Physiological Response and Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic among Malaysian Citizens: A Cross-sectional Study

@#Introduction: Studies have shown that staying at home for prolonged periods of crisis can pose a significant challenge to individuals and affect their mental health. Hence, this study was conducted to identify the susceptible subgroups among Malaysian citizens that are prone to mental health problems during the lockdown period of the COVID-19 pandemic and its association with sociodemographic factors. Methods: The mental health status was assessed using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale -21 (DASS-21) questionnaire. The survey link was distributed online between October and December 2020. Results: Of 637 respondents, one-third experienced mild to extremely severe depression and anxiety (31.1% and 35.1%, respectively). Female respondents (odds ratio = 1.516, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.057-2.172) were 1.5 times more likely to experience mild to severe depression than male respondents. Unmarried and divorced respondents were 2.1 times more prone to experience mild to severe depression than married respondents. A significant association was also found between employment status and age with depression symptoms among the respondents. For anxiety, a significant association was observed between the age group with mild to severe anxiety symptoms. Marital status, age, and employment status were socio-demographic factors significantly impacting stress levels. Conclusion: According to our findings, females, individuals aged 18-30 years old, students, unmarried and divorced respondents were more susceptible to mental health problems, suggesting that mental health support shall also be provided for these vulnerable groups during the COVID-19 crisis.

Prevalence and risk factors for infection with Entamoeba histolytica/dispar/ moshkovskii complex in people living in the slightest and outermost islands of Indonesia

@#Entamoeba histolytica (E. histolytica), the causative agent of amoebiasis, is still a global public health problem that cannot be controlled, especially in tropical and subtropical countries. This study was conducted to obtain information about the incidence of Entamoeba histolytica/dispar/ moshkovskii complex infection and the factors that influence it. The prevalence of infection with the Entamoeba histolytica/dispar/moshkovskii complex and the factors that influence it in people living on the smallest and outermost island of Indonesia, Sabang Island, Aceh Province. This study involved 335 respondents aged > 10 years. Respondents were selected by non-probability sampling technique. Interviews and observations were conducted to identify risk factors. The Entamoeba histolytica/dispar/ moshkovskii complex was identified by direct examination, concentration, and Whitley’s trichrome staining techniques. A Chi-Square test was performed to analyze the correlation of risk factors with the incidence of infection. The prevalence of infection with the Entamoeba histolytica/dispar/ moshkovskii complex in the people of Sabang Island was 26.6% (89/335). Source and adequacy of clean water correlated with the incidence of Entamoeba histolytica/dispar/moshkovskii complex infection. Demographic variables are not correlated with the incidence of infection. However, the group of women aged > 61 years, unemployed, unmarried, and earning less than the regional minimum wage tend to be more likely to be found with Entamoeba histolytica/dispar/moshkovskii complex infections. Thus it can be concluded that the prevalence of infection with the Entamoeba histolytica/dispar/moshkovskii complex on Sabang Island is in the high category. The prevalence of E. histolytica as the causative agent of amoebiasis cannot be explained with certainty because the two identical non-pathogenic Entamoeba species cannot be distinguished by microscopic identification. Sources and adequacy of clean water correlate with the incidence of Entamoeba histolytica/dispar/moshkovskii complex infection in the people of Sabang Island.

Seagrass density correlates with burrow abundance and size in the Zebra Mantis Shrimp (Stomatopoda: Lysiosquillidae) / La densidad de los pastos marinos se correlaciona con la abundancia y el tamaño de las madrigueras de los camarones mantis cebra (Stomatopoda: Lysiosquillidae)

Introduction: Mantis shrimps are ecologically and economically important organisms in marine ecosystems. However, there is still a lack of information about their habitat, in particular, their burrows. Objective: To analyze how dense and sparse mantis shrimp burrows differ in abundance, size, sediment grain size, and water quality. Methods: We counted burrows in 10 x 10 m2 random plots in sparse and dense seagrass (ten plots per density), around Barrang Lompo Island, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Sampling took place at spring low tide from August to September 2017. Results: Two mantis shrimp species were observed: Lysiosquillina maculate and L. sulcata. Dense and sparse seagrass burrows did not differ in wall grain size or water parameters, both inside and outside of the burrows (P > 0.05). Similarly, there was no correlation between burrow depth and diameter in either dense (P > 0.05; r= 0.27) or sparse (P > 0.05; r= 0.33) seagrass. However, larger burrows tend to occur in denser beds, but there were more burrows in denser seagrass (t-test, P < 0.05). Conclusions: There seems to be a preference for dense seagrass beds, especially by larger mantis shrimps. The correlation between shrimp burrow abundance and seagrass density highlights the importance of conserving the quality as well as the extent of seagrass habitat.

Introducción: Los camarones mantis son organismos ecológica y económicamente importantes en los ecosistemas marinos. Sin embargo, aún falta información sobre su hábitat, en particular sobre sus madrigueras. Objetivo: Analizar cómo difieren las madrigueras de los camarones mantis en su abundancia, tamaño, tamaño de grano de los sedimentos y calidad del agua. Métodos: Contamos las madrigueras en parcelas de 10 x 10 m2 al azar (diez parcelas por densidad) en pastos marinos densos y poco densos, alrededor de la isla de Barrang Lompo, Sulawesi del Sur, Indonesia. Resultados: Se observaron dos especies de camarones mantis: Lysiosquillina maculata y L. sulcata. El tamaño de grano de las paredes de las madrigueras y los parámetros de agua, tanto dentro y fuera de la madriguera no variaron (P > 0.05). Tampoco hubo correlación entre la profundidad y el diámetro de las madrigueras, tanto en praderas densas (P > 0.05; r= 0.27), como no densas (P > 0.05; r= 0.33). Sin embargo, las madrigueras más grandes tienden a aparecer en las praderas densas, además había más madrigueras en pastos densos (t-test, P < 0.05). Conclusiones: Parece haber una preferencia por las praderas marinas densas, especialmente en los camarones mantis de mayor tamaño. La correlación entre la abundancia de madrigueras de camarones y la densidad de pastos marinos pone de manifiesto la importancia de conservar la calidad del hábitat de los pastos, así como su extensión.

Effects of Galohgor Nutraceutical Lactation Cookies on Breast Milk Volume and Lactose Concentration / 가정의학회지

Background@#Galohgor nutraceutical lactation cookies (NLC) contain polyherbal which is believed and consumed by postpartum mothers of Sundanese Ethnic in Indonesia to increase breast milk production. This study was aimed to analyze the effects of NLC cookies on breast milk volume and lactose concentrations of postpartum mothers. @*Methods@#The experimental study with post-controlled design was conducted. Twenty eligible mother-infant pairs were enrolled and divided into two groups. They were randomly assigned to receive NLC (n=9) or original cookies (ORC, n=11). Each subjects consumed 4 pieces/d of NLC which containing 1 g galohgor nutraceutical powder/ pieces or ORC (without galohgor nutraceutical powder), for 14 days intervention period since the first day of giving birth. The measurement of breast milk production was carried out by baby weighing method using SECA 334 digital baby scale (SECA, Hamburg, Germany). A high-performance liquid chromatography method was used to determine lactose concentrations in breast milk. Data were analyzed by parametric Independent T-test or the nonparametric Mann-Whitney U-test and adjusted analysis of covariance. @*Results@#NLC significantly increased (P<0.05) breast milk production, as shown by average breast milk volume of NLC compared to ORC, i.e., 557.0 (95% confidence interval [CI], 497.3–616.6) mL/d vs. 435.9 (95% CI, 382.3–489.6) mL/d. This result was supported by lactose concentration in breast milk of mothers who consumed NLC significantly higher (P<0.05), compared to ORC, i.e., 6.03% (95% CI, 5.66%–6.40%) vs. 5.18% (95% CI, 4.85%–5.51%). @*Conclusion@#NLC which containing galohgor nutraceutical can be recommended to increase breast milk volume and lactose concentration in the early postpartum period.

Soy flour snack bars lower glycaemic response in type 2 diabetes mellitus subjects: A randomised cross-over design

@#Introduction: Low glycaemic snacks may help to improve blood glucose control. However, data on the effect of soybean snack bars on postprandial glucose levels of the diabetic population is scarce. Therefore, the current study aimed to examine the effect of consuming soy flour snack bars on glycaemic response (GR) over a 180-minute period in individuals with diabetes by estimating postprandial glucose levels variation and total area under the curve (AUC). Methods: Nine subjects (age: 54.6±4.0 years; BMI: 25.0±2.5 kg/m2) with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) diagnoses without complication enrolled in this randomised, open-label, cross-over trial. On three separate sessions, they consumed glucose standard solution, soy flour snack bar (SF), and wheat flour snack bar (WF) containing 25 g of available carbohydrate, respectively. Finger prick capillary method was executed to measure blood glucose levels at 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180 minutes after test product ingestion. Results: Overall, significantly lower postprandial glucose levels were observed at 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes (122.3±17.6, 136.3±24.9, 125.7±25.3, and 107.2±24.1 mg/dL; p<0.001) in those who consumed SF snack bars than WF snack bars (147.9±41.3, 168.0±43.6, 152.6±30.0, and 140.6±33.4 mg/dL). The AUC level after the ingestion of SF snack bar was 2044.8±503.1 mg.min/dL, >20% lower compared to ingestion of WF snack bar (4735.0±666.8 mg.min/dL), p<0.001. These glycaemic control benefits can be explained due to the high fibre and protein content linked to the physicochemical properties of SF. Conclusion: With high nutritional properties, SF snack bar has a low GR and might help control blood glucose in T2DM subjects.

Factors Related to Exclusive Breastfeeding among Mothers in the City of Palu, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia

Introduction: The rate of exclusive breastfeeding in Indonesia is still low. In Palu City, Central Sulawesi, exclusive breastfeeding practice in 2014 was only 59.7% which was far below the national target of 80%. This study aimed to assess modifiable potential factors that can promote exclusive breastfeeding among mothers in Palu City. Methods: A total of 80 mothers with a child over the age of 6-24 months attending the Bulili Health Center were recruited into the study using convenience sampling. For purposes of the study potential factors identified for assessment using a standardised questionnaire were knowledge, attitude, practice, socio-culture, formula milk exposure to commercials, and support from health professionals and family. Bivariate and logistic regression analyses were applied. Results: Young mothers aged 20-35 years made up more than half the sample (57.5%). In terms of education, 42.5% had graduated from junior high school. Almost two-thirds (63.75%) of the mothers were housewives. Only 26.2% of the subjects practised exclusive breastfeeding. The factors related to exclusive breastfeeding (p<0.05) were attitude, practice, socio-culture factors such as religion, culture and, influence of community and formula milk and exposure to commercials. Multivariate analysis indicated that only practice (p=0.000), socio-culture (p=0.002) and exposure to formula milk commercials (p=0.000) were significantly associated with exclusive breastfeeding. Conclusion: The main modifiable factors that lead to exclusive breastfeeding among mothers in Palu are socio-culture followed by practice and formula milk commercials. Besides promotion of cultural aspects, a definite policy on infant formula commercials is needed to support exclusive breastfeeding.

The role of gene polymorphisms of glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic (GCLC) enzyme against antioxidants and oxidative stress status of Individual who had contacted infectious tuberculosis

Aims: Glutamate cysteine ligase (GCL) enzyme is involved in the synthesis of glutathione, which functions as an antioxidant. Polymorphisms in the sequence of amino acids making up the gene GCLC will cause differences in enzyme expression and GCLC activity. Gene expression that is influenced by oxidative stress can be used to measure markers such as F2-isoprostanes. This study aims to examine the association between the polymorphism in the GCLC gene with glutathione plasma level and F2-isoprostanes in contacts of person with infectious tuberculosis (TB). Methodology and results: Samples are taken from the family members of pulmonary TB patients who seeks treatment at the Pulmonary Centre (Lung Health Center for Public = BBKPM) and Policlinic of Dr Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital, Makassar. Total of approximately 4 mL of venous blood are taken from each person with pulmonary TB contacts and furtherly analyzed using genomic PCR-RFLP method and ELISA. Our results described that contacts of person with infectious TB for approximately 6 months have polymorphism C/C genotype at 80.3%, C/T of 18.3% and T/T for 1.4% of the total 71 samples with high levels of glutathione from 0.167 to 0.548 mM/mL and F2-isoprostanes level 72.4 - 1343.9 pg/mL. Conclusion, significance and impact of study: There are no significant association between GCLC gene polymorphism with glutathione and F2-isoprostanes levels of individual who had contacted infection TB. In this study the elevation of F2-isoprostanes equal to the decrease levels of glutathione.

Selection of Chitinolytic Bacteria as Biological Control of Colletotrichum capsici

Aims: The objectives of this study were to screen chitinolytic bacteria isolated from soil of Taman Nasional Bukit Duabelas, Jambi, Indonesia. Isolates were selected based on chitinolytic index and antagonism activity of Colletotrichum capsici. Chitinase enzyme from selected isolates was investigated for growth inhibition of C. capsici. Methodology and results: Two chitinolytic bacteria were selected based on their ability to degrade colloidal chitin and inhibit of the growth of C. capsici. Those isolates were KAHN 15.12 and SAHA 12.12, identified as Serratia marcescens and Bacillus thuringiensis respectively based on 16S rRNA gene. The chitinase maximum specific activity of isolate KAHN 15.12 was 52.03 U/mg after 36 h of incubation and SAHA 12.12 was 45.67 U/mg after 24 h of incubation. The enzyme was precipitated by ammonium sulfate 40% and 60% respectively for KAHN 15.12 and SAHA 12.12. The precipitated chitinases were active over a broad range of pH (5 to 10) and temperature (20 to 80 °C). Enzymes were stable in optimum temperature for 180 min. The precipitated of chitinase KAHN 15.12 and SAHA 12.12 had five and two protein bands respectively on SDS-PAGE gel. Chitinases exhibited an antifungal activity against C. capsici at concentration of 60 ppm. Conclusion, significance and impact of study: Isolates KAHN 15.12 and SAHA 12.12 were successfully selected by their ability to degrade colloidal chitin and inhibit the growth of C. capsici. The isolates had a broad range of pH and temperature, moreover relatively stable at the optimum temperature. Chitinase was effective as biological control for anthracnose caused by C. capsici in chilli.

Diarrhoea episodes and treatment-seeking behaviour in a slum area of North Jakarta, Indonesia.

Visits to household during a census in an impoverished area of north Jakarta were used for exploring the four-week prevalence of diarrhoea, factors associated with episodes of diarrhoea, and the patterns of healthcare use. For 160,261 urban slum-dwellers, information was collected on the socioeconomic status of the household and on diarrhoea episodes of individual household residents in the preceding four weeks. In households with a reported case of diarrhoea, the household head was asked which form of healthcare was used first. In total, 8,074 individuals (5%)--13% of children aged less than five years and 4% of adults--had a diarrhoea episode in the preceding four weeks. The two strongest factors associated with a history of diarrhoea were a diarrhoea episode in another household member in the four weeks preceding the interview (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 11.1; 95% confidence interval [CI] 10.4-11.8) and age less than five years (adjusted OR 3.4; 95% CI 3.2-3.5). Of the 8,074 diarrhoea cases, 1,969 (25%) treated themselves, 1,822 (23%) visited a public-health centre (PHC), 1,462 (18%) visited a private practitioner or a private clinic, 1,318 (16%) presented at a hospital, 753 (9%) bought drugs from a drug vendor, and 750 (9%) used other healthcare providers, such as belian (traditional healers). Children with diarrhoea were most often brought to a PHC, a private clinic, or a hospital for treatment. Compared to children, adults with diarrhoea were more likely to treat themselves. Individuals from households in the lowest-income group were significantly more likely to attend a PHC for treatment of diarrhoea compared to individuals from households in the middle- and higher-income groups.

Malaria and Anopheles spp in the villages of Salubarana and Kadaila, Mamuju District, South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia.

Malaria epidemiology in Salubarana and Kadaila villages, Mamuju District, South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia was studied from July-December 2002 to obtain baseline data related to the parasite, mosquito vector, human host, and environmental factors. Monthly malariometric surveys conducted during the six- month period revealed a relatively high prevalence of malaria in Kadaila in comparison to Salubarana. Kadaila was mainly inhabited by migrants from Java, Bali, Lombok, and from other districts of South Sulawesi. Salubarana, on the other hand, was inhabited mainly by indigenous Mandarese. Analysis of 1,113 blood smears taken from individuals randomly involved in the survey revealed 59 positive samples, consisting of Plasmodium falciparum or P. vivax. These two species predominated the samples examined and were occasionally found as mixed infection. Anopheles barbirostris was confirmed as a vector for malaria in this area whereas 7 other species An. barbumbrosus, An. parangensis, An. vagus, An. crawfordi, An.pseudobarbirostris, An. Tessellatus, and An. subpictus should be considered as potential vectors. The first mentioned species predominated, using mainly riverbeds and ground pools as breeding places with a habit of indoor or outdoor resting. These findings could be useful for establishing evidence-based malaria control program in the area.