Browse publications by year: 2025

  1. Saniasiaya J, van der Meer G, Toll E, McCaffer C, Barber C, Neeff M, et al.
    Clin Otolaryngol, 2025 Feb 11.
    PMID: 39932174 DOI: 10.1111/coa.14292
    OBJECTIVE: The incidence of persistent tracheocutaneous fistula (TCF) in children has dramatically increased with the increasing number of tracheostomies performed earlier in the paediatric population. Despite the various emerging techniques, two fundamental surgical approaches are primary closure and healing by secondary intention. We aim to compare the surgical outcomes between the two procedures.

    DATA SOURCE: PubMed, EMBASE and Scopus databases were searched from inception to 31 December 2023 with no restrictions on the setting or design of studies.

    REVIEW METHODS: Data were pooled using a random effects model to assess the success and complication rates between the two surgical techniques.

    RESULTS: A total of 26 studies were identified with a total of 1263 children. Persistent TCF was surgically treated with primary closure in 24 studies (n = 898), whereas healing by secondary intention was reported in 12 studies (n = 366). The success rate following primary closure and healing by secondary intention is 97.3% (95% CI: 95.7%-99.0%) and 94.0% (95% CI: 91.2%-96.7%), respectively. The pooled rate of complications following primary closure was 14.1% (95% CI: 8.9%-19.4%) and 8.4% (95% CI: 3.4%-13.3%) following healing by secondary intention.

    CONCLUSION: Based on the pooled results, healing by secondary intention is a safer surgical option in children with persistent TCF.

  2. Lua WY, Aziz N, Idris I, Rahman MAA, Ghazali F, Talaat WIAW
    PMID: 39932883 DOI: 10.1093/inteam/vjaf023
    Using Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) as a management tool for long-term sustainability is relatively new in Malaysia. This paper addresses and discusses the potential MSP has to manage Setiu Wetland as an ecologically sensitive area. Setiu Wetland is the largest natural wetland in the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. The enabling environment for the adoption of MSP in Setiu Wetland is explored to foresee potential in managing the wetland's conflicting uses. Located in Terengganu, the wetland provides various ecosystem services to humans, birds, reptiles, mammals, invertebrates, and bivalves. The Setiu Wetland 's coastal and marine natural ecosystems provide various benefits to the well-being of the population there. However, the human population growth in Setiu Wetland and the surrounding areas is increasingly contributing to the natural resource exploitation in this ecologically sensitive area causing detrimental effects on the wetland ecosystem. This paper aims to review the threats to the ecosystems in Setiu Wetland from multiple development activities and existing uses to examine the potential implementation of MSP in managing the wetland as an ecologically sensitive area. In conclusion, this study proposes the adoption of MSP as the best management process to protect the natural habitat and preserve the ecological functions of the wetland without compromising the local communities' livelihood.
  3. Cao Z, Soh W, Razak NHA, Noordin BAA
    PLoS One, 2025;20(2):e0317765.
    PMID: 39933010 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0317765
    Due to dedollarization and deglobalization trends, countries are pursuing currency diversification to reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar and mitigate currency risks. The research on the drivers of currency internationalization still faces problems such as small sample sizes, fewer methods, and incomplete theoretical frameworks. This study aims to investigate the effects of economic development, money confidence, and the financial market on currency internationalization. It also explores whether purchasing power mediates the relationships between the first two exogenous variables and currency internationalization. The Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) method is used to analyze secondary data from 9 of the 10 most used currencies (excluding the euro) from 2000 to 2020 to examine these relationships. The findings show that economic development and money confidence have negative and significant relationships with currency internationalization, while financial market and purchasing power have positive and significant relationships with currency internationalization. The relationships between economic development and currency internationalization, as well as between money confidence and currency internationalization, are both mediated by purchasing power. These mediation effects are partially complementary mediation effects. Accordingly, to promote currency internationalization, this study recommends governments should adopt policies to develop the financial market, increase openness, and reduce capital controls. It also highlights the importance of managing inflation, diversifying reserve assets, and maintaining a flexible exchange rate to prevent currency depreciation. This study is limited by the exclusion of the euro, reliance on hard data, a small sample size, and a narrow focus on economic factors.
    MeSH terms: Commerce/economics; Humans; United States; Models, Economic; Internationality*; Economic Development*
  4. Pu J, Safian ARB, Nasrifan MNB, Saidon ZLB
    Acta Psychol (Amst), 2025 Feb 10;254:104759.
    PMID: 39933442 DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2025.104759
    One-to-one teaching remains significant in music teaching, however, this approach to Western Classical Instrumental Music (WCIM) teaching in higher education institutes prioritizes the technical aspect of music and tends to ignore its interpretive aspects and music institutions are often called to justify the need for such an expensive and resource-intensive approach to music education. The mastery of musical instruments requires a sensibility towards the music as well as a competency to interpret music, and manipulate the instruments. Therefore, there is a significant need to investigate the need for developing students' higher order thinking skills (HOTS) within this context. The present study adopts an exploratory sequential mixed approach to collect data by interviewing 15 teachers and surveying 538 students for Need Analysis in higher education. The findings revealed that teachers and students in one-to-one WCIM instruction have a strong Target Need for developing HOTS in Higher Education. Meanwhile, more practice on HOTS for students within the classroom is vital Route for Learning Needs, however, there is a challenge in stimulating different levels of students' motivation to explore independently. Furthermore, given the current obstacles faced by teachers, the present study implies the need for broader HOTS studies on WCIM teaching and learning, which will bring benefit to both students' lifelong learning and healthy development of WCIM education discipline. In addition, the study recommends the designing and developing of a more feasible framework for teachers as an urgent further study to improve the HOTS implementation.
  5. Fukuda M, Otsuka Y, Sakai K, Uni S, Junker K, Saeung A, et al.
    Acta Trop, 2025 Feb 09;263:107541.
    PMID: 39933644 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107541
    To monitor and prevent the spread of zoonotic onchocerciasis, identification of the natural vectors (blood-sucking insects) of its causative agents, Onchocerca species, is crucial. To date, vector identification depends on the detection of infective third-stage larvae in insects by traditional dissection. We aimed to develop a novel, more efficient method for the discrimination of the four larval stages, i.e. microfilariae (Mf), first-stage larvae (L1), second-stage larvae (L2), and third-stage larvae (L3), of O. japonica by metabolomic analysis. Microfilariae of O. japonica, the causative agent of zoonotic onchocerciasis in Japan, were obtained from skin snips of wild boars and injected into newly-emerged black flies (Diptera: Simuliidae) to enable further larval development. Metabolites obtained from Mf, L1, L2, and L3 were analyzed using a gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometer. Multivariate analysis of the data of metabolites showed the complete separation of the four larval stages. The highest level of acetoacetic acid and hydroxylamine was found in Mf and L3, respectively. Consequently, we propose that hydroxylamine is a potential marker to detect infective larvae of O. japonica in natural infections and could be a valuable tool in vector surveys, transmission studies and epidemiological surveys.
  6. Noor Affendi NF, Mohd Yusoff F, Ghazali H, Abd Kadir NJ
    BMJ Case Rep, 2025 Feb 11;18(2).
    PMID: 39933841 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2024-264043
    Female urethral diverticulum is a rare phenomenon, which is often discovered due to its associated complications. Delayed diagnosis is not uncommon due to the varied non-specific symptoms and clinical features. We are highlighting a case of female urethral diverticulum complicated with urethral calculi. She had recurrent lower urinary tract symptoms for the past 3 years and presented with recent dyspareunia. Transvaginal diverticulectomy and local extraction of the calculi successfully treated the condition. A high index of suspicion is required to successfully diagnose this condition early, not only for symptom relief but also to prevent complications.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Female; Humans; Middle Aged
  7. Harun MHH, Ramli R, Mohd Ali NA, Abd Kadir NJ
    BMJ Case Rep, 2025 Feb 11;18(2).
    PMID: 39933843 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2024-263686
    Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorder is a potentially life-threatening condition which rarely complicates second trimester miscarriages. This report describes a woman who was pregnant at 17 weeks with a history of previous caesarean section and uterine curettage. She presented with hypovolaemic shock following massive per-vaginal bleeding at home. A 180 g fetus was spontaneously aborted, but the placenta was retained in the uterus. After resuscitation, she underwent surgery, during which a morbidly adherent placenta was identified necessitating an emergency hysterectomy. Histopathological examination confirmed placenta accreta. This case highlights the risk of PAS complicating second trimester pregnancies and underscores the importance of early recognition and intervention to enhance maternal outcomes.
    MeSH terms: Abortion, Spontaneous*; Adult; Cesarean Section; Female; Humans; Hysterectomy*; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Trimester, Second*; Uterine Hemorrhage/etiology
  8. Wong GSX, Ng BW, Jee RC
    BMJ Case Rep, 2025 Feb 11;18(2).
    PMID: 39933851 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2024-263223
    Bilateral medial medullary infarction (BMMI) is a rare stroke subtype in the paediatric population characterised by quadriplegia, cranial nerve dysfunction and respiratory failure. MRI typically reveals a 'heart-shaped' sign in the medial medulla on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). Paediatric stroke aetiologies, including vasculopathy, thrombophilia and cardioembolic disease, differ from those in adults. Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a rare but important cause of paediatric stroke.We report an adolescent male presenting with acute quadriplegia, bulbar dysfunction and respiratory failure with intact cognition, consistent with locked-in syndrome. MRI confirmed BMMI with concurrent spinal cord infarction, and APS was diagnosed based on persistently elevated anticardiolipin antibodies. Anticoagulation therapy and rehabilitation were initiated. However, minimal neurological improvement was observed at 1-year follow-up. This case highlights the rarity of BMMI in children and underscores the importance of early diagnosis and management as well as the recognition of uncommon causes such as APS.
    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Anticoagulants/therapeutic use; Diagnosis, Differential; Humans; Infarction/diagnosis; Infarction/etiology; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Quadriplegia/etiology; Spinal Cord/blood supply; Spinal Cord/pathology; Brain Stem Infarctions/complications; Brain Stem Infarctions/diagnosis; Brain Stem Infarctions/etiology; Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  9. Kansal I, Khullar V, Sharma P, Singh S, Hamid JA, Santhosh AJ
    Sci Rep, 2025 Feb 12;15(1):5157.
    PMID: 39934192 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-84922-y
    Early detection of ocular diseases is vital to preventing severe complications, yet it remains challenging due to the need for skilled specialists, complex imaging processes, and limited resources. Automated solutions are essential to enhance diagnostic precision and support clinical workflows. This study presents a deep learning-based system for automated classification of ocular diseases using the Ocular Disease Intelligent Recognition (ODIR) dataset. The dataset includes 5,000 patient fundus images labeled into eight categories of ocular diseases. Initial experiments utilized transfer learning models such as DenseNet201, EfficientNetB3, and InceptionResNetV2. To optimize computational efficiency, a novel two-level feature selection framework combining Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) and advanced neural network classifiers-Deep Neural Networks (DNN), Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), and Bidirectional LSTM (BiLSTM)-was introduced. Among the tested approaches, the "Combined Data" strategy utilizing features from all three models achieved the best results, with the BiLSTM classifier attaining 100% accuracy, precision, and recall on the training set, and over 98% performance on the validation set. The LDA-based framework significantly reduced computational complexity while enhancing classification accuracy. The proposed system demonstrates a scalable, efficient solution for ocular disease detection, offering robust support for clinical decision-making. By bridging the gap between clinical demands and technological capabilities, it has the potential to alleviate the workload of ophthalmologists, particularly in resource-constrained settings, and improve patient outcomes globally.
    MeSH terms: Algorithms; Humans; Discriminant Analysis; Neural Networks (Computer)*
  10. Yaseen ZM, Alawi OA
    Sci Rep, 2025 Feb 11;15(1):5085.
    PMID: 39934231 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-87584-6
    Hybrid concentrating solar power (CSP) plants with thermal energy storage (TES) and biomass backup enhance solar energy reliability and efficiency. TES provides energy during low sunlight or high demand, while biomass provides continuous heat generation when TES is depleted. Therefore, the current study developed three tree optimizers (fine, medium, and coarse) to predict the profitability factor (PF) for hybridized CSP combined with TES and biomass technologies. The PF was predicted based on three different operating cases such as parabolic trough-base case-no biomass (PT-BC-NB), parabolic trough-operation strategy 1-medium biomass (PT-OS1-MB), and parabolic trough-operation strategy 2-full biomass (PT-OS2-FB). The three operating cases were evaluated using five different TES capacities (0-20 with 5 h step). The input variables included direct capital costs such as (power island, solar field, heat transfer fluid, TES, and biomass boiler) and other parameters such as (biomass cost annual escalation rate, hourly electricity price annual escalation rate, and peaks and troughs for daily electricity prices) were utilized as input variables. Tree optimizers effectively predicted the PF, with OS2-No TES configurations achieving the highest profitability (mean PF: 0.009 USD/kWh) and nearing grid parity (0.000-0.007 USD/kWh) with a 10.6% probability. These configurations have a 95% probability of additional revenues between 0.095 and 0.114 USD/kWh. Increasing TES capacity from 0 to 20 h reduced additional revenues by 52% on average but enhanced OS1's firm energy supply and reduced OS2's biomass supply uncertainty, saving up to 55% of annual consumption (109 kt/year).
  11. Singla MK, Muhammed Ali SA, Kumar R, Jangir P, Khishe M, Gulothungan G, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2025 Feb 11;15(1):5122.
    PMID: 39934364 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-89631-8
    Parameter identification in a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) entails the application of optimization algorithms to ascertain the optimal unknown variables essential for crafting an accurate model that predicts fuel-cell performance. These parameters are typically not included in the manufacturer's datasheet and must be identified to ensure precise modeling and forecasting of fuel cell behavior. This paper introduces a recently developed hybrid algorithm (Aquila Optimizer Arithmetic Algorithm Optimization (AOAAO)) that enhances the AO and AAO algorithm's efficiency through a novel mutation strategy, aimed at determining seven unknown parameters of a PEMFC during the optimization process. These parameters function as decision variables, and the objective function aimed for minimization is the sum square error (SSE) between the predicted and actual measured cell voltages. AOAAO demonstrated superior performance across various metrics, achieving an SSE minimum in comparison to other compared algorithm. AOAAO's robustness was validated through extensive testing with six commercially available PEMFCs, including BCS 500 W-PEM, 500 W SR-12PEM, Nedstack PS6 PEM, H-12 PEM, HORIZON 500 W PEM, and a 250 W-stack, across twelve case studies derived from various operational conditions detailed in manufacturers' datasheets. For each datasheet, both Current-Voltage (I/V) and Power-Voltage (P/V) characteristics of the PEMFCs scenarios closely aligned with those observed in experimental data, affirming AOAAO's superior accuracy, robustness, and time efficiency for real-time fuel cell modeling. In terms of computational efficiency, AOAAO runtime is significantly faster than all compared algorithms, demonstrating an efficiency improvement of approximately 98%.
  12. Aman AW, Krishnan G, Sadiqi MA, Alhajj M, Hidayat N
    Discov Nano, 2025 Feb 11;20(1):28.
    PMID: 39934456 DOI: 10.1186/s11671-025-04197-8
    This paper reports the synthesis and characterization of some spherical crystalline copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), and their bimetallic (Cu-Ni) nanoparticles (NPs) produced in deionized (DI) water via pulse laser ablation in liquid (PLAL) technique. XRD and SAED patterns showed the high crystallinity of the synthesized nanostructures with face-centered cubic structure. The TEM and HRTEM images revealed the nucleation of spherical nanocrystals with a size range of 2.5-25 nm, and no remarkable aggregation was seen. Some core-shell oxidized Cu and Ni nanostructures related to the dissolved oxygen in DI water were detected. The UV-Vis absorption spectra at different aging times showed that pure metal nanoparticles are more stable than bimetallic nanoparticles. Localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) absorption peaks were recorded at 645 nm and 596 nm wavelengths for Cu and Cu-Ni colloidal solutions, respectively. The PL emission peaks at shorter wavelengths indicated that synthesized nanoparticles are blue luminescent. The achievement of pure and spherical copper, nickel, and their bimetallic nanoparticles with enhanced optical properties could be beneficial for advancing photocatalysis and antibacterial activity.
  13. Brishti MR, Venkatraman G, Baba ASBH, Yajit NLM, Karsani SA
    PMID: 39934501 DOI: 10.1007/s12602-025-10461-1
    Recently, there has been a high demand for the development of yogurt-based nutraceuticals and functional medications. This surge is primarily driven by the increasing global need for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products, arising from widespread nutrient deficiencies and the emergence of various communicable and non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including respiratory infections, cancer, gastrointestinal, diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases. Probiotic yogurt provides an effective medium for delivering essential nutrients to the human body. Additionally, various prebiotic combinations, such as bioactive compounds from plants, animals, and microbes, can enrich the viability of probiotics, nutritional value, and efficacy. However, the gastric environment can significantly impact the viability of probiotic microorganisms as well as the absorption of nutrients and bioactive molecules. Therefore, utilizing biopolymer-based encapsulation for functional nutrients, metal nanostructures, and medications can improve the bioavailability of these compounds, protect the probiotics from gastric enzymes, increase nutrient and microbial absorption in colonic fluids, and enhance the antioxidant level in the body. This review investigates various methods for producing yogurt enriched with prebiotic and probiotic combinations alongside techniques such as microencapsulation, emulsification, and the incorporation of metal nanoparticles. Key factors such as viability, texture, and syneresis are examined to optimize yogurt-based nutraceuticals and functional medications.
  14. Prananto K, Cahyadi S, Lubis FY, Hinduan ZR
    BMC Psychol, 2025 Feb 11;13(1):112.
    PMID: 39934874 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-025-02412-w
    BACKGROUND: Research on student engagement has garnered significant interest from educators and practitioners because of its direct impact on academic success and achievement. Engaged students tend to perform better academically and exhibit fewer undesirable study behaviors, thereby enhancing academic outcomes.

    OBJECTIVE: This systematic literature review consolidates research on the impact of perceived teacher support on student engagement in higher education. This study emphasizes the association between teacher support in improving students' academic performance, motivation, and retention. Furthermore, the review explores key theoretical frameworks, such as self-determination theory and social cognitive theory, alongside methodological tools such as measurement instruments and statistical analyses. The goal is to equip psychologists and educational researchers with insights into the relevant frameworks, tools, and methods for advancing future studies within the context of higher education.

    METHODS: This study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology. We conducted a comprehensive search for academic studies published in English within databases such as APA PsycNet, Scopus, ERIC, EBSCOHost, ProQuest, and PubMed to identify eligible studies published between 2014 and 2024.

    RESULTS: A review of 13 selected articles revealed that both students' personal characteristics and school environment factors mediate and moderate the relationship between perceived teacher support and student engagement. The students' personal characteristics factors include self-efficacy, the fulfillment of psychological needs, and motivation, whereas school environment factors involve the learning environment and the quality of teacher-student and peer relationships. Our findings show a lack of studies prior to 2020, with most research conducted in China and limited contributions from Malaysia and Vietnam. The reviewed articles predominantly used cross-sectional quantitative designs and self-report questionnaires, employing statistical methods like path analysis and structural equation modeling. Theoretical frameworks on student engagement mostly followed Fredricks et al.'s model, while teacher support theories varied, with three main patterns identified: direct influence, mediation through basic psychological needs, and social cognitive perspectives. This review emphasizes the crucial role of teacher support in enhancing student engagement in higher education and urges further exploration in this under-researched area.

    CONCLUSION: In conclusion, this review underscores the significant role of teacher support in enhancing student engagement in higher education. It highlights key theoretical frameworks and research methodologies, offering valuable insights for future studies aimed at advancing teacher support and student engagement in this context.

    MeSH terms: Humans; Interpersonal Relations; Motivation*; Social Support; Universities
  15. Chandra Chanda R, Vafaei-Zadeh A, Hanifah H, Nikbin D, Chang R
    J Health Organ Manag, 2025 Feb 14.
    PMID: 39934985 DOI: 10.1108/JHOM-09-2024-0376
    PURPOSE: With the pandemic reshaping healthcare delivery, telemedicine has emerged as a vital solution for overcoming access barriers, particularly in resource-constrained settings. Hence, this study explores the key drivers behind the sustained use of telemedicine services in low-income countries during the post-pandemic period.

    DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: Using a quantitative research approach and purposive sampling technique, 273 valid responses were gathered from participants in Bangladesh. A comparative analysis utilizing partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) were conducted to ensure greater accuracy.

    FINDINGS: The PLS-SEM analysis revealed that expectation confirmation and perceived ease of use positively influence satisfaction. Similarly, perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use directly impact Attitude toward telemedicine services. However, perceived usefulness and perceived security were not significantly associated with satisfaction and attitude toward telemedicine services, respectively. The findings highlight that user satisfaction drives continuance use intention for telemedicine services, but only when it also cultivates a positive attitude toward telemedicine services. While the PLS-SEM findings indicate that perceived usefulness has no significant relationship with satisfaction and perceived security is not significantly associated with attitude toward telemedicine services, the fsQCA results offer a different perspective. fsQCA reveals that perceived usefulness retains a significant association with satisfaction and that perceived security, regardless of whether its effect is high or low, is equally effective in contributing to the intention for continuous telemedicine use. These findings underscore fsQCA's ability to provide deeper insights into the complex causal relationships among the antecedents.

    PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The findings provide valuable insights for hospitals, doctors and telemedicine providers on retaining existing users. Additionally, governments can leverage this information to address healthcare disparities between urban and rural areas. The study also identifies strategies to reduce costs and improve the efficiency of healthcare services.

    ORIGINALITY/VALUE: This study advances telemedicine research by employing the extended technology continuance theory (ETCT) alongside a hybrid analytical approach that integrates PLS-SEM and fsQCA. It highlights that telemedicine organizations can boost patient confidence and encourage continued use by enhancing satisfaction and cultivating a positive user attitude. The innovative use of ETCT and the combined methodologies provide a comprehensive analysis, offering actionable strategies to retain telemedicine users in low-income countries during the post-pandemic period.

  16. De Moor D, Skelton M, MacaqueNet, Amici F, Arlet ME, Balasubramaniam KN, et al.
    J Anim Ecol, 2025 Feb 11.
    PMID: 39934999 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.14223
    There is a vast and ever-accumulating amount of behavioural data on individually recognised animals, an incredible resource to shed light on the ecological and evolutionary drivers of variation in animal behaviour. Yet, the full potential of such data lies in comparative research across taxa with distinct life histories and ecologies. Substantial challenges impede systematic comparisons, one of which is the lack of persistent, accessible and standardised databases. Big-team approaches to building standardised databases offer a solution to facilitating reliable cross-species comparisons. By sharing both data and expertise among researchers, these approaches ensure that valuable data, which might otherwise go unused, become easier to discover, repurpose and synthesise. Additionally, such large-scale collaborations promote a culture of sharing within the research community, incentivising researchers to contribute their data by ensuring their interests are considered through clear sharing guidelines. Active communication with the data contributors during the standardisation process also helps avoid misinterpretation of the data, ultimately improving the reliability of comparative databases. Here, we introduce MacaqueNet, a global collaboration of over 100 researchers (https://macaquenet.github.io/) aimed at unlocking the wealth of cross-species data for research on macaque social behaviour. The MacaqueNet database encompasses data from 1981 to the present on 61 populations across 14 species and is the first publicly searchable and standardised database on affiliative and agonistic animal social behaviour. We describe the establishment of MacaqueNet, from the steps we took to start a large-scale collective, to the creation of a cross-species collaborative database and the implementation of data entry and retrieval protocols. We share MacaqueNet's component resources: an R package for data standardisation, website code, the relational database structure, a glossary and data sharing terms of use. With all these components openly accessible, MacaqueNet can act as a fully replicable template for future endeavours establishing large-scale collaborative comparative databases.
  17. Salim SNM, Din NIM, Rashid R, Hitam SAS, Deris ZZ
    Saudi J Med Med Sci, 2025;13(1):18-25.
    PMID: 39935999 DOI: 10.4103/sjmms.sjmms_429_24
    BACKGROUND: Increasing trend and spread of multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MDR-PA) in clinical settings is a great challenge in managing patients with infections caused by this pathogen.

    OBJECTIVE: To determine the risk factors and outcomes of MDR-PA acquisition in the northeastern state of Malaysia. In addition, this study also reported on the susceptibility pattern and common resistant genes among MDR-PA.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: MDR-PA isolates obtained between March 2021 and February 2022 from all four major hospitals in the state of Kelantan, Malaysia, were submitted for susceptibility and resistant genes identification. The clinical data of the patients with MDR-PA were retrospectively reviewed. The risk factors and outcomes of MDR-PA acquired patients were analyzed by comparing with patients who acquired susceptible-PA while admitted to the same hospital during the study time.

    RESULTS: A total of 100 MDR-PA and 100 susceptible-PA cases were included. Ceftolozane-tazobactam was susceptible in 41.3% of MDR-PA compared to only 4%-8% with other β-lactams. About half (46%) of the MDR-PA isolates harbored the bla -NDM-1 gene, but none had the bla -OXA-48 gene. Factors independently associated with MDR-PA acquisitions were age (OR: 1.02; P = 0.028), genitourinary disorder (OR: 6.89; P = 0.001), and central venous catheter (OR: 3.18; P = 0.001). In addition, MDR-PA acquisitions were found to be associated with antimicrobial treatment failure (41.1% vs. 25.0%; P = 0.001) and mortality (40.0% versus 6.0%; P <0.001).

    CONCLUSION: Most of the MDR-PA strains in Kelantan tertiary hospitals harbored the bla -NDM-1 gene, which is easily transmissible and can lead to an outbreak. Nonetheless, a significant number of the MDR-PA isolates were still susceptible to ceftolozane-tazobactam.

  18. Lin TS, Allosias JA, Halim MS, Ahmed N, Heboyan A
    J Surg Case Rep, 2025 Feb;2025(2):rjaf051.
    PMID: 39936021 DOI: 10.1093/jscr/rjaf051
    The success of hemisection is based on meticulous case selection, considering the quality and quantity of bone surrounding the remaining roots. Additionally, a well-devised prosthetic plan is crucial to direct forces along the preserved roots, and ongoing maintenance is imperative for long-term success. This case report aims to present two different restorative designs for the pontic on the edentulous space after the hemisection of a molar tooth. The treatment approach included initial root canal treatment, followed by periodontal intervention involving hemisection. The hemisected tooth was restored through a fixed partial denture, utilizing premolar, or molar as abutments. Hemisection is an excellent option for retaining the molar tooth in the mouth. The restorative option might be chosen between original molar anatomy or transformation into premolars. This must be in accordance with the patient's wishes as well.
  19. Hisam A, Haq ZU, Khan Z, Masood S, Pell JP, Doherty P
    J Coll Physicians Surg Pak, 2025 Feb;35(2):221-228.
    PMID: 39936202 DOI: 10.29271/jcpsp.2025.02.221
    This meta-analysis of published studies was conducted to determine the effectiveness of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) in terms of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in post-coronary artery disease (CAD) patients in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Eighteen studies were identified from six countries (Malaysia, Iran, Brazil, Turkiye, China, and Pakistan) totalling 2,620 study participants with a mean age of 57.43 ± 7.9 years. Significantly higher mean physical (13.48, 95% CI: 7.75 to 19.21, p <0.001) and mental (11.52, 95% CI: 4.44 to 18.60, p <0.001) component scores were observed in the CR group compared to the usual group. The myocardial infarction- specific MacNew QLMI domains also showed significant mean differences (1.59, 95% CI: 0.97 to 2.21, p <0.001). This systematic review and meta-analysis showed significant improvements in physical and mental HRQoL in the CR group compared to the control group among post-CAD patients in LMIC. Furthermore, the myocardial infarction-specific MacNew QLMI global domain shows significant improvement in the CR group compared to the usual care group. Key Words: Acute coronary syndrome, Cardiac rehabilitation, Quality of life, Short-form 36, MacNew quality of life after myocardial infarction.
    MeSH terms: Developing Countries; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Myocardial Infarction/psychology; Myocardial Infarction/rehabilitation; Pakistan; Quality of Life*; Treatment Outcome; Cardiac Rehabilitation*
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