Browse publications by year: 2025

  1. Yuen JJX, Saw ZK, Chua HS, Beh YH
    J Prosthet Dent, 2025 Feb 07.
    PMID: 39922746 DOI: 10.1016/j.prosdent.2025.01.019
    STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Attempting to combine the mechanical and optical properties of ceramics and composite resins to mimic natural teeth has led to the emergence of resin nanoceramics and polymer interpenetrating ceramic network materials. Systematic reviews on the survival of these materials in endodontically treated teeth are lacking.

    PURPOSE: This systematic review and meta-analysis assesses the survival of computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) resin nanoceramics and polymer interpenetrating ceramic network material restorations on endodontically treated teeth and to describe the incidence of complications.

    MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was registered in the international prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO) database and adhered to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A comprehensive search across 6 online databases was performed. Clinical studies which involved CAD-CAM manufactured resin nanoceramics and polymer interpenetrating ceramic network material restorations on endodontically treated teeth were included. Several investigators independently conducted the study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment processes. Risk of bias was assessed by using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Failure rates were analyzed using Poisson regression models to obtain summary estimates of 3- and 5-year survival proportions, which were pooled using a random-effects model. Subgroup analysis was performed for material type and restoration design (α=.05).

    RESULTS: The search resulted in 250 studies after duplicate removal, and 11 articles were included in the final analysis. The meta-analysis of 289 restorations revealed an overall estimated failure rate of 3.44 (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 2.67-4.21) per 100 restoration years, equivalent to a survival rate of 90.2% (95% CI: 88.1-92.3%) after 3 years and 84.2% (95% CI: 81.0-87.5%) after 5 years. A significantly lower (P

  2. Baker TR, Adu-Bredu S, Affum-Baffoe K, Aiba SI, Akite P, Alexiades M, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2025 Feb 08;15(1):4695.
    PMID: 39922807 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-84367-3
    Understanding how the traits of lineages are related to diversification is key for elucidating the origin of variation in species richness. Here, we test whether traits are related to species richness among lineages of trees from all major biogeographical settings of the lowland wet tropics. We explore whether variation in mortality rate, breeding system and maximum diameter are related to species richness, either directly or via associations with range size, among 463 genera that contain wet tropical forest trees. For Amazonian genera, we also explore whether traits are related to species richness via variation among genera in mean species-level range size. Lineages with higher mortality rates-faster life-history strategies-have larger ranges in all biogeographic settings and have higher mean species-level range sizes in Amazonia. These lineages also have smaller maximum diameters and, in the Americas, contain dioecious species. In turn, lineages with greater overall range size have higher species richness. Our results show that fast life-history strategies influence species richness in all biogeographic settings because lineages with these ecological strategies have greater range sizes. These links suggest that dispersal has been a key process in the evolution of the tropical forest flora.
    MeSH terms: Trees*; Tropical Climate*; Biodiversity*; Forests
  3. Wong C, Ng JY, Sio YY, Chew FT
    J Physiol Anthropol, 2025 Feb 08;44(1):4.
    PMID: 39923055 DOI: 10.1186/s40101-025-00384-9
    BACKGROUND: Skin ageing is influenced by complex genetic factors. Various phenotypes such as wrinkling, pigmentation changes, and skin cancers have been linked to specific genetic loci. However, the underlying genetic mechanisms and pathways remain poorly understood. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to summarise the genetic loci found to be associated with skin ageing phenotypes by published genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and candidate gene studies. We also evaluated the overall association of loci via meta-analysis and identified the association patterns to explore potential biological pathways contributing to skin ageing. The Web of Science, Embase, and PubMed databases were searched on January 2024 using specific exclusion criteria (e.g., study of non-human subjects, focus on skin diseases, or treatments) to identify relevant articles. There did not appear to be any significant publication bias observed across the all phenotypes.

    MAIN BODY: A total of 48 studies were included, revealing 30 loci that were confirmed to be associated with skin ageing by multiple studies (e.g., AFG3L1P: odds ratio 1.133 95% confidence interval [1.044, 1.222]; BPIFA3: 1.859 [1.567, 2.151]; CLPTML1: 1.164 [1.0.99, 1.229]; CPNE7: 0.905 [0.852-0.958]; DEF8: 1.186 [1.042, 1.331]; IRF4: 1.260 [1.025, 1.495]; MYO16: 2.303 [1.697, 2.908]; PRDM16: 1.105 [1.084, 1.127]; RORA: 1.391 [1.206, 1.577]; SPG7: 0.922 [0.897, 0.947]; SPON1: 2.214 [1.204, 3.225]; SPTLC1: 1.464 [1.432, 1.495]; TYR: 1.175 [1.007, 1.343]). The lack of significance for many loci may be due to studies analysing different SNPs within the same locus, weakening the overall associations. Several loci were associated with specific phenotypic categories (e.g., skin colour related, skin cancer related, wrinkling and sagging related), suggesting shared biological pathways are involved in the pathogenesis of different skin ageing phenotypes. This pattern was also observed in several of the loci that do not have a significant overall association with skin ageing.

    CONCLUSION: Despite significant heterogeneity among the included studies and the use of subjective visual methods for phenotype assessment, our review highlights the critical role of fundamental biological processes, such as development and cellular organisation, in skin ageing. Future research that targets the same SNP across multiple populations could strengthen the association of additional loci with skin ageing. Further investigation into these underlying biological processes would significantly advance our understanding of the pathogenesis of skin ageing phenotypes.

    MeSH terms: Humans; Genome-Wide Association Study*
  4. Ng JY, Wong QYA, Lim JJ, Cen D, Wong JYK, Lim YYE, et al.
    J Physiol Anthropol, 2025 Feb 08;44(1):3.
    PMID: 39923103 DOI: 10.1186/s40101-024-00383-2
    BACKGROUND: Skin ageing takes on many different forms. Despite this diversity in skin ageing phenotypes, literature published to date is limited in scope, as many research studies either focus on one single phenotype or just a few specific phenotypes. Presently, phenotypes such as wrinkles, pigment spots, and photo-ageing are receiving most of the research attention. We therefore wonder whether the current discourse on skin ageing places a disproportionate amount of focus on a few selected phenotypes, leaving other skin ageing phenotypes underexplored.

    METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we performed a broad assessment of forty-one signs of skin ageing and characterised the phenotypes that constituted key components of skin ageing. We also explored the interrelationship among forty-one skin ageing phenotypes using Spearman's Correlation and Principal Component Analysis.

    RESULTS: We analysed our study population, which is composed of 3281 ethnic Chinese participants from the Singapore/Malaysia Cross-sectional Genetics Epidemiology Study (SMCGES). The first ten principal components cumulatively explain 46.88% of the variance of skin ageing phenotypes in our study population. We discovered that the commonly discussed forms of skin ageing (i.e., wrinkles, pigmentation, and photo-ageing) only accounted for a small portion (24.39%) of the variance of all skin ageing phenotypes in our study population. Telangiectasia, a poor lip fullness, a lighter skin colour, xerosis, ephelides (freckles), ptosis of eyelids (droopy eyelids), eyebags, and a low eyebrow positioning were other key components of skin ageing, accounting for a further 22.49% of the variance of skin ageing phenotypes in our study population. We found that each of these ten skin ageing phenotypes characterises a key and important aspect of skin ageing. In this broad assessment of skin ageing, we first described the prevalence of forty-one signs of skin ageing and then characterised in detail both the prevalence and severity distribution of ten key skin ageing phenotypes.

    CONCLUSIONS: We presented clear evidence that skin ageing is much more than just wrinkles, pigmentation and photo-ageing. The addition of telangiectasia, poor lip fullness, a lighter skin colour, xerosis, ephelides, ptosis of eyelids, eyebags, and a low eyebrow positioning added more dimensions to skin ageing phenotype presentations.

    MeSH terms: Adult; Aged; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Malaysia/epidemiology; Male; Middle Aged; Phenotype*; Skin/anatomy & histology; Skin Pigmentation/physiology; Principal Component Analysis; Young Adult
  5. Mohd Azam NNSFN, Othman S, Choo YM
    Curr Med Chem, 2025;32(1):87-110.
    PMID: 38818916 DOI: 10.2174/0109298673312727240527064833
    Malaria remains a significant global health threat despite extensive efforts aimed at its eradication. Numerous challenges persist in eliminating the disease, chief among them being the parasite's ability to mutate, resulting in drug resistance. The discovery of antimalarial drugs has relied on both phenotypic and target-based approaches. While phenotypic screening has identified promising candidates, target-based methods offer a more precise approach by leveraging chemically validated targets and computational tools. Analysis of Plasmodium spp . protein structures reveal druggable targets, offering opportunities for in silico screening. Combining compounds from natural and synthetic sources in a target-based approach accelerates the discovery of new antimalarial agents. This review explores previous breakthroughs in antimalarial drug discovery from natural products and synthetic origins, emphasizing their specific target proteins within Plasmodium species.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Humans; Malaria/drug therapy; Drug Discovery*
  6. Akyüz F, An YK, Begun J, Aniwan S, Bui HH, Chan W, et al.
    Intest Res, 2025 Jan;23(1):37-55.
    PMID: 39492666 DOI: 10.5217/ir.2024.00089
    The lack of clear definition and classification for "moderate ulcerative colitis (UC)" creates ambiguity regarding the suitability of step-up versus top-down treatment approaches. In this paper, experts address crucial gaps in assessing and managing moderate UC. The Asia-Pacific, Middle East, and Africa Inflammatory Bowel Disease Coalition comprised 24 experts who convened to share, discuss and vote electronically on management recommendations for moderate UC. Experts emphasized that the goal of treating UC is to attain clinical, biomarker, and endoscopic remission using cost-effective strategies such as 5-aminosalicylates (5-ASAs), well-tolerated therapy that can be optimized to improve outcomes. Experts agreed that 5-ASA therapy could be optimized by maximizing dosage (4 g/day for induction of remission), combining oral and topical administration, extending treatment duration beyond 8 weeks, and enhancing patient adherence through personalized counselling and reduced pill burden. Treatment escalation should ideally be reserved for patients with predictors of aggressive disease or those who do not respond to 5-ASA optimization. Premature treatment escalation to advanced therapies (including biologics and oral small molecules) may have long-term health and financial consequences. This paper provides consensus-based expert recommendations and a treatment algorithm, based on current evidence and practices, to assist decision-making in real-world settings.
  7. Kwan MK, Lee SY, Fam SK, Tan YWE, Ngan CH, Chandirasegaran S, et al.
    Eur Spine J, 2025 Feb;34(2):610-624.
    PMID: 39738872 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-024-08602-1
    PURPOSE: To devise a mathematical model for estimating the intraoperative lowest instrumented vertebra (LIV) tilt angle using preoperative supine left side-bending (LSB) radiographs in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients with Lenke type 1 and 2 (non-AR curves), and to review its clinical and radiological outcomes.

    METHODS: The mathematical model for the adjusted LSB LIV tilt angle (α) measured preoperatively, was expressed as the sum of preoperative LSB LIV tilt angle (x) and LIV displacement angle (y) (α = x + y). This model was validated through inter-rater and intra-rater analysis in Part I of the study. The α angle derived was applied to estimate the intraoperative LIV tilt angle. In part II of the study, clinical and radiological outcomes of 50 Lenke type 1 and 2 (non-AR curves) AIS patients operated using the α angle were reviewed. The difference between the intraoperative LIV tilt angle achieved (β) and the preoperative α angle was determined (∆LIV tilt angle = β-α).

    RESULTS: The α angle had excellent inter-rater and intra-rater intraclass correlation coefficients (0.982; 0.907). 42 patients had positive ∆LIV tilt angles whereas 8 patients had negative ∆LIV tilt angles. The overall incidence of distal adding-on (AO) was 10.0% (n = 5/50). Patients with negative ∆LIV tilt angles had a higher incidence of distal AO (n = 4/8, 50.0%) than patients with positive ∆LIV tilt angles (n = 1/42, 2.4%) (p = 0.001).

    CONCLUSION: Achieving an intraoperative LIV tilt angle (β) greater than or equal to the preoperative α angle derived (β ≥ α) may help avoid the distal AO phenomenon.

    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Child; Female; Humans; Lumbar Vertebrae/surgery; Male; Models, Theoretical; Treatment Outcome
  8. Jamal FN, Dzulkarnain AAA, Basri NA, Rahmat S, Shahrudin FA, Azemin MZC, et al.
    J Audiol Otol, 2025 Jan;29(1):49-56.
    PMID: 39916400 DOI: 10.7874/jao.2024.00353
    BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Auditory sensory gating deficits are abnormalities in patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) that may lead to sensory processing difficulties. It is particularly difficult for children with ASD to distinguish multiple auditory stimuli, which hinders them from focusing on a single auditory stimulus and separating unnecessary sounds. Suppression of otoacoustic emission (OAE) is an approach used to identify sensory gating deficits in the general population, specifically for children with ASD. This study aimed to investigate the suppression effect of various types of sound suppressors to measure their sensory gating capacity in children with ASD. Subjects and.

    METHODS: Twenty children including 10 with ASD and 10 normally developing children aged 6-12 years were recruited for this study. One accessible ear was exposed to transient-evoked OAE, whereas the other was exposed to suppressor tones. Contralateral suppressors included white noise, Quranic recitations, environmental noise, and natural sound. The magnitude of OAE suppression was determined from the difference between the OAE amplitude with and without the masker (in dB sound pressure levels) for all sound types. The sound with the highest suppression effect was determined using effect size calculation and repeated-measures analysis of variance at a 95% confidence level. A high suppression effect may suggest a high sensory gating performance, whereas low suppression may indicate low sensory gating performance.

    RESULTS: Based on the analysis, the sound with the highest suppression effect was that of the waterfall. The suppression results were supported by descriptive analysis findings and effect-size calculations.

    CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a better understanding of the alternative sound stimuli, besides the standard white noise tone, for the assessment of sensory gating deficits among children with ASD. Sounds with a high suppression effect have the potential to be used as sound therapy interventions for children with ASD as part of rehabilitation and therapy.

  9. Kulkarni D, Lee B, Ismail NF, Rahman AE, Spinardi J, Kyaw MH, et al.
    J Glob Health, 2025 Feb 07;15:04032.
    PMID: 39916552 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.15.04032
    BACKGROUND: Our previous systematic review estimated the cumulative incidence of SARS-CoV-2 reinfections as 1.16% (95% CI = 1.01-1.33%) during the pre-Omicron period. The Omicron variant that emerged in November 2021 was significantly genetically distinct from the previous SARS-CoV-2 variants and thus, more transmissible and posed an increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 reinfections in the population. We, therefore, conducted a fresh systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the SARS-CoV-2 reinfection burden during the Omicron period.

    METHODS: We searched CINAHL, Medline, Global Health, Embase, and WHO COVID-19 in October 2023 for studies reporting the SARS-CoV-2 reinfection incidence during the Omicron period. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklists. Random effects meta-analyses were conducted to estimate the incidence, and requirement of hospitalisation of SARS-CoV-2 reinfections. Symptomatic severity of reinfections and case fatality rates were analysed narratively.

    RESULTS: Thirty-six studies were included. The reinfection cumulative incidence during the Omicron period was 3.35% (95% CI = 1.95-5.72%) based on data from 28 studies. The cumulative incidence was higher in 18-59-year-old adults (6.62% (95% CI = 3.22-13.12%)) compared to other age groups and in health care workers (9.88% (95% CI = 5.18-18.03%)) compared to the general population (2.48% (95% CI = 1.34-4.54%)). We estimated about 1.81% (95% CI = 0.18-15.87%) of the reinfected cases required hospitalisation based on limited and highly variable data.

    CONCLUSIONS: There was an increased risk of reinfections during the Omicron period compared to the pre-Omicron period. The incidence was higher in 18-59-year-old adults and health care workers and generally less severe during the Omicron period. However, data were limited on disease severity and long-term outcomes.

    REGISTRATION: PROSPERO: CRD42023482598.

    MeSH terms: Hospitalization/statistics & numerical data; Humans; Risk Factors; Severity of Illness Index*; Incidence
  10. Searle BC, Chazarin B, Collins BC, Kundu DJ, Huang S, Lin Q, et al.
    J Proteome Res, 2025 Feb 07;24(2):381-382.
    PMID: 39916559 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.4c01098
  11. Chan JSW, Lau MS, Muhamad Rosli SH, Mustapha Kamal SK, Wan Seman WNN, Ali NH, et al.
    Ther Adv Chronic Dis, 2025;16:20406223241310206.
    PMID: 39917276 DOI: 10.1177/20406223241310206
    BACKGROUND: With rising obesity rates worldwide, clinical trials focused on identifying effective treatments are increasing. While guidelines exist for pharmaceutical drugs targeting obesity, there are none for herbal medicine clinical trials for anti-obesity. Both industries refer to the same guidelines for clinical trials.

    OBJECTIVES: This scoping review aimed to gather information from herbal medicine anti-obesity randomised controlled trials (RCTs), analyse the methodologies and assess their alignment with international guidelines.

    ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: This review included RCTs of participants of all ages with obesity utilising herbal medicine with any comparators and focusing on various outcome measures.Sources of evidence: Only published journal articles were included.

    CHARTING METHODS: Articles were extracted from MEDLINE, CENTRAL and EMBASE using predetermined keywords. Relevant data, such as the study characteristics, types of herbal interventions and controls, treatment durations, outcome measures and safety monitoring methods were recorded in a table format for comparative analysis.

    RESULTS: We included 99 RCTs that showed participant sample sizes ranging from 8 to 182, ages 18 to 80 years and body mass indexes (BMIs) between 25 and 49.9 kg/m2. Herbal interventions used single herbs (n = 57) and mixtures (n = 42), given for 14 days to 56 weeks. Studies implementing diet modifications include restricted calorie diets (n = 35), food-portion controlled diets (n = 7) and fixed calorie diets (n = 7). Of the 28 studies implementing exercise, most were of moderate intensity (n = 22). All studies collected BMI and weight as primary outcomes. Body fat composition was measured in over 50% of studies using a body analyser (n = 57). Waist, hip and abdominal circumferences were infrequently measured. Radiological tools used include dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (n = 16), computed tomography scans (n = 10) and ultrasound (n = 2). Safety monitoring methods were reported in most studies (n = 76).

    CONCLUSION: In conclusion, almost 50% of the studies adhered to international pharmaceutical clinical trial guidelines, addressing dietary, lifestyle, physical activity and cardiovascular risk factors. Nonetheless, more herbal anti-obesity studies need to consider the assessment of weight maintenance.

  12. Mansor NF, Abdul Halim Zaki I, Kiok LC, Seng EK, Ravi T, Pathmanathan M, et al.
    J Pharm Policy Pract, 2025;18(1):2449044.
    PMID: 39917475 DOI: 10.1080/20523211.2024.2449044
    INTRODUCTION: Thromboembolic (TE) complications in COVID-19 patients are rising globally, contributing significantly to mortality, particularly in severe cases. However, their prevalence, characteristics, and impact on mortality in Malaysia remain unclear.

    OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of thromboembolic (TE) events and associated mortality among COVID-19 patients admitted within a single centre intensive care unit (ICU). The proportions of patients with TE events who died, and factors associated with TE events were explored.

    METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, patients with PCR confirmed SARS-CoV-2 virus and who received thromboprophylaxis within February 2020-2021 were included. TE event is a combination of venous [(deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE)] and arterial (myocardial infarction (MI), stroke) thromboembolism.

    RESULTS: Mean (SD) age 56.6 (13.7), 63.5% were male, 61.6% Malays, median (IQR) 7 (3-14) days of ICU stay, 64.2%, 53.2% and 20.9% had underlying hypertension, diabetes and obesity respectively. In total, 240 (44.9%) developed TE event. Significantly higher proportions of COVID-19 patients who developed complications of DVT (2.5% vs. 0.2%; p = 0.013), PE (47.5% vs 34.0%; p = 0.006), stroke (12.3% vs. 1.5; p<0.001) and MI (16.4% vs. 4.6%; p<0.001) died. Predictors of TE events were age [HR 1.01 (95% CI 1.00-1.02)], obesity [HR 1.98 (95% CI 1.51-2.6)], D-dimer [HR 1.01 (95% CI 1.00-1.01)], and duration of ICU stay [HR 0.98 (95% CI 0.97-0.99)].

    CONCLUSION: In severely ill COVID-19 patients, TE complications were common, and patients with DVT, PE, stroke, or MI faced increased mortality, even with thromboprophylaxis. Age, obesity, elevated D-Dimer levels, and longer ICU stays were significant predictors of TE events. Considering these findings, a more aggressive approach, combining thromboprophylaxis with enhanced anti-inflammatory treatments, may be necessary for high-risk COVID-19 ICU patients to reduce TE events and mortality.

  13. Kumar V, Singh M, Khatib MN, Balaraman AK, Roopashree R, Kaur M, et al.
    Expert Rev Respir Med, 2025 Feb 12.
    PMID: 39917855 DOI: 10.1080/17476348.2025.2464882
    BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like India. This study aims to analyze regional trends and project future burden of COPD in India using data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 1990-2021.

    METHODS: This analysis utilized data from the GBD study to assess age-standardized prevalence (ASPR), incidence (ASIR), disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) (ASDR), and mortality rates (ASMR) for COPD across Indian states. Joinpoint regression was used to analyze temporal trends, while ARIMA models predicted future incidence rates.

    RESULTS: In 2021, the highest ASIR was observed in Rajasthan at 306.28, and the highest ASMR was observed in Uttarakhand at 227.19. Projections suggest that the ASIR for COPD in India will decrease from 265.16 in 2022 to 258.19 by 2031. The heatmap analysis identified states like Uttarakhand and Rajasthan as having the highest DALYs attributable to COPD risk factors, including air pollution and tobacco use.

    CONCLUSION: COPD remains a public health challenge in India, with regional variability. Targeted interventions addressing air pollution, smoking cessation, and improved healthcare access are essential to mitigate the disease's future burden, particularly in high-risk regions.

  14. Qin Y, Huo S, González AM, Guo L, Santos J, Li L
    Curr Pharm Biotechnol, 2025 Feb 04.
    PMID: 39917929 DOI: 10.2174/0113892010325902241120111429
    OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to develop a clinical application model for the rational use of caffeine.

    BACKGROUND: Caffeine is related to the incidence of neuro immune gastrointestinal diseases. Coffee consumption needs to be optimized in order to reduce the incidence rate.

    PURPOSE: By using KEEG analysis to explore potential molecular signaling pathways involved in the progression of neurological immune gastrointestinal diseases, and analyzing the details of this signaling Pathway using molecular simulation results, which can support AI system for doctor.

    METHODS: The research team designed a controlled experiment to analyze the differences in reward and reinforcement of Brain pleasure/addiction and dopamine related signaling pathways function between multiple groups of people with different coffee drinking habits and a blank control group. The study team used molecular dynamics methods to investigate the signaling route that links coffee with the binding of dopamine receptor D3.AI is used to predict the prevalence of gastric reflux disease.

    RESULTS: Human experiments have shown a correlation between caffeine intake and gastroesophageal reflux disease. AI algorithm results can provide clinical support, and molecular simulation results are consistent with human experimental results. Caffeine and DRD3 protein have a stable interaction system.

    CONCLUSION: The research team elucidated the intermolecular interaction between caffeine and DRD3, and AI algorithms can predict the likelihood of disease occurrence, providing a new strategy for clinical practice. This study has passed ethical approval at Chifeng Cancer Hospital, and the ethical documents for this study have been submitted to the World Health Organization for filing.

  15. Mahlangu J, Mancuso ME, Fischer K, Djambas Khayat C, Carvalho M, Karim FA, et al.
    Haemophilia, 2025 Feb 07.
    PMID: 39917944 DOI: 10.1111/hae.15151
    INTRODUCTION: Clinical trials and real-world evidence have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of rVIII-SingleChain in previously treated patients with haemophilia A.

    AIM: To investigate the safety and efficacy of rVIII-SingleChain in previously untreated patients (PUPs).

    METHODS: In an open-label, phase 3, extension study, PUPs with severe haemophilia A (FVIII <1%) received rVIII-SingleChain prophylactically or on-demand. The primary endpoints were incidence of high-titre (HT) inhibitor formation to FVIII, treatment success for major bleeding episodes and annualised spontaneous bleeding rate (AsBR).

    RESULTS: Twenty-four PUPs (median age 1 year [range 0-5]) were treated with rVIII-SingleChain; median time on study was 35.0 months (range 2.4-54.0). Overall, six PUPs developed a HT inhibitor (>5 BU/mL) and six developed a low-titre (LT) inhibitor (≤5 BU/mL). The median number of exposure days at inhibitor development was 10 (interquartile range [IQR] 5.0-14.0). Of 11 inhibitor-positive PUPs (five HT, six LT) who continued rVIII-SingleChain therapy, nine (81.8%; three HT, six LT) achieved inhibitor eradication (<0.6 BU/mL). Median time to eradication was 14.3 weeks (IQR 9.8-53.8). Seventeen treatment-emergent adverse events in 12 PUPs (50.0%) were related to rVIII-SingleChain, mainly inhibitor development (14/17 events). Treatment was successful (haemostatic efficacy rated excellent or good) for 290/315 bleeding events (92.1%). During prophylactic therapy, inhibitor-negative PUPs had a median (IQR) AsBR of 0.52 (0.00-4.99) and annualised bleeding rate of 1.98 (0.77-11.23).

    CONCLUSION: RVIII-SingleChain demonstrated a satisfactory benefit:risk profile in PUPs, with a high treatment success rate and a low AsBR during prophylaxis, and was effective at eradicating inhibitors.

  16. Johnson CD, Green BN, Amorin-Woods LG, Arar I, Burnham KD, Byfield DC, et al.
    JBI Evid Synth, 2025 Feb 07.
    PMID: 39918018 DOI: 10.11124/JBIES-24-00122
    OBJECTIVE: This scoping review aimed to map the volume (number of studies) and nature (topics and designs) of chiropractic education research and scholarly publications on chiropractic learners and programs worldwide.

    INTRODUCTION: Despite the expansion of the chiropractic profession and its recognition by entities such as the World Health Organization, a gap exists in comprehending the international landscape of chiropractic education. No prior studies have systematically mapped the volume and nature of chiropractic education research and scholarly publications. A scoping review of chiropractic education research and scholarly publications is needed to guide future policy development, research agendas, and educational initiatives within the chiropractic profession.

    INCLUSION CRITERIA: Publications in the indexed literature on chiropractic students, graduates, academics, and programs in any chiropractic education setting were included. Studies focused on chiropractic programs and education for chiropractic students or chiropractors worldwide. All research designs, literature reviews, descriptive studies, and commentaries were included.

    METHODS: This scoping review was conducted according to JBI methodology for scoping reviews and was reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). The databases PubMed (NLM), Scopus, CINAHL via EBSCOhost, Index to Chiropractic Literature, Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde, and Educational Resources Information Center were searched from their inception to November 5 and 6, 2023, with no language limits. Data were extracted for primary topics, study designs, and regions of the included documents and entered in Covidence by paired independent reviewers. The findings were organized into figures and tables with a narrative description.

    RESULTS: The search identified 7494 documents. After deduplication, 5041 were screened for relevance, of which 667 were selected for full-text review. From these, 598 were selected for data extraction. The chiropractic education topics included values/ethical competence (n=3), personal/behavioral competence (n=34), knowledge and cognitive competence (n=49), functional and clinical competence (n=93), and program-relevant research (n=419). Most designs were quantitative (n=391), followed by descriptive reports (n=91), qualitative (n=43), mixed methods (n=40), commentaries (n=22), and literature reviews (n=11). Chiropractic education was most studied in the United States (n=359), Australia (n=116), and Canada (n=106).

    CONCLUSIONS: This scoping review reports the volume and nature of indexed publications relating to chiropractic learners and programs worldwide. This body of literature contains learner competencies in knowledge, skills, and attitudes, as well as studies about chiropractic programs. The increasing number of publications and proportion of study designs over time show that chiropractic scholars and programs are engaged in collecting, analyzing, and distributing data relevant to education and training. The map of professional competencies in the chiropractic education literature shows that the profession possesses the fundamental traits needed to contribute to the global health care workforce.

    REVIEW REGISTRATION: Open Science Frameworkhttps://osf.io/9b3ap.

  17. Sihombing CA, Astuti SD, Arifianto D, Yaqubi AK, Zaidan AH, Nurdin DZI, et al.
    Lasers Med Sci, 2025 Feb 07;40(1):76.
    PMID: 39918643 DOI: 10.1007/s10103-025-04321-1
    This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) using a 405 nm laser and two photosensitizers derived from silver nanoparticles, red onion extract, and shallot peel extract, comparing their effectiveness against Candida albicans. Candida albicans causes candidiasis, which requires effective, chemical-free treatment methods. PDT offers promise in this regard. The samples were divided into four groups: B1 (silver nanoparticles from red onion extract at concentrations of 1 mM, 1.5 mM, and 2 mM), A1 and A2 (fungus samples irradiated with a 405 nm laser at varying times and concentrations), and B2 (silver nanoparticles from shallot peel extract at the same concentrations). After each photosensitizer exposure, the fungi were subjected to radiation for 90-180 s. Following incubation, optical density (OD) was measured, and Tukey's Post Hoc Test (p 
    MeSH terms: Humans; Green Chemistry Technology
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