Browse publications by year: 2025

  1. Jensen GL, Cederholm T, Correia MITD, Gonzalez MC, Fukushima R, Pisprasert V, et al.
    PMID: 40223699 DOI: 10.1002/jpen.2756
    BACKGROUND: The Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) introduced an approach for malnutrition diagnosis in 2019 that comprised screening followed by assessment of three phenotypic criteria (weight loss, low body mass index [BMI], and low muscle mass) and two etiologic criteria (reduced food intake/assimilation and inflammation/disease burden). This planned update reconsiders the GLIM framework based on published knowledge and experience over the past 5 years.

    METHODS: A working group (n = 43 members) conducted a literature search spanning 2019-2024 using the keywords "Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition or GLIM." Prior GLIM guidance activities for using the criteria on muscle mass and inflammation were reviewed. Successive rounds of revision and review were used to achieve consensus.

    RESULTS: More than 400 scientific reports were published in peer-reviewed journals, forming the basis of 10 systematic reviews, some including meta-analyses of GLIM validity that indicate strong construct and predictive validity. Limitations and future priorities are discussed. Working group findings suggest that assessment of low muscle mass should be guided by experience and available technological resources. Clinical judgment may suffice to evaluate the inflammation/disease burden etiologic criterion. No revisions of the weight loss, low BMI, or reduced food intake/assimilation criteria are suggested. After two rounds of review and revision, the working group secured 100% agreement with the conclusions reported in the 5-year update.

    CONCLUSION: Ongoing initiatives target priorities that include malnutrition risk screening procedures, GLIM adaptation to the intensive care setting, assessment in support of the reduced food intake/assimilation criterion, and determination of malnutrition in obesity.

  2. Mohamad MIBK, Hamdan MN, Yusof ANM
    BMC Med Ethics, 2025 Apr 12;26(1):48.
    PMID: 40221730 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-025-01209-1
    BACKGROUND: Informed consent is a bedrock of ethical medical practice; however, scenarios in which a third party refuses life-saving treatment for an incapacitated patient present a unique and underexplored ethical quandary. Such conflicts are especially challenging when cultural or religious values influence decisions. In Muslim-majority contexts, healthcare practitioners often grapple with whether and how Islamic jurisprudence might justify overriding a guardian's refusal. While numerous case reports exist on patient-centred autonomy and consent, few specifically address the intersection of parental refusal, religious and ethical frameworks, and urgent clinical interventions. By examining this case and situating it within Islamic legal reasoning, we highlight a novel angle that offers healthcare providers religious insight and practical guidance.

    CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of an 18-year-old Muslim female with no prior significant medical history who arrived at the emergency department unconscious and in impending respiratory arrest. The clinical team recommended intubation to prevent critical deterioration. However, the patient's sole legal guardian-her mother-adamantly refused consent for endotracheal intubation and other potentially life-saving measures, including CPR, citing personal mistrust and past negative healthcare experiences. In response, the team adopted a less effective non-invasive ventilation strategy and pursued repeated discussions to understand the mother's rationale. Despite these efforts, the patient's trajectory only improved gradually without the recommended definitive intervention. The patient, once conscious, deferred decision-making entirely to her mother. Subsequent readmissions repeated this pattern of refusal and partial treatment acceptance. Ultimately, the patient recovered sufficiently for discharge, though underlying risk factors remained poorly addressed as she defaulted on her subsequent follow-up appointment.

    CONCLUSIONS: This case underscores the tension between guardian decisions, patient welfare, and religious-ethical principles. Our analysis reveals a principled basis for prioritising patient well-being over third-party refusal by examining Islamic jurisprudential rulings on consent. The insights from this case could inform more religio-culturally sensitive policies and strengthen clinical decision-making frameworks in contexts where religious norms significantly shape healthcare choices.

    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Female; Humans; Islam*; Legal Guardians*; Religion and Medicine*; Personal Autonomy
  3. Lubis R, Satria FB, Rasmaliah R, Jemadi J, Nasution SK, Zaki RA
    BMC Public Health, 2025 Apr 11;25(1):1356.
    PMID: 40217491 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-025-22572-z
    BACKGROUND: Soil-transmitted Helminths (STH) infections and anemia are significant global health threats, particularly affecting children under five and reproductive-age women. The World Health Organization (WHO) has established a roadmap to eliminate Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. This study analyzes the impact of STH infections on the anemia burden in these populations across 187 countries from 2015 to 2019.

    METHODS: Following the Systemic Rapid Assessment (SYSRA) framework, this ecological study examines the relationship between STH infections and anemia in children under five and reproductive-age women. Factors considered include Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Index, Water and Sanitation Indicators (SDG 6.1 and 6.2), Government Effectiveness, and Human Development Index (HDI). Paired t-tests assess annual changes in STH infection and anemia prevalence, while Chi-Square and logistic regression tests identify factors associated with anemia prevalence.

    RESULTS: From 2015 to 2019, STH infection prevalence decreased significantly, while anemia prevalence fluctuated. STH infections were significantly associated with anemia in children under 5. However, STH infections did not significantly impact anemia prevalence in children under 5 or reproductive-age women. HDI influenced anemia prevalence in children under 5 (OR = 14.17, p 

  4. Tnah LH, Ahmad-Farhan NR, Nur-Nabilah A, Soo P, Hazwani-Humaira' Z, Ng K, et al.
    Genome, 2025 Jan 01;68:1-7.
    PMID: 40202150 DOI: 10.1139/gen-2024-0105
    Traditional taxonomic revisions based on macromorphological and leaf anatomical traits may have limitations in accurately distinguishing certain species within the genus. To improve taxonomic clarity, this study applied DNA barcoding to enhance the understanding of the taxonomy and phylogeny of Baccaurea Lour., a plant genus widely utilized for food, medicine, and building materials. DNA barcode regions, including rbcL, ITS2, and trnH-psbA, were used to analyze 64 samples representing 19 Baccaurea species. Using similarity Basic Local Alignment Search Tool and phylogenetic tree inference, we determined the discriminatory efficiencies of rbcL, ITS2, trnH-psbA, and their combinations rbcL + ITS2 and rbcL + ITS2 + trnH-psbA as 21.1%, 89.5%, 87.5%, 89.5%, and 89.5%, respectively. The Neighbor-Joining tree revealed well-defined, monophyletic species clusters that largely align with phylogenetic positions based on macromorphological features. Notably, our results indicate that Baccaurea parviflora and the synonymized Baccaurea scortechinii are distinct species, recommending the re-establishment of B. scortechinii as a separate species. DNA barcoding is useful in delineating species boundaries, facilitating routine specimen identification, and flagging atypical samples for detailed examination.
    MeSH terms: Phylogeny; DNA, Plant/genetics
  5. Nguyen T-K, Nguyen S-T, Nguyen V-T, Na S-H, Moon RW, Sattabongkot J, et al.
    mBio, 2025 Apr 09.
    PMID: 40202329 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03917-24
    The absence of an in vitro cultivation system for Plasmodium vivax hinders the exploration of molecular targets for vaccine development. To address this, functional studies often rely on alternative models, such as P. knowlesi, due to its genetic similarity to P. vivax. This study investigated the role of a novel micronemal protein, PvMP38 (PVX_110945), in both P. vivax and P. knowlesi merozoite invasion of erythrocytes. The full-length ectodomain of PvMP38 was expressed, and polyclonal antibodies were generated to assess its function. PvMP38 was confirmed to localize on micronemal organelle in both P. vivax and P. knowlesi merozoites. In vitro protein-protein interaction assays revealed that PvMP38 binds to Pv12 with high-affinity interaction. A conserved novel complex of Pv12-Pv41-PvMP38 was identified by immunoprecipitation of P. vivax antibodies on P. knowlesi schizont lysates. Linear epitopes of PvMP38 with high and moderate antigenicity were identified in clinical isolates of both species. Invasion inhibition assays demonstrated that a triple antibody combination targeting the PvMP38, Pv12, and Pv41 significantly reduced P. knowlesi merozoite invasion of erythrocytes compared to a single antibody. In addition, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout of P. knowlesi mp38 markedly impaired parasite growth, underscoring its essential role during the asexual stage. These findings identify PvMP38 and its associated complex as promising targets for malaria interventions and highlight the utility of P. knowlesi as a model for investigating P. vivax erythrocyte invasion mechanisms.IMPORTANCEThis manuscript reported an effort in malaria eradication by identifying and functionally characterizing a novel Plasmodium vivax micronemal protein, PvMP38, involved in erythrocyte invasion. A narrow repertoire of an efficacious vaccine targeting P. vivax candidates is being developed due to the lack of continuous in vitro culture. This study addresses a gap in P. vivax research using P. knowlesi as a model for both genome editing and antibody functionality validation. By enhancing the protein-protein interaction screening framework, this study demonstrated that PvMP38 forms a complex with Pv12 and Pv41, opening the approaches to multi-antigen vaccines. The successful application of CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing techniques to disrupt its homolog, the pkmp38 gene, further assesses the protein's significance in the growth and invasion of the parasite. These findings provided valuable insights into the biology of P. vivax and proposed PvMP38 as a promising candidate for malaria intervention strategies.
  6. Che Manan AF, Abd Latif MJ, Narasamman M, Musa M, Abdul Rahman MN, Lim GD, et al.
    Prosthet Orthot Int, 2025 Apr 09.
    PMID: 40202394 DOI: 10.1097/PXR.0000000000000444
    BACKGROUND: Recent fused deposition modeling (FDM) technology could offer accessible socket fabrication and resolve conventional fabrication issues. However, the printing orientation in FDM affects the structural integrity and reliability.Objective:To examine the effect of printing orientation on the structural strength of 3D-printed sockets using FDM.Study Design:Experimental study of 3D-printed socket at different printing orientations in static and cyclic loadings.

    METHODS: This study scanned residual limbs of 2 transtibial amputees weighing 53 kg (P4) and 125 kg (P6) to create 3D-printed prosthetic sockets using FDM. Ten sockets of a P4 amputee were printed at various orientations from 0° to 90° for a structural static test. In addition, 6 sockets of the P6 amputee were printed at 90° for static and cyclic tests according to ISO 10328.

    RESULTS: Based on the results, sockets printed at 0° and 90° for the P4 amputee exceeded static ultimate force under condition I according to ISO 10328 standards with 4880 N and 4430 N, respectively. Sockets at 30°, 45°, and 60° failed before the minimum force requirement was reached. Further validation of the 90° printed socket passed the static test in conditions I and II, and the cyclic test in condition II, enduring 3 million cycles without failure.

    CONCLUSION: The 0° and 90° printing orientations are recommended for their superior mechanical properties, whereas other orientations may pose safety risks because of insufficient structural strength. These findings could contribute to developing more reliable and durable prosthetic sockets that meet ISO 10328 standards to enhance the quality of life for amputees.

  7. Akib MMM, Ishak H, Zabidi AFM, Sa'ari CZ, Muhsin SBS, Yahya NSM
    J Relig Health, 2025 Apr 09.
    PMID: 40202716 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-025-02304-8
    Islamic psychotherapy has been widely utilized in various fields, particularly in psychology, focusing on aspects of aqidah, worship, and morality, which can significantly contribute to individuals' spiritual well-being. Despite the abundance of studies on Islamic psychotherapy, systematic literature reviews on this topic remain scarce. This article aims to review the literature on the impact of Islamic psychotherapy on adolescent spiritual well-being. A qualitative research methodology was employed, involving the collection of documentary data from past studies and the inductive analysis of findings. This systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Articles and related resources were identified through three primary databases: Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The thematic analysis revealed three main themes: mental health, therapeutic approaches and interventions, and well-being. The findings indicate that mental health significantly influences both psychological and physical health issues, necessitating appropriate therapeutic interventions to enhance adolescents' spiritual well-being. This review emphasizes the importance of Islamic psychotherapy in addressing mental health challenges among Muslim  adolescents. Future researchers are encouraged to conduct more comprehensive SLRs with broader scopes, including more significant research questions and diverse databases.
  8. M MAF, Ar FA, M EN, H MH, S H, H IR
    PMID: 40202729 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2025.2488484
    Understanding Aedes breeding sites is crucial for effective vector control, yet the application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and spatial analysis in Kuala Lumpur is limited. This study explores the spatial distribution and characteristics of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus breeding sites in dengue-prone areas of Bandar Tasik Selatan. Entomological data from the Kuala Lumpur Health Department (2022-2023) were analyzed using Average Nearest Neighbor (ANN), Global Moran's I, and Kernel Density Estimation (KDE). Logistic regression and principal component analyses (PCA) were used to assess breeding site characteristics. Of 6,027 water containers inspected, 402 (6.7%) were positive for Aedes larvae. ANN and Moran's I analyses revealed significant clustering in Zone A and Zone B, while KDE identified breeding hotspots. Logistic regression indicated higher risk in plastic (aOR = 69.58), rubber (aOR = 35.11), and cement (aOR = 24.70) containers, while rainwater (aOR = 0.24), tap water (aOR = 0.27), and partial shading (aOR = 0.41) reduced risk. PCA revealed key breeding site variations across residential, public, school, and food areas. These findings support targeted vector control, efficient resource allocation, and tailored interventions to mitigate dengue risks in high-priority areas.
  9. Farooq S, Habib M, Cardozo O, Ullah K, Pandey AK, Said Z
    Adv Colloid Interface Sci, 2025 Mar 28;341:103495.
    PMID: 40203562 DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2025.103495
    Recent advancements enhance the efficiency of energy conversion processes and leverage nanofluids-novel thermal fluids with nanoparticles (under 100 nm) suspended in conventional fluids. These nanofluids significantly alter thermophysical properties, notably thermal conductivity, which is crucial for evaluating their thermal performance. Despite three decades of intensive research, disagreements persist due to a lack of comprehensive data on how particle size, shape, stability, and others influence thermal conductivity. This review tries to fill this literature gap by critically reviewing how the characteristics that distinguish nanofluids from their micrometer-sized counterparts affect the stability and convective heat transfer. The study compares experimental results in a systemic way that addresses the reported inconsistencies and provides a general summary of the thermal behavior of nanofluids in energy systems. It has also pointed out the lack of reliable hybrid models considering all parameters affecting thermal conductivity. The current study assembles data from different analyses showing that a particle size within the 10-50 nm range may enhance thermal conductivity, depending on the base-fluid used. Likewise, the morphological options available, namely, spherical, ellipsoid, platelet, and blade-like, all have given promise for enhancing thermal conductivity, hence considering morphological issues. Finally, stability, defined by the zeta potential analyses, forms a vital criterion for the long-term sustainability of these enhancements. By consolidating experimental results across different research groups, this review highlights the variability and sometimes contradictory findings in thermal conductivity enhancements, ranging from negligible increases to over 50% improvement in specific nanofluids systems. The absence of reliable hybrid models encapsulating all influencing parameters for predicting thermal conductivity is critically addressed. It is concluded by identifying the main challenges in the field and offering recommendations for standardizing measurement techniques, which include the need for a unified model capable of predicting thermal conductivity enhancements with an accuracy of ±5%.
  10. Bajwa A, Chidebe RCW, Adams T, Funston G, Soerjomataram I, Cohen R, et al.
    J Cancer Policy, 2025 Apr 07.
    PMID: 40203992 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpo.2025.100582
    BACKGROUND: Ovarian cancer poses a significant and growing burden, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where incidence and mortality are projected to increase by over 50% by 2050. However, there is a critical lack of qualitative data on the challenges and opportunities for improvement in treatment and care for women with ovarian cancer in these regions. The aim of this research is to investigate clinicians' perspectives on the matter in 24 LMICs.

    METHODS: As part of the multi-country observational Every Woman StudyTM (EWS), semi-structured interviews were conducted with clinicians between June 2022 and June 2023. The interview guide was developed by the EWS LMIC Oversight Committee, including patients, clinicians and data specialists. Relational content and inductive thematic analyses were employed and categories synthesized using the World Health Organization's six building blocks of the Health Systems Framework.

    RESULTS: 24 clinicians (54% female; 79% gynaecologic oncologists, 8% gynaecologists, 8% clinical oncologists not specializing in gynaecological cancers, and 4% clinical oncologists specializing in gynaecological cancers; 42% from Africa, 29% from Asia, 29% from Latin America) participated. Six dominant themes were identified: "Poor Ovarian Cancer Data'', "Inequity in Access to Treatment", "In-Country Inequities in Access to Care", "Role of Cultural Norms on Women's Health", "Increased Engagement of Men in Ovarian Cancer Control", and "Advocacy and Education for Empowering Women". Content analysis revealed system-level challenges such as delayed drug payments, lack of population-based cancer data, and limited imaging facilities. Patient-level challenges included disparities in access to specialists, limited medication affordability, poor symptom recognition, and reliance on alternative treatments.

    CONCLUSIONS AND POLICY SUMMARY: This study reveals the complexity of ovarian cancer treatment and care in LMICs and the need to mitigate disparities in these regions, underscoring the need for patient-centred, context specific and intersectoral strategies to be considered in cancer planning to improve ovarian cancer care quality and equity in LMICs.

  11. Chang AY, Hawkes S, Buse K, Zarulli V
    BMJ Glob Health, 2025 Apr 09;10(4).
    PMID: 40204464 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2024-017900
    Achieving 'gender equality in health' has been advocated by many as a key goal in health globally; however, we observe this goal has been defined differently by different users. In this paper, we explore the question of how progress towards gender equality in health has been defined and measured, and how the selection of indicators and targets can influence perceptions of who in a population is suffering disadvantage. We summarise the common population health measures-such as life expectancy and risk exposure-and illustrate how each of these measures may lead to different conclusions about gender equality in health. We call for more specificity when defining and measuring gender inequality in health, and propose expanding the focus from 'gender inequalities' (comparison between genders) to also addressing 'within-gender inequities' (a focus that incorporates addressing inequities within different gender identity groups).
    MeSH terms: Female; Goals; Humans; Life Expectancy; Male; Global Health; Health Status Disparities*
  12. Li F, Hooi SL, Choo YM, Teh CSJ, Toh KY, Lim LWZ, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2025 Apr 09;15(1):12104.
    PMID: 40204761 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-95198-1
    The colonization and evolution of gut microbiota early in life play a vital role in shaping a healthy, robust immune system for infant health, whether in combating short-term illness or improving long-term health outcomes. Early-life clinical practices may interrupt or disrupt the normal colonization process of the infant gut microbiota, thereby increasing disease susceptibility. In this prospective cohort study, we analyzed the gut microbiota of 46 term and 23 preterm infants using 16S rRNA gene metagenomic sequencing. Fecal samples were collected at six timepoints during the first three months of life. Notably, gestational age was the main factor contributing to differences in the meconium microbial composition. Intriguingly, our study unveiled a more homogeneous microbial composition in preterm infants with more abundant Bifidobacterium from the postnatal age (PNA) of one month. Concurrently, the beneficial bacteria Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus gradually increased, and the potentially pathogenic bacteria Clostridium, Enterobacter, Enterococcus, Klebsiella, and Pseudomonas gradually decreased. Furthermore, our study underscored a link between decreased microbial diversity of preterm infants and exclusive breastfeeding and antibiotic exposure. Moreover, preterm infants with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) exhibited reduced microbial diversity but higher abundances of Streptococcus oralis and Streptococcus mitis.
    MeSH terms: Bifidobacterium/genetics; Bifidobacterium/isolation & purification; Feces/microbiology; Female; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature*; Male; Meconium/microbiology; Prospective Studies; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics; Metagenomics
  13. Samatar AM, Lekbir A, Mekhilef S, Mokhlis H, Tey KS, Alassaf A
    Sci Rep, 2025 Apr 09;15(1):12140.
    PMID: 40204809 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-96401-z
    Integrating renewable energy (RE) into electricity generation enhances sustainability, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, improves energy security, lowers costs, and supports sustainable development, particularly in remote and underserved regions. This study evaluates the feasibility and performance of a hybrid renewable energy system (HRES) designed to meet the energy demands of Hobyo Seaport, Somalia. The proposed HRES incorporates a photovoltaic (PV), wind turbines (WT), diesel generator (DG), pumped hydro energy storage (PHES), and battery energy storage system (BESS). Four configurations-PV/WT/PHES, PV/WT/DG/PHES, PV/WT/DG/BESS, and WT/DG/PHES-were analyzed using HOMER Pro and MATLAB software to optimize system sizing and assess techno-economic and environmental performance. Results indicate that the PV/WT/PHES configuration is the most efficient, achieving a 100% renewable energy fraction, a net present cost of $619,720, the lowest levelized cost of electricity at $0.03845/kWh, and a simple payback period of 0.31 years. Additionally, the system offers significant environmental benefits, mitigating 1,029 tons of CO annually, valued at $20,593 in carbon credits. Over a 20-year period, it reduces cumulative cash flow by 97.1% compared to a diesel-based system. These findings highlight the proposed HRES as a cost-effective and environmentally advantageous solution, establishing its sustainability and practicality for enhancing energy infrastructure in Somalia's Seaports and similar coastal regions.
  14. Tan JYP, Thevendran R, Quek YS, Maheswaran S
    Mol Biol Rep, 2025 Apr 09;52(1):379.
    PMID: 40205014 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-025-10487-2
    BACKGROUND: Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is a complex, genetically driven cancer disease with several mutations that complicate therapy regimes. The Tribbles gene family, specifically the TRIB2 gene, has garnered substantial interest as a crucial oncogenic factor of AML progression. Studying cancer through gene expression studies and focusing on the primary oncogenes provide accurate information for future therapies. Here, CRISPR stands as the most exceptional tool used to explore both oncogene functionalities and therapeutic utilities. The ribonucleoprotein (RNP) mode of CRISPR formation and usage are preferred compared to plasmid-mediated CRISPR systems, however, it can lead to complications post-transfection to sensitive cellular entities such as human cancer cells in-vitro, transcribing to similar outcomes in-vivo as well. Therefore, this study describes the use of in-house designed CRISPR-RNP systems targeting the TRIB2 oncogene and evaluates their post-transfection cellular safety and efficacy aspects for future clinical applications.

    METHODS: This study uses a designed guide RNA targeting the TRIB2 gene assembled via In-vitro synthesis. The gRNA with Cas9 protein leads to the formation of CRISPR-RNP structures, which target and cleave the TRIB2 gene. The assembled CRISPR-RNP system is transfected into target AML cell and control cell lines (i.e. HEK cells), and the subsequent gene cleavage and resulting changes to the AML cells in terms of cellular safety/tolerability and gene knockdown efficacy were studied via RT-qPCR, flow cytometry, and cell viability analysis.

    RESULTS: The outcome demonstrates the well-tolerated transfection of the in-vitro assembled CRISPR RNP system with no signs of cellular toxicity and disruptions towards the AML cell's metabolic activities, promoting the safety aspects of CRISPR RNP post-transfection to human cells. The study further highlights the in-vitro efficacy of the CRISPR RNP in targeting the TRIB2 oncogene, where a statistically significant gene knockdown of more than 80% was detected via qPCR analysis of TRIB2 gene expression with minimal to no background effects from individual RNP components, equating to their targeted gene cleavage effects. In addition, the CRISPR TRIB2 gene knockdown also indicated the possibilities of induced AML cell death measured via flow cytometry markers, translating to favourable outcomes in eliminating cancerous growths.

    CONCLUSIONS: This study research contributes to the refinement of the CRISPR-RNP strategy and preliminary evaluation for future clinical uses.

    MeSH terms: Humans; Cell Line, Tumor; Gene Knockdown Techniques/methods; Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats/genetics; CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics
  15. Buenconsejo JU, Ferrer-Wreder L, Dimitrova R, Pavlova I, Bosnar K, Bartoluci S, et al.
    J Youth Adolesc, 2025 Apr 09.
    PMID: 40205131 DOI: 10.1007/s10964-025-02174-z
    Although global research on the 5Cs model of Positive Youth Development (PYD; competence, confidence, connection, character, and caring) has expanded in recent years, there is a lack of understanding about distinct and consistent PYD profiles across youth from diverse socio-cultural contexts. To address this gap, this study utilized a person-oriented analytic approach to examine the PYD profiles of 11,481 emerging adults (Mage = 21.77; SDage = 2.74; 68.66% females) from 21 countries in four continents. Results of the multi-group latent profile analysis revealed four consistent profiles of PYD across countries: high/balanced (41%), self-efficacious (28%), socio-emotional (20%), and low/self-centered (11%). Participants' age, gender, educational attainment, and country-level collectivism were also found to be associated with specific profiles. Older and more-educated females from less collectivistic countries were more likely to be in a high/balanced profile, while younger males from more collectivistic countries tend to be in a low/self-centered profile. Older and more-educated males from less collectivistic countries were more likely to be in a self-efficacious profile, while younger and less-educated females from more collectivistic countries tend to be in a socio-emotional profile. Controlling these socio-contextual covariates, the four profiles exhibited distinct relations with adaptive (resilience and contribution) and maladaptive outcomes (anxiety and adverse life experiences) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results highlight the importance of fostering a balanced set of Cs, which include both self-efficacious and socio-emotional qualities, to promote positive adaptation in challenging times across diverse developmental settings.
  16. Chou HD, Teh WM, Chen KJ, Hwang YS, Liu L, Yeung L, et al.
    BMC Ophthalmol, 2025 Apr 09;25(1):190.
    PMID: 40205421 DOI: 10.1186/s12886-025-03969-1
    PURPOSE: Macular hole with retinal detachment (MHRD) often presents in highly myopic eyes and is one of the most challenging macular condition. Previously, we reported the preliminary results of using the sub-perfluorocarbon liquid ocular viscoelastic device injection (SPOT) technique to facilitate MHRD surgeries in eight eyes. The purpose of this extended study is to report the outcomes in a larger cohort with a longer follow-up.

    METHODS: A retrospective case series of 20 eyes with MHRD that underwent vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling and inverted flap (16 eyes, 80%), ILM insertion (3 eyes, 15%), or ILM free flap (1 eye, 5%) assisted by the SPOT technique in a tertiary referral center. The main outcomes measures were best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and the final hole closure and reattachment of the macula accessed by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography.

    RESULTS: The mean axial length of was 28.17 ± 3.0 mm (range, 20.61-33.10 mm) and the mean follow-up time was 382 ± 214 days. After vitrectomy with SPOT technique, primary hole closure was noted in all 20 eyes. In two eyes (10%) the hole reopened but the retina remained attached. In another two eyes, minimal subretinal fluid persisted despite hole closure. The final hole closure and retinal reattachment rates were both 90% (18 eyes). At the last visit, 14 eyes (70%) had improved BCVA and the logMAR BCVA improved from 1.44 ± 0.47 (Snellen 20/550) to 1.12 ± 0.59 (Snellen 20/260). No significant difference was observed in the functional and anatomical outcomes between MHRD within the arcades (9 eyes, 45%) and beyond the arcades (11 eyes, 55%).

    CONCLUSIONS: For macular holes with retinal detachment, SPOT successfully assisted different internal limiting membrane flap techniques and achieved 90% macular hole closure and 90% retinal reattachment rates. In 90% of the eyes, the vision stabilized or improved. SPOT technique has a gentle learning curve and allows surgeons to manipulate the ILM flap with ease, which is beneficial in challenging surgeries such as macular holes accompanied with a detached retina.

    TRIAL REGISTRATION: Retrospectively registered.

    MeSH terms: Adult; Aged; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Retrospective Studies; Visual Acuity/physiology; Tomography, Optical Coherence; Injections, Intraocular
  17. Lam XQ, Khong HY, Tay SP, Fong IL
    BMC Chem, 2025 Apr 09;19(1):92.
    PMID: 40205494 DOI: 10.1186/s13065-025-01453-x
    Rice contains antioxidants and phenolic components that exert anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. Different geographical areas produce rice with various chemical constituents and phytochemicals, in turn these confer differential protective effects including antimicrobial and anticancer properties. Sarawak rice, Oryza sativa var Bajong (Bajong), a fragrant dark purple rice grain harvested from two locations in Sarawak, namely interior Lubok Nibong (LN) and coastal Sri Aman (SA), was assessed for their antioxidant properties and antimicrobial activities. The rice was extracted using methanol solvent and evaluated for total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid contents (TFC), as well as their antioxidant and antimicrobial activities based on the Folin-Ciocalteu assay, the aluminium calorimetric method, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity and disk diffusion assay, respectively. Using dual-wavelength measurement, Bajong LN showed 2.16% higher amylose content than Bajong SA. Furthermore, 24-h extract of Bajong LN and 48-h extract of Bajong SA exhibited high antioxidant properties (34-70 µg/mL) and were rich in phenolic (46.54 ± 2.62 mg GAE/g; 25.28 ± 3.91 mg GAE/g) and flavonoid contents (5.53 ± 0.36 mg QCE/g; 7.7 ± 2.19 mg QCE/g) respectively. It is interesting to note that 72-h Bajong extract exhibited the largest zone of inhibition (9-9.3 mm) against Gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Ps. aeruginosa), which correlated to the high TPC and TFC despite a reduction of antioxidant activity due to prolonged extraction hours. These significant results conferred added value to a staple, health-promoting Bajong had warranted it to be further investigated as a nutraceutical and pharmaceutical crop.
  18. Liu S, Zhang Y, Noh YE, Zhou T
    BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil, 2025 Apr 09;17(1):76.
    PMID: 40205571 DOI: 10.1186/s13102-025-01127-0
    BACKGROUND: The Injury-Psychological Readiness to Return to Sport (I-PRRS) scale has demonstrated acceptable reliability and validity in American English, Dutch, Italian, Persian, French, Spanish, and Portuguese, however, its adaptation to the Chinese remains unexplored. Therefore, this study aimed to translate the I-PRRS scale into Chinese (I-PRRS-Ch) and validate its cross-cultural adaptation.

    METHODS: This study employed a cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric testing design to translate and validate the Chinese version of the I-PRRS (I-PRRS-Ch). The translation process followed established guidelines, including forward and backward translation by bilingual experts, followed by an expert panel review to ensure content validity. A pilot study was conducted to assess face validity and identify any potential translation or cultural adaptation issues. The floor and ceiling effects, test-retest reliability, composite reliability, convergent validity, and concurrent validity were assessed to evaluate the translated questionnaire's reliability and validity. To evaluate the reliability of the I-PRRS-Ch, test-retest reliability was employed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC 3,1). Composite reliability and convergent validity were assessed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The Chinese version of the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (SC-TSK) was used to measure the concurrent validity of the I-PRRS-Ch.

    RESULTS: A total of 183 injured athletes (male: n = 148, female: n = 35; age: Mean = 20.04, SD = 3) from various sports, including track and field, football, basketball, martial arts, volleyball, and gymnastics, participated in this study. Preliminary analysis showed no floor or ceiling effects were detected for the I-PRRS-Ch. Test-retest reliability of the I-PRRS-Ch scale was excellent (ICC = 0.98). Internal consistency measures included a Cronbach's alpha value of 0.85 and a composite reliability of 0.89, indicating good reliability. Convergent validity was established with an average variance extracted of 0.57. Concurrent validity was supported by a moderate inverse correlation (r = -.42) between the I-PRRS-Ch scale and the SC-TSK, validating the psychological readiness measure concerning kinesiophobia.

    CONCLUSIONS: The I-PRRS-Ch scale is a reliable and valid tool that provides a screening mechanism to identify psychological barriers in Chinese athletes before returning to sport.

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