METHODS: Molecular docking studies were performed to predict the binding affinity of Cinnamomum zeylanicum compounds to MMP-8 and MMP-9. Diabetic wound healing was evaluated using in vivo models where wounds were induced and treated with Cinnamomum zeylanicum extract. Various parameters were measured, including wound contraction, hydroxyproline content, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Biochemical analyses included glucose levels, fasting blood glucose (FBG), oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and histomorphological examination of skin tissues.
RESULTS: Molecular docking results indicated a high binding affinity of Cinnamomum zeylanicum's bioactive compounds with MMP-8 and MMP-9, suggesting potential inhibition. Experimental validation showed significant improvement in wound contraction and increased hydroxyproline content, indicating enhanced collagen synthesis. Antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, GPx, CAT) were significantly elevated, while MDA levels were reduced, reflecting decreased oxidative stress. Biochemical analysis demonstrated improved glucose homeostasis with reduced FBG and enhanced OGTT responses. Histomorphological studies revealed improved tissue architecture and re-epithelialization in treated wounds.
CONCLUSION: Cinnamomum zeylanicum exhibits promising potential in diabetic wound healing by modulating MMP-8 and MMP-9 activities, enhancing antioxidant defenses, and improving glucose regulation. These findings support its therapeutic application for diabetic wounds, providing a foundation for further clinical investigations.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a government health clinic in the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur from 1 July to 30 September 2019. We recruited 723 patients with diabetes using systematic random sampling. A validated self-administered questionnaire was used to evaluate patients' intention to use DSMAs and its associated factors were determined via multiple logistic regression.
RESULTS: Among 719/723 patients with diabetes included in the analysis, 49.9% intended to use DSMAs. Those who had a household income of >RM 6000 (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 10.652, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.709-66.398, P<0.011), agreed (AOR=8.959, 95% CI=3.327- 24.128, P<0.001) or neutrally agreed (A0R=3.403, 95% CI= 1.188-9.749, P=0.023) with the perceived usefulness of DSMAs, did not have resistance to change (A0R=2.458, 95% CI= 1.2934.672, P=0.006) and had a facilitating condition (A0R=9.454, 95% CI=2.718-32.881, P<0.001) had higher odds of intending to use DSMAs than their counterparts.
CONCLUSION: Nearly half of patients with diabetes intend to use DSMAs, indicating the potential of DSMAs as alternative tools for assisting in diabetes self-management. Education focusing on the usefulness of DSMAs and exploring facilitating conditions with patients can help increase the intention of patients to use DSMAs.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the outpatient department of the Urban Primary Health Centre-81 among 106 adults recruited via consecutive sampling. Face-to-face interviews were conducted using a predesigned, pretested and structured schedule. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 25.0. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed to interpret the data.
RESULTS: Among the participants, 45.3% were consuming tobacco, while only 6% were consuming alcohol following the diagnosis of NCDs. The majority (81%) undertook brisk walking, and 37% reported additional salt intake with meals. The overall perceived QoL was poor in 54.7% of the participants. The participants aged 41-60 years and the male participants had lower odds of having a poor QoL than their counterparts.
CONCLUSION: More than half of adults with NCDs report a poor QoL. Extensive interventions are needed to raise awareness in the community regarding the potential benefits of lifestyle modifications following the diagnosis of any NCD and thereby improve the QoL of patients.
METHODS: During phase 1 of the study, a valid and reliable tool was developed to assess physical activity advice delivered by primary care physicians. Phase 2 was a cross-sectional study conducted at 12 primary care clinics using an online questionnaire assessing sociodemographic characteristics, physical activity level (Global Physical Activity Questionnaire) and physical activity advice delivered. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify the factors associated with specific physical activity advice delivered.
RESULTS: More than half of the primary care physicians (53.7%) were physically inactive. Most (79.3%) delivered specific physical activity advice to their patients. The primary care physicians who were women (odds ratio [OR]=4.54, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.78, 11.56), possessed postgraduate qualifications (OR=6.72, 95% CI=1.48, 30.51), received formal training in physical activity advice (OR=2.79, 95% CI=1.01, 7.79) and were physically active (OR=2.67, 95% CI=1.17, 6.10) were more likely to deliver specific physical activity advice.
CONCLUSION: Primary care physicians should be encouraged to pursue postgraduate studies, be given training in how to deliver physical activity advice and be physically active to be able to deliver specific physical activity advice to patients seen in NCD clinics.
METHODS: This scoping review followed the PRISMA-ScR guidelines and utilised several databases including PubMed, ScienceDirect, ProQuest, Scopus and Web of Science. The search focused on articles published from January 2012 to July 2024. Eligible articles were examined to identify the forms of health coaching, the backgrounds and roles of health coaches and the outcomes of health coaching.
RESULTS: An initial search yielded 963 articles, of which 16 were selected for the review. Most studies (n=10) showed that health coaching was used in conjunction with other strategies (multicomponent). The most frequently applied approach was phone coaching (n=9). The majority of the interventions were completed within 6 months (n=4). Eight studies indicated that most health coaches came from health backgrounds including nurses, pharmacists and family doctors. Positive clinical outcomes, such as decreased systolic and diastolic blood pressures or systolic or diastolic blood pressure alone, were documented in all included investigations. The non-clinical outcomes varied.
CONCLUSION: Health coaching is a promising approach for controlling blood pressure in primary care settings. This study highlights the importance of designing the form, time and staff for conducting effective health coaching in primary care settings.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study was undertaken among Dayak villagers in Sarawak aged 18 years and above using an interview-based questionnaire, followed by an anthropometric measurement, a blood test and an abdominal ultrasound.
RESULTS: A total of 324 participants met the inclusion criteria. Among them, 42.9% were men, and the mean age was 49.85±14.9 years. The prevalence of NAFLD was substantially high at 58%, with 43.1% of the participants having mild fatty liver (grade 1). NAFLD was closely associated with waist circumference and body mass index (BMI) (P<0.001). Central obesity, as indicated by waist circumference and BMI, emerged as a potent risk factor, with higher values correlating with an increased likelihood of NAFLD. A higher prevalence of NAFLD was observed in the participants with an advancing age, an elevated triglyceride level (66.7%) and a lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level (81.6%). However, these associations did not remain significant in the multivariate analysis. Gallstones, which share common risk factors with NAFLD, were not significantly associated with NAFLD in this population (P=0.853).
CONCLUSION: This study defines the prevalence and association of NAFLD with sociodemographic characteristics, health profiles and gallstone disease among indigenous villages in Dayak communities. A high BMI and central obesity are found to be independent risk factors of NAFLD.
METHODS: Patients from 2015 to 2022 who underwent craniotomy for brain tumor resection and the Doppler probe was used were retrospectively analyzed. Data collection included demographics, tumor pathology, incidence of major/minor vascular injury, MRI-confirmed stroke/infarction, and extent of tumor resection.
RESULTS: In total, 695 patients underwent 840 craniotomies for brain tumor resection; in 501 craniotomies (59.6%), the Doppler was used. One major vascular injury (0.2%) of a supraclinoid ICA was directly attributed to non-Doppler probe use immediately before vessel injury, leading to stroke and severe neurological decline. There were 7 strokes (1.4%) leading to permanent neurological deficit attributable to vasospasm or small vessel injury and 26 asymptomatic infarctions/strokes (5.2%) attributable to unrecognized vascular injury or spasm at the time of surgery.
CONCLUSION: In this series of 501 craniotomies for brain tumor removal where the Doppler probe was used, the rate of direct large vessel injury was under 1%. Although our data show that smaller vessel injuries can still occur and may lead to permanent neurological deficits, routine Doppler probe use may help guide tumor dissection and aggressiveness of removal, avoiding inadvertent major arterial injury. Our experience suggests that it is most useful as tumor dissection progresses as the resulting brain shift makes stereotactic neuronavigation less reliable. We recommend routine Doppler probe use during transcranial brain tumor removal, particularly for tumors encasing or adherent to major arteries.