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Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) among Foreigner Food Handlers at Restaurants with Long Operating Hours in Lembah Klang, Malaysia
No full textIntroduction: Poor food handling practices in restaurants with long operating hours which is dominated by foreign food handlers that increase the risk of foodborne diseases. This study aims to measure the level of knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) and to compare practice face to face interview with observed food safety practices of foreign food handlers in long-operating hours restaurants in Lembah Klang. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional study used face to face interviewer-assisted questionnaires with 117 foreign food handlers. A checklist guided observation was used to identify the actual practice status of 14 respondents. Results: There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) between sociodemographic characteristics and knowledge, attitudes and practices of food handlers. The mean score of knowledge, attitude and practice were 66.00 ± 13.67, 79.56 ± 16.67 and 66.02 ± 16.05 respectively. A weak and significant correlation (p < 0.01) between mean score of knowledge and attitude; knowledge and practice; and attitude and practice among foreigner food handlers (r = 0.287, r = 0.264, r = 0.285). The findings showed a significant difference (p < 0.001) between mean scores of practice face to face interview compared to observed practice (t = 5.467). Conclusion: Thus, this study demonstrated the food handlers had a good attitude toward food safety despite the moderate level of knowledge and practice that could be further improved. Meanwhile, actual practices that much affected by culture could be further improved with effective enforcement
Atopic dermatitis-associated genetic variants regulate LOC100294145 expression implicating interleukin-27 production and type 1 interferon signaling
Get PDFBackground
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a complex inflammatory disease with a strong genetic component. A singular approach of genome wide association studies (GWAS) can identify AD-associated genetic variants, but is unable to explain their functional relevance in AD. This study aims to characterize AD-associated genetic variants and elucidate the mechanisms leading to AD through a multi-omics approach.
Methods
GWAS identified an association between genetic variants at 6p21.32 locus and AD. Genotypes of 6p21.32 locus variants were evaluated against LOC100294145 expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Their influence on LOC100294145 promoter activity was measured in vitro via a dual-luciferase assay. The function of LOC100294145 was then elucidated through a combination of co-expression analyses and gene enrichment with g:Profiler. Mendelian randomization was further used to assess the causal regulatory effect of LOC100294145 on its co-expressed genes.
Results
Minor alleles of rs116160149 and rs115388857 at 6p21.32 locus were associated with increased AD risk (p = 2.175 × 10−8, OR = 1.552; p = 2.805 × 10−9, OR = 1.55) and higher LOC100294145 expression in PBMCs (adjusted p = 0.0182; 8.267 × 10−12). LOC100294145 expression was also found to be increased in those with AD (adjusted p = 3.653 × 10−2). The genotype effect of 6p21.32 locus on LOC100294145 promoter activity was further validated in vitro. Co-expression analyses predicted LOC100294145 protein's involvement in interleukin-27 and type 1 interferon signaling, which was further substantiated through mendelian randomization.
Conclusion
Genetic variants at 6p21.32 locus increase AD susceptibility through raising LOC100294145 expression. A multi-omics approach enabled the deduction of its pathogenesis model comprising dysregulation of hub genes involved in type 1 interferon and interleukin 27 signaling
A critical analysis of smartphone usage among undergraduate nursing students
No full textBy promoting responsible usage and digital literacy, nursing programmes can equip students to navigate the digital landscape effectively, thereby enhancing their education and future practice
Neuroprotective potential of Polygonum minus (daun kesum) extracts against glutamate-induced toxicity
Get PDFGlutamate-induced neurotoxicity, stemming from dysregulation of the glutamate neurotransmitter within the central nervous system, is implicated in various neurodegenerative diseases. Given the limited efficacy of current treatments, researchers are exploring natural products with neuroprotective properties as potential preventive or therapeutic options. Natural antioxidants, recognized for their ability to counter neurodegenerative conditions, have been extensively studied. Polygonum minus, a commonly used herb and culinary ingredient in Southeast Asia, has shown promise in vitro and in vivo for its antioxidant-related neuroprotective effects. However, its specific potential against glutamate-induced toxicity remains poorly understood. This study aimed to assess the neuroprotective effects of P. minus leaves extracts, both ethanolic and essential oil, against glutamate-induced toxicity in HT22 mouse hippocampal cells. Glu-induced toxicity was evaluated across various concentrations (1mM to 10 mM) using cell viability and apoptotic assays. Glu displayed a dose-dependent cytotoxicity on HT22. Specifically, 4 mM and 5 mM reduced viability and induced apoptosis in HT22 cells. To assess the neuroprotective effects of P. minus extracts, co-treatment of P. minus EtOH (0.1 to 25 µg/mL) and P. minus EO (0.1 to 50 µg/mL) with Glu (4 and 5 mM) for 24 hours was conducted via cell viability assays. Co-treatment of P. minus EtOH with Glu did not exhibit a protective effect on HT22 cell viability, whereas co-treatment of P. minus EO (50 µg/mL) with Glu (4 mM and 5mM) prevented the decrease in the viability of HT22 cells induced by Glu toxicity. Therefore, we focused on the neuroprotective effects of P. minus EO (50 µg/mL) against Glu treatment for our subsequent work. To understand the neuroprotective actions of P. minus EO, calcium (Ca2+) influx, mitochondrial function, and apoptotic analyses were performed using biochemical assays and Hoechst 33342 staining. Co-treatment of P. minus EO at 50 µg/mL with 4 mM Glu reduced the intracellular Ca2+ influx, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and potentially increased mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) levels in HT22 cells compared to the 4 mM Glu alone group. In apoptotic assays, P. minus EO at 50 µg/mL with Glu (4 and 5 mM) reduced the activated caspases levels as compared to the Glu-treated cells. The percentage of apoptotic cells was also reduced compared to the 4 mM Glu alone group. Additionally, P. minus EO exhibited modulatory effects in Glu-induced apoptotic cell death mechanisms in HT22 cells. Co-treatment of P. minus EO at 50 µg/mL with 4 mM Glu significantly reduced the activation of p44/42 MAPK proteins, while potentially decreasing Bax and the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio compared to the Glu-treated cells. These results suggest that P. minus EO may provide antioxidant-associated neuroprotection against glutamate-induced apoptosis in HT22 cells. Further investigations are warranted to elucidate the precise neuroprotective mechanisms of P. minus extracts against glutamate-induced toxicity
Self-objectification, cyberbullying experiences and wellbeing among Malaysian young adults: personal values as moderator
No full textSexualizing experiences via interpersonal and media encounters causes self-objectification (SO), which is placing an inner gaze on one’s own appearance. In recent years, the surge of image-focused social networking sites (SNSs) fuels appearance comparisons due to the constant online exposure of mainstream appearance ideals. This leads to the internalization of the standard of attractiveness, followed by SO, which manifests through habitual appearance monitoring (i.e., body surveillance) based on mainstream and culturally specific standards of attractiveness. However, no study had examined culture-specific SO experiences in Malaysia. In addition, the increased SNSs use was also associated with negative well-being and cyberbullying. On the other hand, behaviour planning (e.g., SNSs use and cyberbullying behaviours) are likely to depend on personal values. Thus, the association between SO, personal values, cyberbullying experiences and wellbeung among Malaysian young adults require further examination. The current study sought to explore the standard of attractiveness in Malaysia as indicators of culture-specific SO through two-stage of data collection. The first stage through qualitative focus group interviews among 36 Malaysian young adults to discuss the standard of attractiveness and its associated pressures among Malaysian young adults. This resulted in six indicators of culture-specific standards of attractiveness (i.e., body size and shape, skin tone, skin texture, hair, height, facial features). These indicators were incorporated to modify the culture-specific body monitoring scale for the second stage of data collection through online survey. In the second stage, a total of 206 Malaysian young adults (Mage=22.82; SDage=3.313) participated in an online survey to examine the relationships between SO (i.e., general and culturally specific), psychological distress, cyberbullying, and personal values (i.e., self-transcendence and conservation). Results indicated that general SO predicted lower life satisfaction (β=-.387, p<.001), whereas culture-specific SO predicted psychological distress (β=.374, p<.001). The relationship between culture-specific SO and psychological distress was partially mediated by cyberbullying experiences (β=.097, p=.008). The negative effect of SO on wellbeing is heightened by cyberbullying experiences, but only accounting for culturally specific SO. Further analysis did not support the moderated-mediation hypotheses, such that personal values (i.e., self-transcendence and conservation) were not significant moderators for the mediational effect of cyberbullying experiences on SO and wellbeing.
The current study provided support to the application of the objectification theory framework as SO predicted negative wellbeing among Malaysian young adults. The general and culture-specific SO predicted different outcomes of wellbeing as according to past studies; this finding demonstrated the need to incorporate culturally-specific measures to represent SO for non-White samples. This study also revealed the mediating role of cyberbullying experiences on SO and wellbeing, which highlights the threat of exposures to online harassments on frequent SNS users especially young adults. Outcome of this study reveals how the external influences (e.g., family, peers, media) exerted appearance-related pressures that manifested in appearance-monitoring behaviors and feelings of body shame. This emphasizes the importance of reducing sexualizing comments and content in interpersonal interactions to target the root cause of SO processes, as part of the strategies targeting eating disorders and other mental health risks
Bele bele bejale: exploring the role of the royal courts of Kelantan, Riau-Lingga, and Serdang in the circulation and transformation of mak yong in the Nusantara
No full textThis chapter examines how royal sponsorship and historical ties to royal courts in maritime Southeast Asia influenced mak yong, and how modern statecraft and narratives of royal patronage continue to shape mak yong performance in Malaysia and Indonesia today. Mak yong is a Malay folk drama that includes singing, dancing, and epic tales. An exploration of written and oral history of mak yong performance in Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah, and Perlis in Malaysia and the Riau Archipelago and the sultanate of Serdang in Indonesia reveals a history of royal patronage and folk performance, UNESCO intangible cultural heritage recognition, state-level religious bans, and royal and national sponsored revitalisations. I draw upon the methods of ethnography, oral history, and extant historical sources to explore the influence of the royal courts of Kelantan, Riau-Lingga ,and Serdang, East Sumatra, on the dissemination and exchange of mak yong performers and performance practice. Itinerant mak yong folk performers travelled over land and sea routes throughout maritime Southeast Asia. Their journeys were conditioned by political unrest in the Patani sultanate, the rise and fall of the Riau-Lingga sultanate, cultural diplomacy between the sultanates of Kedah and Serdang, the social revolution of East Sumatra in post-independence Indonesia, and the movement to create a national theatrical form in Malaysia. Mak yong as a performance genre has also been in a continual state of transformation – transitioning from village performances to entertainment for Malay royal courts, back to itinerant folk performances – adapted and reinterpreted to suit new patrons and new performance opportunities
QSAR modeling approaches to identify a novel ACE2 inhibitor that selectively bind with the C and N terminals of the ectodomain
No full textDue to the high rates of drug development failure and the massive expenses associated with drug discovery, repurposing existing drugs has become more popular. As a result, we have used QSAR modelling on a large and varied dataset of 657 compounds in an effort to discover both explicit and subtle structural features requisite for ACE2 inhibitory activity, with the goal of identifying novel hit molecules. The QSAR modelling yielded a statistically robust QSAR model with high predictivity (R2tr=0.84, R2ex=0.79), previously undisclosed features, and novel mechanistic interpretations. The developed QSAR model predicted the ACE2 inhibitory activity (PIC50) of 1615 ZINC FDA compounds. This led to the detection of a PIC50 of 8.604 M for the hit molecule (ZINC000027990463). The hit molecule's docking score is -9.67 kcal/mol (RMSD 1.4). The hit molecule revealed 25 interactions with the residue ASP40, which defines the N and C termini of the ectodomain of ACE2. The HIT molecule conducted more than thirty contacts with water molecules and exhibited polar interaction with the ARG522 residue coupled with the second chloride ion, which is 10.4 nm away from the zinc ion. Both molecular docking and QSAR produced comparable findings. Moreover, MD simulation and MMGBSA studies verified docking analysis. The MD simulation showed that the hit molecule-ACE2 receptor complex is stable for 400 ns, suggesting that repurposed hit molecule 3 is a viable ACE2 inhibitor
Assessing the efficacy of machine learning algorithms for syncope classification: A systematic review
No full textSyncope is a transient loss of consciousness with rapid onset. The aims of the study were to systematically evaluate available machine learning (ML) algorithm for supporting syncope diagnosis to determine their performance compared to existing point scoring protocols. We systematically searched IEEE Xplore, Web of Science, and Elsevier for English articles (Jan 2011 - Sep 2021) on individuals aged five and above, employing ML algorithms in syncope detection with Head-up titl table test (HUTT)-monitored hemodynamic parameters and reported metrics. Extracted data encompassed subject count, age range, syncope protocols, ML type, hemodynamic parameters, and performance metrics. Of the 6301 studies initially identified, 10 studies, involving 1205 participants aged 5 to 82 years, met the inclusion criteria, and formed the basis for it. Selected studies must use ML algorithms in syncope detection with hemodynamic parameters recorded throughout HUTT. The overall ML algorithm performance achieved a sensitivity of 88.8% (95% CI: 79.4–96.1%), specificity of 81.5% (95% CI: 69.8–92.8%) and accuracy of 85.8% (95% CI: 78.6–92.8%). Machine learning improves syncope diagnosis compared to traditional scoring, requiring fewer parameters. Future enhancements with larger databases are anticipated. Integrating ML can curb needless admissions, refine diagnostics, and enhance the quality of life for syncope patients
Association of microRNA-21 expression with breast cancer subtypes and its potential as an early biomarker
No full textBreast cancer has become the most diagnosed cancer worldwide in 2020 with high morbidity and mortality rates. The alarming increase in breast cancer incidence has sprung many researchers to focus on developing novel screening tests to identify early breast cancer which will allow clinicians to provide timely and effective treatments. With much evidence supporting the notion that the deregulation of miRNAs (a class of non-coding RNA) greatly contributes to cancer initiation and progression, the promising role of miRNAs as cancer biomarkers is gaining traction in the research world. Among the upregulated miRNAs identified in breast carcinogenesis, miR-21 was shown to be significantly expressed in breast cancer tissues and bodily fluids of breast cancer patients. Therein, this review paper aims to provide an overview of breast cancer, the role and significance of miR-21 in breast cancer pathogenesis, and its potential as a breast cancer biomarker. The paper also discusses the current types of tumor biomarkers and their limitations, the presence of miR-21 in extracellular vesicles and plasma, screening methods available for miRNA detection along with some challenges faced in developing diagnostic miR-21 testing for breast cancer to provide readers with a comprehensive outlook based on using miR-21 in clinical settings
ChatGPT in psychiatry: promises and pitfalls
Get PDFChatGPT has become a hot topic of discussion since its release in November 2022. The number of publications on the potential applications of ChatGPT in various fields is on the rise. However, viewpoints on the use of ChatGPT in psychiatry are lacking. This article aims to address this gap by examining the promises and pitfalls of using ChatGPT in psychiatric practice. While ChatGPT offers several opportunities, further research is warranted, as the use of chatbots like ChatGPT raises various technical and ethical concerns. Some practical ways of addressing the challenges for the use of ChatGPT in psychiatry are also discussed