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  1. Astaxanthin production by freshwater microalgae Chlorella sorokiniana and marine microalgae Tetraselmis sp
    Raman R, Mohamad SE
    Pak J Biol Sci, 2012 Dec 15;15(24):1182-6.
    PMID: 23755409
    There are numerous commercial applications of microalgae nowadays owing to their vast biotechnological and economical potential. Indisputably, astaxanthin is one of the high value product synthesized by microalgae and is achieving commercial success. Astaxanthin is a keto-carotenoid pigment found in many aquatic animals including microalgae. Astaxanthin cannot be synthesized by animals and provided in the diet is compulsory. In this study, the production of astaxanthin by the freshwater microalgae Chlorella sorokiniana and marine microalgae Tetraselmis sp. were studied. The relationship between growth and astaxanthin production by marine and freshwater microalgae cultivated under various carbon sources and concentrations, environmental conditions and nitrate concentrations was investigated in this study. Inorganic carbon source and low nitrate concentration favored the growth and production of astaxanthin by the marine microalgae Tetraselmis sp. and the freshwater microalgae Chlorella sorokiniana. Outdoor cultivation enhanced the growth of microalgae, while indoor cultivation promoted the formation of astaxanthin. The results indicated that supplementation of light, inorganic carbon and nitrate could be effectively manipulated to enhance the production of astaxanthin by both microalgae studied.
    Matched MeSH terms: Environment
  2. Fulltext The environmental profile of a community's health: a cross-sectional study on tobacco marketing in 16 countries
    Savell E, Gilmore AB, Sims M, Mony PK, Koon T, Yusoff K, et al.
    Bull World Health Organ, 2015 Dec 01;93(12):851-61G.
    PMID: 26668437 DOI: 10.2471/BLT.15.155846
    OBJECTIVE: To examine and compare tobacco marketing in 16 countries while the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control requires parties to implement a comprehensive ban on such marketing.

    METHODS: Between 2009 and 2012, a kilometre-long walk was completed by trained investigators in 462 communities across 16 countries to collect data on tobacco marketing. We interviewed community members about their exposure to traditional and non-traditional marketing in the previous six months. To examine differences in marketing between urban and rural communities and between high-, middle- and low-income countries, we used multilevel regression models controlling for potential confounders.

    FINDINGS: Compared with high-income countries, the number of tobacco advertisements observed was 81 times higher in low-income countries (incidence rate ratio, IRR: 80.98; 95% confidence interval, CI: 4.15-1578.42) and the number of tobacco outlets was 2.5 times higher in both low- and lower-middle-income countries (IRR: 2.58; 95% CI: 1.17-5.67 and IRR: 2.52; CI: 1.23-5.17, respectively). Of the 11,842 interviewees, 1184 (10%) reported seeing at least five types of tobacco marketing. Self-reported exposure to at least one type of traditional marketing was 10 times higher in low-income countries than in high-income countries (odds ratio, OR: 9.77; 95% CI: 1.24-76.77). For almost all measures, marketing exposure was significantly lower in the rural communities than in the urban communities.

    CONCLUSION: Despite global legislation to limit tobacco marketing, it appears ubiquitous. The frequency and type of tobacco marketing varies on the national level by income group and by community type, appearing to be greatest in low-income countries and urban communities.

    Matched MeSH terms: Social Environment
  3. Fulltext Behaviour change strategies for reducing blood pressure-related disease burden: findings from a global implementation research programme
    GACD Hypertension Research Programme, Writing Group, Peiris D, Thompson SR, Beratarrechea A, Cárdenas MK, Diez-Canseco F, et al.
    Implement Sci, 2015;10:158.
    PMID: 26553092 DOI: 10.1186/s13012-015-0331-0
    The Global Alliance for Chronic Diseases comprises the majority of the world's public research funding agencies. It is focussed on implementation research to tackle the burden of chronic diseases in low- and middle-income countries and amongst vulnerable populations in high-income countries. In its inaugural research call, 15 projects were funded, focussing on lowering blood pressure-related disease burden. In this study, we describe a reflexive mapping exercise to identify the behaviour change strategies undertaken in each of these projects.
    Matched MeSH terms: Environment
  4. Fulltext Biosurfactant Production by Bacillus salmalaya for Lubricating Oil Solubilization and Biodegradation
    Dadrasnia A, Ismail S
    Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2015 Aug;12(8):9848-63.
    PMID: 26295402 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph120809848
    This study investigated the capability of a biosurfactant produced by a novel strain of Bacillus salmalaya to enhance the biodegradation rates and bioavailability of organic contaminants. The biosurfactant produced by cultured strain 139SI showed high physicochemical properties and surface activity in the selected medium. The biosurfactant exhibited a high emulsification index and a positive result in the drop collapse test, with the results demonstrating the wetting activity of the biosurfactant and its potential to produce surface-active molecules. Strain 139SI can significantly reduce the surface tension (ST) from 70.5 to 27 mN/m, with a critical micelle concentration of 0.4%. Moreover, lubricating oil at 2% (v/v) was degraded on Day 20 (71.5). Furthermore, the biosurfactant demonstrated high stability at different ranges of salinity, pH, and temperature. Overall, the results indicated the potential use of B. salmalaya 139SI in environmental remediation processes.
    Matched MeSH terms: Biodegradation, Environmental; Environment; Environmental Pollutants/metabolism*; Environmental Restoration and Remediation/methods*
  5. Maternal dietary and environmental factors associated with infant circadian rhythm, growth, and temperament: Research protocol for a prospective cohort study
    Kok EY, Kaur S, Mohd Shukri NH, Abdul Razak N, Takahashi M
    Nutr Health, 2024 Dec;30(4):645-654.
    PMID: 38584399 DOI: 10.1177/02601060241246354
    Introduction: Emerging evidence has been explored to determine the factors affecting the development of infant circadian rhythm. While fetal programming happens during the pregnancy period, external environmental cues and infant nutritional programming can have substantial effects on the infant circadian rhythm. Understanding prenatal and postnatal factors determining infant circadian rhythm can improve future interventions in optimizing maternal and infant health. Methods: This is a prospective observational cohort study, targeting 216 pregnant women from government maternity clinics in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Pregnant women will be recruited at third trimester (baseline), and follow up at 3 months, and 6 months. A subsample will be collected for salivary cortisol analysis to determine circadian rhythm of the mother and infant at third trimester and 3 months. Data of eating misalignment, light exposure, chronotype, infant temperament, sleep quality, and mood will be collected via validated questionnaires. Anthropometric data and birth outcomes will be collected from antenatal and postnatal health records. Summary: Studies on infant circadian rhythm development have yet to be explored and established, hence this study presents a novel approach to identify the factors from prenatal to postnatal periods on infant circadian rhythm and its influence on growth and temperament. Findings from this study will provide insights in the critical timing which has larger effects on infant circadian rhythm development for future interventions to be conducted.
    Matched MeSH terms: Environment
  6. Fulltext Four ways blue foods can help achieve food system ambitions across nations
    Crona BI, Wassénius E, Jonell M, Koehn JZ, Short R, Tigchelaar M, et al.
    Nature, 2023 Apr;616(7955):104-112.
    PMID: 36813964 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-05737-x
    Blue foods, sourced in aquatic environments, are important for the economies, livelihoods, nutritional security and cultures of people in many nations. They are often nutrient rich1, generate lower emissions and impacts on land and water than many terrestrial meats2, and contribute to the health3, wellbeing and livelihoods of many rural communities4. The Blue Food Assessment recently evaluated nutritional, environmental, economic and justice dimensions of blue foods globally. Here we integrate these findings and translate them into four policy objectives to help realize the contributions that blue foods can make to national food systems around the world: ensuring supplies of critical nutrients, providing healthy alternatives to terrestrial meat, reducing dietary environmental footprints and safeguarding blue food contributions to nutrition, just economies and livelihoods under a changing climate. To account for how context-specific environmental, socio-economic and cultural aspects affect this contribution, we assess the relevance of each policy objective for individual countries, and examine associated co-benefits and trade-offs at national and international scales. We find that in many African and South American nations, facilitating consumption of culturally relevant blue food, especially among nutritionally vulnerable population segments, could address vitamin B12 and omega-3 deficiencies. Meanwhile, in many global North nations, cardiovascular disease rates and large greenhouse gas footprints from ruminant meat intake could be lowered through moderate consumption of seafood with low environmental impact. The analytical framework we provide also identifies countries with high future risk, for whom climate adaptation of blue food systems will be particularly important. Overall the framework helps decision makers to assess the blue food policy objectives most relevant to their geographies, and to compare and contrast the benefits and trade-offs associated with pursuing these objectives.
    Matched MeSH terms: Environment; Environmental Policy
  7. Fulltext Individually-tailored multifactorial intervention to reduce falls in the Malaysian Falls Assessment and Intervention Trial (MyFAIT): A randomized controlled trial
    Tan PJ, Khoo EM, Chinna K, Saedon NI, Zakaria MI, Ahmad Zahedi AZ, et al.
    PLoS One, 2018;13(8):e0199219.
    PMID: 30074996 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0199219
    OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of an individually-tailored multifactorial intervention in reducing falls among at risk older adult fallers in a multi-ethnic, middle-income nation in South-East Asia.

    DESIGN: Pragmatic, randomized-controlled trial.

    SETTING: Emergency room, medical outpatient and primary care clinic in a teaching hospital in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

    PARTICIPANTS: Individuals aged 65 years and above with two or more falls or one injurious fall in the past 12 months.

    INTERVENTION: Individually-tailored interventions, included a modified Otago exercise programme, HOMEFAST home hazards modification, visual intervention, cardiovascular intervention, medication review and falls education, was compared against a control group involving conventional treatment.

    PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was any fall recurrence at 12-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes were rate of fall and time to first fall.

    RESULTS: Two hundred and sixty-eight participants (mean age 75.3 ±7.2 SD years, 67% women) were randomized to multifactorial intervention (n = 134) or convention treatment (n = 134). All participants in the intervention group received medication review and falls education, 92 (68%) were prescribed Otago exercises, 86 (64%) visual intervention, 64 (47%) home hazards modification and 51 (38%) cardiovascular intervention. Fall recurrence did not differ between intervention and control groups at 12-months [Risk Ratio, RR = 1.037 (95% CI 0.613-1.753)]. Rate of fall [RR = 1.155 (95% CI 0.846-1.576], time to first fall [Hazard Ratio, HR = 0.948 (95% CI 0.782-1.522)] and mortality rate [RR = 0.896 (95% CI 0.335-2.400)] did not differ between groups.

    CONCLUSION: Individually-tailored multifactorial intervention was ineffective as a strategy to reduce falls. Future research efforts are now required to develop culturally-appropriate and affordable methods of addressing this increasingly prominent public health issue in middle-income nations.

    TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN Registry no. ISRCTN11674947.

    Study site: emergency department, medical outpatients and primary care clinic at a teaching hospital in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
    Matched MeSH terms: Environment Design/standards
  8. Fulltext The effect of environmental conditions on biofilm formation of Burkholderia pseudomallei clinical isolates
    Ramli NS, Eng Guan C, Nathan S, Vadivelu J
    PLoS One, 2012;7(9):e44104.
    PMID: 22970167 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0044104
    Burkholderia pseudomallei, a Gram-negative saprophytic bacterium, is the causative agent of the potentially fatal melioidosis disease in humans. In this study, environmental parameters including temperature, nutrient content, pH and the presence of glucose were shown to play a role in in vitro biofilm formation by 28 B. pseudomallei clinical isolates, including four isolates with large colony variants (LCVs) and small colony variants (SCVs) morphotypes. Enhanced biofilm formation was observed when the isolates were tested in LB medium, at 30 °C, at pH 7.2, and in the presence of as little as 2 mM glucose respectively. It was also shown that all SVCs displayed significantly greater capacity to form biofilms than the corresponding LCVs when cultured in LB at 37 °C. In addition, octanoyl-homoserine lactone (C(8)-HSL), a quorum sensing molecule, was identified by mass spectrometry analysis in bacterial isolates referred to as LCV CTH, LCV VIT, SCV TOM, SCV CTH, 1 and 3, and the presence of other AHL's with higher masses; decanoyl-homoserine lactone (C(10)-HSL) and dodecanoyl-homoserine lactone (C(12)-HSL) were also found in all tested strain in this study. Last but not least, we had successfully acquired two Bacillus sp. soil isolates, termed KW and SA respectively, which possessed strong AHLs degradation activity. Biofilm formation of B. pseudomallei isolates was significantly decreased after treated with culture supernatants of KW and SA strains, demonstrating that AHLs may play a role in B. pseudomallei biofilm formation.
    Matched MeSH terms: Environment*
  9. Ethnic variations in dementia: the contributions of cardiovascular, psychosocial and neuropsychological factors
    Ng TP, Leong T, Chiam PC, Kua EH
    Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord, 2010;29(2):131-8.
    PMID: 20145399 DOI: 10.1159/000275668
    Ethnic variations in dementia rate have been reported worldwide. Understanding these differences is vital for aetiological research, clinical care and health service planning. While age and gender have been consistently implicated, the reasons behind interethnic variation remain unclear.
    Matched MeSH terms: Social Environment*
  10. Fulltext Directly observed therapy for clozapine with concomitant methadone prescription: a method for improving adherence and outcome
    Pang NTP, Mohamad Isa MF, Suarn Singh V, Masiran R
    BMJ Case Rep, 2017 Jul 27;2017.
    PMID: 28754761 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2017-221048
    A young male presented with many years of delusions and hallucinations, with concurrent heroin use and subsequent amphetamine uses. There were no depressive or manic symptoms and psychotic symptoms prior to the amphetamine use. After the trials of two atypical antipsychotics and later clozapine due to treatment resistance, adherence and functionality were poor and there was still persistent drug use. As a result, a long acting injectable adjunct was commenced, but only minimal effects were observed. However after initiation of directly observed treatment of clozapine with methadone, there has been functional and clinical response and drug use has ceased.
    Matched MeSH terms: Social Environment
  11. Fulltext Does Childhood Trauma Moderate Polygenic Risk for Depression? A Meta-analysis of 5765 Subjects From the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium
    Peyrot WJ, Van der Auwera S, Milaneschi Y, Dolan CV, Madden PAF, Sullivan PF, et al.
    Biol Psychiatry, 2018 Jul 15;84(2):138-147.
    PMID: 29129318 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2017.09.009
    BACKGROUND: The heterogeneity of genetic effects on major depressive disorder (MDD) may be partly attributable to moderation of genetic effects by environment, such as exposure to childhood trauma (CT). Indeed, previous findings in two independent cohorts showed evidence for interaction between polygenic risk scores (PRSs) and CT, albeit in opposing directions. This study aims to meta-analyze MDD-PRS × CT interaction results across these two and other cohorts, while applying more accurate PRSs based on a larger discovery sample.

    METHODS: Data were combined from 3024 MDD cases and 2741 control subjects from nine cohorts contributing to the MDD Working Group of the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium. MDD-PRS were based on a discovery sample of ∼110,000 independent individuals. CT was assessed as exposure to sexual or physical abuse during childhood. In a subset of 1957 cases and 2002 control subjects, a more detailed five-domain measure additionally included emotional abuse, physical neglect, and emotional neglect.

    RESULTS: MDD was associated with the MDD-PRS (odds ratio [OR] = 1.24, p = 3.6 × 10-5, R2 = 1.18%) and with CT (OR = 2.63, p = 3.5 × 10-18 and OR = 2.62, p = 1.4 ×10-5 for the two- and five-domain measures, respectively). No interaction was found between MDD-PRS and the two-domain and five-domain CT measure (OR = 1.00, p = .89 and OR = 1.05, p = .66).

    CONCLUSIONS: No meta-analytic evidence for interaction between MDD-PRS and CT was found. This suggests that the previously reported interaction effects, although both statistically significant, can best be interpreted as chance findings. Further research is required, but this study suggests that the genetic heterogeneity of MDD is not attributable to genome-wide moderation of genetic effects by CT.

    Matched MeSH terms: Gene-Environment Interaction
  12. Fulltext Association between Platescapes, Foodscapes, and Meal Energy Intake in Government Employees from Muar, Johor, Malaysia
    Lim YJ, Jamaluddin R, Er YT
    Nutrients, 2018 Jun 25;10(7).
    PMID: 29941848 DOI: 10.3390/nu10070819
    A microscale built environment was the focus in this cross-sectional study which aimed to investigate the associations between platescapes, foodscapes, and meal energy intake among subjects. A total of 133 subjects (54 male, 79 female) with mean age 36.8 ± 7.3 years completed a self-administered questionnaire on sociodemographic characteristics, platescapes, and foodscape preferences. For platescapes, a plate mapping method was used, where subjects were required to place various sizes of food models on two different sized plates (23 cm and 28 cm) based on their preferences. For foodscape preferences, subjects were given a 23-cm plate and various food models differentiated by shapes and colours. Then, 24-h daily recalls (for one weekday and one weekend day) were obtained using interviews. Significant differences were observed in meal energy intake (p < 0.05) between males (1741 ± 339 kcal) and females (1625 ± 247 kcal) and also between age groups (p < 0.05). There was a significant difference (p < 0.0001) in terms of subjects’ meal energy intake when comparing 23-cm plates (419 ± 124 kcal) and 28-cm plates (561 ± 143 kcal). The bigger plate (28 cm) (p < 0.01) was significantly associated with subjects’ meal energy intakes, but this was not so for the 23-cm plate. There were significant differences in subjects’ meal energy when comparing white rice and multicoloured rice (p < 0.0001), unicoloured and multicoloured proteins (p < 0.0001), and unicoloured and multicoloured vegetables (p < 0.0001). There was a significant difference found between round- and cube-shaped proteins (p < 0.05). The colours of rice (p < 0.01), protein (p < 0.05), and vegetables (p < 0.05) were significantly associated with subjects’ meal energy. Only the shape of carrots in vegetables (p = 0.01) was significantly associated with subjects’ meal energy. Subconsciously, platescapes and foodscapes affect an individual’s energy intake, and thus these elements should be considered in assessing one’s dietary consumption.
    Matched MeSH terms: Environment
  13. Fulltext Genome-Wide Detection of Genes Under Positive Selection in Worldwide Populations of the Barley Scald Pathogen
    Mohd-Assaad N, McDonald BA, Croll D
    Genome Biol Evol, 2018 Apr 01;10(5):1315-1332.
    PMID: 29722810 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evy087
    Coevolution between hosts and pathogens generates strong selection pressures to maintain resistance and infectivity, respectively. Genomes of plant pathogens often encode major effect loci for the ability to successfully infect specific host genotypes. Hence, spatial heterogeneity in host genotypes coupled with abiotic factors could lead to locally adapted pathogen populations. However, the genetic basis of local adaptation is poorly understood. Rhynchosporium commune, the pathogen causing barley scald disease, interacts at least partially in a gene-for-gene manner with its host. We analyzed global field populations of 125 R. commune isolates to identify candidate genes for local adaptation. Whole genome sequencing data showed that the pathogen is subdivided into three genetic clusters associated with distinct geographic and climatic regions. Using haplotype-based selection scans applied independently to each genetic cluster, we found strong evidence for selective sweeps throughout the genome. Comparisons of loci under selection among clusters revealed little overlap, suggesting that ecological differences associated with each cluster led to variable selection regimes. The strongest signals of selection were found predominantly in the two clusters composed of isolates from Central Europe and Ethiopia. The strongest selective sweep regions encoded protein functions related to biotic and abiotic stress responses. Selective sweep regions were enriched in genes encoding functions in cellular localization, protein transport activity, and DNA damage responses. In contrast to the prevailing view that a small number of gene-for-gene interactions govern plant pathogen evolution, our analyses suggest that the evolutionary trajectory is largely determined by spatially heterogeneous biotic and abiotic selection pressures.
    Matched MeSH terms: Environment
  14. Correlates of sedentary behaviour in Asian adults: A systematic review
    Müller AM, Chen B, Wang NX, Whitton C, Direito A, Petrunoff N, et al.
    Obes Rev, 2020 04;21(4):e12976.
    PMID: 31919972 DOI: 10.1111/obr.12976
    The objective of this study is to systematically review the evidence on correlates of sedentary behaviour (SB) among Asian adults. We searched for studies that examined individual, environmental, and political/cultural correlates of total and domain-specific SB (transport, occupation, leisure, and screen time) in Asian adults published from 2000 onwards in nine scientific databases. Two reviewers independently screened identified references. Following quality assessment of included studies, we performed narrative synthesis that considered differences based on SB measurements, regions, and population characteristics (PROSPERO: CRD42018095268). We identified 13 249 papers of which we included 49, from four regions and 12 countries. Researchers conducted cross-sectional analyses and most relied on SB self-report for SB measurement. Of the 118 correlates studied, the following associations were consistent: higher age, living in an urban area (East Asia), and lower mental health with higher total SB; higher education with higher total and occupational SB; higher income with higher leisure-time SB; higher transit density with higher total SB in older East Asians; and being an unmarried women with higher SB in the Middle East. We encourage more research in non-high-income countries across regions, further exploration of important but neglected correlates using longitudinal designs and qualitative research, and the use of objective instruments to collect SB data.
    Matched MeSH terms: Environment
  15. UEFA expert group statement on nutrition in elite football. Current evidence to inform practical recommendations and guide future research
    Collins J, Maughan RJ, Gleeson M, Bilsborough J, Jeukendrup A, Morton JP, et al.
    Br J Sports Med, 2021 Apr;55(8):416.
    PMID: 33097528 DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2019-101961
    Football is a global game which is constantly evolving, showing substantial increases in physical and technical demands. Nutrition plays a valuable integrated role in optimising performance of elite players during training and match-play, and maintaining their overall health throughout the season. An evidence-based approach to nutrition emphasising, a 'food first' philosophy (ie, food over supplements), is fundamental to ensure effective player support. This requires relevant scientific evidence to be applied according to the constraints of what is practical and feasible in the football setting. The science underpinning sports nutrition is evolving fast, and practitioners must be alert to new developments. In response to these developments, the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) has gathered experts in applied sports nutrition research as well as practitioners working with elite football clubs and national associations/federations to issue an expert statement on a range of topics relevant to elite football nutrition: (1) match day nutrition, (2) training day nutrition, (3) body composition, (4) stressful environments and travel, (5) cultural diversity and dietary considerations, (6) dietary supplements, (7) rehabilitation, (8) referees and (9) junior high-level players. The expert group provide a narrative synthesis of the scientific background relating to these topics based on their knowledge and experience of the scientific research literature, as well as practical experience of applying knowledge within an elite sports setting. Our intention is to provide readers with content to help drive their own practical recommendations. In addition, to provide guidance to applied researchers where to focus future efforts.
    Matched MeSH terms: Environment
  16. Association of co-occurring psychosocial health conditions and HIV infection among MSM in Malaysia: Implication of a syndemic effect
    Ng RX, Guadamuz TE, Akbar M, Kamarulzaman A, Lim SH
    Int J STD AIDS, 2020 05;31(6):568-578.
    PMID: 32299293 DOI: 10.1177/0956462420913444
    Matched MeSH terms: Social Environment
  17. Fulltext Association between the school environment and children's body mass index in Terengganu: A cross sectional study
    Wafa SW, Ghazalli R
    PLoS One, 2020;15(4):e0232000.
    PMID: 32330177 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0232000
    With the on-going interest in implementing school policies to address the problem of childhood obesity in Malaysia, there is urgent need for information about the association between school environment and children's weight status. This study aims to investigate the association between school environmental factors (physical, economic, political and sociocultural) with BMI of school children in Terengganu. The school environment factors were assessed using a set of validated whole-school environmental mapping questionnaires, consisting of 76 criteria with four domains; physical environment (41 criteria), economic environment (nine criteria), political environment (nine criteria) and sociocultural environment (17 criteria). This involved face-to-face interview sessions with 32 teachers from 16 schools (eight rural and eight urban). In addition, 400 school children aged between 9 and 11 years of the selected schools were assessed for BMI (WHO 2007 reference chart), dietary intake (food frequency questionnaire (FFQ)) and physical activity level (physical activity questionnaire for children (PAQ-C)). Multiple regression was used to examine the association between school environment factors and BMI of the school children. Seven school environment criteria were found to be associated with BMI of school children when it was adjusted for calorie intake and physical activity level. About 33.4% of the variation in BMI of school children was explained by health professional involvement, simple exercise before class, encouragement to walk/ride bicycle to/from school, no high-calorie food sold, healthy options of foods and drinks at tuck shop, availability of policy on physical activity and training teacher as a role model. Policy makers should make urgent actions to address the obesogenic features of school environments. It should strive towards setting up healthy school environment and improving school curricula to promote healthy behaviours among the school children.
    Matched MeSH terms: Environment
  18. Operational issues in the control of the vectors of Brugia
    Chang MS
    Ann Trop Med Parasitol, 2002 Dec;96 Suppl 2:S71-6.
    PMID: 12625920
    An estimated 13 million people in the Oriental Region have brugian filariasis. The filarial parasites that cause this disease exist in periodic and sub-periodic forms and are transmitted by four genera of mosquito: Anopheles, Mansonia and, less frequently, Coquillettidia and Ochlerotatus. In most endemic countries, control of the disease has been entirely based on chemotherapy, although house-spraying and use of insecticide-treated bednets can be quite effective against the vectors of nocturnally periodic Brugia malayi and B. timori. The vector-control methods that may be applied against the Mansonia mosquitoes that transmit the parasites causing sub-periodic brugian filariasis are reviewed here. Most of the conventional methods for controlling the immature, aquatic stages of mosquitoes have proved unsatisfactory against Mansonia. The reason is that, unlike the those of other genera, the larvae and pupae of Mansonia spp. are relatively immobile and obtain air not at the water surface but from the underwater roots, stems and leaves of floating plants to which the larvae and pupae attach. Removal of host plants can be very effective in reducing Mansonia productivity, whereas large-scale use of herbicides is restricted by the potential adverse effects on the ecosystem. Environmental management in water-development projects remains the best option.
    Matched MeSH terms: Environment
  19. Cryopreservation of Citrus aurantifolia seeds and embryonic axes using a desiccation protocol
    Cho EG, Noor NM, Kim HH, Rao VR, Engelmann F
    Cryo Letters, 2002 Sep-Oct;23(5):309-16.
    PMID: 12447490
    The desiccation and freezing tolerance of seeds, with and without testas, and embryonic axes of Citrus aurantifolia were investigated. Seeds were desiccated with silica gel, under the laminar air flow cabinet or by placing them on a laboratory bench. Whatever the desiccation method employed, survival before and after cryopreservation was higher for seeds without testas. When freezing intact seeds, the highest survival percentage (41.3 %) was achieved after desiccation to 7.3 % moisture content (fresh weight basis) on the laboratory bench. Survival of seeds cryopreserved without testas could reach up to 85 % after desiccation under the laminar air flow cabinet or on the laboratory bench, corresponding to moisture contents of 7.1 and 4.5 %, respectively. After desiccation with silica gel, survival reached a maximum of 60.0 %, for a seed moisture content of 3.3 %. Survival of control embryonic axes was high (80-100 %) whatever the sucrose concentration in the preculture medium and the duration of the desiccation period. After cryopreservation, no survival was noted with embryonic axes, which had not been precultured nor desiccated. Survival of non-desiccated embryonic axes after cryopreservation increased progressively in line with increasing sucrose concentrations in the preculture medium, from 7.5 % with 0.1 M sucrose to 77.5 % with 0.7 M sucrose. Survival of desiccated and cryopreserved embryos was always high, whatever the preculture treatment and desiccation period, ranging from 55.8 % to 92.5 %.
    Matched MeSH terms: Environment, Controlled
  20. Beta-agonist residues in cattle, chicken and swine livers at the wet market and the environmental impacts of wastewater from livestock farms in Selangor State, Malaysia
    Sakai N, Sakai M, Mohamad Haron DE, Yoneda M, Ali Mohd M
    Chemosphere, 2016 Dec;165:183-190.
    PMID: 27654221 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.09.022
    Fourteen beta-agonists were quantitatively analyzed in cattle, chicken and swine liver specimens purchased at 14 wet markets in Selangor State, Malaysia, by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The health risks of ractopamine and clenbuterol residues in the Malaysian population were assessed based on quantitative data and meat consumption statistics in Malaysia. Wastewater samples collected at swine farms (n = 2) and cattle/cow farms (n = 2) in the Kuala Langat district were analyzed for the presence for the 14 compounds. Wastewater in chicken farms was not collected because there was negligible discharge during the breeding period. The environmental impacts caused by beta-agonists discharged from livestock farms were spatially assessed in the Langat River basin using a geographic information system (GIS). As a result, 10 compounds were detected in the liver specimens. Ractopamine, which is a permitted compound for swine in Malaysia, was frequently detected in swine livers; also, 9 other compounds that are prohibited compounds could be illegally abused among livestock farms. The health risks of ractopamine and clenbuterol were assessed to be minimal as their hazard quotients were no more than 7.82 × 10(-4) and 2.71 × 10(-3), respectively. Five beta-agonists were detected in the wastewater samples, and ractopamine in the swine farm resulted in the highest contamination (30.1 μg/L). The environmental impacts of the beta-agonists in the Langat River basin were generally concluded to be minimal, but the ractopamine contamination released from swine farms was localized in coastal areas near the estuary of the Langat River basin because most swine farms were located in that region.
    Matched MeSH terms: Environment
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