Objective: To evaluate the in vitro anti-diabetic effects of Bryonia dioica roots extracts, including water-acetone extracts and their ethyl acetate and butanol fractions, and chloroform-methanol extracts. Methods: The total phenolic, flavonoid, flavonol, and saponin contents in the Bryonia dioica root extracts (chloroform-methanol extracts, water-acetone extracts and their ethyl acetate and butanol fractions) were determined using colorimetric methods with Folin-Ciocalteu, aluminum trichloride, and vanillin reagents, respectively. The in vitro anti-diabetic activity was evaluated by measuring the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of these root extracts against α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities, evaluating their effects on α-amylase kinetics, quantifying the inhibition of bovine serum albumin (BSA) glycation using fluorometry to assess advanced glycation end products (AGE) production, and determining glucose uptake by isolated rat hemidiaphragm. Additionally, molecular docking analysis was conducted to investigate the binding affinity and interaction types between Bryonia dioica ligands (cucurbitacin B, bryogénin, vitexin, and isovitexin) and target enzymes, and a phytochemical-targets interaction network was constructed. Results: For α-amylase inhibition, ethyl acetate fraction demonstrated the most potent activity (IC50 = 145.95 µg/mL), followed by chloroform-methanol extract (IC50 = 300.86 µg/mL). Water-acetone root extracts and their ethyl acetate and butanol fractions inhibited the α-glucosidase activity with IC50 values ranging from 562.88 to 583.90 µg/mL. Both ethyl acetate and butanol fractions strongly inhibited non-enzymatic BSA glycation (IC50 = 318.26 and 323.12 µg/mL, respectively). The incubation of isolated rat hemidiaphragms with the ethyl acetate fraction (5 mg/mL) significantly increased glucose uptake (35.16%; P < 0.0001), exceeding the effects of insulin (29.27%), chloroform-methanol extract (24.07%), and catechin (15.27%). Molecular docking revealed that cucurbitacin B exhibited the strongest docking scores against α-amylase (– 16.4 kcal/mol), and α-glucosidase (– 14.2 kcal/mol). Compared with other ligands, isovitexin formed the maximum number of hydrogen bonds with the α-amylase active site residues (Asp300, Asp197, and Glu233), α-glucosidase residues (Ser13, Arg44, Met86, Gly10, Asp39, and Tyr131) and other residues (Arg195, Trp59, His299, and Tyr62). Network analysis identified 36 overlapping targets between Bryonia dioica phytochemicals and type 2 diabetes mellitus-associated genes, with cucurbitacins and polyphenols interacting with α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and Glut4 translocation pathway targets. Conclusion Bryonia dioica root extracts demonstrated promising in vitro anti-diabetic activity through multiple mechanisms, including the inhibitory effect on digestive enzymes, protein antiglycation potential, and enhancement of glucose uptake, suggesting their potential as a source for anti-diabetic drugs development.

Objective: One key factor found to be related to creativity is creative self-efficacy. Creative self efficacy (CSE) refers to one’s own conviction in their own ability to produce creative work effectively. The study aims to explore on the predictive values of time management and reading habit on CSE, as well as on the significant difference between gender and CSE. Method: This study (n = 313) is a cross-sectional survey design. The inclusion criteria for the participants are full-time university students studying in Malaysia and aged between 18-25 years old. Data collected was analysed by linear regression, multiple linear regression and independent sample t-Test. Results: Reading habit is a significant positive predictor of CSE. Both daily planning and confidence in long-range planning in time management are significant positive predictors of CSE. However, there is no significant difference between gender in terms of male and female and CSE. Conclusion This study provided evidence on the role of reading habits and time management on creative self-efficacy amongst undergraduate student in Malaysia.
Gender Identity ; Time Management

This review aimed to assess the usefulness of various magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques for the quantification of neonatal white matter myelination. The Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases were searched to identify studies following the PRISMA (preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses) statement using quantitative MRI techniques to examine samples collected from neonates to quantify myelin. Twelve studies were ultimately included. The results demonstrated that in validation studies, relaxometry is the most frequently explored approach (83.33%), followed by magnetization transfer imaging (8.33%) and a new automatic segmentation technique (8.33%). Synthetic MRI is recommended for quantifying myelin in neonates because of several advantages that outweigh a few negligible limitations.

This review aimed to assess the usefulness of various magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques for the quantification of neonatal white matter myelination. The Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases were searched to identify studies following the PRISMA (preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses) statement using quantitative MRI techniques to examine samples collected from neonates to quantify myelin. Twelve studies were ultimately included. The results demonstrated that in validation studies, relaxometry is the most frequently explored approach (83.33%), followed by magnetization transfer imaging (8.33%) and a new automatic segmentation technique (8.33%). Synthetic MRI is recommended for quantifying myelin in neonates because of several advantages that outweigh a few negligible limitations.

This review aimed to assess the usefulness of various magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques for the quantification of neonatal white matter myelination. The Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases were searched to identify studies following the PRISMA (preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses) statement using quantitative MRI techniques to examine samples collected from neonates to quantify myelin. Twelve studies were ultimately included. The results demonstrated that in validation studies, relaxometry is the most frequently explored approach (83.33%), followed by magnetization transfer imaging (8.33%) and a new automatic segmentation technique (8.33%). Synthetic MRI is recommended for quantifying myelin in neonates because of several advantages that outweigh a few negligible limitations.

This review aimed to assess the usefulness of various magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques for the quantification of neonatal white matter myelination. The Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases were searched to identify studies following the PRISMA (preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses) statement using quantitative MRI techniques to examine samples collected from neonates to quantify myelin. Twelve studies were ultimately included. The results demonstrated that in validation studies, relaxometry is the most frequently explored approach (83.33%), followed by magnetization transfer imaging (8.33%) and a new automatic segmentation technique (8.33%). Synthetic MRI is recommended for quantifying myelin in neonates because of several advantages that outweigh a few negligible limitations.

Purpose: Allgrove syndrome, also known as “triple A” syndrome, is characterized by adrenal insufficiency, achalasia, and alacrimia. When neurological signs are also present, the condition is referred to as “4 A” syndrome. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of three patients with 4 A syndrome confirmed genetically. A complete neurological exam was carried out by an experimented neurologist. Results: Herein, we describe the neurological characteristics often associated with this condition, through the clinical and electrophysiological analysis of three patients. All patients exhibited a mutation in AAAS, the gene coding for ALADIN. While these individuals presented with the classic features of triple-A syndrome, neurological symptoms were not prominent. Conclusion The neurological manifestations of Allgrove syndrome have historically been overlooked and inadequately explored. Due to the condition’s rarity and substantial phenotypic heterogeneity, only recently have a variety of symptoms been recognized and described.

The breast is an unusual site for metastases, accounting for less than 2% of malignant breast lesions but include those from malignant melanomas, carcinomas, sarcomas, and lymphomas from various organs. We diagnosed a very rare case of metastatic choroidal melanoma for a 67-year-old female who presented with a right breast lump and who had been previously diagnosed with choroidal melanoma-monosomy 3 in 2017. To the best of our knowledge, only five such cases have been published so far, with one in a male patient.

Pengenalan : Pencemaran sungai di Malaysia pada masa ini berada di tahap yang kritikal dan amat membimbangkan dengan pelbagai masalah pencemaran sungai berlaku hampir setiap hari. Tahap pengetahuan, sikap dan tingkah laku individu memberikan impak yang besar terhadap isu pencemaran sungai. Oleh itu, kajian ini bertujuan untuk menilai tahap pengetahuan, sikap dan tingkah laku komuniti yang tinggal berhampiran Sungai Klang. Metodologi : Kajian keratan rentas yang menggunakan persampelan rawak mudah telah dilakukan untuk mengkaji tahap pengetahuan, sikap dan tingkah laku komuniti Sungai Klang terhadap pencemaran sungai. Responden kajian terdiri daripada penduduk kawasan setinggan dan penduduk kawasan perumahan biasa yang menetap berhampiran Sungai Klang. Kajian ini telah menggunakan borang soal selidik. Analisis deskriptif dan ujian t telah digunakan untuk menganalisis data. Hasil Kajian : Hasil deskriptif mendapati bahawa tahap pengetahuan (min=3.13, s.p.=0.40), sikap (min=3.28, s.p.=0.65) dan tingkah laku (min=2.96, s.p.=0.72) pencemaran sungai bagi penduduk setinggan adalah lebih rendah daripada penduduk perumahan biasa. Ujian t juga menunjukkan perbezaan yang signifikan (p<0.05) untuk tahap pengetahuan, sikap dan tingkah laku antara penduduk setinggan dan penduduk perumahan biasa. Rumusan Kesimpulannya, tahap pengetahuan, sikap dan tingkah laku pencemaran sungai komuniti Sungai Klang berada di tahap yang tidak memuaskan. Oleh yang demikian, tindakan perlulah diambil oleh pihak yang berkaitan untuk memantapkan lagi tahap pengetahuan, sikap dan tingkah laku penduduk berkaitan pencemaran sungai agar isu pencemaran sungai ini dapat diatasi.

ABSTRACT Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a rare multisystem disease. Although GPA is rare, it commonly presents in a localised stage where its manifestation involves the upper or lower respiratory tract before progressing to a generalised stage. Therefore, most patients with GPA will visit an oral surgeon or an otolaryngologist to seek treatment. However, the diagnosis of GPA is often delayed as GPA is not frequently considered as a differential diagnosis in common oral and facial diseases. The lack of gold standard investigation for the diagnosis of GPA makes management of this case, a diagnostic conundrum. We herein report a patient who was diagnosed with bilateral acute otitis media and left mastoiditis complicated with facial nerve palsy, and later developed tongue ulceration one month after his initial presentation. The ear, facial and oral symptoms represent a diagnostic red herring to a full-blown generalised stage of GPA.
Facial Paralysis ; Oral Ulcer ; Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis