A Scoping Review of the Changes in Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour and its Health Outcomes among Adults in Asia during the COVID-19 Outbreak

@#The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak has led to imposed movement restrictions and lockdowns to curb the spread of COVID-19 cases in the community. These lockdowns had greatly changed people’s daily lives, including physical activity and sedentary behaviour. The aim of this scoping review was to establish available evidence linked to physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) among adults in the Asia region during the COVID-19 outbreak. This scoping review was conducted using Arksey & O’Malley’s protocol with 132 studies included after full-text screening. Changes in PA were reported in 122 studies and SB in 50 studies. Most studies reported a reduction in the total level of PA and a hike in sedentary and screen time. This decrement in PA and increment in SB was related to poor mental health, body weight increase and complications in COVID-19 patients, while participants who maintained or improved their PA reported better health outcomes.

The Benefits and Challenges of Clinical Work-based Surface Anatomy Learning Among Preclinical Medical Students

@#Knowledge on surface anatomy enables medical students and graduates to locate anatomical structures exteriorly, improve their clinical and procedural skills and interpret ultrasonographic and radiographic images. Hence, a standard surface anatomy knowledge is essential for attainment of clinical skill competency. Nevertheless, there is lack of attention given on surface anatomy in the medical curriculum as it is usually delivered didactically or during selfstudy by the students. Owing to limitations in cadaveric dissection in many institutions, lecture-based instruction, e-learning materials, living anatomy models, radiological imaging and anatomy software are used in teaching surface anatomy; however, none of these methods proved to be effective over the others. Furthermore, some of these teaching resources lack clinical relevancy, possibly impeding students’ appreciation on learning surface anatomy. Hence, integrating clinical input during surface anatomy teaching by involving patients in an actual clinical environment is pertinent. This article demonstrates the benefits and challenges of teaching surface anatomy in the clinical setting to medical students and highlights the need to design an evidence-based framework of work-based surface anatomy learning.

Effects of occupational sunlight exposure and monsoon season on vitamin D concentration among outdoor and indoor workers in Malaysia

@#Introduction: Despite abundant sunshine for cutaneous vitamin D synthesis, low levels of vitamin D have been documented among the Malaysian population. The aim of this study was to characterise the effects of occupational sunlight exposure and monsoon season on serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentration. Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was performed among Malay outdoor (n=119) and indoor workers (n=119) in Kelantan. Two-point data were collected on the same participants, first during non-monsoon season and second during the northeast monsoon season. Data collection comprised of anthropometry measurements (body mass index and body fat), fasting blood test [serum 25(OH)D concentration], and questionnaire (physical activity level, sun exposure, sun protection use, and vitamin D intake). Vitamin D classification was based on the 2011 Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guidelines. Results: This study found that serum 25(OH)D concentrations were significantly higher in outdoor compared to indoor workers irrespective of season (p<0.001) and sex (p<0.001). Monsoonal differences in serum 25(OH)D concentration was only observed in male outdoor workers (mean difference=10.39 nmol/l, p<0.001). Significant association between vitamin D status and occupation was also observed (p<0.001). However, no significant association was found between vitamin D status and monsoon season [χ2(1)=0.076, p=0.783]. Conclusion: Seasonal and occupational factors should be considered while evaluating individual serum 25(OH)D concentration and in comparing community studies, especially among workers.

Brewer’s rice - A potential substrate for cosmeceutical bio-ingredient production by solid state fermentation using Aspergillus oryzae

Aims@#Brewer’s rice is one of the by-products from rice processing industry that is rich in bioactive compounds but currently underutilized. Exploitation of agro-industrial by-products as substrates in solid-state fermentation processes provides value-addition to these underutilized by-products. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the potentiality of brewer’s rice as a source of cosmeceutical or cosmetic bio-ingredient by utilizing solid-state fermentation process. @*Methodology and results@#Brewer’s rice was submitted to solid-state fermentation with Aspergillus oryzae from MARDI’s Collection of Functional Food Culture (CFFC). Extracts of unfermented and fermented brewer’s rice were later subjected to determination of biological content and biological activities, as well as measurement of their phenolic and organic acids content. The extract of fermented brewer’s rice exhibited an increase in total phenolic and total flavonoid content and showed enhanced 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging and ferric-reducing activities. Additionally, it was also found that the tyrosinase and elastase inhibition activities of fermented brewer’s rice extract is significantly higher with nearly 7- and 57-fold, respectively, than the unfermented extract. Ferulic and kojic acid – two of the most important compounds in cosmeceutical formulations, were also detected in fermented brewer’s rice extract. @*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@#Antioxidant, anti-pigmentation and anti-wrinkle properties of brewer’s rice were successfully enhanced by fermentation with A. oryzae. Fermented brewer’s rice extract has high potential to be developed as functional bio-ingredient for cosmeceutical as well as nutraceutical products.

Dietary intakes and obesity of Malaysian adults

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Over the past few decades, Malaysia has been experiencing an increased prevalence of overweight and obesity that threatens the health of Malaysians. Poor dietary intake is one of the major contributors to the development of obesity and many non-communicable diseases. The dietary intakes of adults in Malaysia were assessed to determine the association between the dietary intake variables and the body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) measurements. This study examined whether the dietary intake achieved the recommended nutritional guidelines and compared the intakes between both sexes. SUBJECTS/METHODS: The height, weight, and WC of four-hundred-and-ninety adults (n = 490) in Malaysia were measured using standard procedures. The three-day 24-hour dietary recalls were conducted on 422 out of the 490 adults and their dietary intakes were evaluated in detail. The selected dietary intake variables were used to determine the associations with the obesity indicators. RESULTS: Among the participants, 52.8% were overweight or obese. After data analysis, the mean energy intake was 1,550 kcal/day, in which male participants had a significantly higher energy and macronutrients intake than females. Protein consumption and its percentage of energy contribution exceeded the recommended range. The consumption of fruits, vegetables, and milk and milk products were lower than the recommended number of servings for a healthy diet. The male participants consumed significantly more servings of carbohydrate-based foods, meat, and fats, oils, and sweets than females. Among the selected dietary intake variables, only the carbohydrate intake was negatively associated with the BMI (Estimate b = −0.008) and WC measurements (Estimate b = −0.019) after adjusting for covariates. CONCLUSIONS: This study evaluated the dietary intakes of a sample of Malaysian adults and its association with the obesity indicators. The results highlight the need for improvements and modifications of the dietary intake of Malaysians to reduce the overweight and obesity rates.

Antibacterial potential of lactic acid bacteria isolated from local pickled Eleiodoxa conferta (kelubi) against selected foodborne pathogens

Aims@#Pickled fruits are a popular condiment not only in Malaysia but throughout the world. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are known to be able to produce several antibacterial compounds during the pickling process. Pickled Eleiodoxa conferta or kelubi is among the commonly consumed pickled fruits in Malaysia and may be a promising source of LAB. This study was carried out to isolate and identify LAB from local pickled E. conferta and to determine their antibacterial activity against foodborne pathogens. @*Methodology and results@#The isolation of LAB was conducted using standard methods and the isolated colonies were preliminarily identified based on their morphology on De Man, Rogosa and Sharpe (MRS) agar, Gram-positive staining characteristics and their catalase-negative reactions and subsequently chosen for identification with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the 16S rRNA gene and sequencing. A total of four LAB isolates were successfully isolated and identified: Lactobacillus brevis (LABK1 and LABK2), L. plantarum (LABK3) and Leuconostoc mesenteroides (LABK4). The antibacterial activity of the identified LAB was determined against 10 commonly known foodborne bacterial pathogens using LAB cell cultures by agar spot test method. The antibacterial activity was also evaluated using the cell free supernatant (CFS) of the LAB through agar well diffusion method. All four LAB cultures were able to demonstrate antibacterial activity and inhibited five Gram-positive and five Gram-negative bacterial pathogens. @*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@#This study demonstrated that the isolated LAB from E. conferta has antibacterial effects against several foodborne pathogens. These LAB strains may have potential as a natural food preservative.

Estimation of growth in solid state fermentation: A review

@#Carleysmith and Fox (1984) stated “without doubt, the single most vital yet most problematical value sought duringfermentation is biomass estimation”. Achieving a positive result in determining biomass remains a major challenge insolid state fermentation (SSF). Fungi are well-characterised microorganisms and are widely used in SSF due to theirability to colonise and penetrate into the solid substrate. The compressed structure of the mycelia and the solid substratedoes not allow a complete recovery of the biomass, which may not be insurmountable. Since the use of a directtechnique such as the dry weight method is impractical, the use of an indirect estimation technique is the only alternative.This review examines strategies that have been used to estimate biomass in SSF. Many promising indirect estimationtechniques are available, which can be classified into six categories as follows; (i) measuring cell components notpresent in the substrate; (ii) measuring biomass component present in both substrate and biomass; (iii) measuring othersecondary metabolites; (iv) measuring metabolic activity; (v) measuring images from direct microscopic observation and(vi) measuring biomass from the substrate matrix. New potential technique and future directions are also discussed inthis review. Although significant advances have been made with the availability of various techniques; however, progresshas been very unsatisfactory. The evaluation of microbial growth in SSF may sometimes become laborious, impracticaland inaccurate. Essentially, this remains another critical issue for monitoring growth. The information of the profile offungal biomass growth throughout any SSF process constitutes an essential parameter in estimation of kinetic variablesand subsequently, scale-up of the process.

The Influences Of Parenting Stress, Children Behavioral Problems And Children Quality Of Life On Depression Symptoms Among Parents Of Children With Autism: Preliminary Findings / Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia

Taking care of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) could be a demanding task for parents. Consequently, parentsof children with ASD may experience parenting stress and depression symptoms. This study examined parenting stressand depression symptoms among parents of children and adolescents with ASD. This study also examined the role of childcharacteristics (e.g., age, child quality of life and problem behavior) on parenting stress and depression symptoms and theeffect of parenting stress on parental depression. A total of 78 parents were examined using a questionnaire survey. Theresult indicated that parents caring a younger age group of children with ASD have higher levels of depression symptomscompared to parents caring for older group of children with ASD. The result also revealed a significant difference in levelof depression symptoms between parents with higher levels of parenting stress and parents with lower parenting stress.Only the children age significantly predicts depression symptoms in parents of children with ASD. This indicates thatchildren age is potential to affect mental health among parents of children with ASD.

Observation of Auditory Perceptual and Visuo-Spatial Characteristic of a Patient with Hemangiopericytoma in Occipital Lobe: A Magnetoencephalography (MEG) Study / Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia

@#The present study discussed functional reorganization and alteration in respond to the slow-growing tumour,hemangiopericytoma in the occipital cortex. Visual evoked field (VEF) and auditory evoked field (AEF) usingmagnetoencephalography (MEG) was used to evaluate the source localization and brain activity. Results of VEF sourcelocalization show a typical brain waves. Brain activity of the occipital lobe demonstrate low activation in the ipsilateralto the tumour. However, result shows the activation on the contralateral hemisphere was high and bigger in activationvolume. AEF result shows an identical source localization and both side of the temporal lobe are activated. This resultsuggests that there is a positive plasticity in auditory cortex and slow-growing tumour can induce functional reorganizationand alteration to the brain.

Assessing Neuroplasticity Using Magnetoencephalography (MEG) in Patient with Left-Temporo-Parietal Pilocytic Astrocytomas Treated with Endoscopic Surgery / Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia

@#Neuroplasticity has been subjected to a great deal of research in the last century. Recently, significant emphasis has beenplaced on the global effect of localized plastic changes throughout the central nervous system, and on how these changesintegrate in a pathological context. The present study aimed to demonstrate the functional cortical reorganization beforeand after surgery using magnetoencephalography (MEG) in a participant with brain tumor. Results of Visual EvokedMagnetic Field (VEF) based on functional MEG study revealed significantly different of MEG N100 waveforms before andafter surgery. Larger and additional new locations for visual activation areas after the surgery were found suggestingneuroplasticity. The present study highlight a physiological plasticity in a teenage brain and the alterations regardingneural plasticity and network remodeling described in pathological contexts in higher-order visual association areas.

Colour changes as an indicator for estimating fungal growth in solid state fermentation

@#Aims:In this study, measurement of colour changes during solid state fermentation (SSF) are presented as one of the potential techniques that can be used to describe growth, complementary to other biomass estimation, such as weight of fungus, spores concentration, organic matter loss, glucosamine and enzyme activity, which is directly related to growth.Methodology and results: In this study, fungal fermentation of Aspergillus awamoriand A.oryzaeare carried out on complex heterogeneous solid media; wheat bran, soybean hull and rapeseed meal, which are constituted of various soluble and insoluble solid particles. Fermented mass was extracted using distilled water to obtain a cell free extract, which canbe determined quickly and accurately using UV-Visible spectrophotometermeasured absorbance at 300 nm. The results showed a significant correlation between colours produced from fungal SSF and the concentration of spores, weight of fungus cells, organic matter loss, glucosamine and enzyme activity. We found that the colour density proportionally increased when the studied parameters mentioned above increased.For the growth of A. awamoriand A. oryzaeon wheat bran, soybean hulls and rapeseed meal, it was confirmed that colour production was directly proportional to fungal growth. In general, colour-based methods seem to be the most promising approach for biomass estimation in SSF.Conclusions, significance and impacts of study:The theory of measuring colour changes in SSF by UV-visible spectroscopy demonstrates that the colour method gives some valuableinformation than just obtaining a visual observation or spore count to describe growth of fungal mycelium in SSF. The ideas obtained from this exercise might provide a quick and convenient method for quality control of fungal growth. The advantages of this method are that the procedure is simple to carry out, it is non-destructive and no special and expensive reagents are required and the process is very cheap.This newapproach is an important complimentation to the existing techniques especially for basic studies.

Flavonoids and anti-oxidant activity mediated gastroprotective action of leathery murdah, terminalia coriacea (roxb.) Wight & arn. Leaf methanolic extract in rats / A ação gastroprotetora antioxidante e flavonoide de extrato metanólico de folhas de Leathery Murdah, Terminalia coracea (Roxb.) Wight & Arn. em ratos

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND Leathery Murdah, Terminalia coriacea (Roxb.) Wight & Arn. from family Combretaceae is used in Ayurveda and Siddha traditional systems of medicine to heal ulcers. OBJECTIVE The present study was conducted to assess the gastroprotective effect and understand the fundamental mechanism of action of Leathery Murdah, Terminalia coriacea (Roxb.) Wight & Arn. Leaf Methanolic Extract. METHODS The test extract was screened for anti-ulcer activity by Aspirin induced ulcerogenesis in pyloric ligation and ethanol induced gastric ulcers at three doses - 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg, p.o. using Ranitidine 50 mg/kg and Misoprostol 100 μg/kg as standard drug in respective models. Seven parameters were carefully examined, that is, ulcer index, total protein, mucin, catalase, malondialdehyde, and superoxide dismutase levels and histopathology. High Performance Liquid Chromatographic - Ultra Violet profiling and Liquid Chromatography - Mass Spectral analysis of crude Terminalia coriacea leaves methanolic extract were carried out as a part of chemical characterization to identify bioactive compounds. RESULTS All the test doses exhibited significant gastroprotective function, particularly the higher doses demonstrated improved action. The results revealed a significant increase in the levels of catalase, superoxide dismutase, and Mucin with reduction in ulcer index, the levels of total protein, and malondialdehyde. Histopathological observations also illustrated the gastroprotective effect of Terminalia coriacea leaves methanolic extract. CONCLUSION Terminalia coriacea leaves methanolic extract exhibited strong anti-oxidant and anti-secretory activities mediated gastroprotection besides inducing the gastric mucosal production. The observed pharmacological response can be attributed to the flavonoidal compounds namely - Quercetin-3-O-rutinoside, Luteolin-7-O-glucoside, Myricetin hexoside, Quercetin-3-O-glucoside, Isorhamnetin-3-O-rhamnosylglucoside and Isorhamnetin-3-O-glucoside identified in the extract for the first time with High Performance Liquid Chromatographic - Ultra Violet and Liquid Chromatography - Mass Spectral analysis.

RESUMO CONTEXTO Leathery Murdah, Terminalia coriacea (Roxb.) Wight & Arn. da família Combretaceae é usada nos tradicionais sistemas da medicina Ayurveda e Siddha para cicatrização de úlceras. OBJETIVOS O presente estudo foi realizado para avaliar o efeito gastroprotetor e para esclarecer o mecanismo fundamental da ação do extrato metanólico de folhas de Leathery Murdah, Terminalia coracea (Roxb.) Wight & Arn. MÉTODOS O extrato teste foi testado para ação antiulcerogênica induzida pela Aspirina através da ligação pilórica e úlceras gástricas induzidas por etanol em três doses - 125, 250 e 500 mg/kg, via oral, utilizando-se Ranitidina 50 mg/kg e Misoprostol 100 μg/kg como drogas padrão nos respectivos modelos. Sete parâmetros foram cuidadosamente analisados tais como índice ulcerogênico, níveis de proteínas totais, de mucina, de catalase, de malondialdeído e de superoxido dismutase, além da histopatologia. A análise do perfil espectroscópico pela Cromatografia Líquida de Alta Eficiência - Ultravioleta e análise crua pela Cromatografia Líquida - Espectrometria de Massas foram realizadas como parte da caracterização química para identificar os componentes bioativos. RESULTADOS Todas as doses utilizadas exibiram função gastroprotetora, em particular as doses mais elevadas. Os testes revelaram aumentos significantes de catalase, superóxido dismutase e mucina, com diminuição do índice ulcerogênico, dos níveis de proteínas totais, e de malondialdeído. As observações histopatológicas também ilustraram o efeito gastroprotetor do extrato metanólico de folhas de Terminalia coracea. CONCLUSÃO O extrato metanólico de folhas de Terminalia coracea mostrou forte atividade antioxidante e antissecretória além de induzir a produção de mucosa gástrica. A resposta farmacológica observada pode ser atribuída aos compostos flavonoides denominados Quercetin-3-O-rutinosideo, Luteolin-7-O-glucosideo, Myricetin hexosideo, Quercetin-3-O-glucosideo, Isorhamnetin-3-O-rhamnosylglucosideo e Isorhamnetin-3-O-glucosideo, identificados no extrato pela primeira vez pelas análises de Cromatografia Líquida de Alta Eficiência - Ultravioleta e Cromatografia Líquida - Espectrometria de Massas.

The extended Theory of Planned Behavior in explaining exclusive breastfeeding intention and behavior among women in Kelantan, Malaysia

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to utilize an extended Theory of Planned Behavior in identifying predictors of exclusive breastfeeding intention and behavior among women in Kelantan, Malaysia. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted, recruiting pregnant womenthrough two-stage cluster sampling. Their exclusive breastfeeding intention, attitude, perceived norm, perceived behavioral control and past behavior were obtained at baseline through interviewer-guided questionnaire. At one month after delivery, another interview was conducted to determine the two additional variables in the extended theory, which were their postpartum support and breastfeeding difficulty. The behavior, which was the actual duration of exclusive breastfeeding, was obtained from the second follow-up at six months. Pearson correlation and two hierarchical regression analyses were conducted. RESULTS: A total of 200 women completed the study follow-up. Their median intended exclusive breastfeeding duration was 4.0 (IQR 5) months, and the median actual duration was 1.0 (IQR 4) month. The Theory of Planned Behavior explained 51.0% of the variance in intention, with perceived behavioral control and attitude were the significant predictors. It also explained 10.0% of the variance in behavior, but the addition of postpartum support and breastfeeding difficulty increased the amount of explained variance in behavior by 6.0%. The significant predictors of exclusive breastfeeding behavior were intention, postpartum support and breastfeeding difficulty. CONCLUSION: The extended Theory of Planned Behaviorhad a good predictive ability in explaining exclusive breastfeedingintention and behavior. The women's intention to practice exclusive breastfeeding may be improved by improving their perceived behavioral control and attitude. Providing correct postpartum support and skills to handle breastfeeding difficulties after delivery will improve their exclusive breastfeeding behavior.

Extracted substrate colour as an indicator of fungal growth in solid state fermentation

Aims: In solid state fermentation (SSF), estimation of biomass is difficult as fungal mycelium penetrates deep and remains attached to the solid substrate particles. This study examines and evaluates a new technique based on colour changes of fermented substrates during SSF as an indicator for fungal growth. Methodology and Results: SSF refers to microbial fermentation, which takes place in the absence or near absence of free water, thus being close to the natural environment in which the selected microorganisms, especially fungi, are naturally adapted. Although many promising methods are available, the evaluation of microbial growth in SSF may sometimes become difficult, impractical, and inaccurate. Essentially, this remains another critical issue for monitoring growth. In this study, measurements of colour changes of fermented substrates during SSF are used as indicators for growth and this technique has a potential to be used to quantify growth of microbes. For the growth of Aspergillus awamori and A. oryzae on wheat bran, soybean hulls, and rapeseed meal, it was confirmed that colour changes were directly proportional to the fungal growth. This new approach is an important complementation to the existing techniques, especially for basic studies. The advantages of this method are its ease of use, fast, non-destructive, cheap, and requires no special and expensive reagents. The key finding is that the colorimetric technique demonstrated in this study provides good means to estimate growth than that obtained by visual observation or spores counting.

Assessment of biochemical and antioxidative status in patients suffering from dengue fever / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

A multi-centred study was designed to collect dengue epidemiologic data from government and registered private hospitals/clinics and maintained archive of frozen specimens in bio-bank to be used for future dengue epidemic control program, and assess the epidemiology of dengue fever (DF) by evaluating biochemical and oxidative status of patients. ELISA IgM antibodies test was done to confirm DF. From August 2010 to December 2011, 101 confirmed blood samples of DF patients referred to pathology lab of Jinnah Hospital Lahore were subjected to the epidemiologic assessment by evaluating the biochemical and physiological indices and alterations of circulating antioxidants. Clinical features of DF patients and effect of fever on blood components and serum proteins of liver were recorded. The hospital stay in DF, dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) and dengue shock syndrome (DSS) showed significant difference. Significant increases in serum alanine amino transferase (ALT) (P=0.000), aspartate amino transferase (AST) (P=0.000), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (P=0.000), malondialdehyde (MDA) along with significant decreases in total protein (TP) (P=0.000), reduced glutathione (GSH) (P=0.000), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) (P=0.000), and sialic acid contents (P=0.016) were observed. A positive correlation existed between bound sialic acid levels, liver enzymes and circulating antioxidants (r=0.656, P=0.016). In the present study, alterations of circulating antioxidants in DF suggest that DF might be a metabolic response to an acute, self-limiting tropical viral infection, and a consequence of the viral inflammatory process.

Body Somatotype, Anthropometric Characteristics and Physical Activity of College-Age Adults in Selected Institutions of Higher Learning in Kelantan, Malaysia

Introduction: The objective of this cross-sectional study was to determine the body somatotypes, anthropometric characteristics and physical activity levels of young adults. Methods: Using a systematic sampling approach, a total of 180 students were recruited from three institutions of higher learning in the state of Kelantan. Body weight, height and other anthropometric dimensions including skinfold, bone breadth and limb girth were measured to determine their body mass index (BMI) and body somatotypes. Physical activity level was determined using the Short Form - International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Results: Almost half (49.4%) of the respondents were with a mean age of 21.5 (1.5), and mean BMI of 22.1 (4.5) kg/m2. The proportion of overweight and obese respondents based on the World Health Organisation (WHO) classification was 17.2% and 6.7%, respectively. In terms of body somatotype, 57.2% and 18.3% of them were classified as endomorphic and mesomorphic somatotype groups respectively, while another 24.4% were ectomorphic. The IPAQ scoring protocol indicated that 35.0% of them achieved high physical activity levels, while 19.3% reported low physical activity levels. There were significantly more endomorphic females, whereas the males significantly dominated the mesomorphic somatotype group. Conclusion: Respondents with mesomorphic body somatotype (relative muscularity) were categorised as obese under the BMI classification although their body weight could be due to higher skeletal/muscle mass. The somatotyping method can be used as an additional tool to the conventional BMI indicators for assessing adiposity.

Alcoholic liver disease [ALD]; implication of oxidative stress and extrapolative factors in patients suffering, update from local population of punjab-Pakistan

The aim of the present study was to investigate the changes in biochemical parameters including lipid profile, liver and kidney profile as well as oxidative stress profile, particularly in patients suffering from alcoholic liver disease [ALD]. Fifty chronic alcoholics admitted for treatment to the in-patient wards at Jinnah Hospital, Lahore-Pakistan. Chronic alcoholics with alcohol abuse for more than four to five years, and with or without clinical complications, were included. Apparently twenty healthy individuals served as control. 2012-2013. Various circulating biochemical biomarkers including renal profile, hepatic and lipid profile were evaluated. Moreover, stress markers [MDA. SOD, GSH and catalase] were also investigated. A very strong direct and indirect correlation of ALP was found with TB, MDA and GSH [r=.950**, r=.929** and r=-.967** respectively, P<0.01]. MDA was observed having very strong indirect correlation with GSH and catalase [r=-.909** and r-.777** respectively, P<0.01]. All parameters in combinations may be useful indicator or may be good and reliable biochemical markers for identification and determination of severity of alcoholic liver diseases [ALD]. The damaging of hepatocytes due to the consumption of alcohol disturbs almost all types of biochemical coordination in the biological system

Salutary value of haruan, the striped snakehead Channa striatus - a review

Murrel namely Channa striatus or haruan contains all essential elements to maintain good health and to recover the lost energy after prolonged illness. The fatty acid composition (% of total fatty acid) indicated the abundant presence of C16:0 fatty acid as 30% and the other major fatty acids were C22:6 (15%), C20:4 (19%), C18:1 (12%) and C18:0 (15%). Haruan contains arachidonic acid (C20:4) as 19.0%, a precursor for prostaglandin and thromboxane biosyntheses. Both fatty and amino acids are important components for wound healing processes. Both the fillet and mucus extracts of haruan were found to exhibit a concentration dependent antinociceptive activity. In vitro antioxidant activity was higher in Channa roe protein hydrolysate than in Labeo roe protein hydrolysate in both DPPH radical scavenging and ferric reducing power. Protein content of roe concentrates (RPC) was found to be 90.2% (Channa) and 82.5% (Lates). Water absorption, oil absorption, foam capacity, stability and emulsifying capacity were found to be higher in Channa RPC than in Lates RPC. Characterization of protein hydrolysates from muscle and myofibrillar samples of haruan showed different kinetic and proteolytic activities. The skin extract of haruan influences the serotonergic receptor system thus they can function as an anti-depressant. Thus, haruan is the best example for food as medicine.

Potential reproductive health effects and oxidative stress associated with exposure to potassium dichromate [K2Cr2O7] and magnesium sulphate [MgSO4] in male mice

To investigate the potential harmful effects of potassium dichromate and magnesium sulphate causing oxidative stress and reproductive toxicity in adult male mice model. The experimental work was conducted on sixty male mice [Mus musculus] divided into three groups. Mice in group B and C received potassium dichromate and magnesium sulphate of 5.0 and 500 mg/Kg body weight/ml respectively, for sixty days. The blood sample was analyzed to assess oxidative stress and cellular damage. Results showed high malondialdehyde [MDA] and low levels of antioxidant enzymes [catalase [CAT], superoxide dismutase [SOD] and glutathione peroxidase [GPx]] in both potassium dichromate and magnesium sulphate administrated groups as compared to control group. Reduced number of sperm count and excessive destruction of testicular follicles, including destruction of spermatids, leydig cells and sertoli cells, were also seen in both groups. We concluded from present study that potassium dichromate and magnesium sulphate causes oxidative stress by generation of reactive oxygen species [ROS] and causing DNA damage in testicular cells leading to adverse reproductive abnormalities

Leprosy in Sukkur region: a series of 143 cases from 2001-2011 at leprosy centre Sukkur, Sindh

To document the clinical characteristics of newly diagnosed leprosy patients in Sukkur Region, Sindh. A total of 143 new leprosy cases referred and registered in leprosy centre, Sukkur from 2001-2011 were studied. Diagnosis was based on clinical grounds, and supported by acid-fast bacilli on slit-skin smear. Out of 143 new cases 73 [51%] were males and 70 [49%] females. The peak age of disease onset was second decade. The most common form of the disease was borderline tuberculoid [BT] seen in 76 [53%] cases. Ulnar nerve was the most frequently affected nerve seen in 30 [21%] cases. Although in urban cities the cases of leprosy are in decline but still it exists in rural areas of Sindh. It is important for the practitioners to be aware of its diagnosis and management to prevent the deformities