bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Małżeństwo świeckie i wyznaniowe w nauczaniu prawa polskiego w latach 1945–1993
Authors: Rakoczy Tomasz
Published: November 2019

The institution of marriage is important for the both systems of law: state and church, as both of these two bodies must respect the truth about the institution of marriage. As the analysis of the problem shows, i.e. the possibility of contracting marriage in the religious form and in presence of other religious elements, the mentioned rule was not always respected by the Polish State. Religious elements were in fact significantly present in different jurisdictions of the partitioning states, which were in force on Poland’s territory under the rule of individual partitioning states. The possibility of the presence of religious elements in executing institution of marriage was taken into account in discussion that took place in Poland after the year 1918. All projects of acts of law were unfortunately rejected. The first act of law that was promulgated in 1945 presented a completely new, strange and even inimical to the Polish tradition, lay model of executing the institution of marriage. Its tightening followed rapidly after the promulgation of the next act of law, i.e. the Code of Family in the year of 1950. A change came about in the year 1998 through the Polish Concordat which came into force beginning with the year 1993. The possibility of contracting a civil marriage in the religious form was opened first for the Catholic Church. At the next stage, the same possibility was recognized in the case of ten other churches. As the analysis of the problem shows, contracting of a civil marriage in the religious form has always stayed under the control of the registry office. A clergyman is only an executor of the procedure.
Społeczny obowiązek zawiadomienia o przestępstwie jako przykład lex imperfecta?
Authors: Kania Agnieszka
Published: November 2019

This article focuses on the legal nature of the civic duty to report an offence (Article 304(1) of the Code of Criminal Procedure). Assuming that the solution does not constitute a classic example of lex imperfecta, it is concluded that the breach of its provisions might produce effects only in the sphere of moral judgements. While reflecting on the so-called imperfect norms (norms without sanctions), the analysis concerns not only their legal nature and compliance with the requirements of the principles of legislative technique, but also the possibility of compliance with the current provisions of law being motivated by both an external compulsion and an internal compulsion arising out of the authority of law or persuasive and educational processes. Furthermore, based on the analysis of the civic duty to report an offence in terms of criminal trials, it is concluded that the mechanism does not merely create a regulatory framework for rewarding active civic involvement in crime prevention, but also mandates to count on loyalty of that part of society which has internalized certain norms and values correlating with the requirements of the criminal legislation for the public. It also implicates a need for sanction on criminal law.
Glosa do postanowienia Sądu Najwyższego z dnia 3 października 2011 r., sygn. V KK 151/11
Authors: Kościelniak-Marszał Miłosz
Published: November 2019

No abstract
Tomasz Kaczmarek, Rozważania o przestępstwie i karze. Wybór prac z okresu 50-lecia naukowej twórczości, t. 2: Lata 2006–2015, Wrocław 2016, ss. 558
Authors: Hoc Stanisław
Published: November 2019

Artykuł recenzyjny
Ideowe spory wokół dziejów parlamentaryzmu polskiego
Authors: Byliński Janusz
Published: November 2019

The history of the Polish parliamentarianism has aroused numerous disputes since long due to many factors, causing difficulties in determining the beginnings of existence of this institution in the former Poland. The basic problem emerged in the distinction of the term “Sejm” (“Polish Parliament”) from the earlier rallies, court veches, local conventions or those covering larger areas of the country, or even all-state conventions, summoned by the particular regional dukes and after the unification of the state by monarchs. The disputes were related to the critical look at the role of Parliament in the history of the state: some glorified it, others expressed their critical view, determined by the historical school which the particular author belonged to. During those disputes, the final form was gained by the Polish Parliament as a bicameral parliament with the king, as one of the states, with the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies in the years 1493–1505.
Polska Zjednoczona Partia Robotnicza w Brudzeniu Dużym w latach 1972–1986
Authors: Szymański Andrzej
Published: November 2019

In this text, the author presents the functioning of the Commune Committee of the Polish United Workers’ Party in Brudzń Duży, a commune lying near Płock, in the years 1972–1986. It is mainly the minutes of meetings of the commune party authorities, which were analyzed, paying special attention to their reaction towards the challenge of daily life in the period before – during – and after the political breakthrough in 1981. On the basis of the analysis of the source materials, heavy ideologization of thinking of the management staff of the Municipal Committee was found and in consequence – incapacity to respond to social expectations. Hence, it led to a collapse of the influence of the Polish United Workers’ Party all over the country and then – to the liquidation of the entire political formation.
Znaczenie konsultacji społecznych w demokracji partycypacyjnej
Authors: Sokalska Edyta
Published: November 2019

Participatory democracy is one of the potential directions of development of the system of social organization. The search of opportunities to improve the current system results from the incompatibility of the present solutions to the times we live in. A significant impact on the devaluation of the system of representative democracy is the development of technology, which results in a faster flow of ideas (the Internet, elimination of barriers to communication). Thus, for several years now there have been made attempts to create different types of communication platforms on the axis citizens-the authority. Solutions of this type progressively enter the democratic practice. Therefore, most probably in the near future, there will dominate the expectation of varied platforms of public consultations, especially “public consultations on the Internet”. This will include all administrative levels – from the national (referenda via the Internet), ministerial level (specific consultations within ministries) to the local government.
Vertebral artery and posterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysms: Results of microsurgical treatment of eighty patients
Authors: Pilipenko Yuri , Eliava Shalva , Okishev Dmitry , Okisheva Elena , Spyrou Andronikos
Published: November 2019

Background:

The choice of surgical approaches and options for the microsurgical vertebral artery (VA) and posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) aneurysms repair remains controversial.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis of the clinical, surgical, and angiographic data of 80 patients with VA and PICA aneurysms treated from 2012 to 2018 was performed.

Results:

The aneurysms were saccular in 50 cases (62.5%) and fusiform in 30 cases (37.5%). The median suboccipital craniotomy was the most common approach (73.8%). Retrosigmoid craniotomy was performed in 25% of patients. There were the following types of microsurgical operations: neck clipping (61.25%), clipping with the artery lumen formation (13.75%), trapping (10%), proximal clipping (5%), and deconstruction with anastomosis (10%). Fifty-seven (71.3%) patients were discharged without worsening of the clinical signs after surgery. The most common postoperative neurological disorder was palsy of IX and X cranial nerve revealed in 14 (17.5%) patients. No fatal outcomes or patients in vegetative state were identified. The complete occlusion of PICA and VA aneurysms according angiography was in 77 (96.3%) cases.

Conclusion:

Microsurgical treatment is an effective method for VA and PICA aneurysms. The majority of VA and PICA aneurysms do not require complex basal approaches. A thorough preoperative planning, reconstructive clipping techniques, and anastomoses creation, as well as patient selection based on the established algorithms and consultations with endovascular surgeons, may reduce the number of complications and increase the rate of complete microsurgical occlusion in VA and PICA aneurysms.
El cambio climático y los impactos socioeconómicos sobre la zona costera e insular colombiana
Authors: Hernández Narváez Desireé María , Vega Cabrera Alejandra María , Zamora Bornachera Anny Paola , Sierra Correa Paula Cristina
Published: November 2019

Climate change has a global-level impact, with effects on natural and human systems, and in particular coastal zones have been recognized as area sensitive to threats of sea level rise (SLR) and coastal erosion. This exercise was carried out in order to identify the impacts of climate change at a socioeconomic level in Colombia’s coastal zone, which is composed of 12 departments with 60 municipalitiesframed within ten Coastal Environmental Units (UAC). Methodologically, 23 indicators were defined using the risk approach, that combines the exposure (14 indicators), sensitivity (6 indicators) and adaptive capacity (3 indicators), framed within food security, human habitat, andinfrastructure dimensions. To do this, official information databases were built regarding the socioeconomic elements exposed, combined with the use of the SLR and coastal erosion-affected areas report, elaborated by Invemar within the Third National Communication on Climate Change framework. With this report data, indicator matrices were built and the levels of affectation in each indicator were calculated using distribution by quintiles. The results show that towards the year 2100, about 5% of the population and 4.3% of houses will be affected by SLR, especially in the Guapi and Mosquera (Cauca) and La Tola (Nariño) municipalities in the Pacific region and Remolino, Sitio Nuevo and Pueblo Viejo (Magdalena) municipalities in the Caribbean. In addition, tourist areas could lose 13% due to coastal erosion, and 5.9% of the port infrastructure and 12% of the roads could be flooded by SLR. These results constitute an input to support territorial planning, as well asthe formulation of municipal and sectoral plans for climate change management on Colombia’s coasts.
Primer registro del género Carminodoris Bergh, 1889 (Gastropoda: Opisthobranchia: Nudibranchia: Doridoidea: Discodorididae) en el Caribe colombiano
Authors: Zárate Arévalo Juan Camilo , Coneo Gómez Shanly Carolina , Puyana Hegedus Mónica
Published: November 2019

In the Atlantic Ocean, there are only two records of nudibranchs belonging to the genus Carminodoris Bergh, 1889 (Discodorididae). This work describes and illustrates the first record of a nudibranch belonging to this genus in the Colombian Caribbean, upon a sample collected in San Martin de Pajarales Island, Rosario Islands, Cartagena, Colombia. Morphological and anatomical attributes of the studied specimen were compared with those of Atlantic (Carminodoris hansrosaorum and C. madibenthos), also with those reported for the Pacific (C. nodulosa, C. grandiflora, C. bramale, C. flammea, C. bifurcata, C. armata and C. estrelyado). The studied sample differs from the other species by its size (74 mm), distinctive morphological patterns (foot, tubercles, branchial plume, mantle, jaw and radular formula). This is the first report of this genus in the Western Caribbean and it might be a new species, yet to be confirmed, with additional anatomical and molecular studies.
Caracterización de las asociaciones de cocolitóforos en las cuencas offshore del Pacífico colombiano
Authors: Osorio-Gòmez Esteban , Vallejo Hincapie Diego , Rincón-Martínez Daniel , Restrepo-Acevedo Sandra , Pardó-Trujillo Andres , Trejos-Tamayo Raúl
Published: November 2019

This study was conducted on coccolithophores recovered from 39 piston-core samples taken offshore Chocó and Tumaco basins, on the Colombian Pacific. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of the coccoliths showed changes in the relative abundances and the state of preservation in the two basins. The examined sediments were characterized by the coccoliths Gephyrocapsa oceanica, Gephyrocapsamuellerae, Gephyrocapsa <3 μm, Emiliania huxleyi, Calcidiscus leptoporus and Helicosphaera carteri, which presented abundances higher than 2 %. We also identified a minority assemblage (<2%) constituted by Ceratolithus spp., Coccolithus pelagicus, Florisphaera profunda,Helicosphaera princei, Helicosphaera sellii, Helicosphaera wallichii and Pontosphaera spp. together with reworked specimens of Reticulofenestra spp, Sphenolithus spp. and Discoaster spp. The recovery of E. huxleyi as part of the assemblage indicates that the studied sediments are younger than the biozone NN21, covering an age range of Middle Pleistocene (Ionian). The number of coccoliths per gram (cc/g) was calculated, demonstrating an average of 5.7x106 cc/g and 1.2x107 cc/g for Chocó and Tumaco basins, respectively. In order to interpret the causes of this variance, we performed a multivariate redundancy analysis (RDA), showing that the distance to the coastline is the controlling factor of the fluctuations of the relative abundances and distribution of the coccoliths in both basins.
Factors influencing stroke patient adherence to physical activity: a systematic review
Authors: Fairuz Tasnim Dahlan Tabah  , Razif Dasiman
Published: November 2019

Stroke generally leads to physical problems, most commonly paralysis, cognitive, sensory, perceptual, and communication problem. During the recovery process, physical activity plays an important role in improving patients. However, physical inactivity among stroke patients is high, including those in the acute and chronic stage. The adherence of them towards exercise and rehabilitation therapy declined after discharge, thus lead to poor outcomes of recovery. To review the literature on the factors that influence stroke patients' adherence to physical activity and to identify the intrapersonal, interpersonal, and environmental factors that affect the adherence of stroke patients' towards physical activity. Four electronic databases (EBSCO: CINAHL Plus with Full text, Willey Online Library, and ScienceDirect) were searched from 2008 to 2019, reporting any factors that affecting stroke people participate in the physical activity. Articles were included if they examined the factors that influence stroke patients' adherence to physical activity and were written in English. The methodological quality of the studies was appraised using McMaster critical appraisal tools, and PRISMA guidelines were used for online searching strategy. A narrative summary of findings was undertaken reporting on individual study characteristics, country of origin, participants, and potential factors. 10 articles met the inclusion criteria. The intrapersonal factors include physical impairment, balance, and mobility, fear of falls, aging, forgetful, reduce in self-efficacy, and exercise benefits. Interpersonal factors were social support, lack of attendant and support from healthcare, physiotherapist, or gym trainer. Economic factors, transportation, and exercise facility were the environmental factors that influence stroke patient adherence to physical activity. These three factors were interrelated to change the individual perception towards exercise among stroke patients. This review enables the development of an intervention to improve participation in physical activity among stroke patients.
Evaluation of salbutamol prescribing practice for paediatric outpatients in a non specialised hospital
Authors: Lih Ling Kwek  , Nur Atiqah Mohammad Baki  , Ahmad Nadim Mohd Sufian  , Vincent Ngu
Published: November 2019

Salbutamol is extensively prescribed for respiratory disease. However, salbutamol prescribing practice among paediatric population is still understudied. Oral salbutamol usage in infants remains controversial. This study aimed to evaluate salbutamol prescribing practice for paediatric outpatients in Hospital Tanjung Karang (HTK). In this cross-sectional study, all paediatric prescriptions with salbutamol received at Outpatient Pharmacy HTK from December 2018 to February 2019 and fulfilled criteria were reviewed. 280 samples were obtained via systematic random sampling. Data on patient demographics, diagnoses, and salbutamol formulations were collected retrospectively using data collection form and analyzed with SPSS Statistics. Descriptive statistics and Chi-Square tests were employed. Distribution of infant (1 month-2 years old) was the greatest, followed by a young child (2-6 years old) and child (6-12 years old). 68.6% salbutamol was prescribed for upper respiratory tract infection (URTI), while 87.9% salbutamol was given as oral formulation. There were significant associations between paediatric age groups, diagnoses, and salbutamol dosage forms (p<0.001). Among all the study samples, 82.5% salbutamol prescribing practice was found inappropriate. Salbutamol syrup was preferred, possibly due to affordable price and easy administration. However, some salbutamol prescribing are unnecessary and supported with little/no evidence. These include prescribing oral salbutamol for general URTI, acute bronchiolitis, and bronchial asthma among infants. Salbutamol syrup remains the most preferred formulation in an outpatient setting. Prescribing preference of oral over inhaled salbutamol requires further assessments to prevent salbutamol-related adverse reactions. The appropriate prescribing practice is crucial for a quality, safe, and effective salbutamol use among paediatric population.
The effects of IGF-I on prostate cancer progression and the influence of hyperglycaemia
Authors: Rehanna Mansor  , Jeff Holly  , Claire Perks
Published: November 2019

Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a necessary process in the conversion of benign tumor to aggressive and highly invasive cancer. Dysregulation of the IGF system and impaired metabolic regulation have been implicated in the progression of prostate cancer. However, the mechanisms underlying these effects require further investigation. We used normal prostate epithelial cells PNT2 and DU145 prostate cancer cells. Western immunoblotting was used to determine changes in protein abundance. Trypan blue dye exclusion assay was employed to assess cell proliferation and transwell migration assays to assess cells migration. Under normal glucose conditions, IGF-I inhibited EMT in PNT2 cells demonstrated by an upregulation in the epithelial marker E-cadherin together with loss of mesenchymal markers; vimentin and fibronectin. In contrast to PNT2 cells, IGF-I induced EMT in DU145 cells, as shown by the reduction of E-cadherin level and upregulation of vimentin and fibronectin. We observed that exposure to hyperglycaemia (25mM glucose concentration) alone induced EMT in both PNT2 and DU145 cells. The changes in EMT markers induced by hyperglycaemia (loss of epithelial marker and increase of mesenchymal markers) associated with increased cell proliferation and migration.  In high glucose conditions, IGF-I was still able to inhibit EMT in PNT2 cells, whereas in DU145 cancer cells, the addition of IGF-I could not enhance EMT any further.  In conclusion, IGF-I and hyperglycaemia play important roles in promoting prostate cancer cell progression through the regulation of EMT programme.
Development of cyclosporine-loaded nanoemulsion for topical treatment of psoriasis
Authors: Siti Hajar Musa  , Norazlinaliza Salim  , Norashikin Shamsudin  , Mahiran Basri  , Hamid Reza Fard Masoumi
Published: November 2019

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease in which the symptoms are obviously appeared on the patient's body with thick, red/ salmon colour and dry patches. Clinically, topical treatment has been the first-line treatment for psoriasis, whether or not the systemic and phototherapy is required. Currently, cyclosporine is one of the standard oral medications used for moderate to a severe case of psoriasis. However, through oral delivery, it cannot be used for a long period and causes bad effects. Thus, a new delivery system of cyclosporine is in need to be developed to overcome its toxic effects by skipping the first pass body metabolism. A nanoemulsion colloidal system, as the main carrier for big, non-water-soluble cyclosporine, is believed could help in the delivery of activities through the stratum corneum of the skin layer. Nanoemulsion system, which mainly consists of oil phase (a mixture of virgin coconut oil, nutmeg oil, and cyclosporine), aqueous phase, and surfactant, was successfully being developed by using Mixture Experimental Design optimization tool with droplet size range between 110-160 nm. Stability studies were carried out with respect to; pH, storage at different temperatures, coalescence and Ostwald ripening mechanism, free-thaw cycle, and FTIR analysis. From the obtained results, this newly-developed nanoemulsion containing cyclosporine was proven to be stable and successfully maintained its physicochemical characteristics even after 3 months of storage at 4°C and 25°C temperature. Ostwald ripening mechanism contributed to the instability of the system at 45°C of storage. Introduction of standard cyclosporine, blank nanoemulsion, and nanoemulsion containing cyclosporine to the HaCaT cells in the treatment of MTT assay study has confirmed the safety of the nanoemulsion. Permeation study of the newly-developed nanoemulsion containing cyclosporine showed it was best fitted the Korsmeyer-Peppas kinetic model. In addition, the transepidermal water loss and hydration studies proved the efficacy of cyclosporine-loaded nanoemulsion in increasing the water storage of the volunteers’ normal skin after 3h of application.
Knowledge, Attitude, and Perception on skin whitening practice among UniKL students in Malaysia
Authors: Siti Normiyah Hussin  , Nur Syafiqah Ahmad Yani
Published: November 2019

Skin whitening product has been in demand by all levels of the community as lighter skin has been described as the main element of beauty. However, many consumers are not well aware of the skin whitening agent that are allowed and safe to be consumed. Therefore, we would like to study on UniKL students' knowledge, attitude, and perception on skin whitening practice. Random sampling method is used to collect our data. 56.0% (N = 215) of the respondents are able to classify correctly half or more of the substances that are banned by the Ministry of Health to be used as a whitening agents such as Hydroquinone, Mercury, Tretinoin and Azelaic Acid given. Half of the respondents have used or are currently using skin whitening products and believe that "Lighter skin increases one's self-esteem." We found that there is a significant correlation between the background of the study with their knowledge on skin and skin whitening products. The correlation between the allowances they received monthly, and the amount that they will spend on these products is insignificant. More female students use skin whitening products compared to male students. 44.7% (N = 88) of the respondents claim to notice improvement on their skin after consuming these products, and some claim to have experienced side effects such as acne, redness, and irritation.
Toxicity study on clinacanthus nutans leaf extract using danio rerio embryos
Authors: Maryam Anis  , Suganya Murugesu  , Vikneswari Perumal  , Qamar Uddin Ahmed  , Bisha Fathimah Uzir  , Zalikha Ibrahim  , Tavamani Balan  , Alfi Khatib
Published: November 2019

Plants are believed to have various medicinal benefits from their constituents, but they might also give toxic effects to the human's body. Clinacanthus nutans that belongs to Acanthaceae family, which has been reported to have an antidiabetic and antioxidant effect. The study has been done to determine the toxic level and the lethal concentration of non-polar extract of C. nutans leaves using zebrafish embryos. Crude extract of 80% methanolic solution was further partitioned to obtain the n-hexane fraction. Upon spawning and fertilization, the eggs were collected, transferred into a 96-well plate, and incubated with the n-hexane fraction at different concentrations ranging from 15.63-500 µg/ml prepared in 2% DMSO. The median lethal concentration (LC50) was calculated to be 75.49 µg/mL using probit analysis. The reading is considered toxic to the embryos. The heartbeat rate was measured using DanioScope software, and the mortality and survival rate were assessed by microscopic observation at 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours post-fertilization. Some of the morphological defects observed include less pigmentation, crooked backbone, dented tail, and oedema. The n-hexane fraction's profiling using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) analysis showed the presence of some fatty acids, organic acid, and sterols, which is known to be toxic in synergism.
Synthesis, Characterization and Cytotoxic Activity of New 2,9-BIS(2-Fluorobenzyl)-β-Carbolinium Bromide as a potential compound for anti-cancer agents
Authors: Mazlin Mohideen  , Wan Mohamad Hafiz Wan Hamid  , Nur Damia Zaidi  , Adibah Akmal  , Nuramanina Othman  , Danda Aieshah Ghazali  , Umi Izzati Azhar  , Alyaa Mathirah Mohamad  , Faizan Naeem Razali  , Nur Azzalia Kamaruzaman
Published: November 2019

β-carbolines constitute a vast group of indole alkaloids and exhibit various biochemical effects and pharmacological properties. With the recent emergence of β-carboline in the field of cancer, this study investigated the synthesis, characterization, and potential anticancer activity of β-carboline derivative. An efficient method was described for the synthesis of new 2,9-bis(2-fluorobenzyl)-β-carbolinium bromide from L-tryptophan through the Pictet-Spengler reaction and oxidation of K2Cr2O7 by a sequential one-pot synthesis method then followed by N2, N9-benzylated using 2-fluorobezyl with good yield (92%). The structure of the compound was established by 1H-, 13C-NMR, and mass spectroscopy (ESI-MS) as well as single-crystal X-ray crystallographic analysis. The compound was tested for anticancer activity against Hela, HT-29, Hep-G2, and K562 cell lines by using MTT assay. 2,9-bis(2-fluorobenzyl)-β-carbolinium bromide exerted promising anticancer activities with IC50 values ranging between 0.97 to 6.00 μM as compared to doxorubicin which was employed as the positive control (0.77 μM). The results suggested that new, 2,9-bis(2-fluorobenzyl)-β-carbolinium bromide could potentially be developed as a novel anticancer agent.
The effect of internet addiction on student development In UniKL RCMP
Authors: Latifah Abdul Aziz  , Monarusnita Abu Bakar  , Siti Noraihan Sheikh Ahmad  , Muhammad Asyraf Saifuddin
Published: November 2019

Since the presence of the Internet, it has been immensely used globally and has become an essential tool for learning, therefore creating a positive and negative impact on students as avid users. The positive aspect of the Internet is that it assists in teaching and learning by making instantaneous access for information to be available at their fingertips. Despite its benefits, internet addiction may negatively impact students' life, causing them to be emotionally unstable, depressive, exhibiting poor time management, and poor academic performance. Students who do not have self-discipline and proper guidelines may be exposed to internet addiction. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of internet addiction to students' and the correlation to their emotional stability. This study was conducted among 236-degree students in UniKL RCMP. A survey form has been distributed using the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales (DASS21). A Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyze the data. The results showed that all hypotheses formulated were considerably related. There are 37 percent of students facing problems with internet addiction, creating a significant impact to their life. The remaining 63 percent describes the average online user who are able to have self-control for internet usage. Using the Pearson Correlation, the relationship between internet addiction and anxiety were compared and correlated. A significant level of 0.05 was used to test the significance of the results. This study also found that internet addiction will lead students to develop anxiety problems, but not towards depression and stress. Anxiety appears to be a persistent predictor with internet addiction in both genders. The results indicated that internet addiction has a significant association to anxiety problems. In the future, the university must focus more on developing a holistic student intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually. This holistic and balanced development is crucial for the computer-savvy generation due to the challenging era that lies ahead. Proper knowledge should be imparted for them to choose the right tools and control their resources on the Internet. With the right awareness, students will know how to fully utilize the Internet without being dominated by it.
Retrospective evaluation of unintentional poisoning involving psychiatric drugs in Malaysia: A study based on calls managed by national poison centre, 2016-2017
Authors: Nur Azzalia Kamaruzaman  , Adilah Mohamed Ariff  , Noor Afiza Md Rani  , Mohd Fadhli Razali  , Mazlin Mohideen  , Mohamed Isa Abd Majid
Published: November 2019

Data from the National Poison Centre (NPC) showed that the highest number of poisoning incidents in Malaysia were caused by pharmaceutical products, whereby psychiatric drugs contributed to the most number of cases. While intentional poisoning receives more attention, unintentional poisoning is often overlooked. Therefore, the study designs to evaluate the unintentional poisoning of psychiatric drugs in Malaysia. Telephone enquiries regarding psychiatric drug poisoning were made by healthcare providers to the NPC. Information received was entered into a retrievable database by Drugs and Poison Information Service in the form of a standardized Poison Case Report Form as adapted from the World Health Organization. A retrospective analysis was performed, and data on unintentional poisoning were extracted and evaluated. A total of 619 poisoning cases of psychiatric drugs were reported, whereby 28% (n=133) were caused unintentionally. Demographic analysis showed Perak to record the highest number of cases at 16.5% (n=22), followed by Johor (13.5%, n=18) and Sabah (12.8%, n=17). Unintentional psychiatric poisoning showed almost equal distribution between genders, and Malays reported the highest number at 47.4% (n=63). More than half of the cases (58.6%) occurred among toddlers between 1-4 years old, followed by 17.3% cases among children and adolescents between 5-14 years old. Most of the incidents (99.2%) happened at home, and 88% were due to accidental ingestions. Unintentional poisoning in the household of psychiatric patients has been underestimated, and toddlers and children have been majorly implicated. Therefore, proper education and awareness must be established to ensure human safety.
Mental Health /Depression at Workplaces
Authors: Asrenee AB. Razak
Published: November 2019

There is an increasing trend of mental health issues in Malaysia. 1 in 3 Malaysian aged over 16 years old is at risk of having a mental health problem, and the trend is on the rise. The burden of mental health disorders on health and productivity, however, has long been underestimated. It is partly due to the cultural stigma attached to mental disorders. The recent 2018 Malaysia's Healthiest Workplace survey reported that more than half of employees in the survey have been affected by job-related stress such as burnout, anxiety, depression, and could lead to suicide. The serious consequences of these mental health issues not only affecting the individual but also lead to negative impacts on the productivity and performance of the company. On the other hand, workplaces that promote good mental health, and support people with mental disorders are more likely to reduce absenteeism, increase productivity as well as could benefit from associated economic gains. It is crucial for the workplace to integrate mental health intervention in their health and wellbeing strategy.  Among the useful intervention is mindfulness training. Mindfulness is not only proven to reduce the work stress but also teaches the employees to appreciate life and positively cope with their job demands. This presentation outlines the benefits of mindfulness and how it can be applied in daily life.
Role of Natural Products in Aging Skin
Authors: Mahendran Sekar
Published: November 2019

Aging is an unavoidable progression in everyone's life and influenced by lifestyle, genetic as well as environmental factors. Herbal and plant extracts are used as antiaging since ancient times, but the evidence are still limited. Recent developments in antiaging investigation anticipated the use of natural products as the main ingredient in the formulations. Hence, this presentation focused to highlight the importance of twelve most popular medicinal plant extracts that have reported to have skin aging prevention potential. All these natural product extracts have a capacity to scavenge free radicals and defend skin matrix over the inhibition of enzymatic degradation. Some of the extracts promotes collagen synthesis in the skin and also affect the skin tightness and elasticity. However, the use of natural product extracts as an antiaging and anti-wrinkling it should be further explored using a wide range of in-vitro and in-vivo models to confirm its safety and efficacy before proceeding into the development of cosmetic products.
Being Fit is Trending: The good and ugly side of Fitness Trend 2019
Authors: Nur Ikhwan Mohamad
Published: November 2019

Benefits of improved physical fitness performance for daily life functions and sports performance are well documented. In general, modern and technological-based lifestyle brought together less requirements for physical movement in performing daily tasks. This resulted in an increasing percentage of obese or sedentary populations, especially in developing and developed countries. Health and fitness industry can be said booming in this condition. Exercises may be performed due to its proven benefits, but the motivation to continue performing it may also due to it being promoted as the trend of the time. Being fit is trending. This is when the commercialization of training methods begins. Fitness training methods works based on the concept of stimuli-responses-recovery-adaptation concepts. Training variables manipulation produces various types of fitness protocols and modalities. Wrongly manipulated variables practiced under the supervision of non-qualified fitness and medical professionals may resulted in a higher risk of injury and reducing the potential of achieving the desire outcome.  This presentation will discuss the top 20 past and current fitness trends and how its positive effect may actually turned to be bad for an individual's physiologically and biomechanically due to several reasons, as indicated by research.
Vaccines regulation in Malaysia
Authors: Jenny Thong Chen Ni
Published: November 2019

The National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) is the regulatory body under the Ministry of Health (MOH) that regulates medicines (including vaccines) and cosmetics in Malaysia.  NPRA is the organization body that safeguards the public health by ensuring medicines that are authorized to be in the Malaysian market are of quality, efficacious, and safe. The presentation will be focusing on the key areas in regards to vaccine regulations, including the registration pathway of vaccine, the requirements of registration of a vaccine in terms of quality, efficacy, and safety, and post-licensure activity for the vaccine (vaccine lot release). In addition, the presentation would also provide some relevant information, including the brief process of vaccine manufacturing, the contents of a vaccine, and also a case study encounter during the vaccine lot release commencement.
Doctors' perceived barriers and enablers of deprescribing among elderly patients in government health clinics in Northeast Penang Island District (NPID): A qualitative study
Authors: Vijitha Rajendran  , Balamurugan Tangiisuran
Published: November 2019

Deprescribing has been identified as the most appropriate way to reduce polypharmacy. Deprescribing is the process of withdrawal of inappropriate medication, supervised by a health care professional with the goal of managing polypharmacy and improving outcomes. The objective of this study is to explore the doctors’ perspectives on the barriers and enablers of deprescribing among geriatrics in government health clinics of NPID. A qualitative study was undertaken using the semi-structured, face-to-face interview in 8 government health clinics in NPID. Interviews were recorded with permission and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were read at least 3 times until themes were identified. Themes were identified with iterative building of a coding list until all data was accounted for. Interviews continued until saturation of ideas occurred. A thematic analysis was applied to identify themes related to deprescribing barriers or enablers. Interview was sought from 55 doctors, but only 15 responded. A saturation point was attained after interviewing 11 GPs. From the interview, 9 themes related to barriers, and 14 themes related to enablers of deprescribing were generated. The 9 barriers fall into 3 main categories, namely patients' factors, prescribers' factors, and health care system/processes. The 14 enablers fall 2 into 4 main categories, viz. prescriber deprescribing competencies, medication-specific outcomes, availability of empirical evidences, and pharmacist's role. Psychological barriers were the major barriers to deprescribing while prescribers’ deprescribing competencies were found to be the major enablers to deprescribing in geriatrics. Therefore, understanding the doctors’ perspectives on the barriers and enablers of deprescribing is crucial.
Cold chain time-and temperature-controlled transport of vaccines: a simulated experimental study
Authors: Chun Zheng Ng  , Yen Loong Lean  , Khairulanwar Husain  , Vijay Kotra  , Long Chiau Ming
Published: November 2019

Evidence has shown widespread failure to comply with standard recommendations for proper vaccine handling. The objective of this research is to examine the cold chain temperature maintenance for the supply of vaccines and other biological products by the pharmaceutical wholesaler. A study has shown that the packaging method and the material of the container are the most crucial part in the effectiveness of cold chain temperature maintenance. A total of ten vials of anti-tetanus vaccine were used as model vaccines in all six configurations. In this study, six different configurations using a container with different materials, insulation material, size, coolant-packs were used to simulate the configuration used by the pharmaceutical wholesaler and to study the impact of a number of coolant-pack. Each configuration was tested for five times over 24 hours using a large incubator set at 38°C. All four configurations are effective in cold chain transportation with a minimum of 13.5 hours of maintaining the desired temperature range of 2-8ºC, whereas both controlled experiments that were designed to study the impact on a number of coolant-pack used in Configuration 1 and 2 were not effective for cold chain transportation. This study has shown that Configuration 1 is the most effective configuration among 6 configurations in maintaining the desired temperature range during transportation, and correlation study has proven that no or very little correlation between internal and external temperature for all 6 configurations.
Copolymerization of starch-acrylamide by gamma irradiation for hydrogel
Authors: Gatot Trimulyadi Rekso  , Adjat Sudradjat
Published: November 2019

The present study aimed to synthesize and evaluate copolymerization of starch-acrylamide by gamma irradiation for hydrogel Copolymerization of gelatinized starch and acrylamide (AAm) in aqueous medium using γ-irradiation was carried out. The preparation conditions, such as irradiation dose and AAm concentration, were investigated. The copolymers were characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results show that by increasing of irradiation dose, the gel fraction increases till the dose of 15 kGy. Above the stating dose, the gel fraction decreases.  The Equilibrium Degree of Swelling (EDS) value slightly increases with increasing irradiation dose, and after a dose of 15 kGy is decreasing. The swelling of starch- AAm hydrogels reduced as the gel content increases.  The results indicated that the optimum condition for obtaining hydrogels with desirable properties is irradiated at a dose of 15 kGy. The results indicated that SEM revealed that the higher the dose, the lower the copolymer pore size. The starch-AAm copolymers have thermal stability higher than that for starch individually.
Knowledge and attitude towards adverse drug reactions reporting and pharmacovigilance: a survey among pharmacy, medicine and dentistry undergraduates in a public university
Authors: Nor Farhana Ab llah  , Mohd Ikhmal Hanif Abdul Khalid
Published: November 2019

This research was conducted to determine the current level of knowledge and attitude on ADR reporting and pharmacovigilance system among undergraduate healthcare professional students in one of the public universities in Malaysia. An adapted and validated questionnaires was used. Volunteers were recruited using convenience sampling. The questionnaire consisted of two sections A (demographic) and B (Knowledge, Attitude, and Perception on ADR reporting and Pharmacovigilance). Data collected were analyzed using SPSS version 23. A total of 113 undergraduate healthcare professional students participated, which consist of 80% female and 20% male (n=34 dentistry; n=30 medical and n=49 pharmacy). Overall mean level of knowledge on ADR reporting and pharmacovigilance system among undergraduate healthcare professional students (mean= 3.79; SD = 0.61) was moderately knowledgeable. There was no significant mean difference between healthcare professional students except for dentistry with p-value 0.97 at 95% confident interval. The overall mean level of attitude and perception on ADR reporting and pharmacovigilance (mean = 3.90; SD = 0.44) was moderately positive. Least Significant Difference showed no significant different mean among healthcare professionals except dentistry with p-value 0.02 at 95% confident interval. All undergraduate professional students showed a moderately knowledgeable and positive attitude toward ADR reporting and pharmacovigilance system in Malaysia. This study showed a positive development among undergraduate professionals as compared to the previous study. A high knowledge and positive attitude are required to ensure Malaysia do not experience under-reporting of ADR; thus do not jeopardize Malaysian safety.
Determination of antidiabetic activity of aqueous and alcoholic senna alata leaf extract
Authors: SA Abbas  , Yeoh KY  , Allan Mathews  , Ayesha Fatima  , ABM Helaluddin
Published: November 2019

This study is conducted to determine the antidiabetic activity capabilities of both aqueous and alcoholic extracts of Senna alata. Route of administration was by oral intubation on diabetic-induced Sprague Dawley rats through single dose intraperitoneal injection of a diabetogenic agent, Streptozotocin 55mg/kg. This study consists of 9 groups with 4 rats each, Group 1 serves as a control group, Group 2 will be treated with a standard antidiabetic drug, Metformin as a positive control, Group 3 acts as a negative control with no treatment, Group 4 to group 6 will be given aqueous extract of doses from 2 to 8g/kg and Group 7 to group 9 were treated with alcoholic extract of the same dosage strength of Group 4 to 6. Group 2 to 9 were fasted prior to the administration of STZ. Blood glucose was measured on the first two days, three times a week after administration of STZ to confirm rats have reached diabetic FBS blood glucose levels of more than 7.5mmol/L. Both aqueous and alcoholic treatments were administrated BID for a duration of 7 days, and blood glucose levels measured at 2-day intervals. There is a significant reduction (P<0.05) in blood glucose levels for Group 6, Group 8, and Group 9 when compared to Group 3 (negative control). Groups that have a significant reduction in blood glucose levels were comparable to Group 2 (positive control) but were still not as efficacious as standard drug Metformin. (p >0.05) These groups are Group 6 (high dose aqueous extract 12g/kg) and Group 9 (high dose alcohol extract 12g/kg). Groups administered with alcoholic extracts were shown to lower blood glucose levels compared to aqueous extracts. The alcoholic extract has exhibited significant higher hypoglycemic effects on STZ induced diabetic rats compared to aqueous extract. No side effects were observed during the course of treatment, even with high dosages.
Better deadlift performance comes with higher hamstring tighness: An assessment on Perak Sukma 2018 Female Rugby Players
Authors: Nur Ikhwan Mohamad  , Mohansundar Sankaravel  , Nor Fazila Abd Malek
Published: November 2019

The study investigates the correlation between deadlift exercise, used as maximum strength performance indicator among athletes, with their hamstring tightness level, which may indicate the risk of injury. Twelve female rugby players (body weight 52.73 ± 6.90 kg, height 156 ± 5.77 cm) selected for Perak SUKMA 2018 team were assessed during centralized training ~9 months prior to the competition. Active Knee Extension Test (AKET) was assessed by a qualified physiotherapist, with the deadlift one-repetition maximum (1-RM) test conducted afterwards by a qualified strength and conditioning expert. Standardized warm-up and cooling down exercises were performed pre and post-exercise regimen, respectively. Pearson correlation coefficient was used for statistical analysis. Both left and right leg AKET measurements showed a negative correlation (r=-0.346 left, r=-0.174 right) with deadlift (average 1-RM load 50.83 ± 9.00 kg) performance. It can be concluded that better deadlift performance was also associated with higher hamstring tightness, thus reduced in a degree of range of movement. Practically it is suggested that a strength training programme should always be followed by a muscle flexibility training programme, apart from normal conventional stretching before and after exercises.