Browse publications by year: 2025

  1. Liu W, Hasikin K, Khairuddin ASM, Liu M, Zhao X
    PeerJ Comput Sci, 2025;11:e2595.
    PMID: 39896034 DOI: 10.7717/peerj-cs.2595
    Temporal knowledge graphs (TKGs) are critical tools for capturing the dynamic nature of facts that evolve over time, making them highly valuable in a broad spectrum of intelligent applications. In the domain of temporal knowledge graph extrapolation reasoning, the prediction of future occurrences is of great significance and presents considerable obstacles. While current models consider the fact changes over time and recognize that historical facts may recur, they often overlook the influence of past events on future predictions. Motivated by these considerations, this work introduces a novel temporal knowledge graph reasoning model, named Temporal Reasoning with Recurrent Encoding and Contrastive Learning (TRCL), which integrates recurrent encoding and contrastive learning techniques. The proposed model has the ability to capture the evolution of historical facts, generating representations of entities and relationships through recurrent encoding. Additionally, TRCL incorporates a global historical matrix to account for repeated historical occurrences and employs contrastive learning to alleviate the interference of historical facts in predicting future events. The TKG reasoning outcomes are subsequently derived through a time decoder. A quantity of experiments conducted on four benchmark datasets demonstrate the exceptional performance of the proposed TRCL model across a range of metrics, surpassing state-of-the-art TKG reasoning models. When compared to the strong baseline Time-Guided Recurrent Graph Network (TiRGN) model, the proposed TRCL achieves 1.03% improvements on ICEWS14 using mean reciprocal rank (MRR) evaluation metric. This innovative proposed method not only enhances the accuracy of TKG extrapolation, but also sets a new standard for robustness in dynamic knowledge graph applications, paving the way for future research and practical applications in predictive intelligence systems.
  2. Tan MKM
    Asian Bioeth Rev, 2025 Jan;17(1):117-128.
    PMID: 39896086 DOI: 10.1007/s41649-024-00313-5
    The dilemmas and uncertainties related to determining mental capacity and surrogate decision-making are universally recognised as one of the most important concepts in the field of clinical ethics. In Malaysia, healthcare practitioners often find both determining decision-making capacity of patients, and identifying surrogate decision makers for incapacitated patients confusing. This paper explores the concepts of decision-making capacity and surrogate decision-making, identifying key components and associated principles such as substituted judgement and best interests. It reviews current provisions and guidances available in Malaysia that are related to these issues, including the Power of Attorney Act 1949 (revised 1990), Mental Health Act 2001, and various guidelines. It then highlights the challenges encountered in the local clinical setting due to the lack of specific legislation and clear guidance. Finally, this paper provides recommendations for improvements to address these issues in order to safeguard both the clinical practice of healthcare professionals and the rights of patients. These recommendations include the establishment of a regulatory framework with four main domains: clear and objective criteria for mental capacity assessment, provisions for advance decision-making while patients still possess mental capacity, a ladder or hierarchy of surrogate decision-makers, and provisions for appropriate surrogate decision-making standards, as well as the need for advocacy and awareness education among both the general public and healthcare professionals.
  3. Omar Z, Otaka Y, Saitoh E
    Fujita Med J, 2025 Feb;11(1):1-10.
    PMID: 39896224 DOI: 10.20407/fmj.2023-019
    OBJECTIVES: We aimed to design and implement a community-based rehabilitation (CBR) curriculum to promote community engagement by multidisciplinary teams.

    METHODS: Participants in this prospective interventional study at a rehabilitation institution for people aging with disabilities included learners, the chief executive officer of the institution, program auditors, and community members. A customized CBR curriculum was developed using systems thinking design. Thirty-five learners were trained through 36 instructional contact hours and 60 hours of guided self-directed learning. Learners completed pre-training self-reported questionnaires regarding knowledge and experience of CBR. During training, learners were evaluated continuously through observation, assignments, self-reported feedback questionnaires, and CBR projects. The chief executive officer was interviewed during the study. The program auditors were interviewed and wrote reports on the curriculum and observations regarding the CBR projects. Learners reported on community participation in these projects.

    RESULTS: Thirty-three of 35 learners completed the program, 31 (94%) of whom had no prior knowledge of CBR. Learners implemented nine community engagement CBR projects, in which 1,293 community members participated. The auditors commended the curriculum content and its positive impact on learners and the community. The chief executive officer implemented inclusive community engagement at work. A CBR curriculum was dynamically developed for multidisciplinary rehabilitation team training to promote community engagement.

    CONCLUSIONS: The custom-designed CBR curriculum enabled multidisciplinary teams to practice community engagement at work. Equipped with CBR knowledge and skills, teams engaged with multiple sectors of the community to enhance patients' rehabilitation potential and increase public awareness through the implemented projects.

  4. McBenedict B, Hauwanga WN, Nezam U, Ko Oo A, Eapi S, Pradhan S, et al.
    Cureus, 2025 Jan;17(1):e76717.
    PMID: 39897290 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.76717
    Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis type 8 (ALS8) is a rare familial subtype of ALS caused by mutations in the vesicle-associated membrane protein-associated protein B (VAPB) gene, particularly the p.P56S mutation. It is distinguished by slower disease progression and an earlier onset compared to sporadic ALS forms, along with unique clinical features such as severe cramping, fasciculations, postural tremors, and cognitive and behavioral impairments. Although current pharmacological options, such as riluzole, edaravone, and sodium phenylbutyrate/taurursodiol, provide modest benefits, they fail to address the underlying genetic mechanisms of ALS8. Emerging gene therapies, RNA-based interventions, and stem cell approaches hold promise for precision-targeted treatments but face challenges in clinical application. Symptom management strategies, including respiratory, nutritional, and psychological support, are crucial for improving patient outcomes and quality of life. Despite significant progress in understanding the genetic and molecular pathogenesis of ALS8, its rarity, phenotypic variability, and limited clinical data pose challenges to therapeutic advancements. This narrative review highlights current therapeutic strategies, the unique clinical trajectory of ALS8, and potential pathways for innovative, subtype-specific interventions, emphasizing the need for multidisciplinary and targeted approaches to optimize care for this distinct ALS subtype.
  5. Nasuruddin H, Omar MS, Che Ahmad A, Bahaudin N, Ahmad Ismani MS
    Cureus, 2025 Jan;17(1):e76725.
    PMID: 39897327 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.76725
    This prospective study aimed to assess the effect of gradual increment of vector traction weight on reducing displaced acetabular fractures preoperatively. Conducted at Hospital Tuanku Jaafar, Seremban, Malaysia, between June 2016 and December 2017, 21 patients with displaced acetabular fractures were included. Traction was applied using supracondylar and lateral methods, with reduction assessed by serial radiographs. Displacement was defined as greater than 2 cm in both iliopectineal and ilioischial lines. The majority of patients were male with 23 (82.1%) patients and 21 of them (75.0%) having fractures caused by road traffic accidents. Fracture reduction was achieved in 18 cases, with traction weight ranging from 5% to 33.33% of body weight. Traction applied within seven days of trauma significantly improved fracture reduction (p = 0.025). Complications, including pain and pin-tract infection, occurred in 17.9% of cases, but traction weight and duration did not significantly affect complications. The study concludes that vector traction of approximately 20% body weight effectively reduces displaced acetabular fractures preoperatively.
  6. Srivastava KC, Saini RS, Lin GSS, Heboyan A, Shrivastava D
    Health Sci Rep, 2025 Feb;8(2):e70403.
    PMID: 39897464 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.70403
    BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Oral Lichen Planus (OLP) is a common chronic inflammatory autoimmune illness that mostly affects the oral mucosa but may also affect other mucous membrane. It has higher prevalence in female patients of fourth to sixth decade of life with reticular being the commonest clinical variant. Clinical assessment, patient history, biopsy findings, and immunofluorescence were used to diagnose OLP. This study aimed to assess research publication trends in therapeutic strategies in the treatment of OLP, examining publication growth, country and institution contributions, and collaborative networks.

    METHODS: Using the Dimensions and Lens.org databases with Boolean operators combined the keywords a total of 40,046 peer-reviewed international publications were initially assessed. The article was selected from 2014 to December 2023. Through rigorous application of inclusion and exclusion criteria using an advanced search, a subset of 134 papers emerged to meet the high relevance standards. This subset, constituting a representative sample, was selected for in-depth bibliometric analysis.

    RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The result shows a clear upward trend in the number of publications, with a notable increase in 2018. After 2018, there is decrease in the number of publications, but it has an upward trend, reaching a peak of 215 in 2022. Chaitanya Nallan CSK leads the list of authors with four publications and a respectable total citation count of 12. Cairo University is the leading institution in this data set, with the 8 number of publications and 11 citations. The analysis revealed that at the top of the list is the "Egyptian Dental Journal" from Egypt, with six publications, four citations, and a link strength of two. In the second position is "BMC Oral Health" from the United Kingdom, with five publications, one citation, and a link strength of three. This study offers valuable insights for future research, clinical practice, and policy decisions.

  7. Ahmed SZ, Khan AS, Alshehri M, Alsebaa F, Almutawah F, Mohammed Aljeshi M, et al.
    PeerJ, 2025;13:e18831.
    PMID: 39897486 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.18831
    BACKGROUND: Teeth with small to moderate cavities can be repaired with enamel resin infiltrants, a form of dental restorative material. In dental materials, it is standard practice to include several filler particles for experimental use in dental resin infiltrates. The resin's BG particles penetrate the lesion and release ions that combine with saliva to provide a mineral-rich environment that can strengthen enamel and heal. This study aimed to compare resin infiltrants based on three types of bioactive glass materials and investigate the penetration depth, microleakage, and the effect of thermal and chemical aging.

    METHODOLOGY: A triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) and urethane dimethacrylate (UDMA)-based experimental resin infiltrate was prepared. Initial mixing was done manually for 1 h at room temperature, followed by another mix for 30 min on a magnetic stirrer. This prepared resin, called "PURE RESIN" was then further incorporated with three different types of bioactive glasses, i.e., Bioglass (45S5), boron-substituted (B-BG), and fluoride-substituted (F-BG). Initial manual mixing for 1 h, followed by ultrasonic mixing for 3 min and then proceeded for the final mixing on a magnetic stirrer for 24 h in a dark room at ambient temperature. Human-extracted teeth were demineralized, and the experimental resins were infiltrated on the demineralized surface. The surface area, pore size, and volume of the demineralized surface were measured. The microleakage and penetration depth were analyzed with the stereomicroscope and micro-CT, respectively. The samples were challenged with the pH cycle for 14 days, followed by a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Thermocycling (5,000 cycles) and chemical aging (4 weeks) were conducted, followed by microhardness, surface roughness, and SEM analyses. Statistical analyses were conducted after each test.

    RESULTS: The F-BG group achieved the highest initial and day 14 penetration coefficients. There was a superior dye penetration with the microleakage analysis in the F-BG group. The 45S5 group had the highest average penetration depth via micro-CT analysis. After thermocycling and chemical aging, the micro-hardness was reduced (non-significantly) among all samples except the F-BG group in post-chemical aging analysis, whereas the surface roughness was significantly increased. SEM images showed the presence of micro-pits on the surfaces after the thermal and chemical aging.

    CONCLUSION: The F-BG group achieved the highest initial and day 14 penetration coefficients. There was a superior dye penetration with the microleakage analysis in the F-BG group. The 45S5 group had the highest average penetration depth via micro-CT analysis. After thermocycling and chemical aging, the micro-hardness was reduced (non-significantly) among all samples except the F-BG group in post-chemical aging analysis, whereas the surface roughness was significantly increased. SEM images showed the presence of micro-pits on the surfaces after the thermal and chemical aging.

    MeSH terms: Composite Resins/chemistry; Dental Leakage; Dental Materials/chemistry; Humans; Materials Testing; Methacrylates/chemistry; Polymethacrylic Acids/chemistry; Surface Properties; Temperature; X-Ray Microtomography; In Vitro Techniques
  8. Yusoff NA, Abd Hamid Z, Budin SB, Taib IS
    PeerJ, 2025;13:e18854.
    PMID: 39897489 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.18854
    Stem cells are special cells with the distinctive capability to self-renew, forming a new pool of undifferentiated stem cells. They are also able to differentiate into lineage-specific cell types that are specialized and matured. Thus, stem cells are considered as the building blocks of tissues and organs in which they reside. Among the many types of stem cells, hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are the most studied adult stem cells and are considered as a promising source of cells for applications in the clinical and basic sciences. Historically, research on HSCs was initiated in the 1940s, where in a groundbreaking experiment, intravenously injected bone marrow (BM) cells prevented the death of irradiated mice by restoring blood cell production. Since then, HSCs have been studied and utilized in medical therapies and research for over several decades. Over time, more sophisticated tools have been developed to evaluate the behaviour of specifically purified subsets of hematopoietic cells that have the capacity to produce blood cells. One of the established tools is the colony-forming units (CFUs) assay. This assay facilitates the identification, enumeration, and analysis of colonies formed by differentiated hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) from myeloid, erythroid and lymphoid lineages. Hence, the CFUs assay is a fundamental in vitro platform that allows functional studies on the lineage potential of an individual HSPCs. The outcomes of such studies are crucial in providing critical insights into hematopoiesis. In this review, we explore the fundamental discoveries concerning the CFUs assay by covering the following aspects: (i) the historical overview of the CFUs assay for the study of clonal hematopoiesis involving multilineage potential of HSPCs, (ii) its use in various experimental models comprising humans, mice/rodents, zebrafish and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and (iii) research gaps and future direction concerning the role of CFUs assay in clinical and basic sciences. Overall, the CFUs assay confers a transformative platform for a better understanding of HSPCs biology in governing hematopoiesis.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Cell Differentiation; Colony-Forming Units Assay*; Humans; History, 20th Century; History, 21st Century; Mice
  9. Zamri HF, Mohd Ali MR, Sha'ari AII, Mohd Mazalan NH, Ahmad N, Nor Amdan NA, et al.
    MethodsX, 2025 Jun;14:103167.
    PMID: 39897649 DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2025.103167
    Non-clinical pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PKPD) models are crucial in the initial design of drug-dosage regimens and in drug development but has rarely been employed for testing high-risk organisms due to stringent handling procedures. Burkholderia pseudomallei is classified as a Tier 1 select agent with international guidelines recommending this organism to be handled within a biosafety level 3 (BSL3) facility. Unfortunately, BSL3 facilities are not widely available in low-resource settings. This paper describes a detailed guide for setting up an in vitro pharmacodynamic infection model specific for testing B. pseudomallei outside BSL 3 laboratory. Briefly in this study,•All procedures involving active handling of live B. pseudomallei cultures were performed strictly inside a class II BSC in BSL-2 plus negative airflow laboratory.•The model was set to simulate B. pseudomallei-bacteremia treated with ceftazidime, a 1st-line anti-melioidosis drug with an approximate 2-hour half-life. Model validation was performed by simulating ceftazidime half-life.•For the pharmacodynamic study, ceftazidime was given as bolus injections at 8-hour intervals into the central culture chamber containing actively growing B. pseudomallei.
  10. Wei LS, Tahiluddin AB, Wee W
    Heliyon, 2025 Jan 30;11(2):e41914.
    PMID: 39897801 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2025.e41914
    Ginger (Zingiber officinale) has emerged as a promising feed additive in aquaculture due to its reported benefits for fish health and growth. Possessing a range of bioactive compounds, ginger exhibits antimicrobial, anti-parasite, immunostimulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and growth-promoting properties. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent research on dietary ginger and its derivatives for fish. It explores the various forms, bioactive compounds, biological activities, and preparation methods of these feed additives. The discussion focuses on the impacts of dietary ginger and its derivatives on growth performance, flesh quality, hematology profile, antioxidative responses, immune system, and disease resistance stimulation in fish. Additionally, the review examines the mechanisms of action of these additives and explores the optimal supplementation levels for inclusion in fish diets. Previous studies reported the optimal doses of dietary ginger and its derivatives were ranged from 0.0002 to 4 % of diet whereas 0.0004 % for bathing treatment. Bioactive compounds such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, zingerone, gingerols, shogaols, and paradols were responsible to the ginger and its derivatives beneficial effects. Overall, the findings suggest that dietary ginger and its derivatives hold significant promise for enhancing growth and health in fish farming.
  11. Li D, Noordin N, Ismail L, Cao D
    Heliyon, 2025 Jan 30;11(2):e42016.
    PMID: 39897805 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2025.e42016
    This systematic review provides a comprehensive analysis of corpus-based instruction (CBI) in English as a foreign language (EFL) classroom. Corpus-based instruction is a teaching method based on actual data from natural language use, representing an important branch of corpus research. It serves as an auxiliary tool for foreign language teaching and is considered an effective instructional method. The researchers aim to thoroughly analyze the empirical studies on corpus-based instruction (CBI) in EFL classrooms, exploring research contexts, theoretical foundations, types of classroom activities, research methods, corpus tools, influencing factors, and the advantages and challenges of implementing CBI. It also proposes effective coping strategies. Following the PRISMA guidelines, the research team conducted an extensive search across four reputable databases-ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, Wiley online Library, and the Web of Science-to identify empirical studies on Data-Driven Learning (DDL) and the use of corpora in language learning contexts from 2011 to 2024. A total of forty-four studies met the inclusion criteria for the final review. This systematic review underscores CBI's effectiveness in developing various English skills and promoting learner autonomy but also identifies key challenges, such as its focus on higher-level learners, the complexity of corpus use, and instructional limitations. The review suggests solutions like comprehensive training, simplified resources and tasks, personalized learning paths, and increased resource allocation. These strategies aim to enhance the effectiveness of CBI in EFL classrooms and improve language learning outcomes.
  12. Ramli FF, Rejeki PS, Ibrahim N', Abdullayeva G, Halim S
    Int J Med Sci, 2025;22(3):482-507.
    PMID: 39898237 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.99159
    Persistent methamphetamine use causes many toxic effects in various organs, including the brain, heart, liver, kidney and eyes. The extent of its toxicity depends on numerous pharmacological factors, including route of administration, dose, genetic polymorphism related to drug metabolism and polysubstance abuse. Several molecular pathways have been proposed to activate oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis: B-cell lymphoma protein 2 (Bcl-2)-associated X (Bax)/Bcl2/caspase-3, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)/p70S6K, trace amine-associated receptor 1 (TAAR1)/cAMP/lysyl oxidase, Sigmar1/ cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB)/mitochondrial fission-1 protein (Fis1), NADPH-Oxidase-2 (NOX-2), renal autophagy pathway, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)/phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/ protein kinase B (Akt)/endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), Nupr1/Chop/P53/PUMA/Beclin1 and Toll-like receptor (TLR)4/MyD88/TRAF6 pathways. The activation promotes pathological changes, including the disruption of the blood-brain barrier, myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathy, acute liver failure, acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, keratitis, retinopathy and vision loss. This review revisits the pharmacological profiles of methamphetamine and its effects on the brain, heart, liver, eyes, kidneys and endothelium. Understanding the mechanisms of methamphetamine toxicity is essential in developing treatment strategies to reverse or attenuate the progress of methamphetamine-associated organ damage.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Brain/drug effects; Brain/metabolism; Brain/pathology; Humans; Kidney/drug effects; Kidney/metabolism; Kidney/pathology; Liver/drug effects; Liver/metabolism; Liver/pathology; Signal Transduction/drug effects; Apoptosis/drug effects
  13. Yee MM, Chin KY, Ima-Nirwana S, Alias E, Chua KH, Wong SK
    Int J Med Sci, 2025;22(3):585-603.
    PMID: 39898246 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.103445
    Background: Carotene exists naturally in a complex mixture consisting of alpha (α), beta (β), and gamma (γ)-isoforms. Previous studies investigated the effects of individual carotene isomers on bone rather than their actions in a mixture. Purpose: This study explored the bone-protective properties of palm carotene mixture using both two- and three-dimensional co-culture systems. Study design: The viability of human foetal osteoblasts (hFOB 1.19), viability of human monocytic cell line (THP-1), osteoblast differentiation, osteoclast maturation, bone quality and strength were assessed in two- and three-dimensional co-culture system after treatment of palm carotene mixture. Methods: The viability of hFOB 1.19 and THP-1 was determined on day 1, 3, and 6 following treatment of palm carotene mixture. The osteoblast-osteoclast co-culture (ratio of hFOB 1.19 to THP-1 = 2:1) was treated with palm carotene mixture as well as subjected to alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining on day 21 to assess the osteoblast proliferation and osteoclast maturation. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, micro-computed tomography, universal testing machine, and bone histomorphometry were used to assess the bone parameters of scaffolds co-cultured with osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Results: Palm carotene mixture (3.13 - 50 μg/mL) increased osteoblast viability. Monocyte viability decreased in lower concentration (3.13 - 12.5 μg/mL) but increased in higher concentration (25 - 50 μg/mL) of palm carotene mixture. Treatment with palm carotene mixture (12.5 µg/mL) demonstrated earlier peak for the ALP-positive area on day 14 but decreased total number of TRAP-positive multinucleated cells on day 21. Palm carotene mixture also increased bone volume and osteoblast number in the three-dimensional co-culture system. Conclusion: Palm carotene mixture potentially exhibits beneficial effects on bone by accelerating osteoblast proliferation and suppressing osteoclast maturation. The findings of current study serve as the basis for the further validation through animal experiments and human trials.
    MeSH terms: Bone and Bones/cytology; Bone and Bones/drug effects; Cell Survival/drug effects; Humans; Osteogenesis/drug effects; Coculture Techniques*; Arecaceae/chemistry; Cell Proliferation/drug effects
  14. Roberts JA, Sime FB, Lipman J, Hernández-Mitre MP, Baptista JP, Brüggemann RJ, et al.
    Intensive Care Med, 2025 Feb 03.
    PMID: 39899034 DOI: 10.1007/s00134-025-07793-5
    PURPOSE: Appropriate antifungal therapy is a major determinant of survival in critically ill patients with invasive fungal disease. We sought to describe whether contemporary dosing of antifungals achieves therapeutic exposures in critically ill patients.

    METHODS: In a prospective, open-label, multicenter pharmacokinetic study, intensive care unit (ICU) patients prescribed azoles, echinocandins, or polyene antifungals for treatment or prophylaxis of invasive fungal disease were enrolled. Blood samples were collected on two occasions, with three samples taken during a single dosing interval on each occasion. Total concentrations were centrally measured using validated chromatographic methods. Pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated using noncompartmental methods. Antifungal dosing adequacy was assessed using predefined PK/PD targets.

    RESULTS: We included 339 patients from 30 ICUs across 12 countries. Median age 62 (interquartile range [IQR], 51-70) years, median APACHE II score 22 (IQR, 17-28), and 61% males. Antifungal therapy was primarily prescribed for treatment (80.8%). Fluconazole was the most frequently prescribed antifungal (40.7%). The most common indication for treatment was intra-abdominal infection (30.7%). Fungi were identified in 45% of patients, of which only 26% had a minimum inhibitory concentration available. Target attainment was higher for patients receiving prophylaxis (> 80% for most drugs). For patients receiving treatment, low target attainment was noted for voriconazole (57.1%), posaconazole (63.2%), micafungin (64.1%) and amphotericin B (41.7%).

    CONCLUSION: This study highlights the varying degrees of target attainment across antifungal agents in critically ill patients. While a significant proportion of patients achieved the predefined PK/PD targets, wide variability and subtherapeutic exposures persist.

    TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03136926, 2017-04-21.

  15. Al-Towayti FAH, Teh HM, Ma Z, Jae IA, Syamsir A
    PLoS One, 2025;20(2):e0313955.
    PMID: 39899504 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0313955
    Mangrove ecosystems and other coastal protection structures are essential barriers protecting coastal populations from the damaging effects of wave energy and increasing sea levels. This study uses a semicircular breakwater (SBW) model in an effort to develop coastal protection measures. The hydrodynamic characteristics of the SBW under random wave conditions, including the transmission coefficient, reflection coefficient, and energy loss coefficient, were thoroughly investigated using physical model experimentation. The main objectives encompass understanding the behavior of the SBW model, developing empirical equations to estimate hydraulic characteristics, and enhancing coastal protection structures to facilitate the preservation and expansion of mangrove ecosystems. Hydrodynamic features of the SBW model were assessed across a spectrum of wave conditions. Experimental testing in a wave flume encompassed a range of relative water depths (d/h), including d/h = 0.667 for an emerged SBW, d/h = 1.000 for an alternatively submerged SBW, and fully submerged conditions for d/h = 1.333 and 1.667. Wave steepness (Hi/L) varied from 0.02 to 0.06, and wave periods ranged from 0.8 to 2.5 seconds. Notably, analysis of an emerged SBW with d/h = 0.667 revealed superior wave attenuation compared to d/h = 1.000, 1.333, and 1.667 configurations.
    MeSH terms: Models, Theoretical; Water Movements; Ecosystem; Hydrodynamics*
  16. Hamza MN, Tariqul Islam M, Lavadiya S, Ud Din I, Sanches B, Koziel S, et al.
    PLoS One, 2025;20(2):e0311431.
    PMID: 39899558 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0311431
    Cervical cancer belongs to the most dangerous types of cancers posing considerable threat to women's survival. It is most often diagnosed in the advanced stages as precancerous lesions are often symptom-free and difficult to identify. Microwave imaging, especially in terahertz (THz) range, is a convenient and noninvasive cancer detection tool. It enables characterization of biological tissues and discrimination between healthy and malignant ones. This study presents a novel triple-band biosensor based on metamaterials (MTMs). By leveraging unique properties of MTMs, the proposed biosensor operates as a perfect absorber. It exploits resonant modes in the THz spectrum to achieve remarkable sensitivity. Meticulous selection of the sensor geometry and dimensions enables efficient miniaturization. Meanwhile, utilization of frequency-domain data to detect refractive index changes improves resolution of cancerous tissue identification. Extensive numerical investigations corroborate its ability to carry out reliable early-stage cervical cancer diagnosis. This includes identification of the spatial extent of the malignant tissue. Excellent electrical properties of the sensor are accompanied by its compact size, which is highly desirable for non-invasive and portable applications.
    MeSH terms: Female; Humans
  17. Mohd Hardy Abdullah NA, Dom NC, Pradhan B, Salleh SA, Dapari R
    PLoS One, 2025;20(2):e0316564.
    PMID: 39899560 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0316564
    INTRODUCTION: Dengue continues to be a major public health concern in Malaysia, as evidenced by the significant surge in cumulative dengue case numbers and deaths in 2023 compared to the previous year. While previous studies have explored the interplay of abiotic and biotic factors of mosquito density and dengue cases on a local scale in Malaysia, there is a notable gap in the research focusing on adult Aedes mosquito populations.

    AIMS: This study aims to contribute to the existing knowledge by investigating the association and time lags (TLs) between daily microclimate (DM), mosquito indices (MIs), and dengue cases at the residence level.

    METHODS: In this longitudinal study, field data were collected over 26 weeks using data loggers, gravid oviposit sticky (GOS) traps, and non-structural 1 (NS1) test kits in both non-dengue hotspot (NDH) and dengue hotspots (DH). The collected data encompassed DM variables, vegetation cover (VC), MIs, and number of dengue cases. An autocorrelation analysis was conducted to determine the TLs between MIs and their preceding values, while a cross-correlation analysis revealed the TLs between MIs and DM variables.

    RESULTS: The study indicated there are positive correlations between the adult index (AI) of Ae. albopictus, their preceding values and rainfall at an NDH. Conversely, the AIs of total Aedes at the DH exhibited positive correlations with their preceding values, temperature, rainfall, and maximum relative humidity (RH), but negative correlations with the mean and maximum RH. The dengue-positive trap index (DPTI) of total Aedes at DHs demonstrated positive associations with their preceding values, mean temperature, minimum temperature, maximum RH, and rainfall, with negative correlations observed for the maximum temperature, mean RH, and minimum RH. Similar trends were identified for the Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus at DHs. The association between dengue cases, DM, and MIs was inconclusive due to underreported cases.

    CONCLUSIONS: This study highlighted the DM and TLs of dengue virus-infected and non-infected adult female Aedes mosquitoes using onsite data collection. Furthermore, this study presents a replicable methodology that can be adopted by researchers worldwide for investigating the dynamics of dengue transmission in similar settings. The findings offer valuable insights for decision-makers, providing them with evidence-based information to implement targeted interventions and strategies aimed at controlling Aedes mosquito populations and mitigating the spread of dengue virus infections.

    MeSH terms: Animals; Dengue Virus; Female; Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Malaysia/epidemiology; Microclimate*; Population Density; Temperature
  18. Zafar R, Rehman IU, Shah Y, Ming LC, Goh KW, Suleiman AK, et al.
    PLoS One, 2025;20(2):e0317734.
    PMID: 39899613 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0317734
    INTRODUCTION: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients suffer from different comorbid conditions and are prone toward drug-related problems (DRPs) which affect their clinical parameters as well as quality of life (QoL). This study was aimed to evaluate the impact of clinical pharmacist-led interventions on the mean number of DRPs and the mean QoL score difference per patient DRPs in CKD patients.

    METHOD: An open-labeled, randomized control trial performed from April 2023 to July 2023 in the nephrology unit of a tertiary care setting in Peshawar Pakistan. Those patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomized into two groups 1:1, i.e., control and intervention group. Clinical pharmacists identified the DRPs at baseline using Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe (PCNE) 9.1 guidelines. The QoL of patients were assessed at baseline and endpoint by using the Functional Assessment of Non-Life-Threatening Conditions (FANLTC) questionnaire.

    RESULTS: A total of 100 patients were recruited having 50 in each group. The pharmacist identified a total of n = 230 DRPs in the intervention group, majority of the DRPs were attributed to inappropriate drug selection according to guidelines/formulary"; "inappropriate combinations of drugs or with herbal medications or dietary supplements"; and situations where "too many different drugs or active ingredients were prescribed". There was 46.52% reduction in the DRPs while comparing baseline and endpoint interventions suggested by pharmacist in the intervention group. The clinical pharmacist provided interventions in order to resolve the DRPs, and 37.40% interventions were accepted and fully implemented; 31.30% of the interventions were accepted and partially implemented. The clinical pharmacist identification and proposed intervention for DRPs contributed to a statistically significant improvement in QoL, from mean ±  SD scored 58.64 ±  9.10 at the baseline to 74.48 ± 10.11 at the endpoint, with a p-value of

    MeSH terms: Adult; Aged; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Pakistan; Pharmacists*; Quality of Life*; Surveys and Questionnaires
  19. Xiao Q, Wang C
    PLoS One, 2025;20(2):e0318070.
    PMID: 39899639 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0318070
    Electrocardiogram (ECG) signals are crucial in diagnosing cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). While wavelet-based feature extraction has demonstrated effectiveness in deep learning (DL)-based ECG diagnosis, selecting the optimal wavelet base poses a significant challenge, as it directly influences feature quality and diagnostic accuracy. Traditional methods typically rely on fixed wavelet bases chosen heuristically or through trial-and-error, which can fail to cover the distinct characteristics of individual ECG signals, leading to suboptimal performance. To address this limitation, we propose a reinforcement learning-based wavelet base selection (RLWBS) framework that dynamically customizes the wavelet base for each ECG signal. In this framework, a reinforcement learning (RL) agent iteratively optimizes its wavelet base selection (WBS) strategy based on successive feedback of classification performance, aiming to achieve progressively optimized feature extraction. Experiments conducted on the clinically collected PTB-XL dataset for ECG abnormality classification show that the proposed RLWBS framework could obtain more detailed time-frequency representation of ECG signals, yielding enhanced diagnostic performance compared to traditional WBS approaches.
    MeSH terms: Algorithms; Cardiovascular Diseases/diagnosis; Humans; Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted; Wavelet Analysis*
  20. Sta Maria CC, Wu PH, Pratama Hasibuan D, Sinta Saragih C, Giap H, Nguyen DH, et al.
    ACS Appl Mater Interfaces, 2025 Feb 12;17(6):9514-9522.
    PMID: 39899891 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c17178
    Among Group III-A metal monochalcogenides, gallium telluride (GaTe) is one of the less studied materials in terms of applications and optical characterization. For the temperature dependence of the energy transitions in GaTe, photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy is commonly used, and photomodulated reflectance (PR) is yet to be reported. In this work, layered monoclinic GaTe single crystals were synthesized by the Bridgman technique and used for the investigation of the conduction band (CB) edge and free-exciton (FX) state transitions using PR spectroscopy. Both energy transitions (i.e., absorption and emission) were present at room temperature at 1.656 and 1.647 eV for the CB edge transition (≡Eg) and for the FX state transition, respectively, and show a blueshift at cryogenic temperatures that can be fitted with Varshni's equation. The estimated E(0) is 1.794 eV for Eg and 1.776 eV for the FX transitions at 0 K. The energy of the FX state transition is ∼18 meV lower than that of the band gap (Eg) at 0 K. PL spectroscopy confirms that the PL emission is only the FX state transition that is lower than Eg. The temperature-induced band-gap shifting is related to performing temperature-dependent photodetector experiments using various incident light wavelengths. At 80 K, the responsivity of the single-crystal GaTe photodetector to the energies of wavelengths (735 and 845 nm) smaller than Eg is relatively smaller than that to 630 nm incident light. This indicates that the low-temperature band-gap shift plays a role in applications of GaTe in optoelectronics.
External Links