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The association between sociodemographic characteristics and breakfast consumption pattern among undergraduate students of Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan
Get PDFThis study identified the association between socio-demographic characteristics and breakfast consumption patterns among undergraduate students at the Health Campus of Universiti Sains Malaysia in Kubang Kerian, Kelantan. The main objective is to determine the association between sociodemographic characteristics and breakfast consumption patterns among students. A cross-sectional study was carried out among undergraduate students in, utilizing a questionnaire distributed to a sample of undergraduate students. The respondents were recruited through convenience sampling and 116 responses were included in the analysis, utilizing a structured questionnaire in collecting data. Among the 116 respondents, a majority were female (94%) and Malay (75%), with ages ranging from 19 to 28 years. Most participants were in their first, second and third year of study, and 97.4% lived in hostels. In term of breakfast consumption patterns, the study found that a considerable proportion (55.2%) consumed breakfast fewer than three times a week, with the preferred timing between 8:00 and 10:00 AM. Additionally, 75% of students spent between RM2 and RM5 on breakfast, and 65.5% preferred consuming it at home or in their hostel. The study findings indicate no significant association between several sociodemographic parameters, such as age, daily food budget, and sponsorship during studies, with breakfast consumption patterns among university students. However, other parameters show significant associations with breakfast consumption patterns. Among them, a statistically significant association was found between ethnicity and the frequency of breakfast consumption per week (p value=0.001). Lastly, it is important to promote healthy breakfast habits among university students, considering socio-demographic factors
In vitro anti-proliferative mechanism of combination therapy with tannic acid and cisplatin against human osteosarcoma cell line U2OS
Get PDFOsteosarcoma is most common primary bone malignancy that affects children and young adults. The survival rate remains low, especially in metastatic cases. Tannic acid (TA), a phenolic compound found in medicinal plants, has shown promising efficacy in enhancing chemotherapeutic drugs against various cancers. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the effect of TA treatment combined with cisplatin on human osteosarcoma cell line (U2OS). The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of TA and its combination with cisplatin against U2OS cells were determined using MTT assay. MTT assay also assessed TA cytotoxicity on normal human foetal osteoblast (hFOB 1.19) cell line. The pharmacological interaction between TA and cisplatin was evaluated using CompuSyn software. The anti-proliferative activity was evaluated by using trypan blue exclusion assay. The morphological and ultramorphological alteration of the U2OS cells were examined using phase contrast inverted microscope and scanning electron microscope (SEM), respectively. The nuclear morphological changes were evaluated by Hoechst 33258 nuclear staining and observed under fluorescence microscope. The percentage of apoptotic cells was measured using flow cytometer after conducting annexin V/propidium iodide (PI) assay. A mechanistic study was conducted by evaluating mRNA expression of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and apoptotic pathway using reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The IC50 values of TA and cisplatin were determined at 4.47 and 16.25 μg/mL, respectively. TA induced no significant inhibitory effect on hFOB 1.19 cells, but potent proliferative effect was indicated. The combination of TA with cisplatin at percentage ratios of 90:10 and 85:15 induced synergistic interaction, while the combination at 75:25 and 50:50 induced antagonistic interaction. The combination at 90:10 showed the highest potency with the lowest IC50 value at 3.56 μg/mL. A significant anti-proliferative effect with prominent morphological and ultramorphological alteration was detected in the combination-treated cells. The cells appeared shrunk, with blebbed membrane and reduced appearance of lamellipodia and filopodia. Additionally, prominent nuclear morphological alteration and highest percentage of apoptotic cells were noted in the combination-treated cells. RT-qPCR analysis indicated the significant upregulation of ERK2, BAX, caspase-9, and caspase-3 and downregulation of JNK1 and BCL2 mRNA expression in the TA- and combination-treated cells. Mechanistically, anti-proliferative and apoptotic effect of TA and its combination with cisplatin on U2OS cells were suggested to be modulated via JNK1 inhibition, ERK2 activation, and intrinsic apoptotic pathways. The findings suggest the potential inclusion of TA in cisplatin-based chemotherapy for osteosarcoma and warrant further investigatio
Development of butter cookies using seaweed (kappaphycus alvarezii) flour and overripe banana sweetener by response surface methodology and sensory evaluation
Get PDFThis study was conducted to develop a high dietary fibre and low glycaemic index healthy cookie for using seaweed flour (Kappaphycus alvarezii) to replace wheat flour, overripe banana sweetener (OBS) replacing table sugar, and butter replacing margarine. A total of three factors were set, each with a different percentage of seaweed flour (0%, 4%, 4%), OBS (0%, 50%,100%), and butter (50%, 50%, 100%) to replace flour, sugar and margarine. The ratios/levels of seaweed flour, OBS, and butter in the butter cookies’ formulation were optimized using Box Behnken design of response surface methodology (RSM). The physicochemical properties of cookies, such as texture profile analysis, nutrient analysis, total dietary fibre, and colour, were also assessed. Sensory evaluations involving 30 untrained panellists were conducted to determine the acceptability levels of the cookie. The results showed that the increment of seaweed flour in the formulations increased the weight (18.22 g), crispness (2.21 mm), and thickness (10 mm). Furthermore, the addition of seaweed flour reduced the diameter (53.8 mm), firmness (2.05 kg), and spread ratio (5.38). Two optimal formulations were obtained: experiment 12 (seaweed 4%, OBS 100%, butter 50%) and experiment 14 (seaweed 4%, OBS 50%, butter 50%). These two experiments were subjected to organoleptic evaluations and nutritional analyses in comparison with the control (seaweed 0%, OBS 0%, butter 50%). The addition of 4% seaweed flour, 50% OBS, and 50% butter to the formulation increased the composition of ash (2.53%), moisture (8.02%), and fat (20.92%), while the composition of protein (6.88%) and carbohydrate (62%) was slightly reduced. In addition, there was an increase in total dietary fibre (16.61%) for 4% seaweed-contained cookies as compared to the control sample. In the sensory evaluation, the overall scores for the control cookie (0%) and the 4% cookie combined with seaweed flour were not significantly different for all attributes. However, the addition of 4% seaweed flour and 50% OBS resulted in the highest scores for aroma, flavour, and overall acceptance attributes. In conclusion, substituting 4% seaweed flour to replace wheat flour, 50% OBS to replace table sugar, and 50% butter to replace margarine could be an effective combination to produce nutritious and tasty cookies. Therefore, Kappaphycus alvarezii able to improve the nutritional composition of cookie and has the potential to be used as an alternative ingredient for the development of high dietary fibre and nutritious bakery products
Dysregulation of transcriptomic profiles of mm1.s and u266 multiple myeloma cell lines treated with epigenetic inhibitors
Get PDFMultiple myeloma (MM) is a hematological malignancy characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of plasma cells in the bone marrow. Epigenetic dysregulation plays a pivotal role in MM pathogenesis, making epigenetic inhibitors promising therapeutic targets. This study examines the effects of three epigenetic inhibitors—Trichostatin A (TSA), Panobinostat (PAN), and 5-azacytidine (5-AZA) on MM1.S and U266 cell lines, focusing on transcriptomic dysregulation and the identification of core genes associated with survival outcomes. Dose-response curves revealed that all three inhibitors inhibited cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner, with PAN showing the most potent anti-proliferative effect at the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) dose. Flow cytometry analysis indicated significant changes in cell cycle distribution upon treatment. TSA, PAN, and 5-AZA induced G0/G1 phase arrest, suppression in S phase and no changes observed in G2/M phase in MM1.S cells and U266 cells. Apoptosis assays demonstrated that MM1.S cell lines experienced late apoptosis with the highest impact induced by PAN. Meanwhile, U266 cell lines demonstrated early apoptosis event after treatment with epigenetic inhibitors and the most profound impact induced by 5-AZA. KEGG enrichment analysis of both MM cell lines treated with these epigenetic inhibitors identified significant pathways involving cell adhesion molecules, microRNAs in cancer, and viral protein interactions with cytokines and receptors. Notably, this study also demonstrated that PAN and 5-AZA treatments upregulated certain core histone genes (H2A, H2B, H3, H4), co-impacting chromatin structure and gene regulation, thus influencing cellular processes and therapeutic responses. Furthermore, Kaplan-Meier plot analysis revealed that core genes linked to transcriptomic dysregulation were significantly associated with improved overall survival (OS) outcomes. The highest number of survival-associated core genes was found in 5-AZA-treated cell lines. Specifically, 5-AZA treatment increased the expression of similar core genes in both MM1.S and U266 cells, downregulating KIF20A, KIF4A, and PLK1, which correlated significantly with improved OS rate (log-rank P: 1.4e-16). In PAN-treated MM cell lines, ORC1, MCM2, MCM5, and CXCL1 were identified as core genes with therapeutic potential. TSA-treated U266 cell lines revealed more significant core genes than MM1.S cell lines, with APOE emerging as a key gene linked to improved survival outcomes (log-rank P < 1e-16). Overall, this study provides comprehensive insights into the transcriptomic alterations induced by epigenetic inhibitors in MM cell lines. These findings enhance the understanding of MM pathogenesis and offer potential therapeutic targets for treating this challenging disease
Development, validation and evaluation of nutrition and psychological management module for bariatric surgery patients in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia
Get PDFGlobally escalating obesity rates have increased health risks, prompting bariatric surgery as a final resort for severe and complex obesity. Despite its benefits, bariatric surgery has complications, requiring lifelong dietary and lifestyle changes. Malaysia currently relies on foreign guidelines, highlighting the need for locally tailored guidelines. Therefore, this study aimed to develop and validate a comprehensive nutritional and psychological management module for bariatric surgery to address common issues and guide patients and healthcare professionals. All bariatric patients at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (Hospital USM). This study was conducted from March 2022 to June 2023 and included three phases. Phase one involved the mixed methods approach, combining a quantitative method of 63 participants to identify complications, dietary habits, and psychological status, and a qualitative method of 12 participants to explore the underlying causes of these issues and strategies to address them. The most frequent bariatric surgery was laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (71.4%) and the most reported complications were hair loss (50.8%), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) (49.2%) and frequent vomiting (41.3%). There were significant differences in genders reporting dry skin and hair loss, and the mean weight and body mass index (BMI) before and after bariatric surgery (p<0.001). In addition, qualitative findings also highlighted issues with gastric problems, GERD, food intolerance, lethargy, nausea, and vomiting. The mean intake of fibre, vitamin D, vitamin B-1, vitamin B-9, vitamin B-12, vitamin K, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc and copper for men and women did not meet the recommendations. Most participants were psychologically healthy and only some reported having severe (3.2%) and extremely severe (6.3%) anxiety. The second phase involved the development of the module and the content and face validation by 11 experts. The value of S-CVI/Ave is 0.98 S-CVI/UA is 0.83 and all S-FVI/Ave scores achieved satisfaction except the S-FVI/UA score for three components were below the acceptable FVI value. The third phase was the evaluation of the module by 30 bariatric patients. Most participants were satisfied with all the components of the module with some suggestions to improve the module such as using more attractive pictures, simpler language and adding more menus. In conclusion, this module achieved the research objectives and can be used in hospitals throughout Malaysia as a nutritional and psychological management guideline benefiting both bariatric patients and healthcare professionals thus, optimizing the success of bariatric procedures
Knowledge, attitude, and practice of sodium salt and its relationship with sodium salt intake among hypertensive patients in Hospitalpakar Universiti Sains Malaysia
Get PDFAt least one out of three Malaysian adults have hypertension in Malaysia, where, is a significant contributor to cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, this cross-sectional study was aimed to determine the association Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) towards sodium salt intake with hypertension among patients in Hospital Pakar Universiti Sains Malaysia (HPUSM), Kubang Kerian, Kelantan. About 120 participants from Outpatient and Inpatient of HPUSM was participated in this study. The majority of participants were females (65.8%) with mean age of 53.62(6.72) years old. The participants were recruited using non-probability convenience sample technique and required to answer the questionnaire via face to face interview with an informed consent a self-administrated validated questionnaire in Malay language that included sociodemographic information, knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) toward sodium and food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) on dietary sodium. The significant was set as p 0.05) associations between KAP on salt intake with sodium intake. However, female patients had better KAP score on sodium (p<0.001) and sodium intake (p<0.001) compared to male. Also, unemployed and low household income participants had better KAP on sodium (p<0.001) and dietary sodium salt intake (p<0.001). Further study and interventions are needed to reduce the salt intake among hypertensive patients and thus re Department duce the risk of hypertension
Visual Semantic Context-aware Attention-based Dialog Model
Get PDFVisual dialogue dataset, i.e. VisDial v1.0 includes a wide range of Microsoft Common
Objects in Context (MSCOCO) image contents and collected questions via a
crowdsourcing marketplace platform (i.e. Amazon Mechanical Turk). The use of existing
question history and images no longer contributes to a better understanding of
the image context as they do not cover the entire image semantic context. This research
proposes the DsDial dataset, which is a context-aware visual dialogue that groups all
relevant dialogue histories extracted based on their respective MSCOCO image categories.
This research also exploits the overlapping visual context between images via
adaptive relevant dialogue history selection during new dataset generation based on the
groups of all relevant dialogue histories. It is half of 2.6 million question-answer pairs.
Meanwhile, this research proposes Diverse History-Dialog (DS-Dialog) to resolve the
missing visual semantic information for each image via context-aware visual attention.
The context-aware visual attention includes the question-guided and relevant-dialoguehistory-
guided visual attention modules to get the relevant visual context when both
have achieved great confidence. The qualitative and quantitative experimental results
on the VisDial v1.0 and DsDial datasets demonstrate that the proposed DS-Dialog
not only outperforms the existing methods, but also achieves a competitive results by
contributing to a better visual semantic extraction. DsDial dataset has proven its significance
on LF model as compared to VisDal v1.0. Overall quantitative results show
that DS-Dialog with DsDial dataset has achieved the best test scores for recall@1,
recall@5, recall@10, mean rank, MRR, and NDCG respectively
Exploring Social Imagination, Emotion Regulation And Behavioral-emotional Problems: A Comparison Between Adhd At Risk And Typical Preschoolers
Get PDFThis study embarks on an investigation of emotion regulation, social
imagination, and behavioral-emotional problems in typically developing
preschoolers and those at risk for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Adopting a mixed-method research approach, the study uniquely focuses on
preschoolers' social imagination, a critical cognitive skill for understanding others'
thoughts, feeling and intentions. To address the lack of quantitative methods in
evaluating interactions with wordless picture books, a novel TFI Analysis
Framework was proposed and tested in this study. The study comprises a pilot study
with one preschooler, followed by two main studies: Study 1 with 34 typically
developing preschoolers and Study 2 with 11 preschoolers at risk of ADHD. using a
wordless picture book to elicit qualitative data, which is then systematically
transformed into structured quantitative data through the TFI Analysis Framework.
This approach proves effective in revealing universal patterns in social imagination
development among preschoolers. For typically developing preschoolers, the
findings revealed a significant correlation between enhanced social imagination and
improved emotion regulation, which consequently correlates with fewer behavioralemotional
problems. It was also found that preschoolers at risk for ADHD exhibited
distinct patterns in emotion regulation and behavioral-emotional challenges