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Prediction of tool life in end milling of Ti-6A1-4V alloy using artificial neural network and multiple regression models

SALAH AL-ZUBAIDI, JAHARAH A. GHANI, CHE HASSAN CHE HARON

Sains Malaysiana, 2013;42:1735-1741.

Tool life of the cutting tools is considered as one of the factors which has effects on machining costs and the quality of machined parts. The topic of tool life prediction has been an interesting and important research topic attracting the attention of a wide number of researchers in this particular area. In terms of the suitable methods used in this research topic, it is stated that both statistical and artificial intelligence (AI) approaches can be employed to model tool life. For further justifying the capability of the ANN model in predicting tool life, the current study was based on conducting experimental work for collecting the experimental data. After carrying out the experiment, 17 data sets were collected and they were divided into two subsets; the first one for training and the second for testing. Since the data sets seemed to be lower than the number of data sets used in previous studies, we attempted to make verification of the ability of the ANN model in learning and adapting with low training and testing data. Diverse topologies accompanied with single and two hidden layers were created for modeling the tool life. For choosing the best and most effective network, the study adopted the mean square error function as criteria for the evaluation of the network selection. Thus, based on the data generated from the same experiment, a regression model (RM) was constructed employing the SPSS software. A comparison between the ANN model and RMs in terms of their accuracy was carried out and the findings revealed that the accuracy of the ANN was higher than that of the RM.

Matched MeSH terms: Attention
Assessment of heavy metal in self-caught saltwater fish from Port Dickson Coastal Water (Malaysia)

Sarva Mangala Praveena, Caryn Liew Suet Lin

Sains Malaysiana, 2015;44:91-99.

Freshwater fish has been studied and reported numerously. However, little attention has been made and limited studies available on local marine fish in Malaysia. Thus, in this study, concentrations of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Pb and Cu) were studied in four major local marine fish Megalaspis cordyla (hardtail scad), Rastrelliger kanagurta (Indian mackerel), Selaroides leptolepis (yellowstripe scad) and Sardinella fimbriata (fringescale sardinella). The study was also intended to estimate potential health risk assessment from these heavy metals to the consumption of fish and assess maximum allowable fish consumption rate. The range of heavy metal concentrations were 0.053-0.096 mg/kg for Cd, 1.16-2.34 mg/kg for Cr, 8.34-12.44 mg/kg for Pb and 1.40-3.21 mg/kg for Cu in four major self-caught saltwater fish. Heavy metal levels of Cd and Cu in the local marine fish from Port Dickson are below the limit enforced by Food Regulations (1985) while the levels of Cr and Pb have exceeded the limit. Potential health risks associated with Cd, Cr, Cu and Pb were assessed based on target hazard quotients. HQ values calculated for Cd, Cr and Cu were less than 1, thus indicate that no adverse effects while HQ values for Pb exceeded 1 for all the fish species assessed with the exception of Megalaspis spp and Sardinella sppa. Cr was the highest while Pb concentrations were the lowest in all the studied fish samples for maximum allowable fish consumption rate. A long term monitoring program is crucial to be done in coastal areas with high consumption of local marine fish along Port Dickson to obtain real consumption rates and other cofounders factors in local population.

Matched MeSH terms: Attention
Fulltext Purification and identification of novel cytotoxic oligopeptides from soft coral Sarcophyton glaucum

Quah Y, Mohd Ismail NI, Ooi JLS, Affendi YA, Abd Manan F, Teh LK, et al.

J Zhejiang Univ Sci B, 2019 1 8;20(1):59-70.
PMID: 30614230 DOI: 10.1631/jzus.B1700586

Globally, peptide-based anticancer therapies have drawn much attention. Marine organisms are a reservoir of anticancer peptides that await discovery. In this study, we aimed to identify cytotoxic oligopeptides from Sarcophyton glaucum. Peptides were purified from among the S. glaucum hydrolysates produced by alcalase, chymotrypsin, papain, and trypsin, guided by a methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay on the human cervical cancer (HeLa) cell line for cytotoxicity evaluation. Purification techniques adopted were membrane ultrafiltration, gel filtration chromatography, solid phase extraction (SPE), and reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). Purified peptides were identified by de novo peptide sequencing. From papain hydrolysate, three peptide sequences were identified: AGAPGG, AERQ, and RDTQ (428.45, 502.53, and 518.53 Da, respectively). Peptides synthesized from these sequences exhibited cytotoxicity on HeLa cells with median effect concentration (EC50) values of 8.6, 4.9, and 5.6 mmol/L, respectively, up to 5.8-fold stronger than the anticancer drug 5-fluorouracil. When tested at their respective EC50, AGAPGG, AERQ, and RDTQ showed only 16%, 25%, and 11% cytotoxicity to non-cancerous Hek293 cells, respectively. In conclusion, AERQ, AGAPGG, and RDTQ are promising candidates for future development as peptide-based anticancer drugs.

Matched MeSH terms: Attention
Global Economic Burden of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Systematic Review

Chhibber A, Watanabe AH, Chaisai C, Veettil SK, Chaiyakunapruk N

Pharmacoeconomics, 2021 04;39(4):399-420.
PMID: 33554324 DOI: 10.1007/s40273-020-00998-0

BACKGROUND: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common mental disorders affecting children and adults. Previous systematic reviews have provided estimates of ADHD-associated costs but were limited to the USA and Europe.
OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to systematically summarise all global evidence on the economic burden of ADHD.
METHODS: A systematic search for published studies on costs of ADHD was conducted in EconLit, EMBASE, PubMed, ERIC, and PsycINFO. Additional literature was identified by searching the reference lists of eligible studies. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Larg and Moss checklist.
RESULTS: This review included 44 studies. All studies were conducted in high-income countries and were limited to North America and Europe except for four studies: two in Asia and two in Australia. Most studies were retrospective and undertook a prevalence-based study design. Analysis revealed a substantial economic impact associated with ADHD. Estimates based on total costs ranged from $US831.38 to 20,538 for per person estimates and from $US356 million to 20.27 billion for national estimates. Estimates based on marginal costs ranged from $US244.15 to 18,751.00 for per person estimates and from $US12.18 million to 141.33 billion for national estimates. Studies that calculated economic burden across multiple domains of direct, indirect, and education and justice system costs for both children and adults with ADHD reported higher costs and translated gross domestic product than did studies that captured only a single domain or age group.
CONCLUSIONS: Despite the wide variation in methodologies in studies reviewed, the literature suggests that ADHD imposes a substantial economic burden on society. There is a dire need for cost-of-illness research in low- and middle-income countries to better inform the treatment and management of ADHD in these countries. In addition, guidelines on the conduct and reporting of economic burden studies are needed as they may improve standardisation of cost-of-illness studies.

Matched MeSH terms: Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity*
Fulltext Effects of chemopreventive agents on the incidence of recurrent colorectal adenomas: a systematic review with network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Veettil SK, Teerawattanapong N, Ching SM, Lim KG, Saokaew S, Phisalprapa P, et al.

Onco Targets Ther, 2017;10:2689-2700.
PMID: 28579807 DOI: 10.2147/OTT.S127335

BACKGROUND: Protective effects of several chemopreventive agents (CPAs) against colorectal adenomas have been well documented in randomized controlled trials (RCTs); however, there is uncertainty regarding which agents are the most effective.
METHODS: We searched for RCTs published up until September 2016. Retrieved trials were evaluated using risk of bias. We performed both pairwise analysis and network meta-analysis (NMA) of RCTs to compare the effects of CPAs on the recurrence of colorectal adenomas (primary outcome). Using NMA, we ranked CPAs based on efficacy.
RESULTS: We identified 20 eligible RCTs enrolling 12,625 participants with a history of colorectal cancer or adenomas who were randomly assigned to receive either a placebo or one of 12 interventions. NMA using all trials demonstrated that celecoxib 800 mg/day (relative risk [RR] 0.61, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.45-0.83), celecoxib 400 mg/day (RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.55-0.87), low-dose aspirin (RR 0.75, 95% CI 0.59-0.96) and calcium (RR 0.81, 95% CI 0.69-0.96) were significantly associated with a reduction in the recurrence of any adenomas. NMA results were consistent with those from pairwise meta-analysis. The evidence indicated a high (celecoxib), moderate (low-dose aspirin) and low (calcium) Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) quality. NMA ranking showed that celecoxib 800 mg/day and celecoxib 400 mg/day were the best CPAs, followed by low-dose aspirin and calcium. Considering advanced adenoma recurrence, only celecoxib 800 mg/day and celecoxib 400 mg/day were demonstrated to have a protective effect (RR 0.37, 95% CI 0.27-0.52 vs RR 0.48, 95% CI 0.38-0.60, respectively).
CONCLUSION: The available evidence from NMA suggests that celecoxib is more effective in reducing the risk of recurrence of colorectal adenomas, followed by low-dose aspirin and calcium. Since cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors (eg, celecoxib) are associated with important cardiovascular events and gastrointestinal harms, more attention is warranted toward CPAs with a favorable benefit-to-risk ratio, such as low-dose aspirin and calcium.

Matched MeSH terms: Attention
Psychiatric symptoms among migrants to Malaysia from the southernmost provinces of Thailand

Ford K, Jampaklay A, Chamatrithirong A

Int J Soc Psychiatry, 2021 Jan 20.
PMID: 33467959 DOI: 10.1177/0020764021989736

AIM: The objective of this paper is to examine the level of psychiatric symptoms and associated factors among Thai migrants from the southernmost Thai provinces of Pattani, Yala, and Narithiwat who are working in Malaysia. Comparisons will be made with the sending population in the southernmost provinces of Thailand.
METHODS: Data are drawn from survey and in-depth interviews with Thai migrants who are working in Malaysia. Comparisons are made with a probability sample of working age adults in Thailand. The twenty item Self Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ) was the measure of mental health.
RESULTS: The study found that the migrants, on average, have normal levels of psychiatric symptoms. However, although about 24% of migrants reported more eight or more symptoms that may indicate a need for evaluation. There are many stressors in their lives including distance from families, reduced social support, legal matters surrounding immigration, and discrimination/exploitation of migrant groups.
CONCLUSION: The study highlights the need for policy makers and non-governmental organizations to give attention to migrants' mental health, well-being and sustainable livelihoods.

Matched MeSH terms: Attention
Energy Band Gap Modulation in Nd-Doped BiFeO3/SrRuO3 Heteroepitaxy for Visible Light Photoelectrochemical Activity

Tan KH, Chen YW, Van CN, Wang H, Chen JW, Lim FS, et al.

ACS Appl Mater Interfaces, 2019 Jan 09;11(1):1655-1664.
PMID: 30561192 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.8b17758

The ability of band offsets at multiferroic/metal and multiferroic/electrolyte interfaces in controlling charge transfer and thus altering the photoactivity performance has sparked significant attention in solar energy conversion applications. Here, we demonstrate that the band offsets of the two interfaces play the key role in determining charge transport direction in a downward self-polarized BFO film. Electrons tend to move to BFO/electrolyte interface for water reduction. Our experimental and first-principle calculations reveal that the presence of neodymium (Nd) dopants in BFO enhances the photoelectrochemical performance by reduction of the local electron-hole pair recombination sites and modulation of the band gap to improve the visible light absorption. This opens a promising route to the heterostructure design by modulating the band gap to promote efficient charge transfer.

Matched MeSH terms: Attention
The Potential Role of miRNAs as Predictive Biomarkers in Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Juvale IIA, Che Has AT

J Mol Neurosci, 2021 Jul;71(7):1338-1355.
PMID: 33774758 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-021-01825-7

Neurodevelopmental disorders are defined as a set of abnormal brain developmental conditions marked by the early childhood onset of cognitive, behavioral, and functional deficits leading to memory and learning problems, emotional instability, and impulsivity. Autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, Tourette syndrome, fragile X syndrome, and Down's syndrome are a few known examples of neurodevelopmental disorders. Although they are relatively common in both developed and developing countries, very little is currently known about their underlying molecular mechanisms. Both genetic and environmental factors are known to increase the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders. Current diagnostic and screening tests for neurodevelopmental disorders are not reliable; hence, individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders are often diagnosed in the later stages. This negatively affects their prognosis and quality of life, prompting the need for a better diagnostic biomarker. Recent studies on microRNAs and their altered regulation in diseases have shed some light on the possible role they could play in the development of the central nervous system. This review attempts to elucidate our current understanding of the role that microRNAs play in neurodevelopmental disorders with the hope of utilizing them as potential biomarkers in the future.

Matched MeSH terms: Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity/diagnosis; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity/genetics
Emerging therapeutic potential of the iridoid molecule, asperuloside: A snapshot of its underlying molecular mechanisms

Chan Y, Ng SW, Xin Tan JZ, Gupta G, Tambuwala MM, Bakshi HA, et al.

Chem Biol Interact, 2019 Nov 28;315:108911.
PMID: 31786185 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2019.108911

Over the years, the attention of researchers in the field of modern drug discovery and development has become further intense on the identification of active compounds from plant sources and traditional remedies, as they exhibit higher therapeutic efficacies and improved toxicological profiles. Among the large diversity of plant extracts that have been discovered and explored for their potential therapeutic benefits, asperuloside, an iridoid glycoside, has been proven to provide promising effects as a therapeutic agent for several diseases. Although, this potent substance exists in several genera, it is primarily found in plants belonging to the genus Eucommia. Recent decades have seen a surge in the research on Asperuloside, making it one of the most studied natural products in the field of medicine and pharmacology. In this review, we have attempted to study the various reported mechanisms of asperuloside that form the basis of its wide spectrum of pharmacological activities.

Matched MeSH terms: Attention
Fulltext Pulse Crop Genetics for a Sustainable Future: Where We Are Now and Where We Should Be Heading

Sahruzaini NA, Rejab NA, Harikrishna JA, Khairul Ikram NK, Ismail I, Kugan HM, et al.

Front Plant Sci, 2020;11:531.
PMID: 32431724 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.00531

The last decade has witnessed dramatic changes in global food consumption patterns mainly because of population growth and economic development. Food substitutions for healthier eating, such as swapping regular servings of meat for protein-rich crops, is an emerging diet trend that may shape the future of food systems and the environment worldwide. To meet the erratic consumer demand in a rapidly changing world where resources become increasingly scarce due largely to anthropogenic activity, the need to develop crops that benefit both human health and the environment has become urgent. Legumes are often considered to be affordable plant-based sources of dietary proteins. Growing legumes provides significant benefits to cropping systems and the environment because of their natural ability to perform symbiotic nitrogen fixation, which enhances both soil fertility and water-use efficiency. In recent years, the focus in legume research has seen a transition from merely improving economically important species such as soybeans to increasingly turning attention to some promising underutilized species whose genetic resources hold the potential to address global challenges such as food security and climate change. Pulse crops have gained in popularity as an affordable source of food or feed; in fact, the United Nations designated 2016 as the International Year of Pulses, proclaiming their critical role in enhancing global food security. Given that many studies have been conducted on numerous underutilized pulse crops across the world, we provide a systematic review of the related literature to identify gaps and opportunities in pulse crop genetics research. We then discuss plausible strategies for developing and using pulse crops to strengthen food and nutrition security in the face of climate and anthropogenic changes.

Matched MeSH terms: Attention
Fulltext Decoding Antioxidant and Antibacterial Potentials of Malaysian Green Seaweeds: Caulerpa racemosa and Caulerpa lentillifera

Yap WF, Tay V, Tan SH, Yow YY, Chew J

Antibiotics (Basel), 2019 Sep 17;8(3).
PMID: 31533237 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics8030152

Seaweeds are gaining a considerable amount of attention for their antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Caulerpa racemosa and Caulerpa lentillifera, also known as 'sea grapes', are green seaweeds commonly found in different parts of the world, but the antioxidant and antibacterial potentials of Malaysian C. racemosa and C. lentillifera have not been thoroughly explored. In this study, crude extracts of the seaweeds were prepared using chloroform, methanol, and water. Total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were measured, followed by in vitro antioxidant activity determination using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay. Antibacterial activities of these extracts were tested against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and neuropathogenic Escherichia coli K1. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LCMS) analysis was then used to determine the possible compounds present in the extract with the most potent antioxidant and antibacterial activity. Results showed that C. racemosa chloroform extract had the highest TPC (13.41 ± 0.86 mg GAE/g), antioxidant effect (EC50 at 0.65 ± 0.03 mg/mL), and the strongest antibacterial effect (97.7 ± 0.30%) against MRSA. LCMS analysis proposed that the chloroform extracts of C. racemosa are mainly polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, terpenes, and alkaloids. In conclusion, C. racemosa can be a great source of novel antioxidant and antibacterial agents, but isolation and purification of the bioactive compounds are needed to study their mechanism of action.

Matched MeSH terms: Attention
Fulltext Viral Determinants and Vector Competence of Zika Virus Transmission

Tham HW, Balasubramaniam V, Ooi MK, Chew MF

Front Microbiol, 2018;9:1040.
PMID: 29875751 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.01040

Zika virus (ZIKV) has emerged as a new global health threat. Since its first discovery in Zika forest in Uganda, this virus has been isolated from several mosquito species, including Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. The geographical distribution of these mosquito species across tropical and subtropical regions has led to several outbreaks, including the recent pandemic in Brazil, followed by the Pacific islands and other areas of North and South America. This has gained attention of the scientific community to elucidate the epidemiology and transmission of ZIKV. Despite its strong attention on clinical aspects for healthcare professionals, the relationships between ZIKV and its principal vectors, A. aegypti and A. albopictus, have not gained substantial interest in the scientific research community. As such, this review aims to summarize the current knowledge on ZIKV tropism and some important mechanisms which may be employed by the virus for effective strategies on viral survival in mosquitoes. In addition, this review identifies the areas of research that should be placed attention to, for which to be exploited for novel mosquito control strategies.

Matched MeSH terms: Attention
Fulltext Improving cancer survivorships: targeting physical activity and inactivity at teachable moments

Loh, S.Y., Chew, S.L.

JUMMEC, 2012;15(1):1-6.
MyJurnal

This article presents a brief overview on the importance of adopting healthy behavior during and after the completion of primary cancer treatment. Increasing evidences are advocating physical activity engagement in cancer survivors due to its convincing beneficial outcomes. Today, outcomes from numerous trials confirmed the need to examine beyond physical activity engagement, into physical inactivity as an independent factor for cancer recurrences. Reducing cancer-risk related behaviors via increase physical activity and reduce inactivity is now receiving much attention in the field of cancer survivorship. Both realms of activity and inactivity are now acknowledged as influential independent factors contributing to better care in the field of cancer survivorship.

Matched MeSH terms: Attention
How to improve CVD risk prediction in a low-risk population [abstract]

Chia YC

J Hypertens, 2016 Sep;34 Suppl 1 - ISH 2016 Abstract Book:e16-e17.
PMID: 27753834

Conference abstract SY04-4: Many cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk prediction tools have been developed in an attempt to identify those at highest risk in order for them to benefit from interventional treatment. The first CVD risk tool that was developed was the coronary heart disease risk tool by the Framingham Heart Study in 1998 (1). However the Framingham Risk Score could overestimate (or underestimate) risk in populations other than the US population. Hence several other risk engines have also been developed, primarily for a better fit in the communities in which the tools are to be used (2, 3). Having said that the Framingham Heart Study risk tool has been validated in several populations (4, 5) and found to work reasonably well after some recalibration.Most risk prediction tools predict short term risk ie over a period of 10 years but since more recently risk tools now attempt to predict life-time risk or at least risk over the next 30 years. (6-8). The practical use of these risk prediction tools is that it is able to separate those at high risk (ie > 20% risk of a CVD event fatal or non-fatal event in the next 10 years) from those with the lowest risk (< 10% risk over 10 years). It then helps practitioners to triage them to either receive preventive therapy (high risk group) or none at all (low risk group) respectively. However in those with medium risk ie between 10-20%, the decision to offer treatment or not is less clear. In such a situation, other CVD risk factors for example family history of premature coronary heart disease, other biomarkers like elevated hs-CRP, presence of chronic kidney disease or albuminuria can be employed to further stratify risk.It is known that risk prediction tools are very much age dependent and in a younger individual with mildly raised CVD risk factors, his global CVD risk may be grossly under-estimated. Here additional CVD risk factors beyond those traditionally used in risk engines should be sought in order to recalibrate that individual's seemingly low risk and earlier intervention introduced if indeed he is of higher risk than what has been predicted by the conventional risk tools. Here too the use of life-time risk is probably of more importance than the traditional 10 year risk tool, again in order to identify those seemingly at "low" risk 10 year risk to receive treatment if the life-time risk is greater compared to an individual of the same age with optimal parameters. Furthermore while it is known that those with highest risk benefit the most from intervention, it is the population at large with the low or lower risk which contributes most to total CV morbidity and mortality in a country or community.Hence while short term risk prediction to identify those at highest risk is useful particularly in the presence of limited resources, attention should also be paid to those with short term low risk if the aim is to reduce CVD morbidity and mortality in any substantial way.

Matched MeSH terms: Attention
Fulltext Sport Commitment among Malaysian Racquet Sports Athletes

Ling A, Teo EW, Chin NS

Malays J Med Sci, 2019 Jul;26(4):86-93.
PMID: 31496897 MyJurnal DOI: 10.21315/mjms2019.26.4.10

Background: The Sport Commitment Model is widely used to understand the motivation and commitment of athletes to continue playing sports. However, the factors influencing athletes' commitment to racquet sports have not received much research attention, especially in Malaysia.
Purpose: This study aims to use the Sport Commitment Questionnaire-2 (SCQ-2) to examine Malaysian athletes' commitment to racquet sports.
Methods: A total of 612 athletes (367 males/245 females, μ age= 30.32 ± 11.56) completed the SCQ-2, which measures seven factors and two dimensions of sport commitment.
Results: The results revealed that sport enjoyment was the main factor contributing to the athletes' commitment in all sports. Two-way ANOVA analyses showed significant differences in athletes' enthusiastic commitment [F(3,604) = 44.92, P = 0.00] and constrained commitment [F(3,604) = 15.32, P = 0.00] across four sports. There were also significant differences in both enthusiastic commitment [F(3,604) = 7.53, P = 0.00] and constraint commitment [F(3,604) = 18.82, P = 0.00] across age groups.
Conclusion: Enjoyment is the main factor in sport commitment. Tennis athletes possess the highest level of enthusiastic commitment across all the racquet sports. Moreover, male athletes showed higher levels of enthusiastic commitment than female athletes.

Matched MeSH terms: Attention
Fulltext Is targeting autophagy mechanism in cancer a good approach? The possible double-edge sword effect

Lim SM, Mohamad Hanif EA, Chin SF

Cell Biosci, 2021 Mar 20;11(1):56.
PMID: 33743781 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-021-00570-z

Autophagy is a conserved cellular process required to maintain homeostasis. The hallmark of autophagy is the formation of a phagophore that engulfs cytosolic materials for degradation and recycling to synthesize essential components. Basal autophagy is constitutively active under normal conditions and it could be further induced by physiological stimuli such as hypoxia, nutrient starvation, endoplasmic reticulum stress,energy depletion, hormonal stimulation and pharmacological treatment. In cancer, autophagy is highly context-specific depending on the cell type, tumour microenvironment, disease stage and external stimuli. Recently, the emerging role of autophagy as a double-edged sword in cancer has gained much attention. On one hand, autophagy suppresses malignant transformation by limiting the production of reactive oxygen species and DNA damage during tumour development. Subsequently, autophagy evolved to support the survival of cancer cells and promotes the tumourigenicity of cancer stem cells at established sites. Hence, autophagy is an attractive target for cancer therapeutics and researchers have been exploiting the use of autophagy modulators as adjuvant therapy. In this review, we present a summary of autophagy mechanism and controlling pathways, with emphasis on the dual-role of autophagy (double-edged sword) in cancer. This is followed by an overview of the autophagy modulation for cancer treatment and is concluded by a discussion on the current perspectives and future outlook of autophagy exploitation for precision medicine.

Matched MeSH terms: Attention
Health Care Needs of Deaf Signers: The Case for Culturally Competent Health Care Providers

Jacob SA, Palanisamy UD, Napier J, Verstegen D, Dhanoa A, Chong EY

Acad Med, 2021 May 25.
PMID: 34039854 DOI: 10.1097/ACM.0000000000004181

There is a need for culturally competent health care providers (HCPs) to provide care to deaf signers, who are members of a linguistic and cultural minority group. Many deaf signers have lower health literacy levels due to deprivation of incidental learning opportunities and inaccessibility of health-related materials, increasing their risk for poorer health outcomes. Communication barriers arise because HCPs are ill-prepared to serve this population, with deaf signers reporting poor-quality interactions. This has translated to errors in diagnosis, patient nonadherence, and ineffective health information, resulting in mistrust of the health care system and reluctance to seek treatment. Sign language interpreters have often not received in-depth medical training, compounding the dynamic process of medical interpreting. HCPs should thus become more culturally competent, empowering them to provide cultural- and language-concordant services to deaf signers. HCPs who received training in cultural competency showed increased knowledge and confidence in interacting with deaf signers. Similarly, deaf signers reported more positive experiences when interacting with medically certified interpreters, HCPs with sign language skills, and practitioners who made an effort to improve communication. However, cultural competency programs within health care education remain inconsistent. Caring for deaf signers requires complex, integrated competencies that need explicit attention and practice repeatedly in realistic, authentic learning tasks ordered from simple to complex. Attention to the needs of deaf signers can start early in the curriculum, using examples of deaf signers in lectures and case discussions, followed by explicit discussions of Deaf cultural norms and the potential risks of low written and spoken language literacy. Students can subsequently engage in role plays with each other or representatives of the local signing deaf community. This would likely ensure that future HCPs are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide appropriate care and ensure equitable health care access for deaf signers.

Matched MeSH terms: Attention
Fulltext Synthesis of jatropha curcas-based methyl ester and ethyl ester as biodiesel feedstocks

Azhari Muhammad Syam, Robiah Yunus, Tinia Idaty Mohd. Ghazi, Choong, Thomas Shean Yaw

Pertanika Journal of Science & Technology, 2012;20(1):165-173.
MyJurnal

Research on the use of Jatropha curcas triglycerides as biodiesel feedstock has received worldwide attention due to its inherent characteristics. Unlike palm oil, J. curcas oil is not edible, and thus, it will not disturb the food supply. However, to the researchers' experiences with the synthesis of J. curcas, oil-based biodiesel has shown that the fuel characteristics depend largely on the type of alcohol used as the excess reactants. Transesterification reaction is chosen for this process with sodium methoxide as the catalyst. Comparison studies on the yield of esters using methanol and ethanol, as well as the impacts on the reaction rate are discussed. The effects of reaction time and molar ratio on the reaction conversion are also examined. The determination of reaction yield is based on the conversion of triglycerides into alkyl esters as the main product. The findings are described as follows: the highest percentage yield of product is attained at 96% for methanol as an excess reactant, and this is 90% when ethanol is used. The optimum conditions of parameters are achieved at 6:1 molar ratio of alcohol to triglycerides, 50 min of reaction time and reaction temperature of 65°C for methanol and 75°C for ethanol. The biodiesel properties of both ester fuels were determined according to the existing standards for biodiesel and compared to the characteristics of diesel fuel.

Matched MeSH terms: Attention
Fulltext PH-responsive strontium nanoparticles for targeted gene therapy against mammary carcinoma cells

Bakhtiar A, Chowdhury EH

Asian J Pharm Sci, 2021 Mar;16(2):236-252.
PMID: 33995617 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajps.2020.11.002

Genetic intervention via the delivery of functional genes such as plasmid DNA (pDNA) and short-interfering RNA (siRNA) offers a great way to treat many single or multiple genetic defects effectively, including mammary carcinoma. Delivery of naked therapeutic genes or siRNAs is, however, short-lived due to biological clearance by scavenging nucleases and circulating monocytes. Low cellular internalization of negatively-charged nucleic acids further causes low transfection or silencing activity. Development of safe and effectual gene vectors is therefore undeniably crucial to the success of nucleic acid delivery. Inorganic nanoparticles have attracted considerable attention in the recent years due to their high loading capacity and encapsulation activity. Here we introduce strontium salt-based nanoparticles, namely, strontium sulfate, strontium sulfite and strontium fluoride as new inorganic nanocarriers. Generated strontium salt particles were found to be nanosized with high affinity towards negatively-charged pDNA and siRNA. Degradation of the particles was seen with a drop in pH, suggesting their capacity to respond to pH change and undergo dissolution at endosomal pH to release the genetic materials. While the particles are relatively nontoxic towards the cells, siRNA-loaded SrF2 and SrSO3 particles exerted superior transgene expression and knockdown activity of MAPK and AKT, leading to inhibition of their phosphorylation to a distinctive extent in both MCF-7 and 4T1 cells. Strontium salt nanoparticles have thus emerged as a promising tool for applications in cancer gene therapy.

Matched MeSH terms: Attention
Mother’s mental preparedness for pregnancy : The affecting factors and its effect on birth outcomes

Sharifah Sulaiha Syed Aznal, Chee Yoong Wong, Pamela Lee Ling Tan, Vee Vee See, Chui King Wong

International e-Journal of Science, Medicine & Education, 2014;8(3):19-27.
MyJurnal

Background: Increased maternal anxiety level has been reported to have detrimental effects on the physical outcome of pregnancies such as not achieving vaginal births. This study thus aims to determine the level and factors affecting mental preparedness among mothers with normal pregnancies and its correlation with birth outcomes.

Methods: Three hundred healthy mothers above 37 weeks of gestation in the early stage of labour were assessed for their level of mental preparation before birth process and outcomes after births which include general feeling (euphoria), ability to withstand labour pain and bonding with the new born. The successfulness of vaginal birth and other data on factors affecting mental preparation were also collected.

Results: The level of mental preparedness was found good in 78% of the mothers, mainly determined by their socioeconomic status, family support and personal ability to adjust to changes. Age (p= 0.048), parity (0.00) and income (0.01) were found to influence mental preparedness significantly. Race, occupation, education level and marital status are however not significantly related. Poor mental preparedness is associated with greater pain during labour. A correlation analysis also found a positive relationship between the level of mental preparation and mental outcomes following birth in these mothers but it did not significantly influence the mode of delivery.

Conclusion: Mental preparation before birth seems to have an effect on mental outcomes of mothers following birth process. It is vital that mothers of the younger age group with no previous obstetric experience be given more attention in preparing them mentally before they face the painful birth process.

Matched MeSH terms: Attention

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