Prevalence of Hypertension and Diabetes in Severe COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Study from Single Center, Kabul.

Introduction: Previous studies have reported an association between certain medical conditions, such as hypertension and diabetes, and severe COVID-19. Objective: To determine the prevalence of hypertension and diabetes among severe COVID-19 patients who were admitted to the only specialized center for COVID-19 in Kabul, Afghan-Japan Hospital Kabul, Afghanistan. Methods: A cross-sectional design was utilized, including 202 patients, admitted to Afghan-Japan Hospital during the first six months of 2022. Medical records of patients tested positive for COVID-19 via Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with oxygen saturation levels below 90% at the time of admission were included in the study. Age, sex, and the presence of hypertension and diabetes were the studied variables. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis. Results: The median age of the patients were 63 (IQR=54.75-75) years. Males and females each accounting for 50% of the total, and the majority of the patients (50.5%) were in the age group 60-79. Of 202 patients, 143 (70.8%) had hypertension, 42 (20.8%) had diabetes, 147 patients (72.77%) had at least one of these comorbidities. Fifty-five patients (27.22%) were without diabetes and without hypertension. The prevalence of hypertension and diabetes was higher among female, ie, 57.1% and 54.5% respectively. Patients in the 40-59 year old group had the highest rate of hypertension (75.6%). The highest prevalence of diabetes was seen in the 60-79 year old group. Conclusion: The study found a higher prevalence of hypertension in severe COVID-19 cases compared to global reports and the general adult population in Afghanistan. The relationship between hypertension and COVID-19 risk needs further investigation. The prevalence of diabetes was also higher, consistent with findings from other countries.

Understanding The Mimicker: Epidemiological Pattern and Determinant of Melioidosis Mortality in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia.

BACKGROUND: Melioidosis, a tropical infectious disease caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, is epidemic in most region in Southeast Asia with high case fatality. However, there is scanty information regarding the disease's epidemiological pattern, demographics, and underlying risk factors. METHOD: This 5-year retrospective study of 185 confirmed cases which were taken from the Negeri Sembilan Melioidosis Registry between 2018 and 2022. We aim to describe the incidence, mortality rate, case fatality, relationship with meteorology, and factors that influence mortality in this central region of Peninsular Malaysia. RESULTS: Incidence rate (IR) of melioidosis in Negeri Sembilan is varied at 1.9 to 5.1 with mean of 3.1 in 100,000 population per year. IR varied between districts in the state from zero to 22.01 in 100,000 population per year. Mortality rate were ranged from 0.17 to 0.74 cases with mean of 0.44 cases in 100,000 population per year. The case fatality rate of this state scattered from 8.70% to 16.67%. There were no significant linear associations between cases and deaths with monthly rainfall and humidity. The mean age of patients was 52.8 years, predominated with age around 41-60 years old. Males (77.8%) predominated, and the majority of cases were Malays (88.9%) and had exposed to soil related activities (74.6%). Mortality from melioidosis was more likely in Bumiputera and non-Malaysians (p<0.05). Patients who had at least one comorbidity were at a higher risk of death from melioidosis (p<0.05). Diabetes mellitus was found in 41.1% of all identified cases, making it a major underlying risk factor for both developing and dying from melioidosis (aOR:19.32, 95%CI:1.91-195.59, p<0.05). Hypertension and mortality status in melioidosis are also significantly correlated (aOR: 7.75, 95% CI: 2.26-26.61, p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The epidemiological patterns of cases reported from Negeri Sembilan are consistent for the most part from previous studies in other states in Malaysia and global with regard to its incidence, case fatality, demographic and predisposing chronic diseases. Diabetes mellitus and hypertension were significantly linked to increased mortality among all determinants.

Effects of land use/cover change on heavy metal distribution of soils in wetlands and ecological risk assessment.

This study aimed to determine the impact of land use/cover changes on the heavy metal content in the Sultan Marshland and surrounding area and assess the pollution status. 54 topsoil samples (0-20 cm) were collected from the Rangeland, Farmland, Scrubland, Southern Marshland, Northern Marshland, and Dry Lake areas. The heavy metal contents of the soil samples (Cr, Pb, Fe, Zn, Cu, Co, Mn, Cd, Mo, As, and Ni) were determined using ICP-MS and ICP-OES devices. The impact of land use/cover change on soil heavy metal content was evaluated using variance analysis, while differences between groups were identified using the Duncan test. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was conducted to identify potential sources of heavy metals. The contamination status of the soils was evaluated based on land use/cover using the Contamination Factor (Cf), Pollution Load Index (PLI), Ecological Risk Factor (Er), and Potential Ecological Risk Index (PERI). Changes in land use/cover around the Sultan Marshlands affected heavy metal distribution of the soils except for Cd. Among all land use/cover types, Fe concentration was the highest in the soils, while Cd concentration was the lowest. Soils in Southern Marshland exhibited higher average concentrations of Cr, Fe, Zn, Co, Cu, and Ni compared to other land uses/covers. Farmlands and rangelands had higher concentrations of Cd, As and Pb. Land use/cover was ranked based on the total heavy metal load in the following order in terms of average values: Southern Marshland > Scrubland > Farmland > Rangeland > Northern Marshland > Dry Lake. According to Cf, the soils in the Dry Lake were exposed to considerable levels of As contamination. Based on PLI, half of the soil sampling points in the Southern Marshland soils showed a degradation in environmental quality. Er indicated that all land uses moderately polluted with Cd. According to the average PERI, all soils under different land use/cover types were categorized as having a low ecological risk. It was believed that heavy metals originated from both natural and human activities. To ensure the sustainability of the ecosystem and to mitigate the risk of heavy metal pollution entering the food chain, it is recommended to manage farming and mining activities and land use habits.

Effects of insulin-like growth factor-1 on the mRNA expression of estradiol receptors, steroidogenic enzymes, and steroid production in bovine follicles.

Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) plays a crucial role in follicular growth and stimulates steroid hormone production in bovine follicles. Steroid hormones are synthesized through the actions of steroidogenic enzymes, specifically STAR, CYP11A1, HSD3B, and CYP19A1 in both theca cells (TCs) and granulosa cells (GCs), under the influence of gonadotropins. Particularly, estradiol 17ß (E2) assumes a central role in follicular development and selection by activating estrogen receptors ß (ESR2) in GCs. We assessed ESR2 mRNA expression in GCs of developing follicles and investigated the impact of IGF-1 on the mRNA expression of ESR2, CYP19A1, FSHR, and LHCGR, STAR, CYP11A1, and HSD17B in cultured GCs and TCs, respectively. Additionally, we assessed the influence of IGF-1 on androstenedione (A4), progesterone (P4), and testosterone (T) production in TCs. Small-sized follicles (< 6 mm) exhibited the highest levels of ESR2 mRNA expression, whereas medium-sized follicles (7-8 mm) displayed higher levels than large-sized follicles (≥ 9 mm) (P < 0.05). IGF-1 increased the mRNA expression of ESR2, CYP19A1, and FSHR in GCs of follicles of both sizes, except for FSHR mRNA in medium-sized follicles (P < 0.05). IGF-1 significantly elevated mRNA expression of LHCGR, STAR, CYP11A1, and CYP17B in TCs of small- and medium-sized follicles (P < 0.05). Moreover, IGF-1 augmented the production of A4 and P4 but had no impact on T production in TCs of small- and medium-sized follicles. Taken together, our findings indicate that IGF-1 upregulates steroidogenic enzymes and steroid hormone production, underscoring the crucial role of IGF-1 in follicle development and selection.

Rabies in Southeast Asia: a systematic review of its incidence, risk factors and mortality.

OBJECTIVE: Rabies is a neglected zoonotic disease that can infect all mammals, including humans. We aimed to summarise the current knowledge of the incidence, risk factors and mortality of rabies in Southeast Asia. DESIGN: Systematic review based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020. DATA SOURCES: Scopus, Web of Science and PubMed were searched from 1 January 2012 to 21 February 2023. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Original English language articles published between 2012 and 2023 were included. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: Nine independent reviewers extracted data and assessed the risk of bias. The quality appraisal of included articles was carried out using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. RESULTS: A total of eight articles were included in this analysis. In Vietnam, the incidence of rabies ranged from 1.7 to 117.2 per 100 000 population. The cumulative incidence in Sarawak was estimated at 1.7 per 100 000 population. In Indonesia, 104 human rabies cases were reported from 2008 to 2010, while in Thailand, a total of 46 rabies cases were reported in Thailand from 2010 to 2015. In the Philippines, the incidence of rabies ranged from 0.1 to 0.3 per 100 000 population. An increased risk of rabies virus infection was associated with a high population density, illiteracy, seasonal patterns and dog butchers. The case fatality rate was 100%. CONCLUSION: This study included research from Southeast Asia, which may not represent rabies infection in other regions or continents. In addition, the role of publication bias should be acknowledged as grey literature was not included. The occurrence of rabies in Southeast Asia is due to the high number of unvaccinated stray and pet dogs, working hazards (dog butchers in Vietnam), the unavailability of the rabies vaccine in rural regions and misinformation about the significance of seeking treatment after dog bites. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42022311654.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of E-Cigarette Use among Adolescents in Southeast Asia: A Systematic Review.

The use of e-cigarettes in adolescents remains a major public health concern. Like other tobacco products, e-cigarettes pose health risks to adolescents. Understanding the magnitude of this problem and identification of its associated factors will serve as a guide for development of preventive interventions. This systematic review aims to identify and discuss current epidemiological data on the prevalence and associated factors of e-cigarette use among adolescents in Southeast Asia. The reporting of this systematic review is in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 statement. We carried out a literature search through three databases (Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science) and targeted original English-language articles published between 2012 and 2021. A total of 10 studies were included in this review. The prevalence of current e-cigarette uses ranges from 3.3% to 11.8%. Several associated factors of e-cigarette use were identified, including sociodemographic factors, traumatic childhood experience, peer and parental influence, knowledge and perception, substance use, and accessibility of e-cigarettes. These factors should be addressed though multifaceted interventions which simultaneously target multiple factors. Laws, policies, programs, and interventions must be strengthened and tailored to the needs of adolescents at risk of using e-cigarettes.

Nylon 6,6 Waste Nanofiber Membrane for Produced Water Filtration: Experimental, Performance Modelling, Optimization and Techno-Economic Analysis.

Produced water (PW) is a by-product of oil and gas extraction, of which it is deemed as the primary contributor of wastewater stream in oil production. Conventional treatment such as membrane separation is favoured due to its sustainability and cost effectiveness. On the other hand, oceanic litters such as abandoned fishing nets endangered the marine life ecosystem, despite of its potential to be raw material for fabrication of nanofiber membrane (NFM). This study explores the potential usage of electrospun nylon 6,6 waste NFM for treatment of real PW. In terms of modelling, it is found that feed concentration is the dominant factor with R2 of 0.94 for permeate concentration response and 0.91 for average flux response. Moreover, the optimized system with average flux of 216.5 L/m2h with low specific power consumption of ca. 0.09 kWh/m3 is proven to be economically feasible with less than 5% error from predicted model. As for technoeconomic analysis, it is found that permeate flux plays the major role in controlling total capital cost (CAPEX) and operating cost (OPEX) of the system. The lowest total CAPEX and OPEX to achieve 10 ppm of permeate concentration, also was found to be RM 3.7 M and RM/year 1660, hence proving the economic feasibility of the proposed system.

Assessing Countries’ Deceased Organ Donation and Transplantation Performance

@#Introduction: Donors per million population and transplantations per million population are standardized, widely used indicators to assess and compare countries’ performance in organ donation and transplantation. This study aims to investigate these two particular metrics of organ donation and transplantation performance, and to introduce a new index, namely, ‘transplantations per patients on the waiting list’. Methods: Secondary analyses of data on 23 countries in 2016 were used to construct the transplantations per patients on the waiting list indicator for kidney, liver, pancreas, heart, and lung transplantation, as well as for the transplantation of any of the five aforementioned organs. Results: According to the transplantations per patients on the waiting list, the best-performing countries in terms of organ donation and transplantation are Belarus for kidney transplantation, Finland for liver and pancreas transplantation, Australia for heart transplantation, and France for lung transplantation. Considering all five organs together, Sweden, Australia, Finland, Austria, and Poland were the top five best-performing countries, followed by Spain in the sixth position. Conclusion: The deceased transplantations per patients on the waiting list can be an alternative indicator to assess performance, along with the widely-used donors and transplantations per million population, but still has its limitations in certain scenarios.

Factors Associated with the Acceptability of Mass Drug Administration for Filariasis: A Systematic Review.

Mass drug administration (MDA) has been implemented as a tool to eliminate lymphatic filariasis. Acceptability among susceptible populations is crucial to achieving MDA effective coverage. This systematic review aims to present and systematically determine the factors associated with the acceptability of MDA. Articles related to factors associated with acceptability were collected electronically from three different databases (Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed). Four pairs of independent reviewers screened the titles and abstracts of the collected data, stored in EndnoteX7, against the inclusion criteria. Afterwards, the included articles have been critically appraised to assess the quality of the studies using the Mixed Method Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Of the 68 articles identified, 11 were included in the final review. Knowledge, awareness, attitude and perceptions, communications, delivery and accessibility of MDA, gender, and age are the factors associated with MDA acceptability. Community acceptance remains a challenge in the implementation of MDA. To expand MDA coverage in all endemic countries, there is a strong need to address the factors influencing community acceptance of MDA.

Effects of Probiotics on Growth and Immunity of Piglets.

Growth promoting antibiotics are used in modern animal husbandry to promote growth and avoid infections. Negative effects of these antibiotics on human health are a big concern and they need to be replaced. Probiotics are expected to be a good replacement for growth promoting antibiotics. In this study, we evaluated effects of probiotics on growth and immune status of liver and secondary lymphoid organs of piglets. Body weights of probiotic-fed piglets were heavier than those of control piglets (p < 0.05) at days 30 and 45 of the experiment. Relative populations of CD4+ and IgM+ cells isolated from the liver were significantly increased (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively) in probiotic-fed piglets compared to control piglets. CD4+CD8+ T cells were significantly decreased (p < 0.05) in jejunal Peyer's patches of treated piglets. Phagocytosis of MHC class II+ cells isolated from the liver of probiotic-fed piglets was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that of control piglets. Phagocytosis of granulocytes isolated from the liver and peripheral blood of probiotic-fed piglets were also higher than those of control piglets. These results indicate excellent effects on growth and immune status of piglets. In conclusion, probiotics have beneficial effects on the growth and health of piglets and could be good replacement for growth promoting antibiotics.

Influence of Medical Education on Medicine Use and Self-Medication Among Medical Students: A Cross-Sectional Study from Kabul.

Objective: To compare the prevalence of self-medication among first- and fifth-year medical students at Kabul University of Medical Sciences. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with the participation of all first- and fifth-year medical students by using a short, self-administered questionnaire. The prevalence of self-medication was estimated in the entire study population and also in those who had used medicines in the preceding one week. Results: Of the total 302 students, the prevalence of medicine use was 38%. The prevalence of self-medication in all study population was 25.16%, whereas in those who had used medicines was 64.9%. Prescription-only medicines consisted of 59.2% of self-medication. The practice of self-medication and the use of prescription-only medicines were more prevalent among students in their fifth year and among males. While the prevalence of medicine use was the same among males and females, it differed between students in the fifth and first year. Paracetamol, anti-infectives, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were more frequently used medicines. Conclusion: The use of medicines, self-medication and the use of prescription-only medicines were more prevalent among fifth-year students compared to those in the first-year. This apparently reflects the effect of medical education and training. More specific studies are required to address the issue in more detail and to facilitate interventions. The estimation of the prevalence of self-medication by using a short acceptable recall period, confined in those who had used medicines, seems to be more reasonable and accurate than by using a longer recall period in the entire study population. The prevalence of prescription-only medicines in self-medication could also be a useful indicator.

Emerging application of biochar as a renewable and superior filler in polymer composites.

Biochar is conventionally and widely used for soil amendment or as an adsorbent for water treatment. Nevertheless, the need for transition to renewable materials has resulted in an expansion of biochar for use as a filler for polymer composites. The aim is to enhance the physical, chemical, mechanical and rheological properties of the polymer composite. The reinforcement of biochar into a polymer matrix however is still new, and limited reports are focusing on the effects of biochar towards polymer composite properties. Hence, this review highlights the unique properties of biochar and its effect on the crystallization, thermal, flammability, electrical conductivity, and mechanical properties of polymer composites. This review does not solely summarize recent studies on biochar-polymer-based composites, but also offers insights into a new direction of biochar as a renewable and superior polymer filler in the future.

Removal of organochlorine pesticides using zerovalent iron supported on biochar nanocomposite from Nephelium lappaceum (Rambutan) fruit peel waste.

Unique zerovalent iron (Fe0) supported on biochar nanocomposite (Fe0-BRtP) was synthesized from Nephelium lappaceum (Rambutan) fruit peel waste and were applied for the simultaneous removal of 6 selected organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) from aqueous medium. During facile synthesis of Fe0-BRtP, Rambutan peel extract was used as the green reducing mediator to reduce Fe2+ to zerovalent iron (Fe0), instead of toxic sodium borohydride which were used for chemical synthesis. For comparison, chemically synthesized Fe0-BChe nanocomposite was also prepared in this work. Characterization study confirmed the successful synthesis and dispersion of Fe0 nanoparticles on biochar surface. Batch experiments revealed that Fe0-BRtP and Fe0-BChe nanocomposites combine the advantage of adsorption and dechlorination of OCPs in aqueous medium and up to 96-99% and 83-91% removal was obtained within 120 and 150 min, respectively at initial pH 4. Nevertheless, the reactivity of Fe0-BChe nanocomposite decreased 2 folds after being aged in air for one month, whilst Fe0-BRtP almost remained the same. Adsorption isotherm of OCPs were fitted well to Langmuir isotherm and then to Freundlich isotherm. The experimental kinetic data were fitted first to pseudo-second-order adsorption kinetic model and then to pseudo-first-order reduction kinetic model. The adsorption mechanism involves π-π electron-donor-acceptor interaction and adsorption is facilitated by the hydrophobic sorption and pore filling. After being reused five times, the removal efficiency of regenerated Fe0-BChe and Fe0-BRtP was 5-13% and 89-92%, respectively. The application of this Fe0-BRtP nanocomposite could represent a green and low-cost potential material for adsorption and subsequent reduction of OCPs in aquatic system.

Socio-Economic Implications of COVID-19 Pandemic in South Asia: Emerging Risks and Growing Challenges.

The dramatic spread of COVID-19 has threatened human lives, disrupted livelihoods, and affected trade, economy and businesses across the globe. The global economy has begun to show major disruptions and is heading toward a severe recession with an unprecedented economic crisis. As the global economy is highly integrated and interdependent through the global supply chains, it has been profoundly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Although all countries have faced difficulties due to Covid-19, South Asian countries in particular have had to deal with a more challenging situation due to their large population, weak health facilities, high poverty rates, low socio-economic conditions, poor social protection systems, limited access to water and sanitation, and inadequate living space, necessary to maintain physical distancing and take other required measures to contain this pandemic. To contain the spread of the virus, South Asian countries have imposed stringent lockdowns, which have consequently affected the lives and livelihoods of millions of people in the region, where a third of world's poor live. Against this backdrop, this paper examines the existing and prospective impacts, risks and challenges of Covid-19 on key social and economic sectors including migration, tourism, informal sector, agriculture and rural livelihoods. The analysis revealed that COVID-19 is likely to affect economic growth, increase fiscal deficit and monetary burden, increase the risks of macroeconomic instability, decrease migration and remittance, reduce income from travel and tourism, and result in dwindling micro-small and medium industries and informal businesses. This is likely to deepen poverty and increase unemployment and the risks of hunger and food insecurity. If not addressed properly, this may reinforce existing inequalities, break social harmony, and increase tension and turbulence. The economic and social costs of the COVID-19 outbreak are therefore likely to be significant and long-lasting in South Asia.

Improving the decolorization of glycerol by adsorption using activated carbon derived from oil palm biomass.

This study provides insight into the decolorization strategy for crude glycerol obtained from biodiesel production using waste cooking oil as raw material. A sequential procedure that includes physico-chemical treatment and adsorption using activated carbon from oil palm biomass was investigated. The results evidenced decolorization and enrichment of glycerol go hand in hand during the treatment, achieving >89% color removal and > 98% increase in glycerol content, turning the glycerol into a clear (colorless) solution. This is attributed to the complete removal of methanol, free fatty acids, and triglycerides, as well as 85% removal of water, and 93% removal of potassium. Properties of the resultant glycerol met the quality standard of BS 2621:1979. The economic aspects of the proposed methods are examined to fully construct a predesign budgetary estimation according to chemical engineering principles. The starting capital is proportionate to the number of physical assets to acquire where both entail a considerable cost at USD 13,200. Having the benefit of sizeable scale production, it reasonably reduces the operating cost per unit product. As productivity sets at 33 m3 per annum, the annual operating costs amount to USD 79,902 in glycerol decolorization. This is translatable to USD 5.38 per liter glycerol, which is ~69% lower compared to using commercial activated carbon.

Adsorption mechanism and effectiveness of phenol and tannic acid removal by biochar produced from oil palm frond using steam pyrolysis.

In order to meet the growing demand for adsorbents to treat wastewater effectively, there has been increased interest in using sustainable biomass feedstocks. In this present study, the dermal tissue of oil palm frond was pyrolyzed with superheated steam at 500 °C to produce nanoporous biochar as bioadsorbent. The effect of operating conditions was investigated to understand the adsorption mechanism and to enhance the adsorption of phenol and tannic acid. The biochar had a microporous structure with a Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area of 422 m2/g containing low polar groups. The adsorption capacity of 62.89 mg/g for phenol and 67.41 mg/g for tannic acid were obtained using 3 g/L biochar dosage after 8 h of treatment at solution pH of 6.5 and temperature of 45 °C. The Freundlich model had the best fit to the isotherm data of phenol (R2 of 0.9863), while the Langmuir model best elucidated the isotherm data of tannic acid (R2 of 0.9632). These indicated that the biochar-phenol interface was associated with a heterogeneous multilayer sorption mechanism, while the biochar-tannic acid interface had a nonspecific monolayer sorption mechanism. The residual concentration of 26.3 mg/L phenol and 23.1 mg/L tannic acid was achieved when treated from 260 mg/L three times consecutively with 1 g/L biochar dosage, compared to a reduction to 72.3 mg/L phenol and 69.9 mg/L tannic acid using 3 g/L biochar dosage in a single treatment. The biochar exhibited effective adsorption of phenol and tannic acid, making it possible to treat effluents that contain varieties of phenolic compounds.

Biochemical and functional attributes of raw and boiled potato flesh and peel powders for suitability in food applications.

Four different potato cultivars, namely, Kufri Chipsona 1 and Kufri Frysona (processing purpose), Kufri Jyoti and Kufri Bahar (table purpose) were converted into flesh and peel powder (raw and after boiling) and studied for their respective biochemical and functional attributes to get an idea of possible dynamics of their utilization in different food formulation as bioadditives. The 16 variants of powder obtained retained less than 10% moisture content and demonstrated 'very good' to 'fair' flowability. Peel powders recorded a higher total mineral, fiber, phenolic contents and total antioxidant activity than the flesh powders which were significantly affected by boiling. Among raw and boiled flesh powders, highest reducing and total sugars were recorded for Kufri Bahar while least was observed in Kufri Chipsona 1. Colour coordinate showed that boiling imparts brightness to flesh powder while peel powder got darkened. Boiling of the tubers resulted in an increase in the resistant starch (~ 29% maximum) and flavour (~ 180% maximum) component. Peel exhibited a total glycoalkaloid content in the range of 0.75 (Kufri Frysona) to 1.7 mg/100 g (Kufri Bahar) that is well within the acceptable limits. Rheological study of the flesh powders revealed a reduction of about 11-18 °C in pasting temperature and about 87-90% in peak viscosity, setback, breakdown value and final viscosity upon boiling. This study revealed that the traditional processing method such as boiling can significantly modify the techno-functional characteristics of potato flesh and peel powders which can further govern their end use in various food formulations.

Poverty, Income, and Unemployment as Determinants of Life Expectancy: Empirical Evidence from Panel Data of Thirteen Malaysian States.

BACKGROUND: The primary indicator of public health, which all nations aim to prolong, is life expectancy at birth. Uncovering its socioeconomic determinants is key to extending life expectancy. This study examined the determinants of life expectancy in Malaysia. METHODS: This observational study employs secondary data from various official sources of 12 states and one federal territory in Malaysia (2002-2014). Panel data of 78 observations (13 cross-sections at six points in time) were used in multivariate, fixed-effect, regressions to estimate the effects of socioeconomic variables on life expectancy at birth for male, female and both-gender. RESULTS: Poverty and income significantly determine female, male, and total life expectancies. Unemployment significantly determines female and total life expectancies, but not male. Income inequality and public spending on health (as a percentage of total health spending) do not significantly determine life expectancy. The coefficients of the multivariate regressions suggest that a 1% reduction in poverty, 1% reduction in unemployment, and around USD 23.20 increase in household monthly income prolong total life expectancy at birth by 17.9, 72.0, and 16.3 d, respectively. The magnitudes of the effects of the socioeconomic variables on life expectancy vary somewhat by gender. CONCLUSION: Life expectancy in Malaysia is higher than the world average and higher than that in some developing countries in the region. However, it is far lower than the advanced world. Reducing poverty and unemployment and increasing income are three effective channels to enhance longevity.

Polymer-modified mesoporous silica microcubes (P@MSMCs) for the synergistic oxidative entrapment of Ag(i), Ti(iv), and Zn(ii) from natural river water.

Herein, we demonstrate a hydrothermal route to the one-pot synthesis of polymeric mesoporous silica microcubes (P@MSMCs) for the adsorption of heavy metal ions. During the synthesis of P@MSMCs from column silica gel, the roles and combination of the polymer and an etchant were characterized. Moreover, the porosity of P@MSMCs was tailored by adjusting the reaction temperature between 75 °C and 200 °C. The characterization through UV, FTIR, FESEM, XRD, BET, and EDX techniques exhibited that P@MSMCs have a well-ordered mesoporous structure with cubic morphology. The P@MSMCs had a diameter of 2 µm, with an average pore volume and pore size of 0.69 cm3 g-1 and 10.08 nm, respectively. The results indicated that the P@MSMCs have excellent adsorption capacity for Ag(i), Ti(iv), and Zn(ii) due to the formation of an aggregated complex. These aggregations led to affordable density difference-based separation of these metal ions through centrifugation, filtration or simple decantation. The removal efficiencies for Ag(i), Ti(iv), and Zn(ii) were observed to be 520, 720, and 850 mg g-1, respectively. The kinetic studies demonstrated that the adsorption performance fitted well to the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The as-synthesized P@MSMCs were stable in the wide pH range of 4-8. Significantly, the recycling or reuse results displayed effective adsorption performance of these P@MSMCs for up to 5 cycles. The adsorption results obtained herein will promote the development of similar strategies for the removal of heavy metal ions from natural water.

Demographic and Socioeconomic Variables Associated With Health Care-Seeking Behavior Among Foreign Workers in Malaysia.

Foreign workers in Malaysia face various barriers in accessing health care, which results in many of them being unable to obtain appropriate medical treatment in case of sickness. This study investigates the foreign workers' health care-seeking behavior and the demographic and socioeconomic variables that influence it. Data were collected from 502 foreign workers using a self-administered questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression was used to estimate the influence of demographic and socioeconomic variables on health care-seeking behavior among foreign workers. In cases of severe sickness, 20.5% of foreign workers stated that they will not go or are unlikely to go to a clinic or hospital. The multiple logistic regression revealed that foreign workers' tendency to avoid medical treatment is associated with gender, marital status, monthly income, preferred language of communication, and work classification. Nonetheless, in cases of mild sickness, demographic and socioeconomic variables do not influence foreign workers' health care-seeking behavior.