Browse publications by year: 2024

  1. Deng N, Soh KG, Abdullah BB, Huang D, Xu F, Bashir M, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2024 May 17;14(1):11272.
    PMID: 38760392 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61905-7
    Plyometric training (PT) is an effective training method for improving physical fitness among trained individuals; however, its impact on health-related physical fitness in untrained participants remains ambiguous. Therefore, this meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of PT on health-related physical fitness among untrained participants. Six electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL Plus, MEDLINE Complete, Web of Science Core Collection, SCOPUS, and SPORTDiscus) were systematically searched until March 2024. We included controlled trials that examined the effects of PT on health-related physical fitness indices in untrained participants. Twenty-one studies were eligible, including a total of 1263 participants. Our analyses revealed small to moderate effects of PT on body mass index, muscular strength, cardiorespiratory fitness, and flexibility (ES = 0.27-0.61; all p > 0.05). However, no significant effects were detected for body fat percentage and lean mass (ES = 0.21-0.41; all p > 0.05). In conclusion, the findings suggest that PT may be potentially effective in improving health-related physical fitness indices (i.e., body mass index, muscular strength, cardiorespiratory fitness, and flexibility) in untrained participants. However, the results should be interpreted cautiously due to data limitations in some fitness variables.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Female; Humans; Male; Body Mass Index*
  2. Ranasinghe R, Mathai M, Abdullah Alshawsh M, Zulli A
    Heliyon, 2024 Apr 15;10(7):e28171.
    PMID: 39839154 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28171
    AIMS: Cisplatin is a frontline chemotherapeutic utilized to attenuate multiple cancers in the clinic. Given its side-effects, a new cisplatin formulation which could prevent cytotoxicity, metabolic deficiencies and metastasis is much needed. This study investigates whether nanocarriers can provide a better mode of drug delivery in preclinical cancer models seeking a potent anticancer therapeutic agent.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: The PubMed database was searched, and 242 research articles were screened from which 94 articles qualified for selection from those published by December 31, 2023 and the data was synthesized using the Review Manager software.

    KEY FINDINGS: Cisplatin encapsulated as a nanomedicine confirmed the versatility of nanocarriers in significantly diminishing cancer cell viability, half maximal inhibitory concentration, tumour volume, biodistribution of platinum in tumours and kidney; at p 

  3. Gao J, Fu X, Xu H, Guo Q, Wang X
    Front Physiol, 2024;15:1434918.
    PMID: 39839523 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1434918
    BACKGROUND: Instability resistance training (IRT) has been the focus of extensive research because of its proven benefits to balance ability, core stability, and sports performance for athletes. However, there is a lack of systematic reviews explicitly evaluating IRT's impact on athletes' balance ability. This study aims to conduct a systematic review of the effects of IRT on balance ability among athletes.

    METHOD: This study used guidelines for the systematic review and meta-analysis of PRISMA, Web of Science, EBSCOhost (SPORTDiscus), PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar to collect original references in electronic databases. The PICOS method was selected for the inclusion criteria. The physiotherapy evidence database (PEDro) scale was used to assess the scoring for articles' risk range of bias. The scoring of 20 studies ranges from 4-8, and study quality is moderate to high.

    RESULTS: Out of 285 identified studies, only 20 articles fulfilled all the eligibility criteria after screening. IRT could significantly improve reciprocal, static, and dynamic balance ability among judo athletes, basketball players, weightlifters, archery athletes, soccer players, rhythmic gymnasts, badminton players, track and field athletes, handball players, volleyball players, and gymnasts using unstable surfaces or environments (i.e., BOSU, Swiss, Wobble boards, Suspension trainer, Sissel pillows, Inflated disc and foam surface, Airex balance pad, Togu power ball, Thera-Band, Elastic band strap, Sand surface and so on).

    CONCLUSION: The finding suggests that different types of IRT benefit athletes as this training method can effectively enhance reciprocal, static, and dynamic balance ability in athletes. Therefore, this review suggests that IRT should be considered in athletes' daily training routines for the physical fitness of reciprocal, static, and dynamic balance ability.

  4. Gao Z, Li Y, Zhang J, Li L, Wang T, Wang X, et al.
    Front Physiol, 2024;15:1506386.
    PMID: 39839525 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1506386
    Aerobic training with blood flow restriction (AT-BFR) has shown promise in enhancing both aerobic capacity and exercise performance. The aim of this review was to systematically analyze the evidence regarding the effectiveness of this novel training method on aerobic capacity, muscle strength, and hypertrophy in young adults. Studies were identified through a search of databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE. A total of 16 studies, involving 270 subjects, were included in the meta-analysis. The results revealed that AT-BFR induced greater improvements in VO2max (SMD = 0.27, 95%CI: [0.02, 0.52], p < 0.05), and muscle strength (SMD = 0.39, 95%CI: [0.09, 0.69], p < 0.05), compared to aerobic training with no blood flow restriction (AT-noBFR). However, no significant effect was observed on muscle mass (SMD = 0.23, 95%CI: [-0.09, 0.56], p = 0.162). Furthermore, no moderating effects on the outcomes were found for individual characteristics or training factors. In conclusion, AT-BFR is more effective than AT-noBFR in improving aerobic capacity and muscle strength, making it a promising alternative to high-intensity training.

    SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42024559872.

  5. Deng N, Soh KG, Xu F, Yang X
    Front Physiol, 2024;15:1469965.
    PMID: 39839526 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1469965
    BACKGROUND: Tennis performance is highly influenced by serve speed. This review aimed to evaluate and quantitatively compare the efficacy of popular strength and conditioning (S&C) training methods in enhancing the speed of the ball in the serves of tennis players.

    METHODS: Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search was conducted in the Scopus, Web of Science, SportsDiscuss, and PubMed databases without date constraints, up to July 2024. Studies included in this meta-analysis met PICOS criteria: a) randomized controlled trials with healthy tennis players, b) isolated or combined S&C training programs, c) evaluation of tennis serve speed, and d) adequate data to compute effect sizes (ESs). The PEDro scale was used to assess methodological quality.

    RESULTS: Out of 271 identified papers, 16 studies of moderate to high quality were included in the meta-analysis. Resistance training demonstrated a small but significant effect on serve speed (ES = 0.53; p < 0.001), while multimodal training exhibited a moderate and significant effect (ES = 0.79; p = 0.001). However, core training did not have a significant effect on serve speed (ES = 0.32, p = 0.231).

    CONCLUSION: The findings suggested that S&C interventions, including resistance and multimodal training, were beneficial for increasing serve speed in tennis players. Further high-quality research is recommended to confirm this conclusion.

    SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_ record.php?RecordID=519790, identifier CRD42024519790.

  6. Zhang M, Fah LY
    Front Psychol, 2024;15:1432796.
    PMID: 39839924 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1432796
    INTRODUCTION: Art college students are under special pressure from a few sources, including study, employment, friends, emotions, family relations and other aspects. This can lead to a reasonable degree of learning burnout among art college students, which will have a negative impact on their physical and mental health, as well as their study and employment. However, there is a paucity of empirical studies on learning burnout among art students. Furthermore, the factors and mechanisms that contribute to learning burnout among art students remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between emotional intelligence and learning burnout in Chinese art college students, and to identify the role of self-acceptance and perceived stress as sequential mediators.

    METHODS: This study employed a completely random survey of three art universities in China to investigate the status of emotional intelligence, self-acceptance, perceived stress and learning burnout among art students and their relationships. The data was analyzed using an independent sample t-test and structural equation modelling.

    RESULTS: A total of 678 valid samples were obtained from a study of Chinese art students. No significant differences were observed in the scores of emotional intelligences, self-acceptance, perceived stress, and learning burnout among participants of different genders. The results of the structural equation modelling indicated that emotional intelligence was negatively associated with learning burnout (β = -0.282, p

  7. Mohamad Mustafa M'N, Abdul Aziz MF, Daud A, Syed Abdul Rahman SS, Nordin MH, Zulkeflee RH, et al.
    Cureus, 2024 Dec;16(12):e75975.
    PMID: 39840166 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.75975
    Lewis antibodies, such as anti-Lea and anti-Leb, are commonly encountered in routine immunohematology. They are typically IgM in nature and are generally considered clinically insignificant, as they rarely cause hemolytic transfusion reactions (HTRs) or hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN). However, rare cases have been reported where anti-Lewis antibodies caused mild transfusion reactions. In this case report, we describe a 69-year-old male with sepsis secondary to a neck carbuncle who was found to have clinically significant anti-Lewis antibodies. These antibodies presented a challenge during crossmatching, as only two out of seven units of packed red blood cells were compatible. This case underscores the importance of thorough pre-transfusion testing to ensure safe and effective blood transfusion practices.
  8. Sayed IS, Yusaini NS
    Cureus, 2024 Dec;16(12):e76175.
    PMID: 39840200 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.76175
    In abdominal X-ray examinations, radiosensitive organs such as the gonads within or near the imaging region are at risk of radiation exposure. Minimizing the dose to these organs is crucial to reducing unnecessary radiation. This study utilized optically stimulated luminescence dosimeters (OSLDs) to measure the radiation dose to the male gonads at varying kilovoltage peak (kVp) settings while keeping the milliampere-seconds (mAs) constant across different radiographic projections. A Siemens Multix Top X-ray system (Siemens Healthcare Inc., Erlangen, Germany) was used for imaging, with three kVp settings (81, 83, and 85) and a fixed exposure of 32 mAs. The study employed a RANDO phantom (The Phantom Laboratory, Salem, New York, USA) to simulate human anatomy. The entrance surface dose (ESD) was recorded by placing an OSLD on the phantom's surface corresponding to the gonad location. In contrast, the absorbed dose was measured by positioning the OSLD at the gonadal region inside the phantom. Six abdominal projections were evaluated: anteroposterior (AP) supine, posteroanterior (PA) prone, lateral, AP erect, lateral decubitus, and dorsal decubitus. All imaging was conducted with a source-to-image distance of 100 cm. The dorsal and lateral decubitus positions resulted in relatively higher radiation doses. Conversely, the AP supine, PA prone, lateral, and AP erect positions exhibited lower ESD and absorbed doses. Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences in ESD and absorbed doses for male gonads across the projections. Additionally, an increase in kVp correlated with a reduction in both ESD and absorbed dose. This study emphasizes the critical importance of optimizing kVp settings to minimize radiation exposure to male gonads during abdominal X-ray examinations. It also emphasizes the significant influence of radiographic projections on radiation dose, advocating for careful selection of projections to enhance patient safety. These findings contribute to advancing radiological practices, reducing unnecessary radiation exposure, and improving patient care standards.
  9. Dewi FRP, Wahyuningsih SPA, Lim V, In LLA, Hayati A
    Iran J Med Sci, 2024 Dec;49(12):785-793.
    PMID: 39840302 DOI: 10.30476/IJMS.2024.99450.3149
    BACKGROUND: In approximately 80% of colorectal cancer cases, mutations in the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene disrupt the Wingless-related integration site (Wnt)/β-catenin signaling pathway, a crucial factor in carcinogenesis. This disruption may result in consequences such as aberrant spindle segregation and mitotic catastrophe. This study aimed to analyze the effectiveness of the ethanolic extract of red okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) pods (EEROP) in inducing apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells (SW480) by inhibiting the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

    METHODS: The IC50 of EEROP in SW480 cells was determined by treating the cells with varying doses of EEROP, ranging from 0 to 1000 µg/mL. Apoptosis assay and signaling pathway analysis were performed through immunofluorescence staining and Western Blotting on SW480 cells treated with 250 µg/mL of EEROP for 72 hours.

    RESULTS: EEROP treatment induced apoptosis in SW480 cells, marked by elevated levels of active caspase-3 (P<0.001) and cleaved poly-(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP)-1. Moreover, it notably decreased β-catenin protein levels, resulting in an augmented occurrence of cells displaying abnormal spindle segregation during mitosis (P=0.04).

    CONCLUSION: EEROP treatment reduces β-catenin protein levels, promotes abnormal spindle apparatus segregation, and finally leads to apoptotic cell death in CRC cells.

    MeSH terms: Ethanol/pharmacology; Humans; Spindle Apparatus/drug effects; Abelmoschus*; Cell Line, Tumor; beta Catenin/drug effects
  10. Emary EAM, Arifin SRM, Yusof MZ
    Malays J Med Sci, 2024 Feb;31(1):51-61.
    PMID: 38456107 DOI: 10.21315/mjms2024.31.1.4
    Healthcare practitioners face significant risks of workplace violence due to various reasons such as hospital congestion, miscommunication, and aggressive behaviours of patients and relatives. Exposure to workplace violence may disrupt the workflow process and compromise patient care in healthcare facilities, ultimately affecting job performance, reducing job satisfaction, and negatively affecting the physical and mental health of healthcare practitioners. This study aimed to review all the published studies conducted on the experiences of workplace violence among healthcare practitioners. This study is a systematic review of qualitative studies. Data were collected through online databases including ScienceDirect, PubMed, MEDLINE and JSTOR were searched from the year 2015-2021. The inclusion criteria were: qualitative methods and mixed methods of data collection and analysis; studies that were carried out among healthcare practitioners who have been experience on workplace violence; scope of the primary studies included experience of workplace violence; and published in English/Malay in academic journal between 2015 and 2021. A total of 15 papers were included in the final analysis. The overall quality of the included papers was high. Of the 15 papers, 12 studies fully met the CASP criteria. The results of the 15 included studies were organised into the thematic groups of: i) verbal violence as the common workplace violence; ii) perceived causes of workplace violence and iii) seeking help. Across different countries, verbal violence was the most common type of workplace violence reported by healthcare practitioners. This review also identified that a lack of information, failure to meet patient expectations, and delayed treatment were the main contributing factors to workplace violence.
  11. Lin SJ, Sun CY, Chen DN, Kang YN, Hoang KD, Chen KH, et al.
    Support Care Cancer, 2024 Dec 27;33(1):55.
    PMID: 39730943 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-024-09096-9
    BACKGROUND: Effective education and awareness regarding breast cancer are critical. Traditional educational methods often fail to meet the diverse information needs of patients. Patients should be provided with tailored, accessible information to improve their retention and understanding of disease-related information.

    PURPOSE: This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effectiveness of chatbots for providing breast cancer education. By examining patient satisfaction with and the usability and efficacy of chatbot interventions, this study seeks to support the integration of chatbot technology into cancer education.

    METHODS: This review, which was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, included studies from MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library up to May 2024. The main inclusion criterion was chatbot interventions for breast cancer education. Meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager and Open Meta-Analyst software.

    RESULTS: Of the 208 articles initially identified, 6 studies met the inclusion criteria, involving a total of 1342 women with early-stage or at-risk hereditary breast cancer. The meta-analysis revealed that most participants (85 to 99%) reported high satisfaction with chatbot interventions for breast cancer education, with no significant differences in satisfaction compared to genetic counselors or physicians. The chatbot interventions also showed positive effects on knowledge acquisition (mean proportion = 90.8%) and alleviated patients' symptoms significantly more than routine care.

    CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that chatbots can effectively provide personalized and interactive educational support, enhancing patients' understanding and retention of disease-related information. The integration of chatbot technology into educational programs can empower patients, ultimately promoting breast cancer awareness and prevention.

    MeSH terms: Breast Neoplasms*; Female; Humans; Patient Satisfaction*
  12. Thevi T, De S, Soe HHK
    J Menopausal Med, 2024 Dec;30(3):127-134.
    PMID: 39829189 DOI: 10.6118/jmm.23038
    Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) used to treat hot flashes has side effects, such as an increased risk of coronary heart disease and breast cancer. There are ongoing controversies regarding the risk of ovarian cancer associated with HRT. HRT is best avoided in conditions such as liver or gallbladder disease and gastrointestinal disorders. Evening primrose oil (EPO) has been used as an alternative treatment for hot flashes. We conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials and controlled clinical trials, following the PRISMA guidelines, to compare EPO with placebo or other interventions in alleviating hot flashes in menopausal women. We analyzed the data using Review Manager version 5.3, in conjunction with the Cochrane Collaboration tool. The severity of hot flashes was lower when EPO was administered for less than 6 months compared to placebo. However, there was no significant difference in the frequency and duration of hot flashes between EPO and placebo. Participants who received EPO complained of mild nausea and headache. EPO did not show any significant difference in the severity of hot flashes compared to black cohosh at 4 weeks; but the hot flashes were more severe at 8 weeks in the EPO group compared to black cohosh. The current evidence is insufficient to draw firm conclusions regarding the benefits of EPO in alleviating hot flashes. We hope that more research is conducted to provide sufficient evidence for menopausal women considering the use of EPO.
  13. Marlida Y, Shun TJ, Syofyan S, Ardani LR, Anggraini L
    Vet World, 2024 Nov;17(11):2694-2700.
    PMID: 39829651 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2024.2694-2700
    BACKGROUND AND AIM: Postbiotics are functional bioactive compounds or bioactive molecules with beneficial effects on health and functional activities in humans or livestock, produced by probiotic bacteria or yeast. Several postbiotics, including enzymes, short-chain fatty acids, amino acids, extracellular polysaccharides, microbial cell fragments, and teichoic acids, are currently being widely studied. This study aimed to explore the potential of secondary metabolites of Schleiferilactobacillus harbinensis LH 991 and Pichia kudriavzevii B-5P as lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and yeast isolated from Budu (fermented fish) which can act as postbiotics through in vitro rumen fermentation.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: The method used a completely randomized design 5 × 4, with five treatments and four replications. The substrate diet consisted of 60% forage and 40% concentrate. The culture mixture was 1.3 × 1011 CFU/mL with a 50%:50% ratio of S. harbinensis LH 991 and P. kudriavzevii B-5P. The inoculum concentrations used in this study were 0% (control), 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4%. Treatments are arranged based on differences in inoculum concentration as follows: T0: control (0%); T1: 1%; T2: 2%; T3: 3%; and T4: 4%.

    RESULTS: The T4 group showed a significant increase (p < 0.01) in short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), including acetate, propionate, butyrate, valerate, isobutyrate, and isovalerate acids, compared with the other treatments. Meanwhile, T4 shows that there is no significant (p > 0.01) effect on in vitro digestibility (in vitro dry matter digestibility, in vitro organic matter digestibility, and in vitro crude fiber digestibility). However, a highly significant (p < 0.01) effect was on volatile fatty acid total, NH3, and microbial crude protein synthesis.

    CONCLUSION: It is concluded that the treatment with a 4% inoculum concentration (T4) containing a mixture of S. harbinensis LH 991 and P. kudriavzevii B-5P as LAB and yeast isolated from Budu (fermented fish) in 50%:50% ratio increased SCFA and rumen fermentation significantly, whereas it did not affect in vitro digestibility.

  14. Hartati H, Putra WPB, Handiwirawan E, Ramon E, Firison J, Zubir Z, et al.
    Vet World, 2024 Nov;17(11):2537-2543.
    PMID: 39829673 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2024.2537-2543
    BACKGROUND AND AIM: Coat color is a phenotypic trait that is affected by many functional genes. In addition, coat color is an important characteristic of breeds in livestock. This study aimed to determine functional genes for coat color patterns in Sumatran native cattle in Indonesia using a genome-wide association study method.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: A bovine single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) 50K BeadChip was used for the investigation. A total of 46. Sumatran native cattle of three colors as follows: Brown (36 animals), white (9 animals), and black (1 animal), were used as experimental animals.

    RESULTS: Results showed that the SNP markers ARS-BFGL-NGS-75486 (p = 2.46 × 10-7) and BTB-01992588 (p = 1.06 × 10-5) were selected as two genetic markers for coat color variation in animals under study, which were located at the cytoplasmic FMR1-interacting protein 2 (CYFIP2) gene at BTA7 and small G protein signaling modulator 1(SGSM1) genes at BTA17, respectively. The polymorphic informative content values of both SNP markers were 0.33 (ARS-BFGL-NGS-75486) and 0.13 (BTB-01992588). In this study, a genetic marker for coat color patterns in Sumatran native cattle was obtained based on the haplotypes of both SNP markers.

    CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that CYFIP2 and SGSM1 are two coloration genes that affect the phenotype characteristics of Sumatran native cattle.

  15. Song T, Zhao H, Rafik-Galea S, Fitriana M
    Alpha Psychiatry, 2024 Nov;25(6):713-720.
    PMID: 39830045 DOI: 10.5152/alphapsychiatry.2024.241670
    OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between parental smartphone addiction and preschool children's emotional regulation.

    METHODS: A total of 818 preschool children, aged between 3 and 6 years, and their fathers and mothers were included in the study. Data were collected using the Chinese version of the Emotional Regulation Checklist and the Chinese version of the Mobile Phone Problem Use Scale. SPSS v. 20.0 was used to conduct descriptive statistical analysis, independent sample t-test, one-way ANOVA, and correlation analysis. Mplus v. 7.11 was used to conduct structural equation model analysis.

    RESULTS: Girls' emotional regulation was significantly stronger than boys' (P = .037). The emotional regulation of preschool children in the older class was significantly stronger than that of preschool children in the intermediate class and primary class (P = .045). There was no significant difference in emotional regulation between intermediate class children and primary class children (P = .213). Fathers' smartphone addiction (FSA) and mothers' smartphone addiction (MSA) were significant negative predictors of preschool children's emotional regulation (β MSA = -0.541, β FSA = -0.250). Mothers' smartphone addiction had a significantly stronger predictive effect on preschool children's emotional regulation than fathers' smartphone addiction.

    CONCLUSION: This study adds to previous research on parental smartphone addiction and preschool children's emotional regulation. The findings suggest that it is necessary to consider parental smartphone addiction, especially mothers' smartphone addiction, when developing intervention programs to enhance preschool children's emotional regulation.

  16. Amaran A, Draman N, Idris NS, Harith S
    Malays J Med Sci, 2024 Dec;31(6):194-204.
    PMID: 39830097 DOI: 10.21315/mjms2024.31.6.15
    BACKGROUND: Older people are more susceptible to malnutrition. Malnutrition is defined as imbalances and deficiencies of nutrients that result in diminished function. However, malnutrition identification through nutrition screening is not routinely performed at Malaysian health clinics or hospitals. Our study aimed to determine the proportion of older people at high risk of malnutrition and its associated factors.

    METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among older persons aged ≥ 60 years, and the exclusion criteria were older persons with known cases of dementia or the inability to stand and have hand problems that limit the ability to hold the dynamometer. Sociodemographic data and anthropometry assessment were conducted. Malnutrition risk screening tool-hospital, modified Barthel Index and the Elderly Cognitive Assessment Questionnaire were used in this study. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression.

    RESULTS: A total of 200 older persons participated in the study, and the proportion of the high risk of malnutrition was 27 (13.5%). Poor handgrip strength odd ratio (OR) = 3.56, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.41, 8.98; p = 0.007) and living arrangements (OR = 4.6, 95% CI = 1.31, 16.1; p = 0.017) were significantly associated with a high risk of malnutrition in older persons.

    CONCLUSIONS: The proportion of older persons at high risk of malnutrition was low (13.5%). Poor handgrip strength and living arrangements are significant factors associated with a high risk of malnutrition among older persons. Nutrition screening can help identify the cause and other factors of malnutrition. The role of healthcare personnel should be emphasised in nutrition screening, as they are commonly the first point of contact for patients seeking medical advice.

  17. Mohamed Shukri NRI, Hassan SK, Md Noor SS, Ab Hamid SA, Nik Mohamad NA, Wan Muhd Shukeri WF, et al.
    Malays J Med Sci, 2024 Dec;31(6):160-177.
    PMID: 39830098 DOI: 10.21315/mjms2024.31.6.13
    BACKGROUND: Hospital-acquired bloodstream infections (BSI) are associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. This study was conducted to describe the outcomes and the prognosis of hospital-acquired BSI in the Critical Care Unit, Hospital Pakar Universiti Sains Malaysia (HPUSM), as well as to identify associated factors of treatment failure and mortality at 28 days.

    METHODS: This prospective cohort study was conducted in the Critical Care Unit of HPUSM from September 2019 to March 2021. Eligible participants included patients with a positive blood culture recorded after 48 hours of admission to hospital.

    RESULTS: There was a total of 250 patients, whose positive blood cultures were isolated. The main isolated organisms were Klebsiella pneumonia (23.6%), Pseudomonas spp. (19.2%), Escherichia coli (12.8%) and Acinetobacter sp. (9.2%). The mortality of hospital-acquired BSI was 27.6%. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that age [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.06; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03, 1.09; p < 0.001], cases with extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) (adjusted OR = 5.57; 95% CI: 2.04, 15.21; p = 0.001), with multidrug-resistant (MDR) organisms (adjusted OR = 14.70; 95% CI: 3.97, 54.48; p < 0.001) and those with a sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score > 11 (adjusted OR = 4.16; 95% CI: 1.31, 13.19; p = 0.015) had statistically significant associations with treatment failure. Factors significantly associated with 28-day mortality included age (adjusted OR: 1.06: 95% CI; 1.03, 1.09; p < 0.001), MDR organisms (adjusted OR = 14.70; 95% CI: 3.97, 54.48; p < 0.001) and SOFA score > 11 (adjusted OR = 4.16; 95% CI: 1.31, 13.19; p = 0.015).

    CONCLUSION: The elderly, ESBL, MDR organisms and high SOFA scores were associated with treatment failure and 28-day mortality in hospital-acquired BSI.

  18. Koo TH, Leong XB, Zakaria AD
    Malays J Med Sci, 2024 Dec;31(6):65-76.
    PMID: 39830099 DOI: 10.21315/mjms2024.31.6.6
    Immunonutrition, which involves the targeted use of specific nutrients to enhance immune function and mitigate inflammation, has recently become a mainstay for both medical and surgical benefits. This review explores the evolution, mechanisms, and clinical applications of immunonutrition, with a focus on essential nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, glutamine, arginine, and vitamins. These immunonutrients modulate immune responses, reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines, and support tissue repair. Clinical evidence indicates that immunonutrition reduces postoperative complications, shortens the duration of hospitalisation, and lowers the rate of infection, mainly in high-risk surgical patients and those with cancer or chronic diseases. In this regard, nutrients such as glutamine and omega-3 fatty acids have improved the nutritional status and recovery of cancer patients, while omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidant vitamins have exerted an anti-inflammatory effect, improving heart health in patients with cardiovascular disease. Immunonutrition has bright prospects in the management of infectious diseases, where certain nutrients, including vitamin D and zinc, aid in fighting immune defences and reducing the severity of infection. Future studies should investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying immunonutrition and its role in personalised nutrition. This could revolutionise dietary interventions based on genetic and proteomic profiling.
  19. Abrar SS, Hairon SM, Yaacob NM, Ismail MP, Isa SAM
    Malays J Med Sci, 2024 Dec;31(6):103-111.
    PMID: 39830100 DOI: 10.21315/mjms2024.31.6.8
    Cervical cancer poses a significant challenge to global health, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Tracking the survival rates of cancer patients through data gathered by population-based cancer registries constitutes a crucial aspect of cancer management. In recent years, attention within bibliometric studies has been directed towards examining the correlation between inflammation and radiotherapy in cervical cancer. However, to date, there is no published literature investigating research trends in cervical cancer survival through bibliometric analysis. Thus, this study was undertaken to identify and analyse global research patterns and hotpots in this area. A systematic search was performed within the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database, employing the following search parameters: TITLE - (((survival) OR (survival rate) OR (survival analysis) OR (survival probability)) AND ((cervical cancer) OR (cervical carcinoma))). A comprehensive analysis of research trends was conducted utilising various tools on the WoSCC website and VOSviewer. A total of 840 papers pertaining to cervical cancer and survival were identified from 45 distinct departments or subjects. Notably, the People's Republic of China and the USA collectively accounted for half of all publications from 2000 to 2023. An extensive cohort comprising 4,759 authors affiliated with 1,454 institutions across 82 countries contributed to the progression of this research domain. Despite a substantial increase in research on cervical cancer survival over the last decade, it is essential to encourage and conduct research, particularly in high-risk regions, especially in countries classified as low- or middle-income.
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