Browse publications by year: 2025

  1. Shirbhate E, Singh V, Kore R, Koch B, Veerasamy R, Tiwari AK, et al.
    Expert Rev Anticancer Ther, 2025 Feb;25(2):121-141.
    PMID: 39873641 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2025.2458156
    INTRODUCTION: The synergistic combination of histone deacetylase inhibitors and platinum-based medicines represents a promising therapeutic strategy to efficacy and overcome drug resistance in cancer therapy, necessitating a comprehensive understanding on their molecular interactions and clinical potential.

    AREAS COVERED: The objective of presented review is to investigate the molecular pathways of platinum medicines and HDAC inhibitors. A comprehensive literature review from 2011 to 2024 was conducted across multiple databases like MEDLINE, PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Scopus and official websites of ClinicalTrial.gov to explore publications on HDAC inhibitors, platinum drugs, and combination cancer therapies, revealing preliminary evidence of innovative treatment strategies involving HDAC inhibitors and platinum chemotherapeutics. Several new platinum (IV) complexes, with HDAC inhibitory moieties and better cytotoxicity profiles than conventional platinum drugs, are also reviewed here.

    EXPERT OPINION: The above combination has great potential in cancer treatment, however managing toxicity, dosage regimens, and patient selection biomarkers are problematic. More selective HDAC inhibitors and innovative delivery techniques are potential areas for future research. An adaptation toward changing cancer therapeutic landscapes, highlights combining HDAC inhibitors with platinum-based medicines serves as a new concept for personalized medicine, however, a deeper research is still needed at this time.

    MeSH terms: Animals; Antineoplastic Agents/administration & dosage; Antineoplastic Agents/adverse effects; Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology; Drug Synergism*; Humans; Organoplatinum Compounds/administration & dosage; Organoplatinum Compounds/pharmacology; Platinum Compounds/administration & dosage; Platinum Compounds/pharmacology; Patient Selection; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm*; Precision Medicine
  2. Sia WT, Tay JC, Lee TC, Nah SA, A Nallusamy MA, Mahendran HA
    Pediatr Surg Int, 2025 Jan 28;41(1):76.
    PMID: 39873765 DOI: 10.1007/s00383-025-05969-0
    INTRODUCTION: The advancements in neonatal resuscitation and surgical care have enabled children with congenital abnormalities to receive corrective surgeries and achieve lifespans well into adulthood. These patients may require long-term follow-up as they continue to have risks of developing sequelae from their original diseases or surgical interventions.

    PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the current practice and barriers to the transition of care (TOC) from the perspectives of adult surgeons.

    METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with purposive sampling of adult surgeons from different subspecialties. An online self-administered questionnaire was distributed.

    RESULTS: There were 60 respondents. 62% of the respondents had experience managing referrals for continuation of care or complications in patients with congenital abnormalities. 38% of the respondents believed that TOC should be implemented when patients reached ages 17-18 years. 93% of the respondents agreed that a proper TOC model would greatly benefit patient care, and 97% asserted the need to develop TOC pathways in Malaysia. The absence of a proper guideline was the greatest barrier to a smooth TOC.

    CONCLUSION: This study offered insights into the obstacles to TOC based on the perspectives and experiences of adult surgeons who participated. While not exhaustive, our study provided a better understanding of the challenges in developing the appropriate referral pathways for the continued care of these patients.

    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Attitude of Health Personnel; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Middle Aged; Pediatrics*; Practice Patterns, Physicians'/statistics & numerical data; Surveys and Questionnaires; Specialties, Surgical; Transition to Adult Care*
  3. Ouchi S, Koda R, Ishizuka Y, Ikemoto S, Sakata M, Iwaide S, et al.
    Syst Parasitol, 2025 Jan 28;102(1):18.
    PMID: 39873855 DOI: 10.1007/s11230-025-10216-0
    The nutria (Myocastor coypus) is a semiaquatic rodent that originally inhabited South America. However, the animals have spread to different continents as alien species, and their numbers are quickly increasing, especially in North America, Europe, and Eastern Asia including Japan. Although nutrias have been suggested to serve as reservoirs for pathogens, including parasites, there have been few reports on this subject. In the present study, we surveyed the gastrointestinal parasites in nutrias living in Japan to better understand their prevalence in nutrias. We collected 72 samples of intestinal contents or feces from nutrias in Osaka and Okayama Prefectures. We found that 49 (68.1 %) samples were positive for Eimeria parasites, and two types of oocysts were identified: ellipsoidal (Type A) and subspherical (Type B) oocysts. In addition, Strongyloides myopotami was detected in 44 samples, and Capillaria spp. and Fasciola spp. were detected in one and three samples, respectively. Based on the morphologies of the detected Eimeria oocysts, Types A and B were identified to be E. coypi and E. fluviatilis, respectively. Phylogenetic analyses after PCR and sequencing targeting the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene placed the sequences of E. fluviatilis (Type B) as a cluster between the sequences of Eimeria derived from rodents. The sequences of the three subgenotypes of E. coypi (Type A) were included in the cluster containing the sequences of Eimeria spp. from rodents of multiple species, which is referred to as the Apionodes supercluster, and is separate from other clades. It has been suggested that Eimeria spp. from rodents in this cluster can quickly adapt to infect different hosts. Although further analyses are needed to construct more detailed phylogenetic trees, our results revealed the genetical positions of Eimeria spp. in nutrias. In addition, our results may be helpful when considering host specificity as well as host switching by the pathogen.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Coccidiosis/parasitology; Coccidiosis/veterinary; Feces/parasitology; Japan; Phylogeny*; Species Specificity; Oocysts/cytology
  4. Mohd Radzi NA, Yusof ZYM
    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2025 Jan 01;26(1):161-169.
    PMID: 39873998 DOI: 10.31557/APJCP.2025.26.1.161
    BACKGROUND:  The KOTAK program is a national public health initiative in Malaysian primary and secondary schools aimed at reducing youth smoking through school dental services. This study evaluated its effectiveness in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia.

    OBJECTIVES: 1) To determine the percentage of schoolchildren who quit smoking through the KOTAK program; 2) To identify factors associated with quitting smoking in the program.

    METHODS: A clustered, randomized controlled trial was conducted in schools. Self-reported smokers meeting inclusion criteria were enrolled. Data on demographics, self-reported smoking abstinence, and nicotine addiction levels were collected at baseline, three months, and six months post-intervention. Exhaled carbon monoxide was measured at all time points, and salivary cotinine was collected at three- and six-month follow-ups.

    RESULTS: Six months post-intervention, 29.8% of students in intervention schools and 14.6% in control schools reported quitting smoking. The odds of quitting were higher with the KOTAK program (aOR = 2.25, 95% CI = 1.11-4.57). Factors such as age, maternal education, and baseline nicotine addiction level were protective for smoking abstinence.

    CONCLUSION: The intervention group showed a higher self-reported smoking cessation rate, indicating the potential efficacy of the KOTAK program.

    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adolescent Behavior/psychology; Dentists/psychology; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Health Promotion/methods; Humans; Malaysia/epidemiology; Male; Prognosis; Schools; Smoking/epidemiology; Students/psychology; Students/statistics & numerical data; Tobacco Use Disorder/epidemiology; Tobacco Use Disorder/prevention & control
  5. Alsdfan RM, Abdul Kadir A, Mohd Noor N, Al-Jubouri MBA
    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2025 Jan 01;26(1):339-345.
    PMID: 39874017 DOI: 10.31557/APJCP.2025.26.1.339
    INTRODUCTION: Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women worldwide, and advancements in detection and treatment have improved survival rates. Evaluating breast cancer patients' quality of life is essential for effective healthcare planning. This study aims to assess the level of quality of life and its associated factors, including sociodemographic, clinical, coping skills, and psychological factors among breast cancer women in Iraq.

    METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 244 breast cancer women in The Medical City Teaching Oncology Hospital, Baghdad, Iraq, from August 2023 to October 2023. QOL, coping skills, and psychological factors were assessed using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Group Core-30 (QLQ-C30), BRIEF COPE-28, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) scale, respectively. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were also assessed. The associations between the association factors and quality of life were assessed using multiple linear regression.

    RESULT: The mean (SD) quality of life scores for global, functional, and symptom domains were (53.24 ± 16.80, 46.23 ± 25.16, and 53.82 ± 22.10), respectively. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed significant factors influencing global quality of life were age, marital status, disease duration, hormonal therapy, passive coping, and anxiety. Age, disease duration, passive coping, and anxiety were significant factors for the functional domain. The symptom domain was notably affected by menstrual status, mastectomy, passive coping, and depression.

    CONCLUSION: These results provide crucial insights for developing targeted interventions to enhance the quality of life for breast cancer patients in Iraq.

    MeSH terms: Adaptation, Psychological*; Adult; Aged; Anxiety/epidemiology; Anxiety/psychology; Cross-Sectional Studies; Depression/epidemiology; Depression/psychology; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Iraq/epidemiology; Middle Aged; Prognosis; Quality of Life*; Surveys and Questionnaires
  6. Surpina NB, Mohyaldinn ME, Abduljabbar A, Ayoub MA
    PLoS One, 2025;20(1):e0313394.
    PMID: 39874310 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0313394
    Oil fields located in cold environments and deep-sea locations often face challenges with paraffin wax buildup in pipelines during long-distance crude oil transportation. Various strategies have been employed to address this issue, with chemical methods being the most effective and economical. However, traditional chemical inhibitors present problems due to their high toxicity and low biodegradability, leading to increased operational costs and environmental concerns. This study focuses on developing an eco-friendly paraffin inhibitor system using three different concentrations of Glycine and Palm-based Methyl Ester Sulfonate (MES). Experiments were conducted on crude oil samples from the Dulang Oilfield. The experimental measurements include wax appearance temperature (WAT), pour point temperature (PPT), and rheological tests in the absence and presence of the proposed inhibitors. The results revealed that both Glycine and MES can effectively reduce WAT, viscosity, and yield point. Specifically, 10% Glycine was the best inhibitor, reducing WAT by 23.3%. However, MES (1%, 5%, and 10%) demonstrated greater overall effectiveness, with an average WAT reduction of 13.76% compared to Glycine's 10.85%. MES also shows a better performance in reducing viscosity and yield stress. While PPT results were insignificant, MES is recommended as a flow improver rather than a pour point depressant. The successful development of these newly formulated chemical inhibitors promises an environmentally sustainable and economically efficient approach to maximizing oil production from mature fields while mitigating paraffin precipitation.
    MeSH terms: Petroleum; Rheology; Temperature; Viscosity
  7. Jin Z, Huang T, Chen L, Wang K, Yan S, Liu H, et al.
    Nanotechnology, 2025 Jan 28.
    PMID: 39874607 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/adaf2a
    Two-dimensional Transition Metal Dichalcogenides (2D TMDs) have garnered significant attention in the field of materials science due to their remarkable electronic and optoelectronic properties, including high carrier mobility and tunable band gaps. Despite the extensive research on various TMDs, there remains a notable gap in understanding the synthesis techniques and their implications for the practical application of monolayer tungsten disulfide (WS2) in optoelectronic devices. This gap is critical, as the successful integration of WS2 into commercial technologies hinges on the development of reliable synthesis methods that ensure high quality and uniformity of the material. In this study, we present a comprehensive overview of the synthesis techniques for monolayer WS2, focusing on mechanical stripping, Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD), and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). We highlight the advantages of each method, such as the uniform growth achievable with ALD at low temperatures and the capability of CVD to produce large-area, high-quality monolayers. Additionally, we summarize the performance of WS2 in various electronic and optoelectronic applications, including field-effect transistors (FETs), photodetectors, and logic devices. Our findings indicate that with ongoing advancements in film uniformity, compatibility with existing semiconductor processes, and the long-term stability of WS2-based devices, there is a promising trajectory for the transition of 2D WS2 from laboratory research to practical applications. This work not only addresses the existing gaps in the literature but also underscores the potential of WS2 to significantly impact the future of optoelectronic technologies. .
  8. Thavaraj S, Henley-Smith R, Gregson-Williams H, Yogarajah S, Odell EW, Sathasivam H
    Oral Oncol, 2025 Mar;162:107182.
    PMID: 39874724 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2025.107182
    BACKGROUND: Human papillomavirus-associated oral epithelial dysplasia (HPV-OED) has been recently recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a distinct type of oral epithelial dysplasia. The rarity of HPV-OED, together with gaps in the current understanding of risk factors and clinical behaviour raise the risk of under-recognition and misdiagnosis. To address this, we describe the clinico-pathological features of a consecutive series of HPV-OED from a single institution to provide additional insight into the presentation and behaviour of this disease.

    METHODS: Consecutive cases of HPV-OED were identified over a 20-year period from the pathology routine diagnostic archives of a single centre. Cases with features of viral cytopathic changes in a background of OED underwent HPV-specific testing in addition to p16 immunohistochemistry to confirm HPV positivity.

    RESULTS: Fifty-three consecutive patients with HPV-OED were identified. The mean age at diagnosis was 55 years-old and there was a strong male predilection (83 %). Most patients were smokers or former smokers, and almost a fifth of individuals were Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-positive. The latero-ventral tongue was the most common index site. Twenty-eight percent of cases were associated with invasive oral squamous cell carcinoma. There was a statistically significant association between with patient's HIV status and malignant transformation (p = 0.022).

    CONCLUSIONS: Findings from our cohort of HPV-OED patients suggests that malignant transformation is relatively frequent and associated with the HIV status of patients.

    MeSH terms: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Mouth Mucosa/pathology; Mouth Mucosa/virology; Precancerous Conditions/pathology; Precancerous Conditions/virology; Papillomaviridae/isolation & purification; Papillomavirus Infections/complications; Papillomavirus Infections/virology
  9. Biglari N, Salehi E
    Int J Biol Macromol, 2025 Apr;301:140352.
    PMID: 39875040 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.140352
    Polysaccharides such as chitosan, alginate, cellulose, and carrageenan have emerged as promising adsorbents due to their biodegradability, abundant availability, and diverse chemical functionality. These biopolymers exhibit promising performance for adsorption of a wide range of pollutants including heavy metals (e.g., lead, cadmium), organic dyes (e.g., methylene blue, methyl orange), and even pathogenic microorganisms. However, inherent hydrophilicity and poor mechanical properties limit their broader application in environmental and biomedical fields. As an effective way to address the issues, recent advancements have focused on the incorporation of nanoparticles (e.g., metal oxides, carbon nanotubes and clays) into polysaccharides to obtain nanocomposite films. Generally, these nanocomposites offer enhanced surface area, tunable porous network, and improved chemical and mechanical resistances for adsorption and biomedical applications. The current review gives a focused overview of the recent progresses in polysaccharide-based nanocomposites, with particular attention to their fabrication methods, adsorption capacity and mechanism, and diverse applications in water purification, drug delivery, and antimicrobial treatments. Critical challenges such as the optimization of nanoparticle dispersion and the environmental impacts of nanocomposite biodegradation are also discussed to pave the road for the future research in this promising field.
    MeSH terms: Adsorption; Drug Delivery Systems; Water Purification/methods
  10. Menon RK, Xin YH, Wei BCT, AlSaqaf SO, Kariem AKA, Tabbaa MMA, et al.
    Int Dent J, 2025 Jan 27.
    PMID: 39875278 DOI: 10.1016/j.identj.2024.12.032
    INTRODUCTION: This systematic review with network meta-analysis (NMA) analysed the current evidence on in vitro studies comparing trueness of fit, surface roughness, colour stability, surface wettability, water sorption, water solubility, and microbial adhesion between conventional and digital denture bases.

    METHODS: From inception until December 2023, a systematic search of published in-vitro studies from Scopus, PubMed, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Studies was conducted. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024531416). NMA compared properties related to dimensional accuracy and surface properties between conventional and digital dentures. The ranking was performed using the surface area under the cumulative ranking guidelines.

    RESULTS: A total of 6004 articles were initially identified, of which 342 duplicates were removed, and 5566 were excluded by screening the titles and abstracts. A total of 96 articles were assessed by full-text reading, and 43 were included in the quantitative synthesis. As per the NMA results, MIL demonstrated significantly higher trueness of fit when compared with conventional compression moulding (standardized mean differences [SMD] = -2.25 [95% CI: -4.09, -0.40]), P = .017 (

  11. Sasmito SD, Taillardat P, Adinugroho WC, Krisnawati H, Novita N, Fatoyinbo L, et al.
    Nat Commun, 2025 Jan 28;16(1):740.
    PMID: 39875368 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-55892-0
    Southeast Asia (SEA) contributes approximately one-third of global land-use change carbon emissions, a substantial yet highly uncertain part of which is from anthropogenically-modified peat swamp forests (PSFs) and mangroves. Here, we report that between 2001-2022 land-use change impacting PSFs and mangroves in SEA generate approximately 691.8±97.2 teragrams of CO2 equivalent emissions annually (TgCO2eyr-1) or 48% of region's land-use change emissions, and carbon removal through secondary regrowth of -16.3 ± 2.0 TgCO2eyr-1. Indonesia (73%), Malaysia (14%), Myanmar (7%), and Vietnam (2%) combined accounted for over 90% of regional emissions from these sources. Consequently, great potential exists for emissions reduction through PSFs and mangroves conservation. Moreover, restoring degraded PSFs and mangroves could provide an additional annual mitigation potential of 94.4 ± 7.4 TgCO2eyr-1. Although peatlands and mangroves occupy only 5.4% of SEA land area, restoring and protecting these carbon-dense ecosystems can contribute substantially to climate change mitigation, while maintaining valuable ecosystem services, livelihoods and biodiversity.
    MeSH terms: Asia, Southeastern; Carbon Dioxide/analysis; Malaysia; Ecosystem; Wetlands*; Forests*
  12. Zaman R, Tan ESS, Bustami NA, Amini F, Seghayat MS, Ho YB, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2025 Jan 28;15(1):3507.
    PMID: 39875543 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-87680-7
    Opuntia ficus-indica (OFi) is a major fruit source prevalent in semiarid and arid regions across various countries worldwide. It is widely recognised for its potential health benefits; however, most studies investigating its effects have been limited to pre-clinical models, highlighting the need for further validation through clinical trials. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of OFi supplementation in enhancing antioxidant levels. Fifty healthy participants, aged 18 years and older, including males and females, received a daily OFi supplement of 1500 mg for 3 months. These findings revealed a significant 48.1% increase in salivary total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (P 
    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Female; Humans; Male; Malondialdehyde/analysis; Malondialdehyde/metabolism; Middle Aged; Plant Extracts/administration & dosage; Saliva/metabolism; Saliva/chemistry; Biomarkers/analysis; Dietary Supplements*; Young Adult
  13. Hailu H, Incollingo Rodriguez AC, Rodriguez A, Skouteris H, Hill B
    Int J Obes (Lond), 2025 Jan 28.
    PMID: 39875594 DOI: 10.1038/s41366-025-01725-5
    BACKGROUND: Weight bias is a global health challenge and community members are endorsed as the most common source of weight bias. The nature of weight biases specifically against preconception, pregnant, and postpartum (PPP) women from the perspective of community members is not known, especially in terms of cross-cultural trends. We investigated the magnitude of explicit and implicit weight bias and profiles of characteristics associated with harbouring weight bias.

    METHODS: We conducted a multinational investigation of clusters of factors associated with weight bias against PPP women (May-July 2023). Community members from Australia, Canada, United States (US), United Kingdom (UK), Malaysia, and India completed a cross-sectional survey measuring explicit and implicit weight biases, beliefs about weight controllability, and awareness of sociocultural body ideals. Hierarchical multiple regression and latent profile analyses identified clusters of factors associated with weight bias.

    RESULTS: Participants from India reported the lowest explicit weight bias (B = -0.45, p = 0.02). Participants from Australia (B = -0.14, p = 0.04) and the UK (B = -0.16, p = 0.02) (vs. US) reported the lowest implicit weight bias. Three distinct profiles were identified clustering on body mass index (BMI) and weight-controllability beliefs: low-BMI/moderate-beliefs, high-BMI/more biased beliefs, and high-BMI/less biased beliefs. Profile membership varied by country of residence and weight bias outcomes with low-BMI/moderate-beliefs profiles containing more people from non-Western countries and with low explicit weight bias.

    CONCLUSIONS: Explicit and implicit weight bias was harboured by participants across all included nations, although less pronounced in non-Western countries. Our profiles highlight that individuals who held a stronger belief that weight is controllable, regardless of their body weight, should be targeted for interventions to eliminate weight stigma.

  14. Shyam S, Tan SY, ALsheibani BAA, How KE, Morpeth A, Rippin H, et al.
    Asia Pac J Public Health, 2025 Mar;37(2-3):247-256.
    PMID: 39876534 DOI: 10.1177/10105395241313419
    Nutritional quality of food for infants and young children (FIYC) is key to optimum development and health. To evaluate commercial FIYC products, the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe (WHO-EURO) has defined a Nutrient and Promotion Profile Model (NPPM). Although FIYC is commonly used in Malaysia, its quality is largely unknown. We evaluated the nutrient profiles and on-pack promotions of FIYC available in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, using the NPPM. Among the 285 products sampled from a range of retail outlets, none met all NPPM promotional recommendations; only 24% satisfied all relevant nutrition criteria. Several products failed on sugar (29%) and sodium (26%) criteria, with around half having added sugar. In addition, 3%, 6%, and 9% of FIYC failed relevant fat, protein, and energy requirements, respectively. Although 98% had inappropriate health claims, 36% missed appropriate breastfeeding statements. There is an urgent need to improve the quality of FIYC in Malaysia.
    MeSH terms: Food Labeling; Humans; Infant; Malaysia; Nutritive Value*; Policy Making*; Nutrition Policy*
  15. Kamal F, Othman HR
    Am J Case Rep, 2025 Jan 29;26:e945579.
    PMID: 39876542 DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.945579
    BACKGROUND Lupus anticoagulants (LA) can interfere with routine coagulation tests such as the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and prothrombin time (PT). The international normalized ratio (INR) is derived from PT and is used to monitor warfarin therapy. A positive LA result is one of the laboratory criteria of the 2023 ACR/EULAR antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) classification criteria. We report a case in which LA interfered with INR measurement in an APS patient. CASE REPORT Our patient was a 45-year-old man who had experienced multiple episodes of thromboembolism. His INR was consistently high, despite not being on any anticoagulant. Our laboratory used a recombinant PT reagent, Siemens Healthineers Dade® Innovin® on a fully automated coagulometer, the Sysmex CS-2500. PT measurements were repeated using 2 different analyzers, the Sysmex CA-104 and Werfen ACL Top 550 CTS. The PT results were 40.5 s (reference range (RR): 9.3-10.8 s) and 56 s, using Sysmex CS2500 and CS104, respectively. However, the PT was 13.4 s (RI: 10.3-12.7 s) using Werfen ACL Top 550 CTS. We retested the sample using Thromborel® S, a tissue-derived PT reagent, and PT was found to be within the reference range. The patient tested positive for LA, anti-cardiolipin, and anti-beta2 glycoprotein I antibodies. CONCLUSIONS LA can falsely prolong the PT when a recombinant PT reagent is used. When we retested the plasma using a tissue-derived PT reagent - Thromborel® S - PT was within normal limits. Thus, it is important to acknowledge that LA can react differently with different PT reagents.
    MeSH terms: Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Prothrombin Time*; Thromboembolism; International Normalized Ratio*
  16. Koh HP, Ab Jalal H, Koo YP, Chen MSY, Selvaratanam M, Bhuvanendran Pillai A, et al.
    J Pharm Policy Pract, 2025;18(1):2457410.
    PMID: 39877033 DOI: 10.1080/20523211.2025.2457410
    BACKGROUND: The emergency medicine (EM) pharmacist is an integrated part of the Emergency Department (ED) interdisciplinary team in many countries, including Malaysia. The presence of EM pharmacists in the ED has positively impacted patient outcomes. Data on EM pharmacists' interventions is scarce in the Asian region. In Malaysia, data on interventions done by EM pharmacists in the EDs was unavailable. This study aimed to assess the type of interventions done by EM pharmacists in the ED of tertiary public hospitals in Malaysia.

    METHODS: This cross-sectional, multicenter study involved EM pharmacists from 14 tertiary hospitals in Malaysia. All accepted interventions done by EM pharmacists in the ED for patients admitted to the Red (critical) and Yellow (semi-critical) zones from January to June 2022 were extracted from the Clinical Pharmacy Report Form. All data were analyzed descriptively.

    RESULTS: The EM pharmacists documented 1659 accepted interventions on 1584 patients during the study period. Inappropriate regimens (n = 1117, 67.3%) and incomplete prescriptions (n = 339, 20.4%) were the main categories of accepted interventions in ED. Inappropriate drug (n = 574, 34.6%), dose (n = 292, 17.6%), and frequency (n = 176, 10.6%) were the top three subcategory interventions documented under inappropriate regimens. Antimicrobials, antihypertensives, and proton pump inhibitors were the commonest drug intervened under the categories of inappropriate drug intervention. There were 272 (16.4%) accepted interventions on high-alert medications (HAMs). Insulin, enoxaparin, and noradrenaline were the most intervened HAMs.

    CONCLUSION: Inappropriate treatment regimens were the most common intervention category done by EM pharmacists in Malaysia. The significant number of interventions done by EM pharmacists demonstrated the importance of EM pharmacists as integral members of the EM team. This data can help improve the quality of clinical pharmacy services in the ED and is important for the future expansion of clinical pharmacy services in all EDs across Malaysia, neighbouring countries, and other developing countries.

  17. Li XL, Dai YC, Liu ZB, Jiang YH, Liu HG, Yuan Y
    MycoKeys, 2025;112:211-232.
    PMID: 39877126 DOI: 10.3897/mycokeys.112.127011
    Nigroporusvinosus (Berk.) Murrill, first described from North America, was considered to be a common species in China. The existence of a species complex is confirmed through a phylogenetic analysis of samples examined. Based on morphological examination and molecular evidence, four new species are described as Nigroporusaustralianus, N.austroasianus, N.subvinosus and N.yunnanensis. They are characterized by pileate, effused-reflexed to resupinate, purplish, vinaceous to brown basidiomata when fresh, mostly becoming brown when dry. Nigroporusaustralianus is characterized by narrower basidiospores measuring 3.4-4.1 × 1.3-1.5 µm, thicker contextual hyphae measuring 3.2-6.4 µm in diam and a geographical distribution in Australia. Nigroporusaustroasianus is characterized by smaller pores measuring 10-13 per mm, generative hyphae dominant in the tube trama, small basidiospores measuring 3-4.1 × 1.5-2 μm and a distribution in Malaysia and tropical to subtropical regions of China. Nigroporussubvinosus is characterized by skeletal hyphae with thin to slightly thick walls, barrel- to pear-shaped basidia, and long cystidioles measuring 10-18 µm and is common in Asia. Nigroporusyunnanensis is characterized by thinner pilei measuring 2.5 mm thick at the base, bigger basidiospores measuring 4-4.5 × 1.9-2.2 μm and is found only in Yunnan. The 2-gene (ITS+nLSU) analysis of the Steccherinaceae indicated that the four new species nested in the Nigroporus clade. The 3-gene (ITS+nLSU+TEF1) analysis of the genus Nigroporus showed that N.australianus formed a monophyletic lineage, N.subvinosus was sister to N.austroasianus and N.yunnanensis, and N.austroasianus was sister to N.yunnanensis. Furthermore, N.vinosus sensu stricto is also distributed in Asia.
  18. Hiew SY, Low BY
    Explor Res Clin Soc Pharm, 2025 Mar;17:100556.
    PMID: 39877296 DOI: 10.1016/j.rcsop.2024.100556
    BACKGROUND: Active pharmaceutical residues introduced into the environment through irresponsible household disposal of unused and expired medication can damage nature and health. Through medication take-back programmes, these risks can be mitigated. However, healthcare professionals' neglect of their responsibility to ensure proper disposal practices has perpetuated subpar norms among the public.

    OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this systematic review were to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of household pharmaceutical waste disposal among healthcare professionals and healthcare professional students as well as to compare their respective levels of knowledge, attitude and practice.

    METHODS: A systematic search of published articles from 2014 to 2023 in three online journal databases (Pubmed, Scopus, and Web of Science) yielded an initial pool of 10,381 records, which was narrowed down by title and abstract screening to 46 relevant publications for full-text examination and the final inclusion of 21 papers for data extraction and synthesis.

    RESULTS: The findings revealed deficiencies in academic curricula and medication disposal training, leading to inadequate knowledge and perceptions among healthcare professionals. Many healthcare professionals consider public education about safe medication disposal practices to be outside their job descriptions, leading to infrequent communication of medication disposal methods to their consumers and service users. Additionally, inadequate and inaccessible infrastructure further hinders proper medication disposal practices despite awareness of the consequences.

    CONCLUSIONS: This study provides insights for policymakers and educators to address these and enhance healthcare professionals' participation in improving safe medication disposal practices. Efforts to strengthen training programmes, incorporate comprehensive education on medication disposal into curricula, and improve infrastructure for safe medication disposal are essential to effectively address the issue of household pharmaceutical waste disposal.

  19. Abdillah RAK, Budhy TI, Narmada IB, Ardani IGAW, Ramadhani NF, Sitalaksmi RM, et al.
    J Oral Biol Craniofac Res, 2025;15(1):170-177.
    PMID: 39877333 DOI: 10.1016/j.jobcr.2024.12.017
    OBJECTIVE: The orthodontic mini-implant (OMI) failure often occurs due to the accumulation of peri-implantitis bacteria surrounding it, which results in a stable, resistant form of absolute skeletal anchorage during orthodontic treatment. Administering doxycycline may be the solution, but long-term side effects result in antibiotic resistance. Roselle flowers (Hibiscus sabdariffa) possess beneficial active phytochemical substances, which may have potential as an OMI peri-implantitis alternative therapy. This study investigates the antibacterial activity of 1 % Roselle flower (H. sabdarifa) nanoemulsion (NE) extract (1 % RNE) toward peri-implantitis bacteria in OMIs.

    METHODS: A phytochemical analysis of 1 % RNE was carried out to examine the active substances possessed in it, such as flavonoids, quinone, saponin, alkaloids, tannins, terpenoids, and steroids. Nanoemulsion characterization was carried out using a particle size analyzer (PSA). The antibacterial activity of 1 % RNE toward Prevotella intermedia (Pi), Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa), and Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn) was carried out to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration, minimum bactericidal concentration, and inhibitory zone compared with doxycycline as a positive control.

    RESULTS: Roselle flower NE extract (1 %) possessed flavonoids, quinone, saponin, alkaloids, tannins, terpenoids, and steroids positively. The PSA showed that the 1 % RNE had a size of 98.13 d nm. The antibacterial activity of 1 % RNE against Aa, Pg, Pi, and Fn bacteria at 3.125 % showed significant differences (p 

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