Browse publications by year: 2025

  1. Arbabi K, Yeh CJ, Sangkar PR
    PMID: 39928064 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-025-01295-0
    Suicide is a complex phenomenon influenced by various individual and contextual factors that may inform prevention efforts. This research is part of a comprehensive project conducted in the chain clinics of Iris Company (pseudonym) throughout Iran. 1). The objective of the study was to expand the current literature on adolescent suicidality by qualitatively exploring the lived experiences of adolescents with a history of at least one suicide attempt and suicidal ideation through in-depth semi-structured interviews. 2).

    PARTICIPANTS: The sample included 69 Iranian adolescents (38 females and 31 males) aged 15-19 years from diverse cultural and societal backgrounds across various regions of Iran. 3).

    RESULTS: Data were analyzed using the Colaizzi method of phenomenological analysis (Praveena & Sasikumar, 2021), resulting in six main themes and 14 sub-themes. The main themes were: (1) overwhelming emotional pain, (2) influence of traditional cultural values, (3) desire for stronger connections, (4) openness to treatment, (5) wish to improve life, and (6) feeling trapped in the present. 4).

    CONCLUSIONS: This study addresses gaps in prior research and aims to advance the understanding of adolescent suicide prevention. The authors emphasize the importance of family and relational contexts in understanding suicide risk among adolescents and highlight the roles of family therapy and peer support in developing prevention and intervention strategies for at-risk youth.

  2. Gordon KB, Tada Y, Anadkat MJ, Choon SE, Elewski B, Barker JN, et al.
    Dermatol Ther (Heidelb), 2025 Feb;15(2):395-411.
    PMID: 39928095 DOI: 10.1007/s13555-024-01325-7
    INTRODUCTION: Spesolimab, a selective, humanised monoclonal antibody targeting the interleukin-36 receptor, is approved for the treatment of generalised pustular psoriasis (GPP). As a result of the limited patient numbers in GPP trials of spesolimab, analysing safety events across dermatological and non-dermatological diseases helps to further characterise the known safety profile of spesolimab. Here, we analyse predefined safety events from nine randomised, placebo-controlled spesolimab trials across dermatological (including GPP) and gastrointestinal conditions.

    METHODS: Predefined safety events were based on the known safety profile of spesolimab across all diseases investigated to date and potential risks of biological therapeutics, and included serious/severe/opportunistic infections, hypersensitivity, malignancies and peripheral neuropathy.

    RESULTS: Including placebo-controlled trials and open-label periods/trials, 589 patients received ≥ 1 dose of spesolimab (772.2 patient-years; mean exposure 1.31 patient-years). Overall, 452 patients had long-term exposure (≥ 6 months) to spesolimab, with 31 patients up to ≥ 3 years. In placebo-controlled periods, 445 patients had exposure to spesolimab (162.0 patient-years; mean exposure 0.36 patient-years). Severe/serious/opportunistic infections occurred in 0-3.2% of spesolimab-treated patients and 0-14.3% of placebo-treated patients. Malignancies occurred infrequently across trials (0-6.7% in spesolimab, 0-2.3% in placebo). Peripheral neuropathy events also occurred infrequently, with single events reported in the placebo arm of EFFISAYIL® 2, and the spesolimab and placebo arms of palmoplantar pustulosis Study 2. Potential hypersensitivity events occurred in all trials, except for Crohn's disease, and were largely balanced between spesolimab (7.7-33.3%) and placebo (4.3-44.4%).

    CONCLUSIONS: Across placebo-controlled periods of spesolimab trials in dermatological and non-dermatological conditions, severe/serious/opportunistic infections, malignancies and peripheral neuropathy events were low, with no evidence for an increased risk with spesolimab versus placebo. Potential hypersensitivity events were similar between spesolimab and placebo. These results support the favourable safety profile of spesolimab observed in EFFISAYIL® 2, the largest GPP trial conducted to date.

  3. Novita R, Suprayogi A, Agusta A, Nugraha AB, Darusman HS
    Acta Parasitol, 2025 Feb 10;70(1):59.
    PMID: 39928186 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-025-00995-3
    PURPOSE: Plasmodium inui is a type of malaria that is endemic in simian populations in Southeast Asia, primarily infecting nonhuman primates, one of which is Macaca fascicularis, or the long-tailed macaque. Plasmodium inui, a malaria parasite endemic to simian populations in Southeast Asia, predominantly targets non-human primates. The escalating rates of deforestation and urban expansion, which facilitate increased interactions between humans and primates, have intensified concerns regarding its zoonotic potential. Despite receiving comparatively less scholarly attention than P. knowlesi, P. inui is distinguished by its substantial strain diversity and capacity to infect various macaque species. This review investigates the potential for crossspecies transmission of P. inui to humans, concentrating on the regions of Indonesia and Southeast Asia.

    METHODS: We evaluate the ecological and epidemiological determinants influencing the distribution and transmission dynamics of P. inui among macaques while also considering the implications for human infection based on a literature review obtained from PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus.

    RESULTS: Although no documented human cases have emerged in Indonesia, cases in humans have only been detected in Malaysia and Thailand, the review underscores the zoonotic risk associated with P. inui, drawing comparisons to other simian malaria species that have successfully infiltrated human populations. The lack of systematic surveillance and detailed molecular investigations concerning P. inui in these regions accentuates the imperative for further scholarly inquiry.

    CONCLUSION: This review emphasizes the need for ongoing monitoring and research to enhance the understanding of zoonotic threats associated with P. inui, and informs future public health initiatives in Southeast Asia through a comprehensive evaluation of the genetic diversity of the parasite and its potential implications for public health.

    MeSH terms: Animals; Asia, Southeastern/epidemiology; Humans; Indonesia/epidemiology; Macaca/parasitology; Monkey Diseases/epidemiology; Monkey Diseases/parasitology
  4. Gardner DSL, Saboo B, Kesavadev J, Mustafa N, Villa M, Mahoney E, et al.
    Diabetes Ther, 2025 Feb 10.
    PMID: 39928223 DOI: 10.1007/s13300-025-01692-0
    Diabetes is a growing global health concern with a high prevalence in the Asian and Western Pacific regions. Effective diabetes management mainly relies on self-care practices. However, glycemic control remains poor, especially in developing nations where healthcare access is limited. Low physician density and minimal healthcare funding exacerbate the challenges faced by people with diabetes in Asia. Digital health technologies offer promising solutions to bridge these gaps. These technologies enhance patient engagement, improve medication adherence, and promote healthier lifestyles. Mobile apps provide tools for self-management, such as monitoring physical activity and dietary intake, while telemedicine platforms and electronic medical records facilitate patient data management and remote consultations. Despite the advantages provided by digital health technologies in managing diabetes, barriers to their adoption include infrastructure limitations, regulatory challenges, and issues with data security. Some Asian countries have made major strides in the adoption of digital health tools with national strategies and regulatory bodies to manage digital health options; however, disparities in digital health readiness persist. Effective implementation of these technologies requires addressing these barriers, including enhancing infrastructure, improving app usability, and ensuring regulatory compliance. While digital health solutions present significant opportunities, their impact depends on overcoming current challenges and ensuring equitable access and effective use in managing diabetes. Future directions should focus on prioritizing app acceptance and efficacy, as well as integrating machine learning and artificial intelligence-powered digital solutions.
  5. Ang BH, Mariapun S, Farid FM, Ishak IS, Taib MFM, Rahim AA, et al.
    Cancer Causes Control, 2025 Feb 10.
    PMID: 39928248 DOI: 10.1007/s10552-025-01965-w
    PURPOSE: Urbanization has emerged as one of the main determinants of the rising breast cancer incidence in Asia, but understanding the link is hindered by the lack of population-based prospective cohorts, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Given that mammographic density (MD) is one of the strongest breast cancer risk factors and that it is associated with known lifestyle and reproductive factors, we explored using MD to delineate factors associated with differences in breast cancer risk between women living in urban and rural areas.

    METHODS: Using data from a cross-sectional study of 9,417 women living in urban or rural areas recruited through hospital- or community-based opportunistic mammography screening programs, we conducted regression and mediation analyses to identify factors contributing to the differences in MD between urban and rural populations across Asian ethnic subgroups.

    RESULTS: Consistent with higher risk of breast cancer, age-and-BMI-adjusted percent and absolute MD measurements were significantly higher in women living in urban areas compared to those in rural areas. Mediation analyses showed that differences observed were partly explained by higher parity (7-9%) and breastfeeding (2-3%) among women living in rural areas. Notably, the effect of parity (number of children) was similar in Chinese and Malay women (16-17% and 7-8%, respectively), but not observed in Indian women. Hormonal use, smoking, and physical activity did not predict MD nor mediate the observed association.

    CONCLUSION: Higher MD among women living in urban compared to rural areas is partially attributable to parity and breastfeeding practices, a significant proportion of attributable risk remains unknown.

  6. Wang Z, Zhang H, Ramachandran S, Cheng S
    PLoS One, 2025;20(2):e0309493.
    PMID: 39928647 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0309493
    Studying the emerging travel trends of City Walk is a beneficial activity for young groups. However, there is a lack of research and understanding regarding the motivation and mechanism behind these trends, both in theory and practice. The aim of this study was to investigate the motivation of persons who follow the travel trend of City Walk and evaluate how behavioral intentions are formed by exploring the link between motivation and behavioral intention using the self-determination theory, and social influence theory. Social influence, variety seeking, and self-identification were extrinsic and intrinsic motivations of behavioral intention. A quantitative purposive survey approach was employed, wherein 315 young individuals aged 18 to 40 were recruited to respond. The findings derived from the partial least squares structural equation modeling demonstrate that extrinsic incentives related to social influence, variety seeking, and health care have a considerable impact on behavioral intention, and to some extent influence self-identification. Self-identification has a mediating role in the relationship between health care and behavioral intention. By examining both theoretical and practical aspects, it seeks to provide useful theoretical insights and practical contributions to advance research and industry in the field of rural tourism.
    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Cities; Female; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Motivation*; Surveys and Questionnaires; Intention; Young Adult
  7. Wei X, Maruthaveeran S, Shahidan MF, Sha T
    PLoS One, 2025;20(2):e0312668.
    PMID: 39928680 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0312668
    Rapid global urbanization has made brownfield reuse a vital issue for sustainable urban development. However, the regeneration of brownfield landscapes is a complex and lengthy process that requires a combination of factors to be considered. Their landscape regeneration must be planned and prioritized to utilize brownfield sites and achieve positive social benefits. Therefore, an urgent need must be established to establish an assessment framework and system for various types of brownfield landscape regeneration dominant factors to find different brownfield landscape regeneration dominant factors. This research developed an assessment model using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), covering five brownfield types: industrial, mining, military, transportation, and landfill in Xi'an, China. The potential assessment factors in three levels were analyzed for weighting to explore the dominant factors for the potential regeneration of brownfield landscapes in Xi'an. The results showed that, firstly, among the five first-level assessment factors, the physicality factor was the most important. Secondly, among the 16 second-level factors, the spatial and physical features of the visual landscape were the most critical. Finally, among the 40 three-level factors, spatial features were the primary factor. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to provide a specific assessment system and data analysis methods and ideas for the dominant factors of urban brownfield landscape regeneration in China and other regions based on the assessment framework with strong adaptability proposed by the AHP method, which can be flexibly adapted in the different areas and countries, to realize the sustainable development of cities in various regions.
    MeSH terms: China; Mining; Urbanization
  8. Peng Y, Qi Q, Lee CL, Tay YL, Chai SC, Ahmad MA
    PLoS One, 2025;20(2):e0318635.
    PMID: 39928683 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0318635
    BACKGROUND: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a prevalent degenerative joint condition that impairs mobility and quality of life. While whole-body vibration training (WBVT) shows promise as an adjunct to conventional KOA rehabilitation, its efficacy remains unclear due to inconsistent clinical evidence.

    OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the combined effects of WBVT and rehabilitation exercise on pain, physical function, and disability in KOA management through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

    METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted across eight electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, PEDro, SPORTDiscus, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure) up to February 2024. Inclusion criteria were (i) randomized controlled trials comparing combined WBVT and rehabilitation exercise versus rehabilitation alone in KOA (ii) reported clinical outcomes (iii) human studies, and (iv) publications in English or Chinese. Trial quality was assessed using the PEDro scale and Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. The meta-analysis employed random-effects models in Review Manager 5.3 to account for heterogeneity, supported by sensitivity analyses for robustness and subgroup analyses on WBVT frequency effects.

    RESULTS: Sixteen RCTs comprising 589 participants were included. The systematic review found that WBVT combined with conventional rehabilitation significantly reduced pain and improved physical function in KOA patients. The meta-analysis quantified these effects, showing that WBVT significantly (i) reduced knee pain (MD = -0.43, 95% CI [-0.70, -0.16], p = 0.002), with greater reductions observed from high-frequency WBVT, and (ii) increased isokinetic knee peak torque compared to rehabilitation exercise alone. No significant differences were found in balance, functional mobility, and disability outcomes. Sensitivity analysis of high-quality trials supported these results. However, the heterogeneity among studies and variations in control group interventions warrant cautious interpretation.

    CONCLUSION: WBVT seems to be effective in reducing pain and enhancing muscle strength in KOA patients when used in conjunction with conventional rehabilitation. Future high-quality RCTs must standardize WBVT protocols, emphasize long-term follow-up, and refine dosage for clinically meaningful outcomes. Systematic review registration: International prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO CRD42024508386).

    MeSH terms: Humans; Pain/rehabilitation; Quality of Life; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Treatment Outcome
  9. Suleiman J, Shamsudin R, Hamzah MH, Basri MSM, Jimoh KA
    Food Chem, 2025 Jan 30;474:143123.
    PMID: 39929045 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2025.143123
    The subcritical water extraction (SWE) of pectin from durian rind was optimized using response surface methodology with Box-Behnken experimental design. The FTIR, SEM, and DSC analysis were used to examine the physicochemical, structural, thermal, and functional characteristics of the subcritical water-extracted pectin (SWEP) under optimum conditions and contrasted with the conventional acid-extracted pectin (CAEP). The optimum yield of pectin (5.43 %) was achieved under the temperature of 120 °C, time of 18.5 min, and sieve size of 100 μm. The comparative analysis reveals that the yield of SWEP was ∼2.07 % higher than the CAEP yield (3.36 %). Similarly, the equivalent weight, esterification degree, methoxy concentration, anhydrouronic acid content, water holding capacity, and oil holding capacity of SWEP were consistently higher than the CAEP. Therefore, SWE proved effective for obtaining high-quality pectin from durian rind and offers a simplified, cost-effective, and eco-friendly approach, which makes it a viable method for industrial application.
  10. Ehigiamusoe KU, Lee CC, Lean HH
    J Environ Manage, 2025 Feb 09;376:124470.
    PMID: 39929127 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.124470
    The important role of the service sector in attaining the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG-8 and SDG-13) cannot be overemphasized. Precisely, SDG-8 focuses on the promotion of sustained economic growth while SDG-13 entails the mitigation of climate change and its impacts. Stakeholders are expected to embrace sustainable policies and redesign business processes to tackle the environmental issues associated with the service sector. Besides, nations use government consumption expenditure and tax revenue to boost the service sector's activities, which could have ramifications for environmental sustainability. Hence, this study is motivated by the need to ensure a balance between the economic and environmental imperatives of the service sector. The objective is to analyse the economic and environmental impacts of the service value added in Southeast Asia during 1990-2020. It also seeks to determine the moderating roles of government consumption expenditure and tax revenue on the economic and environmental impacts of the service value added. The estimation methods utilized are the Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares (FMOLS) and Instrumental Variables (IV) techniques. The empirical results of the economic growth model indicate that the service value added accelerates economic growth while the environmental quality model suggests that the service value added intensifies carbon emissions and ecological footprint. The results of the interaction model show that government consumption expenditure and tax revenue mitigate the environmental impact of the service value added. This study represents an innovative idea that unravels both the direct and indirect impacts of the service sector on economic and environmental sustainability. The implication of this study is that service industry should conduct service activities in an environmentally friendly manner while policymakers should use government expenditure and tax to mitigate the environmental problems associated with the service sector.
  11. Soltani A, Wiley S, Williams-Arya P, Hoffman EK, Esbensen AJ
    PMID: 39929193 DOI: 10.1111/jir.13213
    BACKGROUND: The connection between sleep problems and behavioural challenges in individuals with Down syndrome (DS) has been a central focus of research across different age groups. However, uncertainty remains regarding this association, particularly when relying solely on daily-based assessments. This study aimed to examine the relationship between sleep problems and behavioural challenges at both overall (macro) and daily (micro) levels among youth with DS.

    METHODS: Sleep disturbances were measured in a sample of 65 youth with DS aged 6-17 years using the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) and actigraph watches assessing sleep efficiency, sleep duration and wake after sleep onset. Behavioural challenges were evaluated through externalising and internalising subscales of the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and of the Scales of Independent Behavior, Revised (SIB-R).

    RESULTS: The findings demonstrated that over a period of time, sleep problems are significantly associated with both externalising and internalising behaviours as measured by CSHQ and CBCL, even after accounting for the effects of IQ and SIB-R Broad Independence. No significant correlations were observed on a daily basis over seven consecutive days, as measured by actigraphy and both externalising and internalising indices of SIB-R.

    CONCLUSIONS: The results highlight the complexity of the sleep-behaviour relationship in DS, indicating that while chronic sleep issues impact long-term behaviours, nightly variations do not predict immediate behavioural changes.

  12. Dewi IP, Dachriyanus, Aldi Y, Ismail NH, Osman CP, Putra PP, et al.
    J Ethnopharmacol, 2025 Feb 08.
    PMID: 39929399 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2025.119380
    ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Garcinia cowa Roxb. commonly known as asam kandis in Indonesia and Cha muang in Thailand, has been extensively utilized as traditional medicine. This plant contains compounds such as xanthones, phloroglucinol, depsidones, terpenoids, steroids, and flavonoids. These compounds have been extensively studied for various bioactivities. However, the utilization of this plant as an anti-inflammatory agent is still limited.

    AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aims to evaluate newly derived compounds from Garcinia cowa Roxb., focusing on their ADMET profiles (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity) and anti-inflammatory bioactivity. The assessment will be carried out using a combination of in silico and in vitro experiments to determine their pharmacological potential as anti-inflammatory agents.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: Isolation of compounds from Garcinia cowa Roxb. was carried out using column chromatography, purified with radial chromatography, and recycling HPLC. The compounds' structures were evaluated for their ADMET profiles and anti-inflammatory bioactivity using the NF-ĸB protein (PDB Code: 2RAM) as the target. The in vitro experiment was conducted using Raw 264.7 macrophages cell to assess cytotoxicity, phagocytic activity, IL-6, and TNF-α secretion. The determination of the anti-inflammatory mechanism is carried out by testing the activity of NF-ĸB and IKB-α using the western blot method.

    RESULTS: We successfully analyzed the structure of a new compound from the bark of Garcinia cowa Roxb., named Garciacowanin (NC). In silico analysis suggests that the drug shows promising absorption potential, there are concerns related to its metabolism and toxicity that warrant further investigation during the development process and does not show mutagenic properties based on the negative AMES test results. There is a risk of hepatotoxicity (liver damage) and the drug can also interfere with the hERG II ion channel, which can cause side effects on the heart. The compound can affect the NF-ĸB protein, while in vitro studies have demonstrated its ability to suppress phagocytic activity, as well as the production of IL-6 and TNF-α. Western blot analysis suggests that NC's anti-inflammatory mechanism functions via the NF-ĸB signaling pathway.

    CONCLUSION: NC has the potential to be developed as an anti-inflammatory agent with a mechanism of inhibiting the inflammatory response through the NF-ĸB signaling pathway.

  13. Tan EW, Low LH, Atanasov AG, Goh BH
    Pharmacol Res Perspect, 2025 Feb;13(1):e70074.
    PMID: 39929745 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.70074
    of the key disciplines that equip next-generation researchers engaged in ethnopharmacology research with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate the transition from traditional ethnopharmacology to modern drug discovery.
    MeSH terms: Humans; Medicine, Traditional/methods; Research Personnel; Drug Discovery*
  14. Khan MA, Latif M, Mansha M, Hussain T, Bin Jardan YA, Metouekel A, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2025 Feb 10;15(1):4871.
    PMID: 39929864 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-85207-8
    The Common House Crow (Corvus splendens) exhibits remarkable ecological adaptability, enabling its rapid expansion across continents. However, despite its wide distribution, there is a need for genetic studies to clarify its evolutionary history and population structure. This research employs DNA barcoding, focusing on the mitochondrial gene cytochrome oxidase subunit I (Cox1), which is effective for species identification and phylogenetic analysis. Blood samples were collected from 70 C. splendens specimens across seven cities in Punjab, Pakistan: Lahore, Kasur, Sialkot, Narowal, Pakpattan, Gujranwala, and Bahawalpur. Genomic DNA extraction was performed, and a partial sequence of the COX1 gene was amplified using PCR techniques. Sequencing of the Cox1 marker from 10 randomly selected specimens revealed nine distinct genetic variants. Interspecific analysis positioned our C. splendens sequences alongside various Corvus species available in GenBank, while intraspecific analysis identified a total of 15 genetic variants. These variants showed nucleotide identity rates ranging from 98.7 to 99.8%, with genetic distances between 0.002 and 0.013. The analysis indicated that the C. splendens group consists of a single heterogeneous clade with variants from multiple countries, including Pakistan, Tanzania, Nepal, South Africa, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Kenya, Australia, and Singapore. This study significantly enhances our understanding of genetic diversity and evolutionary relationships within C. splendens populations, highlighting the necessity of genetic research to inform conservation strategies. Further research employing advanced molecular techniques and broader geographic sampling is essential to assess the genetic diversity and population dynamics of this adaptable species.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Electron Transport Complex IV/genetics; Pakistan; Phylogeny*; Genetic Variation; DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic/methods
  15. Diwate P, Lavhale P, Pande CB, Sammen SS, Refadah SS, Khan MYA, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2025 Feb 10;15(1):4900.
    PMID: 39929868 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-86801-6
    Flood is among the most disastrous natural disasters since they are responsible for massive damage to infrastructure, severe fatalities and injuries, innumerable economic losses, and social disruptions worldwide. These damages caused by floods have been worsening in recent years worldwide because of environmental degradation, climatic change, and high-speed urbanization. A rising precipitation rate increases the chances of floods in flood-vulnerable areas. A flash flood is a rapid flooding of geomorphic low-lying regions caused by remarkably high rainfall in a short duration. On September 23rd, 2023 a flooding event in the Nagpur, Maharashtra, it is directly impact on the human death and economic loss entire city. In the present study, the change in the dynamics of Nagpur city was analysed by employing remote sensing and GIS techniques to assess the change in the land use and land cover patterns. Landsat imagery of year 2000, 2010, 2020, and 2023 was used for land use and land cover classification. This analysis reveals that there is an increase in built-up area from 72.85 sq. km in year 2000 to 185.4 sq. km in year 2023. The built up land is increased this changes where directly affects the infiltration rate of rainwater into the soil. The total area covered by water bodies is reduced to 2.29 sq. km in 2023 which were 12.2 sq. km in year 2000. It is indicates the encroachment of built-up land on the water bodies. On the day of flash flood occurrence, it was observed that Nagpur city received 145 mm rainfall which is highest in the month of September, 2023. The Shannon entropy model was used to estimate the population dynamics and growth patterns of Nagpur city. Higher entropy values were obtained during the analysis which indicates the rapid transformation of city in all directions. Population dynamics of Nagpur city also indicate the inflation in population from 4,067,637 in 2000 to 4,653,570 in 2010. The SAR water index was calculated using Google Earth Engine to detect the water surges in residential areas during the flood. Precautionary measures should be taken by governing authorities to avoid such disasters. Proper city planning and improvements in drainage systems are recommended within the city. It is needed for an hour to develop a river monitoring system and early warning system, as well as preventive measures that should be implemented, like the construction of retaining walls to control the flood water.
  16. Mohd Sabri NE, Sheikh Abdul Kadir SH, Chainchel Singh MK, Heo CC, Khoo LS, Mohd Yusof MYP, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2025 Feb 10;15(1):4872.
    PMID: 39929911 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-88750-6
    Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) following mass fatality events is critical in bringing closure to the victims' family members and their loved ones. However, post-disaster environments are typically unfavourable and pose difficulties for the execution of DVI procedures. Delays in collecting, transporting, and processing the samples may cause DNA to degrade, adversely impacting the identification process. Therefore, this study aimed to demonstrate the co-utilisation of RapidHIT ID (RHID) and DJI Matrice 300 (M300) for onsite DNA analysis using buccal swab samples. 40 samples (two replicates) were collected from 20 "victims" and another 40 (two replicates) from 20 corresponding "relatives". The first replicates were processed using RHID (n = 40) and the second replicates were analysed via conventional technologies (n = 40). This paper observed the genotyping success rate, kinship matching, concordance, comparing different sample collectors, storage interval, and time taken for both procedures. Results of this study showed that RHID could generate DNA profiles for all the samples (n = 40) with 90% of them showing full profiles, and managed to process samples that have been stored for up to six months. The drone-assisted procedure exhibits less time to obtain and analyse the samples but can still produce DNA profiles concordant with the conventional method (p > 0.05). In conclusion, RHID is sufficient to generate interpretable DNA profiles in harsh environments, and transporting samples by M300 drone can reduce the exposure time to process more quality DNA for DVI.
    MeSH terms: DNA/analysis; DNA/genetics; Female; Genotype; Humans; Male; Specimen Handling/methods; DNA Fingerprinting/methods; Disaster Victims*
  17. Wang X, Soh KG, Zhang L, Liu X, Ma S, Zhao Y, et al.
    BMC Public Health, 2025 Feb 10;25(1):528.
    PMID: 39930392 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-025-21538-5
    The purpose of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis of the effects of high-intensity functional training on the physical fitness of healthy individuals. This system review followed the PRISMA guidelines and has been registered in PROSPERO with the registration number CRD42023475055. As of January 2024, we did a thorough search across five databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, EBSCOhost, and Cochrane Library. We evaluated the methodological quality of the included study by TEST EX tool and ROB 2 tool. GRADE framework determines the level of certainty of evidence. Meta-analysis of random effects model calculations. 19 high-quality studies were included in this review, involving 911 healthy individuals. Positive effects were observed in improving strength (ES = 1.380; p 
    MeSH terms: Humans; Healthy Volunteers; High-Intensity Interval Training/methods
  18. Manimaran S, Razalli NH, Manaf ZA, Shahar S
    BMC Health Serv Res, 2025 Feb 10;25(1):224.
    PMID: 39930430 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-025-12365-w
    AIM: This study explored the challenges and strategies related to reducing food waste in Malaysian hospitals.

    METHOD: The study employed a qualitative descriptive research design. Fifteen experienced participants were selected through purposive sampling to take part in three focus group discussions. Each focus group consisted of 4 to 6 participants, with the mean age of the participants being (mean ± SD = 47.5 ± 5.90). The majority were females (n = 12, 80%) and males (n = 3, 20%) involved in hospital food service, including catering officers, assistant catering officers, dietitians, nurse managers, and researchers or academicians who participated in three focus group discussions.

    RESULTS: A total of five major challenges in hospital food service including a) shortcomings in hospital foodservice management systems and policies; b) patients' meal experiences and dietary practices during hospital stay; c) insufficient training, awareness, and resources in food waste management; d) insufficient menu variety and lack of patient choice across different ward classes; and e) lack of staff engagement and accountability in addressing food waste and enhancing patient meal care. Subsequently, a total of six major actionable intervention strategies for food waste reduction were identified, namely: a) optimising meal ordering systems and implementing centralised plating; b) enhancing communication in food waste management; c) enforcing appropriate portion control, improving food quality and presentation; d) strategic menu planning; e) staff training programs aimed at reducing waste; and f) improving work performance.

    CONCLUSION: To reduce food waste in Malaysian hospital foodservices, it is crucial to address challenges through targeted strategies, develop tools, and provide training for foodservice staff and nurses. The assessment data will guide tailored interventions to promote sustainability, improve food service efficiency, and enhance patient satisfaction.

    MeSH terms: Adult; Female; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Middle Aged; Focus Groups*; Waste Management/methods; Qualitative Research*
  19. Bein B, Chrysostomakis I, Arantes LS, Brown T, Gerheim C, Schell T, et al.
    Genome Biol, 2025 Feb 10;26(1):25.
    PMID: 39930463 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-025-03487-9
    Museum collections harbor millions of samples, largely unutilized for long-read sequencing. Here, we use ethanol-preserved samples containing kilobase-sized DNA to show that amplification-free protocols can yield contiguous genome assemblies. Additionally, using a modified amplification-based protocol, employing an alternative polymerase to overcome PCR bias, we assemble the 3.1 Gb maned sloth genome, surpassing the previous 500 Mb protocol size limit. Our protocol also improves assemblies of other difficult-to-sequence molluscs and arthropods, including millimeter-sized organisms. By highlighting collections as valuable sample resources and facilitating genome assembly of tiny and challenging organisms, our study advances efforts to obtain reference genomes of all eukaryotes.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Museums; Genome*; Sequence Analysis, DNA/methods; Genomics/methods; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing/methods
  20. Seman-Kamarulzaman AF, Muhammad NAN, Othman NW, Jalinas J, Hassan NI, Rahmat NL, et al.
    Arch Insect Biochem Physiol, 2025 Feb;118(2):e70039.
    PMID: 39930668 DOI: 10.1002/arch.70039
    Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier, 1790) (Coleoptera: Dryophthoridae), commonly known as the red palm weevil (RPW), is a globally significant pest that threatens economically important palm trees. Its cryptic infestation behavior leads to irreversible damage and eventual host plant death. Current control methods using broad-spectrum insecticides are largely ineffective due to resistance development and their adverse effects on nontarget organisms, necessitating novel strategies. This study integrates proteomics and transcriptomics data to explore the molecular landscape of RPW and identify pathways for targeted pest management. A total of 16,954 transcripts and 983 proteins were identified across three developmental stages (larvae, male adults, and female adults), with a notable decline in protein numbers from larvae to adult. Differential expression analysis revealed 7540 proteins varying significantly between developmental stages. Through subtractive analysis, 218 proteins meeting stringent inclusion and exclusion criteria were identified. These proteins underwent pathway enrichment analysis, mapping to 39 enriched pathways (p-value and an FDR of
    MeSH terms: Animals; Beetles/genetics; Beetles/growth & development; Beetles/metabolism; Female; Insect Control/methods; Male; Pest Control/methods; Insect Proteins/genetics; Insect Proteins/metabolism; Proteome/metabolism; Proteomics*; Transcriptome
External Links