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Fulltext Natural Xanthones and Skin Inflammatory Diseases: Multitargeting Mechanisms of Action and Potential Application

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
The Unprecedented Movement Control Order (Lockdown) and Factors Associated With the Negative Emotional Symptoms, Happiness, and Work-Life Balance of Malaysian University Students During the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Pandemic

Wan Mohd Yunus WMA, Badri SKZ, Panatik SA, Mukhtar F

Front Psychiatry, 2020;11:566221.
PMID: 33664679 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.566221

Background and Aims: Malaysia's first Movement Control Order (MCO) or "lockdown" was in place for 6 weeks to curb the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Consequently, all universities were forced to close temporarily with abrupt changes to teaching and learning activities. However, there has been a lack of consensus regarding students' actual psychological status and mental health during the MCO implementation. This study investigates the link, state, and differences of negative emotional symptoms, happiness, and work-life balance among university students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methodology: This study recruited 1,005 university students across Malaysia. Data was collected online using Qualtrics to measure negative emotional symptoms (The Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale), happiness (The Oxford Happiness Inventory), and work-life balance (Work-Family Conflict Scale). All data was analyzed using SPSS version 25 and AMOS version 26 using T-test, ANOVA, logistic regression analyses, and path analysis method. Findings: Findings indicated that 22, 34.3, and 37.3% of the university students scored moderate to extremely severe levels of stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms, respectively. Half scored rather happy or very happy (50%) for happiness levels. Meanwhile, 50.4 and 39.4% scored high to very high levels of work-to-family and family-to-work conflict. Significant differences in stress, anxiety, depression, happiness, work-family conflict, and family-work conflict were recorded across different demographic factors. Happiness was found to be a protective factor with a lesser likelihood of experiencing severe stress (OR = 0.240, 95% CI: 0.180, 0.321), anxiety (OR = 0.336, 95% CI: 0.273, 0.414), and depression (OR = 0.121, 95% CI: 0.088, 0.165) with higher happiness levels. Higher score of work-to-family conflict contributes to greater odds of having severe levels of anxiety (OR = 1.453, 95% CI: 1.161, 1.818). While greater likelihood of developing severe stress (OR = 1.468, 95% CI: 1.109, 1.943) and severe anxiety (OR = 1.317, 95% CI: 1.059, 1.638) under increasing score of family-to-work conflict. Besides, happiness is found to negatively linked with lower negative emotional symptoms, while work-family conflict and family-work conflict are positively linked with higher negative emotional symptoms. Conclusion: Lockdown implementation during the COVID-19 pandemic appears to have a significant impact on university students' negative emotional symptoms, happiness, and work-life balance. Happiness was found to be a protective factor while the state of work-life balance is a risk factor that can predict students' negative emotional symptoms.

Matched MeSH terms: Family Conflict
Fulltext Anti-High Mobility Group Box-1 Monoclonal Antibody Attenuates Seizure-Induced Cognitive Decline by Suppressing Neuroinflammation in an Adult Zebrafish Model

Paudel YN, Othman I, Shaikh MF

Front Pharmacol, 2020;11:613009.
PMID: 33732146 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.613009

Epilepsy is a chronic brain disease afflicting around 70 million global population and is characterized by persisting predisposition to generate epileptic seizures. The precise understanding of the etiopathology of seizure generation is still elusive, however, brain inflammation is considered as a major contributor to epileptogenesis. HMGB1 protein being an initiator and crucial contributor of inflammation is known to contribute significantly to seizure generation via activating its principal receptors namely RAGE and TLR4 reflecting a potential therapeutic target. Herein, we evaluated an anti-seizure and memory ameliorating potential of an anti-HMGB1 monoclonal antibody (mAb) (1, 2.5 and 5 mg/kg, I.P.) in a second hit Pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) (80 mg/kg, I.P.) induced seizure model earlier stimulated with Pilocarpine (400 mg/kg, I.P.) in adult zebrafish. Pre-treatment with anti-HMGB1 mAb dose-dependently lowered the second hit PTZ-induced seizure but does not alter the disease progression. Moreover, anti-HMGB1 mAb also attenuated the second hit Pentylenetetrazol induced memory impairment in adult zebrafish as evidenced by an increased inflection ration at 3 and 24 h trail in T-maze test. Besides, decreased level of GABA and an upregulated Glutamate level was observed in the second hit PTZ induced group, which was modulated by pre-treatment with anti-HMGB1 mAb. Inflammatory responses occurred during the progression of seizures as evidenced by upregulated mRNA expression of HMGB1, TLR4, NF-κB, and TNF-α, in a second hit PTZ group, which was in-turn downregulated upon pre-treatment with anti-HMGB1 mAb reflecting its anti-inflammatory potential. Anti-HMGB1 mAb modulates second hit PTZ induced changes in mRNA expression of CREB-1 and NPY. Our findings indicates anti-HMGB1 mAb attenuates second hit PTZ-induced seizures, ameliorates related memory impairment, and downregulates the seizure induced upregulation of inflammatory markers to possibly protect the zebrafish from the incidence of further seizures through via modulation of neuroinflammatory pathway.

Matched MeSH terms: Family Characteristics
Fulltext Improvement of Blue Ribbon certification by including humanistic value (TFI Buddies)

Siti Munira Yasin, Harizah Mad Hisma, Mazlifah Omar, Nurhuda Ismail, Zahir Izuan Azhar, Zalina Omar, et al.

Jurnal Inovasi Malaysia, 2020;4(1):61-78.
MyJurnal

Cigarette smoke produces more than 4,000 toxic chemicals and 53 of these chemicals can cause cancer. Smoking increases your health risks such as lung cancer, heart attack and stroke. In Malaysia, between 10% and 12% of causes of death are caused by smoking and this results in over 10,000 deaths a year. According to the National Health Morbidity Survey (NHMS) in 2015, the number of smokers aged 15 and above in Malaysia is estimated to be more than 5 million (22.8%). This alarming amount will lead to increased health costs. Smoking can also lead to a reduction in worker productivity and air pollution and the pollution due to cigarette smoke. Therefore, smokers need to be aware of the effects of smoking habits and the importance of maintaining a tobacco-free environment for the health and well-being of their families, friends and the community around them. To address this, Smoke Busters have created an innovation called Blue Ribbon Star Certification with an additional component of humanization into the TFI Buddies existing Blue Ribbon Certification. The main goal of this innovation is to make University of Technology MARA (UiTM) campuses 100% tobacco free. The first project at the Sungai Buloh Campus resulted in a decrease in the percentage of ‘hotspots’, whereby the number of cigarette butts was found to be greatly reduced. In addition, the percentage of staff with good knowledge and attitude on the effects of cigarettes increased. Feedback from users comprising staff and students also showed a very positive response. The direct impact on faculty and campuses include cost savings in terms of medical expenses and increase in staff productivity. The long-term effects include enhancing UiTM’s image nationally and internationally. From a social point of view, this in addition creates a more caring and responsible generation of colleagues and the environment.

Matched MeSH terms: Family Characteristics
Fulltext Abattoirs – a hidden centre for livestock genetic resources loss in Nigeria

Khaleel, Aliyu Garba, Nasir, Mudassir, Salisu, Nasiru, Abdullahi, Auwalu Yusuf, Saidu, Sulaiman Shehu, Saleh, Ahmadu, et al.

Malaysian Journal of Applied Sciences, 2020;5(2):1-16.
MyJurnal

Nigeria is naturally blessed with wide diversity of native animal genetic resources. Indigenous ruminant livestock such as cattle, camel, donkey, sheep and goat contributes largely in both protein supply, revenue generation and national economy. In Nigeria, these animal resources are mismanaged and undermined through the indiscriminate slaughter of pregnant animals and foetal losses in abattoirs. This unethical practice resulted in the loss of genetic diversity, preferred traits and superior females ruminant animals. The current research focus on reported incidences across abattoirs, which is a centre where such practice is highly occurs within the country. Lack of modern facilities, law enforcement, poor management and animal welfare in abattoirs to protect pregnant animals are among few factors responsible for an increase in incidences. It is unprofitable to continue the tradition of pregnant animal slaughter that causes foetal losses. This is a condition that significantly threatens the animal genetic resources and general livestock industry in Nigeria. This practice must be discard with a proper conservation and documentation of these valuable animal genetic resources. Both long and short terms conservation programs must aim for substantial benefits of these resources. Laws must be enforced with strict penalties to those involved in pregnant animal slaughter. Genetic resources of these species and meat industry future could be safe with proper implementation of these laws and conservation measures.

Matched MeSH terms: Family Characteristics
Fulltext Paradigm shift: a need of the hour in the techno era

Krishna Dilip Murthy

Borneo Journal of Medical Sciences, 2020;14(1):1-2.
MyJurnal

It is time to cogitate as to “how and what ”we teach in the medical faculties/schools. We are aware that the generation of students is different; called the “Z”-generation. So, in keeping with the trends in the field of globalization, IR 4.0, artificial intelligence and the techno era, there is a need to change and become flexible to meet the demands of the artificial intelligence and the era. The future generations will be the Centennials who will adapt heutagogy (pronounced as: hyoo-tuh-goh-jee) principles to learn what they are passionate about. Heutagogy was first defined by Hase and Kenyon (2000) as a form of “self-determined learning”. So, in other words, pedagogy (the art and science of teaching children) and andragogy (the art and science of teaching adults) periods are almost over or take a back seat. In simpler terms, pedagogy is faculty-centred education; andragogy is student-centred education is not enough1. Heutagogy is self-directed, transformative and the present thing2. We need to be aware and cognizant of this fact in order to cater to our clients of the next generation.

Matched MeSH terms: Family Characteristics
Sizing Optimization of Hybrid Photovoltaic-Wind-Battery System towards Zero Energy Building using Genetic Algorithm

Farhana Johar, Julies Bong Shu Ai, Fuaada Mohd Siam

MATEMATIKA, 2020;36(3):235-250.
MyJurnal

A new topic of Zero Energy Building (ZEB) is getting famous in research area
because of its goal of reaching zero carbon emission and low building cost. Renewable
energy system is one of the ideas to achieve the objective of ZEB. Genetic Algorithm (GA)
is widely used in many research areas due to its capability to escape from a local minimal
to obtain a better solution. In our study, GA is chosen in sizing optimization of the
number of photovoltaic, wind turbine and battery of a hybrid photovoltaic-wind-battery
system. The aim is to minimize the total annual cost (TAC) of the hybrid energy system
towards the low cost concept of ZEB. Two GA parameters, which are generation number
and population size, have been analysed and optimized in order to meet the minimum
TAC. The results show that the GA is efficient in minimizing cost function of a hybrid
photovoltaic-wind-battery system with its robustness property.

Matched MeSH terms: Family Characteristics
Fulltext The psychological well-being of patients with schizophrenia on follow up clinics in three psychiatric hospitals in Malaysia

Zamuna Mat Nor, Idayu Badilla Idris, Faiz Daud, Natrah Abd Rani

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2020;16(1):203-208.
MyJurnal

Introduction: The daily life problems of patients with schizophrenia as well as their symptoms are challenging sit- uations that may interfere with their psychological well-being. The purpose of this study is to investigate the factors affecting the psychological well-being of patients with schizophrenia and factors affecting it. Methods: A cross sec- tional study was conducted to examine the socio-demographic factors, health level, social support and self-esteem of patients with schizophrenia. A total of 255 respondents consisting of patients on follow-up from specialist clinics at three Psychiatric Hospitals in this country were selected to answer the questionnaire. The questionnaires used were the Affect Balance Scale, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support Scale and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale for the measurement of the psychological well-being, social support and self-esteem respectively. The data was analysed using Chi-Square and Mann-Whitney U test. Results: A total of 62% of the respondents had positive psychological wellbeing. Socio demographic factors, namely occupation (p=0.007), overall social support (p=0.023), family support (p=0.040), significant others’ support (p=0.046), and self-esteem (p < 0.001), were associ- ated with positive psychological well-being. Conclusion: This study has proven that patients with schizophrenia who regularly received treatment can achieve positive psychological well-being when they have high self-esteem, strong support from their family members as well as people around them and are stable occupation.

Matched MeSH terms: Family
Fulltext System identification of helical strakes suppressed vortexinduced vibration for flexible pipes

Ooi, Ching Sheng, Lim, Meng Hee, Lee, Kee Quen, Kang, Hooi Siang, Mohd Salman Leong

Pertanika Journal of Science & Technology, 2020;28(2):493-508.
MyJurnal

Previous studies have indicated that the pipe-surface-mounted helical strakes effectively reduce vortex-induced vibration (VIV) under a uniform flow application, particularly during the lock-in region. Since VIV experiments are time-consuming, observation is generated with an interval helical strakes parameter in pitch and height to lessen tedious procedures and repetitive post-processing analyses. The aforementioned result subset is insufficient for helical strakes design optimisation because the trade-off between the helical strakes dimension, lock-in region and flow velocity are non-trivial. Thus, a parametric model based on an improved recursive least squares (RLS) parameter estimation technique is proposed to define the statistical relationship between input, or strakes and pipe dimension, and output, or VIV amplitude ratio. As results suggested, revised RLS estimated VIV model demonstrated an optimal prediction with the highest coefficient of determination and lowest Integral Absolute Error. The feasibility of VIV parametric model was validated by embed into Genetic Algorithm (GA) as the fitness function to acquire a desirable helical strakes dimension with minimum VIV amplitude. The rapid generation of optimal helical strakes dimension which returned the highest VIV suppression implied a superior simulation method compared to the experimental outcome.

Matched MeSH terms: Family Characteristics
Fulltext Will they swim or sink? parental perception of water safety among their children

Noor Hamzani Farizan, Rosnah Sutan, Kulanthayan KC Mani

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2020;16(1):254-260.
MyJurnal

Introduction: The magnitude of drowning as one of the leading causes of death among children in Malaysia may have been underestimated. Little is known on the level of awareness on water safety among parents as it might be associated with appropriateness and adequacy of the supervision. This study aims to describe perceptions of water safety among parents of primary school children. Methods: A cross-sectional survey with 719 respondent conduct- ed to obtain information on parents self-reported on their children’s water-involved activity and swimming ability, self-estimated ability to rescue their child and perceptions of the risk of drowning and water safety for their children. Results: The result revealed that about 21.6% of respondents did not perceive drowning as one of the unintentional injury leading causes of death among children. Parents reported that their children had experienced a near- drown- ing incident (16.1%), and only 12.2% of the child had attended a formal swimming lesson. Majority of the parents did not involve in any water safety program (98.7%), can’t swim (61.6%), not been certified in CPR (87.3%) and not confident (87.3%) to perform resuscitation (CPR). Respondents also perceived their children could swim (42.1%), and they felt confident when their child in the water (45.6%). There were statistical differences between parents who reported their child had a near-drowning experience with their perception of children’s swimming ability. Conclu- sion: An exploration of parent’s perception of water safety provided an overview of the need for promoting aware- ness on drowning risk and water safety education in this country.

Matched MeSH terms: Family
Fulltext Factors associated with postpartum family planning in a cohort of Kelantanese women with previous caesarean delivery in Malaysia

Hafizah I, Tengku Alina TI, Suhaily MH, Zaharah S

IIUM Medical Journal Malaysia, 2020;19(1):85-97.
MyJurnal

This community-based, cross-sectional study aimed to identify the factors associated with
postpartum family planning use among a cohort of women with recent caesarean delivery in a state with the
lowest contraceptive use in Malaysia. Materials and Methods: A total of 281 women aged between 18-49
years old who had caesarean delivery in government tertiary centres in Kelantan from January until April
2017 were enrolled in this study. The study was conducted from January until April 2018. Women were
selected through stratified random sampling with probability proportional to size. Data were collected
through a validated structured questionnaire. The main outcome was binary (postpartum family planning use
or non-use). The factors included socio-demographic details, reproductive history, previous contraceptive
use, contraceptive health education received, knowledge, and social support. Simple and multiple logistic
regression were conducted to identify significant determinants of postpartum family planning use. Results:
The factors associated with postpartum family planning use included a secondary and below education level
of women (AOR= 2.37, 95% CI (1.05, 5.34)), previous contraceptive use (AOR= 9.82, 95% CI (4.81, 20.06)),
individual health education (AOR= 4.19, 95% CI (1.23, 14.30)), higher knowledge score (AOR= 1.12, 95% CI
(1.03, 1.23)), and higher social support score (AOR= 1.09, 95% CI (1.03, 1.16)). Conclusions: here remains a
need to enhance personalised contraceptive counselling in the primary care setting as well as to promote
longer acting reversible contraceptive methods.

Matched MeSH terms: Family Planning Services
Fulltext Development and validation of a personal care modules for older adults with more significant disabilities

Nor Afifi Razaob, Masne Kadar, Kah, Jolene Ee Koay, Siti Noraini Asmuri

Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia, 2020;18(2):83-92.
MyJurnal

Older adults residing in community, as well as those who are residing in institutional or care home may experience various cognitive, health and physical impairments that may affect their independence. Continuous supports are needed to manage most of their personal care activities which are usually managed by their family members, often without proper training or guidance. To date, there is no personal care module that can be used as a guideline by family members and paid caretakers. Therefore, this study aims to develop and validate a personal care module as a guideline in assisting older adults with more significant disabilities. This study was a three-phase study, involving (1) development of the personal care module, (2) focus group discussion with healthcare experts and (3) face and content validity by the expert reviewers. A total of 10 older adults participated in semi structured interview in phase one and 13 occupational therapists were involved as experts in evaluating the module in phase two and three, having between 5 to 25 years of working experiences. The finding reported a high content validity in the developed module ranging from 0.88 to 1.00 on six domains of personal hygiene, bathing, dressing, feeding, bed mobility and stairs climbing. This study provides a preliminary support for the developed personal care module as a valid instrument to be used as a guideline in managing personal care activities of older adults with more significant disabilities.

Matched MeSH terms: Family
Fulltext A case series of hereditary congenital cataract

Nurul Faaiqah Jainuddin, Azlindarita Aisyah Mohd Abdullah, Visvaraja Subrayan, Norlina Ramli, Nurliza Khaliddin

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2020;16(2):336-338.
MyJurnal

Congenital cataract is a major cause of preventable blindness in children. It can be either hereditary or non-hereditary. In this case series, we present three cases of congenital cataract with a strong family history. The grandparents
and parents of these patients had cataract diagnosed in late childhood whilst the patients in this case series were
diagnosed with congenital cataract earlier. There was no history of consanguineous marriage in any of the families.
These cases show that, in the presence of a strong family history, a child will present with congenital cataract earlier
in their life. Hence, babies from such families should be screened at birth and at regular intervals within the first
year of life to enable early diagnosis and subsequent surgical intervention to reduce the incidence and burden of
amblyopia.

Matched MeSH terms: Family
Fulltext Effectiveness of flaxseed oil on peripheral nerve regeneration following crush injury of sciatic nerve in rat: behavioural analysis and an electron microscopic study

Muhammad Danial Che Ramli, Nur Amira Sumari, Neni Widiasmoro Selamat, Hussin Muhammad, Junedah Sanusi

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2020;16(101):106-111.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Peripheral nerve injuries (PNI) are a disabling injury as it often results in motor and sensory deficit with cognitive impairment. Flaxseed oil provides a good source of omega-3 fatty acid and it is believed to be able to protect the damaged nerve cell for successful nerve recovery. This study aimed to investigate a potential neuro-re- generation properties of flaxseed oil in treating the PNI. Methods: A total of 65 rats were separated into 4 groups: Group 1: Normal group (n=5), Group 2: Negative group (n=20), Group 3: Experimental group (n=20) and Group 4: Positive control (n=20), all the group were further divided into 4 groups (post-operative 7, 14, 21, 28 days, n=5 for each days). The functional restoration was assessed by walking track analysis (Sciatic Functional Index analysis-SFI) and toe spreading reflex (grading score). Electron microscope studies were performed on sciatic nerve to evaluate the regenerative process through morphologic and morphometric changes. Results: Oral administration of flaxseed oil (experimental group) at 1000 mg/kg body weight/day showed better recovery compared to negative control value. However, there was no significant difference in SFI and toe spreading reflex between positive (mecobalamin) and experimental group (flaxseed oil). Morphological and morphometrical findings indicated increases in the myelin thickness and myelin sheath layer after administration of flaxseed oil. Conclusion: The flaxseed oil supplementation could enhance the neurorestorative capacities of injured sciatic nerve.

Matched MeSH terms: Family Characteristics
Pay-for-performance challenges in family physician program

Gharibi F, Dadgar E

Malays Fam Physician, 2020;15(2):19-29.
PMID: 32843941

Objective: This study was conducted to investigate the challenges faced in the implementation of the pay-for-performance system in Iran's family physician program.
Study design: Qualitative.
Place and duration of study: The study was conducted with 32 key informants at the family physician program at the Tabriz University of Medical Sciences between May 2018 and June 2018. Method: This is a qualitative study. A purposeful sampling method was used with only one inclusion criterion for participants: five years of experience in the family physician program. The researchers conducted 17 individual and group non-structured interviews and examined participants' perspectives on the challenges faced in the implementation of the pay-for-performance system in the family physician program. Content analysis was conducted on the obtained data.
Results: This study identified 7 themes, 14 sub-themes, and 46 items related to the challenges in the implementation of pay-for-performance systems in Iran's family physician program. The main themes are: workload, training, program cultivation, payment, assessment and monitoring, information management, and level of authority. Other sub-challenges were also identified.
Conclusion: The study results demonstrate some notable challenges faced in the implementation of the pay-for-performance system. This information can be helpful to managers and policymakers.

Matched MeSH terms: Physicians, Family
Fulltext The relationship of socio-demographic characteristics and knowledge of breast cancer on stage of behavioral adoption of breast self-examination

Moey SF, Mutalib AMA, Mohamed NC, Saidin N

AIMS Public Health, 2020;7(3):620-633.
PMID: 32968682 DOI: 10.3934/publichealth.2020049

Background/aim: In Malaysia, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. As such, early diagnosis and screening practices are important to increase the survival rate. Breast self-examination (BSE) is one of the main screening methods for breast cancer. Socio-demographic characteristics and knowledge of breast cancer are amongst the crucial roles in determining women's behavioral adoption in performing BSE. This study aims to assess the relationship of socio-demographic factors and knowledge of breast cancer on the stage of behavioral adoption of BSE among Malaysian women in Kuantan, Pahang.
Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 520 women from three different government health clinics in Kuantan and IIUM Family Health Clinic from February to April 2018. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire on socio-demographic factors and knowledge of breast cancer and its effect on the behavioral adoption of BSE.
Results: Significant difference was found between socio-demographic characteristics and behavioral adoption of BSE. However, only breast screening and the best time for screening were found to be significant with the behavioral adoption of BSE and knowledge of breast cancer.
Conclusion: It is found that most women in Kuantan, Pahang perform BSE but were still unaware of the importance of performing BSE for early breast cancer detection. This study was expected to enhance women's awareness of the benefits of performing BSE.

Matched MeSH terms: Family Health
Fulltext New protocols for the synthesis of 5-amino-7-(4-phenyl)-4,7-dihydro-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine-6-carboxylate esters using an efficient additive

Ghaffari Khaligh N, Mihankhah T, Titinchi S, Shahnavaz Z, Rafie Johan M

Turk J Chem, 2020;44(4):1100-1109.
PMID: 33488215 DOI: 10.3906/kim-2005-6

This work introduces a new additive named 4,4'-trimethylenedipiperidine for the practical and ecofriendly preparation of ethyl 5-amino-7-(4-phenyl)-4,7-dihydro-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine-6-carboxylate derivatives. This chemical is commercially available and easy to handle. It also possesses a low melting point and a broad liquid range temperature, high thermal stability, and good solubility in water. Based on green chemistry principles, the reaction was performed in a) a mixture of green solvents i.e. water and ethanol (1:1 v/v) at reflux temperature, and b) the additive was liquefied at 65 °C and the reaction was conducted in the liquid state of the additive. High yields of the desired triazolo-pyrimidines were obtained under both aforementioned conditions. Our results demonstrated that this additive, containing 2 Lewis base sites and able to act as an acceptor-donor hydrogen bonding group, is a novel and efficient alternative to piperidine, owing to its unique properties such as its reduced toxicity, nonflammable nature, nonvolatile state, broad liquid range temperature, high thermal stability, and ability to be safely handled. Furthermore, this additive could be completely recovered and exhibited high recyclability without any change in its chemical structure and no significant reduction in its activity. The current methodology has several advantages: (a) it avoids the use of hazardous materials, as well as toxic, volatile, and flammable solvents, (b) it does not entail tedious processes, harsh conditions, and the multistep preparation of catalysts, (c) it uses a metal-free and noncorrosive catalyst, and (d) reduces the generation of hazardous waste and simple work-up processes. The most important result of this study is that 4,4'-trimethylenedipiperidine can be a promising alternative for toxic, volatile, and flammable base reagents in organic synthesis owing to its unique properties.

Matched MeSH terms: Family Characteristics
Fulltext Arene diazonium saccharin intermediates: a greener and cost-effective alternative method for the preparation of aryl iodide

Zaharani L, Ghaffari Khaligh N, Shahnavaz Z, Rafie Johan M

Turk J Chem, 2020;44(3):535-542.
PMID: 33488175 DOI: 10.3906/kim-2002-26

In the current protocol, the arene diazonium saccharin derivatives were initially produced from various substituted aromatic amines; subsequently, these intermediates were treated with a greener organic iodide for the preparation of the aryl iodide. We tried to choose low-cost, commercially available, biodegradable, recoverable, ecofriendly, and safe reagents and solvents. The arene diazonium saccharin intermediates could be stored in the liquid phase into a refrigerator for a long time with no significant loss activity. The outstanding merits of the current protocol (a) included the partial recovering of saccharin and tetraethylammonium salt, (b) reduce the use of solvents and the reaction steps due to eliminating separation and purification of intermediates, (c) good yield of the sterically hindered substrates, and (d) avoid the generation of heavy metal or corrosive waste.

Matched MeSH terms: Family Characteristics
Fulltext The association between sleep quality and quality of life among undergraduate student in private university

Len Xen Mei, ThavamalarParamasivam, Ng Siow Fam, Lim Pek Hong, Fong Ka Ling, Mohammed Abdul Razzaq Jabbar, et al.

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2020;16(105):16-0.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Studies found that low sleep quality (SQ) is associated with many factors such as health, quality of life (QOL), work or academic performance and co-curriculum activities. Hence, improvement to maintain SQ to en- hance students’ QOL is important. Approximately 43% of Malaysian were unaware of their sleep problem and how it affects their physical and mental health, especially among the younger generation. The study aims to investigate the association between SQ and QOL among undergraduate students in UTAR Sungai Long Campus. Method: A cross-sectional study among 256 undergraduate students recruited by purposive sampling was conducted. The Pitts- burgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Instruments (WHOQOL-BREF) were administered to evaluate SQ and QOL, respectively. Self-reported demographic data were collected with a structured sociodemographic profile. Associations were evaluated using Spearman’s correlation coefficient, Chi- square test and independence t-test. The level of significance was p< 0.05. Result: Results showed more than one half of students had poor SQ (F=137, 53.5%) and poor QOL (F= 159, 62.1%). All seven PSQI components were significantly associated with at least one QOL domain. Sleep disturbances, sleep latency and daytime dysfunction were correlated with all four QOL domains which are physical health, psychological, social relationships, and envi- ronment. Among the sociodemographic variables, only time travelled from place of stay to campus was associated to SQ (p = 0.04). However, there was no significant association between SQ and the selected sociodemographic vari- ables such as gender, working part-time job, and travel distance from place of stay to campus. Conclusion: Overall, the results from this study showed one half of students suffered from poor SQ and QOL. SQ among undergraduate students is vital in developing good QOL.

Matched MeSH terms: Family Characteristics
Fulltext Empowering single mothers through creative group counselling: an effective intervention to improve mental wellbeing

Rafidah Aga Mohd Jaladin, Janet Ann Fernandez, Nur Ain Sumaiyah Abdullah, Adelina Asmawi

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2020;16(3):192-201.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Single parent families, especially, those headed by single mothers are becoming increasingly common around the world especially in Malaysia. Single mothers generally suffer from poorer mental health, job discrimina- tion, abuse and neglect. Hence, they often experience high anxiety, depression, and stress. This calls for research to empower their mental wellbeing. The present study examined the effectiveness of creative group counselling in increasing self-compassion, and decreasing depression, anxiety and stress among single mothers. Methods: A qua- si experimental pre-test post-test design was employed in the study. Research participants consisted of 36 single mothers placed in two experimental and two control groups. The instruments used were Self-Compassion Scale and Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale. A self-compassion module was developed that comprised creative therapeutic activities which was administered to the participants in the experimental groups via a 7-session group counselling programme. Participants in the control groups, on the other hand, took part in guidance activities. Semi structured in- terviews were also performed to gather feedback on the impact of the creative intervention from three single mothers. Results: Findings revealed that creative group counselling successfully increased the level of self-compassion among single mothers. Additionally, the depression, stress and anxiety scores of single mothers were lower after joining the group counselling programme. Furthermore, three themes emerged from the present study which are i) be kind to oneself; ii) mistakes are part of life; and iii) self-transformation. Conclusion: It is evident that the implementation of creative group counselling improves the mental wellbeing of single mothers.

Matched MeSH terms: Single-Parent Family

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