METHODS: Between September 2021 and March 2022, a cross-sectional, respondent-driven sampling survey was conducted. Participants completed rapid HIV and HCV testing as well as social and behavioural assessments. Factors associated with HIV- and HCV-positive results were estimated using logistic regression.
RESULTS: Four-hundred individuals were recruited in the study, of whom 382 (94%) were men. The prevalence of HIV and HCV was 5.5% (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 3.6-8.3) and 40.5% (95% CI: 35.7-45.5), respectively. Current heroin and amphetamine-type stimulant (ATS) use, regardless of injection or non-injection use, were reported by 340 (85.0%) and 328 (82.0%) individuals, respectively. Past exposure to the criminal justice system (lock-ups, prison and compulsory drug detention centres) was associated with both HIV (Adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 3.47, 95% CI: 1.33-10.2) and HCV (aOR = 3.32, 95% CI: 2.06-5.39)-positive results. Additionally, HIV-positive results were associated with current ATS use (aOR = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.12-0.86). Meanwhile, HCV-positive results were associated with current heroin use (aOR = 2.44, 95% CI: 1.16-5.48), lifetime enrolment in methadone treatment (aOR = 2.30, 95% CI: 1.23-4.27), current methadone treatment (aOR = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.23-0.92) and current mixing of drugs through injection use (aOR = 1.80, 95% CI: 1.08-3.03).
CONCLUSIONS: This study observed low HIV prevalence among PWID, primarily associated with ATS use, while HCV prevalence, linked to heroin use, remained high. Higher odds of being HCV positive among PWID who reported to have ever but not currently enrolled in methadone programmes indicate that treatment may not be continuous once initiated, potentially due to exposure to the criminal justice system. These findings underscore the need for a dual approach: enhanced harm reduction programmes for PWID and a legal reform to address potential barriers posed by criminalization.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-eight healthy male Wistar rats, 1-2 months old and 250-300 g body weight, were divided into seven groups, namely K1: control group; K2: 100 μl LPS; K3: hyperglycemia (≥230 mg/dL); K4: 100 μl LPS with hyperglycemia; K5: LPS, hyperglycemia, and 100 μl NEP; K6: LPS, hyperglycemia, and 100 μl HUCMSCS; and K7: LPS, hyperglycemia, and 100 μl HUCMSCS and NEP. Escherichia coli`s LPS was used to induce osteolysis on the calvaria. NEP and HUCMSCS were formulated and collected, then injected subcutaneously on the calvaria. Hyperglycemia-induced streptozotocin 30 mg/kg injection for one week, intraperitoneally. All samples were sacrificed on day 8. Blood samples were collected to examine TRAP and Ctsk levels with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. NFATc1, sclerostin, and RANK-RANKL-OPG expression investigated with immunohistochemistry.
RESULTS: HUCMSCS and NEP administration inhibit TRAP and Ctsk levels, reduce NFATc1, sclerostin, and RANK-RANKL, but enhance OPG expression in LPS-induced osteolysis with hyperglycemia with significant differences between groups (P ≤ 0.05).
CONCLUSION: HUCMSCS and NEP post-administration reduced osteoclastogenesis in LPS-induced osteolysis calvaria with hyperglycemic in rats in the early phase of bone remodelling.
METHODS: We systematically searched SCOPUS, Medline, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and Web of Science (inception to March 2024) for randomized controlled trials comparing intraoperative lidocaine to placebo or control in adults undergoing non-cardiac surgery. Studies reported pain outcomes and plasma lidocaine concentrations. Bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool, and data was analyzed with a random-effects model to determine mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).
RESULTS: Fifteen studies (445 lidocaine, 453 control patients) were included. Lidocaine lowered post-anesthetic care unit (PACU) opioid use (8 studies, MD: -3.00, 95% CI [-5.00, -1.01], p = 0.0092, I2 = 57%), with meta-regression indicating greater reduction at higher plasma concentrations (regression coefficient: -3.05, 95% CI [-4.48, -1.61], p = 0.002). However, 11 studies found no significant difference in 24-hour postoperative opioid consumption or pain scores. Nausea and vomiting incidence were similar between groups, and a few patients experienced lidocaine-related adverse events.
CONCLUSION: Perioperative lidocaine infusion reduces PACU opioid consumption, with greater effects at higher concentrations, although significant heterogeneity was noted. Further research is needed to identify optimal concentrations for clinically significant analgesic benefits.
PROTOCOL REGISTRATION: International Platform of Registered Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocols (INPLASY) ID: INPLASY202180046, DOI: 10.37766/inplasy2021.8.0046.
METHOD: This study used guidelines for the systematic review and meta-analysis of PRISMA, Web of Science, EBSCOhost (SPORTDiscus), PubMed, Scopus, CNKI, and Google Scholar to collect original references in electronic databases. The Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome, and Study Design (PICOS) method was selected for the inclusion criteria. The physiotherapy evidence database (PEDro) scale was used to assess the scoring for articles' risk of bias. The scoring of 12 studies ranges from 5-7 (out of 11 points), and study quality is moderate to high.
RESULTS: Out of 285 identified studies, only 12 articles fulfilled all the eligibility criteria after screening. ICT could significantly improve trunk strength and sprint performance among various athlete populations using unstable surfaces or environments (i.e., BOSU ball, Swiss ball, wobble boards, suspension trainer, Sissel pillows, inflated disc, foam surface, Airex balance pad, Togu power ball, thera-band, elastic band and so on) than TCT using stable surfaces or environments (i.e., floor and bench). In addition, the ICT vs TCT intervention showed a moderate to large effect size (ES = -0.40-1.86; all p < 0.05) in improving trunk muscle strength and sprint performance.
CONCLUSION: The finding suggests that different types of ICT benefit athletes, as this training method can effectively enhance trunk strength and sprint performance in athletes than TCT. Therefore, this study suggests that ICT should be considered in athletes' daily training routines for trunk strength and sprint performance.
METHODS: A survey was conducted on 451 college students using the Family Adaptability and Cohesion scales, the Dispositional Moral Sensitivity Questionnaire, the Prosocial Tendencies Measure and the Chinese Version of the Interpersonal Reactivity Index-C.
RESULTS: The results showed that empathy and moral sensitivity significantly mediate the effect of family environment on college students' prosocial behavior tendency. This is manifested in three mediation paths: the mediating role of empathy (with 28.57% of the mediating effect), the mediating role of moral sensitivity (with 61.90% of the mediating effect), and the chain mediating role of empathy and moral sensitivity (with 9.53% of the mediating effect).
CONCLUSIONS: The study reveals the mechanism by which family environment affects college students' prosocial behavior, which provides some theoretical guidance and practical inspiration for cultivating college students' prosocial behavior.
METHODS: This randomised controlled trial will be conducted at a teaching hospital in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Participants will involve individuals aged ≥60 years with at least one chronic disease requiring pharmacological treatment, attending the falls and syncope clinic with ≥1 potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) undergoing systematic multidomain assessment and attending physicians at the clinic. The joint pharmacist-physician intervention comprises five steps: 1) PIM identification, 2) decision on cessation and prioritisation, 3) medication withdrawal, 4) monitoring and support, 5) and documentation.
CONCLUSION: The P3ID trial tests the hypothesis that a jointly led pharmacist-physician intervention in an outpatient will reduce the total number of medications, improve medication adherence, reduce falls and improve patients' and doctors' satisfaction towards pharmacist services. Findings from this study would inform future deprescribing practices, particularly in LMIC, pertaining to fall prevention as well as aid the development of future deprescribing interventions in other settings.
METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted on four databases from inception to September 2024. Inclusion criteria included: (1) participants aged 60 years and above; (2) were primary data on self-reported indoor mobility challenges; and (3) published in English language. Two reviewers independently performed data abstraction, evaluated the risk-of-bias and quality of included article using the NewCastle Ottawa Scale for cross-sectional or Joanna Briggs Institute Checklist for qualitative studies. Thematic synthesis with constant comparison analysis identified key mobility constraint factors.
RESULTS: Nine studies encompassing 1,833 participants were identified. Older adults reported four main indoor mobility challenges: fatigability, poor balance, home environmental barriers, reduced strength and limb weakness. These limitations contributed to reduced endurance, even in indoor settings. The presence of various health conditions further compromised their mobility and ability to age in place healthily.
CONCLUSION: To support ageing in place, a comprehensive environmental assessments and home modifications can be considered. Multi-stakeholder collaborations are needed to support the independence, safety, and quality of life of older adults who wish to age in place. Further research is warranted in suburban and rural areas to explore socioeconomic factors and determinants of indoor mobility.
METHODS: This qualitative study, conducted between April 2022 and February 2023, involved 32 purposively selected key informants from non-governmental organisations (7), international organisations (2), labour unions (2), healthcare providers (11) and migrant communities (10). Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured, primarily individual interviews, and analysed using NVivo 12 Pro software following a six-phase thematic analysis: data familiarisation, code generation, theme identification, theme review, theme definition, and reporting.
RESULTS: Thematic analysis identified barriers-including legal and administrative challenges, digital exclusion, vaccine hesitancy, and logistical issues-and facilitators, such as mandatory vaccination policies, innovative delivery approaches, communication support, and community engagement. Substantial challenges arose from pervasive distrust in healthcare services, compounded by identity document requirements, roadblocks, and fears of immigration arrests. Digital appointment systems excluded many migrants due to language and literacy barriers, data privacy concerns, and the need for identity documents. While vaccine hesitancy among migrants was generally low, concerns were primarily driven by fears of immigration enforcement rather than vaccine safety. Despite vaccination being voluntary, mandatory requirements for digital vaccination certificates or negative COVID-19 test results strongly incentivised uptake. Employer support, driven by economic interests, played a critical role in promoting compliance with workplace vaccination mandates. Collaboration with non-governmental organisations and community partners proved pivotal, offering tailored health communication and building trust. Flexible vaccine delivery strategies, including a shift from centralised to outreach models near residences and workplaces, enhanced access, particularly for hard-to-reach populations.
CONCLUSION: Despite numerous challenges, Malaysia's vaccination efforts were largely successful due to innovative and collaborative delivery and communication strategies. To further improve health equity among marginalised populations, it is essential to enhance culturally sensitive training for frontline workers, strengthen employers' business ethics, and increase the involvement of trusted stakeholders.