Browse publications by year: 2024

  1. Ab Rahman N, von Delft D, Numanoglu A, Mohammad Aidid E, Arnold M
    Pediatr Surg Int, 2024 Nov 13;40(1):306.
    PMID: 39532709 DOI: 10.1007/s00383-024-05887-7
    PURPOSE: Incidence, management, and outcomes of pediatric vascular injuries secondary to non-iatrogenic trauma were reviewed over a decade in our institution.

    METHODS: A retrospective review of medical records (2013-2022) of major traumatic vascular injuries, focusing on injury profiles, treatment modalities, and clinical outcomes.

    RESULTS: Thirty patients with 48 vessel injuries were included. Firearms were the leading mechanism, accounting for 43.3% (n = 13) of cases. We identified 29 arterial injuries and 19 venous injuries, with 30 (62.5%) of the overall injuries occurred in the lower extremities. Shock (17; 56.7%) and associated injuries (25; 83.3%) were common. Surgery was the most common management strategy. Autologous bypass graft was the most frequently performed procedure for arterial injuries (8; 42.1%), while ligation dominated in venous injuries (9; 64.3%). Blood transfusion requirements (24; 82.7%) and post-operative prescription of anticoagulant and antiplatelet agents (12; 41.4%) were similar for arterial and venous injuries (p > 0.05). Three patients demised, resulting in a 90% survival rate. Neither the mechanism of injury, anatomical location, and presence of shock on arrival nor the baseline hemoglobin level served as predictors of mortality.

    CONCLUSION: Intensive resuscitation with blood transfusion and prompt surgical intervention achieve favorable survival rates for pediatric traumatic vascular injuries. Optimal post-operative anticoagulant and antiplatelet regimens remain unclear.

    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Blood Transfusion/statistics & numerical data; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Humans; Infant; Male; Retrospective Studies; Vascular Surgical Procedures/methods; Incidence
  2. Suraparaju SK, Elangovan E, Muthuvairavan G, Samykano M, Elumalai PV, Natarajan SK, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2024 Nov 12;14(1):27755.
    PMID: 39532916 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-78147-2
    The traditional approach of open-sun drying is facing contemporary challenges arising from the widespread adoption of energy-intensive methods and the quality of drying. In response, solar dryers have emerged as a sustainable alternative, utilizing solar thermal energy to effectively dehydrate vegetables. This study investigates the performance of a single-basin, double-slope solar dryer utilizing natural convection for drying bottle gourds and tomatoes, presenting a sustainable alternative to traditional open-sun drying. The solar dryer exhibited superior moisture removal efficiency, achieving a 94.42% reduction in tomatoes and 83.87% in bottle gourds, compared to open-sun drying. Drying rates were significantly enhanced, with maximum air and plate temperatures reaching 54.42 °C and 63.38 °C, respectively, accelerating the dehydration process. Moisture diffusivity analysis revealed a marked improvement in drying behavior under solar drying, with values ranging from 3.12 × 10-11 to 4.31 × 10-11 m2/s for bottle gourds, and 4.65 × 10-11 to 2.31 × 10-11 m2/s for tomatoes. Energy efficiency assessments highlighted the solar dryer's advantage, with exergy efficiency peaking at 61.78% for bottle gourds and 68.5% for tomatoes. Furthermore, the activation energy required for drying was significantly lower in the solar dryer (29.14-46.41 kJ/mol for bottle gourds and 27.16-55.42 kJ/mol for tomatoes) compared to open-sun drying, enhancing energy conservation. Visual inspections confirmed the superior quality of the solar-dried vegetables, free from dust and impurities. An economic analysis underscored the system's viability, with payback periods of 2 years for bottle gourds and 1.6 years for tomatoes. Overall, this study demonstrates the efficacy of solar dryers in optimizing vegetable preservation while promoting energy efficiency, aligning with global sustainability goals by reducing post-harvest losses and supporting eco-friendly practices.
  3. Li Y, Guo L, Zhang D, Ma J
    Lipids, 2024 Nov 07.
    PMID: 39508270 DOI: 10.1002/lipd.12422
    This study was carried out to systematically review and evaluate the influence of exercise with and without curcumin on body fat composition, glucose, and lipid metabolism in obese adults. Search for eligible studies through four databases, and then proceed with screening. The inclusion criteria are as follows: (1) obese adults; (2) randomized controlled trial (RCT); (3) classified the exercise intervention with curcumin supplementation as the exercise with curcumin (CU) group and without curcumin supplementation as the exercise without curcumin (EX) group; (4) Conducted pre- and post-training assessments, which include body fat composition, glucose and lipid metabolism parameters. Use the Cochrane bias risk assessment tool to evaluate the quality of the selected study. Select standardized mean difference (SMD) as the appropriate effect scale index, and use Revman 5.4 software to analyze the mean difference of the selected article data with a 95% confidence interval (CI). A total of seven studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were selected for the meta-analysis. The included studies involved 72 males and 111 females, where 94 belonged to the EX group and 89 from the CU group. The CU group benefited more from the reduced Fat% (SMD, 2.18 [0.12, 4.24], p 
  4. Champakam S, Patrick BO, Injan N, Nokbin S, Cheenpracha S, Loh ZH, et al.
    J Nat Prod, 2024 Nov 07.
    PMID: 39508737 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.4c00933
    Phytochemical investigations of the twig and leaf extracts of Goniothalamus tortilipetalus resulted in the isolation and identification of two new alkaloids, goniotortiline (1) and goniotortilactam (2), three new styryl lactone derivatives, goniotortilactone (3) and goniotortilols A (4) and B (5), and 25 known compounds. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods and HRESITOFMS data. Compounds 5, 13, 15, 16, 22, and 30 inhibited nitric oxide (NO) production with IC50 values ranging from 8.7 ± 0.1 to 17 ± 1 μM, revealing stronger effects than the standard drug, dexamethasone (IC50 16.9 ± 2.2 μM), and compound 30 possessed the most potent NO production inhibition. Compounds 12 and 29 demonstrated notable efficacy in enhancing glucose consumption with IC50 values of 77 ± 4 and 66 ± 4 μM, respectively, while their glucose uptakes were 1.7- and 2-fold, respectively.
  5. Al-Haddad A, Azmi NN, Penukonda R, Chia MA, Lee XW, K Anuar AF
    Aust Endod J, 2024 Nov 07.
    PMID: 39508744 DOI: 10.1111/aej.12900
    This study aimed to assess the antibiotic prescribing pattern for endodontic infections among general dental practitioners (GDPs) and endodontic specialists in Malaysia. A 22-questions survey on demographic and general information on antibiotic prescribing patterns for endodontic infection was delivered to the email addresses of general dentists and specialists via the Dental Practitifoner Information Management System database. Collected data were analysed using multivariate logistic regression tests at the significance level of 0.05. A total of 372 responses were collected. 94% of respondents were GDPs, and 6% endodontists. Clinical experience and frequency of endodontic treatment performance were the significant factors in prescribing antibiotics (p 
  6. Hussein AS, Norazlan NS, Radzi NSM, Hamzah SH, Gao X
    PMID: 39509075 DOI: 10.1007/s40368-024-00958-8
    PURPOSE: To depict and evaluate the characteristics, engagement, content, and quality of YouTube videos containing information about silver diamine fluoride (SDF).

    METHODS: A total of 200 YouTube™ videos were selected and screened, and the video characteristics and engagement indicators were recorded. They were then reviewed for consistency with current professional guidelines on this topic. Two independent reviewers scored the videos using a customized 8-point scoring and 5-point Global Quality Scale (GQS) to assess the content information and the overall quality of each video. These videos were further classified into good, moderate, and poor videos. Kruskal-Wallis, Chi-squared, and Spearman's correlation tests were used for the statistical analysis.

    RESULTS: 110 videos met the inclusion criteria. The median total content score was 3 (IQR = 4) and the median GQS score was 2 (IQR = 2). Less than half (n = 49; 45.5%) of the videos were uploaded by healthcare professionals. The video content was classified as good (n = 26; 23.64%), moderate (n = 43; 39.09%), and poor (n = 41; 37.27%). Good-quality videos have a significantly higher information content score than the other groups (P = 0.001). A strong correlation was found between the total content score and GQS score (rho = 0.970, P = 0.001). Longer duration, higher interaction index, and recent upload are associated with higher content and quality scores.

    CONCLUSION: A considerable number of videos are available on YouTube about SDF treatment and are attracting public interest. The content and quality of these videos vary widely and are related to several factors.

  7. Ruipeng T, Jianbu Y, Jianrui T, Aridas NK, Talip MSA
    PLoS One, 2024;19(11):e0308845.
    PMID: 39509355 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0308845
    The agricultural WSN (wireless sensor network) has the characteristics of long operation cycle and wide coverage area. In order to cover as much area as possible, farms usually deploy multiple monitoring devices in different locations of the same area. Due to different types of equipment, monitoring data will vary greatly, and too many monitoring nodes also reduce the efficiency of the network. Although there have been some studies on data fusion algorithms, they have problems such as ignoring the dynamic changes of time series, weak anti-interference ability, and poor processing of data fluctuations. So in this study, a data fusion algorithm for optimal node tracking in agricultural wireless sensor networks is designed. By introducing the dynamic bending distance in the dynamic time warping algorithm to replace the absolute distance in the fuzzy association algorithm and combine the sensor's own reliability and association degree as the weighted fusion weight, which improved the fuzzy association algorithm. Finally, another three algorithm were tested for multi-temperature sensor data fusion. Compare with the kalman filter, arithmetic mean and fuzzy association algorithm, the average value of the improved data fusion algorithm is 29.5703, which is close to the average value of the other three algorithms, indicating that the data distribution is more even. Its extremely bad value is 8.9767, which is 10.04%, 1.14% and 9.85% smaller than the other three algorithms, indicating that it is more robust when dealing with outliers. Its variance is 2.6438, which is 2.82%, 0.65% and 0.27% smaller than the other three algorithms, indicating that it is more stable and has less data volatility. The results show that the algorithm proposed in this study has higher fusion accuracy and better robustness, which can obtain the fusion value that truly feedbacks the agricultural environment conditions. It reduces production costs by reducing redundant monitoring devices, the energy consumption and improves the data collection efficiency in wireless sensor networks.
    MeSH terms: Algorithms*; Computer Communication Networks; Fuzzy Logic
  8. Zelenev A, Huedo-Medina TB, Shrestha R, Mistler CB, Altice FL, Sibilio B, et al.
    PLoS One, 2024;19(11):e0312165.
    PMID: 39509356 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0312165
    Few evidence-based interventions have been widely adopted in common clinical settings, particularly for opioid-dependent people with HIV (PWH) seeking drug treatment. We developed a brief evidence-based intervention, Holistic Health for HIV (3H+), specifically for ease of implementation and integration within drug treatment settings. In this study, we compared 3H+ to the gold standard, Holistic Health Recovery Program (HHRP+) using a non-inferiority trial. Between 2012 and 2017, 106 participants were randomly assigned to either the brief 3H+ intervention or the gold standard HHRP+. HIV treatment (ART adherence, viral suppression) and risk behaviors (sharing injection equipment, condom use) were compared between the two arms at baseline, end-of-intervention (EOI-12 weeks) and at follow-up (24 weeks). Average treatment effect was calculated based on the difference-in-difference (DID) estimator and a non-parametric bootstrap was used to assess non-inferiority. At the 12-week EOI point, 3H+ was found to be non-inferior to HHRP+ with respect to multiple outcomes: percent sharing syringes and needles (DID:1.4, 95%CI [-18.6,21.5], p<0.01) and attainment of high ART adherence (DID: 9.7, 95%CI: [-13.1, 32.2], p = 0.04). At the 24-week EOI point, 3H+ was found to be non-inferior to HHRP+ with respect to percent sharing syringes and needles (DID: 8.9, [-10.1, 28.30], p = 0.04) and attainment of viral suppression (DID: 18.9, 95% CI:[-7.1, 42.0], p = 0.01). For other indicators, such as consistent condom use, the hypothesis test for non-inferiority was inconclusive at the 12-week EOI (DID: -20.2, 95%CI [-48.9-10.7], p = 0.51). For HIV treatment as prevention to be effective, PWH need to achieve viral suppression. In the absence of this success, they must reduce HIV risk behaviors. The finding that 3H+ was non-inferior to HHRP+ suggests that brief behavioral interventions can be deployed in real world settings to help more efficiently achieve Ending the HIV Epidemic goals.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Female; Holistic Health*; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Opioid-Related Disorders*; Risk-Taking; Medication Adherence
  9. Chan SW, Mahmoud VL, Wang X, Teoh ML, Loh KM, Ng CH, et al.
    PLoS One, 2024;19(11):e0310770.
    PMID: 39509364 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0310770
    Agarwood essential oil (AEO) has gained attention from healthcare industries due to its numerous pharmacological properties. However, a comprehensive understanding of the chemical composition and its cytotoxic property is lacking. The objective of this study was to investigate the chemical profile as well as the cytotoxic concentration range of AEO derived from Aquilaria sinensis agarwood. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was employed to identify the AEO components. Results showed that sesquiterpenes and sesquiterpenoids constitute 95.85% of the AEO. Among the major compounds identified are allo-aromadendrene (13.04%), dihydro-eudesmol (8.81%), α-eudesmol (8.48%), bulnesol (7.63%), τ-cadinol (4.95%), dehydrofukinone (3.83%), valerenol (3.54%), cis-nerolidol (2.75%), agarospirol (2.72%), dehydrojinkoh-eremol (2.53%), selina-3,11-dien-9-al (2.36%), guaiol (2.12%) and caryophyllene oxide (2.0%). The presence of volatile quality marker compounds such as 10-epi-ϒ-eudesmol, aromadendrane, β-agarofuran, α-agarofuran, γ-eudesmol, agarospirol and guaiol, with no contaminants detected, indicates that the extracted AEO is of high purity. Interestingly, the AEO displayed moderate to high toxicity in brine shrimp lethality test (BLST). All studied tumor cell lines (MDA-MB-231, HepG2, B16F10) exhibited varying degrees of sensitivity to AEO, which resulted in time and dose-dependent reduction of cell proliferation. Moreover, flow cytometry analysis revealed that AEO could induce apoptosis in treated HepG2 cells. Our findings showed that AEO contains bioactive components that may be exploited in future studies for the development of anti-cancer therapeutics.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology; Antineoplastic Agents/chemistry; Humans; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry*; Sesquiterpenes/pharmacology; Sesquiterpenes/chemistry; Cell Line, Tumor; Hep G2 Cells
  10. Keya TA, Balakrishnan SS, Solayappan M, Dheena Dhayalan SS, Subramaniam S, An LJ, et al.
    PLoS One, 2024;19(11):e0310435.
    PMID: 39509412 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0310435
    Malaysia, particularly Pahang, experiences devastating floods annually, causing significant damage. The objective of the research was to create a flood susceptibility map for the designated area by employing an Ensemble Machine Learning (EML) algorithm based on geographic information system (GIS). By analyzing nine key factors from a geospatial database, flood susceptibility map was created with the ArcGIS software (ESRI ArcGIS Pro v3.0.1 x64). The Random Forest (RF) model was employed in this study to categorize the study area into distinct flood susceptibility classes. The Feature selection (FS) method was used to ranking the flood influencing factors. To validate the flood susceptibility models, standard statistical measures and the Area Under the Curve (AUC) were employed. The FS ranking demonstrated that the primary attributes to flooding in the study region are rainfall and elevation, with slope, geology, curvature, flow accumulation, flow direction, distance from the river, and land use/land cover (LULC) patterns ranking subsequently. The categories of 'very high' and 'high' class collectively made up 37.1% and 26.3% of the total area, respectively. The flood vulnerability assessment of Pahang found that the Eastern, Southern, and central regions were at high risk of flooding due to intense precipitation, low-lying topography with steep inclines, proximity to the shoreline and rivers, and abundant flooded vegetation, crops, urban areas, bare ground, and rangeland. Conversely, areas with dense tree canopies or forests were less susceptible to flooding in this research area. The ROC analysis demonstrated strong performance on the validation datasets, with an AUC value of >0.73 and accuracy scores exceeding 0.71. Research on flood susceptibility mapping can enhance risk reduction strategies and improve flood management in vulnerable areas. Technological advancements and expertise provide opportunities for more sophisticated methods, leading to better prepared and resilient communities.
    MeSH terms: Machine Learning; Algorithms; Humans; Malaysia; Geographic Information Systems*; Floods*
  11. Mohd Noor MN, Cockburn JG, Foong CC, Thiam CN, Abdul Aziz YF, Hong WH, et al.
    PLoS One, 2024;19(11):e0313332.
    PMID: 39509428 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0313332
    Current feedback models advocate learner autonomy in seeking, processing, and responding to feedback so that medical students can become feedback-literate. Feedback literacy improves learners' motivation, engagement, and satisfaction, which in turn enhance their competencies. However, there is a lack of an objective method of measuring medical student feedback literacy in the empirical literature. Such an instrument is required to determine the level of feedback literacy amongst medical students and whether they would benefit from an intervention. Therefore, this research protocol addresses the methodology aimed at the development of a comprehensive instrument for medical student feedback literacy, which is divided into three phases, beginning with a systematic review. Available instruments in health profession education will be examined to create an interview protocol to define medical students' feedback literacy from the perspectives of medical students, educators, and patients. A thematic analysis will form the basis for item generation, which will subsequently undergo expert validation and cognitive interviews to establish content validity. Next, we will conduct a national survey to gather evidence of construct validity, internal consistency, hypothesis testing, and test-retest reliability. In the final phase, we will distribute the instrument to other countries in an international survey to assess its cross-cultural validity. This protocol will help develop an instrument that can assist educators in assessing student feedback literacy and evaluating their behavior in terms of managing feedback. Ultimately, educators can identify strengths, and improve communication with students, as well as feedback literacy and the feedback process. In conclusion, this study protocol outlined a systematic, evidence-based methodology to develop a medical student feedback literacy instrument. This study protocol will not only apply to medical and local cultural contexts, but it has the potential for application in other educational disciplines and cross-cultural studies.
    MeSH terms: Feedback; Humans; Surveys and Questionnaires
  12. Bujang NN, Kong YC, Danaee M, Munisamy M, Kaur R, Rajah HDA, et al.
    JCO Glob Oncol, 2024 Nov;10:e2400129.
    PMID: 39509673 DOI: 10.1200/GO.24.00129
    PURPOSE: Beliefs on causes of cancer, although sometimes aligned with known risk factors, may be influenced by personal experiences, cultural narratives, and misinformation. We investigated the prevalence of beliefs on causes of cancer and their association with cancer risk perception and lifestyle in a multiethnic Asian population.

    METHODS: In total, 2,008 Malaysian adults with no previous cancer were surveyed using a 42-item questionnaire adapted from the Awareness Measure and the Cancer Awareness Measure-Mythical Causes Scale. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used to evaluate measurement models.

    RESULTS: Despite high educational attainment, only about half of the respondents believed that 7 of the 21 listed established risk factors caused cancer. Factors associated with accurate beliefs included higher socioeconomic status (SES) and having family or friends with cancer. However, 14 of the 21 listed mythical/unproven factors were correctly believed as not cancer-causing by the majority. Women and those with lower SES were more likely to hold misconceptions. Beliefs on established risk factors were significantly associated with perceived risk of cancer. Individuals with stronger beliefs in established risk factors were less likely to be associated with healthy behaviors. Conversely, stronger beliefs in mythical or unproven factors were more likely to be associated with healthy lifestyles.

    CONCLUSION: Findings highlight the importance of prioritizing cancer literacy as a key action area in national cancer control plans. The counterintuitive associations between cancer beliefs and lifestyle emphasize the complexity of this relationship, necessitating nuanced approaches to promote cancer literacy and preventive behaviors.

    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Female; Humans; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*; Life Style*; Malaysia/epidemiology; Male; Middle Aged; Perception; Surveys and Questionnaires; Risk Factors; Young Adult
  13. Yu J, Abdul Hamid R
    Acta Psychol (Amst), 2024 Nov;251:104587.
    PMID: 39509959 DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2024.104587
    This study, grounded in social exchange theory and social identity theory, aims to examine the influence of psychological contract fulfillment on turnover intention among gig workers. It employs mediated path analysis, specifically examining the mediating roles of organizational identification and job satisfaction. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was utilized to assess the goodness of fit of the proposed model and to test the proposed hypotheses. In Study 1, data collected from the ride-hailing industry in China (N = 374) proved that both transactional and relational contract fulfillment negatively impacted turnover intention, with this relationship mediated by organizational identification and job satisfaction. Study 2, employing time-lagged data (N = 426) collected at two different time points from the food delivery industry in China, also confirmed the negative relationship between transactional and relational contract fulfillment and turnover intention, as well as the mediating effects of organizational identification and job satisfaction. This research advances the current understanding within the psychological contract literature by providing insights into the dynamics of psychological contracts within the context of the gig economy. The findings have significant implications for the management.
    MeSH terms: Adult; China; Employment/psychology; Female; Humans; Job Satisfaction*; Male; Middle Aged; Personnel Turnover*; Social Identification; Contracts; Intention*
  14. Keerthana SP, Yuvakkumar R, Ravi G, Sankar VR, Metha SA, Sagadevan S
    Chemosphere, 2024 Nov;368:143691.
    PMID: 39510261 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.143691
    Wastewater management has become necessary in this industrialized era to meet the water needs of the world. Wastewater is one of the major crises in depletion of the environment. Photocatalysis is considered as the best way to remove pollutants. Therefore, in this study, pure and g-C3N4-SnWO4 nanocomposites were produced employing hydrothermal route. Prepared composites were studied by various techniques. SnWO4 band gap were altered by introduction of g-C3N4. The morphology was uniformly developed by the addition of g-C3N4 to the SnWO4. Evans Blue dye was employed as model pollutant. The photocatalytic action was improved by adding g-C3N4, which formed a heterojunction with SnWO4. The calculated rate constant was 0.000878, 0.0068, 0.01 and 0.0122 min-1 for EB, SnWO4-EB, 0.1 g g-C3N4-SnWO4-EB and 0.2 g g-C3N4-SnWO4-EB. The rate constant increased for 0.2 g g-C3N4-SnWO4 photocatalyst. A heterojunction appeared between g-C3N4 and SnWO4 facilitated SnWO4 for better e-/h+pair's separation and a lower recombination rate, which increased photocatalytic action of product. 0.2 g of g-C3N4-SnWO4 is a promising candidate for future wastewater degradation.
    MeSH terms: Catalysis; Graphite; Photolysis; Nitrogen Compounds; Water Purification/methods
  15. Khan AU, Qutob M, Gacem A, Rafatullah M, Yadav KK, Kumar P, et al.
    Toxicology, 2024 Dec;509:153985.
    PMID: 39510373 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2024.153985
    Nanotechnology arising in wide-ranging areas, covers extensively different ranges of approaches attained from fields such as biology, chemistry, physics, and medicine engineering. Nanoparticles are a necessary part of nanotechnology effectually applied in the cure of a number of diseases. Nanoparticles have gained significant importance due to their unique properties, which differ from their bulk counterparts. These distinct properties of nanoparticles are primarily influenced by their morphology, size, and size distribution. At the nanoscale, nanoparticles exhibit behaviours that can enhance therapeutic efficacy and reduce drug toxicity. Their small size and large surface area make them promising candidates for applications such as targeted drug delivery, where they can improve treatment outcomes while minimizing adverse effects. The harmful effects of nanoparticles on the environment were critically investigated to obtain appropriate results and reduce the risk by incorporating the materials. Nanoparticles tend to penetrate the human body, clear the biological barriers to reach sensitive organs and are easily incorporated into human tissue, as well as dispersing to the hepatic tissues, heart tissues, encephalum, and GI tract. This study aims to examine a wide variety of nanoparticles, focusing on their manufacturing methods, functional characteristics, and interactions within biological systems. Particular attention will be directed towards assessing the toxicity of nanoparticles in different organs and physiological systems, yielding a thorough comprehension of their potential health hazards and the processes that drive nanoparticle-induced toxicity. This analysis will also emphasize recent developments in nanoparticle applications and safety assessment methodologies.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Humans; Particle Size; Tissue Distribution
  16. Sari AF, Nirwana I, Yuliati A, Meizarini A, Rahayu RP, Palupi R, et al.
    Eur J Dent, 2024 Nov 07.
    PMID: 39510525 DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1791243
    OBJECTIVES:  Pulp capping is a pivotal treatment in dentistry aimed at preserving pulp vitality. While calcium hydroxide has long been considered the gold standard in pulp capping materials, its long-term use can induce chronic inflammation, ultimately leading to pulp necrosis and affecting human health. In this context, ellagic acid, a natural compound with potent anti-inflammatory properties, emerged as a promising adjunct to mitigate inflammation associated with calcium hydroxide application, thereby sustaining pulp vitality. This study aimed to investigate the inflammatory response by alterations in neutrophil, macrophage, lymphocyte, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) expression following the treatment with a combination of calcium hydroxide and ellagic acid.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS:  Dental pulp perforation was made on 27 male Wistar rats on the upper first molar and then pulp capped with calcium hydroxide and ellagic acid. The pulp of the control positive group was capped with calcium hydroxide, and the control group was not capped. The teeth were then extracted after 1, 3, and 7 days posttreatment. The differences in the number of neutrophils, macrophages, lymphocytes, and TNF-α expression were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's honestly significant difference (HSD) test.

    RESULTS: The treatment combination of calcium hydroxide and ellagic acid showed the lowest neutrophil number and TNF-α expression compared with the other groups (p 

  17. Kwan HF, Ng BH, Nik Abeed NN, Ban AY
    BMJ Case Rep, 2024 Nov 07;17(11).
    PMID: 39510609 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2023-259166
    Re-expansion pulmonary oedema (RPE) is an uncommon complication that occurs when a collapsed lung suddenly re-expands, resulting in an osmotic shift of fluid from the blood vessels into the air spaces within the lungs. This condition can develop following thoracocentesis or intercostal chest drainage. We report two cases of RPE that developed after varying volumes of pleural drainage and at different times. Both patients responded well to non-invasive ventilation and hydrocortisone, making a full recovery. Early detection is crucial as RPE is associated with higher mortality rates, but a positive prognosis is attainable with prompt identification and intervention.
    MeSH terms: Thoracentesis/methods; Aged; Pulmonary Atelectasis/etiology; Drainage/methods; Female; Humans; Hydrocortisone/therapeutic use; Male; Middle Aged; Noninvasive Ventilation
  18. Arimuthu DA, Fuah KW, Lim CTS
    BMJ Case Rep, 2024 Nov 07;17(11).
    PMID: 39510614 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2024-262696
    Klebsiella variicola is part of the K. pneumoniae complex and has been recently identified to have pathogenic properties. Emerging reports show that it can cause bloodstream, respiratory and urinary tract infections. It has been shown to be an important causative agent in immunocompromised individuals. We report here three cases of K. variicola peritonitis encountered in our peritoneal dialysis patients.
    MeSH terms: Aged; Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged
  19. Hashim NNA, Mat S, Myint PK, Kioh SH, Delibegovic M, Chin AV, et al.
    BMJ Open, 2024 Nov 07;14(11):e087358.
    PMID: 39510770 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-087358
    OBJECTIVE: Both changes in body composition and increased fall risk occur with increasing age. While weight management may be considered a component of falls prevention, the long-term consequences of changes in weight, however, remain uncertain. This prospective study aimed to evaluate the relationship between weight and body composition changes over 5 years with fall occurrence.

    DESIGN: Prospective cohort study.

    SETTING: Community-dwelling older adults interviewed at baseline (2013-2016) and follow-up (2020-2022) as a part of the Malaysian Elders Longitudinal Research study were included.

    PARTICIPANTS: Participants who attended face-to-face follow-up visits.

    PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Fall occurrence over 12 months preceding the follow-up visit was determined. Anthropometric, bioimpedance analysis and physical performance measurements were obtained at both time points. Participants were categorised into three groups according to changes in weight and body composition using≥5% increase or decrease in weight to determine loss or gain.

    RESULTS: Of the 225 participants, aged 71.8±6.8 years, 128 (56.9%) were women. Weight gain was associated with increased fall risk at follow-up compared with stable weight (adjusted rate ratio, aRR (95% confidence interval, CI)=2.86 (1.02-8.02)) following adjustments for age and body mass index (BMI), but this relationship was attenuated by low baseline percentage lean body mass (%LBM) in women. The association was strenghtened after adjusting for age, BMI, and low muscle strength (aRR (95% CI)=2.89 (1.01-8.28)). Weight change did not influence falls risk in men. No difference was observed with changes in percentage body fat and %LBM over time with fall occurrence for both genders.

    CONCLUSION: Lower baseline lean body mass influenced the relationship between weight gain and falls longitudinally. Interventions addressing low lean body mass should be considered in the prevention of weight-gain-related falls in older women.

    MeSH terms: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Body Composition*; Body Weight; Female; Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Malaysia; Male; Prospective Studies; Risk Factors; Weight Gain/physiology; Body Mass Index; Independent Living
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