How Safe Are Our Children In Vehicles On The Road? A Malaysian Perspective

@#As Malaysia races towards a developed nation status, children are increasingly being ferried daily in vehicles almost exclusively as the majority of the population are able to afford private transportations. This paper reviews the current safety concerns for children whilst going in vehicles on Malaysian roads and the steps undertaken to address the need to enhance children’s safety whilst going in these vehicles and suggest possible remedial action to counter the possible lack of awareness for children’s safety whilst in these vehicles. This paper focuses on children on motorcycles and private vehicles (cars, vans and multi-purpose vehicle (MPV)) and excludes other form of transport (buses, lorries) as this paper tries to put forth measures that can be undertaken by the children’s parents and guardian to better enhance the safety of their children. A search was undertaken of all the major database of articles. Articles related to children’s safety systems, children related injuries, children related accident data, available laws and legislation were reviewed to present the need for greater awareness of children’s safety while going in vehicles in Malaysia. There are currently already safety legislations, measures, steps and equipments in place in ensuring the safety of children whilst going in vehicles on Malaysian roads. However, enforcement of laws in developing countries are not easy and we have to start at the root of the problem which is the parents and adults who ferry these children in vehicles. There is a pressing need to educate parents and adults alike on the urgent undertaking of child safety whilst in vehicles. Engineering countermeasures and intervention are probably needed to protect these vulnerable users. For vehicles, a device capable of providing some sort of protection to the child whilst riding pillion should be designed and developed. A legislation mandating the use of child seats whilst ensuring the child seats are affordable to the masses.

[ effect of whey protein on glycemic index and satiety index of potatoes]

Introduction: Effects of whey protein on reduction of blood glucose and appetite have been reported. In the present study the effects of whey protein on glycemic index [GI] and satiety index [SI] of mashed potato were investigated

Materials and Methods: To determine the GI, 10 healthy subjects [6 male, 4 female] were enrolled in the study on 4 separate days at 1 week intervals. On each day, they were given potato puree, potato+4.5 or 9 grams of whey protein or glucose solution in random order. Fasting blood samples were taken at fasting and at 15, 30, 45, 60, 90 and 120 minutes after food ingestion and the GI was calculated. To determine the SI, 20 healthy subjects [10 male, 10 female] were enrolled and on 4 separate days at one week intervals, daily they were given white bread, potato puree, potato+4.5 or 9 grams of whey protein in random order. The satiety was measured at fasting and every 15 min over the next 2 hours after food ingestion; using a satiety questionnaire and the SI was calculated

Results: Adding whey protein to mashed potato reduced the area under the blood glucose curve, though it was not significant [p=0.155]. No did the GI of potato change significantly [p=0.245]. However, the area under the satiety curve of potato increased significantly by adding whey protein [p<0.001]; SI of potato was also increased significantly by adding both doses of whey protein [p<0.001]

Conclusion: Although adding whey protein did not change the GI of potato, but it significantly increased its SI

Effectiveness of rhythmic games on social skills of children with attention deficit hyperactive disorder

Background and Objective: Attention deficit hyperactive disorder [ADHD] is commnest psychological disorders in children. This study was done to evaluate the effectiveness of rhythmic games on social skills of children with ADHD

Methods: In this quasi -experimental study with pretest, post test and follow up with control group, 30 boys student with ADHD were non-randomly divided into the two groups. Conners rating scale and social skills checklist were used

Results: Social skills significantly increased in ADHD students and this effectiveness continued in follow up stage [P<0.05]

Conclusion: Play therapy is effective on social skills of children with ADHD

Iranian public trust in health services: evidence from Tabriz, Islamic Republic of Iran

This study investigated public trust in health services in Tabriz, Islamic Republic of Iran. A cross-sectional household study was conducted in 2014, using random cluster sampling. A total of 1050 households were enrolled in the study and a valid questionnaire was used to collect data through interviews. The mean score for public trust in health services in Tabriz [out of 100] was 53.91 +/- 13.7. People had most trust in professional expertise and lowest in macro-level policy. Specialists, pharmacy doctors and nurses were the health providers that enjoyed the highest levels of trust. It is concluded that public trust in health services in Tabriz is low and policy-makers need to employ appropriate policies to improve patients' experience of health services

[Effect of 6 weeks resistance training with elastic-band on proprioception in male athletes with shoulder impingement syndrome]

The shoulder joint is continuously under various pressures. Shoulder impingement syndrome is the most common problem. Stability of the shoulder is due to the interaction between static and dynamic stability which is caused through mediation of sensorimotor system [proprioception]. This study was investigated to determine the effect of 6 weeks resistance training with elastic-band on proprioception in male athletes with shoulder impingement syndrome. In this quasi-experimental study, 30 adult males with shoulder syndrome divided into control and interventional groups. Subjects in interventional group were received resistance exercises with elastic-band for six weeks. The shoulder joint proprioception, perior and at the end of study in 0, 45 and 90 angle were measured using isokinetic, Biodex System 3. Significant improvement in the shoulder joint proprioception in 0, 45 and 90 angle were observed in interventional group in comparision with controls [P<0.05]. Six weeks of resistance training with elastic-band improved shoulder joint proprioception of males with impingement syndrome

[Comparison of leg muscles electromyography during gait in pescavus and planus in men aged 20-28 years]

Variations in lower limb structure can cause movement dysfunction and gait impairment. Since, pescavus and planus are common disorders of the foot; we decided to compare the electromyography of the leg muscles of men with pesplanus and pescavus during gait by using forceplate and EMG. In this semi-experimental study, 30 subjects were assigned randomly to pescavus, planus and rectus groups. Five forward walking trials were recorded for each subject [measured by forceplates embedded in the walkway]. We used matlab and SPSS software for data analysis. P=0.05 was considered significant. To compare the variables between the groups, we used one-way ANOVA and Tukey post-hoc tests. EMG activities of the soleus and gastrocnemius muscles in stance phase between the 3 groups did not show any significant differences [P>0.05], but the activity of the fibularislongus muscle during the first double stance and second double stance showed significant differences between the groups[P<0.05]. Also, we found significant differences between the groups in relation to the activity of the tibialis anterior muscle during the whole stance phase [P<0.05]. The changes in the normal structure of the foot might affect the function of the muscles during daily and sport activities that can cause changes in the pattern of injuries. This study can help better organization of the rehabilitation programs and activities for those with abnormal foot types

[Evaluation of the throwing influence on dominant and nondominant shoulder kinesthesia in throwing athletes]

Since joint kinesthesia is under the influence of glenohumeral joint capsule and range of motion, and significant capsular laxity and changed range of motion in throwing shoulder is determinant in their functional and dynamic stability; the objective of this study was to compare throwing influence on dominant and nondominant shoulder kinesthesia among volleyball, bowling players and nonathlete women before an injury. This non-experimental, cross sectional study included 45 women in 2 purpose groups of volleyball and bowling players and 1 nonathlete control group, with age range of 20 to 30 years old from the city of Tehran. Their shoulder kinesthesia was measured by Continuous Passive Motion device. For data analysis, descriptive statistic including mean, standard deviation, and for reliability analysis Correlation Coefficient, were performed. Kolmogorov-smirnov and Leven's tests were performed for assessing the data normality and group variance equality. Chi-square test was used for comparing shoulder kinesthesia between dominant and nondominant sides and also for comparing between groups of volleyball, bowling players and nonathlete control group. Statistical significant was set at a level of p

[ relationship between social support and death anxiety in hemodialysis patients]

Introduction: Despite the effectiveness of hemodialysis in renal failure, patients are exposed to stressors such as death anxiety. Social support plays a role in maintaining good health and increased mortality rate and incidence of physical and psychological, is characterized by illness. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between social support and death anxiety of hemodialysis patients

Methods: This descriptive - correlative and 151 patient-center hemodialysis unit of Vali Asr hospital in Arak in 2013 were studied. Data were collected using demographic data, and using a combination Tmpler death anxiety, social support for cancer patients, social support waxes Norbek [NSSQ], and the alpha Cronbach's reliability of the questionnaire 0.88 Confirmed. Data were analyzed by spss version 18

Results: The mean and standard deviation of death anxiety, emotional support, instrumental, informational social support total order of 4.05 +/- 64.11, 4.38 +/- 28.04, 5.28 +/- 25.75, 3.18 +/- 20.57, 8 +/- 74.36, respectively. 70.9 percent emotional and instrumental social support 53% of people support a desired position, and then Data Protection 72.2 percent were unfavorable. There was a significant relationship between various dimensions of social support and the relationship between death anxiety and emotional support in the form [r=-0.69], [p<0.0001], instrumental support [r=-0.64] [p<0.001] [supporting information [p<0.001] [r=0.63] respectively

Conclusion: This study showed Social support in patients undergoing hemodialysis unit was low and people who have poor social support, reported higher death anxiety

[ strategies to deal with stress in mothers of children with type I diabetes]

Introduction: Child getting diabetes is associated with creating and increasing concern among family members and "mother" to experiencing higher stress. The purpose of this study is to compare the strategies to deal with stress in mothers of children with type I diabetes with mothers of healthy children

Method: This cross-sectional study was performed on two groups of mothers of children with type I diabetes and mothers with healthy children admitted to hospital in Arak University of Medical Sciences were selected and sampling method was convenience. Data collected trey Perceived Stress Scale, the way to deal with stress and maternal demographic questionnaire that its validity and reliability has been measured by using SPSS v.18, Chi-square and T-test was used for data analyzing

Results: means of problem-focused coping and emotion in mothers of children with diabetes, respectively 33.80 +/- 4.4 and 92.52 +/- 5.6 and the mothers of healthy children 110.73 +/- 11.6 and 53.40 +/- 6.6, respectively. Statistically significant difference between style and emotion-oriented coping a problem there [p<0.0001]. Average scores on perceived stress in mothers of children with diabetes, 42.13 +/- 2.9 and the mothers of healthy children 27.96 +/- 3.7, which was statistically significant difference between groups with perceived stress, there [p<0.0001]

Discussion: mothers in stressful situations when they feel powerful and good enough to be able to make a sick child to the support of and enable the healing process for him. Only increased in this patient is not enough to increase the patient's and family's ability to cope effectively with stress resulting from diabetes is importance

[Investigation of religious/Islamic orientation and traits of students' personality on the basis of big five-factors of personality [NEO]]

Considering the importance of religion orientation in mental health and its stability up to adulthood, we performed this study to investigate religion/Islamic orientation and traits of students' personality on the basis of big five- factors of personality [NEO]. This was a descriptive - analytical study. 272 subjects [men=128, women=144] between 18 and 28 years of age were selected by cluster sampling method and were assessed by means of two questionnaires: 1] Short - form of NEO- Personality Inventory and 2] Islamic-Religious Orientation questionnaire. SPSS software was used for data analysis. The results of this study showed that all the traits of five factors of personality except for neuroticism had correlation with religious orientation [P<0.01]. Factor of openness to experience predicted 0.11 of religion orientation in the students. According to the results of this study, there was a significant difference in religion orientation between males and females [t= -2/21]. In general in our study, the personality traits had correlation with religion orientation and among them openness to experience had a more important role

[ effect of lower limb muscle fatigue on balance in elite young athletes]

With regard to importance of the role of balance in performance of daily activity especially in exercise activity and necessary to identify the factors that influence the balance, the purpose of this study was to survey the effect of lower limb muscle fatigue on balance in elite young athletes. For this purpose, 15 young elite swimmers with a mean age and body mass index 17 +/- 0.7 and 21.62 +/- 0.5 during the two test phase, were studied. All participants performed the postural Stability and limit of stability tests in six for each test [three repetitions before and three repetitions after fatigue protocol by Wingate test] on the balance Biodex system. Values obtained by the system of the total, anterior - posterior, medial - lateral, anterior, anterior - right, anterior- left, posterior, posterior - right and posterior left index, were analyzed using paired sample t-test [P

[ Comparison of the vertical ground reaction force during forward and backward walking in athletes with ankle sprain]

Study of ground reaction force characteristics during walking is an important descriptor factor in gait pathology. With regard to this subject, the purpose of this study was to compare the vertical ground reaction force during forward and backward walking in athlete's ankle sprain. The present study was semi-experimental, in which thirteen athletes with ankle sprain and eleven healthy athletes were participated. All participants performed three trials of walking in forward and backward directions. By using two force plates, ground reaction force was measured on a vertical axis and normalized with body weight. The mean and standard deviation of the data were measured to describe data and two-way ANOVA test was used to analyze the value of between the groups. Findings showed significant differences of the produced ground reaction force in a vertical direction in first and second peak during forward and backward walking. However, in comparison between groups, there were no significant differences between damaged and healthy athletes. This study shows that the ankle sprain injuries on the ground reaction force generated during walking toward the forward and backward has no effect, rather the differences between the healthy and affected groups are related to specific patterns of walking for each subject

[Effect of salicylic acid and silver nitrate on taxol production in Taxus baccata]

Taxol is an effective anticancer drug used widely in the treatment of a variety of cancers, including carcinomas of the ovary and breast. Taxol was originally isolated from the bark of Pacific yew tree Taxus bervifolia L. Increasing demand for taxol and resource paucity of Pacific yew trees has driven several research groups to advance the taxol production methodologies, including using elicitors in suspension cultures of Taxus spp. cells. Elicitors are often used to improve taxol production incultured cells. The aim of this work is to inject the Taxus baccata tree a single and combination of salaicylic acid and silver nitrate to improve taxol production. Salicylic acid and silver nitrate solution in different concentration were prepared and injected to tree. After 30 days of elicitors' injection the leave for aerial parts of the tree was collected. The dried powder of the leave was extracted by maceration with ethanol 96%. To detect taxol, a high-performance liquid chromatography [HPLC] system was employed. The treated cells with salaicylic acid and silver nitrate displayed a significant decrease in taxol. Increasing concentration of elicitors resulted lower content of taxol. The injection of single and combine of salaicylic acid and silver nitrate on the Taxus baccata tree showed negative effect on taxol production. It seems that more researchs need to be done in order to understand the acting mechanisms of used elicitors

[Factors affecting the prediction of successful induction]

Induction is one of the most common interventions in midwifery which is conducted for many clinical purposes. One of the main challenges of the induction is the prediction of its success because its failure has a major role in increasing the rate of cesarean section. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the role of maternal age, parity, gestational age, birth weight and cervical status in predicting the success of induction. This cohort study involved the population of pregnant women admitted to Mobini Maternity Hospital in Sabzevar, Iran in 2006. A sample of 175 pregnant healthy women was selected by non-probability convenient sampling. For data collection, a checklist and a questionnaire were used for recording the personal details, midwifery history and labor details. For data analysis, they were analyzed in SPSS 15 using chi-square, mantel henzel and logistic regression tests [p < 0.05]. Based on the findings, 41.1% of the inductions were lengthened, and 45.1% of its failure related to lack of labor progression. In total, 33.7% of the women underwent cesarean section due to unsuccessful induction. Controlling the variables such as dilation, effacement, descent, maternal age, gestational age, parity and neonatal weight, the logistic regression showed that the only significant effect was the effect of cervical dilation [OR=2.55], so that for every cm of dilation at the beginning of the induction, the chances of a successful induction was 2.55. The results indicated that cervical dilation is the only factor in predicting the success of induction

[ effect of ocular dominance on stereoacuity in experimentally induced anisometropia]

To evaluate the effect of ocular dominance on stereoacuity in experimentally induced anisometropia. In this clinical trial, 60 healthy adult volunteers 18-37 years of age [mean age: 25.58 years] without any ocular disease were enrolled at Tabriz Nikookari eye hospital over a one-year period. Anisometropia [unilateral myopia] was induced by placing trial lenses over the dominant and non dominant eyes in 1 diopter [D] increments ranging from 1-3 D. Stereoacuity was measured using the TNO, Randot and Titmus stereotests and values were converted into Neperian logarithm [ln] and compared between the two eyes. Of sixty adults including, 25 male and 35 female subjects, the right eye was dominant in 49 [81.7%] of cases. Stereoacuity levels were reduced proportionate to the degree of anisometropia in all participants. Mean stereoacuity was 4.3, 5.5 and 7.4 ln for dominant eyes and 4.1, 5.4 and 7.3 ln for non dominant eyes usig the TNO test by applying 1, 2 and 3 D lenses, respectively [P>0.05]. Corresponding values were 3.5, 4.6 and 6.6 ln for dominant eyes and 3.4, 4.6 and 6.5 ln for non dominant eyes by the circles subcategory of Randot test, respectively [P>0.05]. The scores were 3.8, 4.7 and 6.5 ln for dominant eyes and 3.8, 4.7 and 6.4 ln for non dominant eyes by the circles subcategory of Titmus test, respectively [P>0.05]. Experimentally induced anisometropia could reduce stereoacuity. However, ocular dominance has no effect on the amount of stereoacuity reduction

Protective effect of zizphus vulgaris extract, on liver toxicity in laboratory rats

Some of natural and synthetic products have antioxidant properties which protect the liver against the destructive factors. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Zizphus Vulgaris extracts on mice liver. This experimental study was conducted at Yasouj University of Medical Sciences in 2010 on 30 healthy adult male Wistar rats. Animals were randomly divided into five equal groups: the control group [receiving, olive oil], control group [receiving olive oil and carbon tetrachloride and three intervention groups] receiving different dose of carbon tetrachloride and olive oil] groups. The intervention group was given daily doses of 200, 400 and 600 mg per Kg of Zizphus Vulgaris extract by gavage respectively. After 45 days, the amount of liver enzymes, total protein, albumin and bilirubin in animal's sera were measured. Data were analyzed by the SPSS software, using ANOVA and t-test. The concentration of total protein, albumin, AST, ALT, ALP in test groups I, II and III receiving Z.Vulgaris extract [200, 400 and 600 mg/kg weight] compared with control group were statistically not significant. Consumption of Z.Vulgaris reduced the bilirubin concentration in test groups I and II but this decrease was significant only in the test group I of Z.Vulgaris dose in the test group III [600 mg Z.Vulgaris per kg body weight] showed increase in the level of serum bilirubin. Increase in the ratio of liver weight to body weight of rats in groups I and III in comparison with control groups was noticed although this difference was not statistically significant. Findings of this study revealed that dosage of 600 mg/kg extract of Z.Vulgaris caused significant improvements in CCU induced liver necrosis [P< 0.01] and reduced portal cells inflammation [P <0.01]. Dose of 400 mg/kg of Z.Vulgaris induced some destruction and necrosis of liver cells in animals but significant reduction of portal cells inflammation was seen. Considering the obtained results, it seems that Ziziphus vulgaris fruit extract has shielding effects against toxins on liver cells

[Seroprevalence of leptospirosis in industrial livestock slautherhouse workers in Khoy city]

Leptospirosis is a world-wide zoonotic infection occurring in animals and human. Rodents and wildlife are the major sources of the infection which can excrete Leptospira in their urine. The purpose of this study was to assess the seroprevalence of leptospira species in the slaughter house workers in khoy City. 30 serum samples were obtained from people slaughterhouse workers. Sera were tested by MAT using live Leptospira antigens including hardjo, Pomona, icterohaemorrhagiae, grippotyphosa, canicola and ballum. The results of this study showed that four samples [13/33 percent] were positive and 12 samples [40 percent] had doubtful results. Icterohaemorrhagiae and Pomona were the most-prevalent serotypes in positive samples and samples with doubtful results respectively. All positive samples were identified in 1:200 titre. All of the samples were negative in 1:100 and 1:400 dilutions. 50% of the positive sera belonged to the subjects between 20 and 30 years of age and other 50% belonged to those with an age range of 40-50 years. 50% of the positive samples and 83% of the samples with doubtful results belonged to the subjects with employment records of less than 7 years. Leptospirosis is an occupational disease and slaughterhouse workers are more at risk of contamination with different strains of Leptospira and developing this infection which leads to transmission of contamination to protein and nutrient cycling

Passive air sampling survey of polybrominated diphenyl ether in private cars: implications for sources and human exposure

In order to characterize polybrominated diphenyl ether [PBDE] contamination in vehicle interiors, airborne concentrations of polybrominated diphenyl ethers were investigated using PUF disk passive air samplers in 25 private cars. Passive air samplers were fixed inside the selected cars for a period of 4 to 6 weeks. LPBDE concentrations [sum of the 10 congeners] ranged between 0.01 and 8.2 ng/m[3] with respective arithmetic and geometric mean concentrations of 0.71 and 0.091 ng/m[3]. High concentrations of polybrominated diphenyl ethers found in cars might provide an important source of human exposure to PBDEs either via inhalation or dust ingestion. A driver spending 8 hours a day inside a contaminated car [the worst scenario] would receive a daily inhalation intake of 54 ng. Age of the vehicles was found to be the most influential factor affecting polybrominated diphenyl ether emission in car interiors [R=0.47, r<0.01]. Furthermore, significant variations were observed in polybrominated diphenyl ether concentrations between cars from same manufacturer with similar ages. The median ratio of BDE 47:99 for air samples was 1.7 comparing with the respective values of 1 and -0.7 reported for BK 70-5DE and DE-71, suggesting these commercial formulations to be likely sources of polybrominated diphenyl ethers in the car indoor environments

[Evaluation of hydro-alcoholic extract of peganum harmala on pituitary-thyroid hormones in adult male rats]

Peganum harmala from the Jigo Phalluses family has compounds such as: alkaloid,saponine steroid and lignin which is used as a traditional medicine with antibacterial, anti tumor, inhibition of MAO enzyme, and stimulation of the nerve system. It also serves as a modulator to endocrine activities. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of the hydro-alcoholic extract of Peganum harmala on plasma levels of pituitary-thyroid's hormones of adult rats. In this experimental study, which was conducted at Yasuj University of Medical sciences in 2009, 50 adult Mala rats with the approximate weight of 260+30 grams were divided into 5 groups: the control group, the sham group, and 3 experimental groups. The control group did not take any medicine. The sham group received 1 mL of distilled water daily for 17 consecutive days. The experimental groups took 90 mg/kg, 180mg/kg, or 270 mg/kg of Peganum harmala extract daily respectively for 17 consecutive days. In the 18th day, by collecting the blood samples of the animals, plasma level of TSH, T4, and T3 was measured using radioimmunoassay method. Collected data were analyzed using SPSS software. This study revealed that the minimum and maximum dose of the Peganum harmala extract reduces the TSH level and average and maximum dose of the extract significantly reduces the level of T4 and T3 in rats. results of this study indicate that by further study the Peganum harmala extract might be used for treatment hyperthyroidism. However further study is needed to explore this concept

[Seroparasitological evaluation of Plasmodium vivax malaria and stability of the anti-plasmodial antibodies in Parsabad, Ardabil province]

Malaria is one of the most important parasitic diseases in the world and a major health problem in some areas of Iran. In addition to endemic areas in the south and south-eastern part of Iran, a new threat of Plasmodium vivax malaria importation emerged from the Parsabad district, which is located in Ardabil province in the north western part of the country. Malaria in this area may have originated from Azerbaijan, Armenia or southern part of Iran. This study has been carried out to clarify seroparasitological results from Indirect Fluorescence Assay [IFA], stability of antiplasmodial antibodies and its comparison with those of confirmed direct microscopy in Parsabad district during 2003-2005. This seroparasitological study has been carried out on 250 samples from malaria infected patients which was previously confirmed by microscopy and treated with routine antimalarial agents, and 250 samples of healthy control with no history of malaria in Parsabad during two years [2003-2005]. Sera of collected blood samples were assessed for the presence of anti-plasmodial antibodies using IFA assay. Statistical analysis was applied by using ANOVA and Students t-tests with Graph Pad Prism. The results of this study indicated that all blood smears of test group were detected as positive by observation of P. vivax by direct microscopy and no positive smears were found among control group. Moreover, no mixed-infection was observed among collected samples. In addition, serological results revealed that 47 cases [19%] from test group and 4 cases [1.6%] from control group had antibodies against P. vivax malaria [P<0.001]. The results of this study demonstrated that the rate of antiplasmodial antibodies is not stable in malaria infected patients which was previously confirmed by microscopy and can not be used for epidemiological evaluation for malaria in this area. Therefore, more investigation is needed for evaluation and detection of the malaria