Despite publishing and securing research grants being obligatory in research universities, the literature on the factors influencing academic productivity is relatively scarce. Thus, in this study, we aimed to determine the personal and behavioural-related factors that influence the culture of publishing and securing research grants among academicians with lower research-related performance. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 49 academic staff members of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). A self-administered questionnaire consisting of personal, attitude and behavioural (barriers, perceived stress scale, work extrinsic and intrinsic motivation scale, psychological well-being scale, and basic needs satisfaction scale) questions were distributed during a workshop and online. Simple linear regression (SLR) analyses were performed for each variable, followed by multiple linear regression (MLR) to identify the associated factors of research output. After adjusting for covariates, having a doctoral degree (β=0.396, 95% CI=0.221-2.146, p<0.05) and integrated regulation (β=0.574, 95% CI=0.036-3.612, p<0.05) were found to be associated with research grant acquisition (R2=0.273). Moreover, increasing age (β=0.426, 95% CI=0.088-0.397, p<0.05), living alone (β=0.331, 95% CI=0.944-6.626, p<0.05), having a doctoral degree (β=0.248, 95% CI=0.174-6.747, p<0.05), environmental mastery (β=0.318, 95% CI=0.013-0.347, p<0.05), self-acceptance (β=0.284, 95% CI=0.010-0.242, p<0.05), satisfaction incompetence (β=0.273, 95% CI=0.001-0.200, p<0.05) and relatedness (β=0.280, 95% CI=0.001-0.116, p<0.05) were found to be the factors that influence the publications produced among participants (R2 =0.423). The findings of this study could be used by management to formulate effective strategies to increase the productivity of academics in their research-related performance.

Self-management education program (SMEP) is essential in the knee osteoarthritis (OA) management. While the benefits of tailored SMEP have been highlighted in the literature, evidence on the effects of tailored knee OA SMEP for multiethnic populations, such as in Malaysia, remains limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to conduct an intervention study on a tailored SMEP among Malaysian older adults who aged 60 years and above with knee OA. Participants aged 60 years and over with a diagnosis of knee OA were recruited. The intervention comprised four weekly structured group SMEP which was developed specifically for the multicultural population in Malaysia. Symptom’s severity and functional performance were assessed at baseline and six-week follow-up using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score questionnaire (KOOS), 30 seconds sit to stand (30sST), time up and go (TUG), chair sit and reach (CSR), back stretch (BS), handgrip strength (HGS) and two-minute walk (2MW) tests. Of the 32 individuals recruited, 30 participants, mean age of 66.77 (±6.42) years, completed the post-intervention assessment. Improvements in mean KOOS domains scores were observed by between 1.3% - 8.6% from baseline to follow-up. Significant differences between baseline and followup scores were identified for 30sST (p < 0.05), TUG ( p < 0.001) and 2MW (p < 0.001) tests. A 4-week tailored SMEP delivered face to face by a physiotherapist, improved lower limb muscle strength, mobility, balance and endurance. Larger randomized controlled trials regarding the long-term effects of SMEP for older adults with OA is warranted.

Humans ; Cardiomyopathies/genetics* ; Prealbumin/genetics*

Humans ; Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/diagnosis* ; Cardiomyopathy, Dilated/diagnosis* ; Echocardiography ; Patients

Introduction: Sarcopenia is one of the geriatric syndromes affecting the ability of older adults to lead an independent living. However, its risk factors among Malaysian older adults are yet to be determined. This study investigated the prevalence and risk factors of sarcopenia among community-dwelling older adults in Klang Valley. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 393 Malaysians aged 60 and above, residing in urban areas of Klang Valley recruited through convenience sampling. Socio-demographic and food intake information were obtained using validated questionnaires. Cut-off points for sarcopenia screening were obtained from the Asian Working Group of Sarcopenia(AWGS) while body impedance analysis(BIA) was employed to determine skeletal muscle index. A handgrip dynamometer was used to assess dominant handgrip strength and a 6-meter gait speed test was used to determine walking speed. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to determine the risk factors of sarcopenia. Results: Prevalence of sarcopenia was 33.6% and women(35.9%) were more affected compared to men(30.1%). The mean age of women assessed to have sarcopenia(69.1±6.5 years old) was higher compared to men(68.3±5.8 years old) (p<0.05). After adjusting for confounding factors, older adults with one year increased in age and one mg decreased in habitual dietary iron intake were estimated to be 1.08 times and 0.93 times the chances to have sarcopenia respectively. Conclusion: Approximately one-third of community-dwelling older adults in Klang Valley were assessed to have sarcopenia. Older adults aged 60 years and above and those with low dietary iron intake were at an increased risk of developing sarcopenia.

Cardiomyopathies/therapy* ; Humans ; Sarcoidosis/therapy*

The aim of this study was to detemine the effectiveness of Customized vestibular rehabilitation (CVR) in addition to the standard Canalith repositioning maneuver (CRM) on static balance among adults with posterior canal Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). In this randomised controlled trial, 28 adults with idiopathic unilateral posterior canal BPPV were randomized to either the control or experimental group. The experimental group (n=14, mean age: 50.71±9.88 years) received CVR in addition to CRM, and the control group (n=14, mean age: 54.36±8.55 years) received only CRM for 6 weeks. Measurements of static balance (postural sway) using a portable kinematic sensor were performed at baseline, four and six weeks after treatment for both groups while standing on firm and foam surface with eyes open (EO) and closed (EC). Only standing on foam surface with EC was observed to have a significant interaction effect, F (2, 52) =5.28, p<0.05. This suggest that the groups were affected differently by the intervention and greater improvement was demonstrated in the experimental group. Post hoc test showed that a significant difference (p<0.05) in static balance was shown between baseline and 6th week after intervention. The results of our study indicate that CVR in addition to CRM improved static balance in adults with UPC BPPV at 6th week after intervention for persons with BPPV.

In this study, we aimed to determine gender specific age-related decline in anthropometry status, physical performance (PP) and physical activity (PA) in older persons with and without mild cognitive impairment (MCI) prospectively over 3 years. Within-group changes across three time points (baseline-Wave 1, 18 months-Wave 2, 36 months-Wave 3) based on gender and cognitive status were determined. Data was collected at Wave 3 of a longitudinal study: “Neuroprotective Model for Health Longevity among Elderly”. Secondary data from Wave 1 and 2 was obtained for analysis. Older persons with MCI were categorised to have subjective memory problems (answered ‘yes’ on item 10 of Geriatric Depression Scale), scored at least 1.5 SD below mean average on Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test and Digit Span, no dementia, no problems with activities in daily living, intact global cognition (>19/30: Mini Mental State Examination) and without depression (Geriatric Depression Scale 15-items,≤4). Anthropometry measurements and a battery of PP tests were performed. PA was measured using Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly questionnaire. Data from 779 older persons (67.7 ± 5.3 years) consisting of 372 men (68.0 ± 5.2 years) and 407 women (67.4 ± 5.4) who completed all tests from Wave 1 to Wave 3 were analysed. There was a decline in PP (-0.7% to -14.1% per year), PA levels (-0.7% to -14.1% per year) and anthropometry status (-0.1% to -6.3% per year), except for percentage body fat (+9.9% per year) with advancing age. Within-group changes over the three years showed significant differences (p<0.05) in height and PA in non-MCI and MCI men and lower body flexibility in non-MCI and MCI women. Specifically, tailored physical and nutritional health prevention and promotion strategies for older persons based on gender and cognitive status may be beneficial to support person-centered care.

Moderate levels of endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS) are important for various cellular activities, but high levels lead to toxicity and are associated with various diseases. Levels of ROS are maintained as a balance between oxidants and antioxidants. Accumulating data suggest that oxidative stress is a major factor in deterioration of renal function. In this review, we highlight the possible mechanism by which oxidative stress can lead to chronic kidney disease (CKD). This review also describes therapies that counter the effect of oxidative stress in CKD patients. Numerous factors such as upregulation of genes involved in oxidative phosphorylation and ROS generation, chronic inflammation, vitamin D deficiency, and a compromised antioxidant defense mechanism system cause progressive detrimental effects on renal function that eventually lead to loss of kidney function. Patients with renal dysfunction are highly susceptible to oxidative stress, as risk factors such as diabetes, renal hypertension, dietary restrictions, hemodialysis, and old age predispose them to increased levels of ROS. Biomolecular adducts (DNA, proteins, and lipids) formed due to reaction with ROS can be used to determine oxidative stress levels. Based on the strong correlation between oxidative stress and CKD, reversal of oxidative stress is being explored as a major therapeutic option. Xanthine oxidase inhibitors, dietary antioxidants, and other agents that scavenge free radicals are gaining interest as treatment modalities in CKD patients.

Moderate levels of endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS) are important for various cellular activities, but high levels lead to toxicity and are associated with various diseases. Levels of ROS are maintained as a balance between oxidants and antioxidants. Accumulating data suggest that oxidative stress is a major factor in deterioration of renal function. In this review, we highlight the possible mechanism by which oxidative stress can lead to chronic kidney disease (CKD). This review also describes therapies that counter the effect of oxidative stress in CKD patients. Numerous factors such as upregulation of genes involved in oxidative phosphorylation and ROS generation, chronic inflammation, vitamin D deficiency, and a compromised antioxidant defense mechanism system cause progressive detrimental effects on renal function that eventually lead to loss of kidney function. Patients with renal dysfunction are highly susceptible to oxidative stress, as risk factors such as diabetes, renal hypertension, dietary restrictions, hemodialysis, and old age predispose them to increased levels of ROS. Biomolecular adducts (DNA, proteins, and lipids) formed due to reaction with ROS can be used to determine oxidative stress levels. Based on the strong correlation between oxidative stress and CKD, reversal of oxidative stress is being explored as a major therapeutic option. Xanthine oxidase inhibitors, dietary antioxidants, and other agents that scavenge free radicals are gaining interest as treatment modalities in CKD patients.