Browse publications by year: 2024

  1. Khuda F, Jayusman PA, Baharin B, Mohamad Anuar NN, Sharma A, Shaqinah Nasruddin N
    Iran J Microbiol, 2024 Jun;16(3):337-341.
    PMID: 39005598 DOI: 10.18502/ijm.v16i3.15765
    BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Enterococcus faecalis is known as common pathogen for endodontic infections and cause secondary and refractory pulp periapical periodontitis. The bacteria can opportunistically colonize periodontal pockets and presents a possibility of infection developing in other organs. This research will investigate the dissemination of E. faecalis from the gingival tissue to the heart and kidney.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three groups were formed, consisting of twelve male Sprague Dawley rats: a control group designated as 0-day, and experimental groups labeled as 7-days and 14-days. Periodontitis induced by concurrent infection with sterile wire 0.2 mm insertion and E. faecalis inoculation is performed into the gingival sulcus located between the maxillary right 1st and 2nd molar teeth area. After euthanasia, tissue samples around the maxillary gingiva, maxillary jaw samples, kidney and heart tissues were obtained for quantitative Real-Time PCR assay and histopathological analysis.

    RESULTS: Results showed at 7-days, there was an upregulation of E. faecalis gene expression in the gingiva, heart, and kidney samples as well as infiltration of the inflammatory cells at 7-days post induction, which consequently decreased at 14-days.

    CONCLUSION: Thus, the study suggests dissemination of E. faecalis from gingival tissue to the heart, kidney which could be probable link between periodontal disease, heart, and kidney disease.

  2. Fleming LE, Landrigan PJ, Ashford OS, Whitman EM, Swift A, Gerwick WH, et al.
    Ann Glob Health, 2024;90(1):41.
    PMID: 39005643 DOI: 10.5334/aogh.4471
    A healthy ocean is essential for human health, and yet the links between the ocean and human health are often overlooked. By providing new medicines, technologies, energy, foods, recreation, and inspiration, the ocean has the potential to enhance human health and wellbeing. However, climate change, pollution, biodiversity loss, and inequity threaten both ocean and human health. Sustainable realisation of the ocean's health benefits will require overcoming these challenges through equitable partnerships, enforcement of laws and treaties, robust monitoring, and use of metrics that assess both the ocean's natural capital and human wellbeing. Achieving this will require an explicit focus on human rights, equity, sustainability, and social justice. In addition to highlighting the potential unique role of the healthcare sector, we offer science-based recommendations to protect both ocean health and human health, and we highlight the unique potential of the healthcare sector tolead this effort.
    MeSH terms: Conservation of Natural Resources; Humans; Human Rights; Oceans and Seas*; Social Justice; Health Care Sector; Biodiversity; Climate Change*
  3. Sng KS, Sin YS, Alhawiti SMO
    Heliyon, 2024 Jun 30;10(12):e33046.
    PMID: 39005899 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e33046
    We present a case study of an 8-year-old girl with autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay, who experienced gait imbalance since the age of two. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and whole spine, as well as electroencephalography, revealed no abnormalities. However, genetic testing identified a likely pathogenic variant and an uncertain significance in the heterozygous state of the Sacsin Molecular Chaperone gene. Despite treatment with epileptic and antiparkinsonian medications, along with supplements, no significant improvements were observed. Subsequently, the patient underwent eight sessions of physiotherapy before starting with 14 sessions of combined Jiao's style scalp acupuncture targeting the motor and chorea-tremor areas with physiotherapy treatment. Positive changes were noted in the Trunk Control Measurement Scale (TCMS) and Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS) after three sessions of combined treatments from 25 to 36 and 21 to 43 respectively. Further combined treatments showed consistent improvements where the TCMS reached a peak of 57 out of 58 and PBS showed a peak of 54 out of 58 at the 6th month of combined treatment. This suggests that the combination of scalp acupuncture with physiotherapy treatment may provide improvement in the balance and gait of patients with ARSACS. More similar cases should be documented to better understand the potential benefits and synergies of both treatments of ARSACS.
  4. Lo S, Mahmoudi E, Qi Hao L, Mohd Nor F, Fauzi MB
    Int J Nanomedicine, 2024;19:6845-6855.
    PMID: 39005957 DOI: 10.2147/IJN.S465189
    OBJECTIVE: Collagen, a widely used natural biomaterial polymer in skin tissue engineering, can be innovatively processed into nanocollagen through cryogenic milling to potentially enhance skin tissue healing. Although various methods for fabricating nanocollagen have been documented, there is no existing study on the fabrication of nanocollagen via cryogenic milling, specifically employing graphene oxide as separators to prevent agglomeration.

    METHODS: In this study, three research groups were created using cryogenic milling: pure nanocollagen (Pure NC), nanocollagen with 0.005% graphene oxide (NC + 0.005% GO), and nanocollagen with 0.01% graphene oxide (NC+0.01% GO). Characterization analyses included transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction (XRD), zeta potential (ZP), and polydispersity index (PDI).

    RESULTS: TEM and SEM analysis revealed that nanocollagen groups alone exhibited particle sizes of less than 100 nm. FTIR spectroscopic investigations indicated the presence of amide A, B, and I, II, and III (1800 to 800 cm-1) in all nanocollagen study groups, with the characteristic C-O-C stretching suggesting the incorporation of graphene oxide (GO). XRD data exhibited broadening of the major peak as the proportion of GO increased from pure NC to the nanocollagen groups with GO. Zeta potential measurements indicated electrostatic attraction of the samples to negatively charged surfaces, accompanied by sample instability. PDI results depicted size diameters ranging from 800 to 1800 nm, indicating strong polydispersity with multiple size populations.

    CONCLUSION: This research demonstrated that collagen can be successfully fabricated into nanoparticles with sizes smaller than 100 nm.

    MeSH terms: Biocompatible Materials/chemistry; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Particle Size*; X-Ray Diffraction; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared; Tissue Engineering/methods; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
  5. Torsabo D, Ishak SD, Noordin NM, Waiho K, Koh ICC, Yazed MA, et al.
    Vet Anim Sci, 2024 Sep;25:100375.
    PMID: 39005967 DOI: 10.1016/j.vas.2024.100375
    Pangasius catfish, a significant player in the global whitefish market, encounters challenges in aquaculture production sustainability. Quality broodstock maintenance and seed production are impeded by growth, maturation, and fecundity issues. This review investigates the efficacy of strategic nutrient composition and molecular strategies in enhancing broodstock conditions and reproductive performance across various fish species. A notable knowledge gap for Pangasius catfish hampers aquaculture progress. The review assesses nutrient manipulation's impact on reproductive physiology, emphasizing pangasius broodstock. A systematic review analysis following PRISMA guidelines was conducted to identify research trends and hotspots quantitatively, revealing a focus on P. bocourti and fertilization techniques. Addressing this gap, the review offers insights into dietary nutrients manipulation and genetic tool utilization for improved seed production, contributing to pangasius catfish aquaculture sustainability.
  6. Jiang X, Muthusamy K, Fang X
    Front Public Health, 2024;12:1409254.
    PMID: 39005987 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1409254
    BACKGROUND: Fatigue poses risks to occupational health and safety, affecting individuals' work efficiency, physical health, and social security, as well as human wellbeing and quality of life. Olfactory interventions, due to their low interference, are considered promising strategies for mitigating fatigue and reducing occupational health hazards.

    OBJECTIVE: The objective of this review is to bridge the current gaps in the literature by conducting a scoping review of olfactory interventions on human alertness. It aims to explore their application in various occupational settings and to provide comprehensive and practical guidance for the practical application of olfactory interventions in mitigating fatigue and reducing occupational risks.

    METHODS: The literature research was conducted in English using electronic databases such as Web of Science. Keywords related to scent and fatigue and the review followed PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews and PICO framework.

    RESULTS: 28 studies were included in this work. Participant characteristics, fatigue measurement methods, and scent intervention methods, such as types of scents, intervention strategies, and scent presentation systems, are thoroughly investigated and discussed. Additionally, the study places a specific emphasis on the applications and research within the field of scent interventions for fatigue driving. Olfactory interventions have been applied to populations in various occupational fields, demonstrating beneficial effects on both physiological and psychological fatigue.

    CONCLUSIONS: Olfactory intervention is effective and promising for enhancing alertness and improving the occupational environment. To provide detailed and practical guidance for the actual application of olfactory intervention in fatigue relief and reducing occupational health and safety hazards, further research into the potential mechanisms, applications, and efficacy assessment systems of fatigue-related olfactory interventions is necessary.

    MeSH terms: Humans; Odors; Quality of Life; Occupational Health*
  7. Abdull Manap MR, Baharim HI, Ajmahera Shamsudin NA, Ferdaus AF
    Data Brief, 2024 Aug;55:110615.
    PMID: 39006351 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2024.110615
    The dataset contains Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic analysis of fuels in maritime cases and biodiesel-diesel blends B7 and B10 from Malaysia. Fuels in maritime cases were donated by Agensi Penguatkuasaan Maritim Malaysia (APMM) in March 2023. The crime-related oil samples originated from maritime crime scenes located within Terengganu and Johor, Malaysia. Meanwhile, B7(DE5) and B10(D0) samples were obtained from pump stations in 2021. They are fuels used in Malaysian transportation system. The FTIR analysis was acquired in the full regions of FTIR (6000-80 cm-1) which are near-infrared (NIR), mid-infrared (MIR), and far-infrared (FIR). The IR spectra were recorded using Bruker Invenio-R (Universiti Putra Malaysia) spectrometer equipped with attenuated total reflection (ATR) (2 mm) diamond with an accumulation of 64 scans at a spectral resolution of 4 cm-1. Spectral analysis was carried out by OPUS 8.7.41. The data highlights the potential of NIR, MIR, and FIR spectroscopy as a powerful tool for forensic analysis in maritime crime investigations. This includes the potential of utilizing the Hierarchical Clustering Analysis (HCA) to discriminate between type of fuels in forensic cases.
  8. Tiew TC, Md Ali NA, Ismail MI, Abdul Rahman MR, Ding CH, Tzar MN
    Cureus, 2024 Jun;16(6):e62312.
    PMID: 39006712 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.62312
    Sternal osteomyelitis and mediastinitis are rare yet severe complications post-cardiac surgery, often associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Fungal etiologies, particularly those caused by Rhizopus spp., are infrequent but can lead to aggressive infections. Here, we present the case of a 68-year-old male who developed sternal osteomyelitis and mediastinitis caused by Rhizopus spp. two weeks following coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. Debridement and pectoralis flap reconstruction were performed following clinical identification and confirmation with microbiological examinations and a CT scan. Prompt recognition, aggressive surgical intervention, and targeted antifungal therapy were crucial for successful management. This case underscores the importance of considering fungal pathogens, such as Rhizopus, in the differential diagnosis of post-cardiac surgery infections, as well as aggressive treatment to improve outcomes for affected patients.
  9. Gandhi UH, Benjamin A, Gajjar S, Hirani T, Desai K, Suhagia BB, et al.
    Cureus, 2024 Jun;16(6):e62270.
    PMID: 39006719 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.62270
    The scientific literature dealing with alcohol and alcoholic beverages revealed that these drinks possess an adverse impact on periodontal tissues. Additionally, other principal risk factors include tobacco, smoking, poor oral hygiene, etc. It has been observed that among chronic alcoholics, there are further issues, such as mental, social, and physical effects, that promote alcoholism. These people may have weak immunity for defense against pathogenic organisms and bacteria. Thus, chances of gingival bleeding, swollen gums, bad breath, and increased bone loss are there. Different alcoholic beverages in the market cause less salivation; these beverages contain sugars that promote acid production in the oral cavity by pathogens that demineralize the enamel and damage gum and teeth. This chronic alcohol consumption can progress into different types of oral disorders, including cancer, halitosis, and caries, and is also associated with tobacco and smoking. Chronic alcohol consumption can cause alteration of the oral microbiome and increase oral pathogens, which lead to periodontal disease and an environment of inflammation created in the body due to malnutrition, diminished immunity, altered liver condition, brain damage, and gut microbiota alteration. Heavily colored alcoholic beverages produce staining on teeth and, due to less saliva, may cause other toxic effects on the periodontium. Over-dependency on alcohol leads to necrotizing lesions such as necrotizing gingivitis, necrotizing periodontitis, and necrotizing stomatitis. These pathological impairments instigate severe damage to oral structures. Therefore, proper counseling by the attending dental surgeon and related health professionals is urgently required for the patient on the basis that the individual case needs to go away from the regular heavy consumption of alcohol.
  10. Yee Foong Ng L, Ariffin H, Tengku Yasim-Anuar TA, Sakata M, Kawarada T, Yoshimura O, et al.
    RSC Adv, 2024 Jul 05;14(30):21971-21981.
    PMID: 39006768 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra08721b
    This study promotes the use of nanobiochar (NBC) as an environmentally friendly substitute to conventional fillers to improve various properties of biopolymers such as their mechanical strength, thermal stability and crystallization properties. TGA analysis showed a slight increase in onset thermal degradation temperature of the composites by up to 5 °C with the addition of 4 wt% NBC. Non-isothermal DSC analysis determined that the addition of NBC into PHBHHx increases the crystallization temperature and degree of crystallinity of PHBHHx while isothermal DSC analysis demonstrated higher crystallization rate in PHBHHx/NBC composited by up to 54%. PHBHHx incorporated with NBC also exhibited superior tensile strength and modulus versus neat PHBHHx. Increase in mechanical strength was further proven via DMA where PHBHHx/NBC composites maintained higher storage modulus at higher temperatures when compared to neat PHBHHx. PHBHHx/NBC also exhibited no cytotoxicity effect against HaCat cells. This study demonstrates the ability of biochar to act as both nucleating agents and reinforcing agents in biodegradable polymers such as PHBHHx, which could be suitable for packaging application.
  11. Yu H, Alizadeh F
    Psychol Res Behav Manag, 2024;17:2631-2640.
    PMID: 39006888 DOI: 10.2147/PRBM.S462085
    PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the television (TV) consumption patterns (viewing behavior and motivation) of older adults in Wuhan, China, during the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on older adults' mental health, particularly in relation to COVID-19-induced fear.

    PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: A questionnaire survey was conducted with 405 older adults in Wuhan, China. The data were analyzed using a structural equation model to understand the relationship between TV viewing behavior, motivation, and fear related to COVID-19.

    RESULTS: The findings indicate that the motivation to watch TV has a positive influence on viewing behavior among older adults during the pandemic. However, this motivation negatively impacts their COVID-19-related fear. Furthermore, a negative correlation was observed between viewing behavior and fear. The primary motivations for TV viewing among older adults during the pandemic were identified as social interaction and emotion management, followed by information seeking and value expression.

    CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that TV viewing plays a significant role in the mental well-being of older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. By addressing the motivations of social interaction, emotion management, information seeking, and value expression, public health organizations and TV stations can contribute to the mental health of this vulnerable population.

  12. Abdul Hamid H, Hambali A, Okon U, Che Mohd Nassir CMN, Mehat MZ, Norazit A, et al.
    IBRO Neurosci Rep, 2024 Jun;16:98-105.
    PMID: 39007087 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2023.12.004
    A typical anatomical congregate and functionally distinct multicellular cerebrovascular dynamic confer diverse blood-brain barrier (BBB) and microstructural permeabilities to conserve the health of brain parenchymal and its microenvironment. This equanimity presupposes the glymphatic system that governs the flow and clearance of metabolic waste and interstitial fluids (ISF) through venous circulation. Following the introduction of glymphatic system concept, various studies have been carried out on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and ISF dynamics. These studies reported that the onset of multiple diseases can be attributed to impairment in the glymphatic system, which is newly referred as central nervous system (CNS) interstitial fluidopathy. One such condition includes cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) with poorly understood pathomechanisms. CSVD is an umbrella term to describe a chronic progressive disorder affecting the brain microvasculature (or microcirculation) involving small penetrating vessels that supply cerebral white and deep gray matter. This review article proposes CSVD as a form of "CNS interstitial fluidopathy". Linking CNS interstitial fluidopathy with CSVD will open a better insight pertaining to the perivascular space fluid dynamics in CSVD pathophysiology. This may lead to the development of treatment and therapeutic strategies to ameliorate the pathology and adverse effect of CSVD.
  13. Tang J, Yao D, Xia S, Cheong L, Tu M
    Food Chem X, 2024 Oct 30;23:101540.
    PMID: 39007110 DOI: 10.1016/j.fochx.2024.101540
    Plant proteins can meet consumers' demand for healthy and sustainable alternatives to animal proteins. It has been reported to possess numerous health benefits and is widely used in the food industry. However, conventional extraction methods are time-consuming, energy-intensive, as well as environmentally unfriendly. Plant proteins are also limited in application due to off-flavors, allergies, and anti-nutritional factors. Therefore, this paper discusses the challenges and limitations of conventional extraction processes. The current advances in green extraction technologies are also summarized. In addition, methods to improve the nutritional value, bioactivity, functional and organoleptic properties of plant proteins, and strategies to reduce their allergenicity are mentioned. Finally, examples of applications of plant proteins in the food industry are presented. This review aims to stimulate thinking and generate new ideas for future research. It will also provide new ideas and broad perspectives for the application of plant proteins in the food industry.
  14. Rhee J, Shin I, Kim J, Lee J, Cho B, Kim J, et al.
    J Anal Toxicol, 2024 Jul 13;48(6):429-438.
    PMID: 38780234 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkae041
    Kratom is a natural psychoactive product known primarily in Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Malaysia, etc. It is also known as krathom, kakuam, ithang, thom (Thailand), biak-biak, ketum (Malaysia) and mambog (Philippines) and is sometimes used as an opium substitute. It is stimulant at doses of 1-5 g, analgesic at doses of 5-15 g and euphoric and sedative at doses of >15 g. Mitragynine is the most abundant indole compound in kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) and is metabolized in humans to 7-hydroxymitragynine, the more active metabolite. Adverse effects include seizures, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, tachycardia, restlessness, tremors, hallucinations and death. There are few studies on the analytical method for the detection of mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine in hair. Therefore, this study proposes a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) method for the analysis of kratom in hair. Hair samples were first weighed to ∼10 mg and washed with methanol. Then the washed hair samples were cut into pieces and incubated in methanol with stirring and heating (16 h/38℃). Extracts were then analyzed by LC-MS-MS. This method was validated by determining the limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification, linearity, intra- and inter-day accuracy and precision, recovery and matrix effects. The intra- and inter-day precision (CV%) and accuracy (bias%) were within ±20%, which was considered acceptable. Using this newly developed LC-MS-MS method, the simultaneous detection of mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine in six authentic hair samples was achieved to provide the direct evidence of kratom use in the past. Mitragynine concentrations ranged from 16.0 to 2,067 pg/mg (mean 905.3 pg/mg), and 7-hydroxymitragynine concentrations ranged from 0.34 to 15 pg/mg (mean 7.4 pg/mg) in six authentic hair samples from kratom abusers. This may be due to the higher sensitivity of the LOD in this study, with values of 0.05 pg/mg for mitragynine and 0.2 pg/mg for 7-hydroxymitragynine in hair.
    MeSH terms: Chromatography, Liquid; Humans; Reproducibility of Results; Tandem Mass Spectrometry*; Limit of Detection
  15. Senthil Rathi B, Ewe LS, S S, S S, Yew WK, R B, et al.
    Nanotoxicology, 2024 May;18(3):272-298.
    PMID: 38821108 DOI: 10.1080/17435390.2024.2349304
    Synthetic dyes play a crucial role in our daily lives, especially in clothing, leather accessories, and furniture manufacturing. Unfortunately, these potentially carcinogenic substances are significantly impacting our water systems due to their widespread use. Dyes from various sources pose a serious environmental threat owing to their persistence and toxicity. Regulations underscore the urgency in addressing this problem. In response to this challenge, metal oxide nanoparticles such as titanium dioxide (TiO2), zinc oxide (ZnO), and iron oxide (Fe3O4) have emerged as intriguing options for dye degradation due to their unique characteristics and production methods. This paper aims to explore the types of nanoparticles suitable for dye degradation, various synthesis methods, and the properties of nanoparticles. The study elaborates on the photocatalytic and adsorption-desorption activities of metal oxide nanoparticles, elucidating their role in dye degradation and their application potential. Factors influencing degradation, including nanoparticle properties and environmental conditions, are discussed. Furthermore, the paper provides relevant case studies, practical applications in water treatment, and effluent treatment specifically in the textile sector. Challenges such as agglomeration, toxicity concerns, and cost-effectiveness are acknowledged. Future advancements in nanomaterial synthesis, their integration with other materials, and their impact on environmental regulations are potential areas for development. In conclusion, metal oxide nanoparticles possess immense potential in reducing dye pollution, and further research and development are essential to define their role in long-term environmental management.
    MeSH terms: Oxides/chemistry; Titanium/toxicity; Titanium/chemistry; Zinc Oxide/chemistry; Water Purification/methods
  16. Arai T, Aikawa S, Sudesh K, Arai W, Mohammad Rawi NF, Leh CPP, et al.
    World J Microbiol Biotechnol, 2024 Jun 13;40(8):242.
    PMID: 38869634 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-024-04041-8
    Lignocellulosic biomass is a valuable, renewable substrate for the synthesis of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), an ecofriendly biopolymer. In this study, bacterial strain E5-3 was isolated from soil in Japan; it was identified as Burkholderia ambifaria strain E5-3 by 16 S rRNA gene sequencing. The strain showed optimal growth at 37 °C with an initial pH of 9. It demonstrated diverse metabolic ability, processing a broad range of carbon substrates, including xylose, glucose, sucrose, glycerol, cellobiose, and, notably, palm oil. Palm oil induced the highest cellular growth, with a PHB content of 65% wt. The strain exhibited inherent tolerance to potential fermentation inhibitors derived from lignocellulosic hydrolysate, withstanding 3 g/L 5-hydroxymethylfurfural and 1.25 g/L acetic acid. Employing a fed-batch fermentation strategy with a combination of glucose, xylose, and cellobiose resulted in PHB production 2.7-times that in traditional batch fermentation. The use of oil palm trunk hydrolysate, without inhibitor pretreatment, in a fed-batch fermentation setup led to significant cell growth with a PHB content of 45% wt, equivalent to 10 g/L. The physicochemical attributes of xylose-derived PHB produced by strain E5-3 included a molecular weight of 722 kDa, a number-average molecular weight of 191 kDa, and a polydispersity index of 3.78. The amorphous structure of this PHB displayed a glass transition temperature of 4.59 °C, while its crystalline counterpart had a melting point of 171.03 °C. This research highlights the potential of lignocellulosic feedstocks, especially oil palm trunk hydrolysate, for PHB production through fed-batch fermentation by B. ambifaria strain E5-3, which has high inhibitor tolerance.
    MeSH terms: Cellobiose/metabolism; Fermentation*; Furaldehyde/analogs & derivatives; Furaldehyde/metabolism; Glucose/metabolism; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Polyesters/metabolism; Soil Microbiology; Biomass*
  17. Ahmad MF, Elias MH
    Fertil Steril, 2024 Sep;122(3):441-442.
    PMID: 38906214 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2024.06.012
    MeSH terms: Adult; Female; Humans; Neoplasms/complications; Neoplasms/therapy; Neoplasm, Residual*
  18. Ahmad Azahari AFA, Wan Ab Naim WN, Md Sari NA, Lim E, Mohamed Mokhtarudin MJ
    PMID: 39001803 DOI: 10.1080/10255842.2024.2377338
    The improvement in congenital heart disease (CHD) treatment and management has increased the life expectancy in infants. However, the long-term efficacy is difficult to assess and thus, computational modelling has been applied for evaluating this. Here, we provide an overview of the applications of computational modelling in CHD based on three categories; CHD involving large blood vessels only, heart chambers only, and CHD that occurs at multiple heart structures. We highlight the advancement of computational simulation of CHD that uses multiscale and multiphysics modelling to ensure a complete representation of the heart and circulation. We provide a brief future direction of computational modelling of CHD such as to include growth and remodelling, detailed conduction system, and occurrence of myocardial infarction. We also proposed validation technique using advanced three-dimensional (3D) printing and particle image velocimetry (PIV) technologies to improve the model accuracy.
  19. Swed S, Alibrahim H, Albakri K, Rais MA, Al-Rassas S, Hafez W, et al.
    HIV Res Clin Pract, 2024 Dec;25(1):2356409.
    PMID: 39001878 DOI: 10.1080/25787489.2024.2356409
    BACKGROUND: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can cause severe and fatal complications; knowledge about these diseases is essential for promoting safe sex practices and modifying behaviours that are harmful to one's health. This study investigates Syrian people's understanding, attitudes, and behaviors towards HIV/AIDS and STIs, aiming to identify factors promoting safe sex practices and modifying harmful behaviors.

    METHODS: This online cross-sectional study was conducted in Syria between 3 September and 23 November 2022, involving all 18+ individuals. The questionnaire was adapted from a previous study containing 74 questions from five sections: socio-demographic information, knowledge and practice regarding STIs, knowledge and practice regarding HIV/AIDS, attitude towards HIV/AIDS, and attitude regarding STIs and analyzed using descriptive and multivariate logistic regression.

    RESULTS: The study involved 1073 participants mostly aged between 18-30, with 55.3% females. Over half had good awareness of STIs and HIV/AIDS, with 55% and 63% respectively. Specifically, the overall knowledge level of STI type, signs/symptoms, risks of transmission, preventive methods, and complications for untreated STIs were (45.7%), (52.9%), (58.1%), (66.1%), and (59.6%), respectively. Medical field respondents had higher knowledge of HIV (P-value < 0.05, OR = 2).

    CONCLUSION: Our results show that Syrian people have a knowledge level of STIs and HIV was moderate. However, the attitude toward STIs was negative, as less than half of the participants had a good attitude. It is essential to solve these knowledge gaps, especially in low-income countries such as Syria.

    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*; Male; Middle Aged; Surveys and Questionnaires; Sexual Behavior; Syria; Young Adult
  20. Jimale YA, Jesse FFA, Paul BT, Chung ELT, Zakaria A, Azhar NA, et al.
    Trop Anim Health Prod, 2024 Jul 13;56(6):212.
    PMID: 39002035 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-024-04061-4
    Diseases caused by small ruminant lentiviruses, Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis (MAP), Schmallenberg virus, and peste des petits ruminants virus (PPR) is globally recognised as serious threats to the ruminant industry due to their potential to spread rapidly across boundaries. Despite their global distribution and negative impacts on ruminant production, there is a gap in knowledge of the current trends in their epidemiology among sheep and goat populations in Peninsular Malaysia. This study was therefore designed to fill the gap of knowledge concerning the seroprevalence and contributing factors of CAEV, paratuberculosis, SBV, and PPRV among small ruminants from selected flocks in Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, and Pahang states in Peninsular Malaysia. A cross-sectional study design was used to collect animal data and blood samples for serological assays simultaneously. The ID Screen (ID.VET, France) indirect ELISA screening tests were used to detect serum antibodies directed against CAEV/MVV (VISNAS Ver 0922), paratuberculosis (PARAS Ver 0516), SBV (SBVC Ver 1114) and PPRV (PPRC Ver 0821). There was 45.4% (95% CI = 40.74-50.74), 6.8% (95% CI = 4.66-9.69), 27.8% (95% CI = 23.35-32.77), and 2.6% (95% CI = 1.11-0.51) true seroprevalence for CAEV, paratuberculosis, SBV, and PPR, respectively. Geographical location and species were the risk factors for CAEV and paratuberculosis, while the management system and age of small ruminants were the risk factors for SBV. The present study is the first to document a large-scale seroprevalence of MAP and PPR infection among sheep and goat flocks in Peninsular Malaysia. The presence of PPRV and MAP antibodies among small ruminant flocks is signalling current or previous exposure to the pathogens or cross reactions with similar antigens. This finding further suggests the potential for future outbreaks of these devastating diseases among sheep and goats in Malaysia. The high seroprevalence of CAEV and SBV among small ruminants indicates high levels of exposure to the viruses in the environment, which is a potential threat to production.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Antibodies, Viral/blood; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Goats*; Malaysia/epidemiology; Male; Risk Factors; Sheep; Seroepidemiologic Studies
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