Informing policy makers in developing countries:Practices and limitations of geriatric home medication review in Malaysia-A qualitative inquiry

Objective:To explore existing practices and challenges in the delivery of geriatric home medication review(HMR).The study was part of a larger study aimed to offer solution to expand the range of geriatric HMR.Methods:This study employed qualitative exploratory design through semi-structured individual in-depth interviews with the public pharmacists involved in the delivery of geriatric HMR at public hospitals.The purpose of the interviews was to explore challenges faced by them in the delivery of geriatric HMR.Results:Based on the emerging themes from the qualitative data,the study reveals that geriatric HMR in Malaysia is integrated as part of multidisciplinary home care visits,encompassing a diverse patient population with various healthcare needs.However,it faces challenges such as the lack of outcome monitoring,formal training,and workforce constraints.Despite these hurdles,there is a pressing need for the expansion of this service to better serve the community,and collaboration with community pharmacists holds potential to broaden its scope.Ultimately,the findings suggest that pharmacist-led HMR is both warranted and feasible within the Malaysian healthcare context.In order to optimize medicine-use among older people living in the community,approaches for expanding geriatric HMR services in Malaysia must be developed.Conclusions:This study holds profound implications as it attempts to illuminate policy makers in developing countries,enabling them to formulate effective HMR plans.By considering the challenges highlighted within this research,policy makers can design a comprehensive HMR service that caters adeptly to the healthcare needs of the mass population.

An analysis of ridesharing trip time using advanced text mining techniques

The time cost of ridesharing rental represents a crucial factor influencing users'decisions to rent a car.Researchers have explored this aspect through text analysis and questionnaires.However,the current research faces limitations in terms of data quantity and analysis methods,preventing the extraction of key information.Therefore,there is a need to further optimize the level of public opinion analysis.This study aimed to investigate user perspectives concerning travel time in ridesharing,both pre and post-pandemic,within the Twitter application.Our analysis focused on a dataset from users residing in the USA and India,with considerations for demographic variables such as age and gender.To accomplish our research objectives,we employed Latent Dirichlet Allocation for topic modeling and BERT for sentiment analysis.Our findings revealed significant influences of the pandemic and the user's country of origin on sentiment.Notably,there was a discernible increase in positive sentiment among users from both countries following the pandemic,particularly among older individuals.These findings bear relevance to the ridesharing industry,offering insights that can aid in establishing benchmarks for improving travel time.Such improvements are instrumental in enabling ridesharing companies to effectively compete with other public transportation alternatives.

平台型媒体玛莎·斯图尔特公司的全媒体建设及其启示

借助思想史、案例研究法等研究方法,对玛莎·斯图尔特生活全媒体公司的全媒体建设历史与经验及其对中国媒体的全媒体建设启示进行总结与阐发。研究发现,玛莎·斯图尔特生活全媒体公司大致始建于1977年,最迟不晚于1982年,正式成立于1997年,上市于1999年;其公司发展史大致经过萌芽时期(1977—1997年)与快速发展时期(1997年至今)等两个阶段,其全媒体建设经验对于中国媒体的全媒体建设具有重要的启发与借鉴意义。

Impact of coastal development on mangrove cover in Kilim river, Langkawi Island, Malaysia

We examined the impact of various coastal developments on mangrove cover along the Kilim River, Langkawi Island, Malaysia between 1996 and 2008. We analysed images from Systeme Probatoire d＇Observation de la Tarre （SPOT） of Kilim River using supervised classification and Principal Component Analysis （PCA）. Over 8% （176.83 ha] of mangrove cover was degraded along the Kilim River from its total area of 2153.07 ha during the past 14 years. We identified several causes of mangrove degradation, including mangrove clearing （38%）, mangrove conversion to commercial area （21%）, residential area （19%）, agriculture （12%）, aquaculture （12%） and wake current （6%）. Langkawi is one of the main tourism islands in Malaysia. Tthe pace of coastal development throughout the entire island including Kilim River had suppressed the mangroves propagation over the years. Long term monitoring of mangrove ecosystems is essentials to ensure the survival and sustainability of mangrove associated biodiversity.

碳纳米管对环氧树脂基纳米复合材料的力学和电学性能影响(英文)

以碳纳米管(MWCNT)为添加剂,制备出碳纳米管/环氧树脂复合材料,并探讨MWCNT质量分数对其力学和电学性能的影响。结果表明,当MWCNT含量分别为0.1%和0.25%时,该复合材料的拉伸强度和弯曲模量达到最大值。随着M WCNT含量的增加,拉伸模量增加和应变损坏率降低,这表明复合材料由塑性变形到脆性变形演变。当M WCNT含量为0.05%时样品弯曲强度最高;当M WCNT含量为0.5%时,样品出现电渗流阈值。M WCNT在环氧树脂基体中的良好分散对提高复合材料力学性能起重要作用。分散不均的MWCNT易团聚,会引起早期失效和电学性能降低。

How much would silica nanoparticles enhance the performance of low-salinity water flooding?

Nanofluids and low-salinity water(LSW)flooding are two novel techniques for enhanced oil recovery.Despite some efforts on investigating benefits of each method,the pros and cons of their combined application need to be evaluated.This work sheds light on performance of LSW augmented with nanoparticles through examining wettability alteration and the amount of incremental oil recovery during the displacement process.To this end,nanofluids were prepared by dispersing silica nanoparticles(0.1 wt%,0.25 wt%,0.5 wt% and 0.75 wt%)in 2,10,20 and 100 times diluted samples of Persian Gulf seawater.Contact angle measurements revealed a crucial role of temperature,where no wettability alteration occurred up to 80 ℃.Also,an optimum wettability state(with contact angle 22°)was detected with a 20 times diluted sample of seawater augmented with 0.25 wt% silica nanoparticles.Also,extreme dilution(herein 100 times)will be of no significance.Throughout micromodel flooding,it was found that in an oil-wet condition,a combination of silica nanoparticles dispersed in 20 times diluted brine had the highest displacement efficiency compared to silica nanofluids prepared with deionized water.Finally,by comparing oil recoveries in both water-and oil-wet micromodels,it was concluded that nanoparticles could enhance applicability of LSW via strengthening wettability alteration toward a favorable state and improving the sweep efficiency.

Nitric oxide activation of a potassium channel (BK_(Ca)) in feline lower esophageal sphincter

AIM:To assess the effect of nitric oxide (NO) on the large conductance potassium channel (BKCa) in isolated circular (CM) and sling (SM) muscle cells and muscle strips from the cat lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to determine its regulation of resting tone and relaxation.METHODS:Freshly enzymatically-digested and isolated circular smooth muscle cells were prepared from each LES region.To study outward K + currents,the perforated patch clamp technique was employed.To assess LES resting tone and relaxation,muscle strips were mounted in perfused organ baths.RESULTS:(1) Electrophysiological recordings from isolated cells:(a) CM was more depolarized than SM (-39.7 ± 0.8mV vs-48.1 ± 1.6 mV,P < 0.001),and maximal outward current was similar (27.1 ± 1.5 pA/pF vs 25.7 ± 2.0 pA/pF,P > 0.05);(b) The NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) increased outward currents only in CM (25.9 ± 1.9 to 46.7 ± 4.2 pA/pF,P < 0.001) but not SM (23.2 ± 3.1 to 27.0 ± 3.4 pA/pF,P > 0.05);(c) SNP added in the presence of the BK Ca antagonist iberiotoxin (IbTX) produced no increase in the outward current in CM (17.0 ± 2.8 vs 13.7 ± 2.2,P > 0.05);and (d) L-NNA caused a small insignificant inhibition of outward K + currents in both muscles;and (2) Muscle strip studies:(a) Blockade of the nerves with tetrodotoxin (TTX),or BK Ca with IbTX had no significant effect on resting tone of either muscle;and (b) SNP reduced tone in both muscles,and was unaffected by the presence of TTX or IbTX.CONCLUSION:Exogenous NO activates BK Ca only in CM of the cat.However,as opposed to other species,exogenous NO-induced relaxation is predominantly by a non-BK Ca mechanism,and endogenous NO has minimal effect on resting tone.

Increased photo-catalytic removal of sulfur using titania/MWCNT composite

Titania coating of multi wall carbon nano tube(MWCNT) was carried out by sol-gel method in order to improve its photo catalytic properties.The effect of MWCNT/TiO_2 mass to volume ratio on adsorption ability,reaction rate and photo-catalytic removal efficiency of dibenzothiophene(DBT) from n-hexane solution was investigated using a 9 W UV lamp.The results show that the addition of nanotubes improves the photo-catalytic properties of TiO_2 by two factors;however,the DBT removal rate versus MWCNT content is found to follow a bimodal pattern.Two factors are observed to affect the removal rate of DBT and produce two optimum values for MWCNT content.First,large quantities of MWCNTs prevent light absorption by the solution and decrease removal efficiency.By contrast,a low dosage of MWCNT causes recombination of the electron holes,which also decreases the DBT removal rate.The optimum MWCNT contents in the composite are found to be 0.25 g and 0.75 g MWCNT per 80 m L of sol.

In vitro antimicrobial activity of mangrove plant Sonneratia alba

Objective:To investigate the antimicrobial property of mangrove plantSonneratia alba(S. alba).Methods:The antimicrobial activity was evaluated using disc diffusion and microdilution methods against six microorganisms. Soxhlet apparatus was used for extraction with a series of solvents,n-hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol in sequence of increasing polarity.Results:Methanol extract appeared to be the most effective extract whilen-hexane extract showed no activity. The antimicrobial activities were observed against the gram positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus(S. aureus) and Bacillus cereus(B. cereus), the gram negative Escherichia coli(E. coli) and the yeast Cryptococcus neoformans. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans appeared to be not sensitive to the concentrations tested since no inhibition zone was observed.E. coli(17.5 mm) appeared to be the most sensitive strain followed by S. aureus(12.5 mm)and B. cereus(12.5 mm).Conclusions:From this study, it can be concluded that S. alba exhibit santim icrobial activities against certain microorganisms.

Antimicrobial activity of mangrove plant(Lumnitzera littorea)

Objective:To investigate the antimicrobial activities of n-hexane.ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of the leaves of Lumnitzera littorea(L littorea) against six human pathogenic microbes. Methods:The antimicrobial activity was evaluated using disc diffusion and microdilution methods.Results:The antimicrobial activities of the crude extracts were increased with increasing the concentration.It is clear that n-hexane extract was the most effective extract. Additionally.Gram positive Bacillus cereus(B.cereus) appear to be the most sensitive strain while Pseudomonas aeruginosa(P.aeruginosa) and the yeast strains(Candida albicans(C. albicans) and Cryptococcus neoformans(C.neqformans)) appear to be resistance to the tested concentrations since no inhibition zone was observed.The inhibition of microbial growth at concentration as low as 0.04 mg/ml.indicated the potent antimicrobial activity of L littorea extracts.Conclusions:The obtained results are considered sufficient for further study to isolate the compounds responsible for the activity and suggesting the possibility of finding potent antibacterial agents from L littorea extracts.

Simulating Phenology,Growth and Yield of Transplanted Rice at Different Seedling Ages in Northern Iran Using ORYZA2000

Rice crop growth and yield in the north Iran are affected by crop duration and phenology.The purpose of this study was to calibrate and validate the ORYZA2000 model under potential production based on experimental data for simulating and quantifying the phenological development,crop duration and yield prediction of rice crop influenced by different seedling ages.In order to calibrate and validate the crop parameters of ORYZA2000 model,a two-year field experiment was conducted under potential growth condition for transplanted lowland rice during the 2008-2009 rice growing seasons,using three rice varieties with three seedling ages(17,24 and 33 days old).The results showed that the seedling age changed crop duration from 7 to 10 d.The ORYZA2000 model could predict well,but consistently underestimated the length of growing period.The range in normalized root mean square error(RMSEn) values for each phenological stage was between 4% and 6%.From our evaluation,we concluded that ORYZA2000 was sufficiently accurate in simulation of yield,leaf area index(LAI) and biomass of crop organs over time.On average,RMSEn values were 13%-15% for total biomass,18%-21% for green leaf biomass,17%-20% for stem biomass,16%-23% for panicle biomass and 24%-26% for LAI.The RMSEn values for final yield and biomass were 12%-16% and 6%-9%,respectively.Generally,the model simulated LAI,an exceeded measured value for younger seedlings,and best-fit was observed for older seedlings of short-duration varieties.The results revealed that the ORYZA2000 model can be applied as a supportive research tool for selecting the most appropriate strategies for rice yield improvement across the north Iran.

First molecular identification of Cryptosporidium by 18S rRNA in goats and association with farm management in Terengganu

Objective:To identify the prevalence of Cryptosporidium from goats in three types of farm management systems in Terengganu,Malaysia and to determine the Cryptosporidium species infecting goats by using 18 S r RNA.Methods:A total of 478 fecal samples were randomly collected from goats in three farms;199 samples were collected from intensive farm,179 samples from semi-intensive farm and 100 samples from extensive farm.The samples were processed by using formolether concentration technique and stained by using modified Ziehl–Neelsen.Positive samples were performed by using nested PCR analysis by using 18 S r RNA.Results:Out of 478 goats,207(43.3%) were found to be infected with Cryptosporidium.Goats reared under the intensive farm management system reported the highest prevalence of infection(49.7%),followed by intensive farm management system(41%) and the lowest prevalence was reported in the goats reared under semi-intensive management system(37.4%).Conclusions:The identified species found in goat was Cryptosporidium parvum.Future study on the zoonotic transmission of Cryptosporidium parvum in goats needs to be done in order to find the source of transmission of this parasite.

Etiologies of tropical acute febrile illness in West Pahang, Malaysia: A prospective observational study

Objective: To determine the etiologies of tropical acute febrile illness(TAFI) in West Pahang, Malaysia and to investigate morbidity and mortality factors in relation to TAFI. Methods: A multicenter prospective cohort study was conducted between January and June 2016 in six district hospitals throughout the western part of Pahang State in Peninsular Malaysia. A total of 336 patients answered a standardized questionnaire and blood samples were collected for laboratory confirmation of infectious etiology. Descriptive analysis and logistic regression were performed to identify factors associated with TAFI. Results: A total of 336 patients were included. The patients were mainly Malays(70.2%), males(61.3%), aged(44.6±17.4) years, with more than half(58.9%) presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms. The majority were diagnosed with dengue(35.7%) while malaria(4.5%) was the least frequent. The in-hospital mortality due to TAFI was 9.2%. Patients with meliodosis had five times higher mortality [Adjusted OR: 5.002, 95% CI:(1.233, 20.286)]. Patients with comorbidities such as cardiovascular symptoms(P<0.001) and renal replacement therapy initiation(P<0.001) were significantly associated with in-hospital mortality in all TAFI. Conclusions: The etiology of TAFI in the western Pahang includes dengue, leptospirosis, malaria and melioidosis, which carry the highest risk of in-hospital mortality. The presence of cardiovascular symptoms may be used to assess the disease severity in TAFI, but more studies are needed in the future.

Presence of Obstetrical Conditions among Women with Pelvic Inflammatory Diseases: Experience of 50 Cases in Bangladesh

Background: Pelvic Inflammatory Diseases can be associated with the different obstetrical condition. Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to see the Presence of Obstetrical Conditions among Women with pelvic inflammatory diseases (PID). Methodology: This cross-sectional of study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka from January 2007 to June 2007 for a period of six (6) months. Women with the age group of 15 - 45 years presented with lower abdominal pain, tenderness, per vaginal discharge and cervical motion tenderness were included in this study. A pre-designed data collection sheet was used to record the history of different obstetrical condition. Result: A total number of 50 women presented with PID were recruited for this study of which majority was in para 2 to 5 which was 30 (60.0%) cases. Majority of the patients had given the history of home delivery (74.0%) which was performed by untrained birth attendance (60.0%). The history of induced abortion was given by 24.0% cases. History of more than 2 times menstrual regulation (MR) and 2 to 5 times were performed in 20 (40.0%) cases in each. Among 50 cases majority used intrauterine device (IUCD) which were 20 (40.0%) cases. Conclusion: In conclusion majority of the women presented with PID have given the history of para 2 to 5, home delivery with untrained birth attendance, induction abortion and history of more than two times MR.

Development and Quality Analysis of Protein Enriched Instant Soup Mix

The aim of the study was to develop protein enriched instant fish soup mix and analysis of the quality of various conditions. The study used a mechanical dryer for maintaining a constant air flow and temperature at its drying and dehydration stage. Powder was made after drying. An appropriate composition was used as an indicator. Various compositions like 75%, 65%, 55% and 45% fish powder were used as formulation 0, formulation 1, formulation 2, and formulation 3 respectively. Then these were reconstituted by boiled water for soup mix preparation. The result indicated that mixer 2 was the best composition. The finding suggested that 55% fish powder mix is the best composition for protein enriched instant soup mix. It will help to produce the instant soup mix and an alternative source of various costly animal and plant protein as a value-added material.

Effects of diverse doses of Lead (Pb) on different growth attributes of <i>Zea-Mays</i>L.

The aim of the investigation was to determine the potential effect of lead on maize growth. Lead is considered as important potent environmental contaminant. Various ecological, environmental and evolutionary processes in the microsphere are disrupted because of lead toxicity to the microbial community. The effects of Lead Nitrate (Pb(No3)2) as heavy metal on germination, early growth seedling, root-shoot length, root-shoot fresh and dry weights, total protein content and the uptake of lead by roots and shoots of Zea-mays were investigated. All of the parameters were reduced by the increased lead concentrations. Such growth retardation was due to metals toxicity that resulted in damages to various physiological and biochemical processes.

掺锌羟基磷灰石-沸石/聚己内酯复合材料作为镁基体涂层提高其体外腐蚀和抗菌性能

开发掺锌羟基磷灰石-沸石(Zn HA-Zeo)和聚己内酯(PCL)复合涂层,以提高镁基体的耐腐蚀性能和抗菌性能。采用浸涂技术在室温下将Zn HA-Zeo/PCL涂覆在镁基体上,对样品进行场发射扫描电子显微镜(FESEM)、X射线衍射(XRD)、傅里叶变换红外光谱(FTIR)、能量色散X射线光谱(EDX)和抗菌电位测试。结果表明,复合涂层由羟基磷灰石(HA)、磷钙锌石(scholzite)、沸石和PCL相组成。EDX谱显示钙(Ca)、硅(Si)、铝(Al)、锌(Zn)、磷(P)和氧(O)元素的存在。复合涂层表面的显微形貌为球形,厚度为226~260μm。掺锌HA-Zeo复合涂层具有较高的耐蚀性,对镁基体表面提供足够的保护,使其不被电流腐蚀。与未掺杂的涂层相比,掺锌HA-Zeo涂层对大肠杆菌具有更好的抗菌活性。综合结果表明,Zn HA-Zeo涂层不仅具有良好的耐腐蚀性能,而且具有良好的抗菌性能,可作为种植体应用的理想材料。

The coronary computed tomography angiogram: from the basics to advanced interpretation

Introduction According to the WHO's World Health Report 2003, 1cardiovascular disease was responsible for 16.7 million deaths annually. As a result, it is now the leading cause of death in developed countries and in many developing countries. Detecting and preventing the progression of coronary artery disease is the target of many pharmaceutical, technological and other scientific programs today. Presently, the main diagnostic tool for evaluating coronary arteries is thc conventional coronary angiogram (CCA).……

The Psycho-Social Impact of Urinary Incontinence on the Quality of Life among Kuwaiti Women with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

This study was conducted to determine the psycho-social impact of urinary incontinence (UI) on the quality of life of 250 Kuwaiti women with type 2 diabetic mellitus (DM). A survey method, using a 33-item 5-point Likert scale Arabic questionnaire adapted from the King’s Health Questionnaire (KHQ), was employed for data collection from February to May, 2014 while all the participants were receiving treatment for UI at a specialized urology center in Kuwait. Participants with UI and a co-morbidity of type 2 DM and obesity were 20 to 65 years old. Results showed the following variables were statistically significant for frequency of urine leak: Age was (χ2 = 36.877, df = 3, P ≤ 0.000). Parity showed nulliparous women reported less urine leak compared to parous women: Chi-square was (χ2 = 24.83, df = 12, P ≤ 0.016). Type 2 DM for more than 3 years duration had the highest incidence of several leaks per day. BMI of above 25 kg/m2 caused daily urine leak: Chi-square (χ2 = 17.912, df = 9, P ≤ 0.036). Participants’ self reports of good general health were those who leaked urine either 2 - 3 times weekly or occasionally. Finally, the impact of incontinence on their lifestyle was reported as extreme by 128 (51.2%), and 6 (2.4%) reported little or no impact on their quality of life: Chi-square was (χ2 = 52.392, df = 18, P ≤ 0.000). In conclusion, this study showed a clear correlation between UI and reduced quality of life. Midwives are well positioned to correct the myth that UI is an inevitable byproduct of childbearing. Midwives should explain to all pregnant women how childbirth can be a risk factor and provide anticipatory guidance by teaching preventive measures like pelvic floor exercises before and after delivery. Family members should assist sufferers in coping with their challenges by dispelling any form of stigmatization, joining them in practicing pelvic floor exercises, and encouraging, empathizing and supporting them emotionally.

Galactagogue effects of Musa x paradisiaca flower extract on lactating rats

Objective:To investigate the potential of Musa x paradisiaca(M.x paradisiaca)flower extracts in promoting milk production of lactating rats and its effects on growth of the suckling pups. Methods:Galactagogue activity was evaluated in terms of quantity of milk produced from the rats treated with petroleum ether,ethanol or water extracts of the flower.Lactating rats(n=5) of Spraque Dawley with six pups each were administered with the extracts in the amount of 500 mg/kg body weight,while the control rats were given an equivalent amount of distilled water.The rats were daily administered via oral feeding starting from Day 5 until Day 14 and the performance of milk production was measured along the experimental period by weight-suckle-weight method. Results were statistically analyzed using SPSS by means of ANOVA at 0.05 and was expressed as their mean±standard deviation.The rates of pups’ growth were measured as the weight gain along the experimental period.Results:The rats treated with aqueous extract produced higher milk than control and ethanol groups.Aqueous extract was identified to increase milk production by 25%,while petroleum ether extract by 18%.The mean of yields produced by the rats during suckling period for aqueous,petroleum ether,ethanol and control were 4.62±2.45,4.37±1.93,3.65±1.89 and 3.69±1.79,respectively.Growth rates of pups for the rats treated with control,aqueous, ethanol extract and petroleum ether were(1.85±0.49),(1.78±0.56),(1.65±0.46)and(1.56±0.42) g/pup, respectively.Conclusions:The present study reveals the potential of M.x paradisiaca flower to enhance milk production of nursing mothers which could be exploited for commercialization of the isolated extract.