Browse publications by year: 2025

  1. Mohsin SS, Salman OH, Jasim AA, Al-Nouman MA, Kairaldeen AR
    Artif Intell Med, 2025 Feb;160:103057.
    PMID: 39708678 DOI: 10.1016/j.artmed.2024.103057
    BACKGROUND: The term 'remote diagnosis' in telemedicine describes the procedure wherein medical practitioners diagnose patients remotely by using telecommunications technology. With this method, patients can obtain medical care without having to physically visit a hospital, which can be helpful for people who live in distant places or have restricted mobility. When people in the past had health issues, they were usually sent to the hospital, where they received clinical examinations, diagnoses, and treatment at the facility. Thus, hospitals were overcrowded because of the increase in the number of patients or in the death of some very ill patients given that the completion of medical operations required a significant amount of time.

    OBJECTIVE: This research aims to provide a literature review study and an in-depth analysis to (1) investigate the procedure and roles of remote diagnosis in telemedicine; (2) review the technical tools and technologies used in remote diagnosis; (3) review the diseases diagnosed remotely in telemedicine; (4) compose a crossover taxonomy among diseases, technologies, and telemedicine; (5) present lists of input variables, vital signs, data and output decisions already applied in remote diagnosis; (6) Summarize the performance assessment measures utilized to assess and validate remote diagnosis models; and (7) identify and categorize open research issues while providing recommendations for future advancements in intelligent remote diagnosis within telemedicine systems.

    METHODS: A systematic search was conducted using online libraries for articles published from 1 January 2016 to 13 September 2023 in IEEE, PubMed, Science Direct, Springer, and Web of Science. Notably, searches were limited to articles in the English language. The papers examine remote diagnosis in telemedicine, the technologies employed for this function, and the ramifications of diagnosing patients outside hospital settings. Each selected study was synthesized to furnish proof about the implementation of remote diagnostics in telemedicine.

    RESULTS: A new crossover taxonomy between the most important diagnosed diseases and technologies used for this purpose and their relationship with telemedicine tiers is proposed. The functions executed at each tier are elucidated. Additionally, a compilation of diagnostic technologies is provided. Additionally, open research difficulties, advantages of remote diagnosis in telemedicine, and suggestions for future research prospects that require attention are systematically organized and presented.

    CONCLUSIONS: This study reviews the role of remote diagnosis in telemedicine, with a focus on key technologies and current approaches. This study highlights research challenges, provides recommendations for future directions, and addresses research gaps and limitations to provide a clear vision of remote diagnosis in telemedicine. This study emphasizes the advantages of existing research and opens the possibility for new directions and smart healthcare solutions.

    MeSH terms: Diagnosis*; Humans; Telemedicine*; Remote Consultation
  2. Imran M, Abdullah AZ, Khan ME, Mohammad A
    J Environ Manage, 2025 Jan;373:123759.
    PMID: 39708681 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.123759
    Researchers in the field of photocatalysis are interested in finding a solution to the problem of charge transfer and recombination in photodegradation mechanisms. The ideal photoactive catalyst would be inexpensive, environmentally friendly, easily manufactured, and highly efficient. Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) and metal oxide (MOx) based nanocomposites (g-CN/MOx) are among the photocatalysts that provide the best results in terms of charge transfer capacity, redox capabilities, and charge recombination inhibition. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the latest research on antibiotic removal from wastewater using photocatalysts based on g-C3N4 and metal oxides nanocomposites. Amoxicillin (AMX), Azithromycin (AZM), Cefixime (CFM), Ciprofloxacin (CIP), and Tetracycline (TC) are some of the common antibiotics that are the focus of this review article's examination of the photocatalytic behavior of various g-C3N4/metal oxide-based photocatalysts. A research gap demonstrates that many studies are required to use these nanocomposites for photodegradation of antibiotics. By providing a better grasp of the photocatalysis process, this review encourages scientists and researchers to develop an accurate and appropriate photocatalyst to reduce environmental risks. The main findings of this review article suggest that the cost-effective g-C3N4/MOx-based nanocomposites exhibit excellent photodegradation properties, high charge transfer, broadening light response, and charge separation. They promote enhanced charge transportation, superior electron conductivity, high redox capability, and suppressing charge recombination rate. The photodegradation mechanism involves various reactive oxygen species (ROSs), including superoxide radicals, hydroxyl radicals, and holes which promotes the photocatalysis process. The exact transportation mechanism of electrons and holes is unclear, but a rapid charge-carrier transit can significantly increase and speed up the photooxidation process.
    MeSH terms: Catalysis; Metals/chemistry; Nitriles/chemistry; Oxides/chemistry; Photolysis; Nitrogen Compounds/chemistry; Nanostructures/chemistry; Nanocomposites/chemistry
  3. Delanerolle G, Phiri P, Elneil S, Talaulikar V, Eleje GU, Kareem R, et al.
    Lancet Glob Health, 2025 Feb;13(2):e196-e198.
    PMID: 39708829 DOI: 10.1016/S2214-109X(24)00528-X
  4. Hussain S, Brewer E, Tyler E
    J Affect Disord, 2025 Mar 15;373:133-148.
    PMID: 39709142 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.12.067
    BACKGROUND: Previous research on bipolar disorder (BD) primarily focused on younger adults, with limited research on older adults. This systematic review is the first to investigate how mania and depression are measured in older adults with BD.

    METHODS: The searches were completed in April 2024 using the databases PsycINFO, CINAHL Plus, MEDLINE, and Embase. Fifteen studies with a total of 1041 participants were included. These studies used quantitative measures to assess mania and depression in participants aged 50-98 with BD I or II. The studies' risk of bias was evaluated using the appropriate critical appraisal tools.

    RESULTS: The Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) was the most commonly used measure of mania, while the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) were the most commonly used measures of depression. The pooled analysis revealed that older adult scores on the YMRS were relatively similar to younger cohorts in both euthymic and manic states. Variability in scores was seen across the depression scales.

    LIMITATIONS: The review followed rigorous systematic processes. However, in some studies, the participant's mood state was unknown, possibly impacting their pooled scores on the measures.

    CONCLUSIONS: The findings from the review add to our existing knowledge regarding the presentation of mania and depression in later life. There is still a great disparity in research developed for the older BD population. Large-scale studies are warranted to inform the development of tailored measures and interventions to improve the outcomes for this population.

    MeSH terms: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales*
  5. Patel V, Kumar M, Schache A, Hunter KD, Carey B, Rogers SN, et al.
    PMID: 39709299 DOI: 10.1016/j.oooo.2024.11.086
    OBJECTIVE: The management of large central giant cell granuloma (CGCG) can pose a significant surgical challenge. In such circumstances, the use of denosumab has been proposed with the literature reporting varying degrees of success. Histopathological assessment of CGCG post-denosumab treatment remains unknown. The current case series aims to address this lack of information and supplement the literature and the debate with evidence.

    STUDY DESIGN: The current case series is a retrospective review of historic cases accumulated from 3 different hospitals. Patients treated with denosumab for large or unresectable GCGC who subsequently underwent either surgical debulk or resection post drug treatment with histological tissue for assessment were included.

    RESULTS: A total of 4 patients were included in this study. All cases showed radiographic response. However histological assessment identified giant cells in 3 of the 4 cases, 2 of which showed clinical recurrence. All cases demonstrated irregular woven bone formation toward the periphery of the lesion suggesting partial response.

    CONCLUSIONS: The current case series provides some insight regarding the response of CGCG to denosumab and preliminary histopathological information toward the ongoing debate regarding the medical management of CGCG. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol YEAR;VOL:page range).

    MeSH terms: Adult; Aged; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Retrospective Studies; Treatment Outcome
  6. Ortenzi KM, Flowers VL, Pamak C, Saunders M, Schmidt JO, Bailey M
    Ambio, 2025 Feb;54(2):256-269.
    PMID: 39343788 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-024-02077-6
    Although researchers are committed to Indigenous data sovereignty in principle, they fall short in returning data and results to communities in which or with whom they conduct their research. This results in a misalignment in benefits of research toward researchers and settler institutions and away from Indigenous communities. To explore this, we conducted a case study analyzing the rate researchers returned data to Nunatsiavut, an autonomous area claimed by Inuit of Labrador, Canada. We assessed the data return rate for all research approved by the Nunatsiavut Government Research Advisory Committee between 2011 and 2021. In two-thirds of projects, researchers did not return the data they had collected. Based on our results and their contextualization with researchers and Nunatsiavut Research Centre staff members, we compiled recommendations for researchers, academia, government bodies, funding bodies, and Indigenous research governance boards. These recommendations aim to facilitate data return, thus putting data sovereignty into practice.
    MeSH terms: Inuits*; Humans; Newfoundland and Labrador; Research Personnel
  7. Wong JE, Palarea-Albaladejo J, Lee ST, Koh D, Khouw I, Poh BK, et al.
    J Phys Act Health, 2025 Jan 01;22(1):100-111.
    PMID: 39496260 DOI: 10.1123/jpah.2024-0161
    BACKGROUND: Physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior (SB), and sleep are interrelated 24-hour movement behaviors that are important for the growth and well-being of children. This cross-sectional study examined the relationship between 24-hour movement behaviors and adiposity, and predicted changes in adiposity following compositional time reallocations in 7- to 12.9-year-old Malaysian children from the South East Asian Nutrition Surveys II Malaysia.

    METHODS: A total of 381 children (mean age 9.7 [1.6] y, 57% girls) provided 24-hour wrist-worn GENEActiv accelerometry data which captured time spent for sleep, SB, light PA and moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA). Indicators of adiposity were derived from anthropometry and bioelectrical impedance analysis: body-mass-index-for-age, waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio, percent body fat, and body mass index. The composition of 4-part movement behaviors was expressed as isometric log-ratio coordinates which were entered into regression models. Isotemporal substitution analysis was used to assess changes in adiposity indicators when reallocating time between movement behaviors.

    RESULTS: Relative to other movement behaviors, time spent on MVPA was significantly associated with waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio, percent body fat, and fat mass index. A 15-minute one-to-one reallocation from other movement behaviors to MVPA predicted lower body-mass-index-for-age (-0.03 to -0.11), smaller waist circumference (-0.67 to -1.28 cm), lower waist-to-height ratio (-0.004 to -0.008), percent body fat (-0.87% to -1.47%), and fat mass index (-0.23 to -0.42). Replacing SB and light PA with sleep or MVPA was associated with lower adiposity.

    CONCLUSIONS: The overall composition of movement behavior was significantly associated with the adiposity of Malaysian schoolchildren. Promoting MVPA and sleep and reducing SB and light PA are important for prevention of childhood obesity.

    MeSH terms: Child; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Exercise*; Body Mass Index*; Adiposity*; Waist Circumference*; Sedentary Lifestyle*; Accelerometry*; Waist-Height Ratio
  8. Shahari AS, Palanisamy NK, Mohd Nor F
    Microbiol Spectr, 2025 Feb 04;13(2):e0087224.
    PMID: 39704504 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00872-24
    Genetic characterization of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Acinetobacter baumannii remains scarce in Malaysia. This study aimed to characterize antibiotic resistance, genomic location, and genetic relatedness among the A. baumannii isolates obtained from a tertiary hospital in Malaysia. A total of 128 MDR A. baumannii isolates were collected from patients admitted to various wards (intensive care unit [ICU], neonatal intensive care unit, coronary care unit, high dependency ward [HDW], and general wards). The isolates were identified by Vitek 2 and PCR amplification of the 16S rRNA gene followed by sequencing. The isolates were tested against imipenem, ceftazidime, amikacin, gentamicin, ampicillin, and ciprofloxacin using disk diffusion, Epsilometer test, and broth microdilution. The antibiotic resistance genes, blaOXA-23, blaOXA-24, blaADC, blaVIM, and blaIMP, were detected in chromosomal and plasmid DNA using PCR. Insertion sequence ISAba1/blaOXA-23 gene was detected on chromosomal DNA only. Isolates with different antibiotic susceptibility patterns and PCR profiles were subjected to multi-locus sequence typing. MDR A. baumannii was predominantly found in HDW (39.84%), general wards (29.69%), and ICU (28.13%). All isolates conferred resistance to carbapenem and more than 90% resistance to the remaining antibiotics. The antibiotic resistance genes blaOXA-23, blaVIM, and blaADC were detected in both chromosomal and plasmid DNA. The ISAba1/blaOXA-23 gene was detected in 99.22% of the isolates. Four sequence types (STs) were distinguished: ST2 (76.67%), ST164 (10%), ST642 (10%), and ST643 (3.33%). ST164 and ST642 were unique and represent a significant finding in Malaysia's surveillance data. These STs are associated with acquired blaOXA-23, indicating an evolutionary adaptation of A. baumannii within the hospital setting.IMPORTANCEAcinetobacter baumannii is a ubiquitous Gram-negative coccobacillus bacterium that is primarily associated with nosocomial infections that can colonize biotic and abiotic surfaces to enhance cell-to-cell adhesion, ensuring the establishment of infections. To date, the spread of multidrug-resistant A. baumannii (MDRAB) has become rampant and a great concern in the hospital setting, as the available antibiotics are insufficient to treat infections. The antibiotic resistance island resides in a mobile element and rapidly evolved. The antibiotic susceptibility data with its resistance mechanisms would contribute to and facilitate the management and infection control caused by MDRAB.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Aged; beta-Lactamases/genetics; Cross Infection/microbiology; Female; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Microbial Sensitivity Tests*; Middle Aged; Plasmids/genetics; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics; Multilocus Sequence Typing; Tertiary Care Centers*
  9. Low TQ, Teerawichitchainan B, Mansor N
    Res Aging, 2025;47(3-4):226-239.
    PMID: 39705713 DOI: 10.1177/01640275241309076
    With Asia's rapid population aging, intergenerational exchanges between older adults and children are becoming increasingly important for old-age support. However, the relationship between older adults' marital quality and intergenerational support remains underexplored, particularly in multi-ethnic and developing settings. To address this, we examine a subsample of currently married older adults (60+) with at least one child (n = 1575) from Wave 1 (2018) of the Malaysian Aging and Retirement Survey. Using latent class analysis, we identify intergenerational support patterns among older Malaysians. Multinomial logistic regression is employed to investigate how older adults' marital experiences relate to these support patterns. Findings show positive marital experiences are associated with support patterns involving mutual exchange or high receipt of support, while negative marital experiences are linked to patterns characterized by a downward transfer of support to children. Policymakers in developing settings should thus pay more attention to family dynamics when aiming to strengthen intergenerational support.
    MeSH terms: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Female; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Middle Aged; Parent-Child Relations; Parents/psychology; Social Support; Intergenerational Relations*; Adult Children/psychology
  10. Alhammad A, Yusof MM, Jambari DI
    J Eval Clin Pract, 2025 Feb;31(1):e14140.
    PMID: 39297411 DOI: 10.1111/jep.14140
    RATIONALE, AIMS, AND OBJECTIVES: Medical device-integrated electronic medical records (MDI-EMR) pose significant challenges in ensuring effective usage, data security and patient safety. The complexities of MDI-EMR necessitate applying various security mechanisms to safeguard against cyber threats. Therefore, we evaluated cyber threats to MDI-EMR and the effectiveness of applied security controls using a proposed framework from sociotechnical and risk assessment perspectives.

    METHOD: We conducted a qualitative case study evaluation in a general hospital in Saudi Arabia using interviews, observation, and document analysis from the perspectives of major MDI-EMR stakeholders, including healthcare providers, IT professionals and cybersecurity specialists.

    RESULTS: The results showed the interplay among physical, technical and administrative security controls that maintained a secure posture of MDI-EMR. The effectiveness of security controls is highly influenced by the staff's cybersecurity awareness and training. The perceived effectiveness of security controls varied among users, with some expressing satisfaction with the ease of use and reliability, while others highlighting challenges such as password complexity and access procedures. Understanding these diverse perspectives is crucial for tailoring security measures to meet the needs of different stakeholders effectively.

    CONCLUSION: Collaboration among the key stakeholders is crucial for implementing security controls for MDI-EMR. Balancing security measures with usability concerns is essential, as highlighted by challenges in implementing technical controls. A comprehensive approach encompassing physical, technical and administrative controls, continuous education and awareness initiatives are significant to empower staff in recognising and mitigating cyber threats effectively to safeguard medical data and ensure the integrity of healthcare systems.

    MeSH terms: Equipment and Supplies/standards; Humans; Saudi Arabia; Qualitative Research
  11. Ghozza MH, Mosleh AT, Kamoun EA, Abdel-Aty M, Alfiras M, Ahmed MH, et al.
    Phys Chem Chem Phys, 2025 Jan 15;27(3):1447-1458.
    PMID: 39698808 DOI: 10.1039/d4cp04515g
    Nanostructured bismuth ferrite (BiFeO3) single-phase nanoparticles with 76.2% crystallinity and 100% perovskite structure were synthesized using a co-precipitation method. The X-ray diffraction pattern confirmed the perovskite structure of BFO, and Rietveld refinement demonstrated the presence of a triclinic structure with the P1 space group. The Scherrer and Williamson-Hall equations were used to calculate the crystallite size (63 and 83 nm, respectively) with a grain size of almost 246 nm and an activation energy of 0.53 eV. The accumulation of free charges at interfaces, which correlate with the sample bulk and the interface between the compound and electrode space-charge polarization, was the reason behind the high values of ε'. As the frequency increased up to 1000 Hz, both dielectric constant ε' and dielectric loss ε' fell quickly. In contrast, at high frequencies, the ε' became more frequency-independent, notably when ε' increased with a temperature of up to 423 K. The sample exhibited considerable soft ferromagnetic-like activity due to the acquired nanoscale structure that promotes spin coating in the BiFeO3 antiferromagnetic phase. The significant coercivity 2624.5 Oe provides each materials in permanent magnetic and transformers. Photocatalytic activity of the BiFeO3 nanocomposite under UVA-light irradiation was performed using Congo red dye. The maximum photocatalytic degradation efficiency after 200 min for CR was 66%. The exceptional electrical and magnetic characteristics of nanostructured BiFeO3 provide new possibilities for its use in potential technological applications, i.e., spintronics, data storage microelectronics, and water treatment.
  12. Mat Ghani N, Hong KW, Liew YJM, Lau YY, Yong HS, Tee KK, et al.
    Pathog Glob Health, 2025;119(1-2):10-21.
    PMID: 39699991 DOI: 10.1080/20477724.2024.2442194
    Acinetobacter baumannii is a multidrug-resistant bacterium that has emerged as a significant nosocomial pathogen globally and renowned for its ability to acquire antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes. However, understanding of its resistance mechanisms to certain drug classes remains limited. This study focused on four bacterial strains (AB863, AB889, AB930, and AB960) exhibiting carbapenem resistance. They demonstrated high minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) (128 mg/L) to meropenem and were categorized as extensively drug-resistant strains. Subsequently, they were identified as A. baumannii through 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis and species-specific PCR targeting the blaOXA51-like gene. Three strains were sequenced for their genomes to study the genetic determinants and functional relevance of carbapenem resistance. The draft genome length of the strains ranged from 3.8 to 4.0 Mbp. A total of 16 antibiotic resistance genes including the genes blaOXA-23 and blaOXA-66 which mediate carbapenem resistance were identified in the genomes. A comprehensive multilocus sequence typing analysis involving 95 A. baumannii strains from different Asian countries assigned the four strains to sequence type 2 (ST2), the most predominant ST circulating in Asia. Comparative genome analysis also revealed blaOXA-66 as the most dominant variant of blaOXA-51-like gene and also a widespread distribution of blaOXA-23 gene. In addition, various mobile genetic elements associated with AMR genes and three efflux pumps families were detected in the genomes of the strains. Transformation of blaOXA-23 and blaOXA-66 genes resulted in meropenem resistance in the transformant which exhibited a MIC of 2 mg/L, thus confirming direct involvement of both genes in carbapenem resistance.
    MeSH terms: Bacterial Proteins/genetics; Humans; Microbial Sensitivity Tests*; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics; Genome, Bacterial*; Multilocus Sequence Typing*
  13. Nadarajan GD, Pek PP, Blewer AL, Haedar A, Staton C, Wong KD, et al.
    Prehosp Emerg Care, 2025 Jan 13.
    PMID: 39700053 DOI: 10.1080/10903127.2024.2443472
    OBJECTIVES: International Prehospital Emergency Care (PEC) standards have been primarily developed by and for high resource settings. Most PEC systems in Asia, which are still in the early stages of development, struggle to achieve these standards. There is a need for an evaluation tool which can define achievable basic building blocks for PEC systems in low resource settings to improve quality of PEC. We aimed to identify the core, basic elements (building blocks of a PEC system) for a Prehospital Emergency Care Systems Evaluation Tool (PECSET) for low resource settings in Asia.

    METHODS: A 4-stage modified Delphi consensus method was used to engage 32 PEC experts from 12 Asian countries. Participants voted on 32 elements identified from a prior scoping review, focus group discussions, and survey. Each round of voting was conducted through an anonymous, web-based application and followed by face-to-face group discussions. The first two rounds aimed to answer, "Is the element important and feasible in a low resource setting?" The last two stages aimed to answer "Should this element be prioritized as core in the tool?" A thematic analysis of the recorded and transcribed discussions was used to identify participants' rationale for prioritization.

    RESULTS: After four rounds of voting, 12 elements were identified as core elements: (1) dispatch assisted instructions, (2) protocols for screening, triage and destination, (3) medical direction, (4) standardized training programs, (5) minimum ambulance standards, (6) operational metrics, (7) quality assurance, (8) operational safety protools, (9) essential patient care documentation, (10) medical records management, (11) layperson awareness and education and (12) universal access emergency number. However, the participants decided to include all 32 elements in the tool grouped into broader categories by percent agreement for a tiered approach for early, intermediate, and advanced PEC systems. Rationales for prioritization included a need for focus on basic infrastructure and building resilience in resource-stretched systems.

    CONCLUSIONS: Through a Delphi consensus process, stakeholders identified core elements for PEC systems in low resource settings. These findings will inform the development of a tool for quality assurance and monitoring in low resource settings in South and Southeast Asian countries.

  14. Soegianto A, Mukholladun W, Putranto TWC, Marchellina A, Manaf LBA, Irnidayanti Y, et al.
    Mar Pollut Bull, 2025 Feb;211:117467.
    PMID: 39700704 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.117467
    Microcystins are generated by diverse cyanobacteria in shrimp ponds marked by high nutrient levels. The study examined microcystin-leucine arginine (MC-LR) in the pond water, gills, hepatopancreas, and muscle of shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) from shrimp ponds on the northern coast of East Java and its effects on their histological structures. In shrimp ponds dominated by cyanobacteria particularly Microcystis and Oscillatoria, MC-LR levels were high. In pond water, Microcystis and Oscillatoria levels increased along with NO2-, NH4+, clarity, and salinity. Shrimp tissues, such as the gills and hepatopancreas, experienced elevated MC-LR concentrations as a consequence of the MC-LR toxin increase in pond water. Shrimp inhabitants of ponds with elevated MC-LR concentrations exhibited significant changes in histological architecture, like hyperplasia in gill tissue and extensive vacuolation in hepatopancreas tissue. L. vannamei muscle samples show MC-LR amounts below the WHO's recommended daily intake of 0.04 μg/kg body weight/day, indicating no health risks to humans.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Environmental Monitoring; Gills; Indonesia; Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysis; Aquaculture*; Penaeidae*; Hepatopancreas
  15. Díaz PA, Basti L, Pérez-Santos I, Schwerter C, Artal O, Rosales SA, et al.
    Sci Total Environ, 2025 Jan 01;958:178140.
    PMID: 39700974 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.178140
    Harmful algal blooms (HABs) of toxin-producing microalgae are recurrent in Patagonian fjord systems. Like toxigenic HABs, high-biomass harmful algal blooms (HB-HABs) have important socio-economic repercussions, but most studies have focused on the former. Here we report the formation and development of an intense HB-HAB of Prorocentrum micans that occurred in Northwest Chilean Patagonia in the late summer (February-March) of 2022. Concentrated and extensive brown spots were visible on the water surface, accompanied at the end of February by a strong odour. Prorocentrum micans cells were detected at relatively low densities (up to 215 cells mL-1) in January but by February 11 cell densities exceeded 1000 cells mL-1, reaching a maximum of 8.3 × 103 cell mL-1 in the surface layer. The high cell densities at Reloncaví Sound and the Gulf of Ancud were closely associated with narrow-ranging increases in the sea surface temperature (17-18.5 °C) and salinity (29-31 g kg-1). Sentinel-2 satellite images from February 22 showed a colour change corresponding to the presence of the brown patches at both locations, consistent with the increases in the normalized index of chlorophyll differences (NDCI) and chlorophyll a concentrations (~50 μg L-1). Satellite images from GHRSST indicated warmer waters in Reloncaví Sound and the Gulf of Ancud than in the Gulf of Corcovado, located 170-km to the south. An oceanographic 3-D model (MOSA) showed surface currents with a cyclonic eddy centred in the Gulf of Ancud. This circulation pattern suggested greater water retention in the study area during January and February, with the drifting and rotation of the coastal currents around the eddy maintaining the P. micans bloom. Thus, the elevated cell density of P. micans in the Gulf of Ancud, near the periphery of the eddy, confirm the presence of a material accumulation hotspot for HABs and HB-HABs.
    MeSH terms: Chile; Dinoflagellida; Environmental Monitoring*; Seasons; Biomass; Harmful Algal Bloom*
  16. Hau EH, Chew LY, Yeo SK, Owatworakit A, Teh SS, Mah SH
    Int J Biol Macromol, 2025 Feb;291:138897.
    PMID: 39701231 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.138897
    Diabetes, particularly type II, is a global health concern, with current treatments like α-glucosidase inhibitors often causing gastrointestinal side effects. This study explored the antihyperglycemic potential of crude protein hydrolysate from oil palm leaves (OPL) as a plant-based α-glucosidase inhibitor. OPL protein hydrolysate was extracted under acidic, neutral, and alkaline conditions, and their α-glucosidase inhibitory activity was assessed. OPL hydrolysate obtained under neutral conditions for 2 h showed the highest inhibitory activity, comparable to the standard drug, acarbose. Bioassay-guided fractionation of the most potent extract revealed that peptides from sub-fractions C1 and C9 exhibited stronger inhibition, with IC50 values of 66.3 and 62.0 μg/mL, respectively. Seven novel peptides were identified from these fractions, and molecular docking confirmed stable interactions between these peptides and the α-glucosidase enzyme via hydrogen bonds and salt bridges. These findings suggest that OPL protein hydrolysate is a plant-based promising natural α-glucosidase inhibitor with potential as an antidiabetic agent. Future studies should focus on in vivo validation of its efficacy and safety for therapeutic use.
    MeSH terms: Hypoglycemic Agents/pharmacology; Hypoglycemic Agents/chemistry; Plant Proteins/pharmacology; Plant Proteins/chemistry; Molecular Docking Simulation*
  17. Sun B, Hu M, Bock C, Shao Y, Chen H, Waiho K, et al.
    Chemosphere, 2025 Feb;370:143958.
    PMID: 39701318 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.143958
    Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) functions as a surfactant, while nano-titanium dioxide (nano-TiO2) serves as an antibacterial agent. These substances are extensively utilized in industrial production and, upon release into aquatic environments, pose significant threats to the viability and development of marine organisms. However, research into the effects of PFOA and nano-TiO2 on the immune functions and cellular energy allocation (CEA) of bivalves remains limited. To investigate the impact of PFOA and nano-TiO2 on immunity and cellular energy, we exposed Mytilus coruscus individuals to different concentrations of PFOA (2 and 200 μg/L), either alone or in combination with nano-TiO2 (0.1 mg/L, particle size: 25 nm) for 14 days. We found that the co-exposure to PFOA and nano-TiO2 had significant interactive effects on multiple immune function parameters of mussels. PFOA and nano-TiO2 notably reduced the total hemocyte count (THC), esterase activity (EST), mitochondrial number (MN), lysosomal content (LYSO), and cell viability, while concurrently elevating hemocyte mortality (HM) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Some immune-related genes, such as Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) and Myeloid Differentiation Primary Response 88 (MyD88) were downregulated, while others such as Interleukin 17 (IL-17) and Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-β) were upregulated after 14-day exposure to combined pollutant exposure. Furthermore, negative effects on CEA were observed under both individual and combined pollutant stress. Therefore, PFOA and nano-TiO2 regulate cellular and humoral immunity through the regulation of immune genes as mediators, while simultaneously disrupting cellular energy metabolism. The immunotoxicity of organic and particulate pollutants, and their mixtures, thus poses a significant risk to the immune defense capabilities of mussel populations in polluted coastal environments.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Energy Metabolism/drug effects; Hemocytes/drug effects; Immunity/drug effects; Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism
  18. Lui JNM, Lau ESH, Li AQY, Zhang Y, Lim LL, Chun-KwunO, et al.
    Diabetes Res Clin Pract, 2025 Jan;219:111961.
    PMID: 39701541 DOI: 10.1016/j.diabres.2024.111961
    OBJECTIVE: We examined incremental healthcare costs (inpatient and outpatient) related to complications in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) during the year of occurrence and post-event years, utilizing the Joint Asia Diabetes Evaluation (JADE) Register cohort of Hong Kong Chinese patients with T2D between 2007 and 2019.

    RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: 19,440 patients with T2D underwent structured evaluation utilizing the JADE platform with clinical outcomes data retrieved from territory-wide electronic medical records including inpatient, outpatient and emergency care. Two-part model was adopted to account for skewed healthcare costs distribution. Incremental healthcare costs associated with nine non-fatal diabetes complications and all-cause death were estimated, adjusted for demographic, clinical, lifestyle factors and comorbidities.

    RESULTS: In this prospective cohort [mean ± SD age:59.9 ± 11.9 years, 56.6 % men, duration of diabetes:7.3 ± 7.5 years, HbA1C:7.5 ± 1.6 %] observed for 7 (interquartile range:4-9) years (142,132 patient-years), the mean annual healthcare costs, mainly due to inpatient cost, were USD$2,990 ± 9,960. Lower extremity amputation (LEA) (USD$31,302; 95 %CI: 25,706-37,004), hemorrhagic stroke (USD$21,164; 17,680-24,626), ischemic stroke (USD$17,976; $15,937-20,352) and end-stage disease (ESRD) (USD$14,774; 13,405-16,250) in the year of event incurred the highest cost. Residual healthcare costs in the post-event years were highest for ESRD, LEA, haemorrhagic stroke and incident cancer.

    CONCLUSION: These comprehensive temporal healthcare cost estimates for diabetes-related complications allows the performance of long-term, patient-level, cost-effectiveness analyses on T2D prevention and treatment strategies relevant to an Asian and possibly global contexts. These may inform decision-makers on resource allocation aimed at reducing the burden of T2D and chronic diseases.

    MeSH terms: Aged; Female; Hong Kong/epidemiology; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Prospective Studies; Registries
  19. Moler-Zapata S, Peters MJ, Gould DW, Giallongo E, Orzol M, Ray S, et al.
    Lancet Child Adolesc Health, 2025 Jan;9(1):16-24.
    PMID: 39701658 DOI: 10.1016/S2352-4642(24)00294-3
    BACKGROUND: Peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) above 94% is typical in children in paediatric intensive critical care units (PICUs) who are receiving invasive ventilation and supplemental oxygen. In a previous report from the Oxy-PICU trial, we showed that lower (conservative) oxygenation targets (SpO2 88-92%) are beneficial, showing small but statistically significant differences in duration of organ support and large but non-significant cost reductions at 30 days. In this pre-specified analysis of the Oxy-PICU trial, we compare longer-term outcomes and cost-effectiveness of conservative versus liberal (SpO2 >94%) oxygenation targets in children with emergency PICU admission.

    METHODS: Oxy-PICU was a pragmatic, multicentre, open-label, randomised controlled trial in England and Scotland. Eligible children were older than 38 weeks and younger than 16 years and had been admitted for emergency care in one of 15 participating PICUs, where they received invasive respiratory support for abnormal gas exchange. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to either a conservative oxygenation target (SpO2 88-92%) or liberal oxygenation target (SpO2 >94%). Survival status was assessed at 90 days and 1 year, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL), quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), health-care costs, and incremental net monetary benefit were assessed at 1 year after the index hospital admission and randomisation. HRQoL was measured with age-appropriate Paediatric Quality of Life Generic Core Scales and mapped onto the Child Health Utility 9D index score. HRQoL and survival data were combined to construct QALYs. Costs at 1 year were derived from use of hospital, outpatient, and community health services. The trial was registered in the ISRCTN registry (ISRCTN92103439).

    FINDINGS: 2040 children were enrolled between Sept 1, 2020 and May 15, 2022. 1868 (91·6%) children were included in the 90-day survival analysis; of these 930 (49·8%) had been assigned liberal oxygen and 938 (50·2%) conservative oxygen. 1867 (91·5%) children were included in the 1-year survival analysis; 930 (49·8%) had been assigned liberal oxygenation and 937 (50·2%) conservative oxygen. At 90 days, 35 (3·7%) patients in the conservative oxygenation group and 45 (4·8%) patients in the liberal oxygenation group had died (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0·75 [95% CI 0·48 to 1·17]). By 1 year, 52 (5·5%) patients in the conservative oxygenation group and 66 (7·1%) patients in the liberal oxygenation group had died (aHR 0·77 [95%CI 0·53 to 1·10]). Overall, mean HRQoL, life-years, and QALYs at 1 year were similar in the two groups. The adjusted incremental effect on cost of conservative oxygenation versus liberal oxygenation was -£879 (95% CI -9036 to 7278), whereas the incremental difference in QALYs was estimated at 0·001 (-0·010 to 0·011), leading to an incremental net monetary benefit of £894 (-7290 to 9078) associated with conservative oxygenation relative to liberal oxygenation. These results did not vary by age (<12 months vs ≥12 months), comorbidity at baseline, age-adjusted heart rate, or haemoglobin level at admission and were robust to alternative assumptions.

    INTERPRETATION: Compared with usual care (SpO2 >94%) for invasively ventilated children who are admitted as an emergency to a PICU, conservative oxygenation (SpO2 88-92%) was not associated with differences in longer-term survival, costs, or cost-effectiveness. Taken together with previous findings of Oxy-PICU that conservative oxygenation compared with liberal oxygenation leads to better patient-centred and parent-centred outcomes at 30 days, these findings support the use of conservative oxygenation targets for this population.

    FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health and Social Care Research Health Technology Assessment Programme.

    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Child; Child, Preschool; Cost-Benefit Analysis*; England; Female; Humans; Infant; Male; Oxygen Inhalation Therapy/economics; Oxygen Inhalation Therapy/methods; Quality of Life*; Respiration, Artificial; Scotland; Intensive Care Units, Pediatric*
  20. Mohd Noor NA, Jun Quan N, Mazlan NAAA, Nurul AA, Ahmad Mohd Zain MR, Azlan M
    Immunol Invest, 2025 Apr;54(3):352-367.
    PMID: 39702926 DOI: 10.1080/08820139.2024.2443244
    BACKGROUND: Exosomes can be found in the synovial fluid of inflamed knee joints, which play a significant role in osteoarthritis (OA) progression. However, their role - in modulating the cellular environment within the body, particularly monocytes remain unexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the immunomodulatory effect of exosomes on monocytes.

    METHODS: Exosomes were isolated by ultracentrifugation and characterized using nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Western blot. The effect of exosomes in modulating monocyte phenotypes as well as cytokine secretion were further assessed in a co-culture condition using flow cytometry and ELISA accordingly.

    RESULTS: Exosomes were identified as spherical particles with a size distribution ranging from 30 nm to 150 nm. These nanoparticles intensely expressed exosome protein markers including CD9, CD63, CD81, and HSP70. The expression of HLA-DR, CD14, and CD11b on monocytes decreased in the presence of exosomes after 24 h of incubation, regardless of the dose. Exosomes significantly induced the release of anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-1Ra in a time- and dose-dependent manner, while TNF-α secretion remains unchanged regardless of the presence or absence of exosomes.

    CONCLUSION: This study highlights the immunoregulatory role of exosomes on monocytes, emphasizing the need for further studies into the underlying mechanism.

    MeSH terms: Cells, Cultured; Female; Humans; Male; Phenotype; Antigens, CD/metabolism; Immunomodulation
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