Browse publications by year: 2023

  1. Taqui SN, Syed AA, Mubarak NM, Farade RA, Khan MAM, Kalam MA, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2023 Dec 19;13(1):22665.
    PMID: 38114620 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49471-w
    Research studies have been carried out to accentuate Fennel Seed Spent, a by-product of the Nutraceutical Industry, as an inexpensive, recyclable and operational biosorbent for bioremediation of Acid Blue 113 (AB113) in simulated water-dye samples and textile industrial effluent (TIE). The physical process of adhesion of AB113 on the surface of the biosorbent depends on various parameters, such as the initial amount of the dye, amount and expanse of the biosorbent particles, pH of the solution and temperature of the medium. The data obtained was analyzed using three two-parameter and five three-parameter adsorption isotherm models to glean the adsorbent affinities and interaction mechanism of the adsorbate molecules and adsorbent surface. The adsorption feature study is conducted employing models of Weber-Morris, pseudo 1st and 2nd order, diffusion film model, Dumwald-Wagner and Avrami model. The study through 2nd order pseudo and Avrami models produced complementary results for the authentication of experimental data. The thermodynamic features, ΔG0, ΔH0, and ΔS0 of the adsorption process are acclaimed to be almost spontaneous, physical in nature and endothermic in their manifestation. Surface characterization was carried out using Scanner Electron Microscopy, and identification and determination of chemical species and molecular structure was performed using Infrared Spectroscopy (IR). Maximum adsorption evaluated using statistical optimization with different combinations of five independent variables to study the individual as well as combined effects by Fractional Factorial Experimental Design (FFED) was 236.18 mg g-1 under optimized conditions; pH of 2, adsorbent dosage of 0.500 g L-1, and an initial dye concentration of 209.47 mg L-1 for an adsorption time of 126.62 min with orbital shaking of 165 rpm at temperature 49.95 °C.
  2. Lee WY, Lau MN, Soh EX, Yuen SW, Ashari A, Radzi Z
    BMC Oral Health, 2023 Dec 19;23(1):1015.
    PMID: 38115099 DOI: 10.1186/s12903-023-03762-w
    BACKGROUND: Epworth Sleepiness Scale for Children and Adolescents (ESS-CHAD) is a valid and reliable eight-item self-administered questionnaire for the assessment of excessive daytime sleepiness and is commonly used to screen sleep-disordered breathing for children and adolescents. The cross-sectional study aimed to translate and cross-culturally adapt ESS-CHAD into a Malay version of Epworth Sleepiness Scale for Children and Adolescents (MESS-CHAD) for the Malaysian population, and to assess the validity and reliability of MESS-CHAD.

    METHODS: Forward-backward translation method was used to translate and cross-culturally adapt ESS-CHAD. Three linguistic experts and two paediatricians content validated the translated version. Face validity was conducted through audio-recorded semi-structured in-depth interviews with 14 native Malay-speaking children and adolescents followed by thematic analysis. The revised questionnaire was then proofread by a linguistic expert. A total of 40 subjects answered the MESS-CHAD twice, 2 weeks apart, for test-retest reliability and internal consistency. For criterion validity, 148 eligible subjects and their parents answered MESS-CHAD and the Malay version of Sleep-Related Breathing Disorder scale extracted from the Paediatric Sleep Questionnaire (M-PSQ:SRBD) concurrently. Variance Inflation Factor (VIF) and P values of the model's outer weight and outer loading were analysed using SmartPLS software to assess the indicator's multicollinearity and significance for formative construct validity.

    RESULTS: Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) ranging from 0.798 to 0.932 and Cronbach's alpha ranging from 0.813 to 0.932 confirmed good to excellent test-retest reliability and internal consistency, respectively. Spearman Correlation Coefficient value of 0.789 suggested a very strong positive correlation between MESS-CHAD and M-PSQ:SRBD. VIF ranging from 1.109 to 1.455 indicated no collinearity problem. All questionnaire items in MESS-CHAD were retained as the P value of either outer model weight or outer model loading was significant (P 

    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Child; Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Malaysia; Psychometrics; Surveys and Questionnaires; Reproducibility of Results
  3. Kanauchi O, Low ZX, Jounai K, Tsuji R, AbuBakar S
    Front Immunol, 2023;14:1280680.
    PMID: 38116008 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1280680
    The COVID-19 outbreak has caused significant global changes and increased public awareness of SARS-CoV-2. Substantial progress in developing vaccines, enhancing sanitation practices, and implementing various measures to combat the virus, including the utilization of probiotics has been made. This comprehensive review examined the medical impact of clinically proven probiotics on infectious diseases, considering three crucial time periods: before (pre-), during (mid-), and after (post-) COVID-19 pandemic era. This review also showed a perspective on the use of probiotics to stimulate the innate immune system and prevent infectious diseases. In pre-COVID-19 era, several probiotic strains were found to be clinically effective in addressing gastrointestinal infectious diseases, the common cold and flu. However, the mechanism by which probiotics exerted their antiviral effects remained relatively unclear during that period. Nevertheless, probiotics, Lactococcus lactis strain Plasma (LC-Plasma), and others have gained attention for their unique ability to modulate the immune system and demonstrate antiviral properties. While some probiotics have shown promise in alleviating gastrointestinal symptoms linked to COVID-19, their direct effectiveness in treating or preventing COVID-19 progression has not yet been conclusively established. As we transition into the post-COVID-19 era, the relationship between COVID-19 and plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs), a vital component of the innate immune system, has been gradually elucidated. These findings are now being applied in developing novel vaccines and treatments involving interferons and in immune activation research using probiotics as adjuvants, comparable to CpG-DNA through TLR9. The role of the local innate immune system, including pDCs, as the first line of defense against viral infections has gained increasing interest. Moving forward, insight of the immune system and the crosstalk between probiotics and the innate immune system is expected to highlight the role of probiotics in adjunctive immunoregulatory therapy. In combination with drug treatments, probiotics may play a more substantial role in enhancing immune responses. The immunoregulatory approach using probiotics such as LC-Plasma, which can induce anti-infectious factors such as interferons, holds promise as a viable therapeutic and prophylactic option against viral infectious diseases due to their good safety profile and protective efficacy.
    MeSH terms: Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use; Humans; Interferons; RNA, Viral; Vaccines*; Probiotics*; Pandemics/prevention & control
  4. Zawiah M, Al-Ashwal FY, Gharaibeh L, Abu Farha R, Alzoubi KH, Abu Hammour K, et al.
    J Multidiscip Healthc, 2023;16:4099-4110.
    PMID: 38116306 DOI: 10.2147/JMDH.S439223
    BACKGROUND: The emergence of Chat-Generative Pre-trained Transformer (ChatGPT) by OpenAI has revolutionized AI technology, demonstrating significant potential in healthcare and pharmaceutical education, yet its real-world applicability in clinical training warrants further investigation.

    METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted between April and May 2023 to assess PharmD students' perceptions, concerns, and experiences regarding the integration of ChatGPT into clinical pharmacy education. The study utilized a convenient sampling method through online platforms and involved a questionnaire with sections on demographics, perceived benefits, concerns, and experience with ChatGPT. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, including descriptive and inferential analyses.

    RESULTS: The findings of the study involving 211 PharmD students revealed that the majority of participants were male (77.3%), and had prior experience with artificial intelligence (68.2%). Over two-thirds were aware of ChatGPT. Most students (n= 139, 65.9%) perceived potential benefits in using ChatGPT for various clinical tasks, with concerns including over-reliance, accuracy, and ethical considerations. Adoption of ChatGPT in clinical training varied, with some students not using it at all, while others utilized it for tasks like evaluating drug-drug interactions and developing care plans. Previous users tended to have higher perceived benefits and lower concerns, but the differences were not statistically significant.

    CONCLUSION: Utilizing ChatGPT in clinical training offers opportunities, but students' lack of trust in it for clinical decisions highlights the need for collaborative human-ChatGPT decision-making. It should complement healthcare professionals' expertise and be used strategically to compensate for human limitations. Further research is essential to optimize ChatGPT's effective integration.

  5. Zhou M, Cheng Z, Sabran K, Zahari ZA
    PMID: 38116952 DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2023.2294988
    PURPOSE: This systematic review aims to update the results related to user interfaces and digital technologies that support the social interactions of older adults. Multiple innovative technological forms in existing research were evaluated to obtain evidence that digital technologies improve older adults' quality of life and social well-being.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: A search for relevant studies published in the last five years was conducted using the databases of Google Scholar, IEEE Xplore, PubMed, Scopus, Springer Link and Web of Science.

    RESULTS: Of the 4959 records identified, a total of 29 studies met the inclusion criteria. The findings were reviewed in three areas: social interaction of older adults supported by user interface, the digital technologies used in the user interface, and the effects of user interfaces on the social interactions of older adults.

    CONCLUSIONS: Future research should develop digital technologies and service models to enhance the quality of life of older adults. Long-term solutions to promote social interaction in older adults require more user interface support. Community connection-based user interfaces can support existing social relationships and develop new social circles for older adults.

  6. Fitriana PM, Saputra J, Halim ZA
    Big Data, 2023 Dec 20.
    PMID: 38117613 DOI: 10.1089/big.2023.0015
    In light of developing and industrialized nations, the G20 economies account for a whopping two-thirds of the world's population and are the largest economies globally. Public emergencies have occasionally arisen due to the rapid spread of COVID-19 globally, impacting many people's lives, especially in G20 countries. Thus, this study is written to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on stock market performance in G20 countries. This study uses daily stock market data of G20 countries from January 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020. The stock market data were divided into G7 countries and non-G7 countries. The data were analyzed using Long Short-Term Memory with a Recurrent Neural Network (LSTM-RNN) approach. The result indicated a gap between the actual stock market index and a forecasted time series that would have happened without COVID-19. Owing to movement restrictions, this study found that stock markets in six countries, including Argentina, China, South Africa, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and the United States, are affected negatively. Besides that, movement restrictions in the G7 countries, excluding the United States, and the non-G20 countries, excluding Argentina, China, South Africa, Turkey, and Saudi, significantly impact the stock market performance. Generally, LSTM prediction estimates relative terms, except for stock market performance in the United Kingdom, the Republic of Korea, South Africa, and Spain. The stock market performance in the United Kingdom and Spain countries has significantly reduced during and after the occurrence of COVID-19. It indicates that the COVID-19 pandemic considerably influenced the stock markets of 14 G20 countries, whereas less severely impacting 6 remaining countries. In conclusion, our empirical evidence showed that the pandemic had restricted effects on the stock market performance in G20 countries.
  7. Mud Shukri MI, Baharom A
    PLoS One, 2023;18(12):e0295933.
    PMID: 38117759 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295933
    It is socially natural that adolescents engage in romantic relationship. However, there are negative health implications when they are not properly monitored and guided. The engagement in unsafe sexual practices has been reported to cause various adverse health and social implications affecting Malaysian adolescents. To date, why adolescents engage in romantic relationship has remained understudied. Prior studies on adolescent romantic relationship mainly focused on the western context. Hence, the reported findings are deemed not applicable for the Malaysian population. There are insufficient data on the prevalence and determinants of adolescent romantic relationship within the Malaysian context. Thus, the current study aimed to identify the prevalence and determinants of romantic relationship among adolescents in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. Adopting a cross-sectional research design, this study's self-administered questionnaire survey, which was conducted from 25 May 2021 to 5 June 2021 in residential areas that were part of the "Healthy Community Empowers the Nation" programme (KOSPEN), involved 396 adolescents who fulfilled the study's selection criteria. In terms of age, the respondents were of between 14 and 19 years old, with median age (IQR) of 19 (2). Adolescent romantic relationship in this study recorded prevalence of 24.1%, which was comparatively lower than that of the western countries. The results further revealed social media use (AOR: 2.162, 95% CI: 1.202-3.888, p = 0.01), pornography website surfing (AOR 2.748, 95% CI: 1.517-4.977, p = 0.001), poor SRH knowledge (AOR: 3.885, 95% CI: 2.144-7.040, p < 0.001), and depression (AOR: 2.830, 95% CI: 1.323-6.055, p = 0.007) as significant determinants of adolescent romantic relationship. Thus, this study demonstrated the significant role of social media use, pornography website surfing, SRH knowledge, and depression on adolescent romantic relationship. Further longitudinal studies to investigate the temporal relationships between depression and romantic relationship are recommended. The highly significant association between SRH knowledge and romantic relationship in this study suggests that strategies on improving the level of SRH knowledge among adolescents should be prioritised.
    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Depression/epidemiology; Erotica*; Humans; Malaysia/epidemiology; Sexual Behavior/psychology; Young Adult; Reproductive Health; Social Media*
  8. Wider W, Tanucan JCM, Lin J, Jiang L, Udang LN
    PLoS One, 2023;18(12):e0294658.
    PMID: 38117775 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0294658
    The first year of university is one of the most difficult times in a student's life due to numerous changes that occur. This cross-sectional study explores the concept of parental and peer attachment, which has been researched for its ability to predict students' success in higher education. Yet, less research has investigated the mechanisms underpinning the relationship between attachment and university adjustment among first-year students. Hence, the aim of this study was to examine the impact of parent and peer attachment on first-year university students, and understand how these attachments can facilitate university adjustment through identity exploration. This investigation is underpinned by Bowlby and Ainsworth's attachment theory and Arnett's emerging adulthood theory. Data were collected from 568 first-year students at a public university in Sabah, Malaysia, via adapted questionnaires. Structural equation modelling was employed using SmartPLS Software 3.0 to analyse the data. The study found that identity exploration mediates the relationship between parental trust, peer communication, and university adjustment. The findings of this study provide valuable insights for professionals working with emerging adult clients, especially those in higher education institutions, aiming to enhance the adjustment level among first-year students.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Parents; Students*; Universities; Friends*
  9. Liew SC, Pallath V, Rasali Y, Foong CC, Hong WH, Tan MP
    PLoS One, 2023;18(12):e0289176.
    PMID: 38117842 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289176
    INTRODUCTION: During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the use of virtual consultations has accelerated to ensure continued access to healthcare despite lockdowns and physical distancing measures. We aimed to determine the knowledge (awareness) of, attitude (acceptability) to, and practice (exposure) [KAP] of virtual consultations (VC), the demographic factors associated with poor KAP, and the correlation between the three KAP domains.

    METHODS: A cross-sectional study, using a convenience sampling technique, was conducted from 13 September, 2021 to 28 November, 2021. We designed a 45-item VC KAP questionnaire. This was distributed to outpatient users attending cardiovascular, dermatology, geriatrics, haematology, endocrine, respiratory, gastroenterology, rheumatology, or neurology clinics at the University Malaya Medical Centre. It was completed during face-to-face, online, or telephone interviews. The data were analysed using SPSS version 24.0. Binary logistic regression was used to determine the demographic factors associated with KAP. Correlation between KAP domains was determined using Spearman's rho (r). A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

    RESULTS: A total of 366 questionnaires were completed. Knowledge (awareness), attitude (acceptability), and practice (exposure) were considered good in 69.7%, 80.9%, and 24.6% of participants, respectively. There were no significant relationships between age, gender, ethnicity, and duration of hospital attendance (years) with knowledge (awareness), attitude (acceptability), and practice (exposure). A moderate positive correlation was seen between knowledge (awareness) and attitude (acceptability) (Attitude total [Atotal]) (r = 0.48, p<0.001), with no significant correlation between knowledge (awareness) and practice (exposure) (r = 0.04, p = 0.45), and attitude (acceptability) (Atotal) and practice (r = 0.01, p = 0.82).

    CONCLUSION: Overall, outpatient clinic users had good knowledge (awareness) of and were receptive towards VC but had poor practice (exposure). More opportunities for VC use in healthcare can increase exposure and subsequent utilisation. Interventions to increase the effectiveness of VC use should be explored in future studies.

    MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies; Hospitals, Teaching; Humans; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*; Malaysia; Outpatients*; Surveys and Questionnaires; Referral and Consultation
  10. Mei T, Li Y, Li X, Yang X, Li L, Yan X, et al.
    Int J Sports Med, 2023 Dec 20.
    PMID: 38122824 DOI: 10.1055/a-2234-0159
    This study develops a comprehensive genotype-phenotype model for predicting the effects of resistance training on leg press performance. A cohort of physically inactive adults (N=193) underwent 12 weeks of resistance training, and measurements of maximum isokinetic leg press peak force, muscle mass, and thickness were taken before and after the intervention. Whole-genome genotyping was performed, and genome-wide association analysis identified 85 novel SNPs significantly associated with changes in leg press strength after training. A prediction model was constructed using stepwise linear regression, incorporating 7 lead SNPs that explained 40.4% of the training effect variance. The polygenic score showed a significant positive correlation with changes in leg press strength. By integrating genomic markers and phenotypic indicators, the comprehensive prediction model explained 75.4% of the variance in the training effect. Additionally, five SNPs were found to potentially impact muscle contraction, metabolism, growth, and development through their association with REACTOME pathways. Individual responses to resistance training varied, with changes in leg press strength ranging from -55.83% to 151.20%. The study highlights the importance of genetic factors in predicting training outcomes and provides insights into the potential biological functions underlying resistance training effects. The comprehensive model offers valuable guidance for personalized fitness programs based on individual genetic profiles and phenotypic characteristics.
  11. Al Fatease A, Alqahtani A, Khan BA, Mohamed JMM, Farhana SA
    Sci Rep, 2023 Dec 20;13(1):22730.
    PMID: 38123572 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49328-2
    Fungal infections of skin including mycoses are one of the most common infections in skin or skins. Mycosis is caused by dermatophytes, non-dermatophyte moulds and yeasts. Various studies show different drugs to treat mycoses, yet there is need to treat it with applied drugs delivery. This study was designed to prepare a bio curcumin (CMN) nanoemulsion (CMN-NEs) for transdermal administration to treat mycoses. The self-nanoemulsification approach was used to prepare a nanoemulsion (NE), utilizing an oil phase consisting of Cremophor EL 100 (Cre EL), glyceryl monooleate (GMO), and polyethylene glycol 5000 (PEG 5000). Particle size (PS), polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential (ZP), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrophotometric analysis, and morphological analyses were performed to evaluate the nanoemulsion (NE). The in vitro permeation of CMN was investigated using a modified vertical diffusion cell with an activated dialysis membrane bag. Among all the formulations, a stable, spontaneously produced nanoemulsion was determined with 250 mg of CMN loaded with 10 g of the oil phase. The average droplet size, ZP, and PDI of CMN-NEs were 90.0 ± 2.1 nm, - 7.4 ± 0.4, and 0.171 ± 0.03 mV, respectively. The release kinetics of CMN differed from zero order with a Higuchi release profile as a result of nanoemulsification, which also significantly increased the flux of CMN permeating from the hydrophilic matrix gel. Overall, the prepared nanoemulsion system not only increased the permeability of CMN but also protected it against chemical deterioration. Both CMN-ME (24.0 ± 0.31 mm) and CMN-NE gel (29.6 ± 0.25 mm) had zones of inhibition against Candida albicans that were significantly larger than those of marketed Itrostred gel (21.5 ± 0.34 mm). The prepared CMN-NE improved the bioavailability, better skin penetration, and the CMN-NE gel enhanced the release of CMN from the gel matrix on mycotic patients.
    MeSH terms: Emulsions/pharmacology; Renal Dialysis; Humans; Skin/metabolism; Skin Absorption; Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors/pharmacology
  12. Nasri C, Halabi Y, Hajib A, Choukri H, Harhar H, Lee LH, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2023 Dec 20;13(1):22767.
    PMID: 38123687 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50119-y
    Eight Moroccan avocado varieties were analyzed for their nutritional composition and physicochemical properties. The nutritional contents of the sample were determined through the evaluation of the moisture, oil, ash, protein, and carbohydrate contents, and energy value calculation. Additionally, macroelements (Ca, Mg, and Na) and microelements (Fe, Zn, Cu, and Mn) were determined in the mineral profile. Oils were examined also for their fatty acid, phytosterol, and tocopherol profiles. As a result of the study, the avocado presents significant differences between the eight studied varieties (p 
    MeSH terms: Carbohydrates; Fatty Acids/chemistry; Minerals; Oils; Phytosterols*; Tocopherols
  13. Ahmad F, Tang XW, Ahmad M, González-Lezcano RA, Majdi A, Arbili MM
    Math Biosci Eng, 2023 Nov 29;20(12):21229-21245.
    PMID: 38124595 DOI: 10.3934/mbe.2023939
    A new logistic model tree (LMT) model is developed to predict slope stability status based on an updated database including 627 slope stability cases with input parameters of unit weight, cohesion, angle of internal friction, slope angle, slope height and pore pressure ratio. The performance of the LMT model was assessed using statistical metrics, including accuracy (Acc), Matthews correlation coefficient (Mcc), area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and F-score. The analysis of the Acc together with Mcc, AUC and F-score values for the slope stability suggests that the proposed LMT achieved better prediction results (Acc = 85.6%, Mcc = 0.713, AUC = 0.907, F-score for stable state = 0.967 and F-score for failed state = 0.923) as compared to other methods previously employed in the literature. Two case studies with ten slope stability events were used to verify the proposed LMT. It was found that the prediction results are completely consistent with the actual situation at the site. Finally, risk analysis was carried out, and the result also agrees with the actual conditions. Such probability results can be incorporated into risk analysis with the corresponding failure cost assessment later.
  14. Ahmad SM, Mat Jin N, Ahmad MF, Abdul Karim AK, Abu MA
    Horm Mol Biol Clin Investig, 2023 Dec 01;44(4):379-384.
    PMID: 38124670 DOI: 10.1515/hmbci-2022-0087
    OBJECTIVES: Unexplained subfertility (UEI) describes a couple whose standard subfertility workout consider acceptable but unable to conceived.

    METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted in the Advanced Reproductive Centre, UKM Hospital, Kuala Lumpur, from January 2016 to December 2019. The data of 268 UEI couples were obtained from the clinical database. Women aged 21-45 years old was included and further divided into four groups according to the female partner's age and subfertility duration: group A (age <35 years and subfertility <2 years), group B (age <35 years and subfertility >2 years), group C (age >35 years and subfertility <2 years), and group D (age >35 years and subfertility <2 years). All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 22.0 for Windows.

    RESULTS: A total of 255 cases were included in this study. The mean age of the women was 32.9 ± 4.04 years, and the mean subfertility duration was 5.04 ± 2.9 years. A total of 51 (20 %) cases underwent timed sexual intercourse, 147 (57.6 %) cases had intrauterine insemination (IUI), whereas 57 (22.4 %) cases opted for in vitro fertilization (IVF). A total of 204 cases underwent active management (IUI/IVF), which showed a significant difference (p<0.05). Out of eight clinical pregnancies, half of them were from group B.

    CONCLUSIONS: Active management in younger women with a shorter subfertility duration revealed a better pregnancy outcome. Otherwise, individualized treatment should be considered in selecting a suitable treatment plan.

    MeSH terms: Adult; Female; Fertilization in Vitro; Humans; Insemination, Artificial*; Middle Aged; Ovulation Induction; Pregnancy; Retrospective Studies; Young Adult; Conservative Treatment
  15. Abidin ZZ, Halim RA, Noor E, Nor NSM, Nazari NSM, Zaini AA, et al.
    J Int Soc Prev Community Dent, 2023;13(5):416-425.
    PMID: 38124724 DOI: 10.4103/jispcd.JISPCD_123_23
    AIM: The bidirectional relationship between type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and inflammatory periodontal disease (PD) is globally recognized. However, oral health components are often given lower priority, and studies related to knowledge and the bidirectional association are limited. This study assesses the knowledge and perceptions of PD and its associated risk factors among T1DM patients and/or their parents.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients under 18 with T1DM at Universiti Teknologi MARA and Universiti Malaya were invited to participate. Structured interviews were conducted to assess participants' knowledge and perceptions of T1DM, and statistical analysis was performed to examine their associations using Pearson's chi-squared test and Fisher's exact test.

    RESULTS: A total of 113 T1DM patients, with a mean age of 11.4 ± 4, completed the interviews. Poor knowledge was observed among parents and T1DM patients (P-value = 0.007) and those who exercised regularly (P-value = 0.047). A significant association with good perception was found among individuals with uncontrolled HbA1c levels (P-value = 0.0018) and those experiencing bleeding symptoms (P-value = 0.021).

    CONCLUSIONS: The study highlights the importance of increasing awareness, a key factor in improving oral health knowledge. Interestingly, despite poor control of clinical parameters, the population displayed good perception, suggesting a potential lack of understanding regarding disease control.

  16. Krishna SS, Farhana SA, T P A, Hussain SM, Viswanad V, Nasr MH, et al.
    Front Immunol, 2023;14:1332906.
    PMID: 38124738 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1332906
    [This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1229667.].
  17. Rafiq MT, Abdul Hamid MS, Hafiz E
    Arch Rheumatol, 2023 Dec;38(4):590-601.
    PMID: 38125060 DOI: 10.46497/ArchRheumatol.2023.9018
    OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of the lower limb rehabilitation protocol (LLRP) using mobile health (mHealth) on quality of life (QoL), functional strength, and functional capacity among knee OA patients who were overweight and obese.

    PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between August 2019 and November 2020, a total of 96 patients (42 males, 54 females; mean age; 52.9±4.8 years; range, 40 to 60 years) were randomized into either the rehabilitation group with mobile health (RGw-mHealth) receiving reminders by using mHealth to carry on the strengthening exercises of LLRP and instructions of daily care (IDC), the rehabilitation group without mobile health (RGwo-mHealth) following the strengthening exercises of LLRP and instructions of daily care (IDC) and control group (CG) only following the IDC for duration of 12 weeks. The reminders for using mHealth were provided two times a day for three days a week. Primary outcome measures were QoL assessed by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index summary score, and functional strength by five-repetition sit-to-stand test. Secondary outcome measure was functional capacity assessed by the Gait Speed Test. The assessments of QoL, functional strength, and functional capacity were taken at baseline and post-test after 12 weeks of intervention.

    RESULTS: After 12 weeks of intervention, the patients in all three groups had a statistically significant improvement in QoL within groups (p<0.05). Patients in the RGw-mHealth and RGwo-mHealth had a statistically significant improvement in functional strength and walking gait speed within groups (p<0.05). The pairwise between-group comparisons (Bonferroni post-hoc test) of the mean changes in QoL, functional strength, and functional capacity at post-test assessments revealed that patients in the RGw-mHealth had a statistically significant greater mean change in QoL, functional strength and functional capacity relative to both the RGwo-mHealth and CG (p<0.001).

    CONCLUSION: The improvement in QoL, functional strength, and functional capacity was greater among patients in the RGw-mHealth compared to the RGwo-mHealth or CG.

  18. Abd Wahab AT, Mohd Hairon S, Shafei MN, Ibrahim MI, Mahmud N
    Cureus, 2023 Nov;15(11):e49083.
    PMID: 38125210 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.49083
    Introduction Job stress is recognized as a significant concern across various occupational settings which have profound implications for both individuals and organizations. During the COVID-19 pandemic, job stress among the public health workforce (PHW) has been a significant concern, as they face a significantly increased risk of infection and mortality due to excessive COVID-19 exposure. This study presents a descriptive exploration of key job stress-related factors among PHW in Terengganu, Malaysia. Methodology This is a cross-sectional study conducted from May 2022 to April 2023, encompassing all eight District Health Offices (DHO) and government health clinics in Terengganu. Data collection involved a Malay version of the Job Content Questionnaire (M-JCQ), which assesses job characteristics based on Karasek's demand-control-support model and consists of four main domains: decision latitude, psychological job demands, physical job demands, and social support. Data was collected from 1044 participants, and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 27 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Findings Of the 1044 participants, 18.9% experienced job stress. The highest percentage of job stress was observed among nurses (24.3%), followed by medical assistants (18.3%) and physicians (16.0%). In contrast, the public health assistant (PKA) group had the lowest rate of job stress. Job types based on Karasek's model also showed variations, with doctors having the highest percentage of active jobs (46.4%), while medical assistants had the highest percentage of low job strain (17.9%), and PKAs had the highest percentage of passive job types (44.7%). Conclusion This study offers significant insights into the work-related challenges faced by the public health workforce in Terengganu, Malaysia, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Job stress is a substantial concern, and understanding its underlying factors is essential for improving the well-being of PHWs. Decision latitude, job demands, and social support play critical roles in shaping job stress among PHWs. Strategies and interventions are needed to mitigate job stress, improve working conditions, and enhance the effectiveness of PHWs in public health initiatives. This study highlights the importance of addressing job stress in this sector, with potential benefits for both the mental and physical health of PHW.
  19. Beom JY, Low W, Park KS, Yoon TR, Lee CY, Song H
    Hip Pelvis, 2023 Dec;35(4):268-276.
    PMID: 38125274 DOI: 10.5371/hp.2023.35.4.268
    PURPOSE: Resection remains the most reliable treatment for established heterotopic ossification, despite questions regarding its effectiveness due to the potential for complications. This study evaluated the clinical outcomes and complications of neurogenic heterotopic ossification (NHO) resection in stroke patients' ankylosed hips.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed nine hip NHO resections performed on seven patients from 2010 to 2018. The pre- and postoperative range of motion of the operated hip were compared. Analysis of postoperative complications, including infection, recurrence, iatrogenic fracture, and neurovascular injury was performed.

    RESULTS: The mean operative time was 132.78±21.08 minutes, with a mean hemoglobin drop of 3.06±0.82 g/dL within the first postoperative week. The mean duration of postoperative follow-up was 52.08±28.72 months for all patients. Postoperative range of motion showed improvement from preoperative. Flexion and external rotation (mean, 58.89±30.60° and 16.67±18.03°, respectively) showed the greatest gain of motion of the operated hip joint. Postoperative infections resolved in two cases through surgical debridement, and one case required conversion to total hip arthroplasty due to instability. There were no recurrences, iatrogenic fractures, or neurovascular injuries.

    CONCLUSION: Resection is a beneficial intervention for restoring the functional range of motion of the hip in order to improve the quality of life for patients with NHO and neurological disorders. We recommend performance of a minimal resection to achieve a targeted functional arc of motion in order to minimize the risk of postoperative complications.

  20. Palanichamy P, Krishnasamy R, Meenakshi Sundaram U, Thiagamani SMK, Ilyas RA, Hassan AM
    Heliyon, 2023 Dec;9(12):e22893.
    PMID: 38125411 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e22893
    Coated silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) are currently receiving interest because of their numerous uses in various fields of electronics, antimicrobials, manufacturing sectors, optical science, and pharmaceuticals. Among others, it gained significant attention in the power electronic system. The goal of the proposed study is to use a cost-effective coating material for solar panels; to accomplish this, silver nanoparticles were synthesized from the leaves of the Rosy Periwinkle plants. Green synthesis and characterization, such as Ultraviolet Visible Spectrometer (UV-Vis) analysis, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), were carried out after the silver nanoparticles have been collected prior coating. As a consequence, the effectiveness is determined based on the conductivity test, and the resulting Ag NPs are then applied to the c-si layer of the solar panel. Additionally, a modelling and experimental analysis are performed in this study to ascertain the suggested framework's ability to measure energy before and after coating panels with Ag NPs. Specifically, the Voltage Current (VI) and Power Voltage (PV) characteristics were validated in this study for analyzing the effectiveness and the obtained results revealed that the coating of green synthesized Ag NPs generated 2 % more power than the reference solar panel under the same conditions. Further, hardware testing and simulation were both used to confirm the outcomes and effectiveness of the suggested method. The open circuit voltage (Voc), short circuit current (Isc), maximum peak voltage (Vmp), maximum peak current (Imp), and efficiency are taken into account when assessing how well the suggested system performs at tracking. Moreover, the current density characteristics were evaluated with respect to various irradiation conditions for both the typical solar as well as Ag NPs coated panels. From the observation, it is noted that the efficiency level of coated panel was improved up to 19.20 %, 18 %, and 17.20 % for the irradiations of 200 W/m2, 500 W/m2, and 1000 W/m2 respectively.
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