to Malaysia. At baseline and six-week post-treatment, we applied culturally adapted measures to assess symptoms of Prolonged Complex Bereavement Disorder (PCBD) and adaptive capacity to psychosocial disruptions, based on the Adaptive Stress Index (ASI). The ASI comprises five sub-scales of safety/security (ASI-1); bonds and networks (ASI-2); injustice (ASI-3); roles and identity (ASI-4); and existential meaning (ASI-5). Results: Multilevel linear models indicated that the relationship between baseline and posttreatment PCBD symptoms was mediated by the ASI scale scores. Further, ASI scale scores assessed posttreatment mediated the relationship between baseline and posttreatment PCBD symptoms. Mediation of PCBD change was greatest for the ASI II scale representing disrupted bonds and networks. Conclusion: Our findings are consistent with the informing model of IAT in demonstrating that changes in adaptive capacity, and especially in dealing with disrupted bonds and networks, may mediate the process of symptom improvement over the course of therapy.
    Matched MeSH terms: Linear Models
  15. Tafran K, Tumin M, Osman AF
    Iran J Public Health, 2020 Sep;49(9):1709-1717.
    PMID: 33643946 DOI: 10.18502/ijph.v49i9.4088
    Background: We examined whether multidimensional poverty index (MPI) explained variations in life expectancy (LE) better than income poverty; and assessed the relative importance of MPI indicators in influencing LE.

    Methods: Cross-sectional data from 62 developing countries were used to run several multivariate linear regressions. R2 was used to compare the powers of MPI with income-poverties (income poverty gaps [IPG] at 1.9 and 3.1 USD) in explaining LE.

    Results: Adjusting for controls, both MPI (β =-0.245, P<0.001) and IPG at 3.1 USD (β=-0.135, P=0.044) significantly correlates with LE, but not IPG at 1.9 USD (β=-0.147, P=0.135). MPI explains 12.1% of the variation in LE compared to only 3.2% explained by IPG at 3.1 USD. The effect of MPI on LE is higher on female (β=-0.210, P<0.001) than male (β=-0.177, P<0.001). The relative influence of the deprivation indictors on LE ranks as follows (most to least): Asset ownership, drinking water, cooking fuel, flooring, child school attendance, years of schooling, nutrition, mortality, improved sanitation, and electricity.

    Conclusion: Interventions to reduce poverty and improve LE should be guided by MPI, not income poverty indices. Such policies should be female-oriented and prioritized based on the relative influence of the various poverty deprivation indicators on LE.

    Matched MeSH terms: Linear Models
  16. Sai A, Furusawa T, Othman MY, Tomojiri D, Wan Zaini WFZ, Tan CSY, et al.
    Heliyon, 2020 Jul;6(7):e04414.
    PMID: 32743089 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e04414
    Compared with females, little research on muscularity and the sociocultural influences on this domain has been conducted with males in non-Western societies. The current study explored these sociocultural predictors of drive for muscularity among Malaysian male college students, specifically in terms of ethnicity and exposure to media (i.e., Internet and social media). In total, 166 male college students from two universities in Kuala Lumpur were asked to rate the questionnaires as to muscularity-oriented attitudes and behaviours. Multivariable general linear model analyses revealed that being Chinese was a strong predictor of muscularity-oriented attitudes and behaviours. In addition, modern media, particularly, Internet use and the number of followers on Instagram, was found to significantly predict males' drive for muscularity. Overall findings suggest that males of particular ethnic groups may be at higher risk for negative body image compared to the other ethnic populations and modern media use may accelerate drive for muscularity, which may also in turn place males at higher risk for excess muscularity-oriented thoughts and behaviours.
    Matched MeSH terms: Linear Models
  17. Khil EK, Choi JA, Hwang E, Sidek S, Choi I
    BMC Musculoskelet Disord, 2020 Jun 26;21(1):403.
    PMID: 32590960 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-020-03432-w
    BACKGROUND: To evaluate paraspinal back muscles of asymptomatic subjects using qualitative and quantitative analysis on CT and MRI and correlate the results with demographic data.

    METHODS: Twenty-nine asymptomatic subjects were enrolled prospectively (age: mean 34.31, range 23-50; 14 men, 15 women) from August 2016 to April 2017. Qualitative analysis of muscles was done using Goutallier's system on CT and MRI. Quantitative analysis entailed cross sectional area (CSA) on CT and MRI, Hounsfield unit (HU) on CT, fat fraction using two-point Dixon technique on MRI. Three readers independently analyzed the images; intra- and inter-observer agreements were measured. Linear regression and Spearman's analyses were used for correlation with demographic data.

    RESULTS: CSA values were significantly higher in men (p 

    Matched MeSH terms: Linear Models
  18. Wong YJ, Arumugasamy SK, Chung CH, Selvarajoo A, Sethu V
    Environ Monit Assess, 2020 Jun 17;192(7):439.
    PMID: 32556670 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-020-08268-4
    Presence of copper within water bodies deteriorates human health and degrades natural environment. This heavy metal in water is treated using a promising biochar derived from rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum) peel through slow pyrolysis. This research compares the efficacies of artificial neural network (ANN), adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), and multiple linear regression (MLR) models and evaluates their capability in estimating the adsorption efficiency of biochar for the removal of Cu (II) ions based on 480 experimental sets obtained in a laboratory batch study. The effects of operational parameters such as contact time, operating temperature, biochar dosage, and initial Cu (II) ion concentration on removing Cu (II) ions were investigated. Eleven different training algorithms in ANN and 8 different membership functions in ANFIS were compared statistically and evaluated in terms of estimation errors, which are root mean squared error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), and accuracy. The effects of number of hidden neuron in ANN model and fuzzy set combination in ANFIS were studied. In this study, ANFIS model with Gaussian membership function and fuzzy set combination of [4 5 2 3] was found to be the best method, with accuracy of 90.24% and 87.06% for training and testing dataset, respectively. Contribution of this study is that ANN, ANFIS, and MLR modeling techniques were used for the first time to study the adsorption of Cu (II) ions from aqueous solutions using rambutan peel biochar.
    Matched MeSH terms: Linear Models
  19. Ho CY, Ibrahim Z, Abu Zaid Z, Mat Daud Z', Md Yusop NB
    Trials, 2020 Jun 16;21(1):533.
    PMID: 32546217 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-020-04462-4
    INTRODUCTION: There has been growing evidence on the favourable outcomes of fast-track-recovery (FTR) surgery; to expedite recovery, minimise complications, and reduce the length of hospital stay for surgical patients. However, there is lack of evidence on the effectiveness of FTR in surgical gynaecological cancer (GC) patients. Most of the previous studies did not focus on feeding composition in the FTR surgery protocol. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of FTR feeding with a whey-protein-infused carbohydrate-loading drink pre-operatively and early oral feeding post-operatively on post-operative outcomes among surgical GC patients.

    METHODS/DESIGN: This open-labelled, randomised controlled trial (RCT) will randomly allocate patients into intervention and control groups. Ambulated Malaysian aged over 18 years and scheduled for elective surgery for (suspected) GC, will be included in this study. The intervention group will be given whey-protein-infused carbohydrate-loading drinks on the evening before their operation and 3 h before their operation as well as started on early oral feeding 4 h post-operatively. The control group will be fasted overnight pre-operation and only allowed plain water, and return to a normal diet is allowed when bowel sounds return post-operatively. The primary outcomes of study are length of post-operative hospital stay, length of clear-fluid tolerance, solid-food tolerance and bowel function. Additional outcome measures are changes in nutritional status, biochemical profile and functional status. Data will be analysed on an intention-to-treat basis.

    TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT03667755. Retrospectively registered on 12 September 2018; Protocol version: version 3 dated 27 September 2017.

    Matched MeSH terms: Linear Models
  20. Kwan MK, Lee SY, Ch'ng PY, Chung WH, Chiu CK, Chan CYW
    Spine (Phila Pa 1976), 2020 Jun 15;45(12):E694-E703.
    PMID: 32032325 DOI: 10.1097/BRS.0000000000003407
    STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study.

    OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between a +ve postoperative Upper Instrumented Vertebra (UIV) (≥0°) tilt angle and the risk of medial shoulder/neck and lateral shoulder imbalance among Lenke 1 and 2 Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) patients following Posterior Spinal Fusion.

    SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Current UIV selection strategy has poor correlation with postoperative shoulder balance. The relationship between a +ve postoperative UIV tilt angle and the risk of postoperative shoulder and neck imbalance was unknown.

    METHODS: One hundred thirty-six Lenke 1 and 2 AIS patients with minimum 2 years follow-up were recruited. For medial shoulder and neck balance, patients were categorized into positive (+ve) imbalance (≥+4°), balanced, or negative (-ve) imbalance (≤-4°) groups based on T1 tilt angle/Cervical Axis measurement. For lateral shoulder balance, patients were classified into +ve imbalance (≥+3°) balanced, and -ve imbalance (≤-3°) groups based on Clavicle Angle (Cla-A) measurement. Linear regression analysis identified the predictive factors for shoulder/neck imbalance. Logistic regression analysis calculated the odds ratio of shoulder/neck imbalance for patients with +ve postoperative UIV tilt angle.

    RESULTS: Postoperative UIV tilt angle and preoperative T1 tilt angle were predictive of +ve medial shoulder imbalance. Postoperative UIV tilt angle and postoperative PT correction were predictive of +ve neck imbalance. Approximately 51.6% of patients with +ve medial shoulder imbalance had +ve postoperative UIV tilt angle. Patients with +ve postoperative UIV tilt angle had 14.9 times increased odds of developing +ve medial shoulder imbalance and 3.3 times increased odds of developing +ve neck imbalance. Postoperative UIV tilt angle did not predict lateral shoulder imbalance.

    CONCLUSION: Patients with +ve postoperative UIV tilt angle had 14.9 times increased odds of developing +ve medial shoulder imbalance (T1 tilt angle ≥+4°) and 3.3 times increased odds of developing +ve neck imbalance (cervical axis ≥+4°).

    LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

    Matched MeSH terms: Linear Models
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