Displaying publications 41 - 60 of 275 in total

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  1. Sha'fie MSA, Rathakrishnan S, Hazanol IN, Dali MHI, Khayat ME, Ahmad S, et al.
    Antioxidants (Basel), 2020 Dec 09;9(12).
    PMID: 33317056 DOI: 10.3390/antiox9121253
    Microglial cells are the primary immune cell resident in the brain. Growing evidence indicates that microglial cells play a prominent role in alcohol-induced brain pathologies. However, alcohol-induced effects on microglial cells and the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood, and evidence exists to support generation of oxidative stress due to NADPH oxidases (NOX_-mediated production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Here, we investigated the role of the oxidative stress-sensitive Ca2+-permeable transient receptor potential melastatin-related 2 (TRPM2) channel in ethanol (EtOH)-induced microglial cell death using BV2 microglial cells. Like H2O2, exposure to EtOH induced concentration-dependent cell death, assessed using a propidium iodide assay. H2O2/EtOH-induced cell death was inhibited by treatment with TRPM2 channel inhibitors and also treatment with poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors, demonstrating the critical role of PARP and the TRPM2 channel in EtOH-induced cell death. Exposure to EtOH, as expected, led to an increase in ROS production, shown using imaging of 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein fluorescence. Consistently, EtOH-induced microglial cell death was suppressed by inhibition of NADPH oxidase (NOX) as well as inhibition of protein kinase C. Taken together, our results suggest that exposure to high doses of ethanol can induce microglial cell death via the NOX/ROS/PARP/TRPM2 signaling pathway, providing novel and potentially important insights into alcohol-induced brain pathologies.
    Matched MeSH terms: Family Characteristics
  2. Salahuddin M, Habib MA, Al-Mulali U, Ozturk I, Marshall M, Ali MI
    Environ Res, 2020 12;191:110094.
    PMID: 32846170 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110094
    This study employs dynamic panel data for 34 Sub Saharan Africa (SSA) countries for the period 1984-2016 to estimate the effects of renewable energy on environmental quality measured by three indicators, namely, per capita CO2 emissions, energy intensity (EI) and Aggregate National Savings (ANS). The study leveraged a battery of second-generation econometric tests and estimation and causality methods to obtain the coefficients between the regressed and the regressors. Results reveal that use of renewable energy reduces CO2 emissions and energy intensity while it enhances ANS. Economic growth still seems to be expensive for the region as it stimulates CO2 emissions. However, it has a positive effect on ANS. As expected, fossil fuels exacerbate CO2 emissions and energy intensity. FDI is found to be detrimental for the environment of SSA region with its positive significant coefficient on CO2 emissions. Financial development is reported to reduce CO2 emissions. Some causal links between variables are also noted.
    Matched MeSH terms: Family Characteristics
  3. Roja VR, Narayanan P, Sekaran VC, Ajith Kumar MG
    Ghana Med J, 2020 Dec;54(4):238-244.
    PMID: 33883772 DOI: 10.4314/gmj.v54i4.6
    Objective: The primary objective of the study was to determine the association between the living environment and morbidity, nutritional status, immunization status, and personal hygiene of under-five children living in urban slums in southern India.

    Methods: This study included 224 mothers of under-five children living in urban slums of Udupi Taluk, Karnataka. A total of 17 urban slums were selected randomly using random cluster sampling.

    Results: Undernutrition was high among children of illiterate mothers (63.8%), and the children of working mothers were affected by more morbidity (96.6%) as compared with housewives. Morbidity was also found to be high among children belonging to families with low incomes (66.1%) and low socio-economic backgrounds (93.1%). Safe drinking water, water supply, sanitation, hygiene, age of the child, mother's and father's education, mother's occupation and age, number of children in the family, use of mosquito nets, type of household, and family income were significantly associated with child morbidity, nutritional status, immunization status, and personal hygiene of under-five children living in urban slums.

    Conclusion: Overall, in our study, family characteristics including parental education, occupation and income were significantly associated with outcomes among under-five children. The availability of safe drinking water and sanitation, and the use of mosquito nets to prevent vector-borne diseases are basic needs that need to be urgently met to improve child health.

    Funding: Self-funded.

    Matched MeSH terms: Family Characteristics
  4. Khan SU, Ahemad N, Chuah LH, Naidu R, Htar TT
    J Biomol Struct Dyn, 2020 Nov 08.
    PMID: 33164654 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2020.1844059
    G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) belong to the largest family of protein targets comprising over 800 members in which at least 500 members are the therapeutic targets. Among the GPCRs, G protein-coupled estrogen receptor-1 (GPER-1) has shown to have the ability in estrogen signaling. As GPER-1 plays a critical role in several physiological responses, GPER-1 has been considered as a potential therapeutic target to treat estrogen-based cancers and other non-communicable diseases. However, the progress in the understanding of GPER-1 structure and function is relatively slow due to the availability of a only a few selective GPER-1 modulators. As with many GPCRs, the X-ray crystal structure of GPER-1 is yet to be resolved and thus has led the researchers to search for new GPER-1 modulators using homology models of GPER-1. In this review, we aim to summarize various approaches used in the generation of GPER-1 homology model and their applications that have resulted in new GPER-1 ligands.
    Matched MeSH terms: Family Characteristics
  5. Zhang SX, Graf-Vlachy L, Looi KH, Su R, Li J
    Epidemiol Infect, 2020 10 23;148:e261.
    PMID: 33092675 DOI: 10.1017/S0950268820002575
    Although handwashing is an effective way to prevent infections, there is scarce evidence on predictors of handwashing during a pandemic. This paper aims to identify behavioural and demographic predictors of handwashing. The study surveyed 674 adults in Malaysia in May 2020 regarding whether the time spent on social media predicted handwashing contingent on gender and number of children. More time spent on social media was positively associated with handwashing for males with three or more children. However, for males without children, social media use was negatively associated with handwashing. The association was not significant for males with one or two children. For females, more time spent on social media was significantly linked to more handwashing only for females with one child. Gender, a traditional predictor of handwashing, was a useful predictor only for those who spent more than three hours per day on social media and had at most one child. Number of children was a novel negative predictor for males who did not use social media and who averaged one hour per day on social media, a positive predictor for males who spent lots of time on social media, but not a predictor for females. In sum, social media use predicts handwashing, and is thus a helpful variable for use in targeted health communication during a pandemic - particularly through social media. Further, more conventional predictors like gender and number of children exhibit contingency effects with social media use.
    Matched MeSH terms: Family Characteristics
  6. Navien TN, Thevendran R, Hamdani HY, Tang TH, Citartan M
    Biochimie, 2020 Oct 18;180:54-67.
    PMID: 33086095 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2020.10.005
    Aptamers are single-stranded DNA or RNA oligonucleotides generated by SELEX that exhibit binding affinity and specificity against a wide variety of target molecules. Compared to RNA aptamers, DNA aptamers are much more stable and therefore are widely adopted in a number of applications especially in diagnostics. The tediousness and rigor associated with certain steps of the SELEX intensify the efforts to adopt in silico molecular docking approaches together with in vitro SELEX procedures in developing DNA aptamers. Inspired by these endeavors, we carry out an overview of the in silico molecular docking approaches in DNA aptamer generation, by detailing the stepwise procedures as well as shedding some light on the various softwares used. The in silico maturation strategy and the limitations of the in silico approaches are also underscored.
    Matched MeSH terms: Family Characteristics
  7. Mustafa N, Einstein G, MacNeill M, Watt-Watson J
    Can J Pain, 2020 Sep 24;4(3):40-50.
    PMID: 33987510 DOI: 10.1080/24740527.2020.1768835
    Background: Chronic pain is a growing public health concern affecting 1.5 million people in Canada. In particular, it is a concern among the expanding immigrant population, because immigrant groups report higher pain intensity than non-immigrants. In 2011, the Indian population became the largest visible minority group and continues to be the fastest growing. Though the prevalence of chronic pain among Canadian Indians is unknown, research has found a higher prevalence among Indian women than men in India, Malaysia, Singapore, and the United Kingdom, with women reporting more severe pain. An understanding of how pain is experienced by this particular group is therefore important for providing culturally sensitive care.

    Aims: This study explores the lived experiences of chronic pain among immigrant Indian women in Canada.

    Methods: Thirteen immigrant Indian women participated in one-on-one interviews exploring daily experiences of chronic pain.

    Results: Using thematic analysis informed by van Manen's phenomenology of practice, four themes emerged: (1) the body in pain, (2) pain in the context of lived and felt space, (3) pain and relationships, and (4) pain and time. Women revealed that their experiences were shaped by gender roles and expectations enforced through culture. Specifically, a dual gender role was identified after immigration, in which women had to balance traditional household responsibilities of family labor and care alongside employment outside the home, exacerbating pain.

    Conclusions: This research uncovers the multifaceted nature of chronic pain and identifies factors within the sociocultural context that may place particular groups of women at greater risk of living with pain.

    Matched MeSH terms: Family Characteristics
  8. Letchumanan I, Gopinath SCB, Md Arshad MK, Mohamed Saheed MS, Perumal V, Voon CH, et al.
    Crit Rev Anal Chem, 2020 Sep 08.
    PMID: 32897761 DOI: 10.1080/10408347.2020.1812373
    Mortality level is worsening the situation worldwide thru blood diseases and greatly jeopardizes the human health with poor diagnostics. Due to the lack of successful generation of early diagnosis, the survival rate is currently lower. To overcome the present hurdle, new diagnostic methods have been choreographed for blood disease biomarkers analyses with the conjunction of ultra-small ideal gold nanohybrids. Gold-hybrids hold varieties of unique features, such as high biocompatibility, increased surface-to-volume ratio, less-toxicity, ease in electron transfer and have a greater localized surface plasmon resonance. Gold-nanocomposites can be physically hybrid on the sensor surface and functionalize with the biomolecules using appropriate chemical conjugations. Revolutionizing biosensor platform can be prominently linked for the nanocomposite applications in the current research on medical diagnosis. This review encloses the new developments in diagnosing blood biomarkers by utilizing the gold-nanohybrids. Further, the current state-of-the-art and the future envision with digital monitoring for facile telediagnosis were narrated.
    Matched MeSH terms: Family Characteristics
  9. Akter R, Yagi N, Sugino H, Thilsted SH, Ghosh S, Gurung S, et al.
    Nutrients, 2020 Sep 04;12(9).
    PMID: 32899764 DOI: 10.3390/nu12092705
    The consumption of high-quality diverse diets is crucial for optimal growth, health, and wellbeing.

    OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the diet quality of households by their type of engagement in homestead aquaculture and/or horticulture. Socio-demographic determinants of diet quality were also studied.

    METHOD: Diet quality was assessed using a nutrient adequacy ratio (NAR), based on the preceding 7 days' dietary recall at the household level. Adult male equivalent units (AMEs) were used for age- and sex-specific intra-household distribution of household intakes. Mean adequacy ratios (MAR) were computed as an overall measure of diet quality, using NAR.

    RESULTS: Better diet quality (mean ± SD) was associated with households engaged in both homestead aquaculture and horticulture (0.43 ± 0.23; p < 0.001) compared to only one type of agriculture (0.38 ± 0.20) or none (0.36 ± 0.20). Tukey's post-hoc test confirmed significant differences in diet quality between both and either engagement (0.05 ± 0.01, p < 0.001), both and no engagement (0.07 ± 0.01, p < 0.001), and either and no engagement households (0.02 ± 0.01, p < 0.001). Beyond farm production of nutrient-rich foods, generalized estimating equations showed that diet quality was influenced by the higher educational level and occupation of adult household members, higher daily per capita food expenditure, sex, family size and region.

    CONCLUSIONS: Projects that promote and support household engagement in both homestead aquaculture and horticulture have the potential to improve the diet quality of households.

    Matched MeSH terms: Family Characteristics*
  10. Saleem Z, Hassali MA, Godman B, Versporten A, Hashmi FK, Saeed H, et al.
    Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther, 2020 09;18(9):897-910.
    PMID: 32394754 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2020.1767593
    Introduction: In view of increasing concerns with antimicrobial resistance (AMR), the World Health Organization (WHO) instituted a Global Action Plan (GAP) to address this. Area covered: One of the strategies to achieve the goals of GAP is to conduct regular surveillance of antimicrobial use through point prevalence surveys (PPS). In this review, PubMed, EBSCO, Proquest, Cinahl, and Scopus were searched for PPS of antimicrobial use published in English between January 2000 and December 2019. After systematic database screening of 2,893 articles, 60 PPS met the inclusion criteria and consequently were incorporated in this systematic review. Expert opinion: This review highlighted that most of the PPS were conducted in upper-middle and high-income countries. Prevalence of antimicrobial use was significantly higher in non-European hospitals compared with European hospitals. The domination of third-generation cephalosporin and fluoroquinolones use across all the regions suggests substantial use of broad-spectrum antimicrobials across countries. Among all identified regions around the world, India was the region where the highest use of antimicrobials was observed. Although PPS is a useful tool to assess the pattern of antimicrobial use and provides a robust baseline; however, a standardized surveillance method is needed. In order to optimize antimicrobial use, more efforts are required to improve antimicrobial use.
    Matched MeSH terms: Family Characteristics
  11. Mahmud F, Lee PC, Abdul Wahab H, Mustaffa KMF, Leow CH, Azhar R, et al.
    Trop Biomed, 2020 Sep 01;37(3):822-841.
    PMID: 33612795 DOI: 10.47665/tb.37.3.822
    Malaria is one of the most dangerous infectious diseases due to its high infection and mortality rates, especially in the tropical belt. Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum), the most virulent malaria parasite in humans, was recently reported to develop resistance against the final efficient antimalarial drug, artemisinin. Little is known about the resistance mechanisms, which further complicates the problem as a proper counteraction is unable to be taken. Hence, the understanding of drug mode of action and its molecular target is valuable knowledge that needs to be considered to develop the next generation of antimalarial drugs. P. falciparum protein kinase (Pf PK) is an attractive target for antimalarial chemotherapy due to its vital roles in all P. falciparum life stages. Moreover, overall structural differences and the presence of unique Pf PKs that are absent in human kinome, suggesting specific inhibition of Pf PK without affecting human cells is achievable. To date, at least 86 eukaryotic protein kinases have been identified in P. falciparum kinome, by which less than 40 were validated as potential targets at the erythrocytes stage. In this review, recent progress of the furthest validated Pf PKs; Pf Nek-1, Pf CDPK1, Pf CDPK4, Pf PKG, and Pf CLK-3 will be briefly discussed.
    Matched MeSH terms: Family Characteristics
  12. Thatrimontrichai A, Premprat N, Janjindamai W, Dissaneevate S, Maneenil G
    Trop Biomed, 2020 Sep 01;37(3):663-670.
    PMID: 33612780 DOI: 10.47665/tb.37.3.663
    Third-generation cephalosporin resistant Enterobacteriaceae (TCRE) is a global concern especially in neonatal sepsis. We performed a secondary data analysis in a Thai neonatal intensive care unit to identify the risk factors for acquisition of TCRE sepsis and mortality of Enterobacteriaceae sepsis between 1991 and 2017. Multivariate logistic and Cox proportional regression were used for analysis. Numbers of neonates with TCRE and nonTCRE sepsis were 100 and 41 patients, respectively. Medians (interquartile ranges) of gestational age, birthweight, onset of sepsis and total hospital stay of neonates with Enterobacteriaceae sepsis were 32 (28, 38) weeks, 1670 (1025, 2750) grams, 11 (6, 25) days and 41 (22, 74) days, respectively. Univariate and multivariate analysis, neonates with TCRE sepsis were more likely to have birth asphyxia (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.6; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1-6.0; p = 0.02) and history of aminoglycoside exposure (aOR = 2.9; 95% CI 1.3- 6.7; p = 0.01). In-hospital case fatality rate from Enterobacteriaceae sepsis was 26% (36/141). In Cox regression, neonates with TCRE sepsis was not an independent risk of non-survivors, but septic shock (adjusted hazard ratio = 9.9; 95% CI 5.0-19.7, p < 0.001) increased 30-day mortality in the final model. Asphyxia and previous aminoglycoside consumption were risks of acquisition for neonatal TCRE sepsis while the burden was not a significant difference. Infection prevention and control must be strictly implemented in high multidrug-resistant area.
    Matched MeSH terms: Family Characteristics
  13. Lai SL, Tey NP
    Cult Health Sex, 2020 07;22(7):778-793.
    PMID: 32037969 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2019.1685683
    In Cambodia, the growth of family planning services and socio-economic development have resulted in a spectacular rise in contraceptive prevalence rate and an equally remarkable reduction in contraceptive use differentials. With rising educational levels and increased participation in the modern labour market, Cambodian women are playing an increasingly pivotal role in household decision-making. This study used data from three rounds of Cambodia Demographic and Health Surveys to elucidate trends and patterns of contraceptive use. It then examined the determinants of contraceptive use through the use of logistic regression. The central hypothesis to be tested was whether or not women's involvement in household decision-making affected contraceptive use. Multivariate analysis showed that apart from the number of living children, women's work status and education of both men and women had a more significant impact on contraceptive use, as compared to women's power in household decision-making. More effort is needed to empower women in all aspects in order to reduce the socio-economic differentials in contraceptive use and improve their reproductive health, in line with the goal of the global agenda of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) to leave no one behind.
    Matched MeSH terms: Family Characteristics
  14. Msarah MJ, Ibrahim I, Hamid AA, Aqma WS
    Heliyon, 2020 Jun;6(6):e04183.
    PMID: 32566789 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e04183
    This study employed Bacillus spp. with α-amylase production isolated from Malaysian hot spring for domestic kitchen food waste treatment contained grains, vegetables, chicken and tuna that mimic the food waste discharge from domestic kitchens in Malaysian household. Results showed that Bacillus licheniformis HULUB1 and Bacillus subtilis SUNGB2 possess excellent amylolytic properties. Highest α-amylase activity was obtained when both isolates were cultivated at pH 6.0 and 65 °C with concentrations of 18.15 U/mL for HULUB1 and 22.14 U/mL for SUNGB2. Stability of α-amylase with significant levels of enzyme activity were recorded at 55-85 °C and pH 5.0-9.0. The extracted mixed α-amylase of HULUB1 and SUNGB2 showed greatest reduction were achieved at day 12 with 45% ± 0.03 solid content at 65 °C. While the mixed culture of HULUB1 and SUNGB2 displayed an enhanced effect on the food waste contents reduction with 43% ± 0.02 solid content at 45 °C after day 12. The findings showed that the combination of the two Bacillus spp. isolates possessed degradation of food wastes at faster rate than α-amylase. It was also pointed out that the standard food waste (SFW) and the treatment process assimilated for this study was suitable for the growth of Bacillus spp.
    Matched MeSH terms: Family Characteristics
  15. Kim HP, Vasilopoulou M, Ullah H, Bibi S, Ximim Gavim AE, Macedo AG, et al.
    Nanoscale, 2020 Apr 14;12(14):7641-7650.
    PMID: 32207472 DOI: 10.1039/c9nr10745b
    Organo-metal halide perovskite field-effect transistors present serious challenges in terms of device stability and hysteresis in the current-voltage characteristics. Migration of ions located at grain boundaries and surface defects in the perovskite film are the main reasons for instability and hysteresis issues. Here, we introduce a perovskite grain molecular cross-linking approach combined with amine-based surface passivation to address these issues. Molecular cross-linking was achieved through hydrogen bond interactions between perovskite halogens and dangling bonds present at grain boundaries and a hydrophobic cross-linker, namely diethyl-(12-phosphonododecyl)phosphonate, added to the precursor solution. With our approach, we obtained smooth and compact perovskite layers composed of tightly bound grains hence significantly suppressing the generation and migration of ions. Moreover, we achieved efficient surface passivation of the perovskite films upon surface treatment with an amine-bearing polymer, namely polyethylenimine ethoxylated. With our synergistic grain and surface passivation approach, we were able to demonstrate the first perovskite transistor with a complete lack of hysteresis and unprecedented stability upon continuous operation under ambient conditions. Added to the merits are its ambipolar transport of opposite carriers with balanced hole and electron mobilities of 4.02 and 3.35 cm2 V-1 s-1, respectively, its high Ion/Ioff ratio >104 and the lowest sub-threshold swing of 267 mV dec-1 reported to date for any perovskite transistor. These remarkable achievements obtained through a cost-effective molecular cross-linking of grains combined with amine-based surface passivation of the perovskite films open a new era and pave the way for the practical application of perovskite transistors in low-cost electronic circuits.
    Matched MeSH terms: Family Characteristics
  16. Gaur P, Kumar P, Sharma A, Lal SK
    Lett Appl Microbiol, 2020 Apr;70(4):252-258.
    PMID: 31990997 DOI: 10.1111/lam.13279
    Neuraminidase (NA) is an integral membrane protein of influenza A virus (IAV) and primarily aids in the release of progeny virions, following the intracellular viral replication cycle. In an attempt to discover new functions of NA, we conducted a classical yeast two-hybrid screen and found acute myeloid leukaemia marker 1 (AML1) as a novel interacting partner of IAV-NA. The interaction was further validated by co-immunoprecipitation in IAV-infected cells and in an in vitro coupled transcription/translation system. Interestingly, we found an increase in the expression of AML1 upon IAV infection in a dose-dependent manner. As expected, we also observed an increase in the IFN-β levels, the first line of defence against viral infections. Subsequently, when AML1 was downregulated using siRNA, the IFN-β levels were found to be remarkably reduced. Our study also shows that AML1 is induced upon IAV infection and results in the induction of IFN-β. Thus, AML1 is proposed to be an important player in IFN induction and has a role in an antiviral response against IAV infection. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Influenza epidemics and pandemics are constant threats to human health. Development of antiviral therapeutics has focused on important and major IAV proteins as targets. However, the rate at which this virus mutates makes the task challenging. Thus, next-generation approaches aim at host cellular proteins that aid the virus in its replication. This study reports a new host-virus interaction, of acute myeloid leukaemia marker 1 (AML1) with influenza A neuraminidase (IAV-NA). We have found that this interaction has a direct effect on the upregulation of host IFN-β response. Further studies may lead to a greater understanding of this new innate defence pathway in infected cells.
    Matched MeSH terms: Family Characteristics
  17. Che Sulaiman NF, Sanusi NA, Muhamad S
    Data Brief, 2020 Feb;28:104910.
    PMID: 31890781 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2019.104910
    The introduction of good and services tax (GST) that has replaced the sales and services tax (SST) had contributed to the rising cost of living in Malaysia. The focus of this research was to present a data article on the response and perception of Malaysian households about the increasing cost of living. A descriptive research design was adopted in this study. Data were obtained from randomly selected 751 respondents of households across Malaysia. The data were collected through a structured questionnaire. Data analysis was carried out using tables and percentages. The findings show the negative perceptions of Malaysian households on the increase in the cost of living. There are various causes of the rising cost of living and can be inferred based on the perspective of income changes, price changes and patterns household consumption expenditure.
    Matched MeSH terms: Family Characteristics
  18. Abdullah B, Snidvongs K, Recto M, Poerbonegoro NL, Wang Y
    Multidiscip Respir Med, 2020 Jan 28;15(1):726.
    PMID: 33376593 DOI: 10.4081/mrm.2020.726
    Background: In primary care, general practitioners (GPs) and pharmacists are tasked with the frontline responsibility of identifying and managing allergic rhinitis (AR) patients. There are currently no consolidated data on current treatment practices, patient compliance, and usage of guidelines within Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Objective: To assess the attitudes and practices on AR of GPs and pharmacists in 4 ASEAN countries (Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia).

    Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 329 GPs and 548 pharmacists was conducted from May to November 2019. Participants answered a questionnaire focused on their i) current practice in the management of AR, ii) views on patient compliance, iii) understanding and usage of guidelines.

    Results: Clinical history was the most preferred method to diagnose AR by 95.4% of GPs and 58.8% of pharmacists. Second-generation antihistamines were the most widely available treatment option in GP clinics and pharmacies (94.8% and 97.2%) and correspondingly the most preferred treatment for both mild (90.3%, 76.8%) to moderatesevere rhinitis (90.3%, 78.6%) by GPs and pharmacists, respectively. Loratadine was ranked as the most preferred 2nd generation antihistamines (GP vs pharmacists: 55.3% vs 58.9%). More than 90% of GPs and pharmacists ranked length and efficacy of treatment as important factors that increase patient compliance. Awareness of the ARIA guidelines was high among GPs (80%) and lower among pharmacists (48.4%). However, only 63.3% of GPs and 48.2% of pharmacists knew how to identify AR patients.

    Conclusions: The survey in the 4 ASEAN countries has identified a need to strengthen the awareness and use of ARIA guidelines among the primary care practitioners. Adherence to ARIA guidelines, choosing the appropriate treatment option and prioritizing factors that increases patient compliance may contribute to better management outcomes of AR at the primary care practice.

    Matched MeSH terms: Family Characteristics
  19. Hassan SMU, Hamid TA, Haron SA, Ibrahim R
    Psychogeriatrics, 2020 Jan;20(1):59-69.
    PMID: 31016831 DOI: 10.1111/psyg.12458
    BACKGROUND: The link between the filial behaviour of an adult child and older parents' well-being is well entrenched, and theoretical evidence has indicated that it may be mediated by emotional regulation. Therefore, the current study aimed to examine whether emotional regulation (i.e. cognitive reappraisal and suppression) mediates the association between filial behaviour of the oldest son (i.e. the filial behaviour of respect and filial behaviour of daily maintenance) and subjective well-being in older parents.

    METHODS: This correlational study recruited 400 community-dwelling older parents in Rawalpindi Pakistan through a multistage cluster random sampling technique. Subjective well-being was measured by Concise Measure of Subjective Well-being; filial behaviour was examined through receipt of 12 domains; emotional regulation was assessed by using the Emotional Regulation Questionnaire. The structural equation modelling was employed to test the mediation effects.

    RESULTS: Cognitive reappraisal was found to partially mediate the relationship between filial behaviour of respect and subjective well-being (β in direct model = 0.661, P 

    Matched MeSH terms: Family Characteristics/ethnology*
  20. Gunter NV, Teh SS, Lim YM, Mah SH
    Front Pharmacol, 2020;11:594202.
    PMID: 33424605 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.594202
    The pathogenesis of skin inflammatory diseases such as atopic dermatitis, acne, psoriasis, and skin cancers generally involve the generation of oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. Exposure of the skin to external aggressors such as ultraviolet (UV) radiation and xenobiotics induces the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) which subsequently activates immune responses and causes immunological aberrations. Hence, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents were considered to be potential compounds to treat skin inflammatory diseases. A prime example of such compounds is xanthone (xanthene-9-one), a class of natural compounds that possess a wide range of biological activities including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, cytotoxic, and chemotherapeutic effects. Many studies reported various mechanisms of action by xanthones for the treatment of skin inflammatory diseases. These mechanisms of action commonly involve the modulation of various pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), as well as anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-10. Other mechanisms of action include the regulation of NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways, besides immune cell recruitment via modulation of chemokines, activation, and infiltration. Moreover, disease-specific activity contributed by xanthones, such as antibacterial action against Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis for acne treatment, and numerous cytotoxic mechanisms involving pro-apoptotic and anti-metastatic effects for skin cancer treatment have been extensively elucidated. Furthermore, xanthones have been reported to modulate pathways responsible for mediating oxidative stress and inflammation such as PPAR, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor and prostaglandin cascades. These pathways were also implicated in skin inflammatory diseases. Xanthones including the prenylated α-mangostin (2) and γ-mangostin (3), glucosylated mangiferin (4) and the caged xanthone gambogic acid (8) are potential lead compounds to be further developed into pharmaceutical agents for the treatment of skin inflammatory diseases. Future studies on the structure-activity relationships, molecular mechanisms, and applications of xanthones for the treatment of skin inflammatory diseases are thus highly recommended.
    Matched MeSH terms: Family Characteristics
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