Browse publications by year: 2024

  1. Liew CSL, Guad RM, Taylor-Robinson AW, Teck KS, Mandrinos S, Duin EV, et al.
    Trop Biomed, 2024 Sep 01;41(3):310-315.
    PMID: 39548785 DOI: 10.47665/tb.41.3.011
    To investigate co-infection of bacterial isolates associated with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in children aged less than two years who were admitted to hospital with confirmed lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) in Kelantan, Malaysia. The demographic data, clinical history, case management, haematological as well as infectious parameters (white blood cell differential and count, plus C-reactive protein, CRP) of the patients were systematically recorded. Less than one-third of cases were RSV-positive (21.03% and 26.23% were diagnosed as acute bronchiolitis or pneumonia, respectively). Blood cultures from approximately 10% of patients demonstrated growth of Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase-negative Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas stutzeri, haemolytic Streptococcus group A, and Bacillus subtilis. Further analysis indicated that children with positive bacterial growth had an insignificant predictive value of CRP (2.32-7.16 mg/dl). The total white cell counts were 2.97-7.33 x 109sup>/L despite increased lymphocyte values in the bacteria-positive blood culture. Platelet counts were also within normal limits except for a single case of H. influenzae infection (685.50 x 109sup>/L). Interestingly, 95.01% of patients were treated with antibiotics; 66.23% of RSV infection cases were administered with a combination of antibiotics and 33.77% with only a single antibiotic. The data indicate that the use of antibiotics, either singly or in combination, is not always effective in treating LRTI in infants. Alternative therapeutic regimens should be considered, especially in Asian countries that may have limited resources.
    MeSH terms: Bacteria/drug effects; Bacteria/isolation & purification; Bacterial Infections/drug therapy; Bacterial Infections/microbiology; Female; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Malaysia; Male; Respiratory Tract Infections/drug therapy; Respiratory Tract Infections/microbiology; Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human
  2. Irekeola AA, Ahmed N, Abdul Hadi MI, Yung TC, Mohd Shukri MF, Mafauzy MM, et al.
    Trop Biomed, 2024 Sep 01;41(3):316-318.
    PMID: 39548786 DOI: 10.47665/tb.41.3.012
    Dengue fever is one of the most common diagnoses in patients presenting with acute febrile illness in tropical countries. Borrelia, on the other hand, is the cause of vector-borne infections of relapsing fever and Lyme disease. While co-infections of dengue with chikungunya, Zika, malaria, influenza and typhoid have been reported, clinical cases of Borrelia infections have never been reported in Malaysia. Based on available evidence, this is the first case series to report dengue fever and Borrelia spp. co-infection. All three patients in this report were admitted to medical wards on day 3 to day 8 of illness for dengue fever as evidenced by a positive dengue NS1 antigen test. The clinical manifestations were typical of dengue fever, with all patients having high grade fever, myalgia, and arthralgia. All patients also had thrombocytopenia. Features of severe dengue, such as shock, hemorrhage and impaired consciousness were absent. Borrelia DNA were detected in the blood samples of the patients. However, all the patients denied having skin lesions and a history of insect bites. All the patients were given intravenous fluid therapy and were discharged after 3 to 5 days of hospitalization.
    MeSH terms: Borrelia Infections/complications; Humans; Malaysia/epidemiology
  3. Haldar T, Sardar SK, Ghosal A, Das K, Saito-Nakano Y, Dutta S, et al.
    Trop Biomed, 2024 Sep 01;41(3):319-327.
    PMID: 39548787 DOI: 10.47665/tb.41.3.013
    Giardiasis, caused by the parasite Giardia lamblia, is a prevalent and serious public health concern, particularly affecting children worldwide. The primary mode of transmission for the parasite is through contaminated food and water sources and often leads to the onset of diarrhoea in infected individuals. However, the present medications for Giardiasis treatment often come with numerous side effects, while the growing problem of drug resistance adds a significant complication. Therefore, there is an urgent need for alternative treatments. In this study, we explored the in-vitro potential of Andrographis paniculata leaf extract as a possible alternative treatment for Giardiasis. Our investigation involved assessing the impact of the ethanolic extract on Giardia trophozoites through the analysis of parameters such as cell death, morphological alterations, adherence, ROS generation, and cell cycle dynamics. A. paniculata leaf extracts demonstrated significant inhibitory activity against the growth of Giardia trophozoites. After being incubated for 24 hours, the test results revealed an IC50 value of 51.26µg/ml (95% CI 37.17- 65.35) for inducing cell death in Giardia trophozoites. We observed a substantial degradation of DNA, alteration in morphology, inhibition in adherence, ROS generation and inhibition of the cell cycle in Giardia trophozoites. The findings indicate that A. paniculata extract has the potential to be used as a therapeutic treatment for giardiasis. This approach aims to offer a natural therapeutic solution for giardiasis, minimizing side effects and reducing the risk of drug resistance.
    MeSH terms: Antiprotozoal Agents/pharmacology; Cell Cycle/drug effects; Humans; Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism; Inhibitory Concentration 50; Trophozoites/drug effects
  4. Seyer-Cagatan A, Ruh E, Taylan-Ozkan A
    Trop Biomed, 2024 Sep 01;41(3):328-344.
    PMID: 39548788 DOI: 10.47665/tb.41.3.014
    Vector-borne diseases have been a growing health concern in recent decades due to the global warming, globalization, and increased international travel. With the typical Mediterranean climate and geographical features, Cyprus provides favorable conditions for the growth and survival of arthropod species. For the purpose of this review article, the terms "Cyprus", "vectors" and "vectorborne diseases" were searched in the National Library of Medicine ('PubMed') and the Google Scholar databases. Published articles in the literature have documented mosquito (including Anopheles, Aedes, Culex, and Culiseta), sandfly (Phlebotomus, Sergentomyia), flea (including Ctenocephalides, Xenopsylla, Leptopsylla), and tick (including Rhipicephalus, Ixodes, Hyalomma, Haemaphysalis) species in the island. The presence of these arthropods poses a risk to public health as they can transmit a variety of diseases to both humans and animals. Research studies in Cyprus have identified infectious agents such as West Nile virus, Leishmania spp., sandfly viruses, Rickettsia spp., Coxiella burnetii, and Bartonella spp. in the local arthropods. More importantly, West Nile virus infection and imported malaria cases (mosquitoborne diseases); leishmaniasis and sandfly fever (sandfly-borne diseases); rickettsiosis, tularemia, Q fever, anaplasmosis, tick-borne relapsing fever, and Lyme disease (tick-borne diseases); and flea-borne rickettsiosis were reported in Cyprus. Taken together with the presence of arthropod vectors, published evidence in the literature suggests that Cyprus is an important region for VBDs. In addition to its climatic and geographical conditions, international travels particularly from endemic countries pose a risk for the circulation of VBDs on the island. Therefore, vector control programs should be continuously implemented, and public awareness must be raised in the region. This review, which to the best of our knowledge is the first comprehensive report on VBDs from Cyprus, will provide insight into future islandwide studies and also will be an important contribution to the elimination of VBDs in the region.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Arthropod Vectors; Cyprus/epidemiology; Humans; Ticks/microbiology; Ticks/virology
  5. Mohd Johari SN, Tan PY, Loganathan R, Lim YAL, Teng KT, Lee SC, et al.
    Trop Biomed, 2024 Sep 01;41(3):345-355.
    PMID: 39548789 DOI: 10.47665/tb.41.3.015
    Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) are known as one of the neglected parasitic diseases, leading to significant health issues and associated complications. This study aims to assess the current prevalence of STH infections and the associated risk factors among rural primary schoolchildren in Malaysia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 638 schoolchildren (7-11 years old) from 10 rural primary schools in five regions of Malaysia. The overall prevalence of STH infections among schoolchildren was 54.5%, with T. trichiura being the predominant STH species (50.9%), followed by A. lumbricoides (19.6%) and hookworms (7.4%). The highest prevalence of STH infections was recorded in the schools in Perak (96.6%), followed by Pahang (85.4%), Johor (42.1%) and Sabah (6.2%). At the same time, none of the schoolchildren in Sarawak were infected with STHs. The findings also highlighted that the older age group (10-11 years old) exhibited a higher prevalence of STH infection and T. trichiura compared to those aged 7-9 years old (P = 0.01) among the schools with a high prevalence of STH infections (>= 70%). Several variables, such as being female (1.9 [1.2, 3.0]) (Adjusted odd ratio [95% confidence interval]), low household income (30.9 [7.0, 136.5]), using untreated water supply (1.9 [1.1, 3.2]), indiscriminate defaecation (1.9 [1.1, 3.1]), indiscriminate garbage disposal (2.8 [1.3, 6.0]), eating with hands (5.9 [3.4, 10.4]) and experiencing pallor signs (2.3 [1.1, 5.0]), emerged as significant predictors of STH infections in this study population. The present study underscores that in specific rural community areas of Malaysia, STH infections continue to pose health concerns among primary schoolchildren. Hence, to ensure the sustained effectiveness of the measures taken to control STH infections, a collaborative and ongoing effort between various stakeholders is imperative to provide targeted support to rural communities, especially those in areas lacking essential amenities and healthcare services.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Child; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Helminths/classification; Helminths/isolation & purification; Humans; Malaysia/epidemiology; Male; Risk Factors; Rural Population*; Schools*; Prevalence
  6. Wan Nazri WSM, Lau YL, Cheong FW
    Trop Biomed, 2024 Sep 01;41(3):356-362.
    PMID: 39548790 DOI: 10.47665/tb.41.3.016
    Plasmodium knowlesi, primarily a zoonotic malaria species is the most common malaria pathogen in the Southeast Asia especially in Malaysian Borneo, Malaysia. Due to morphological resemblance of P. knowlesi to other human Plasmodium, the sensitivity for microscopic detection of P. knowlesi, which is the gold standard, is compromised. Thus, efforts have been made in finding alternatives for the disease diagnosis. This study described the potential use of anti-PkTRAMP polyclonal antibodies in sandwich ELISA for P. knowlesi detection. Anti-PkTRAMP polyclonal antibodies raised from mice and rabbit were first evaluated for their binding capability towards native proteins in P. knowlesi lysates using Western blot. These mice and rabbit polyclonal antibodies were then used in the sandwich ELISA as capture and detection antibodies, respectively. P. knowlesi A1H1 culture was utilised to determine the limit of detection (LOD) of this assay. Its clinical performance was determined by testing with archived human malaria and uninfected samples. Western blot analysis affirmed the polyclonal antibodies reactivity to P. knowlesi. The LOD obtained from three replicated assays was at 0.015% parasitaemia. The assay has 76% sensitivity and 75% specificity for P. knowlesi. Its positive and negative predictive values were 76% and 75%, respectively. No cross reactivity with P. falciparum and healthy samples was observed, except for P. vivax where 10 out of 12 samples were detected. In conclusion, anti-PkTRAMP polyclonal antibodies can be useful in detecting P. knowlesi. Regardless, the full potential of anti-PkTRAMP antibodies for diagnostic purposes need to be explored further.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Antigens, Protozoan/immunology; Humans; Malaysia; Rabbits; Sensitivity and Specificity; Blotting, Western/methods; Mice; Limit of Detection
  7. Muhammad Hafiz S, Attah AO, Mohd Salleh S, Rusli MU, Farah Haziqah MT
    Trop Biomed, 2024 Sep 01;41(3):363-369.
    PMID: 39548791 DOI: 10.47665/tb.41.3.017
    Blastocystis a single-celled eukaryotic protist, is known to inhabit the intestines of various hosts, including humans, and has been implicated in a wide spectrum of symptoms, ranging from gastrointestinal issues to skin disorders, thereby establishing its status as an emerging infectious agent. In this study, the prevalence of Blastocystis infection was investigated in insects, including cockroaches, houseflies, and crickets, as well as sea turtles. Additionally, the genotypic characteristics of the isolated Blastocystis strains were examined, and the evolutionary relationships between Blastocystis species found in sea turtles, and animals/humans were determined. Microscopic techniques and molecular methods were utilized in this study. The results showed that four out of 90 insects (4.44%) and one out of 13 sea turtles (7.7%) were infected by Blastocystis. Furthermore, detailed observations revealed the presence of characteristic morphological features, such as vacuolar forms in the cockroach, cricket and sea turtle samples and binary fission from cockroach samples, indicative of Blastocystis' mode of reproduction. While the ST8 of Blastocystis in sea turtles were successfully identified, no subtyping was achieved for the infected insects. This study not only establishes the occurrence of Blastocystis infection in sea turtles but also uncovers its ability to infect insects, suggesting a potential reservoir role for these organisms. Overall, this research emphasizes the significance of comprehending the prevalence, genotypic diversity, and evolutionary relationships of Blastocystis across various hosts. Such insights are instrumental in developing effective control measures and public health interventions to mitigate the associated symptoms and prevent future outbreaks.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Genotype; Houseflies/parasitology; Malaysia/epidemiology; Phylogeny; Turtles/parasitology; Prevalence; Blastocystis Infections/epidemiology; Blastocystis Infections/parasitology; Blastocystis Infections/veterinary
  8. Attah AO, Ong KY, Sanggari A, Lee IL, Nik Him NAII, Ismail AH, et al.
    Trop Biomed, 2024 Sep 01;41(3):370-376.
    PMID: 39548792 DOI: 10.47665/tb.41.3.018
    Blastocystis is a ubiquitous waterborne parasite that has been implicated in some disease conditions including colorectal cancer and irritable bowel syndrome, and its surface coat characteristics have been associated with its pathogenicity. Although the morphology of Blastocystis isolates from human and animal sources have been studied, there is a paucity of data on the surface ultrastructure of Blastocystis isolated from water sources. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the occurrence and the ultrastructural surface of Blastocystis isolates from several water sources in Kedah and Penang, Malaysia. A total of 12 water samples were collected, namely, Pinang River and USM Harapan Lake all in Penang, whereas Lata Bayu Waterfall in Baling and UniSHAMS Lake, Kuala Ketil in Kedah. These were examined for Blastocystis by centrifugation and in vitro cultivation. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and light microscopy were employed to study the morphological characteristics and the surface ultrastructure of the parasite. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was carried out to obtain the subtypes (ST) of the positive Blastocystis isolates. The result revealed 25.0% (3/12) contamination with Blastocystis in which ST1, ST2, and an unknown ST (with a high similarity to ST1) were detected in water samples from the upstream, downstream, and midstream, respectively of Pinang River. Our study also revealed similarities in the sizes of the isolates from different river points, which were notably more diminutive compared to the sizes of the parasites observed in existing data from human and animal isolates. The surface characteristics showed a collection of single and dividing cells with smooth, folded surfaces enclosed in a film-like layer. Additionally, there were roundish, irregularly shaped cells with rough surfaces, and a woolly appearance. This study has added to our knowledge of the surface ultrastructure of Blastocystis and its possible contribution to the pathogenicity of the parasite.
    MeSH terms: Humans; Malaysia; Microscopy; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning*; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Rivers*
  9. Alasmari SM, Albalawi AE, Alghabban AJ, Shater AF, Al-Ahmadi BM, Baghdadi HBA, et al.
    Trop Biomed, 2024 Sep 01;41(3):377-384.
    PMID: 39548793 DOI: 10.47665/tb.41.3.019
    Current strategies for tick control have led to the development of resistance and environmental contamination. Consequently, there is an urgent need for research into new and effective acaricides for tick control. The aim of this study was to fabricate and characterize Linalool loaded zinc oxide nanoparticles (Lin@ZNP), and to assess the acaricidal, larvacidal, and repellent activities of Lin@ ZNP against Hyalomma anatolicum, a prevalent tick species infesting cattle in Saudi Arabia. Lin@ ZNP was synthesized using an ethanolic solution of polyvinyl alcohol. The adult immersion, the larval packet, and the assessment of vertical movement behavior of tick larvae assays were utilized to examine the acaricidal, larvicidal, and repellent activities of Lin@ZNP against H. anatolicum, respectively. Furthermore, the impact of Lin@ZNP on acetylcholinesterase and oxidant/antioxidant enzyme activities was investigated. Exposure of adult H. anatolicum to different concentrations of Lin@ZNP resulted in noticeable (p<0.001) reductions in the viability rate of adults and the mean number, weight, and hatchability of eggs, compared to the control group. Lin@ZNP demonstrated significant repellent effects on H. anatolicum larvae after 60, 120, and 180 minutes of exposure. Lin@ZNP, particularly at all concentrations, markedly suppressed the acetylcholinesterase activity of the larval stage of H. anatolicum (P<0.001); but increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels (P<0.001) and a decrease in glutathione-S-transferase (GST) levels in H. anatolicum larvae (P<0.001). Lin@ZNP exhibited considerable acaricidal, larvicidal, and repellent effects against H. dromedarii adults and larvae in a manner dependent on the dosage. Additionally, Lin@ZNP notably reduced AChE levels and antioxidant activity, while inducing oxidative stress in H. anatolicum larvae. Nevertheless, further research is necessary to elucidate the precise mechanisms and practical efficacy of Lin@ZNP.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Cattle; Female; Insect Repellents/pharmacology; Insect Repellents/chemistry; Saudi Arabia; Nanoparticles/chemistry
  10. Matinja AI, Kamarudin NHA, Leow ATC, Oslan SN, Ali MSM
    J Mol Evol, 2024 Dec;92(6):944-963.
    PMID: 39549052 DOI: 10.1007/s00239-024-10219-3
    Cold-active enzymes have recently gained popularity because of their high activity at lower temperatures than their mesophilic and thermophilic counterparts, enabling them to withstand harsh reaction conditions and enhance industrial processes. Cold-active lipases are enzymes produced by psychrophiles that live and thrive in extremely cold conditions. Cold-active lipase applications are now growing in the detergency, synthesis of fine chemicals, food processing, bioremediation, and pharmaceutical industries. The cold adaptation mechanisms exhibited by these enzymes are yet to be fully understood. Using phylogenetic analysis, and advanced deep learning-based protein structure prediction tool Alphafold2, we identified an evolutionary processes in which a conserved cold-active-like motif is presence in a distinct subclade of the tree and further predicted and simulated the three-dimensional structure of a putative cold-active lipase with the cold active motif, Glalip03, from Glaciozyma antarctica PI12. Molecular dynamics at low temperatures have revealed global stability over a wide range of temperatures, flexibility, and the ability to cope with changes in water and solvent entropy. Therefore, the knowledge we uncover here will be crucial for future research into how these low-temperature-adapted enzymes maintain their overall flexibility and function at lower temperatures.
    MeSH terms: Basidiomycota/enzymology; Basidiomycota/genetics; Cold Temperature*; Phylogeny*; Protein Conformation; Molecular Dynamics Simulation*
  11. Nerini A, Matera C, Policardo GR, Paradisi M, Rivi S, Swami V
    Body Image, 2024 Dec;51:101815.
    PMID: 39549566 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2024.101815
    The 13-item Body Acceptance by Others Scale-2 (BAOS-2) measures generalised perceptions of body acceptance by others. Here, we examined the psychometric properties of a novel Italian translation of the BAOS-2. Studies 1 (N = 401) and 2 (N = 393) supported a unidimensional model of the Italian BAOS-2 with all 13 items retained through exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, respectively. Study 2 also supported measurement invariance of the Italian BAOS-2 across gender identity, with the gender difference in observed scores not reaching significance. In Study 3 (N = 365), we supported the construct validity of the Italian BAOS-2. Specifically, we found evidence of convergent validity (significant associations with indices of positive body image), criterion-related validity (significant associations with pressure to conform to appearance ideals and psychological well-being), and incremental validity (body acceptance predicted body appreciation over-and-above appearance-related pressure). These results suggest that the psychometric properties of the Italian BAOS-2 are robust and that this instrument can be confidently utilised in future research with Italian adults.
    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Factor Analysis, Statistical; Female; Gender Identity; Humans; Italy; Male; Middle Aged; Personal Satisfaction; Psychometrics*; Surveys and Questionnaires; Translations; Reproducibility of Results; Young Adult
  12. Chan XHS, Haeusler IL, Choy BJK, Hassan MZ, Takata J, Hurst TP, et al.
    Lancet Microbe, 2024 Nov 12.
    PMID: 39549708 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanmic.2024.101002
    Nipah virus disease is a bat-borne zoonosis with person-to-person transmission, a case-fatality rate of 38-75%, and well recognised potential to cause a pandemic. The first reported outbreak of Nipah virus disease occurred in Malaysia and Singapore in 1998, which has since been followed by multiple outbreaks in Bangladesh and India. To date, no therapeutics or vaccines have been approved to treat Nipah virus disease, and only few such candidates are in development. In this Review, we aim to assess the safety and efficacy of the therapeutic options (monoclonal antibodies and small molecules) for Nipah virus disease and other henipaviral diseases to support prioritisation of drug candidates for further evaluation in clinical trials. At present, sufficient evidence exists to suggest trialling 1F5, m102.4, and remdesivir (alone or in combination) for prophylaxis and early treatment of Nipah virus disease. In addition to well designed clinical efficacy trials, in-vivo pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic studies are needed to optimise the selection and dosing of therapeutic candidates in animal challenge and natural human infection.
  13. NCD Risk Factor Collaboration (NCD-RisC)
    Lancet, 2024 Nov 23;404(10467):2077-2093.
    PMID: 39549716 DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(24)02317-1
    BACKGROUND: Diabetes can be detected at the primary health-care level, and effective treatments lower the risk of complications. There are insufficient data on the coverage of treatment for diabetes and how it has changed. We estimated trends from 1990 to 2022 in diabetes prevalence and treatment for 200 countries and territories.

    METHODS: We used data from 1108 population-representative studies with 141 million participants aged 18 years and older with measurements of fasting glucose and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), and information on diabetes treatment. We defined diabetes as having a fasting plasma glucose (FPG) of 7·0 mmol/L or higher, having an HbA1c of 6·5% or higher, or taking medication for diabetes. We defined diabetes treatment as the proportion of people with diabetes who were taking medication for diabetes. We analysed the data in a Bayesian hierarchical meta-regression model to estimate diabetes prevalence and treatment.

    FINDINGS: In 2022, an estimated 828 million (95% credible interval [CrI] 757-908) adults (those aged 18 years and older) had diabetes, an increase of 630 million (554-713) from 1990. From 1990 to 2022, the age-standardised prevalence of diabetes increased in 131 countries for women and in 155 countries for men with a posterior probability of more than 0·80. The largest increases were in low-income and middle-income countries in southeast Asia (eg, Malaysia), south Asia (eg, Pakistan), the Middle East and north Africa (eg, Egypt), and Latin America and the Caribbean (eg, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and Costa Rica). Age-standardised prevalence neither increased nor decreased with a posterior probability of more than 0·80 in some countries in western and central Europe, sub-Saharan Africa, east Asia and the Pacific, Canada, and some Pacific island nations where prevalence was already high in 1990; it decreased with a posterior probability of more than 0·80 in women in Japan, Spain, and France, and in men in Nauru. The lowest prevalence in the world in 2022 was in western Europe and east Africa for both sexes, and in Japan and Canada for women, and the highest prevalence in the world in 2022 was in countries in Polynesia and Micronesia, some countries in the Caribbean and the Middle East and north Africa, as well as Pakistan and Malaysia. In 2022, 445 million (95% CrI 401-496) adults aged 30 years or older with diabetes did not receive treatment (59% of adults aged 30 years or older with diabetes), 3·5 times the number in 1990. From 1990 to 2022, diabetes treatment coverage increased in 118 countries for women and 98 countries for men with a posterior probability of more than 0·80. The largest improvement in treatment coverage was in some countries from central and western Europe and Latin America (Mexico, Colombia, Chile, and Costa Rica), Canada, South Korea, Russia, Seychelles, and Jordan. There was no increase in treatment coverage in most countries in sub-Saharan Africa; the Caribbean; Pacific island nations; and south, southeast, and central Asia. In 2022, age-standardised treatment coverage was lowest in countries in sub-Saharan Africa and south Asia, and treatment coverage was less than 10% in some African countries. Treatment coverage was 55% or higher in South Korea, many high-income western countries, and some countries in central and eastern Europe (eg, Poland, Czechia, and Russia), Latin America (eg, Costa Rica, Chile, and Mexico), and the Middle East and north Africa (eg, Jordan, Qatar, and Kuwait).

    INTERPRETATION: In most countries, especially in low-income and middle-income countries, diabetes treatment has not increased at all or has not increased sufficiently in comparison with the rise in prevalence. The burden of diabetes and untreated diabetes is increasingly borne by low-income and middle-income countries. The expansion of health insurance and primary health care should be accompanied with diabetes programmes that realign and resource health services to enhance the early detection and effective treatment of diabetes.

    FUNDING: UK Medical Research Council, UK Research and Innovation (Research England), and US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Bayes Theorem; Blood Glucose; Female; Hemoglobin A, Glycosylated; Humans; Hypoglycemic Agents/therapeutic use; Male; Middle Aged; Prevalence; Sex Distribution; Young Adult
  14. Kazim AR, Low VL, Houssaini J, Tappe D, Heo CC
    Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports, 2024 Nov;56:101145.
    PMID: 39550195 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2024.101145
    To shed light on the importance of tick-borne diseases, especially in farm animals that often contact with farm workers, this study aimed to identify ticks and tick-borne pathogens in ruminants in Malaysia. Accordingly, specimen collection was conducted across Peninsular Malaysia yielded a total of 1241 ticks collected from 674 farm ruminants. Among these, four tick species were identified, with Rhipicephalus microplus being the most prevalent, constituting 99.03 % of the total tick population. Analysis of 130 tick pools revealed three positives for Borrelia. BLAST analyses of the flaB and 16S rRNA genes revealed high similarities to Borrelia theileri, ranging from 98.78 to 100 % for flaB and 99.23-99.45 % for 16S rRNA. These results align with the phylogenetic trees, where sequences from both genes clustered together with B. theileri, further supporting this identification. No Rickettsia and Bartonella bacteria were detected. This study represents the first occurrence of B. theileri in R. microplus in Malaysia.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Cattle; Female; Malaysia/epidemiology; Male; Phylogeny*; Ruminants/microbiology; Ruminants/parasitology; Sheep; Tick Infestations/epidemiology; Tick Infestations/parasitology; Tick Infestations/veterinary; Tick-Borne Diseases/microbiology; Tick-Borne Diseases/epidemiology; Tick-Borne Diseases/veterinary; Farms
  15. Nasruddin H, Justine M, Alghwiri A, Manaf H
    Ann Med, 2024 Dec;56(1):2402952.
    PMID: 39550347 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2024.2402952
    BACKGROUND: Older adults with Benign Paroxysmal Positioning Vertigo (BPPV) may present with unsteadiness that affects gait patterns.

    OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the spatiotemporal gait parameters and indicators of turning difficulty during the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test in older adults with BPPV.

    METHODS: This case-controlled study collected data from older adults aged 65 and above with BPPV, young adults with BPPV and older adults without BPPV. Postural stability and self-perception of stability were measured using the Functional Gait Analysis and the Malay version of the Dizziness Handicap Inventory, respectively. The spatiotemporal gait parameters were recorded using a camera. The one-way ANOVA test was used for statistical analysis.

    RESULTS: Older adults with BPPV presented with alteration in gait parameters (time and number of steps) compared to older adults without BPPV and adults with BPPV during the TUG test (p 

    MeSH terms: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Female; Humans; Male; Case-Control Studies; Young Adult
  16. Ng JY, Zhou H, Li T, Chew FT
    Sci Rep, 2024 Nov 16;14(1):28293.
    PMID: 39550380 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-78945-8
    Skin ageing results in wrinkling. In this study, we discuss four types of facial wrinkles: Crow's Feet wrinkles, forehead wrinkles, glabellar frown wrinkles, and nasolabial folds. These four phenotypes can be assessed either with a photo-numeric scale developed and validated on Caucasian skin (i.e., Caucasian scale) or with a photo-numeric scale developed and validated on Chinese skin (i.e., Chinese scale). As Caucasian and Chinese skin have inherent differences, the main objective of this study is to determine whether these inherent differences affect the suitability of evaluating facial wrinkles on ethnic Chinese skin with a Caucasian scale. Three trained assessors studied four types of wrinkles on the faces of 1,081 ethnic Chinese young adults from the Singapore/Malaysia Cross-sectional Genetics Epidemiology Study (SMCGES). We found that Caucasian scales and Chinese scales are concordant (Spearman's Rank Correlation (ρ) values: 0.53-0.80) and the level of agreement between the Caucasian scales and Chinese scales is moderately high (Cohen's Kappa (κ) values: 0.40-0.49). When tested on ethnic Chinese skin, both the Caucasian scale and the Chinese scale are largely consistent in showing presence or absence of a given facial wrinkle (Area under curve (AUC) values: 0.79-0.90). All assessors are highly internally consistent (Weighted Kappa (κw) values: 0.686-0.992). Our results build confidence that four types of facial wrinkles on ethnic Chinese faces can be assessed with Caucasian scales. To the best of our knowledge, Chinese scales for facial wrinkles beyond the four types discussed here have yet to be developed. Caucasian scales for these other facial wrinkles will also need to be tested for their suitability to be used on ethnic Chinese skin as and when more Chinese scales are developed.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Face*; Female; Humans; Male; Skin Aging*; European Continental Ancestry Group*; Young Adult
  17. Sia LL, Sharma S, Ing JBM, Kumar S, Singh DKA
    J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil, 2024;37(6):1441-1454.
    PMID: 38905032 DOI: 10.3233/BMR-240009
    BACKGROUND: The growing use of telerehabilitation within the healthcare community has garnered substantial attention. In congruence with other healthcare fields, examining perceptions, barriers, and facilitators assumed paramount significance in the continuation and fortification of telerehabilitation practices among physiotherapists.

    OBJECTIVE: In this scoping review, we aimed to systematically map the literature on the perceptions of physiotherapists as well as the barriers and enablers of telerehabilitation in their daily practice.

    METHODS: The five-stage methodological framework recommended by Arksey and O'Malley (2005) was used for this scoping review. In the framework, eight databases were searched using key search terms such as "telerehabilitation", "physiotherapists", "readiness", "enablers" and "barriers" All findings were organised into perceptions and readiness, enablers, and barriers.

    RESULTS: Fourteen articles met the inclusion criteria and were categorized as: (1) perception and readiness, (2) enablers, and (3) barriers. In the perception and readiness category, new trends in healthcare, advancement in physiotherapy practices and the benefits to clients were identified. The enablers identified included prior training, personal experience, familiarity with technology, functional equipment and space, and client selection. The barriers to the adoption of telerehabilitation in physiotherapy practice are pinpointed to poor technology, communication hurdles, limited availability, lack of familiarity, and client-related concerns.

    CONCLUSION: While initial evidence suggests a generally positive perceptions it is important to consider both facilitators and barriers when understanding adoption. This review's findings revealed a wide research gap, with unequal weightage towards barriers compared to enablers, and highlights the need for further research. Developing telerehabilitation guidelines that cater to both physiotherapists and clients is necessary.

    MeSH terms: Telerehabilitation*; Attitude of Health Personnel*; Humans; Physical Therapists*
  18. Ng KT, Lim WE, Teoh WY, Zainal Abidin MFB
    Pain Med, 2024 Nov 01;25(11):651-663.
    PMID: 38913879 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnae052
    OBJECTIVE: The administration of local anesthesia in intraperitoneal space as part of the multi-modal analgesic regimen has shown to be effective in reducing postoperative pain. Recent studies demonstrated that intraperitoneal lidocaine may provide analgesic effects. Primary objective was to determine the impact of intraperitoneal lidocaine on postoperative pain scores at rest.

    DESIGN: We carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA).

    METHODS: Databases of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL were searched from their inception date until May 2023. Randomized clinical trials (RCT) comparing intraperitoneal lidocaine and placebo in adults undergoing surgery were included.

    RESULTS: Our systematic review included 24 RCTs (n = 1824). The intraperitoneal lidocaine group was significantly associated with lower postoperative pain scores at rest (MD, -0.87, 95% CI, -1.04 to -0.69) and at movement (MD, -0.50, 95% CI, -0.93 to -0.08) among adult patients after surgery. Its administration also significantly decreased morphine consumption (MD, -6.42 mg, 95% CI, -11.56 to -1.27) and lowered the incidence of needing analgesia (OR, 0.22, 95% CI, 0.14 to 0.35). Intraperitoneal lidocaine statistically reduced time to resume regular diet (MD, 0.16 days; 95% CI, -0.31 to -0.01) and lowered postoperative incidence of nausea and vomiting (OR, 0.54, 95% CI, 0.39 to 0.75).

    CONCLUSIONS: In this review, our findings should be interpreted with caution. Future studies are warranted to determine the optimal dose of administering intraperitoneal lidocaine among adult patients undergoing surgery.

    MeSH terms: Adult; Humans; Injections, Intraperitoneal; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
External Links