METHODS: Participants (n = 111, with an average age of 77 years old) were cross-sectionally assessed for the outcomes of the study, including upper limb loading during a seated push-up test (ULL-SPUT), hand grip (HG) strength test and body composition.
RESULTS: The ULL-SPUT significantly correlated with body composition (r or rs, = 0.370-0.781; P < 0.05), particularly for female participants and was higher than that found for the HG strength test (rs = 0.340-0.614; P < 0.05). The ULL-SPUT and HG strength test, along with gender and body mass index (BMI), could accurately determine the LBM and BMC of the participants up to 82%.
CONCLUSION: The ULL-SPUT along with gender and BMI can be used as a practical strategy to detect the LBM and BMC of older adults in various settings. Such a strategy would facilitate timely managements (i.e. standard confirmation or appropriate interventions) in various settings.
METHODS: One hundred and thirty-six postmenopausal Malaysian women from Semenyih and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia participated in the study. Muscle mass and body fat percentages (BFP) were assessed using a bioelectrical impedance analyser. Bone density was assessed using quantitative calcaneal ultrasonography. Handgrip strength (HGS) was assessed using a handgrip dynamometer. Gait speed was assessed using the 6-m walk test. The sarcopenia stage was classified into pre-sarcopenia, sarcopenia and severe sarcopenia.
RESULTS: The overall prevalence of participants with various stages of 'sarcopenia' was 29.4%. The rates of low bone density were 13.7%, 12.5%, 17.4% and 85.7% in the non-sarcopenic, pre-sarcopenic, sarcopenic and severe sarcopenic groups, respectively (P < 0.000). Age, adiposity, muscle mass, gait speed and bone density differed significantly between the reference (non-sarcopenic) and 'severe sarcopenic' groups. The 'sarcopenic' and 'severe sarcopenic' groups had common impairments whereby no significant differences were found in HGS and gait speed between them.
CONCLUSION: The results showed significant correlations between sarcopenia stages and age, body weight, adiposity and bone density. Individuals with 'sarcopenia' had the same level of HGS and gait speed as those with severe forms of the disorder, implying that individuals with sarcopenia and severe sarcopenia were at the same level in terms of strength and endurance.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study via online questionnaire survey was conducted among students from a pre-university college on the East Coast of Malaysia. Convenience sampling was used to recruit the participants. The questionnaire consisted of three parts: i) sociodemographic data, ii) the Parental Authority Questionnaire and Depression, and iii) the Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21). An online invitation to answer the questionnaire was done via the Student Representative Council (SRC). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Pearson's chi-square test.
RESULTS: A total of 431 participants responded to the online survey. The prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress was 49.0% (n = 210), 68.0% (n = 293) and 37.6% (n = 162), respectively. In addition, father's educational level (χ2 = 10.332, P = 0.001) and the authoritarian parenting style (χ2 = 10.099, P = 0.006) were significantly associated with mental health disorders among adolescents.
CONCLUSION: The prevalence of mental disorders among pre-university students is relatively high. Pre-university admission mental health screening is vital for early detection and intervention of mental disorders among this vulnerable group. Further research is imperative to establish a comprehensive plan of action that targets parental involvement in managing adolescent mental health disorders.
METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among the coaches and athletes in Malaysia. Data were collected using a convenience sampling approach over a 6-month period. The study was carried out in two phases using two independent samples of coaches and athletes to assess the construct validity and internal consistency of the Malay version of the CART-Q. The CART-Q consisted of 11 items measuring three constructs: i) closeness (four items), ii) commitment (three items) and iii) complementarity (four items). In phase 1, the subjects consisted of 211 coaches (21 years old-65 years old) from both sexes and from individual and team sports, ranging from levels 1 to 5. In phase 2, the subjects consisted of 362 athletes (12 years old-39 years old), also from both sexes and from individual and team sports. The statistical analyses performed included confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to validate the translated version scale, composite reliability (CR), average variance extracted (AVE) and internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha).
RESULTS: In phase 1, the sample of coaches, with 190 males (90.0%) and 21 females (10.0%), had a mean age of 38.6 (SD = 8.74) years old. The major sport type was archery (19.0%). The CFA revealed adequate fit indices with all 11 items retained (root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA] = 0.059, comparative fit index [CFI] = 0.964, Tucker and Lewis Index [TLI] = 0.950, standardised root mean square residual [SRMR] = 0.037). The CR values were closeness = 0.874, commitment = 0.566 and complementarity = 0.757. The AVE values were closeness = 0.357, commitment = 0.194 and complementarity = 0.275. The Cronbach's alpha values were closeness = 0.867, commitment = 0.553 and complementarity = 0.794. In phase 2, the sample of athletes, with 175 males (48.1%) and 189 females (51.9%), had a mean age of 20.2 (SD = 3.35) years old. The major sport type was archery (11.5%). The CFA revealed satisfactory fit indices with all 11 items retained (RMSEA = 0.092, CFI = 0.948, TLI = 0.924, SRMR =.038). The CR values were closeness = 0.893, commitment = 0.786 and complementarity = 0.949. The AVE values were closeness = 0.401, commitment = 0.253 and complementarity = 0.418. The Cronbach's alpha values were closeness = 0.900, commitment = 0.772 and complementarity = 0.900.
CONCLUSION: Overall, the study findings supported the conclusion that the Malay version of the CART-Q has adequate psychometric properties to assess the perceptions of coaches and athletes regarding their relationship.
METHODS: Institutional review board approval was obtained from the National Medical Research Register (NMRR ID-21002225-WLP). We retrospectively reviewed 115 patients with renal pelvis stones who underwent single renal access during s-PCNL between November 2020 and May 2023. Patients who underwent simultaneous ipsilateral or contralateral endourological procedures were included. The data were analysed to determine stone-free rates (SFR), major complication rates, blood transfusion rates, operative times and lengths of hospital stay (LOS).
RESULTS: The SFR was higher for the single middle calyceal renal access (MCA) group than for the lower calyceal renal access (LCA) or upper calyceal renal access (UCA) groups (OR: 1.76; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.63, 4.92). In total, 0, 1 and 2 patients had major complications in the UCA, MCA and LCA groups, respectively (P = 0.453). One of the 115 patients (0.9%) needed blood transfusion. Subgroup analysis revealed mean operative times of 76.3 min and 78.6 min for patients who underwent sole s-PCNL (PCNL-only group) and those who had simultaneous ipsilateral and contralateral endourological procedures (PCNL-plus group), respectively (P = 0.786). The overall mean LOS was 2.9 days.
CONCLUSION: s-PCNL is a safe and effective alternative treatment for renal stones. We would recommend s-PCNL for patients who require an ipsilateral/contralateral endourological procedure (URS/RIRS) because it is time-efficient. All renal accesses are safe. Single MCA is recommended for complete stone clearance.
METHODS: The study was a cross-sectional survey using data from multinational badminton federations. The study participants were athletes registered in the Para Badminton Classification Master List of the Badminton World Federation (BWF). The main study outcome is the WHO Quality of Life-Disability Questionnaire (WHOQOL-DIS).
RESULTS: There were 1,385 (aged 36 years old, IQR 18 years old) registrants on the master list. Respondents totaled 170. Only 137 (65% were males) were included in the analysis after excluding those with missing data (Europe 40%, Asia 30%, others 30%). Following the results of factor analysis, the original Athletic Identity Measure Scale (AIMS) was separated into self-identity (SI) and AIMS-modified. SI, AIMS-modified, the BRS and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) were all scored above average. The AIMS-modified scores of Europeans were significantly lower than those of other non-Asians (U = 757.000, P < 0.05). BRS was statistically higher among those with acquired disabilities (median: 3.33) compared to those with congenital disabilities (median: 3.0) (U = 1,717.000, Z = -2.711, P < 0.05) and among Europeans (median: 3.3) compared to Asians (median: 3.0) (U = 704.500, P < 0.05). The regression model explained 32% of the variability in quality of life (QOL) with five significant predictors. The SWLS (β = 0.307, P = 0.01), BRS (β = 0.269, P = 0.01), full-time employment (β = 0.191, P = 0.05) and being female (β = 0.162, P = 0.05) all had a positive effect on QOL, but not the AIMS (-0.228, P = 0.05).
CONCLUSION: The results show that the athletes' resilience, satisfaction with life and identity vary across regions. Furthermore, satisfaction with life, employment and gender were found to be significant predictors of athletes' QOL.
METHODS: In this retrospective, cross-sectional, single-centre study, hand strength standardised by bodyweight (GS) and sedentary time (ST), were obtained and analysed in a total of 270 Japanese T2DM outpatients in 2021. After dividing the patients into four categories of median values (high and low GS, and long and short ST), odds ratios (ORs) for good control of HbA1c, BMI, waist circumference (WC) and intra-abdominal fat (IAF) were investigated using logistic regression models.
RESULTS: The high GS/short ST group was found to have a significantly higher (OR = 2.01; 95% CI: 1.00, 4.03; P = 0.049) for controlled HbA1c compared with that of the low GS/long ST group. The high GS/short ST and the high GS/long ST groups had significantly higher ORs for controlled BMI, WC and IAF compared with the OR of the low GS/long ST group. In addition, the ORs were significantly increased with a positive trend in order from low GS/long ST, low GS/short ST, high GS/long ST, to high GS/short ST in all models (P < 0.001 for trend).
CONCLUSION: Hand strength, with modest effects from sedentary behaviour, could be helpful for diabetes management in T2DM patients.
METHODS: A total of 74 obese parturients scheduled for elective CS under SA were randomised into two groups; Group A (n = 37) received prophylactic PE infusion starting at 50 μg min-1 and adjusted according to the given algorithm and Group B (n = 37) received 100 μg PE bolus to treat hypotension. The measured parameters were systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), the total requirement of PE and neonatal Apgar score.
RESULTS: Six patients were excluded from the analysis due to missing data and only 68 were analysed. Group A showed significantly higher SBP, DBP and MAP than Group B (P < 0.05). The requirement of PE was higher in Group A than Group B [817.7 (265.7) μg versus 360.6 (156.0) μg; P = < 0.05]. Both groups had no difference in terms of the neonatal Apgar score.
CONCLUSION: Prophylactic PE infusion provided better haemodynamic control than therapeutic boluses in obese parturients undergoing CS under SA.
METHODS: The participants consisted of 304 Chinese secondary school students (males = 165, females = 139) with a mean age of 13.55 years old (SD = 0.57) who volunteered to complete three measures, consisting of a demographic information form, the physical activity and leisure motivation scale for youth-Chinese version (PALMS-Y-C) and the Godin leisure-time exercise questionnaire-Chinese version (GLTEQ-C).
RESULTS: There were significant positive correlations between all the seven PA participation motives with amount of exercise (Enjoyment: r = 0.16, P = 0.010; Mastery: r = 0.23, P < 0.001; Competition: r = 0.21, P = 0.001; Affiliation: r = 0.22, P < 0.001; Psychological condition: r = 0.26, P < 0.001; Appearance: r = 0.20, P = 0.001; Physical condition: r = 0.20, P = 0.001). There were also significant mean differences among sweating exercise frequency categories in all the seven areas of PA participation motives (Enjoyment: P = 0.003, Mastery: P < 0.001, Competition: P = 0.001, Affiliation: P = 0.001, Psychological condition: P = 0.038, Appearance = 0.002, Physical condition: P = 0.004).
CONCLUSION: The present study provided insight into how to promote PA in Kelantan Chinese school-aged children by specifically targeting their motives. Interventions targeting these motives could increase the amount of PA among Kelantan Chinese youths.
METHODS: The first part of the study evaluates the nutritional composition of tamarillo. Then, phytochemical profiling using GC-MS analysis in ethanolic tamarillo extract was conducted. Different fractions of n-butanol, ethyl acetate and aqueous fractions were obtained from the ethanolic extract of tamarillo. Then, the fractions were subjected to the quantification of total phenol (TPC) and flavonoid contents (TFC), free radical scavenging activity (SA) and also antioxidant activity (AOX) assayed by beta-carotene bleaching (BCB) assay. Finally, the capability of the ethanolic extract of tamarillo and different fractions were evaluated for their anticancer properties.
RESULTS: Findings from this study revealed that the nutritional composition (ash, protein, carbohydrate and total dietary fiber), and mineral levels (calcium, magnesium, potassium and iron) of tamarillo were moderate. The crude ethanol extract of tamarillo contained the highest phenolic and total flavonoid content. FT-IR analysis revealed the presence of alkanes, carboxylic acid, phenol, alkanes, carboxylic acids, aromatics and nitro compounds. Twelve bioactive constituents in tamarillo have been identified through GC-MS analysis. Cytotoxic activity suggests the potential of ethanolic extracts of tamarillo having a chemopreventive effect on breast and liver cancer cells.
CONCLUSION: This study reveals that tamarillo has substantial antioxidant activity as well as anticancer properties.
METHODS: Mice were divided into three groups: sham operation (SO, n = 6), 5/6 SN for seven days (SN7, n = 7) and SN7 with oral CeA treatment (SN7-CeA, n = 7). At day 7, mice were euthanised, kidneys were harvested and stained with periodic-acid Schiff (for tubular injury and glomerulosclerosis) and sirius red (for fibrosis and vascular remodeling) staining. mRNA expression of prepro-endothelin-1, nephrin, E-cadherin, bone morphogenic protein-7 (BMP-7), toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNFα) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) were quantified using reverse transcriptase-PCR.
RESULTS: SN group demonstrated significant higher interstitial fibrosis, vascular remodeling, tubular injury and glomerulosclerosis (P < 0.01) compared to SO group. Meanwhile, in SN7-CeA demonstrated attenuation of vascular remodeling as shown by significant higher lumen area with lower Wall/Lumen area ratio compared to SN7. RT-PCR analysis showed up-regulation of nephrin, BMP-7 and E-cadherin mRNA expression (P < 0.05) and down-regulation of ppET-1 in SN7-CeA group compared to SN7 group (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION: CeA may ameliorate renal injury in the SN model in mice.
METHODS: A pretest-posttest experimental design was employed. Fifty subjects, diagnosed with T2DM, attending the Diabetes Clinic of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, were conveniently recruited, gender and age-matched, and randomised into exercise and control groups. The intervention included an eight-week aerobic exercise at 60%-79% HRmax for 45 min-60 min, 3-days per week. The FBS, SpO2, BMI, resting heart rate (RHR), and systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of the subjects were measured before and after the intervention. The paired and independent t-test(s) were used for the analyses within and between the groups, respectively (P ≤ 0.05).
RESULTS: The exercise group had a significantly lower SBP (15.0 mmHg, P = 0.001), DBP (7.9 mmHg, P = 0.001), RHR (4.8 bpm, P = 0.001), FBS (34.9 mg/dl, P = 0.001), and BMI (2.3, P = 0.001), while the SpO2 improved by 3.9% with P = 0.001, relative to the control group.
CONCLUSION: Aerobics is an efficacious adjunct therapy in controlling the FBS level, blood pressure, BMI, and improving SpO2 among T2DM subjects.
METHODS: Samples of this cross-sectional study included 320 (23.08 ± 2.66 years; 57% female) college students in western Iran during February 2015 to December 2017. Liebowitz-social anxiety scale, PID-5, SCID-II, SCID-II-SQ and diagnostic interview for SAD were the tools. The data were analysed using Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression analysis.
RESULTS: Forty-three and 38 participants met criteria for SAD alone and APD, respectively. Five main domains of PID-5 could explain 29% and 54% of the variance of SAD and APD, respectively. Facets of negative affect, detachment, antagonism, disinhibition, and psychoticism could explain 25% versus 43%, 26% versus 54%, 7% versus 27%, 21% versus 41%, 13% versus 30% of the variance of SAD and APD, respectively.
CONCLUSION: SAD and APD probably refer to two distinct mental states having prominent anxiety, emotional instability, and interpersonal pattern of avoidance and detachment of challenge. SAD is a simple form of mental disturbances with anxiety in its core features; although, APD is possibly referring to more complicated psychopathology.
METHODS: Two hundred and ninety-two surgical patients requiring intubation were recruited into this prospective, double-blind, randomised controlled study. Group A patients had their ETTc initially inflated, checked by a cuff pressure gauge, recorded and then set to 25 cmH2O. Group B patients had their ETTc inflated using the pilot balloon palpation method. Patients were then followed up for post-operative sore throat, hoarseness and cough.
RESULTS: The overall incidence of post-operative sore throat was 39.0% versus 75.3% (P < 0.001), hoarseness 6.2% versus 15.1% (P < 0.05) and cough 7.5% versus 21.9% (P < 0.05) in Group A and B, respectively. Group A patients experienced a significant reduction in the incidence and severity of sore throat up to 24 h post-operatively (P < 0.001), hoarseness at the first hour (P = 0.004) and cough at first and 12 h post-operatively (P = 0.002).
CONCLUSION: Adjusting the ETTc pressure to 25 cmH2O reduces post-operative sore throat, hoarseness and cough compared to pilot balloon palpation method.