Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used for cancer treatment at the province of Nador, Morocco

Morocco has varied wealth of aromatic and medicinal plants (AMPs) which are commonly used for prevention and treatment of vario us diseases or as complementary therapy such for cancer diseases. An ethnobotanical study was carried out in the province of Nador, located northeast of Morocco. A total of 418 persons were interviewed, information about their profile, type of medicinal pl ants existing in this area, plant characteristics and uses of those existing plants. Results showed 35 species distributed in 23 families, the most represented were Lamiaceae (7), Apiaceae (5) and Fabaceae (3). This study revealed that the population mainl y used seeds (28%), leaves (26%), aerial parts (20%) and fruits (14%). Moreover, it has shown that Nerium oleander were used by the local population for cancer treatments. Biological activity of N. oleander showed an antimicrobial effect on Escherichia col i , Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus

Marruecos tiene una riqueza vegetal muy variada de plantas aromáticas y medicinales (AMP) y se utilizan com únmente para la prevención y el tratamiento de diversas enfermedades o como terapia complementaria, como las enfermedades del cáncer. Se llevó a cabo un estudio etnobotánico en la provincia de Nador, situada al noreste de Marruecos. Se entrevistó a un tota l de 418 personas, información sobre su perfil, tipo de plantas medicinales existentes en esta zona, características de las plantas, usos de las plantas existentes, etc. Los resultados mostraron una alta riqueza de especies de 35 especies distribuidas en 2 3 familias, las más representadas fueron Lamiaceae (7), Apiaceae (5) y Fabaceae (3). Este estudio reveló que la población utilizó preferentemente semillas (28%), hojas (26%), partes aéreas (20%) y frutos (14%). Además, se ha demostrado que la población loc al utilizaba Nerium oleander para tratamientos contra el cáncer. La actividad biológica de N. oleander mostró un efecto antimicrobiano sobre Escherichia coli , Pseudomonas aeruginosa y Staphylococcus aureus

Identification of cancer inhibitors from Hystrix brachyura bezoar extracts using LC - MS multivariate data analysis and in silico evaluation on Bcl - 2, cyclin B/CDK1, VEGF and NM23 - H1 / Identificación de inhibidores de cáncer a partir de extractos de bezoar de Hystrix branchyura usando análisis multivariado LC - MS y evaluación in silico en Bcl - 2, cyclin B/CDK1, VEGF, y NM23 - H1

Hystrix brach yura bezoar is calcified undigested material found in the gastrointestinal tract known for various medicinal benefits including as an anticancer agent. However, the H. brachyura population has been declining due to its demand and is under Malaysian law pro tection. Therefore, present study aimed to identify bezoar anticancer active compounds through metabolomics and in - silico approaches. Five replicates of bezoar powder were subjected to extraction using different solvent ratios of methanol - water (100, 75, 5 0, 25, 0% v/v). Cytotoxicity and metabolite profiling using liquid chromatography - mass spectrometry were conducted. Putative compounds identified were subjected to in - silico analysis with targeted anticancer proteins namely, Bcl - 2, Cyclin B/CDK1 complex, V EGF and NM23 - H1. The correlation of LC - MS and cytotoxicity profile pinpointed two compounds, mangiferin and propafenone. In - silico study showed both compounds exerted good binding scores to all proteins with hydrophobic interaction dominating the ligand - pr otein complex binding, suggesting the ligands act as hydrophobes in the interactions.

El bezpar de Hystrix branchyura es material calcificado sin digerir encontr ados en el tracto gastrointestinal, conocido por sus variados beneficios médicos, incluyendo propiedades anticancerosas. De todas formas, la población de H. Branchyura ha ido declinando debido a su demanda y está bajo la protección de la ley de Malasia. Po r esto, este estudio busca identificar los componentes activos anticancerosos del bezoar mediante abordajes metabolómico e in silico. Cinco réplicas de polvo de bezoar fueron sometidos a extracción usando solventes con diferentes proporciones metanol - agua (100, 75, 50, 25, 0% v/v). Se hicieron perfiles de citotoxicidad y de metabolitos usando cromatografía líquida - espectrometría de masa ( LC - MS ). Se identificaron compuestos putativos yse sometieron a a nálisis in silico, buscando las proteínas anticancerosas B cl - 2, complejo Cyclin B/CDK1, VEGF, y NM23 - H1. La correlación LC - MS y el perfil de citotoxicidad identificaron dos compuestos: mangiferina y propafenona. El estudio in silico mostró que ambos compuestos tenían buenos índices de enlace con todas las proteín as con interacción hidrofóbica dominando el enlace complejo proteína - ligando, sugeriendo que los ligandos actúan como hidrófobos en las interacciones

Unraveling the Sugar Rush: A Cross-sectional Study of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Related to Sugar- Sweetened Beverages Consumption among Malaysian Young Adults

@#Introduction: The consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) among young adults in Malaysia has witnessed a notable increase in recent years, giving rise to concerns regarding the potential adverse health effects, including obesity and diabetes. Despite the urgent need for targeted interventions, there is a dearth of research examining the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to SSBs among Malaysian young adults. To address this research gap, the present study aims to assess the level of KAP concerning SSB intake and its associated factors in this specific population. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 408 Malaysian young adults aged between 15 and 29 years. Respondents completed an online questionnaire survey, which encompassed the assessment of socio-demographic characteristics and KAP regarding SSB consumption. The collected data were analyzed using IBM’s Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0. Spearman correlation tests were performed at a significance level of 0.05. Results: The majority of respondents demonstrated moderate knowledge (60%) and practices (60%), while exhibiting a high positive attitude (100%) towards reducing SSB consumption. Significant correlations were observed between knowledge and attitude (p = 0.003, rs = 0.148) and between knowledge and practice (p = 0.005, rs = 0.138). Moreover, the attitude scores were found to be significantly associated with gender (χ2 (1, N = 408) = 10.421, p = 0.001) and locality (χ2 (1, N = 408) = 4.106, p = 0.043), while the practice scores exhibited a significant association with ethnicity (p = 0.006). Conclusion: This study provides valuable insights into the relationship between KAP related to SSB consumption and socio-demographic factors among Malaysian young adults. The findings underscore the importance of utilizing these insights to develop strategic interventions that aim to curtail SSB consumption and promote a healthy lifestyle, ultimately contributing to the reduction of non-communicable diseases. Health authorities are encouraged to capitalize on these findings to design targeted interventions tailored to the unique needs and circumstances of this population.

Riverine forest as a significant habitat to harbor a wide range of bird species

Abstract Riverine forests are unique and highly significant ecosystems that are globally important for diverse and threatened avian species. Apart from being a cradle of life, it also serves as a gene pool that harbors a variety of flora and fauna species (repeated below). Despite the fact, this fragile ecosystem harbored avian assemblages; it is now disappearing daily as a result of human activity. Determining habitat productivity using bird species is critical for conservation and better management in the future. Multiple surveys were conducted over a 15-month period, from January to March 2019, using the distance sampling point count method. A total of 250 point count stations were fixed systematically at 300 m intervals. In total, 9929 bird individuals were recorded, representing 57 species and 34 families. Out of 57 bird species, two were vulnerable, one was data deficient, one was nearly threatened, and the remaining 53 species were of least concern. The Eurasian Collard Dove Streptopelia decaocto (14.641 ± 2.532/ha), White-eared Bulbul Pycnonotus leucotis (13.398 ± 4.342/ha) and Common Babbler Turdoides caudata (10.244 ± 2.345/ha) were the three first plenteous species having higher densities. However, the densities of three species, i.e., Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca, Gray Heron Ardea cinerea and Pallas Fish Eagle Haliaeetus leucoryphus, were not analyzed due to the small sample size. The findings of diversity indices revealed that riverine forest has harbored the diverse avian species that are uniformly dispersed across the forest. Moreover, recording the ten foraging guilds indicated that riverine forest is rich in food resources. In addition, the floristic structure importance value index results indicated that riverine forest is diverse and rich in flora, i.e. trees, shrubs, weeds and grass, making it an attractive and productive habitat for bird species.

Resumo As florestas ribeirinhas são ecossistemas únicos e altamente significativos que são globalmente importantes para diversas espécies de aves ameaçadas de extinção. Além de serem o berço da vida, também servem como um conjunto genético que abriga uma variedade de espécies da flora e da fauna. Apesar disso, esse frágil ecossistema abrigava um conjunto de aves, mas agora está desaparecendo diariamente como resultado da atividade humana. Determinar a produtividade do hábitat usando espécies de pássaros é fundamental para a conservação e melhor gestão no futuro. Vários levantamentos foram realizados ao longo de um período de 15 meses, de janeiro de 2018 a março de 2019, por meio do método de contagem de pontos de amostragem de distância. Foram fixadas sistematicamente 250 estações de contagem de pontos em intervalos de 300 m. No total, foram registrados 9.929 indivíduos de aves, representando 57 espécies e 34 famílias. Das 57 espécies de aves, duas eram vulneráveis, uma tinha dados insuficientes, uma estava quase ameaçada e as 53 espécies restantes eram as menos preocupantes. O: Pomba de colar euroasiática - Streptopelia decaocto (14.641 ± 2.532/ha), o Bulbul de orelha branca - Pycnonotus leucotis (13.398 ± 4.342/ha) e Tagarela comum - Turdoides caudata (10.244 ± 2.345/ha) foram as três primeiras espécies abundantes com maiores densidades. No entanto, as densidades de três espécies, Papa-amoras-cinzento (Sylvia curruca), Garça-real-europeia (Ardea cinerea) e Águia-pescadora de Pallas (Haliaeetus leucoryphus), não foram analisadas por causa do pequeno tamanho da amostra. Os resultados dos índices de diversidade revelaram que a floresta ribeirinha abrigou diversas espécies de aves que estão uniformemente dispersas pela floresta. Além disso, o registro das dez guildas de forrageamento indicou que a floresta ribeirinha é rica em recursos alimentares. Além disso, os resultados do índice de valor de importância da estrutura florística indicaram que a floresta ribeirinha é variada e rica em flora, ou seja, árvores, arbustos, ervas daninhas e grama, tornando-a um hábitat atraente e produtivo para espécies de aves.

Riverine forest as a significant habitat to harbor a wide range of bird species / Floresta ribeirinha como hábitat significativo para abrigo de uma gama de espécies de aves

Riverine forests are unique and highly significant ecosystems that are globally important for diverse and threatened avian species. Apart from being a cradle of life, it also serves as a gene pool that harbors a variety of flora and fauna species (repeated below). Despite the fact, this fragile ecosystem harbored avian assemblages; it is now disappearing daily as a result of human activity. Determining habitat productivity using bird species is critical for conservation and better management in the future. Multiple surveys were conducted over a 15-month period, from January to March 2019, using the distance sampling point count method. A total of 250 point count stations were fixed systematically at 300 m intervals. In total, 9929 bird individuals were recorded, representing 57 species and 34 families. Out of 57 bird species, two were vulnerable, one was data deficient, one was nearly threatened, and the remaining 53 species were of least concern. The Eurasian Collard Dove - Streptopelia decaocto (14.641 ± 2.532/ha), White-eared Bulbul - Pycnonotus leucotis (13.398 ± 4.342/ha) and Common Babbler - Turdoides caudata (10.244 ± 2.345/ha) were the three first plenteous species having higher densities. However, the densities of three species, i.e., Lesser Whitethroat - Sylvia curruca, Gray Heron - Ardea cinerea and Pallas Fish Eagle - Haliaeetus leucoryphus, were not analyzed due to the small sample size. The findings of diversity indices revealed that riverine forest has harbored the diverse avian species that are uniformly dispersed across the forest. Moreover, recording the ten foraging guilds indicated that riverine forest is rich in food resources. In addition, the floristic structure importance value index results indicated that riverine forest is diverse and rich in flora, i.e. trees, shrubs, weeds and grass, making it an attractive and productive habitat for bird species.

As florestas ribeirinhas são ecossistemas únicos e altamente significativos que são globalmente importantes para diversas espécies de aves ameaçadas de extinção. Além de serem o berço da vida, também servem como um conjunto genético que abriga uma variedade de espécies da flora e da fauna. Apesar disso, esse frágil ecossistema abrigava um conjunto de aves, mas agora está desaparecendo diariamente como resultado da atividade humana. Determinar a produtividade do hábitat usando espécies de pássaros é fundamental para a conservação e melhor gestão no futuro. Vários levantamentos foram realizados ao longo de um período de 15 meses, de janeiro de 2018 a março de 2019, por meio do método de contagem de pontos de amostragem de distância. Foram fixadas sistematicamente 250 estações de contagem de pontos em intervalos de 300 m. No total, foram registrados 9.929 indivíduos de aves, representando 57 espécies e 34 famílias. Das 57 espécies de aves, duas eram vulneráveis, uma tinha dados insuficientes, uma estava quase ameaçada e as 53 espécies restantes eram as menos preocupantes. O: Pomba de colar euroasiática - Streptopelia decaocto (14.641 ± 2.532/ha), o Bulbul de orelha branca - Pycnonotus leucotis (13.398 ± 4.342/ha) e Tagarela comum - Turdoides caudata (10.244 ± 2.345/ha) foram as três primeiras espécies abundantes com maiores densidades. No entanto, as densidades de três espécies, Papa-amoras-cinzento (Sylvia curruca), Garça-real-europeia (Ardea cinerea) e Águia-pescadora de Pallas (Haliaeetus leucoryphus), não foram analisadas por causa do pequeno tamanho da amostra. Os resultados dos índices de diversidade revelaram que a floresta ribeirinha abrigou diversas espécies de aves que estão uniformemente dispersas pela floresta. Além disso, o registro das dez guildas de forrageamento indicou que a floresta ribeirinha é rica em recursos alimentares. Além disso, os resultados do índice de valor de importância da estrutura florística indicaram que a floresta ribeirinha é variada e rica em flora, ou seja, árvores, arbustos, ervas daninhas e grama, tornando-a um hábitat atraente e produtivo para espécies de aves.

FcγRIIa and Fcγ RIIIa genes polymorphism in Egyptian children with primary immune thrombocytopenia

Abstract Introduction Phagocytosis of autoantibody-sensitized coated platelets through Fc gamma receptors on phagocytic cells is an important mechanism of thrombocytopenia in primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). Objective We aimed to investigate the contribution of the FcγRIIa and FcγRIIIa genes polymorphism to the risk of ITP and their association with disease characteristics in Egyptian children. Methods A case control study was conducted on eighty children with primary ITP and eighty age and sex healthy matched subjects as a control group. The FcγRIIa and FcγRIIIa genes polymorphism was detected using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Results We found that the FcγRIIa‐131H and ‐131R allele frequencies were 51.3 % and 48.7%, respectively, in children with ITP, versus 75% and 25%, respectively, in controls (p= 0.002). The compound heterozygous HR genotype was significantly higher in ITP patients (p < 0.05). The FcγRIIIa-158F and ‐158V allele frequencies were 46.3% and 53.7%, respectively, in children with ITP, versus 70% and 30%, respectively, in controls (p= 0.002). The compound heterozygous VF genotype was significantly higher in ITP patients (p < 0.05). The combined HR/FV genotype was 47.5% in ITP patients, versus 10% in controls (p < 0.001). No significant difference was found between children with newly diagnosed ITP and those who developed chronic ITP, regarding the frequency distribution of the FcγRIIa and FcγRIIIa alleles and genotypes (p > 0.05). Conclusion There is a possible association of the FcγRIIa and FcγRIIIa genes polymorphism with the risk for, and genetic susceptibility to ITP in Egyptian children, but large-scale studies are still needed to support our findings.

Assessment of YME1L and mitofusin2 as a possible diagnostic and/or therapeutic target in hepatocellular carcinoma

Mitochondrial dynamics are a contraversal issue in hepatocellular carcinoma. The present study tries to illustrate the role of mitochondrial dynamics proteins (mitofusin-2 (Mfn2) and YME1L) in hepatocarcinogenesis. Five groups were used: the control group and three HCC groups (after 8, 16, and 24 weeks from DENA induction). The last group was treated with Sorafenib (SP) (10 mg/kg), via oral gavage for 4 weeks after cancer induction. This study revealed that Mfn-2 was downregulated and YME1l was overexpressed in different HCC groups. This dysregulation of mitochondrial dynamics proteins was associated with high hepatic levels of cyclin D1, MMP-9, and MDA and overexpression of ki67 as well as decreasing the hepatic expression of tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-3 (Timp-3) and Bax. To confirm the possible role of Mfn2 and YME1L in HCC, we assessed the effect of sorafenib on these parameters and its related HCC characteristics. Sorafenib corrected the level of Mfn2 and YME1L and decreased tumor cell proliferation as well. We also elucidated that mitochondrial dynamics proteins (Mfn2 and YME1L) could be a good therapeutic target for HCC.

Effectiveness of “Oral Health Care for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Module” in Improving Tooth-Brushing Practice among Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia

@#Introduction: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with behavioural problems which may affect children’s oral health statuses. Caregivers have crucial roles in caring for these children’s oral health. Thus, this study is aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Oral Health Care for Children with ASD (OHASD) Module in improving caregivers’ tooth-brushing difficulties in children ASD. Methods: Quasi-experimental study on caregivers of children with ASD aged 7 to 12 years who were registered at the Psychiatry Clinic Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Kelantan. The sociodemographic data obtained, and behavioural problems were assessed. Tooth-brushing difficulties were evaluated at pre- and six months post-intervention using OHASD Module. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS 26.0. Results: A total of 32 Malay children with ASD including their caregivers participated in this study. Caregivers were mostly mothers (78.1%) and children were mostly boys (84.4%), with mean age (SD) of 39.1 (4.19) and 8.8 (1.52) years respectively. Parent-reported questionnaire using the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) showed 65.6% of children were highly sensitive to noises, 53.1% sometimes stared at nothing or wandered without purpose and 59.4% were unable to imitate caregivers’ faces. Significant differences between pre- and post-intervention for items; children who liked to close their mouths, turn their heads in different directions, did not understand the purpose of tooth-brushing (P<0.05). Conclusion: OHASD Module is useful in assisting caregivers in practising daily tooth-brushing of children with ASD.

Effect of physical parameters in enhancing prodigiosin production and anti-MRSA activity of marine bacterium, Serratia marcescens IBRL USM84

Aims@#Marine bacteria have been reported to produce potential natural pigment with pharmaceutical properties and their growth can be manipulated in the laboratory to increase pigment production and their antimicrobial activity. Hence, this study aimed to enhance the prodigiosin production in Serratia marcescens IBRL USM84 by improving physical conditions.@*Methodology and results@#The quantification of the pigment produced by S. marcescens IBRL USM84, bacterial cell growth, and its antibacterial activity in the broth medium were determined using a spectrophotometry method. Meanwhile, the antibacterial effect of red pigment on MRSA cells was observed under a scanning electron microscope (SEM). This marine isolate produced the highest yield of prodigiosin (6.95 μg/mL) when cultivated in marine broth with the addition of 0.2% of agar, 25 °C incubation temperature, initial medium pH of 7, 150 rpm of agitation speed for 48 h of cultivation time under light illumination. There was an increment of 151.81% in prodigiosin production after enhancement compared to before the enhancement of cultural conditions. SEM observations revealed that severe damage to the cell’s morphologies was exposed to red pigment as indicated by the formation of small dents, which led to completely collapse and eventually, cell death.@*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@#A positive correlation between pigment production and antibacterial activity was observed in the present study. The results supported the fact that marine bacteria are a reservoir of various pigments with antimicrobial properties. Also, the pigment production by S. marcescens and its antibacterial activity were significantly influenced by physical parameters.

Malay-Translated Version and Content Validation of Parent Goals for Shared Reading Questionnaire (Versi Terjemahan Bahasa Melayu dan Pengesahan Kandungan bagi Parent Goals for Shared Reading Questionnaire) / Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia

@#The interaction between adults and children during shared reading contributes to the conversation and reading in hand and makes the activity interactive. It is, therefore, imperative to understand parents’ goals for shared reading with their children as it will influence their behaviour and, in turn, affect their children’s development of language and literacy skills. In Malaysia, no local psychometric instrument identifying parent goals for shared reading is available. This study aims to translate the English version of the Parent Goals for Shared Reading Questionnaire (PGSRQ) into Malay and validate the translated questionnaire. Four qualified translators carried out the translation processes, and a panel of eight experts subsequently validated the Malay-translated version of PGSRQ. Of 33 items, the validation assessment revealed that 17 items had a content validity ratio (CVR) value of 1.0, while 12 items had a CVR value of 0.8. Only four items had a CVR value lower than 0.78 and were retranslated and modified. The findings of this study can pave the way for more research efforts in the field of shared reading in Malaysia. The questionnaire can also assist a speech therapist in assessing the goals that parents have on shared reading to come up with better designs for shared book reading intervention.

A Preliminary Content Validity Study of the Malay Version of READI-SF (Kajian Awal Kesahan Kandungan Versi Bahasa Melayu bagi READI-SF) / Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia

@#Readiness for treatment reflects the individual’s motivation to seek help and preparedness to engage in treatment activities. The READI-SF aimed to assess parental readiness to engage in treatment. The present study aimed to translate the English version of READI-SF into the Malay language and subsequently assess its content validity using the content validity ratio (CVR), content validity index (CVI) and modified kappa analyses. Four independent translators carried out the translation procedures. Eight clinical professionals were involved as content experts. Of 17 items, six items needed to be revised due to low CVR values (< 0.75). Based on unfavourable individual CVI (I-CVI) results (< 0.78), two items (for item relevancy) and six items (for item clarity) had to be modified. The overall CVI of the questionnaire (S-CVI) was found to be good (i.e., 0.91 for item relevancy and 0.83 for item clarity). Nine items needed to be revised, and the modifications were carried out accordingly. At the end of the study, a valid Malay-translated READI-SF was produced. It has good potential to serve as a clinical tool to assess the readiness of Malay-speaking parents to engage in treatment. However, prior to its intended clinical application, further research is warranted to assess other aspects of validity (e.g., face validity, construct validity, and criterion-related validity), as well as READI-SF reliability.

Ruptured Anterior Tibial Artery Pseudoaneurysm following Ilizarov External Fixator: A Case Report

@#Genuine infrapopliteal aneurysms are quite rare, in contrast to pseudoaneurysms. The aetiology of pseudoaneurysms related to external fixation is attributed to various theories, including direct vascular damage due to misplaced pins or wires, overshooting or misguidance during osteotomy, distraction at the corticotomy site during an Ilizarov procedure, and continuous abrasion of the vessel caused by a wire inserted in close proximity to an artery. Arteriography proves valuable in documenting lesions and assessing deeper pseudoaneurysms, particularly when contemplating reconstruction; it plays a crucial role in guiding management decisions. For significant tears and symptomatic aneurysms, resection and reconstruction are the gold standard treatment.

Risk factors associated with low anterior resection syndrome: a cross-sectional study

Purpose@#Oncological outcomes following rectal cancer surgery have improved significantly over recent decades with lower recurrences and longer overall survival. However, many of the patients experienced low anterior resection syndrome (LARS). This study identified the prevalence and risk factors associated with the development of LARS. @*Methods@#This cross-sectional study involved patients who were diagnosed with rectal cancer and had undergone sphincter-preserving low anterior resection from January 2011 to December 2020. Upon clinic follow-up, patients were asked to complete an interviewed based questionnaire (LARS score) designed to assess bowel dysfunction after rectal cancer surgery. @*Results@#Out of 76 patients, 25 patients (32.9%) had major LARS, 10 patients (13.2%) had minor LARS, and 41 patients (53.9%) had no LARS. The height of tumor from anal verge showed an association with the development of major LARS (P=0.039). Those patients with less than 8 cm tumor from anal verge had an increased risk of LARS by 3 times compared to those with 8 cm and above (adjusted odds ratio, 3.11; 95% confidence interval, 1.06–9.13). @*Conclusion@#Results from our study show that low tumor height was a significant risk factor that has a negative impact on bowel function after surgery. The high prevalence of LARS emphasizes the need for study regarding risk factors and the importance of understanding the pathophysiology of LARS, in order for us to improve patient bowel function and quality of life after rectal cancer surgery.

Self-care among the Helping Professionals: A Systematic Literature Review

@#Introduction: Self-care is important in all aspect of our life. Generally, the concept of self-care is not a new term that attracted scholars to conduct relevant studies. Despite the number of self-care research on specific group or issues on the self-care practices, the comprehensive of self-care from the aspect of types, relation and factors of self-care has been relatively limited. Hence, this review synthesizes the available research exploring self-care issues among the helping professionals. Methods: A systematic review was conducted for papers published from year 2017-2021 included qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods articles. Meanwhile, a Reporting Standards for Systematic Evidence Syntheses (ROSES) was adopted for current study. Two main journal databases, Scopus, Web of Science and additionally Google Scholar and PsycArticles were utilised. Results: The search yield 26 articles that can be analysed systematically. Outcome included identify types of self-care emphasized by helping professionals, relation, and factors influence self-care. Conclusion: Finding synthesizes the latest research on self-care, and highlights the benefits of self-care for the helping professionals. Finally, a number of recommendations were discussed at the end of the research.

Chemical Profiling of Trace Odours for Forensic Identification: A Review

@#Trace odour is one of the trace material evidence that has significant value in forensic analysis. The recovery of relevant trace odour components from clothing has the potential to be a form of trace evidence that can be used to assess the likelihood of a contact between individuals in sexual and violent cases. They have the same potential as other trace evidence and can narrow down the suspect in the investigation. Studies conducted previously related to trace odour have succeeded in proving that this trace odour is unique, has its signature profile and can distinguish it from other sources such as fingerprints and DNA. This review highlights these trace odours and their persistence after being transferred, which contribute to a complete picture of the dynamics and potential application in the forensic reconstruction process. The literature was sourced from electronic databases such as Scopus, PubMed, Springer Link, Wiley On¬line Library and Science Direct. Keywords such “odour”, “trace odour”, “scent”, “volatile organic compound”, “forensic identification” were utilised. Further studies on various forms of trace odour are needed to strengthen their evidential values and be admissible to the court.

Caffeine Intake and Its Association with Mental Health Status among Pharmacy Students at UiTM Puncak Alam

@#Introduction: Caffeine is a psychoactive substance widely consumed over the past decades. The effect of caffeine can be either beneficial or harmful. It increases cognitive performances, including attention, alertness and concentration. However, high caffeine intake may also induce an anxiogenic effect, causing symptoms such as rapid heart rate, restlessness and nervousness. This study aimed to determine the association between caffeine intake and mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression among undergraduate pharmacy students at UiTM Puncak Alam. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study with stratified random convenience sampling. A total of 270 undergraduate pharmacy students in UiTM Puncak Alam, Selangor participated in this study. A set of questionnaires was distributed using the Google Form platform. Standard General Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) scoring were used to assess the level of anxiety and depression among the respondents, respectively. SPSS version 27.0 was used to analyse the data. Results: About 70.4% of the students consumed caffeine, while 29.6% of the students did not consume caffeine. No significant association was found between caffeine status and the mental health scoring of GAD-7 (χ2 =4.639, p=0.200) and PHQ-9 (χ2 =5.256, p=0.262). Conclusion: Non-daily consumption and a low dose of caffeine intake patterns are good practises to prevent the development of anxiety or depression conditions, although the associations were not significant. Public awareness on possible anxiogenic effect and mental related disorders due to caffeine consumption need to be initiated, as nowadays, the caffeine intake behaviour has become a trendy lifestyle among the young adults.

Probabilistic Tractography Between Nucleus Accumbens and Other Reward-related Brain Areas in Malay Female Adolescents

@#Introduction: Studies show that adolescents are more reward sensitive compared to other age groups. The nucleus accumbens (NAcc) has been identified as a key brain area involved in reward through its connectivity to other reward-related brain areas. Our study aimed to characterise the white matter structural connectivity of nucleus accumbens with brain areas that are most often associated with reward in female adolescents. Methods: Fifteen healthy female Malay adolescents were recruited and underwent diffusion-weighted brain scanning. Two behaviour scales were also given to verify typical reward responsiveness. Then, probabilistic tractography and NAcc segmentation were performed on the data using FMRIB Software Library (FSL). Probabilistic tractography was performed to determine the relative connection probability of nucleus accumbens (NAcc) to areas shown to be associated with reward, namely amygdala, anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), medial orbitofrontal cortex (mOFC), hippocampus, ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (vlPFC) and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC). Connectivity-based segmentation of NAcc was performed to determine the spatial distribution of its connectivity with the target brain areas according to the highest connection probability. Results: The highest relative connection probability was found between NAcc to mOFC, while the NAcc parcellation showed the widest distribution of connection to mOFC compared to the other five targets on both sides of the brain. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated the strongest structural connectivity and widest distribution between NAcc and mOFC compared with other brain areas related to reward. This study’s findings could be used as baseline to compare with people with atypical reward circuit problems.

Development and validation of a novel screening instrument to prioritize the orthodontic referral of developing malocclusion in children: The index for interceptive orthodontics referral / 대한치과교정학회지

Objective@#The absence of a guideline to refer to developing malocclusions appropriately, may be a contributing factor to the inadequacy of timely interceptive orthodontics provision. This study aimed to develop and validate a new orthodontic grading and referral index to be used by dental frontliners to prioritize the orthodontic referral of developing malocclusion in children based on its severity. @*Methods@#A cross-sectional study involving clinical assessment with 413 schoolchildren aged between 8.1 and 11.9 years was conducted in 2018. All the presenting malocclusion was listed and graded based on a few dental guidelines to produce the draft index. The validity and reliability of the draft index were tested using twenty study models. Face and content validation was carried out using the content validation index and Modified Kappa Statistics. @*Results@#Fourteen dental and occlusal anomalies were identified as components of malocclusion and three grades of referral (monitor, standard, urgent) were included in the final index. The scale-level content validity index average value of 0.86 and 0.87 was obtained for content and face validation, respectively. There was moderate to excellent agreement in the Modified Kappa Statistics for both validations. Excellent inter- and intra-assessor agreement was obtained. The new index displayed valid and reliable scores. @*Conclusions@#The Index for Interceptive Orthodontics Referral was developed and validated for the dental frontliners to identify and prioritize the developing malocclusion in children based on its severity and refer for orthodontic consultation to increase the possibility for interceptive orthodontics.

Additifs alimentaires: inventaire des substances ajoutées aux denrées alimentaires de large consommation dans l'Ouest algérien / Food additives : inventory of substances added to consumer foods in Western Algeria

Introduction- Les additifs alimentaires sont utilisés pour prolonger la durée de conservation des denrées préparées ou édulcorer une boisson par exemple. Dans cette étude, nous dressons un état des lieux des additifs alimentaires utilisés dans quelques denrées alimentaires de large consommation commercialisées dans la ville d'Oran (Ouest Algérien). Matériels et méthodes- Une étude transversale descriptive a été réalisée au niveau des superettes et magasins d'alimentation générale de la ville d'Oran pour lister les additifs alimentaires incorporés à quelques aliments de large consommation Dans un premier temps, une étude descriptive transversale a été réalisée pendant trois mois au sein de trois structures hospitalières de l'Ouest algérien. Résultats-Au total, 114 additifs alimentaires ont été répertoriés. Tous les additifs inventoriés sont listés dans le journal officiel Algérien N°30 du 16 Mai 2012.Les additifs répertoriés ne sont pas sans risques pour la santé du consommateur. Certains additifs comme le colorant caramel ou SIN150d est retrouvé dans 3 marques locales de biscuits et 4 marques de boissons locales (17,5%) ; le benzoate de sodium ou SIN211 dans 12 marques de boissons et 2 marques de confiture (16,09%) ; le butylhydroxyanisole (BHA) ou SIN320 dans une marque de chocolat, de margarine et de chips (1,67%). Globalement, les étiquettes des produits sont conformes à la réglementation Algérienne à l'exception de quelques manquements comme la nature de l'arôme qui ne fut pas toujours spécifiée Conclusion-L'étude a révélé une importante utilisation des additifs alimentaires. Le niveau de risque pour la santé du consommateur que pourraient présenter ces substances nécessite une large sensibilisation du consommateur, notamment une consommation modérée des denrées alimentaires industriellement préparées.

Study of Effectiveness of Medical Method for Induction of Labor and its Outcome

Background: Modern obstetrics has a tremendous issue in inducing full-term labor in women with a viable fetus. When the hazards of prolonging pregnancy outweigh the advantages of birth, induction is undertaken. This study’s objective was to evaluate the efficacy of misoprostol 50µg administered sublingually, orally and vaginally in the process of inducing labor.Material & Methods:Between June 2021 and July 2022, 120 pregnant women admitted in Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, ShaheedZiaur Rahman Medical College and Hospital, Bogura in Bangladesh were recruited randomly for a randomized control trial as per inclusion criteria. Misoprostol was administered either orally or sublingually to each patient. A maximum of three doses might be administered if necessary. A previous cesarean birth was an exclusion criterion. The number of women who had a vaginal birth during 24 hours of induction was our major metric for success. SPSS 26 was used to analyze the data.Results:The induction to delivery intervals were considerably shorter in the sublingual group (18 hours versus 25.5 hours; mean difference was 6.2 hours; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.5 to 14.6). In the sublingual group, there was just 2% occurrence of uterine hyperstimulation. The two groups did not vary significantly in terms of delivery method, fetal distress, or newborn outcomes. A total of 80% percent and 82.60 percent of patients were satisfied with the oral and sublingual groups, respectively, and only 10% percent believed the sublingual tablets didn’t entirely dissolve.Conclusion:Sublingual misoprostol seems to be a successful method of delivery, although further clinical studies are needed to demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of the sublingual mode.