Browse publications by year: 2025

  1. Liu X, Huo L, Wang F, Wang T, Rong W, He Y
    Am J Mens Health, 2025;19(2):15579883251327907.
    PMID: 40145446 DOI: 10.1177/15579883251327907
    The 1,000-m run is a key component of university physical fitness assessments. Effective supplementation strategies to enhance performance and recovery in this test remain underexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of caffeine (CAF) and beetroot juice (BJ) on 1,000-m performance and used SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) analysis to identify key influencing factors. A randomized crossover design compared the effects of CAF (6 mg/kg body weight), BJ (70 mL providing 6.4 mmol of NO3-), and their combination with placebo (PLA) on 1,000-m running performance. Twenty healthy male participants took part in the study. Physiological, nutritional, and behavioral data were collected during each condition. SHAP analysis of a multilayer perceptron model quantified the relative importance of various performance determinants, providing a clear assessment of their contribution to the outcome. The CAF + BJ group performed significantly better than PLA (p  weight > age > nighttime sleep duration > nutritional strategy > average vertical jump height > grip strength > resting heart rate > time since last meal > alcohol consumption > height > smoking frequency. This study suggests that CAF and BJ supplementation may improve 1,000-m performance. SHAP analysis introduced a novel framework for identifying key factors, offering insights for targeted interventions. Tailored dietary supplement strategies that address critical physiological and lifestyle factors are important. Combining supplementation with these approaches can further enhance performance and recovery.
    MeSH terms: Fruit and Vegetable Juices*; Adult; Humans; Male; Running/physiology; Cross-Over Studies*; Dietary Supplements; Beta vulgaris*; Young Adult
  2. Liu Q, Wang Y, Huang J, Liu X, Mao C, Wang C, et al.
    ACS Nano, 2025 Apr 08;19(13):13341-13355.
    PMID: 40145746 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.5c01112
    Conventional periodontitis treatments can be superseded by sonodynamic therapy. In this study, a Zn(OH)F/CaF2 heterojunction was synthesized via a hydrothermal method, which exhibited good biocompatibility and antibacterial properties. The band gap decreased significantly after the formation of the heterojunction, thereby enhancing the internal electron transfer. In addition, after the bacteria contact with the material, the electrons of the electron transport chain turn to Zn(OH)F/CaF2 and affect its steady state. Ultimately, H2O2 in an inflammatory environment was used to react with Zn(OH)F/CaF2 to facilitate electron transfer under the influence of ultrasound, ultimately enhancing the catalytic activity. Zn(OH)F/CaF2 exhibits significant antibacterial efficacy against Porphyromonas gingivalis and Staphylococcus aureus. Trace elements Ca and Zn can promote tissue repair and osteogenic differentiation, resulting in less bone destruction and intact gingival tissue after periodontitis treatment. This sonodynamic therapy provides a rapid antibacterial, effective, and deep therapeutic method for treating periodontitis.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Electron Transport; Humans; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects; Ultrasonic Therapy*; Porphyromonas gingivalis/drug effects; Mice
  3. Algadi H, Abdelfatah Alhoot M, Yaaqoob LA
    J Appl Biomed, 2025 Mar;23(1):1-11.
    PMID: 40145881 DOI: 10.32725/jab.2025.001
    A substantial threat to worldwide health, the proliferation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria compels researchers to seek innovative antibacterial substances. This systematic review assesses the role of nanoparticles, particularly Calcium oxide and Silicon oxide nanoparticles, in infection control. The article examines the mechanisms by which these nanoparticles act against various bacteria and evaluates their potential as novel agents in infection control strategies. A systematic literature search from 2015 to 2024 encompassing Web of Science, PubMed, Wiley, Science Direct, and Google Scholar, yielded 70 publications meeting the review criteria. This comprehensive methodology provides a thorough understanding of the capabilities and limitations of Calcium oxide and Silicon oxide nanoparticles as antibacterial agents. The review aims to build a solid foundation for the utilization of nanoparticles in addressing the obstacles presented by antibiotic resistance by combining data from various investigations. Additionally, it aims to explore the safety and environmental implications associated with their use in clinical and environmental settings, providing a comprehensive analysis that may contribute to future studies and real-world applications in the field of antimicrobial technology.
    MeSH terms: Humans; Silicon Dioxide/chemistry; Infection Control/methods
  4. Lau E, Bohórquez JMC, Schelke L, Velthuis PJ, Ascher B, Cartier H, et al.
    J Craniofac Surg, 2025 Mar 27.
    PMID: 40146331 DOI: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000011283
    BACKGROUND: Nonsurgical rhinoplasty with cross-linked hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers is popular for enhancing nasal esthetics, especially in Asian patients seeking dorsal augmentation. While fillers are expected to last 6 to 12 months, evidence shows they can persist for years, causing delayed complications like broad nasal bridges, termed "Avatar Nose." This case report describes 3 patients with this phenomenon and highlights the role of high-resolution ultrasound in diagnosis and management.

    METHODS: From January to November 2024, 3 patients with broad nasal bridges following HA filler injections were identified. All underwent clinical evaluation and portable ultrasound imaging (Sonon 500L, Healcerion) to confirm residual HA. Ultrasound-guided hyaluronidase injections were performed to dissolve the filler. Follow-up assessments included ultrasound imaging and clinical photography to evaluate outcomes.

    RESULTS: Patients presented with delayed broadening of the nasal bridge years after a single HA injection. Ultrasound confirmed residual HA and guided hyaluronidase injections significantly improved nasal contour, reducing the bone-to-skin thickness and resolving the broadened appearance. The procedure was well-tolerated, with minimal downtime and no adverse effects.

    CONCLUSIONS: "Avatar Nose" underscores the importance of recognizing long-term HA filler complications. Ultrasound is critical for diagnosis and precise treatment. Ultrasound-guided hyaluronidase injection is an effective and minimally invasive solution, emphasizing the need for informed patient consent and further research into delayed filler effects.

  5. Islam B, Ibrahim TI, Tingting W, Wu M, Jiabi Q
    J Glob Health, 2025 Mar 28;15:04115.
    PMID: 40146996 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.15.04115
    BACKGROUND: Hypertension among adolescents in Asia is an emerging public health concern that is directly associated with early onset cardiovascular risks. As such, it can also lead to further health issues and challenges for health care in the future. As existing studies have predominantly focussed on adult populations, we sought to provide targeted insights into adolescent hypertension across Asia, elucidating the impact of rapid lifestyle and environmental changes on this younger population. Therefore, in this systematic review, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence and trends of elevated blood pressure (BP) and hypertension among adolescents aged 10-19 years across Asia, address gaps in region-specific data, and determine any demographic risk factors.

    METHODS: Following PRISMA guidelines, we searched PubMed, EMBASE, Science Direct, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Scopus for cross-sectional studies on adolescent hypertension/elevated BP in Asia published from January 2019 to June 2024, after which we narratively synthesised their findings.

    RESULTS: Of the 2634 retrieved studies, 39 met the inclusion criteria, covering over 200 000 adolescents in Asia. The prevalence of hypertension ranges from 0.7% in urban Bangladesh to 24.5% in urban Malaysia, with urban areas generally showing higher rates than rural areas (e.g. India: 8.4% urban vs. 5.7% rural). By region, East Asia has the highest overall prevalence (14.25%), followed by West Asia (14.14%), South Asia (13.77%), Southeast Asia (13.16%), and Central Asia (12.37%). Males had higher prevalence rates (for example, 22.3% in Chinese males vs. 20% in females).

    CONCLUSIONS: The increasing prevalence of adolescent hypertension in urban Asia is a significant public health concern. Although extensive research has been conducted in East and South Asia, there is a dearth of studies in Western, Southeast, and Central Asia, emphasising a need for future research. Standardised diagnostic criteria and targeted interventions are crucial for addressing regional disparities and reducing long-term cardiovascular risks.

    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Asia/epidemiology; Blood Pressure; Child; Humans; Risk Factors; Prevalence; Young Adult
  6. Jiang H, Qu F, Long Q, Chong ST, Nan J
    Child Abuse Negl, 2025 Mar 26;163:107429.
    PMID: 40147106 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2025.107429
    BACKGROUND: School bullying can affect adolescent suicidal ideation (SI), but the mediating and moderating effects behind this association are still unclear, especially for students in vocational schools.

    OBJECTIVE: This study explored the relationship between school bullying and suicidal ideation (SI) among vocational school students in China, and it constructs a moderated mediation model to examine the mediating effects of physical anhedonia (PA) and social anhedonia (SA), as well as the moderating effects of cognitive reappraisal (CR) and expressive suppression (ES).

    PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: Convenience sampling was conducted. The sample included 13,675 vocational school students (57.7 % female) with an average age of 15.88 years (ranging from 13 to 21) from 13 vocational schools in Hainan Province, China.

    METHODS: Participants completed questionnaires on demographics, school bullying, PA, SA, CR, ES, and SI.

    RESULTS: The results showed that the prevalence rates of PA, SA, and SI among bullied students were significantly higher (40.7 %, 37.8 %, and 34.0 %, respectively). Mediation analysis revealed that school bullying had a significant indirect effect on SI through PA and SA (accounting for 42.4 % of the total effect), with SA being the key mediator. Moderated mediation analysis confirmed that CR moderated the mediating effects of school bullying via PA/SA on SI, and ES moderated the mediating effects of school bullying via SA on SI. ES did not moderate the relationship between school bullying and SA in the female group.

    CONCLUSION: School bullying induces SI by impacting PA and SA, and CR and ES moderate this process. This provides theoretical support for developing effective intervention measures to alleviate the negative impact of bullying on mental health.

  7. Dewika M, Kantha N, Markandan K, Nagaratnam S, Irfan NA, Khalid M
    Chemosphere, 2025 Mar 26;377:144343.
    PMID: 40147347 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2025.144343
  8. GBD 2021 Asthma and Allergic Diseases Collaborators
    Lancet Respir Med, 2025 Mar 24.
    PMID: 40147466 DOI: 10.1016/S2213-2600(25)00003-7
    BACKGROUND: Asthma and atopic dermatitis are common allergic conditions that contribute to substantial health loss, economic burden, and pain across individuals of all ages worldwide. Therefore, as a component of the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2021, we present updated estimates of the prevalence, disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), incidence, and deaths due to asthma and atopic dermatitis and the burden attributable to modifiable risk factors, with forecasted prevalence up to 2050.

    METHODS: Asthma and atopic dermatitis prevalence, incidence, DALYs, and mortality, with corresponding 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs), were estimated for 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2021. A systematic review identified data from 389 sources for asthma and 316 for atopic dermatitis, which were further pooled using the Bayesian meta-regression tool. We also described the age-standardised DALY rates of asthma attributable to four modifiable risk factors: high BMI, occupational asthmagens, smoking, and nitrogen dioxide pollution. Furthermore, as a secondary analysis, prevalence was forecasted to 2050 using the Socio-demographic Index (SDI), air pollution, and smoking as predictors for asthma and atopic dermatitis. To assess trends in the burden of asthma and atopic dermatitis before (2010-19) and during (2019-21) the COVID-19 pandemic, we compared their average annual percentage changes (AAPCs).

    FINDINGS: In 2021, there were an estimated 260 million (95% UI 227-298) individuals with asthma and 129 million (124-134) individuals with atopic dermatitis worldwide. Asthma cases declined from 287 million (250-331) in 1990 to 238 million (209-272) in 2005 but increased to 260 million in 2021. Atopic dermatitis cases consistently rose from 107 million (103-112) in 1990 to 129 million (124-134) in 2021. However, age-standardised prevalence rates decreased-by 40·0% (from 5568·3 per 100 000 to 3340·1 per 100 000) for asthma and 8·3% (from 1885·4 per 100 000 to 1728·5 per 100 000) for atopic dermatitis. In 2021, there were substantial variations in the burden of asthma and atopic dermatitis across different SDI groups, with the highest age-standardised DALY rate found in south Asia for asthma (465·0 [357·2-648·9] per 100 000) and the high-income super-region for atopic dermatitis (3552·5 [3407·2-3706·1] per 100 000). During the COVID-19 pandemic, the decline in asthma prevalence had stagnated (AAPC pre-pandemic -1·39% [-2·07 to -0·71] and during the pandemic 0·47% [-1·86 to 2·79]; p=0·020); however, there was no significant difference in atopic dermatitis prevalence in the same period (pre-pandemic -0·28% [-0·33 to -0·22] and during the pandemic -0·35% [-0·78 to 0·08]; p=0·20). Modifiable risk factors were responsible for 29·9% of the global asthma DALY burden; among them, high BMI was the greatest contributor (39·4 [19·6-60·2] per 100 000), followed by occupational asthmagens (20·8 [16·7-26·5] per 100 000) across all regions. The age-standardised DALY rate of asthma attributable to high BMI was highest in high-SDI settings, whereas the contribution of occupational asthmagens was highest in low-SDI settings. According to our forecasting models, we expect 275 million (224-330) asthma cases and 148 million (140-158) atopic dermatitis cases in 2050, with population growth driving this increase. However, age-standardised prevalence rates are expected to remain stable (-23·2% [-44·4 to 5·3] for asthma and -1·4% [-9·1 to 7·0] for atopic dermatitis) from 2021 to 2050.

    INTERPRETATION: Although the increases in the total number of asthma and atopic dermatitis cases will probably continue until 2050, age-standardised prevalence rates are expected to remain stable. A considerable portion of the global burden could be managed through efforts to address modifiable risk factors. Additionally, the contribution of risk factors to the burden substantially varied by SDI, which suggests the need for tailored initiatives for specific SDI settings. The growing number of individuals expected to be affected by asthma and atopic dermatitis in the future suggests that it is essential to improve our understanding of risk factors for asthma and atopic dermatitis and collect disease prevalence data that are globally generalisable.

    FUNDING: Gates Foundation.

  9. Abbasi M, Aghamollaei H, Vaez A, Amani AM, Kamyab H, Chelliapan S, et al.
    Ocul Surf, 2025 Mar 25.
    PMID: 40147816 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2025.03.004
    The distinctive benefits and drawbacks of various drug delivery strategies to supply corneal tissue improvement for sense organs have been the attention of studies worldwide in recent decades. Static and dynamic barriers of ocular tissue prevent foreign chemicals from entering and inhibit the active absorption of therapeutic medicines. The distribution of different medications to ocular tissue is one of the most appealing and demanding tasks for investigators in pharmacology, biomaterials, and ophthalmology, and it is critical for cornea wound healing due to the controlled release rate and increased drug bioavailability. It should be mentioned that the transport of various types of medications into the different sections of the eye, particularly the cornea, is exceedingly challenging because of its distinctive structure and various barriers throughout the eye. Nanoparticles are being studied to improve medicine delivery strategies for ocular disease. Repetitive corneal drug delivery using biodegradable nanocarriers allows a medicine to remain in different parts of the cornea for extended periods of time and thus improve administration route effectiveness. In this review, we discussed eye anatomy, ocular delivery barriers, as well as the emphasis on the biodegradable nanomaterials ranging from organic nanostructures, such as nanomicelles, polymers, liposomes, niosomes, nanowafers, nanoemulsions, nanosuspensions, nanocrystals, cubosomes, olaminosomes, hybridized NPs, dendrimers, bilosomes, solid lipid NPs, nanostructured lipid carriers, and nanofiber to organic nanomaterials like silver, gold, and mesoporous silica nanoparticles. In addition, we describe the nanotechnology-based ophthalmic medications that are presently on the market or in clinical studies. Finally, drawing on current trends and therapeutic approaches, we discuss the challenges that innovative optical drug delivery systems confront and propose future research routes. We hope that this review will serve as a source of motivation and inspiration for developing innovative ophthalmic formulations.
  10. Inyang EP, Aouami AEL, Ali N, Endut R, Ali NR, Aljunid SA
    Sci Rep, 2025 Mar 27;15(1):10565.
    PMID: 40148349 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-78969-0
    This study utilizes the Nikiforov-Uvarov method to solve the Schrödinger equation for the class of inversely quadratic Yukawa potential (CIQYP), deriving both the energy equation and the normalized wave function. Shannon entropy and Fisher information in both position and momentum spaces are analyzed for low-energy states using the wave function. The Bialynicki-Birula-Mycielski and Stam-Cramer-Rao inequalities are satisfied for the Shannon and Fisher information entropies, illustrating the complementary uncertainties inherent in position and momentum in quantum mechanics. The study underscores the interplay between position and momentum Fisher entropies, reinforcing the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, which imposes limits on the precise simultaneous measurement of conjugate variables. Eigenvalues of the CIQYP for three diatomic molecules (N₂, O₂, and NO) are obtained using their respective data, revealing that the bound state energy spectra of these diatomic molecules increase as both the principal quantum number and angular momentum quantum number rise. Expectation values were numerically determined, and the potential model simplifies to the Kratzer potential under specific boundary conditions, thereby ensuring analytical accuracy. The energy spectra of diatomic molecules such as I₂ and CO are examined, showing that for a fixed principal quantum number, the energy spectrum increases with increasing angular momentum quantum number, in very good agreement with previously obtained results using different analytical methods.
  11. Macêdo BDS, Wayo DDK, Campos D, De Santis RB, Martinho AD, Yaseen ZM, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2025 Mar 27;15(1):10658.
    PMID: 40148387 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-91224-4
    An accurate assessment of shale gas resources is highly important for the sustainable development of these energy resources. Total organic carbon (TOC) analysis thus becomes fundamental for understanding the distribution and quality of hydrocarbon source rocks within a shale gas reservoir. The elevation of the TOC is often associated with the presence of source rocks, indicating the potential for oil and gas production. TOC assessment is performed using laboratory methods, which can be time-consuming and costly. Data-driven models have been successfully applied to model the relationship between TOC and other constituents and to predict the TOC content. However, these methods depend on extensive parameter adjustments that must be carefully conducted in different sedimentary environments. In this context, Automated Machine Learning (AutoML) is an alternative for accurately predicting TOCs, saving time-consuming fine-tuning steps in model development. This study aims to develop an AutoML strategy for estimating TOC using well log data. This procedure automatically preprocesses the search for the best method parameters, reducing the execution time. Among the methods evaluated, Extremely Randomized Trees (XT) performed best (R = 0.8632, MSE = 0.1806) in the test set. The proposed strategy provides a powerful data-driven method, which allows real-world use of the well to assist in data analysis and subsequent decision-making.
  12. Tingting S, Ripin ZM, Yi CP, Ridzwan MIZ
    Sci Rep, 2025 Mar 27;15(1):10659.
    PMID: 40148416 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-86670-z
    The safety of coaches in frontal crashes is attracting attention in various countries. Coach crash studies are done based on standard postures. Occupants travelling long distances in coaches may fall asleep, with postures that can be different from the standard posture. This paper investigates the effects of different sleeping postures on occupant injuries in frontal coach collisions by using sled test model and dummies. Four different sleeping postures are considered including head tilted sideway, slide down on seat in neutral position, turned torso-head diagonal with backrest and turned torso-head perpendicular with backrest posture. The results showed that the head tilted sideway posture increases occupant head injuries with the Head Injury Criteria (HIC) values of 399.3 to 494.6 and the peak head acceleration over 3 milliseconds (H3ms) reaches a maximum of 88.53 g which is above the accepted threshold of 80 g. Slide down on seat in neutral position posture reduces occupant head injuries where the HIC decreased by 28.47%, and for H3ms the decrease is 12.15%. Turned torso posture reduces neck injuries, and all those four sleeping postures are beneficial to reduce thorax injuries. The different turned torso postures simultaneously include the lowest risk and the highest risk postures.
    MeSH terms: Head; Humans; Posture*
  13. Bagdadee AH, Mondal AU, Zhang L, Dewi DA, Varadarajan V
    Sci Rep, 2025 Mar 27;15(1):10582.
    PMID: 40148436 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-95213-5
    This study introduces a novel hybrid system in which piezoelectric and geothermal properties are integrated into basalt and quartz stones to generate green electricity. The same is satisfied by the energy conversion capability, high thermal holding capacity, and the strong piezoelectricity of quartz. This study uses these mechanisms to develop a hybrid system generating constant, reliable, and sustainable energy. The results prove that the system can convert heat into electricity and expand to remote and off-grid areas. The work demonstrates stone heat retention, electric power generation, and integrated system efficiency to provide an accessible, low-cost, scalable alternative to available renewable energy systems. The results present a basis for realizing these properties as an abundant and reliable energy provider and offer a new alternative to traditional renewable technologies.
  14. Madadi M, Amiri H, Pan J, Song G, Liu D, Gupta VK, et al.
    Nat Food, 2025 Mar 27.
    PMID: 40148591 DOI: 10.1038/s43016-025-01146-7
    Food loss and waste (FLW) valorization remains challenging due to mixed properties and composition arising from seasonal and regional variations in food production. Here we examine the capacities of 3D printing for valorizing FLW streams, with a focus on FLW-based bioinks. We consider how waste management practices, 3D printing technology and emerging FLW valorization techniques could address challenges concerning raw material sourcing, improved material printability and suitable mechanical properties. Bioink ingredients incorporating biologically active compounds derived from FLW streams could offer tailored functionalities, supporting food preservation and economic, health and environmental sustainability benefits in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.
  15. Say YH, Nordin MS, Ng ALO
    BMC Public Health, 2025 Mar 27;25(1):1168.
    PMID: 40148846 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-025-22340-z
    BACKGROUND: We investigated the association of chronotype and sleep behaviors with mental well-being, eating behaviors, and adiposity traits among a sample of urban Malaysian adults at Sunway University and Sunway College, Selangor, Malaysia.

    METHODS: A total of 167 participants were recruited (male/female = 46/121; aged 22.0 ± 5.2). Chronotype was assessed via reduced Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (rMEQ). Participants tracked their sleep behaviors using an activity wristband (Xiaomi® Mi Smart Band 5), and recorded their smartphone screen time usage. Psychometric measures - WHO-5 Well-being Index, Cognitive Distortion Questionnaire (CDQUEST), Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire-R18, Brief Self-Control Scale (BSCS), and Power of Food Scale. Blood pressures (BP), anthropometrics, and body composition like high waist circumference (WC), waist-hip ratio (WHR), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), body mass index (BMI) and visceral fat level (VFL) were also measured.

    RESULTS: Men and women did not differ significantly in terms of chronotype and sleep behaviors, except Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep. Longer weekday total and deep sleeps significantly correlated with better WHO-5 well-being scores, while longer weekend time awake during sleep significantly correlated with greater cognitive distortion (higher CDQUEST scores). Longer average deep sleep significantly correlated with lower Cognitive Restraint (CR) but higher Food Available scores. Higher rMEQ scores (indicating morningness) significantly correlated with better WHO-5 well-being, BSCS Total and Restraint scores; and significantly correlated with decreased systolic and diastolic BP specifically among men. Evening-type participants had up to six-fold higher risk of becoming obese, and having high WC, WHR, and VFL; however, the significance was abolished after adjustment for socio-demographics. Indeed, WC, weight, WHtR, BMI, VFL, and resting metabolism were significantly higher among evening-types by analysis of covariance. BSCS Total and Impulsivity scores were significantly higher among neither-types. Lifestyle factors and smartphone screen time were not associated with chronotype or sleep behaviors.

    CONCLUSIONS: Although chronotype and sleep behaviors did not differ between sexes, those with a morning chronotype had lower overall, central and visceral adiposity, better well-being and self-control. Those with good sleep behaviors also had better well-being, eating and appetitive behaviors. In conclusion, this study supports the continuous advocacy for a morning-chronotype and good sleep behaviors for better physical and mental health.

    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Circadian Rhythm/physiology; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Malaysia/epidemiology; Male; Mental Health/statistics & numerical data; Surveys and Questionnaires; Young Adult
  16. Tong WT, Ng CJ, Lee YK, Lee PY
    BMC Health Serv Res, 2025 Mar 27;25(1):450.
    PMID: 40148948 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-025-12588-x
    BACKGROUND: Literature surrounding patient decision aid (PDA) focus on testing effectiveness such as measuring patient or practice outcomes, while few studies looked into evaluation of implementation outcomes. It is important to assess implementation outcomes because in order for PDA to deliver its intended effects, they should first be effectively implemented. This study aimed to evaluate the implementation of an insulin PDA in an academic primary care clinic specifically measuring implementation outcomes.

    METHODS: A mixed-methods sequential explanatory design was used. This study was conducted at a primary care clinic in an academic hospital from April - November 2018. The insulin PDA was implemented using a tailored implementation intervention, which comprised of 11 strategies aiming to overcome 13 prioritised implementation barriers. Evaluation data were collected from: healthcare administrators such as the head of department, the clinic coordinator, and the nursing officer who oversees the clinic operations, doctors whose tasks were to deliver the insulin PDA to patients, nurses who were responsible for making sure the insulin PDAs were available, and patients with type 2 diabetes who were offered the insulin PDA. The study commenced with the quantitative approach to assess 'Reach', 'Adoption', 'Implementation' and 'Maintenance'of the insulin PDA. Subsequently, qualitative approach was employed and qualitative interviews were conducted with the relevant stakeholders to explain the quantitative outcomes. A total of six IDIs and six FGDs were conducted with healthcare providers (healthcare policymakers: 3, doctors: 35, and staff nurses: 5), and 62 IDIs were conducted with patients.

    RESULTS: For 'Reach', 88.9% (n = 48/54) of doctors and 55% (n = 11/20) of nurses attended the insulin PDA training workshops. This was attributed to their self-motivation and the mandate from the Head of Department. The PDA reached 387 patients and was facilitated by the doctors who delivered the PDA to them and their own desire to know more about insulin. Doctors' 'Adoption' of the PDA was high (83.3%, n = 45/54) due to the positive personal experience with the usefulness of the PDA. Only 65.7% (n = 94/143) of patients who received the PDA read it. The degree of 'Implementation' of the PDA varied for different tasks (ranged from 19.2 to 84.9%) and was challenged by patient and system barriers. For 'Maintenance', 80% of the doctors were willing to continue using the PDA due to its benefits.

    CONCLUSION: This study highlighted that the implementation of an insulin PDA in a primary care setting is promising. Addressing the issues of social hierarchy, and healthcare providers' roles and responsibilities can further improve implementation outcomes.

    MeSH terms: Academic Medical Centers; Adult; Decision Support Techniques*; Female; Humans; Hypoglycemic Agents/administration & dosage; Hypoglycemic Agents/therapeutic use; Malaysia; Male; Middle Aged; Primary Health Care*; Qualitative Research
  17. Zaki NAM, Kent LW, Sallehuddin S, Sahril N, Salleh R
    BMC Nutr, 2025 Mar 27;11(1):62.
    PMID: 40148991 DOI: 10.1186/s40795-025-01044-y
    BACKGROUND: The consumption of carbonated soft drinks has risen substantially and has been associated with weight gain, chronic disease, and oral health issues. This study seeks to examine the relationship between carbonated soft drink consumption, health behaviours and mental health among Malaysian adolescents.

    METHODS: The 2022 Adolescent Health Survey (AHS) 2022 was a nationwide study involving Malaysian students aged 13 to 17 years old. It used a multistage stratified cluster sampling method to ensure a representative sample. Data collection was performed via a validated self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive and multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the prevalence and factors associated with the consumption of carbonated soft drinks.

    RESULTS: The prevalence of carbonated soft drink consumption at least once daily in the past 30 days was 32.4% (95% CI: 30.93, 33.87). The results revealed that the consumption of carbonated soft drinks was highest among males and young adolescents. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that health-related behaviours associated with high soft drink consumption included consuming fast food at least three days per week, drinking alcohol, drinking fewer than six glasses of plain water, and being physically inactive. In addition, a greater intake of carbonated soft drinks was positively associated with depression and suicide attempts.

    CONCLUSION: This study provides compelling evidence that the consumption of carbonated soft drinks was associated with health-related behaviours and poor mental health among Malaysian adolescents.

  18. Telang LA, Daud HS, Rosita-Hanif Z, Nizam B, Cotter AG, Rashid A
    Res Involv Engagem, 2025 Mar 27;11(1):29.
    PMID: 40149022 DOI: 10.1186/s40900-025-00683-6
    Patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE) in health care research has been advocated to ensure that the research is relevant, acceptable and beneficial to the communities that it serves. However, there remains a significant gap in research projects incorporating PPIE among the transgender communities, particularly from the global South. In this narrative summary the authors describe the methodology of PPIE through a novel collaboration with community members for the design and development of a bilingual and culturally sensitive educational intervention that was tailor made for transgender women in Malaysia. The educational intervention named Ms Radiance was aimed at creating oral health awareness, improving oral health care utilization and promoting safe oral sex practices among transgender women. The PPIE team included local transgender community advocates and artists who played a pivotal role in making the educational content accessible, engaging and suitable for delivery through a popular social media platform, Instagram®. PPIE enhanced the intervention's relevance and effectiveness through community friendly, culturally appropriate content creation, delivery and trust-building. Instructional designs such as the ADDIE (analyse, design, develop, implement and evaluate) ensure that educational interventions are well-planned and effective. A structed PPIE approach in the research project was seamlessly integrated with the ADDIE instructional design that guided the effective planning and delivery of oral health and sexual health education The research highlights the impact of PPIE on the project and offers insights for future interventions in marginalized communities from the global South.
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