Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 1135 in total

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  1. Matrook KA, Cowman S, Pertl M, Whitford D
    Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being, 2024 Dec;19(1):2323060.
    PMID: 38446054 DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2024.2323060
    PURPOSE: The prevalence of Type 2 diabetes is rapidly increasing, with 537 million people estimated to have diabetes in 2021. The literature suggests that nurses can deliver effective person-centred diabetes care and that families can be essential in supporting patients. Thus, a Nurse-led Family-based (NLFB) approach may be particularly effective. This study aims to explore the perceptions of nurses, adults with type 2 diabetes, and family members regarding the NLFB intervention.

    METHODS: Guided by the UK Medical Research Council Framework, this seminal study adopted a qualitative, descriptive approach with content analysis. Data were obtained through 16 semi-structured, in-depth interviews. Themes emerged based on an inductive process using constant comparison (Graneheim and Lundman 2004). The COREQ checklist was used in ensuring rigour.

    RESULTS: Three main themes emerged includes: (1) nurses' experiences with current diabetes care practices, (2) stakeholders' views on the development of a NLFB approach, and (3) merging the nurse-led family aspects into the diabetes care. The key challenges are the dominant medical model, lack of specialist nurses, and time. The key facilitators are knowledge and social support.

    CONCLUSION: The study recommends stakeholders embrace nursing empowerment strategies and involve families to enhance the nurses' advanced roles and family inclusion in healthcare.

    Matched MeSH terms: Family
  2. Zhao M, O'Hara CA, Sahril NB, Liu H, Pei K, Ivanova O, et al.
    BMJ Sex Reprod Health, 2024 Apr 11;50(2):83-91.
    PMID: 37857464 DOI: 10.1136/bmjsrh-2023-201819
    INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic, together with the subsequent social distancing measures, could lead to shifts in family and fertility planning. This study aimed to explore the associations between the COVID-19 pandemic and changes in fertility intentions among an international sample of reproductive-aged women.

    METHODS: A multi-country, cross-sectional study based on data from 10 672 women aged 18-49 years who participated in the International Sexual Health And REproductive Health (I-SHARE) study, which organised an international online survey between July 2020 and February 2021. Factors associated with changes in fertility intentions were explored using multinomial probit regression models. Cluster-robust standard errors were used to calculate model parameters.

    RESULTS: Of 10 672 included reproductive-aged women, 14.4% reported changing their fertility intentions due to the pandemic, with 10.2% postponement and 4.2% acceleration. Women who had ever been isolated/quarantined were more likely to postpone their fertility intentions (adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=1.41; 95% CI 1.18 to 1.69) compared with those who had not; women who lived with a steady partner were more likely to want children sooner (AOR=1.57; 95% CI 1.10 to 2.23) compared with those who did not; and those who reported a higher frequency of getting angry, feeling frustrated, or worrying about their finances were more likely to postpone their fertility intentions. The main findings were robust in the sensitivity analyses.

    CONCLUSIONS: Most women who changed fertility intentions because of the pandemic have postponed intentions to expand their families. The pandemic-induced exposures were associated with these postponements.

    Matched MeSH terms: Family Planning Services
  3. Sofee MA, Wan Salwani WH, Mohd Shaharudin Shah CH
    Med J Malaysia, 2024 Mar;79(Suppl 1):67-73.
    PMID: 38555888
    INTRODUCTION: Family presence during resuscitation (FPDR) is now an accepted practice in many western countries as research proven its positive impact on patient, family and also health care providers. In Malaysia, it is not known whether nurses in critical care settings agrees on family members' presence during the resuscitation process. This study aims to determine the perspectives of nurses toward family presence during resuscitation in critical care settings at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia. This study specifically looked at the risk and benefits perceived by nurses related to family presence during resuscitation, the self-confidence perceived by nurses related to family presence during resuscitation, and the correlation between nurses' perception of risk and benefits with self-confidence related to family presence during resuscitation.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire entitled the Family Presence Risk-Benefit Scale and Family Presence Self-Confidence Scale. Purposive sampling method was used to include 130 nurses working in eight Intensive Care Units at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia. Descriptive statistics and Pearson's Correlation test were used to analyse the variables of FPDR.

    RESULTS: Findings revealed that nurses in the critical care setting perceived low risk-benefit and low self-confident with regards to family presence during resuscitation. Pearson correlation analysis showed no correlation between perceptions of risk-benefits and self-confidence among critical care nurses (r = -0.016).

    CONCLUSION: Relatively, nurses perceived that family presence during resuscitation would place high risk and low benefit to the family members. Thus there is a need for education, training, and guideline to enrich the concept of FPDR and its implementation.

    Matched MeSH terms: Professional-Family Relations
  4. Karim B, Alwi I, Pasaribu MM, Nafrialdi, Yamin M, Harimurti K, et al.
    Med J Malaysia, 2024 Mar;79(2):146-150.
    PMID: 38553918
    INTRODUCTION: ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a fatal disease with significant burden worldwide. Despite advanced medical treatment performed, STEMIrelated morbidity and mortality remains high due to ischemia reperfusion injury after primary angioplasty mediated by NLRP3 inflammasome. Adding colchicine expected to reduce inflammation both in vitro and in vivo. We want to evaluate the effect of colchicine administration on the NLRP3 level of STEMI patient who undergo primary cutaneous intervention (PCI).

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: Randomised controlled trial was conducted on STEMI patients who undergo PCI in two hospitals in Jakarta, 104 patients enrolled to this study, and 77 patients completed the trial. 37 patients were randomly assigned to receive colchicines (2 mg loading dose; 0.5 mg thereafter every 12 hour for 48 hours) while 40 patients received placebo. NLRP3 level was measured from venous blood at baseline (BL), after procedure (AP), dan 24-hour post procedure (24H).

    RESULTS: No NLRP3 difference was observed initially between colchicine arm and placebo arm 38,69 and 39,0138, respectively (p >0.05). Measurement conducted at 24H, patients received colchicine demonstrate reduction in NLRP3 level (37.67), while placebo arm results increase in NLRP3 level (42.89) despite not statistically significant (p >0,05).

    CONCLUSION: Colchicine addition to standard treatment of STEMI patients undergo PCI reduce NLRP3 level despite statistically insignificant.

    Matched MeSH terms: NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein
  5. Nabuuma D, Ekesa B, Faber M, Mbhenyane X
    Food Nutr Bull, 2024 Mar;45(1):24-37.
    PMID: 38661354 DOI: 10.1177/03795721241240854
    BACKGROUND: Food-based strategies have a high potential of improving the diet quality and reducing the prevalence of nutrient deficiencies in agriculture-dependent communities. Their design is however complex with trade-offs that are rarely systematically presented to allow replication and efficient contextualization.

    OBJECTIVE: The systematic design of a food-based strategy to improve the dietary diversity of children in rural farming communities in Uganda.

    METHODS: The intervention mapping protocol was used to provide a systematic approach to developing theory-based and evidence-based intervention methods and strategy.

    RESULTS: The priority behavioral and environmental determinants identified were related to food production, consumption, and efficacy while the personal determinants focused on knowledge, skills, self-efficacy, attitude, and outcome expectations. The aim of the resulting strategy was set to improve the availability, accessibility, and consumption of diverse foods, with a particular focus on production diversity, production practices, market access, and market diversity. Behaviour change methods were selected to enhance ability and self-efficacy, strategic goal setting, and provision of feedback. The strategy focused on household groups for learning, demonstration, practice, and social support. The validation showed that the determinants and actors incorporated in the strategy were important and relevant for improving the productivity, food availability, dietary diversity, livelihoods, and health of rural farming households and communities.

    CONCLUSION: Application of the protocol yielded a contextualized food-based strategy that can be adjusted for use in other smallholder contexts in developing countries by piloting implementation plans based on the strategy; reassessing the key determinants and implementing the revised strategy; or replicating the whole design process.

    Matched MeSH terms: Family Characteristics*
  6. Awang Dahlan S, Idris IB, Mohammed Nawi A, Abd Rahman R
    Eur J Med Res, 2024 Jan 11;29(1):41.
    PMID: 38212858 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-023-01626-1
    INTRODUCTION: Diabetes mellitus in pregnancies is associated with adverse outcomes both for the mothers and babies. Postponing pregnancy in unoptimized conditions and stabilisation of glucose should be prioritized. This scoping review is aimed to determine the scope and at the same time map the types of evidence available that is related to family planning behaviours among women with diabetes mellitus, with a particular focus on their factors which influence family planning usage and subsequently enable the identification of knowledge gaps in preventing unintended pregnancies among this high-risk population.

    METHODS: This scoping review is guided by the methodological framework by Arksey and O'Malley's and Prisma-ScR checklist. PubMed, EBSCO and OVID were searched for empirical studies between 2000 and February 2022 using the search terms "family planning", "contraceptive" and "diabetes mellitus". Data were summarized according to the study characteristics and levels of factors influencing family planning behaviours.

    RESULTS: Thirty-five articles that met the eligibility criteria included 33 quantitative studies, one qualitative study and one mixed-methods study. The prevalence of family planning methods used by women with diabetes mellitus varied ranging from 4.8 to 89.8% among the studied population. Women with diabetes mellitus were reported to be less likely to utilise any family planning methods compared to women without diabetes mellitus.

    CONCLUSIONS: Most of the evidence to date on family planning behaviours among women with diabetes mellitus focuses on the role of individual level sociodemographic factors. Few studies focused on exploring determinants at multiple levels. In this review we found that there is limited evidence on disease control and pregnancy intention in relation to their family planning practices. Future studies with more clinical and contextual factors are needed to guide the strengthening of family planning services for high-risk group women specifically for women with diabetes mellitus.

    Matched MeSH terms: Family Planning Services*
  7. Khoo EJ
    PMID: 37945387 DOI: 10.1016/j.cppeds.2023.101452
    The evolution of paediatric palliative care in Malaysia has followed a distinct trajectory compared to adult palliative care. While adult palliative care was well-established by the mid-1990s, paediatric palliative care was still then largely ad hoc, with individual paediatricians and NGOs taking on the responsibility. Despite progress over the last decade, challenges persist. There is a shortage of trained paediatricians in this subspecialty, and financial constraints hinder progress. Decision-making in paediatric palliative care is also influenced by cultural values, religious beliefs, and societal norms. Parents are steered by cultural practices and the guidance of elder family members in a setting of communitarian traditions that are prevalent in Asian cultures. Discussions about end-of-life matters are hampered by cultural taboos. Additionally, the hierarchical medical culture, where doctors are seen as authoritative, hinder patients, including parents, from taking an active role in decision-making. The paper exemplifies these complexities through a case study, where the family's hopes and concerns were overlooked in a hectic and hurried hospital environment. The narrative calls for a compassionate, collaborative ecosystem that bridges cultural gaps and embraces shared decision-making in paediatric palliative care. It emphasizes the need to harmonize palliative care with societal values, involving healthcare providers, families, and the community. However, recognizing individual preferences and avoiding cultural assumptions are crucial. Healthcare professionals must develop skills in cultural diversity, delivering distressing news with compassion, and effectively communicate to involve families in decision-making, all while respecting their beliefs and values.
    Matched MeSH terms: Family
  8. Sivam HGP, Chin BY, Gan SY, Ng JH, Gwenhure A, Chan EWL
    Cancer Biol Ther, 2023 Dec 31;24(1):2284857.
    PMID: 38018872 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2023.2284857
    Modified macrophages, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), are key contributors to the survival, growth, and metastatic behavior of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells. Central to the role of inflammation and TAMs lies the NLRP3 inflammasome. This study investigated the effects of LPS-stimulated inflammation on cell proliferation, levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway in a co-culture model using PDAC cells and macrophages in the presence or absence of MCC950, a NLRP3-specific inhibitor. The effects of LPS-stimulated inflammation were tested on two PDAC cell lines (Panc 10.05 and SW 1990) co-cultured with RAW 264.7 macrophages. Cell proliferation was determined using the MTT assay. Levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-1β, and TNF-α were determined by ELISA. Western blot analyses were used to examine the expression of NLRP3 in both PDAC cells and macrophages. The co-culture and interaction between PDAC cell lines and macrophages led to pro-inflammatory microenvironment under LPS stimulation as evidenced by high levels of secreted IL-1β and TNF-α. Inhibition of the NLRP3 inflammasome by MCC950 counteracted the effects of LPS stimulation on the regulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and pro-inflammatory cytokines in PDAC and macrophages. However, MCC950 differentially modified the viability of the metastatic vs primary PDAC cell lines. LPS stimulation increased PDAC cell viability by regulating the NLRP3 inflammasome and pro-inflammatory cytokines in the tumor microenvironment of PDAC cells/macrophages co-cultures. The specific inhibition of the NLRP inflammasome by MCC950 effectively counteracted the LPS-stimulated inflammation.
    Matched MeSH terms: NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/metabolism
  9. Morshed AKMH, Al Azad S, Mia MAR, Uddin MF, Ema TI, Yeasin RB, et al.
    Mol Divers, 2023 Dec;27(6):2651-2672.
    PMID: 36445532 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-022-10573-8
    The HER2-positive patients occupy ~ 30% of the total breast cancer patients globally where no prevalent drugs are available to mitigate the frequent metastasis clinically except lapatinib and neratinib. This scarcity reinforced researchers' quest for new medications where natural substances are significantly considered. Valuing the aforementioned issues, this research aimed to study the ERBB2-mediated string networks that work behind the HER2-positive breast cancer formation regarding co-expression, gene regulation, GAMA-receptor-signaling pathway, cellular polarization, and signal inhibition. Following the overexpression, promotor methylation, and survivability profiles of ERBB2, the super docking position of HER2 was identified using the quantum tunneling algorithm. Supramolecular docking was conducted to study the target specificity of EPA and DHA fatty acids followed by a comprehensive molecular dynamic simulation (100 ns) to reveal the RMSD, RMSF, Rg, SASA, H-bonds, and MM/GBSA values. Finally, potential drug targets for EPA and DHA in breast cancer were constructed to determine the drug-protein interactions (DPI) at metabolic stages. Considering the values resulting from the combinational models of the oncoinformatic, pharmacodynamic, and metabolic parameters, long-chain omega-3 fatty acids like EPA and DHA can be considered as potential-targeted therapeutics for HER2-positive breast cancer treatment.
    Matched MeSH terms: Multigene Family
  10. Teh HX, Phang SJ, Looi ML, Kuppusamy UR, Arumugam B
    Life Sci, 2023 Dec 01;334:122228.
    PMID: 37922981 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122228
    Diabetic wounds are slow healing wounds characterized by disordered healing processes and frequently take longer than three months to heal. One of the defining characteristics of impaired diabetic wound healing is an abnormal and unresolved inflammatory response, which is primarily brought on by abnormal macrophage innate immune signaling activation. The persistent inflammatory state in a diabetic wound may be attributed to inflammatory pathways such as nuclear factor kappa B (NF-ĸB) and nod-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, which have long been associated with inflammatory diseases. Despite the available treatments for diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) that include debridement, growth factor therapy, and topical anti-bacterial agents, successful wound healing is still hampered. Further understanding of the molecular mechanism of these pathways could be useful in designing potential therapeutic targets for diabetic wound healing. This review provides an update and novel insights into the roles of NF-ĸB and NLRP3 pathways in the molecular mechanism of diabetic wound inflammation and their potential as therapeutic targets in diabetic wound healing.
    Matched MeSH terms: NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/metabolism
  11. Hoque AF, Rahman MM, Lamia AS, Islam A, Klena JD, Satter SM, et al.
    Infect Genet Evol, 2023 Dec;116:105516.
    PMID: 37924857 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2023.105516
    Nipah virus (NiV) is a lethal bat-borne zoonotic virus that causes mild to acute respiratory distress and neurological manifestations in humans with a high mortality rate. NiV transmission to humans occurs via consumption of bat-contaminated fruit and date palm sap (DPS), or through direct contact with infected individuals and livestock. Since NiV outbreaks were first reported in pigs from Malaysia and Singapore, non-neutralizing antibodies against NiV attachment Glycoprotein (G) have also been detected in a few domestic mammals. NiV infection is initiated after NiV G binds to the host cell receptors Ephrin-B2 and Ephrin-B3. In this study, we assessed the degree of NiV host tropism in domestic and peridomestic mammals commonly found in Bangladesh that may be crucial in the transmission of NiV by serving as intermediate hosts. We carried out a protein-protein docking analysis of NiV G complexes (n = 52) with Ephrin-B2 and B3 of 13 domestic and peridomestic species using bioinformatics tools. Protein models were generated by homology modelling and the structures were validated for model quality. The different protein-protein complexes in this study were stable, and their binding affinity (ΔG) scores ranged between -8.0 to -19.1 kcal/mol. NiV Bangladesh (NiV-B) strain displayed stronger binding to Ephrin receptors, especially with Ephrin-B3 than the NiV Malaysia (NiV-M) strain, correlating with the observed higher pathogenicity of NiV-B strains. From the docking result, we found that Ephrin receptors of domestic rat (R. norvegicus) had a higher binding affinity for NiV G, suggesting greater susceptibility to NiV infections compared to other study species. Investigations for NiV exposure to domestic/peridomestic animals will help us knowing more the possible role of rats and other animals as intermediate hosts of NiV and would improve future NiV outbreak control and prevention in humans and domestic animals.
    Matched MeSH terms: Receptors, Eph Family/metabolism
  12. Mohammed S, Savage T, Smith J, Shepley MM, White RD
    J Perinatol, 2023 Dec;43(Suppl 1):40-44.
    PMID: 38086966 DOI: 10.1038/s41372-023-01794-2
    Design charettes have been utilized in architectural and design practice to generate innovative ideas. The Reimagining Workshop is a version that combines practical and blue-sky thinking to improve healthcare facility design. The workshop engages diverse stakeholders who follow a human-centered design framework. The Reimagining the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit workshop sought to generate ideas for the future, optimal NICU without specific site or client constraints. Key themes include family-centered care, technology-enabled care, neighborhood and village design and investing in the care team. Recommendations include a supportive physical environment, celebrating milestones, complementary and alternative medicine, enhancing the transition of care, aiding the transition period, and leveraging technology. The workshop showcased the potential for transformative change in NICU design and provided a roadmap for future advancements. These findings can inform regulatory standards for NICU design and drive improvements in family-centered care, patient experiences, and outcomes within the NICU environment.
    Matched MeSH terms: Professional-Family Relations
  13. Hamzah H, Tan CS, Ramlee F, Zulkifli SS
    BMC Psychol, 2023 Nov 13;11(1):392.
    PMID: 37957763 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-023-01435-5
    BACKGROUND: The original Family Resilience Scale (FRS) is a reliable tool to assess family resilience. However, the FRS is based on the United States and parental context. Thus, the usefulness of the FRS for the adolescent and young adult population in Asian countries, particularly Malaysia remains unknown. This study translated the FRS into the Malay language and validated it on Malaysian adolescents and young adults to identify its potential as a self-report tool to assess the resilience level of their family.

    METHODS: A total of 351 participants (Mage = 19.75, SDage = 3.29) were recruited in the study using purposive sampling. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to examine the factorial structure of the Family Resilience Scale-Malay (FRS-Malay) and measurement invariance between adolescents and young adults. Then, the scale's reliability was investigated using Cronbach's alpha, McDonald's omega coefficients, and composite reliability index. Finally, we examined the discriminant validity of the FRS-Malay by correlating its score with individual resilience score and examined the incremental validity of the scale using hierarchical multiple regression analysis to test if family resilience can explain individual well-being levels beyond and above individual resilience.

    RESULTS: The findings of the confirmatory factor analysis suggest that a single-factor model is supported for both age groups. Furthermore, the scale exhibited scalar invariance between adolescents and young adults. The scale also exhibited good reliability, as the value of Cronbach's alpha, McDonald omega coefficients, and composite reliability index were above 0.80. Additionally, the Pearson correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between the FRS-Malay and individual resilience scores, which supports the discriminant validity of the scale. Similarly, the incremental validity of the scale is also supported. Specifically, family resilience had a positive correlation with well-being, even after controlling for individual resilience in the regression analysis.

    CONCLUSIONS: The FRS-Malay has demonstrated good reliability and validity. The scale measures the same construct of family resilience across adolescents and young adults, making it suitable for comparisons. Therefore, this unidimensional tool is appropriate for self-reporting their perceived level of family resilience. It is also useful for studying the development and fluctuation of family resilience in the Malaysian context.

    Matched MeSH terms: Family Health*
  14. Priasmoro DP, Dradjat RS, Zuhriyah L, Lestari R, Subagiyono
    Med J Malaysia, 2023 Nov;78(6):821-829.
    PMID: 38031227
    INTRODUCTION: Managing severe mental disorders at home by family members as caregivers is considered the most efficient option compared to hospital care. However, on the other hand, it can lead to the emergence of physical and psychological burdens on the caregiver. To improve their role optimally in caregiving, families will undergo psychological adaptation, reaching the highest level of acceptance. Other factors, such as stigma, social support, social norms, caregiving experience and personal characteristics, influence family acceptance. This study aims to determine a family acceptance model to enhance the role of the family.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: The research instruments used included The McMaster Family Assessment Device Adaptation, IEXPAC, and S.N.Q. 22, F.Q., P.S.Q., Social Support Questionnaire shortened version, The Family Focused Mental Health Practice Questionnaire and extraversion personality questionnaire. The questionnaire was distributed to caregivers with a population of 175 individuals. The sample size of this study was 133 individuals selected through proportional random sampling. The data were analysed using Structural Equation Modeling Partial Least Square (SEM-PLS) with Amos software v.26.0.

    RESULTS: The phase one research showed that intention and satisfaction are the leading indicators of family acceptance that can influence family roles. At the same time, family acceptance is influenced by personal character (p≤0.001), care experience (p≤0.001), social support (p≤0.001), social norms (p=0.004), symptom severity (p≤0.001), and stigma (p≤0.001). Additionally, family acceptance significantly impacted the family's caregiving role (CR=6.573, p≤0.001).

    CONCLUSION: It was found that the family acceptance model to improve the family's role in the care of patients with severe mental disorders focuses on the acceptance that the family has to be able to carry out its role well in patients. To improve family acceptance, families still lack the personal character expected in caring for patients with severe mental disorders at home. It is necessary to increase commitment to care and positive values in life.

    Matched MeSH terms: Family/psychology
  15. Jinying W, Keming L, Hanqing T, Xuqing Z, Muccee F, Xuan L, et al.
    Mol Biol Rep, 2023 Nov;50(11):9367-9378.
    PMID: 37819498 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08858-8
    OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of acupuncture and moxibustion therapy on pain relief in sciatica rats and to explore the mechanism of its anti-inflammatory effect.

    METHODS: SPF grade 4-6-week-old Kunming rats were randomly divided into 5 groups including a blank group, sham-operated group, model group, acupuncture, and moxibustion (AnM) group, and positive group. A total of 10 rats were included in each group. The model group, the AnM group, and the positive group were prepared by ligating the left sciatic nerve. AnM group was used for acupuncture and moxibustion therapy intervention, and the positive group was rendered to quick-acting sciatica pills once a day for 7 days (3 courses of treatment). The blank group, sham-operated group, and model group were not treated. The changes in thermal and mechanical pain thresholds were observed before and after the operation, and the morphological changes of the dorsal horn of the spinal cord in the lumbosacral region of the rats in each group were observed by HE staining after the courses of treatment finished. The contents of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18, and TNF-α were measured by ELISA and the expressions of NOX1, NOX2, NOX4, and NLRP3 genes were detected by RT-qPCR while the protein expressions of NOX1, NOX2, NOX4 and NLRP3 were analyzed by Western blotting.

    RESULTS: The AnM and positive group showed a significant increase in thermal and mechanical pain thresholds after treatment, while there was no significant change in the model group. As compared to the control group, the contents of IL- 1β, IL-6, IL-18, and TNF-α, as well as the relative expressions of NOX1, NOX2, NOX4, and NLRP3 genes were significantly increased in the model group (P 

    Matched MeSH terms: NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein
  16. Hao Ing Y, Md Salleh MS, Yahya MM, Ankathil R, Abdul Aziz AA
    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2023 Nov 01;24(11):3891-3897.
    PMID: 38019248 DOI: 10.31557/APJCP.2023.24.11.3891
    OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to elucidate the association of ATP-binding cassette super-family G member 2 (ABCG2) gene polymorphisms with individual susceptibility to Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) as well as clinicopathological variables in TNBC patients. Two common polymorphisms in Asian population, ABCG2 34 G>A and 421 C>A was selected in this study.

    METHODS: Blood samples were collected from 75 TNBC patients and 83 controls. Genomic DNA was extracted from blood samples and the SNP genotyping was performed by using PCR-RFLP technique. The genotypes were characterized and grouped into homozygous wildtype, heterozygote and homozygous variant based on the band size. The result was subjected to statistical analysis.

    RESULTS: The A allele and AA genotype of ABCG2 421 C>A had OR of 3.011 (p=0.003, 95% CI: 1.417-6.398) and 9.042 (p=0.011, 95% CI: 1.640-49.837), to develop advanced staging carcinoma respectively. The AA genotype of ABCG2 421 C>A polymorphism was also associated with metaplastic and medullary carcinoma with an OR of 6.429 (p=0.018, 95% CI: 1.373-30.109). A significant association was also found in haplotype 34G/421A of ABCG2 with advanced cancer staging as well as metaplastic and medullary carcinoma with OR of 2.347 (p=0.032, 95% CI: 1.010-5.560) and 2.546 (p=0.008, 95% CI: 1.005-6.447), respectively.  Conclusion: The present study suggests that ABCG2 421 C>A polymorphism was associated with metaplastic and medullary histology and advanced cancer staging in TNBC patients.

    Matched MeSH terms: ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Sub-Family G, Member 2/genetics
  17. Dejun Z, Remi RA, Mouchun Y, Romanus O, Mihajlo J
    Afr J Reprod Health, 2023 Oct 31;27(10):65-80.
    PMID: 37915165 DOI: 10.29063/ajrh2023/v27i10.6
    This study examined the effect of various dimensions of women's empowerment on childcare use in Nigeria, utilizing information from five rounds of the National Demographic and Health Surveys. The analysis made use of both binary and multinomial logistic regression. The findings show that women who share household choices with their spouses were more likely to undertake postnatal care for their babies in either private or public hospitals compared to self-medication/others/traditional. Also, women who owned houses and those who participate in economic activities are significantly more inclined to use postnatal services for babies in health facilities. By implication, women empowerment is a significant factor to consider in improving childcare services in Nigeria. This suggests that in order to improve the health of children, women's inputs in household decision-making should be accommodated, while efforts should be made to enhance household socioeconomic position, and support mothers to have formal education. The findings also suggest that promoting women's empowerment can play a crucial role in increasing the demand for formal childcare services.
    Matched MeSH terms: Family Characteristics
  18. McEllistrem B, Owens M, Whitford DL
    Int J Med Educ, 2023 Aug 31;14:117-122.
    PMID: 37661729 DOI: 10.5116/ijme.64e3.740e
    OBJECTIVES: This study explores a method of transferring a post graduate medical education curriculum internationally and contextualising it to the local environment. This paper also explores the experiences of those local medical educationalists involved in the process.

    METHODS: Several methods were implemented. Firstly, a modified Delphi process for the contextualisation of learning outcomes was implemented with a purposefully sampled expert group of Malaysian Family Medicine Specialists. Secondly a small group review for supporting materials was undertaken. Finally, qualitative data in relation to the family medicine specialists' experiences of the processes was collected via online questionnaire and analysed via template analysis. Descriptive statistics were used.

    RESULTS: Learning outcomes were reviewed over three rounds; 95.9% (1691/1763) of the learning outcomes were accepted without modification, with the remainder requiring additions, modifications, or deletions. Supporting materials were extensively altered by the expert group. Template analysis showed that Family Medicine Specialists related positively to their involvement in the process, commenting on the amount of similarity in the medical curriculum whilst recognising differences in disease profiles and cultural approaches.

    CONCLUSIONS: Learning outcomes and associated material were transferable between "home" and "host" institution. Where differences were discovered this novel approach places "host" practitioners' experiences and knowledge central to the adaptation process, thereby rendering a fit for purpose curriculum. Host satisfaction with the outcome of the processes, as well as ancillary benefits were clearly identified.

    Matched MeSH terms: Family Practice*
  19. Yong ASJ, Cheong MWL, Hamzah E, Teoh SL
    Qual Life Res, 2023 Aug;32(8):2391-2402.
    PMID: 36964453 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-023-03401-5
    PURPOSE: Due to the high burden of cancer-related suffering, it is paramount to understand the gaps in cancer care that lead to suffering. Advanced cancer patients have unmet needs and challenges that differ from those with early-stage cancer due to the rapid disease progression. By exploring advanced cancer patients' lived experiences and needs from the physical, psychological, social, and spiritual aspects, this study aims to identify gaps in the Malaysian health system and propose contextualised measures to improve cancer care.

    METHODS: Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted to explore advanced cancer patients' lived experiences and needs from the physical, psychological, social, and spiritual aspects. The interviews were then transcribed and coded. Themes were developed from the codes using iterative thematic approach.

    RESULTS: The lived experiences and needs of nineteen patients converged into four major themes: disruption to daily lives, psychosocial and spiritual support system, information needs, and financial needs. This study described predominantly how cancer impacted patients' lives and livelihood, how patients coped with their psychological conditions after diagnosis, the need for effective communication and trust in a multicultural society, and how finance affected access to and experience of cancer care.

    CONCLUSION: Advanced cancer patients had different needs beyond receiving medical treatments. A concerted effort is required from clinicians, allied health professionals, social workers, support groups, and family members to understand and fulfil these needs.

    Matched MeSH terms: Family
  20. Majani AF, Ghazali SR, Yoke Yong C, Pauzi N, Adenan F, Manogaran K
    Psychol Rep, 2023 Aug;126(4):1605-1619.
    PMID: 35084251 DOI: 10.1177/00332941221075246
    Multiple exposures to life-threatening events may lead to various mental health issues and indirectly affect the marriage of those affected. Very few studies have investigated trauma exposure, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depressive symptoms, and marital conflicts among firefighters, a group that faces such exposure occupationally. The present study explores the relationship between trauma exposure, PTSD, and depression in relation to marital conflicts among firefighters in Sarawak, adopting a cross-sectional research design. Different marital status reported significant PTSD and depressive symptoms. The widowed scored higher PTSD and depressive symptoms than the married and single groups. Firefighters with PTSD and depressive symptoms reported having more problems in aggression family history of distress, sexual dissatisfaction, and problem solving communication than those without. Regression analysis showed that problem solving communication (t (212) = 2.59, p = .01) and global distress scores (t (212) = 2.17, p < .05) in type of marital conflicts served as a significant predictor for depressive symptoms. The present study suggests that proper planning for treatment and intervention is needed to improve psychological well-being among firefighters and other high-risk professions following multiple exposures to traumatic events in carrying their job duty. Proper intervention programs also should be initiated for spouses of firefighters dealing with traumatized partners.
    Matched MeSH terms: Family Conflict
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