Student attitudes and barriers of undergraduate pharmacy students towards scientific research: A preliminary study

This study aimed to evaluate attitudes and barriers towards scientific research among undergraduate pharmacy students. This preliminary descriptive study took place between August and December 2018 and included 200 students of year 3 and year 4 from Kuliyyah of Pharmacy in IIUM, Kuantan. A validated questionnaire survey with 15 close-ended questions and two open-ended questions were designed to evaluate students’ attitudes and barriers towards research. Responses were scored on a 5-point Likert scale. A total of 200 students participated in the study (response rate: 90%). Of these, 150 (75%) were female. A positive attitude towards research was reported by 80% of the students. No statistically significant differences were observed between genders with regards to attitudes towards and available resources for research (P = 0.500 and 0.200, respectively). Our result shows that the senior (Year 4) students had a significantly more positive attitude towards research compared to year 3 students (P = 0.005). A total of 78% students agreed that research is important for student and that they had sufficient resources for research. The participants reported barriers to embark on research included time management restrictions (n = 80; 40%), lack of research mentors (n = 30; 15%), lack of formal research analysis/methodology training (n = 20; 10%) and troubles in conducting literature searches (n = 20; 10%). According to the survey, pharmacy students had a positive attitude towards scientific research. Participants reported that research is relevant for their course, and the students need more formal training. The result of this study could be the basis for future study which may encourage positive research attitudes among student. Attention should be given to minimize the barriers identified in this study

Brief Review and Islamic perspective: Common Mental Health Challenges amongst Undergraduate Universities Students in South East Asia

Introduction: Mental health issue should not be taken lightly. As modernization paves its way into today’s world, the burden of mental disorders increases. The aim of this review is to identify the prevalence of mental health problems among university undergraduates in ASEAN region, influencing factors, effects and types of interventions conducted to manage the problems. Brief Islamic perspective is also embedded in this review. Methodology: Relevant literatures were reviewed based on a combination of one or more of the following keywords: Mental health problems, South East Asia region, College, Undergraduate Universities. An Islamic perspective on mental issue was extracted using the primary sources (related Qur’anic verses and Hadith) as well as secondary sources (fatwa; Islamic jurisprudence, made by Islamic scholars). Results: This review revealed significant proportion of university students were inflicted with mental health disorders ranging from depression, anxiety, suicidality, self-injury and eating disorders with many underlying factors behind it. The effects of mental health problems were detrimental because they caused academic, physical, psychological and social impairment. However, several interventions such as mindfulness-based therapy, biofeedback intervention and counselling have been proven beneficial. In Islamic view, mental health issue can be discussed through several perspectives: trial and tribulation of life, seeking treatment in Islam and prejudice towards mental illnesses. Conclusion: This review highlighted that mental health is a growing problem with an interplay of multiple factors and deleterious effects. This study would also like to assert the importance of mental health programs among students to prevent prejudices against them. The main outcome of this review would allow various parties. i.e. the university, the community, health scientists, medical practitioners and, to be cognizant pertaining mental health issue

Structural and functional characterization of Legionella pneumophila effector MavL

Abstract: Legionella pneumophila is a Gram-negative intracellular pathogen that causes Legionnaires' disease in elderly or immunocompromised individuals. This bacterium relies on the Dot/Icm (Defective in organelle trafficking/Intracellular multiplication) Type IV Secretion System (T4SS) and a large (>330) set of effector proteins to colonize the host cell. The structural variability of these effectors allows them to disrupt many host processes. Herein, we report the crystal structure of MavL to 2.65 Å resolution. MavL adopts an ADP-ribosyltransferase (ART) fold and contains the distinctive ligand-binding cleft of ART proteins. Indeed, MavL binds ADP-ribose with Kd of 13 µM. Structural overlay of MavL with poly-(ADP-ribose) glycohydrolases (PARGs) revealed a pair of aspartate residues in MavL that align with the catalytic glutamates in PARGs. MavL also aligns with ADP-ribose “reader” proteins (proteins that recognize ADP-ribose). Since no glycohydrolase activity was observed when incubated in the presence of ADP-ribosylated PARP1, MavL may play a role as a signaling protein that binds ADP-ribose. An interaction between MavL and the mammalian ubiquitinconjugating enzyme UBE2Q1 was revealed by yeast two-hybrid and co-immunoprecipitation experiments. This work provides structural and molecular insights to guide biochemical studies aimed at elucidating the function of MavL. Our findings support the notion that ubiquitination and ADP-ribosylation are global modifications exploited by L. pneumophila

A short review on Islamic perspective related to knowledge, attitude and attitudes practice towards vaccination

Study aims: UNICEF reported pneumonia remains one of the single largest killers of young children worldwide regardless of steady development of the nation. Diarrheal disease comes as second contributor. The preventive measure through vaccination program is one method that can decrease mortality rate. However, increasing number of parents are refusing vaccines. The authors agree vaccination which is an important intervention correlate well with the priorities of Islamic jurisprudence (Maqasid as-Shariah); the preservation of life comes only second after the preservation of Deen. From Islamic points of view, life is a gift from Allah (SWT) and its protection and continuation is of greatest value and need. Therefore, Tthis preliminary and on-going study has the objective to firstly, investigate and evaluate knowledge, awareness attitude and perception from parents on vaccination, and secondly, to understand the Islamic worldview in vaccination. Methods: A short review was performed through PubMed and Scopus scientific databases. Simultaneously, an on-going survey study is performed to determine teachers and parents perception towards vaccination. Results: Overall, several papers were reviewed for this short review. A lack of knowledge on vaccination purpose, contents and effects were noticed. Parents’ decision to vaccinate their children can be influenced by the followings; religion and ethnicity (Bray & Keating, 2012; Forster et al., 2016), upbringing and migration factors (Colgrove 2006), and concern on the side effects. Some parents resist to vaccinate their children due to the ‘halalness’ issue of the vaccine and believing that vaccine could do more harm than good (Personal communication between author with parents attending public health clinic in Kuantan, Pahang). Conclusions: It would be essential to strengthen educational initiatives in the clinic and community to correctly inform patients on the important of vaccination. The Islamic inputs such as ‘istihalah’ in vaccine manufacturing should be explained in order to increase their understanding towards this matter

Significance of prophets advise, teachings in relevance with the COVID 19 pandemic

The world has been afflicted with global health catastrophe ever since the start of 21st century. Covid19, a novel upper respiratory virus emerged causing pandemic which has put many countries on lockdown to put the viral infection at halt. Malaysian is not spared in this situation. As per September 2020, COVID-19 has affected almost 31 million people worldwide with Malaysia stood at 96th rank (WHO, 21st September 2020). The total number of deaths in Malaysia are 130 at the time this article was submitted (CPRC, 23rd September 2020). This pandemic knows no boundaries with latest standard operation procedures (SOPs) have been developed covering from education, business, and other essential sectors. In Malaysia, Covid-19 crisis has also demonstrated the symbiotic relationship between the governments, health professionals and the public people, who facilitates each other regardless of race and religion to ease the burden of the traumatized community. This article deals with the prophet advise, teachings and Islamic approaches and their significance during current situation. Thus, we must take cognizance of the guidance from the best previous generation. There are many lessons we can benefited from the prophet’s time. Islam have always encourage science, peace and highlight the importance of humanity

Viral infections: Brief review and prevention from Islamic perspectives

Introduction: The magnitude of diseases caused by viral pathogens is enormous. Some types of virus frequently leading to chronic infections which cause significant medical and economic issues. Viral agents are constantly emerging or re-emerging with the recent Coronavirus outbreak causing panic to the people worldwide. Methodology: Relevant literatures were reviewed based on a combination of one or more of the following keywords: infection, viral diseases, modes of transmission, prevention control. Islamic perspective related to the topic was extracted using the primary sources (related Qur’anic verses and Hadith) as well as secondary sources (fatwa; Islamic jurisprudence, made by Islamic scholars). Results: This review focuses on an intelligible framework that highlights the differences between various modes of viral transmission and prevention. Conclusion: Understanding viral modes of transmission and prevention methods may allow for improved surveillance and prevention measures. This review also demonstrates prevention methods from Islamic beliefs in order to control future occurrence of disease outbreaks. Another major outcome of this review would allow various parties. i.e. students, university, the community, health scientists, medical practitioners to be cognizant pertaining viral infection

Vaccination: influencing factors and view from an Islamic perspective

Vaccine refusing and hesitant among parents has created a delicate issue for the health care providers because of its sensitivity in cultural differences, educational backgrounds and to a certain extent, politically motivated. Vaccination, which is an important intervention, correlates well with the priorities of Islamic jurisprudence (Maqasid al-Shariah); that states the preservation of life comes second after the preservation of Deen (religion). From the Islamic point of view, life is a gift from Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala (SWT; the Most Glorified, the Most High) and its protection and continuation is of greatest value and need. Aims: This brief article has the objective to firstly, investigate factors that influence vaccination, and secondly, understand the Islamic perspective on vaccination. Methodology: Relevant literatures were reviewed based on a combination of one or more of the following keywords: vaccine, vaccination decision, vaccine hesitancy, factors influencing vaccine, vaccine impact, Islamic perspective and Muslims practice. An Islamic perspective on vaccination was extracted using the primary sources (related Qur’anic verses and Hadith) as well as secondary sources (fatwa; Islamic jurisprudence, made by Islamic scholars). Lastly, the current available Shariah rulings on vaccination and the related principles involved were analyzed. Conclusion: The main outcome of this review would allow various parties. i.e. the community, health scientists, medical practitioners and vaccine manufacturers, to be cognizant in both earlier and recent Shariah rulings pertaining vaccination

In vitro antibacterial activity of Averrhoa bilimbi L. leaves and fruits extracts

The present study was carried out to determine the in vitro antibacterial activity of aqueous and chloroform extracts of the leaves and fruits of Averrhoa bilimbi L. using the standard disc diffusion test. The air-dried leaves and fruits of A. bilimbi were separately soaked in distilled water or chloroform (1:10; wv-1) for 24 h and the resultant supernatants were filtered. The aqueous extract was freeze-dried while the chloroform extract was evaporated to dryness under reduce pressure to obtained the crude dried extracts, which were prepared in the concentration of 25, 50 and 100 mg mL 1 prior to the antibacterial assay. The results obtained demonstrated the potential of A. bilimbi extracts against some of the Gram-positive and-negative bacteria. The 100 mg mL 1 aqueous extract of A. bilimbi’s leaves and fruits showed positive antibacterial activity against the Gram-positive S. aureus, S. epidermis B. cereus, C. diphteriae with the latter also gave positive effect against K. rhizophila. Both extracts also exhibited positive antibacterial activity against the Gram-negative S. typhi, C. fuendii and A. hydrophila. On the other hand, the 100 mg mL 1 chloroform extracts of A. bilimbi’s leaves and fruits demonstrated antibacterial activity against the Gram-positive S. aureus, S. epidermis, B. cereus, K. rhizophila and C. diphteriae and Gram-negative S. typhi, C. fuendii, A. hydrophila and P. vulgaris. In conclusion, the A. bilimbi leaves and fruits possess potential antibacterial activity that requires thorough study

Effects of diet and exercise in reversing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: a systematic review

Introduction: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder due to the body's ineffectiveness in responding to insulin. The prevalence of T2DM in Malaysia is increasing from year to year. Besides, diabetes is one of the Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) which are the leading cause of premature death due to its complications in Malaysia. Although pharmacological and surgical interventions are available in controlling T2DM, lifestyle modification provides an alternative way to reverse T2DM as the development of diabetes mellitus is highly related to lifestyle. The modifiable risk factors that lead to the causation of diabetes include being overweight or obese, a sedentary lifestyle, and being physically inactive. Losing weight through exercise and diet control is effective in delaying the progression of T2DM. It also improves cardiometabolic disease progression as an increase in insulin sensitivity. Diet and exercise are lifestyle interventions that can reduce weight. Thus, this systematic review aims to study the effectiveness of diet and exercise in reversing T2DM. Methods & Results: According to PRISMA guidelines, PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library Database were used in this study for searching the related studies. 12 studies that investigated the effectiveness of diet and exercise in reversing T2DM were obtained and reviewed. The main search keywords were linked using the Boolean operators "AND" and "OR. Risk-of-bias assessment was done using JBI critical appraisal tools. Most of the studies reported a significant decline in BMI, fasting plasma glucose, and HbA1c values of intervention groups. Some studies reported T2DM remission and medication reduction after the intervention. Conclusion: Diet and exercise effectively reverse T2DM as significant weight loss was achieved. However, the long-term effect should be further evaluated as reviewed studies were limited in duration

Stress and poor quality of sleep: risk factors contributing to type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background and Aims: Sleep can affect blood sugar levels, and blood glucose control can also affect person’s sleep. This can be considered as vicious cycle. Stress and lack of sleep have been shown to increase blood sugar levels and the risk of diabetes mellitus. This study conducted at Hospital Pekan and aimed to evaluate how perceived stress score (PSS) and quality of sleep are influent to Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus patients. In addition, this study determined to check the statistically significant difference between the T2DM patients and healthy group based on the biochemical parameters. Methods: A case-control comparative study was conducted to recognize the contribution of stress and sleep quality in total of 98 subjects. Among 98 subjects, 49 were healthy and the rest were T2DM patients. R studio was used for conducting the statistical analyses. First, descriptive analyses were performed to describe the data in general. Next, independent t-test was employed to find the significance of difference between healthy and T2DM patients based on the PSS, quality of sleep and biochemical parameters. Results: The mean of PSS for T2DM patient was 48.27 ±5.72 which was higher than healthy group’s mean value (28.92±4.03). Meanwhile, the mean of Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score was 7.24±2.35 in T2DM patients and 4.84±2.81 in normal healthy adults. The results found that the T2DM patients have high stress and less sleep quality as compared to the healthy group. In addition, the item scale showed adequate internal reliability with a Cronbach’s coefficient alpha of . Moreover, the biochemical parameters namely FBG, Triglyceride, HDL-c, LDL-c, HbA1c, and serum cortisol were observed a significant difference between the T2DM patients and healthy group. Conclusions: This study provides the strong evidence that T2DM patients have poorer psychological wellbeing contrasting with control group. Moreover, this Psycho-physiological study highlighted that stress and sleep disturbance in diabetes patient lead to poor glycaemic control and consequently deteriorate the biochemical changes in body. This noble finding suggests expending the investigation with larger sample size in Malaysia