Displaying publications 41 - 60 of 750 in total

Abstract:
Sort:
  1. Fulltext Traditional Chinese Medicine Body Constitutions and Psychological Determinants of Depression among University Students in Malaysia: A Pilot Study
    Yap SY, Foo CN, Lim YM, Ng FL, Mohd-Sidik S, Tang PY, et al.
    Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2021 May 18;18(10).
    PMID: 34069915 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18105366
    Depression is commonly observed in university students, who are a high risk group for developing psychiatric disorders during adulthood. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of depression and its traditional Chinese medicine body constitutions and psychological determinants among university students in Malaysia. A cross-sectional pilot study was conducted between 9 and 28 September 2020 among 80 university students in Malaysia. Participants completed online survey questionnaires, including the validated Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Constitution in Chinese Medicine Questionnaire (CMCQ), Dysfunctional Attitude Scale (DAS), Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21) stress subscale, Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), which assess depression, body constitution, dysfunctional attitude, stress, perceived stress, and self-esteem. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to determine the associated risk factors for depression. The overall prevalence of depression among university students was 33.8%. The multiple regression analysis showed a significant relationship between depression and qi-stagnation constitution (B = 0.089, p = 0.011), balanced constitution (B = -0.077, p = 0.049), and self-esteem (B = -0.325, p = 0.001). Our findings suggest that some traditional Chinese medicine body constitutions and self-esteem are significant risk factors affecting depression among university students. Identifying risk factors of depression is vital to aid in the early detection of depression among university students.
  2. Fulltext Human Health Risk Assessments of Trace Metals on the Clam Corbicula javanica in a Tropical River in Peninsular Malaysia
    Yap CK, Wong KW, Al-Shami SA, Nulit R, Cheng WH, Aris AZ, et al.
    Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2020 12 29;18(1).
    PMID: 33383875 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18010195
    This study aimed to analyse ten trace metal concentrations in the edible part of the freshwater clam Corbicula javanica and to provide a critical assessment of the potential risks to human health through consumption of this clam as food based on well-established indices and food safety guidelines. The clams were captured from a pristine original site and transplanted to other sites with different environmental qualities. The trace metal levels in the edible total soft tissue (TST) of the clam were below those of the food safety guidelines referred to except for Pb, which exceeded the permissible limit set by the European Commission (2006) and the US Food and Drug Administration/ Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition); Interstate Shellfish Sanitation Conference. (USFDA/CFSAN; ISSC) (2007). The estimated daily intake (EDI) values of the clam were found to be lower than the oral reference dose and the calculated target hazard quotient (THQ) and total THQ were found to be less than 1. Therefore, in conclusion, the human health risk for consumption of TST of C. javanica at both average and high-level were insignificant regardless of the environment it was exposed to.
  3. Fulltext Invasive Weed Asystasia gangetica as a Potential Biomonitor and a Phytoremediator of Potentially Toxic Metals: A Case Study in Peninsular Malaysia
    Yap CK, Chew W, Al-Mutairi KA, Al-Shami SA, Nulit R, Ibrahim MH, et al.
    Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2021 04 28;18(9).
    PMID: 33924835 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18094682
    The invasive weed Asystasia gangetica was investigated for its potential as a biomonitor and as a phytoremediator of potentially toxic metals (PTMs) (Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in Peninsular Malaysia owing to its ecological resistance towards unfavourable environments. The biomonitoring potential of PTMs was determined based on the correlation analysis of the metals in the different parts of the plant (leaves, stems, and roots) and its habitat topsoils. In the roots, the concentrations (mg/kg dry weight) of Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn ranged from 0.03 to 2.18, 9.22 to 139, 0.63 to 5.47, 2.43 to 10.5, and 50.7 to 300, respectively. In the leaves, the concentrations (mg/kg dry weight) of Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn ranged from 0.03 to 1.16, 7.94 to 20.2, 0.03 to 6.13, 2.10 to 21.8, and 18.8 to 160, respectively. In the stems, the concentrations (mg/kg dry weight) of Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn ranged from 0.03 to 1.25, 5.57 to 11.8, 0.23 to 3.69, 0.01 to 7.79, and 26.4 to 246, respectively. On the other hand, the phytoremediation potential of the five metals was estimated based on the bioconcentration factor (BCF) and the translocation factor (TF) values. Correlation analysis revealed that the roots and stems could be used as biomonitors of Cu, the stems as biomonitors of Ni, the roots and leaves as biomonitors of Pb, and all three parts of the plant as biomonitors of Zn. According to the BCF values, in the topsoil, the "easily, freely, leachable, or exchangeable" geochemical fractions of the five metals could be more easily transferred to the roots, leaves, and stems when compared with total concentrations. Based on the TF values of Cd, Ni, and Pb, the metal transfer to the stems (or leaves) from the roots was efficient (>1.0) at most sampling sites. The results of BCF and TF showed that A. gangetica was a good phytoextractor for Cd and Ni, and a good phytostabilizer for Cu, Pb, and Zn. Therefore, A. gangetica is a good candidate as a biomonitor and a phytoremediator of Ni, Pb, and Zn for sustainable contaminant remediation subject to suitable field management strategies.
  4. Fulltext Comment on Peycheva et al. Trace Elements and Omega-3 Fatty Acids of Wild and Farmed Mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) Consumed in Bulgaria: Human Health Risks. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18, 10023
    Yap CK, Ong MC
    Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2023 Jul 19;20(14).
    PMID: 37510626 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20146393
    First of all, the interesting paper by Peycheva et al. [...].
  5. Fulltext A Commentary on the Use of Bivalve Mollusks in Monitoring Metal Pollution Levels
    Yap CK, Sharifinia M, Cheng WH, Al-Shami SA, Wong KW, Al-Mutairi KA
    Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2021 Mar 25;18(7).
    PMID: 33805997 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18073386
    The objective of this commentary is to promote the use of bivalves as biomonitors, which is a part of the continual efforts of the International Mussel Watch. This commentary is an additional discussion on "Bivalve mollusks in metal pollution studies: From bioaccumulation to biomonitoring" by Zuykov et al., published in Chemosphere 93, 201-208. The present discussion can serve as a platform for further insights to provide new thoughts and novel ideas on how to make better use of bivalves in biomonitoring studies. The certainty of better and more extensive applications of mollusks in environmental monitoring in the future is almost confirmed but more studies are urgently needed. With all the reported studies using bivalves as biomonitors of heavy metal pollution, the effectiveness of using Mussel Watch is beyond any reasonable doubts. The challenge is the development of more accurate methodologies for of heavy metal data interpretation, and the precision of the biomonitoring studies using bivalves as biomonitors, whether in coastal or freshwater ecosystems. Lastly, inclusion of human health risk assessment of heavy metals in commercial bivalves would make the research papers of high public interest.
  6. Fulltext Comparison of Treatment Outcomes among Sibling Oocytes Using Different Culture Systems-Conventional IVF versus INVOcell Device-And Evaluation of INVOcell User Satisfaction: The INVOcIVF Study
    Yang Mohsin WS, Abdullah Chue NS, Abdul Hamid F, Abu MA, Othman S, Mat Jin N, et al.
    Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2022 Sep 29;19(19).
    PMID: 36231691 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912391
    INVOcell is considered an alternative to conventional IVF proposed for intravaginal embryo culture; however, implementation is still low because evidence is scanty regarding its outcome and, most importantly, the device's user satisfaction. Thus, we aim to compare the embryo outcome of sibling oocytes following INVOcell culture with conventional IVF (cIVF) by assessing its clinical outcome (fertilization, blastulation rate, and good embryo quality) and the user satisfaction evaluation based on a local validation questionnaire. A prospective study was done at a university-setting hospital for 12 months (July 2021-2022). The oocytes collected were divided into INVOcell and cIVF groups equally. Inclusion criteria included <40 years old and body mass index (BMI) < 30 kg/m2. The pre- and post-satisfaction questionnaires were assessed. In total, 23 women were included following standard controlled ovarian stimulation (COS). The mean age was 32.9, and the mean BMI was 24.9 kg/m2. Most of them suffered from tubal factors. A total of 252 oocytes were collected and incubated accordingly (cIVF; 138, INVOcell; 114). The blastulation rate was superior in the INVOcell group (p = 0.16); otherwise, the fertilization rate and good embryo quality were not significantly different between both methods (p > 0.05). Overall, women were satisfied with the INVOcell device as they were adequately advised, follow-up was scheduled, and the lowest score was obtained for all side effects of the device. Although both methods produce similar fertilization rates and good-quality embryos, the blastulation rates were better in the INVOcell group. Functionally, it is a user-friendly device and tolerable. Therefore, INVOcell can be used as an alternative method for reproductive treatment in carefully selected patients without jeopardizing the IVF outcomes.
  7. Fulltext Factors Affecting the Manufacturing Industry Transformation and Upgrading: A Case Study of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area
    Yang F, Sun Y, Zhang Y, Wang T
    Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2021 07 04;18(13).
    PMID: 34281094 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18137157
    This study aims to analyze the development trend of the manufacturing industry transformation and upgrading in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (2008-2018). On the basis of synergetics, the order parameter method of factor analysis is used to study these factors. The results show that: (1) There are five slow variable factors, such as intelligent manufacturing industry, technological innovation, scale agglomeration, market demand, and fixed asset investment, which are important power sources of the transformation and upgrading of the manufacturing industry in Greater Bay Area. The development of these factors is relatively mature, and they cooperate with each other. (2) Similar to a fast variable of manufacturing development ecology, green development is an important coordinating factor in removing bottlenecks. Finally, suggestions for the development of the transformation and upgrading of the manufacturing industry are put forward.
  8. Fulltext The First 75 Days of Novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) Outbreak: Recent Advances, Prevention, and Treatment
    Yan Y, Shin WI, Pang YX, Meng Y, Lai J, You C, et al.
    Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2020 03 30;17(7).
    PMID: 32235575 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17072323
    The recent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2, previously known as 2019-nCoV) outbreak has engulfed an unprepared world amidst a festive season. The zoonotic SARS-CoV-2, believed to have originated from infected bats, is the seventh member of enveloped RNA coronavirus. Specifically, the overall genome sequence of the SARS-CoV-2 is 96.2% identical to that of bat coronavirus termed BatCoV RaTG13. Although the current mortality rate of 2% is significantly lower than that of SARS (9.6%) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) (35%), SARS-CoV-2 is highly contagious and transmissible from human to human with an incubation period of up to 24 days. Some statistical studies have shown that, on average, one infected patient may lead to a subsequent 5.7 confirmed cases. Since the first reported case of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the SARS-CoV-2 on December 1, 2019, in Wuhan, China, there has been a total of 60,412 confirmed cases with 1370 fatalities reported in 25 different countries as of February 13, 2020. The outbreak has led to severe impacts on social health and the economy at various levels. This paper is a review of the significant, continuous global effort that was made to respond to the outbreak in the first 75 days. Although no vaccines have been discovered yet, a series of containment measures have been implemented by various governments, especially in China, in the effort to prevent further outbreak, whilst various medical treatment approaches have been used to successfully treat infected patients. On the basis of current studies, it would appear that the combined antiviral treatment has shown the highest success rate. This review aims to critically summarize the most recent advances in understanding the coronavirus, as well as the strategies in prevention and treatment.
  9. Fulltext Microbiological Reduction of Molybdenum to Molybdenum Blue as a Sustainable Remediation Tool for Molybdenum: A Comprehensive Review
    Yakasai HM, Rahman MF, Manogaran M, Yasid NA, Syed MA, Shamaan NA, et al.
    Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2021 May 27;18(11).
    PMID: 34071757 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18115731
    Molybdenum (Mo) microbial bioreduction is a phenomenon that is beginning to be recognized globally as a tool for the remediation of molybdenum toxicity. Molybdenum toxicity continues to be demonstrated in many animal models of spermatogenesis and oogenesis, particularly those of ruminants. The phenomenon has been reported for more than 100 years without a clear understanding of the reduction mechanism, indicating a clear gap in the scientific knowledge. This knowledge is not just fundamentally important-it is specifically important in applications for bioremediation measures and the sustainable recovery of metal from industrial or mine effluent. To date, about 52 molybdenum-reducing bacteria have been isolated globally. An increasing number of reports have also been published regarding the assimilation of other xenobiotics. This phenomenon is likely to be observed in current and future events in which the remediation of xenobiotics requires microorganisms capable of degrading or transforming multi-xenobiotics. This review aimed to comprehensively catalogue all of the characterizations of molybdenum-reducing microorganisms to date and identify future opportunities and improvements.
  10. Fulltext Association between Breastfeeding Attitudes and Postpartum Depression among Mothers with Premature Infants during COVID-19 Pandemic
    Yahya NFS, Teng NIMF, Shafiee N, Juliana N
    Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2021 10 17;18(20).
    PMID: 34682652 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182010915
    Breastfeeding is the best form of feeding for premature infants. However, mothers with premature delivery are frequently reported to be depressed, and this has been especially the case during the Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. We aimed to measure the level of breastfeeding attitude and its association with postpartum depression among mothers with premature infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 248 mothers with a premature infant were observed in this cross-sectional study from the chosen NICUs of government hospitals in Selangor, Malaysia. The Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Score (IIFAS) and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, along with sociodemographic questionnaires, were used to obtain information on the mothers' attitudes towards breastfeeding and the risk of postpartum depression. A higher percentage of mothers had a positive attitude towards breastfeeding (64.9%), with a mean IIFAS score of 66.30 ± 6.92. Meanwhile, about 27% of mothers with premature infants were reported to have high risk of depressive symptoms. Mothers with a high risk of depression were less likely to have a positive attitude towards breastfeeding (OR 0.37, 95% CI 0.199, 0.675) as compared to mothers with a low risk of depression (p < 0.01). We found that there is an association between the risk of depression and the attitude towards breastfeeding. Early identification of maternal mental health problems should be addressed to ensure the willingness of mothers to continue breastfeeding.
  11. Fulltext Distribution of Refractive Errors among Healthy Infants and Young Children between the Age of 6 to 36 Months in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia-A Pilot Study
    Yahya AN, Sharanjeet-Kaur S, Akhir SM
    Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2019 11 27;16(23).
    PMID: 31783494 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16234730
    Uncorrected refractive error, especially myopia, in young children can cause permanent visual impairment in later life. However, data on the normative development of refractive error in this age group is limited, especially in Malaysia. The aim of this study was to determine the distribution of refractive error in a sample of infants and young children between the ages of 6 to 36 months in a prospective, cross-sectional study. Cycloplegic retinoscopy was conducted on both eyes of 151 children of mean age 18.09 ± 7.95 months. Mean spherical equivalent refractive error for the right and left eyes was +0.85 ± 0.97D and +0.86 ± 0.98D, respectively. The highest prevalence of refractive error was astigmatism (26%), followed by hyperopia (12.7%), myopia (1.3%) and anisometropia (0.7%). There was a reduction of hyperopic refractive error with increasing age. Myopia was seen to emerge at age 24 months. In conclusion, the prevalence of astigmatism and hyperopia in infants and young children was high, but that of myopia and anisometropia was low. There was a significant reduction in hyperopic refractive error towards emmetropia with increasing age. It is recommended that vision screening be conducted early to correct significant refractive error that may cause disruption to clear vision.
  12. Fulltext Behind the Scenes of Parents Nurturing a Child with Autism: A Qualitative Study in Malaysia
    Yaacob WNW, Yaacob LH, Muhamad R, Zulkifli MM
    Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2021 08 12;18(16).
    PMID: 34444280 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18168532
    Many parents have experienced difficulties in parenting children with autism. We, therefore, consider a more in-depth understanding that is necessary to explore the challenges facing parents and families to provide a better outcome for both. We interviewed 21 parents of 24 children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to qualitatively explore the challenges they experienced through a phenomenological framework. Four main aspects emerged as challenges to the parents: inadequate knowledge, psychological distress and stigma, lack of support, and barriers to services. These four themes reflect a lack of balance between the needs of caregivers and the services and resources or support available in the community to meet those needs. Our study contributes to an understanding of how parents perceive challenges, making it easier to take necessary action to meet their needs and ease their burden of stress. A concerted effort is needed to coordinate services across all disciplines to address these challenges.
  13. Fulltext Urban Green Space and Subjective Well-Being of Older People: A Systematic Literature Review
    Xu T, Nordin NA, Aini AM
    Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2022 Oct 31;19(21).
    PMID: 36361106 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192114227
    A growing number of articles have identified and reported the benefits and importance of urban green spaces for improving human well-being, but there is a significant knowledge gap regarding the impact of urban green spaces on the subjective well-being of older adults. The literature search (August 2015-August 2022) was derived from two major scientific databases, Google Scholar, and Web of Science. As a result, 2558 articles were found, 1527 of which were retrieved from WOS and the rest from Google Scholar. Bibliometric methods and VOSviewer software were used to screen and organize the articles in the relevant fields. Finally, 65 articles met the review criteria. The included studies aim to capture the benefits of various features of urban green spaces in meeting or enhancing the subjective well-being needs of older adults. The results of our review further support the existence of a strong link between older adults' subjective well-being and various features of urban green spaces, providing new insights for future in-depth reexamination and policy development. Furthermore, the relationship between urban green spaces and older adults' subjective well-being depends not only on the urban green spaces themselves but also on the characteristics of the older adult population that uses them.
  14. Fulltext Addressing the COVID-19 Shock: The Potential Job Creation in China by the RCEP
    Wu X, Yong CC, Lee ST
    Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2022 Nov 25;19(23).
    PMID: 36497744 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192315669
    In 2020, coronavirus disease (COVID-19) left around 81% of the global workforce, nearly 2.7 billion workers, affected. Employment in China was the first to be hit by COVID-19. The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is expected to bring dynamism to China's employment market in an era of long COVID-19. This study aims to examine the number of sectoral jobs that the RCEP will create in China, with the number of skilled or unskilled labour employed in each sector. The exogenous shocks to the RCEP can be reflected in the number of jobs created through multipliers based on a social accounting matrix compiled from China's input-output tables in 2017, combined with the employment satellite accounts compiled. The results show that the RCEP is expected to create over 17 million potential jobs in China, with unskilled labour accounting for 10.44 million and skilled labour for 6.77 million. It is even expected that there will be job losses in the metalworking machinery sector. The contribution of this paper can serve as a reference for policies to protect vulnerable sectors, further open up trade markets and strengthen cooperation among RCEP members as important measures to address the employment impact of long COVID-19.
  15. Fulltext Assessing Prevalence and Unique Risk Factors of Suicidal Ideation among First-Year University Students in China Using a Unique Multidimensional University Personality Inventor
    Wu O, Lu X, Yeo KJ, Xiao Y, Yip P
    Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2022 Aug 30;19(17).
    PMID: 36078501 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191710786
    BACKGROUND: University students with suicidal ideation are at high risk of suicide, which constitutes a significant social and public health problem in China. However, little is known about the prevalence and associated risk factors of suicidal ideation among first-year university students in China, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    OBJECTIVES: To investigate the prevalence of suicidal ideation and its factors in first-year Chinese university students from a vocational college in Zhejiang during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    METHODS: Using a cluster sampling technique, a university-wide survey was conducted of 686 first-year university students from Hangzhou in March 2020 using University Personality Inventory (UPI). UPI includes an assessment for suicidal ideation and possible risk factors. Suicidal ideation prevalence was calculated for males and females. Univariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression models were conducted, adjusting for age and sex. Analyses were carried out using the SPSS version 22.0 software.

    RESULTS: The prevalence of 12-month suicidal ideation among first-year university students during March 2020 was 5.2%, and there was no significant difference between males and females (4.8% vs. 6.0%, x2 = 0.28, p = 0.597). Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified social avoidance (B = 0.78, OR = 2.17, p < 0.001) and emotional vulnerability (B = 0.71, OR = 2.02, p < 0.001) as positively associated with suicidal ideation.

    CONCLUSIONS: Social avoidance and emotional vulnerabilities are unique factors associated with greater suicidal ideation among first-year university students during the COVID-19 pandemic. UPI serves as a validated tool to screen suicide risks among Chinese university students. Encouraging social engagement and improving emotional regulation skills are promising targets to reduce suicidal ideation among first-year university students.

  16. Fulltext Relationship between Mindfulness, Psychological Skills, and Mental Toughness in College Athletes
    Wu CH, Nien JT, Lin CY, Nien YH, Kuan G, Wu TY, et al.
    Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2021 06 24;18(13).
    PMID: 34202770 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18136802
    Numerous studies have shown that dispositional mindfulness is positively associated with many mental abilities related to sports performance, including psychological skills and mental toughness. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between dispositional mindfulness, psychological skills, and mental toughness among different types of athletes. For this cross-sectional study, 101 college athletes were recruited. Their dispositional mindfulness, psychological skills, and mental toughness were measured by the Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), Athletic Psychological Skills Inventory (APSI), and Traits of Mental Toughness Inventory for Sports Scale (TMTIS). Pearson's correlation was used to calculate how dispositional mindfulness is associated with psychological skills and mental toughness. The results revealed that dispositional mindfulness is positively associated with comprehensive APSI (r = 0.21-0.36, p < 0.05), TMTIS overall (r = 0.27, p < 0.01), positive effort (r = 0.26, p = 0.01), and pressure (r = 0.30, p < 0.01). These findings suggest a positive linkage between mindfulness and the two examined psychological characteristics related to sports performance. Other approaches to increase mindfulness may be considered in the future.
  17. Fulltext Mental Health Status of University Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Post-Movement Lockdown Assessment
    Woon LS, Sidi H, Nik Jaafar NR, Leong Bin Abdullah MFI
    Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2020 12 08;17(24).
    PMID: 33302410 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17249155
    This study investigated the prevalence and severity of depression, anxiety, and stress and determined the association between various factors, social support, and depression, anxiety, and stress among university healthcare workers in Malaysia after the government lifted the movement control order (MCO) put in place to curb the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This online, cross-sectional survey recruited 399 participants from two university hospitals, and they were administered a self-reported questionnaire on demographic, personal, and clinical characteristics, as well as COVID-19-related stressors and coping. In addition, they completed the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) to measure perceived social support, as well as the 21-item Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) to assess depression, anxiety, and stress. We found that the prevalence rates of depression, anxiety, and stress were 21.8%, 31.6%, and 29.1%, respectively. Participants with moderate to extremely severe depression, anxiety, and stress made up 13.3%, 25.8%, and 8.1% of the sample, respectively. Being single or divorced, fear of frequent exposure to COVID-19 patients, agreeing that the area of living had a high prevalence of COVID-19 cases, uncertainty regarding the prevalence of COVID-19 cases in the area of living, and a history of pre-existing psychiatric illnesses were associated with higher odds of depression, anxiety, and stress. Conversely, having more than three children and greater perceived friend support were associated with lower odds of depression, anxiety, and stress. The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress remained elevated even after the MCO was lifted.
    Study site: Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM); Pusat Perubatan Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (PPUKM)
  18. Fulltext The Current and Retrospective Intentional Nature Exposure Scales: Development and Factorial Validity
    Wood C, Barron D, Smyth N
    Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2019 11 12;16(22).
    PMID: 31726784 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16224443
    Both nature exposure and green exercise (GE) can improve health. However, there are no scales examining frequency of engagement; or that consider interaction with nature. There are also no scales assessing these variables during childhood. The aim of this study was to develop a modified (NES-II) and retrospective (RNES-II) version of the Nature Exposure Scale to incorporate GE and to examine their factor structure and reliability. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) explored the factor structure of the scales; followed by confirmatory factor analysis to confirm the model fit. Fit indices for the one factor five item NES-II and RNES-II models identified by EFA were poor. Use of modification indices resulted in a good model fit; NES-II: χ(5, n = 385) = 2.638; χnormed = 0.879; CFI= 1.000; RMSEA < 0.001 with 90%CI = 0.000-0.082; SRMR = 0.009; AIC = 36.638. RNES-II: χ(2, n = 385) = 7.149; χnormed = 3.574; CFI = 0.995; RMSEA = 0.082 with 90%CI = 0.023-0.151; SRMR = 0.015; AIC = 43.149. Both models demonstrated very good reliability (α = 0.84; 89 respectively). These findings indicate that the scales can be used to assess current and retrospective nature exposure. However, due to the removal of item one, the authors recommend that the scales be named the 'intentional nature exposure scale' and 'retrospective intentional nature exposure scale'.
  19. Fulltext SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Pregnancy: Placental Histomorphological Patterns, Disease Severity and Perinatal Outcomes
    Wong YP, Tan GC, Omar SZ, Mustangin M, Singh Y, Salker MS, et al.
    Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2022 Aug 03;19(15).
    PMID: 35954874 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19159517
    The association between maternal COVID-19 infection, placental histomorphology and perinatal outcomes is uncertain. The published studies on how placental structure is affected after SARS-CoV-2 virus in COVID-19-infected pregnant women are lacking. We investigated the effects of maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection on placental histomorphology and pregnancy outcomes. A retrospective cohort study on 47 pregnant women with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, matched with non-infected controls, was conducted. Relevant clinicopathological data and primary birth outcomes were recorded. Histomorphology and SARS-CoV-2 immunohistochemistry analyses of placental tissues were performed. Only 1 of 47 cases showed SARS-CoV-2 immunoreactivity in the syncytiotrophoblasts. Histologically, decidual vasculopathy (n = 22/47, p = 0.004), maternal vascular thrombosis (n = 9/47, p = 0.015) and chronic histiocytic intervillositis (n = 10/47, p = 0.027) were significantly higher in the COVID-19-infected placentas when compared to the control group. Maternal vascular thrombosis was a significant feature in the active COVID-19 group. A significant lower gestational age (p < 0.001)) at delivery and a higher caesarean section rate (p = 0.007) were observed in the active SARS-CoV-2-infected cases, resulting in a significant lower fetal-placental weight ratio (p = 0.022) and poorer Apgar score (p < 0.001). Notably, active (p = 0.027), symptomatic (p = 0.039), severe-critical (p = 0.002) maternal COVID-19 infection and placental inflammation (p = 0.011) were associated with an increased risk of preterm delivery. Altered placental villous maturation and severe-critical maternal COVID-19 infection were associated with an elevated risk of poor Apgar scores at birth (p = 0.018) and maternal mortality (p = 0.023), respectively.
  20. Fulltext The Effects of Vitamin E from Elaeis guineensis (Oil Palm) in a Rat Model of Bone Loss Due to Metabolic Syndrome
    Wong SK, Chin KY, Suhaimi FH, Ahmad F, Ima-Nirwana S
    Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2018 08 24;15(9).
    PMID: 30149518 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15091828
    The beneficial effects of vitamin E in improving components of MetS or bone loss have been established. This study aimed to investigate the potential of palm vitamin E (PVE) as a single agent, targeting MetS and bone loss concurrently, using a MetS animal model. Twelve-week-old male Wistar rats were divided into five groups. The baseline group was sacrificed upon arrival. The normal group was given standard rat chow. The remaining three groups were fed with high-carbohydrate high-fat (HCHF) diet and treated with tocopherol-stripped corn oil (vehicle), 60 mg/kg or 100 mg/kg PVE. At the end of the study, the rats were evaluated for MetS parameters and bone density. After euthanasia, blood and femurs were harvested for the evaluation of lipid profile, bone histomorphometric analysis, and remodeling markers. PVE improved blood pressure, glycemic status, and lipid profile; increased osteoblast surface, osteoid surface, bone volume, and trabecular thickness, as well as decreased eroded surface and single-labeled surface. Administration of PVE also significantly reduced leptin level in the HCHF rats. PVE is a potential agent in concurrently preventing MetS and protecting bone loss. This may be, in part, achieved by reducing the leptin level and modulating the bone remodeling activity in male rats.
Related Terms
Filters
Contact Us

Please provide feedback to Administrator (afdal@afpm.org.my)

External Links