Depression and its associated factors among secondary school students in Malaysia

Research in the field of factors associated with depression among adolescents is lacking in Malaysia. The aims of the present study were to assess the current prevalence of depression and its related factors among secondary school students in Pasir Gudang, South Malaysia. In this cross sectional study, 2,927 secondary school students (13-17 years old) from urban areas were screened for symptoms of mental disorder as well as demographic and risk behaviors using a validated Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS) 12 questionnaire. The majority of the respondents (53.8%) were Malay, of which 53.1% were female. Symptoms of mild depression were found in 33.2% of the respondents, while the prevalence of the symptoms of moderate, severe, and extremely severe depression was 21.5%, 18.1%, and 3.0%, respectively. Logistic regression suggested that participants who were Chinese or had a lower average grade were three times more likely to have depression, while those who came from a single-parent family were twice as likely to have this condition. This study indicated that academic performance and risk behaviors along with the demographic characteristics are important contributors to adolescent depression

Psychosocial problem and its associated factors among adolescents in the secondary schools in Pasir Gudang, Johor

Introduction: Adolescence is a crucial period with impressive emotional changes. Emotional disorders such as depression, anxiety and stress are high among adolescents worldwide; however the psychosocial changes are often neglected. The aim of the current study was to determine the depression, anxiety and stress symptoms and their associated factors among adolescents. Methods: A cross-sectional study using cluster sampling was carried out among school-going adolescents in 10 secondary schools in Pasir Gudang, Johor, Malaysia. Respondents answered a self-administered questionnaire including socio-demographic, Inventory of Parent and Peer Attachment (IPPA), Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) and Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Using SPSS-21, chi-square test and binomial logistic regression were conducted to examine the associations between dependent and independent variables. Results: Respondents (52.6% female and 53.9% Malay) had 46.0% prevalence of depression symptoms, 59.1% anxiety, 38.1% stress and 45.6% psychosocial status (internalizing and externalizing problems). Age, father occupation and parental bonding were significantly predicted having moderate to extremely severe depression symptom (p<0.05). Younger adolescents (13-14 years old) were 1.42 times more likely to have anxiety symptom. In addition, respondents with insecure father attachment were 1.5 times more likely to have stress symptom (p<0.05). Respondents with insecure parental attachment were more likely to have psychosocial problem (p<0.05). Conclusions: Depression, anxiety and stress of adolescents were influenced by the sociodemographic of adolescents and their parents. Age, gender and parental attachment were the significant predictors in the current study which should be the center of attention for the future studies to reduce the psychological disorders among adolescents

Recent advances in passive cooling methods for photovoltaic performance enhancement

The electrical output performance of photovoltaic (PV) modules are sensitive to temperature variations and the intensity of solar irradiance under prolonged exposure. Only 20% of solar irradiance is converted into useful electricity, and the remaining are dissipated as heat which in turns increases the module operating temperature. The increase in module operating temperature has an adverse impact on the open-circuit voltage (Voc), which results in the power conversion efficiency reduction and irreversible cell degradation rate. Hence, proper cooling methods are essential to maintain the module operating temperature within the standard test conditions (STC). This paper presents an overview of passive cooling methods for its feasibility and economic viability in comparison with active cooling. Three different passive cooling approaches are considered, namely phase change material (PCM), fin heat sink, and radiative cooling covering the discussions on the achieved cooling efficiency. The understanding of the above-mentioned state-of-the-art cooling technologies is vital for further modifications of existing PV modules to improve the efficiency of electrical output

Perovskite Nanoparticles

2D perovskite nanoparticles have a great potential for using in optoelectronic devices such as Solar Cells and Light Emitting Diodes within their tuneable optic and structural properties. In this chapter, it is aimed to express “relation between chemical structures and photo-physical behaviours of perovskite nanoparticles and milestones for their electronic applications”. Initially, general synthesis methods of perovskite nanoparticles have been explained. Furthermore, advantages and disadvantages of the methods have been discussed. After the synthesis, formation of 2D perovskite crystal and effects on shape factor, particle size and uniformity of perovskite have been explained in detail. Beside these, optic properties of luminescent perovskite nanoparticles have been summarized a long with spectral band tuning via size and composition changes. In addition, since their different optical properties and relatively more stable chemical structure under ambient conditions, a comprehensive compilation of opto-electronic applications of 2D perovskite nanoparticles have been prepared

Diagnosis of Cervical Cancer and Pre-Cancerous Lesions by Artificial Intelligence: A Systematic Review

The likelihood of timely treatment for cervical cancer increases with timely detection of abnormal cervical cells. Automated methods of detecting abnormal cervical cells were established because manual identification requires skilled pathologists and is time consuming and prone to error. The purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate the diagnostic performance of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies for the prediction, screening, and diagnosis of cervical cancer and pre-cancerous lesions

Low-Cost High-Throughput Genotyping for Diagnosing Familial Hypercholesterolemia

BACKGROUND: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a common but underdiagnosed genetic disorder characterized by high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and premature cardiovascular disease. Current sequencing methods to diagnose FH are expensive and time-consuming. In this study, we evaluated the accuracy of a low-cost, high-throughput genotyping array for diagnosing FH. METHODS: An Illumina Global Screening Array was customized to include probes for 636 variants, previously classified as FH-causing variants. First, its theoretical coverage was assessed in all FH variant carriers diagnosed through next-generation sequencing between 2016 and 2022 in the Netherlands (n=1772). Next, the performance of the array was validated in another sample of FH variant carriers previously identified in the Dutch FH cascade screening program (n=1268). RESULTS: The theoretical coverage of the array for FH-causing variants was 91.3%. Validation of the array was assessed in a sample of 1268 carriers of whom 1015 carried a variant in LDLR, 250 in APOB, and 3 in PCSK9. The overall sensitivity was 94.7% and increased to 98.2% after excluding participants with variants not included in the array design. Copy number variation analysis yielded a 89.4% sensitivity. In 18 carriers, the array identified a total of 19 additional FH-causing variants. Subsequent DNA analysis confirmed 5 of the additionally identified variants, yielding a false-positive result in 16 subjects (1.3%).CONCLUSIONS: The FH genotyping array is a promising tool for genetically diagnosing FH at low costs and has the potential to greatly increase accessibility to genetic testing for FH. Continuous customization of the array will further improve its performance.</p

Inhibition of PHLPP1/2 phosphatases rescues pancreatic β-cells in diabetes

Pancreatic β-cell failure is the key pathogenic element of the complex metabolic deterioration in type 2 diabetes (T2D); its underlying pathomechanism is still elusive. Here, we identify pleckstrin homology domain leucine-rich repeat protein phosphatases 1 and 2 (PHLPP1/2) as phosphatases whose upregulation leads to β-cell failure in diabetes. PHLPP levels are highly elevated in metabolically stressed human and rodent diabetic β-cells. Sustained hyper-activation of mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) is the primary mechanism of the PHLPP upregulation linking chronic metabolic stress to ultimate β-cell death. PHLPPs directly dephosphorylate and regulate activities of β-cell survival-dependent kinases AKT and MST1, constituting a regulatory triangle loop to control β-cell apoptosis. Genetic inhibition of PHLPPs markedly improves β-cell survival and function in experimental models of diabetes in vitro, in vivo, and in primary human T2D islets. Our study presents PHLPPs as targets for functional regenerative therapy of pancreatic β cells in diabetes

Estimates, trends, and drivers of the global burden of type 2 diabetes attributable to PM<inf>2·5</inf> air pollution, 1990–2019: an analysis of data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

Background: Experimental and epidemiological studies indicate an association between exposure to particulate matter (PM) air pollution and increased risk of type 2 diabetes. In view of the high and increasing prevalence of diabetes, we aimed to quantify the burden of type 2 diabetes attributable to PM2·5 originating from ambient and household air pollution. Methods: We systematically compiled all relevant cohort and case-control studies assessing the effect of exposure to household and ambient fine particulate matter (PM2·5) air pollution on type 2 diabetes incidence and mortality. We derived an exposure–response curve from the extracted relative risk estimates using the MR-BRT (meta-regression—Bayesian, regularised, trimmed) tool. The estimated curve was linked to ambient and household PM2·5 exposures from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2019, and estimates of the attributable burden (population attributable fractions and rates per 100 000 population of deaths and disability-adjusted life-years) for 204 countries from 1990 to 2019 were calculated. We also assessed the role of changes in exposure, population size, age, and type 2 diabetes incidence in the observed trend in PM2·5-attributable type 2 diabetes burden. All estimates are presented with 95% uncertainty intervals. Findings: In 2019, approximately a fifth of the global burden of type 2 diabetes was attributable to PM2·5 exposure, with an estimated 3·78 (95% uncertainty interval 2·68–4·83) deaths per 100 000 population and 167 (117–223) disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) per 100 000 population. Approximately 13·4% (9·49–17·5) of deaths and 13·6% (9·73–17·9) of DALYs due to type 2 diabetes were contributed by ambient PM2·5, and 6·50% (4·22–9·53) of deaths and 5·92% (3·81–8·64) of DALYs by household air pollution. High burdens, in terms of numbers as well as rates, were estimated in Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, and South America. Since 1990, the attributable burden has increased by 50%, driven largely by population growth and ageing. Globally, the impact of reductions in household air pollution was largely offset by increased ambient PM2·5. Interpretation: Air pollution is a major risk factor for diabetes. We estimated that about a fifth of the global burden of type 2 diabetes is attributable PM2·5 pollution. Air pollution mitigation therefore might have an essential role in reducing the global disease burden resulting from type 2 diabetes. Funding: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Trends in HIV/AIDS morbidity and mortality in Eastern 3 Mediterranean countries, 1990–2015: findings from the Global 4 Burden of Disease 2015 study

Objectives We used the results of the Global Burden of Disease 2015 study to estimate trends of HIV/AIDS burden in Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) countries between 1990 and 2015. Methods Tailored estimation methods were used to produce final estimates of mortality. Years of life lost (YLLs) were calculated by multiplying the mortality rate by population by age-specific life expectancy. Years lived with disability (YLDs) were computed as the prevalence of a sequela multiplied by its disability weight. Results In 2015, the rate of HIV/AIDS deaths in the EMR was 1.8 (1.4–2.5) per 100,000 population, a 43% increase from 1990 (0.3; 0.2–0.8). Consequently, the rate of YLLs due to HIV/AIDS increased from 15.3 (7.6–36.2) per 100,000 in 1990 to 81.9 (65.3–114.4) in 2015. The rate of YLDs increased from 1.3 (0.6–3.1) in 1990 to 4.4 (2.7–6.6) in 2015. Conclusions HIV/AIDS morbidity and mortality increased in the EMR since 1990. To reverse this trend and achieve epidemic control, EMR countries should strengthen HIV surveillance,and scale up HIV antiretroviral therapy and comprehensive prevention services

Burnout among surgeons before and during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: an international survey

Background: SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has had many significant impacts within the surgical realm, and surgeons have been obligated to reconsider almost every aspect of daily clinical practice. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study reported in compliance with the CHERRIES guidelines and conducted through an online platform from June 14th to July 15th, 2020. The primary outcome was the burden of burnout during the pandemic indicated by the validated Shirom-Melamed Burnout Measure. Results: Nine hundred fifty-four surgeons completed the survey. The median length of practice was 10&nbsp;years; 78.2% included were male with a median age of 37&nbsp;years old, 39.5% were consultants, 68.9% were general surgeons, and 55.7% were affiliated with an academic institution. Overall, there was a significant increase in the mean burnout score during the pandemic; longer years of practice and older age were significantly associated with less burnout. There were significant reductions in the median number of outpatient visits, operated cases, on-call hours, emergency visits, and research work, so, 48.2% of respondents felt that the training resources were insufficient. The majority (81.3%) of respondents reported that their hospitals were included in the management of COVID-19, 66.5% felt their roles had been minimized; 41% were asked to assist in non-surgical medical practices, and 37.6% of respondents were included in COVID-19 management. Conclusions: There was a significant burnout among trainees. Almost all aspects of clinical and research activities were affected with a significant reduction in the volume of research, outpatient clinic visits, surgical procedures, on-call hours, and emergency cases hindering the training. Trial registration: The study was registered on clicaltrials.gov "NCT04433286" on 16/06/2020