Browse publications by year: 2024

  1. Huligere SS, Kumari V B C, Patil SM, M K J, Wong LS, Kijsomporn J, et al.
    Food Sci Nutr, 2024 Nov;12(11):9682-9701.
    PMID: 39620004 DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.4444
    Sauerkraut-derived lactic acid bacterial (LAB) strains have gained attention due to their potential health benefits. This study focuses on evaluating seven Sauerkraut-derived RAMULAB strains isolated from sauerkraut, aiming to identify promising candidates for modulating α-glucosidase (AG) and α-amylase (AM) enzymatic functions. RAMULAB strains with remarkable probiotic potential can contribute to the digestive health and manage conditions like diabetes. Identifying robust candidates from sauerkraut, a fermented food, holds promise for natural and cost-effective probiotic sources. The RAMULAB strains underwent extensive characterization, including identification through 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) sequencing. Their tolerance to harsh conditions, adherence properties, antimicrobial activity, antioxidant potential, and inhibition of AG and AM were assessed. In silico analyses explored their molecular interactions, particularly with hydroxycitric acid, a potential antidiabetic compound. Among the RAMULAB strains, RAMULAB48 emerged as a standout candidate. It displayed exceptional resilience to acidic bile (≥97%), and simulated gastrointestinal conditions (≥95%), highlighting its suitability for probiotic applications. RAMULAB48 exhibited robust adherence properties, including cell-surface hydrophobicity (80%), autoaggregation (42%), coaggregation with pathogens (≥33%), and adhesion to epithelial cells. Additionally, all seven isolates demonstrated gamma-hemolysis and resistance to antibiotics (Kanamycin, Methicillin, and Vancomycin), while displaying strong antibacterial properties against foodborne pathogens. These RAMULAB strains also exhibited varying degrees of antioxidant activity, with RAMULAB48 displaying the highest potential (≥41%). In terms of antidiabetic activity, cell-free supernatant (CS) obtained from RAMULAB48 expressed the highest inhibition levels, notably inhibiting yeast AG by an impressive 59.55% and AM being by a remarkable 67.42%. RAMULAB48 produced organic acids, including hydroxycitric acid (28.024 mg/mL), which showed promising antidiabetic properties through in silico analyses, indicating favorable interactions with the target enzymes. This study identifies Lacticaseibacillus paracasei RAMULAB48, a Sauerkraut-derived RAMULAB strain, as a promising probiotic candidate with exceptional tolerance, adherence properties, antimicrobial activity, antioxidant potential, and antidiabetic effects. The presence of hydroxycitric acid further underscores its potential in managing diabetes.
  2. Hasan T, Thoo YY, Siow LF
    Food Sci Nutr, 2024 Nov;12(11):9391-9402.
    PMID: 39620032 DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.4494
    Fat and protein derived from milk are prime ingredients in a frozen dessert such as ice cream conferring multiple desirable functionalities. However, this frozen dairy dessert is not suitable for individuals having lactose intolerance, cow milk allergy, or vegans. Hence, the study aimed to formulate dairy-free frozen desserts using plant oils and plant proteins and compare their physicochemical characteristics and sensory acceptance against an ice cream containing milk fat and milk protein. Results indicated that the types of protein significantly influenced the physicochemical properties and sensory acceptance of the frozen dessert samples. Frozen desserts containing brown rice, pea, and soy protein showed greater resistance to melting (0.29, 0.12, and 0.19%/min vs. 1.95%/min), but they scored lower in sensory quality than ice cream made with milk protein; although they remained at an acceptable level. When compared among the plant proteins, the physicochemical characteristics of frozen desserts containing brown rice, pea, and soy protein varied because of the differences in the respective protein composition. Frozen dessert with brown rice protein showed higher overrun (47.50% vs. 40.78% and 37.8%), lower hardness (20.02 N vs. 22.24 and 26.37 N), and higher melting rate (0.29%/min vs. 0.19 and 0.12%/min) than frozen desserts containing soy and pea protein. Additionally, the brown rice protein frozen dessert received lower sensory acceptance than soy and pea protein frozen desserts. In summary, brown rice, pea, and soy proteins showed potential to be used as viable alternatives to milk protein for dairy-free frozen dessert applications.
  3. Kang WH, Adam II, Wahab NA
    J ASEAN Fed Endocr Soc, 2024;39(2):97-102.
    PMID: 39620176 DOI: 10.15605/jafes.039.02.05
    Managing a patient with both pituitary hypersecretory and hyposecretory manifestations may be perplexing. We report a 14-year-old female who presented with weight gain, polyuria and polydipsia. Biochemical results were consistent with Cushing disease with central diabetes insipidus. Pituitary magnetic resonance imaging showed a right adenoma with stalk thickening. The immunohistochemistry staining of both adenomas was positive for adrenocorticotropic hormone, thyroid stimulating hormone, growth hormone and luteinizing hormone. Postoperatively, the patient developed panhypopituitarism with persistent diabetes insipidus. The coexistence of double adenomas can pose diagnostic and management challenges and is a common cause of surgical failure. Intraoperative evaluation is important in the identification of double or multiple pituitary adenomas in a patient presenting with multiple secretory manifestations.
    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Diabetes Insipidus/etiology; Female; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Diabetes Insipidus, Neurogenic/diagnosis; Diabetes Insipidus, Neurogenic/etiology
  4. Tan JE, Tan FHS, Kuan YC, Chan PL, Yusri Y
    J ASEAN Fed Endocr Soc, 2024;39(2):92-96.
    PMID: 39620178 DOI: 10.15605/jafes.039.02.16
    Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare malignant tumour from the adrenal cortex. Half of the cases are functional, with ACTH-independent autonomous cortisol production being the most common. It is rare for ACC to present with markedly elevated metanephrine levels, characteristic of pheochromocytoma. We report a case of a large functioning adrenal tumour with overlapping biochemical features of ACC and pheochromocytoma. Biopsy confirmed the histopathological diagnosis of metastatic ACC.
    MeSH terms: Adrenal Gland Neoplasms/diagnosis; Adrenal Gland Neoplasms/pathology; Adrenal Gland Neoplasms/secondary; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Pheochromocytoma/diagnosis; Pheochromocytoma/pathology
  5. Ong JC, W Omar WMH, Tuan Ismail TS, Chatterjee K, Hussain S
    J ASEAN Fed Endocr Soc, 2024;39(2):81-85.
    PMID: 39620185 DOI: 10.15605/jafes.039.02.04
    A three-year-old girl with a history of recurrent tonsillitis was investigated for failure to thrive and global developmental delay. Clinically, she had a triangular face with low-set ears and intermittent tachycardia. She had growth failure with her weight under the third centile while her height was within normal limits. Other systemic examinations were unremarkable. The presence of an elevated free T4 (FT4) with an inappropriately high thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in this patient raised the clinical suspicion of Thyroid Hormone Resistance Syndrome. DNA sequencing confirmed the diagnosis, which showed R243W gene mutation in Thyroid Hormone Receptor-Beta1 (THRB1).
    MeSH terms: Child, Preschool; Female; Humans; Mutation
  6. Hussain S, Mohd Fezal NS, Flanagan S
    J ASEAN Fed Endocr Soc, 2024;39(2):108-111.
    PMID: 39620188 DOI: 10.15605/jafes.039.02.03
    A four-year-old female who was born term via spontaneous vaginal delivery (SVD) with a birth weight of 3.4 kg had an onset of persistent hypoglycaemia at the 6th hour of life. She was diagnosed with congenital hyperinsulinism based on high glucose load, negative ketone and a good response to glucagon. Genetic workup revealed the presence of ATP Binding Cassette Subfamily C Member 8 (ABCC8 genes) mutation which indicated a focal form of congenital hyperinsulinism. She was resistant to the standard dose of oral diazoxide but responded to subcutaneous somatostatin. At the age of 3 years and 6 months, multiple daily injections of somatostatin were replaced with a long-acting monthly somatostatin analogue. With the present treatment, she had better glycaemic control, normal growth and was able to stop tube feeding.
    MeSH terms: Child, Preschool; Drug Resistance/genetics; Female; Humans; Sulfonylurea Receptors/genetics; Sulfonylurea Receptors/metabolism
  7. Zhou M, Osaka I, Hashimoto K, Yap CK, Emmanouil C, Nakano T, et al.
    J Hazard Mater, 2024 Dec 05;480:136085.
    PMID: 39395392 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.136085
    Antifouling biocides such as Cu, Zn, and organic compounds not only inhibit adhesion of sessile organisms on ship hull but also possess toxicity to non-sessile organisms in marine environment. Thus, we firstly investigated the heavy metals and polymer types of anthropogenic microparticles (MPs) floating in the sea-surface microlayer (S-SML) in Osaka Bay. 7 types of MPs containing different metals (Cu, Cu-Zn, Zn, Ti, Sn, Ba and Fe-Mn-Ni) were found. The polymer type for 97.8 % of Cu and Cu-Zn MPs (41 samples) and 52.6 % of Zn MPs (19 samples) was acrylic resins which are widely used as binders in contemporary antifouling paints for ships; concentrations of 511-54,000 mg/kg for Cu and 95.1-13,200 mg/kg for Zn were found in these MPs. The high metal concentrations found the co-existence of acrylic polymers point towards an origin from antifouling paint particles (APPs). Furthermore, to quantify Cu and Zn concentrations in these MPs based on X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (μ-XRF), calibration curves obtained from standard paint particles containing different Cu and Zn concentrations and different particle sizes made with similar matrix used in commercial antifouling paint were firstly established, according to which highly reliable Cu and Zn concentrations in MPs were obtained.
  8. Qaiser Z, Khalid N, Mahmood A, Rizvi ZF, Lee SY, Aqeel M
    J Hazard Mater, 2024 Dec 05;480:136262.
    PMID: 39471612 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.136262
    Microplastic (MP) pollution is a growing concern, yet its impacts on agroecosystems remain poorly understood. This study investigates MP contamination in the agroecosystems of Sialkot, Pakistan, and its potential effects on the growth, physio-biochemical attributes, and yield of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.). Plant and soil samples from 10 diverse agricultural fields were collected and analyzed for MP contamination. FTIR analysis revealed widespread MP presence in the soil across all sites. Fragment, film, and fiber types dominated, with low-density polyethylene (22.42 %), high-density polyethylene (18.05 %), and polystyrene (12.3 %) being the most prevalent polymers. A significant variation in plant growth parameters was observed. The number of tubers per plant also exhibited a significant difference, as evidenced by the decline in potato yield with increasing levels of MP contamination. Potato yield showed a negative correlation with MP contamination levels. The nutrients (Zn, Cu, Ni, and Na) uptake in plant shoots was also observed to be decreased except for Mg and Mn at all sites. This study showed that MPs are contaminating our agricultural lands and they may affect growth and yield of potato. Additional research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms and develop mitigation strategies to improve agricultural productivity and food security.
    MeSH terms: Agriculture; Environmental Monitoring; Pakistan; Soil/chemistry
  9. Ghauth S, Tan SH
    PMID: 39613851 DOI: 10.1007/s00405-024-09104-y
    BACKGROUND: The T-tube poses significant challenges for positive pressure ventilation.

    METHOD: We describe the modification of a Foley catheter by trimming off the proximal urine drainage port, and using this opening to pass a metal stylet within the catheter, providing additional rigidity and allowing easier manipulation of the catheter tip. The catheter tip is then positioned in the superior limb of the T-tube, and the balloon inflated under direct visualization to occlude the opening and allow positive pressure ventilation through the external limb of the T-tube.

    CONCLUSION: This simple yet effective technique can be considered in patients with T-tubes.

  10. Bheel N, Kumar D, Ismail FI, Salilew WM, Alwetaishi M, Waheeb SA, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2024 Nov 29;14(1):29724.
    PMID: 39614098 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-81345-7
    The increasing demand for cement has substantially affected the environment, and its manufacturing requires substantial energy usage. However, most countries in the world recently encountered a significant energy problem. So, researchers are exploring the use of agricultural and industrial waste resources with cementitious characteristics to minimize cement manufacturing, cut energy consumption, and contribute to environmental protection. Therefore, this research is performed on roller compacted concrete (RCC) reinforced with 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% of corn cob ash (CCA) as substitution material with different percentage of cement and 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%, and 1% of jute fibre (JF) together for determining the mechanical properties and embodied carbon (EC) by applying response surface methodology (RSM) modelling. The cubical samples were prepared to achieve the targeted strength about 30 MPa at 28 days and then obtained mix proportions were employed for all combinations at various water-cement ratios to maintain roller-compacted concrete's zero slump. Results showed that at 0.50% JF and 10% CCA, the flexural strength, splitting tensile strength and compressive strengths, and modulus of elasticity of RCC obtained were 5.3 MPa, 3.8 MPa, 32.88 MPa, and 33.11 GPa at 28 days, respectively. Besides, the embodied carbon of RCC is recoded reducing with combined addition of different levels of JF and CCA as compared to control mixture. In addition, the generation of response prediction algorithms was performed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) at a threshold of significance of 95%. The coefficient of determination (R2) readings for the statistical models ranged from 96 to 99%. It is observed that the use of 0.50% of JF along with 10% of CCA as cementitious constituent in RCC provides best outcomes. Therefore, this method is a superior choice for the construction industry.
  11. Eigeland JA, Sheeran N, Jones L, Moffitt RL
    Patient Educ Couns, 2024 Nov 14;131:108492.
    PMID: 39612863 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2024.108492
    OBJECTIVE: Several tools exist to measure the physician-patient relationship; however few are specific to those with chronic physical health conditions, and none to date have been derived from the patient's perspective. This research aimed to develop and validate a patient-informed tool for measuring the physician-patient relationship with patients who have a chronic physical health condition.

    METHODS: Study 1: An Australian sample of participants with a diagnosed chronic physical health condition and a self-reported good physician-patient relationship completed a three round Delphi poll to determine items of the chronic condition physician-patient relationship scale (CC-PPR). Fifty-two participants completed round one, 33 completed round two, and 24 completed all three rounds. Study 2: Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis were conducted on a separate sample (N = 226) to explore the factor structure of the CC-PPR.

    RESULTS: The CC-PPR comprised 22 items within a single-factor structure which demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.97) and sound convergent validity.

    DISCUSSION: The CC-PPR reliably measures observable, concrete, and specific physician behaviours that patients with chronic physical health conditions believe are critical in forming a good physician-patient relationship. The CC-PPR has potential application in research, educational, and self-assessment contexts, including for the evaluation and development of competence in post-graduate and professional settings.

  12. Mohd-Hafifi AB, Mohamed Nor NMI, Zakaria L, Mohd MH
    Sci Rep, 2024 Nov 29;14(1):29708.
    PMID: 39613784 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-78195-8
    Fusarium oxysporum is a cosmopolitan fungus, consisting of both pathogenic and non-pathogenic members and known to be the causative agent of several diseases on various host plants. In Malaysia, most studies have focused on pathogenic F. oxysporum isolates because of their implications for agricultural production, but less attention has been given to non-pathogenic isolates. The aim of this study was to determine the phylogenetic relationship, genetic diversity, pathogenicity and host range of F. oxysporum in Malaysia. A total of 133 isolates of F. oxysporum were isolated from symptomatic plants of Abelmoschus esculentus, Solanum melongena, Solanum tuberosum, Cucumis sativus, Solanum lycopersicum, Cucumis melo, Musa paradisiaca var. awak, Hymenocallis littoralis, Asparagus officinalis, and Sansevieria trifasciata and non-agricultural soils in Malaysia. Comparison of nucleotide sequences of translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1-α) and mitochondrial small subunit (mtSSU) showed that the isolates were 98-100% similar to F. oxysporum from GenBank, thus, confirming the fungal identity. Besides, Malaysian isolates of F. oxysporum exhibited polyphyletic evolutionary origin, wide host range, and genetically diverse by grouping into 20 VCGs and 17 IGS haplotypes. This finding is beneficial for the purpose of quarantine, monitoring and disease management in the agricultural settings in Malaysia.
    MeSH terms: Malaysia; Phylogeny*; Genetic Variation*; Host Specificity
  13. Zakaria MR, Vodovnik M, Zorec M, Liew KJ, Tokiman L, Chong CS
    Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek, 2024 Nov 29;118(1):38.
    PMID: 39613983 DOI: 10.1007/s10482-024-02045-w
    The underexplored halophilic genus Joostella within the Flavobacteriaceae family consists of only two species, both of which have received little attention for their potential biotechnological applications. In this study, we report the isolation and characterisation of a novel halophilic bacterium, strain CR20, using a genomic approach to investigate its biotechnological potential. Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene revealed that strain CR20 shares 97.5% and 96.2% sequence similarity with Joostella marina DSM 19592 T and Joostella atrarenae M1-2 T, respectively. Strain CR20 exhibited average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridisation values of 76.8-79.1% and 20.8-22.8%, respectively, with Joostella spp., which fall below the species delineation thresholds. Additionally, strain CR20 demonstrated average amino acid identity and percentage of conserved proteins values of 81.3-84.0% and 71.7-75.3%, respectively, with Joostella spp., above the genus delineation thresholds. Meanwhile, the average amino acid identity and percentage of conserved proteins values of strain CR20 against Galbibacter spp. are 73.9-80.0% and 61.3-72.3%, respectively, also above the genus delineation thresholds. These findings indicated strain CR20 has a close relationship with both genera. Chemotaxonomic analysis of strain CR20 identified predominant fatty acids, including iso-C17:0 3OH (25.3%), iso-C15:0 (14%), and C16:1 ω6c/C16:1 ω7c (12.2%). The assembled genome comprises 62 contigs, with a size of approximately 3,168,727 bp and a G + C content of 35.1%. Among 2,804 predicted genes, 2,559 were classified into 25 COG functional groups. A total of 68 genes with potential industrial applications were identified, including 1 β-mannanase, 2 β-xylosidases, 1 polysaccharide deacetylase, 4 other hemicellulases, 6 β-glucosidases, 25 proteases, and 29 phosphate-solubilising enzymes. Hydrolytic assays confirmed that strain CR20 produces these enzymes extracellularly. These findings highlight strain CR20 has potential for industrial applications.
    MeSH terms: Base Composition; Biotechnology*; Fatty Acids/metabolism; Phylogeny*; Bacterial Typing Techniques; Genome, Bacterial*; Sequence Analysis, DNA
  14. Mishra S, Bhat D, Venkatesh MP
    Orphanet J Rare Dis, 2024 Nov 29;19(1):446.
    PMID: 39614301 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-024-03377-6
    BACKGROUND: Rare disease (RD) management and orphan drug development in India face various hurdles regarding the implementation and adoption of comprehensive policies, lack of dedicated regulatory frameworks, and absence of epidemiological data. Current rare disease policy focuses more on strengthening the diagnostics and lacks a proper comprehensive treatment framework to ensure favorable clinical outcomes. Indian patients are largely excluded from global orphan drug clinical trials. This further alienates patients from access to rare disease treatment and available treatments come at high cost. This review-based study assesses the landscape of health policies and programs in India through a review of literature and guidelines, to identify strategic opportunities and recommendations for enhancing the overall care and support for the Rare Disease (RD) patient population and improving the orphan drug research ecosystem in India.

    DISCUSSION: The absence of specific regulations, shortage of healthcare resources, budget constraints, competing health priorities, lack of patient data, and insufficient research incentives discourage orphan drug development and global clinical trial inclusion, resulting in treatment inaccessibility and high costs. The Indian Government introduced the National Policy for Treatment of Rare Diseases (NPRD) to address these challenges. Several initiatives have been introduced to attract stakeholders with government-funded research, grants, incentives, and accelerated regulatory approvals of novel therapies that can ensure timely prevention and treatment of rare diseases. The National RD Registry by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) aims to provide prevalence data. Innovative approaches are required to improve rare disease management and promote orphan drug research. This will ensure the accessibility and affordability of life-saving therapeutics for India's rare disease patients.

    CONCLUSION: An integrated RD management and orphan drug research framework focusing on robust data management, patient-oriented policies to improve the treatment landscape, flexible regulations, strengthening rare disease registry with clinical and diagnostic data, and a favorable research ecosystem to promote indigenous research catering to the Indian population, will improve the treatment landscape and orphan drug research and development in India. This will ensure timely availability of therapeutics at affordable prices.

    MeSH terms: Health Policy*; Humans; India; Orphan Drug Production*
  15. Adnan MAA, Sahril N, Abd Razak MA, Shamsuddin N, Hasim Hashim MH, Abdul Mutalip MH
    J Health Popul Nutr, 2024 Nov 29;43(1):200.
    PMID: 39614324 DOI: 10.1186/s41043-024-00689-y
    BACKGROUND: Inadequate knowledge of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is underscored as a key factor contributing to the HIV epidemic. Nonetheless, current data on HIV knowledge in Malaysia are still scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of inadequate HIV knowledge and its associated factors among the general Malaysian population.

    METHOD: The study utilized data from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2020, a nationwide cross-sectional survey employing a two-stage stratified random sampling technique to ensure national representativeness. HIV knowledge was assessed using the UNGASS indicators questionnaire, which comprises five questions on HIV prevention and transmission. The data were collected using the computer assisted telephone interviewing (CATI) method. Respondents who did not correctly answer all five questions were considered to have inadequate knowledge about HIV. Descriptive analysis and complex sample logistic regression were performed using SPSS version 28.0.

    RESULTS: The survey identified 5,561 eligible respondents, leading to the participation of 3,187 individuals in the second phase of the study, which resulted in a response rate of 57.3%. Our study revealed an overall prevalence of inadequate HIV knowledge at 77.4%, with adolescents aged 13-19 exhibiting the highest prevalence at 86.1%. Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that respondents with no formal education (aOR 4.34, 95% CI: 0.65, 29.08) were over four times more likely to lack HIV knowledge. Additionally, respondents with only secondary education had an increased risk of 1.79 times. Individuals residing in rural areas were significantly more likely to have inadequate HIV-related knowledge. Furthermore, respondents who worked as unpaid workers, homemakers, or caregivers (aOR 1.71, 95% CI: 1.05, 2.82) showed a higher likelihood of lacking HIV knowledge.

    CONCLUSION: Three out of four individuals in the general Malaysian population were found to lack sufficient knowledge about HIV. This underscores the need for targeted interventions in HIV education, particularly in rural areas and among populations with lower educational attainment. Additionally, digital platforms and youth-focused campaigns could be especially effective for reaching adolescents. Policymakers must prioritize inclusive, accessible HIV prevention strategies to address these gaps and reduce transmission rates.

    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Health Surveys*; Humans; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*; Malaysia/epidemiology; Male; Middle Aged; Rural Population/statistics & numerical data; Prevalence; Young Adult
  16. Ashhar Z, Ahmad Fadzil MF, Hassan H, Othman MF, Md Hassan MB, Chun Vui VY, et al.
    Curr Med Imaging, 2024;20:e15734056270935.
    PMID: 38874043 DOI: 10.2174/0115734056270935231113035620
    Skeletal-related events due to bone metastases can be prevented by early diagnosis using radiological or nuclear imaging techniques. Nuclear medicine techniques such as Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) have been used for diagnostic imaging of bone for decades. Although it is widely recognized that conventional diagnostic imaging techniques such as Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) have high sensitivity, low cost and wide availability, the specificity of both techniques is rather low compared to nuclear medicine techniques. Nuclear medicine techniques, on the other hand, have improved specificity when introduced as a hybrid imaging modality, as they can combine physiological and anatomical information. Two main radiopharmaceuticals are used in nuclear medicine: [99mTc]-methyl diphosphonate ([99mTc]Tc-MDP) from the generator and [18F]sodium fluoride ([18F]NaF) from the cyclotron. The former is used in SPECT imaging, while the latter is used in PET imaging. However, recent studies show that the role of radiolabeled bisphosphonates with gallium-68 (68Ga) and fluorine-18 (18F) may have a potential role in the future. This review, therefore, presents and discusses the brief method for producing current and future potential radiopharmaceuticals for bone metastases.
    MeSH terms: Diphosphonates*; Gallium Radioisotopes; Humans; Technetium Tc 99m Medronate; Radiopharmaceuticals*
  17. Zhang H, Targher G, Byrne CD, Kim SU, Wong VW, Valenti L, et al.
    Hepatol Int, 2024 Aug;18(4):1178-1201.
    PMID: 38878111 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-024-10702-5
    BACKGROUND: With the implementation of the 11th edition of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) and the publication of the metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) nomenclature in 2020, it is important to establish consensus for the coding of MAFLD in ICD-11. This will inform subsequent revisions of ICD-11.

    METHODS: Using the Qualtrics XM and WJX platforms, questionnaires were sent online to MAFLD-ICD-11 coding collaborators, authors of papers, and relevant association members.

    RESULTS: A total of 890 international experts in various fields from 61 countries responded to the survey. We also achieved full coverage of provincial-level administrative regions in China. 77.1% of respondents agreed that MAFLD should be represented in ICD-11 by updating NAFLD, with no significant regional differences (77.3% in Asia and 76.6% in non-Asia, p = 0.819). Over 80% of respondents agreed or somewhat agreed with the need to assign specific codes for progressive stages of MAFLD (i.e. steatohepatitis) (92.2%), MAFLD combined with comorbidities (84.1%), or MAFLD subtypes (i.e., lean, overweight/obese, and diabetic) (86.1%).

    CONCLUSIONS: This global survey by a collaborative panel of clinical, coding, health management and policy experts, indicates agreement that MAFLD should be coded in ICD-11. The data serves as a foundation for corresponding adjustments in the ICD-11 revision.

    MeSH terms: Humans; Surveys and Questionnaires; Global Health; International Classification of Diseases*
  18. Hassan R, Mutalib AA, Shang CY, Sachdev NS, Rahman FA, Ling ESL
    J Interv Card Electrophysiol, 2024 Nov;67(8):1735-1743.
    PMID: 39110272 DOI: 10.1007/s10840-024-01884-x
    BACKGROUND: While studies comparing the effectiveness of remifentanil and dexmedetomidine are prevalent in other nations, using remifentanil alone is uncommon in Malaysia. This research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of sedation with remifentanil or dexmedetomidine infusion in monitored anesthesia care for electrophysiology procedures.

    METHODS: This study is a single-center, single-blinded, prospective randomized clinical study. One hundred twenty patients were randomized into two groups (remifentanil vs dexmedetomidine). Demographic characteristics and clinical outcomes, including level of sedation, vital signs, and patient satisfaction were monitored and recorded.

    RESULTS: Group R showed a higher mean observer's assessment of alertness/sedation score (3.9 ± 0.7 vs 3.6 ± 0.8; p = 0.008), mean arterial pressure (92.0 ± 12.0 vs 83.0 ± 13.0 mmHg; p 

    MeSH terms: Adult; Female; Humans; Infusions, Intravenous; Male; Middle Aged; Piperidines/administration & dosage; Prospective Studies; Single-Blind Method; Treatment Outcome; Patient Satisfaction; Electrophysiologic Techniques, Cardiac
  19. Jothee S, Ahmad NAB, Zainun KA, Byard RW
    Acta Paediatr, 2024 Nov 29.
    PMID: 39611530 DOI: 10.1111/apa.17525
  20. Hasan S, Chew KS
    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2024 Nov 01;25(11):3781-3788.
    PMID: 39611900 DOI: 10.31557/APJCP.2024.25.11.3781
    BACKGROUND: The diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer are very distressing for young women and can result in a lot of unmet psychosocial needs and a lower quality of life.

    OBJECTIVE: Although unmet psychosocial needs in young women with breast cancer can negatively impact their quality of life, these needs have not been systematically reviewed. The primary objective of this scoping review was to identify the categories of unmet psychosocial needs among young women with breast cancer. The secondary objective was to examine the relationship between these unmet psychosocial needs and their quality of life.

    METHODS: Five electronic databases (MEDLINE from the National Library of Medicine, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), SCOPUS, Web of Science WOS, and Google Scholar), as well as reference lists of relevant literature were systematically searched to identify the relevant literature following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement for reporting systematic reviews.

    RESULTS: From an initial yield of 2505 articles, 30 articles were included and analyzed. The results identified 13 main domains of unmet psychosocial needs among young women with breast cancer: information needs, psychological needs, physical/symptoms needs, fear of recurrence and spreading, identity-related needs, social needs, sexual needs, social support, financial support, practical needs, spiritual needs, communication-related issues with health care providers, and coping needs. Data were extracted and summarized in a narrative synthesis.

    CONCLUSION: Ongoing assessment of informational needs and a clear understanding of the relationship between unmet psychosocial needs and quality of life are essential for healthcare providers to develop robust support systems for young women with breast cancer.

    MeSH terms: Adult; Female; Health Services Needs and Demand; Humans; Quality of Life*; Social Support*; Needs Assessment
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