Browse publications by year: 2025

  1. Kamarulzaman NT, Makpol S
    J Physiol Biochem, 2025 Feb 19.
    PMID: 39969761 DOI: 10.1007/s13105-024-01062-7
    Sarcopenia, a widespread condition, is characterized by a variety of factors influencing its development. The causes of sarcopenia differ depending on the age of the individual. It is defined as the combination of decreased muscle mass and impaired muscle function, primarily observed in association with ageing. As people age from 20 to 80 years old, there is an approximate 30% reduction in muscle mass and a 20% decline in cross-sectional area. This decline is attributed to a decrease in the size and number of muscle fibres. The regression of muscle mass and strength increases the risk of fractures, frailty, reduced quality of life, and loss of independence. Muscle cells, fibres, and tissues shrink, resulting in diminished muscle power, volume, and strength in major muscle groups. One prominent theory of cellular ageing posits a strong positive relationship between age and oxidative damage. Heightened oxidative stress leads to early-onset sarcopenia, characterized by neuromuscular innervation breakdown, muscle atrophy, and dysfunctional mitochondrial muscles. Ageing muscles generate more reactive oxygen species (ROS), and experience decreased oxygen consumption and ATP synthesis compared to younger muscles. Additionally, changes in mitochondrial protein interactions, cristae structure, and networks may contribute to ADP insensitivity, which ultimately leads to sarcopenia. Within this framework, this review provides a comprehensive summary of our current understanding of the role of mitochondria in sarcopenia and other muscle degenerative diseases, highlighting the crucial need for further research in these areas.
  2. Zhou M, Zhao Z, Li X, Jin Y, Hong X, He H, et al.
    PLoS One, 2025;20(2):e0311103.
    PMID: 39970130 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0311103
    BACKGROUND: Physical activity (PA) is important for students in secondary school, however, trends in PA among secondary school students have shown a significant decline. There is a need to understand the PA of middle school students.

    OBJECTIVE: The first objective is to identify the PA levels and screen time of students in middle school. The second objective of the study is to examine the PA levels and screen time among students of different genders.

    METHODS: Participants from four consecutive two-year cycles of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 2011-2012, 2013-2014, 2015-2016, and 2017-2018) were included in this study. Spearman correlation model was used to identify the correlation between participants' demographics, PA, and screen time data. Negative binomial regression model was used to describe students' PA and screen time (Dependent variable) in different grades (Independent variables). Gender and Age were taken as control variables.

    RESULTS: After the data preprocessing, 2516 participants were included in this study. A significant correlation has been found between grade and PA, instead of screen time. Negative binomial regression shows that students have the lowest PA in their transition year grade 6, and their screen time decreased with the grade increased. Significant differences can be found across gender. Future efforts should focus on developing school transition support programs designed to improve PA.

    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Child; Female; Humans; Male; Nutrition Surveys; United States; Exercise*
  3. Nahirniak S, Sekaran Nadarajan V, Stanworth SJ
    Blood, 2025 Feb 19.
    PMID: 39970326 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2023022883
    Patients with thrombocytopenia requiring on-going platelet transfusion support may develop inadequate platelet count increments, referred to as Platelet Refractoriness (PR), which further complicates their care. The underlying etiologies of PR can be broadly divided into immune and non-immune causes. A high index of suspicion is required to initiate testing for alloimmunization and t leading culprit in immune PR is development of Class I Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA) antibodies. The approach to diagnosis of immune PR has changed over the recent years with new technologies but questions regarding clinical significance and interpretation of these methods have not been conclusively answered. The provision of HLA-matched platelets requires close and timely co-ordination between transfusion services and clinical teams; however, the true impact of their provision on clinical outcomes is not clear. This paper will review diagnostic and management challenges, appraise the existing data available to support treatment options, and identify research gaps.
  4. Ohto H, Flegel WA, van der Meer PF, Ngoma AM, Nollet KE, Choudhury N, et al.
    Transfus Apher Sci, 2025 Feb 11;64(2):104086.
    PMID: 39970652 DOI: 10.1016/j.transci.2025.104086
    BACKGROUND: Previously, two international surveys have addressed the wider application of platelet collection by apheresis technology and practical issues of platelet transfusion.

    STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A questionnaire was sent to persons with leadership roles related to blood banking and transfusion medicine in their countries/areas/centers, to document the implementation of modern technologies for platelet manufacturing, preservation, and transfusion risk reduction.

    RESULTS: Responses to the questionnaire finally came from 52 contributors in 40 countries/areas. Adult platelet doses ranged between 2.0×1011 and 4.0×1011 (median 2.5×1011). In approximately 10 % of centers, apheresis platelets comprised more than 90 % of the platelet inventory. More than 70 % of centers adopted universal or near universal leukocyte-reduction by filtration, apheresis, or both. Almost 20 % of centers irradiated all platelet products. Cold-stored platelets were rarely reported; only 3 centers produce such components for 1 % to 5 % of their supply. The use of platelet additive solution was reported by 18 responders (45 %), mainly in Europe, USA, and Australasia. Bacterial detection systems were reported by 18 responders from around the globe. One fatality was reported after transfusion of a platelet product contaminated with Bacillus cereus, whereas no sequelae were observed after transfusion of >350 platelet products contaminated by Cutibacteriae. Pathogen-reduction/pathogen-inactivation technology has been adopted in 15 centers, with little or no extended expiration period. Export of platelets across national borders was extremely rare.

    CONCLUSION: With this addition to the literature on platelet transfusion, considerable heterogeneity in collection, processing, and transfusion can be seen across the globe, through which readers may adopt, and adapt, best practices for their unique local circumstances.

  5. Qi J, Li W, Bai Z, Gao H, Tang X, Zhou Y
    J Environ Manage, 2025 Feb 18;376:124584.
    PMID: 39970670 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.124584
    The aesthetic services of road landscapes provide recreational opportunities for the road environment, thereby supporting the designation, planning and design of scenic roads. Computer vision presents a methodology to investigate landscape aesthetic services by offering pixel-level tools to identify and analyse people's aesthetic attention. These tools can help overcome some of the limitations of examining attention through eye-tracking experiments. In this study, we constructed a dataset by collecting image data of road landscapes in Southwest China and creating aesthetic labels through public ratings. We employed a two-step deep transfer learning to train an aesthetic prediction model. The resultant model presented an accuracy of 0.88 in identifying landscapes with notable aesthetic features. Then we leveraged a class activation mapping to elucidate the model's aesthetic attention in the image samples. To interpret the visual features of aesthetic attention, we adopted image segmentation, colour extraction, depth estimation and edge detection to analyse the elements, colours, deepness and complexity of the attention areas in landscapes. Our results demonstrated the different patterns between positive and negative aesthetic attention. Negative attention is focused on unattractive objects, gravitating towards nearby artificial objects with dull colours and basic outlines. In contrast, positive attention displays a preference for distant, brightly coloured natural objects with complex shapes. Its pattern involves more than just the search for attractive objects, as it also includes a general focus on the landscapes around the road end and roadsides. The proposed approach can be used to estimate the aesthetic services of road landscapes, and the empirical findings offer implications for the planning and design of scenic roads.
  6. Niu QQ, Fu ZZ, Mao BY, Zhang X, Wang HD, Li P, et al.
    Int Immunopharmacol, 2025 Feb 18;150:114291.
    PMID: 39970708 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2025.114291
    BACKGROUND: Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DC) is a serious complication of diabetes, characterized by myocardial fibrosis, hypertrophy, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Perillaldehyde (PAE), a natural monoterpene, has shown potential in mitigating cardiac damage.

    PURPOSE: This study aims to elucidate the molecular mechanism of the protective effect of PAE on the DC and the interaction between DC pathogenesis.

    METHODS: Network pharmacology and molecular docking were used to identify PARP1 as a core target for PAE in DC. Animal experiments involved intervening DC mice with PAE and assessing cardiac function, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. In vitro, high glucose-induced H9c2 cells were used to validate PAE's effects on cell viability and protein expression.

    RESULTS: The results showed that PAE improved the general condition of DC mice, reduced cardiac injury and cardiac insufficiency, decreased myocardial mitochondrial damage, and reduced apoptosis. In addition, PAE upregulated the expression of Bcl-2, downregulated Bax protein expression, inhibited Caspase-3 activity, and inhibited the expression of PARP1, TRPM2, CaN, and CaMKII proteins in DC mice and high glucose-induced H9c2 cells.

    CONCLUSION: Mechanically, this study clarified that PAE's inhibition of the PARP1-TRPM2-CaMKII/CaN pathway reduces calcium-activated mitochondrial damage, apoptosis, and oxidative stress in diabetic cardiomyopathy. This discovery provides an innovative therapeutic strategy for DC and an experimental foundation for PAE's drug development, with significant practical implications.

  7. Suhaimi SQA, Azemi AK, Mokhtar SS, Mat Zin AA, Rasool AHG
    Nutrition, 2025 Jan 23;133:112692.
    PMID: 39970768 DOI: 10.1016/j.nut.2025.112692
    OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the effects of time-restricted feeding (TRF) on glycaemic indices and aortic tissue oxidative stress and inflammation in an obese prediabetes rat model.

    METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into two normal and four obese groups. Obese prediabetes was induced by feeding a high-fat diet and sucrose water (HFSD) for 10 weeks; normal rats were given a standard diet and plain water. For the next 6 weeks, rats were grouped into the normal group (NR), which continued on the standard diet; the normal group was switched to TRF with the standard diet (NR + TRFSD); the prediabetes group (OR) was continued on HFSD; the prediabetes group was switched to TRF of HFSD (OR + TRFHFSD); the prediabetes group was switched to TRF of the standard diet (OR + TRFSD); and the prediabetes group was switched to the standard diet (OR + SD). Rats were then sacrificed, and aortic tissues were isolated and quantified for oxidative stress markers malondialdehyde, antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase, and inflammation markers tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin 1. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), body weight, Lee's index, serum insulin level, and resistance (Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance) were also measured.

    RESULTS: Mean FBG and body weight in obese groups were higher compared to the normal groups after 10 weeks of HFDSD. Both obese-prediabetes groups that underwent TRF had reduced levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin 1, body weight, Lee's index, FBG, and insulin resistance. Furthermore, obese prediabetes on TRF with SD also reduced levels of lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde), insulin levels and increased levels of the antioxidant enzyme (superoxide dismutase).

    CONCLUSION: TRF reduced weight, improved glycaemic indices, vascular oxidative stress, and inflammation in obese-prediabetic rats.

  8. Suleman M, Murshed A, Sayaf AM, Khan A, Khan SA, Tricarico PM, et al.
    J Infect Public Health, 2025 Feb 13;18(4):102697.
    PMID: 39970853 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2025.102697
    BACKGROUND: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition of the terminal hair follicle, which can present in sporadic, familial, or syndromic forms. The exact pathogenesis of HS remains elusive, posing a challenge for the development of effective treatments. Among the various immunological mechanisms, the NLRP3 inflammasome is thought to contribute to the pathogenesis of HS, releasing cytokines such as IL-1β and IL-18 which initiates and exacerbates inflammation. Consequently, targeting NLRP3 offers a potential strategy for mitigating inflammation in HS-affected skin.

    METHODS: In this study we used the docking, molecular dynamics simulation and binding free energy approaches to identify the potent inhibitor of NLRP3 by screening the African phytocompounds and traditional Chinese medicine databases.

    RESULTS: Our virtual drug screening analysis identified two lead compounds from each database, characterized by high docking scores such as SA-21676268 (-8.135 kcal/mol), SA-167673 (-10.251 kcal/mol), EA-45360194 (-10.376 kcal/mol), EA-46881231 (-10.011 kcal/mol), NEA-44258150 (-9.856 kcal/mol), NEA-135926572 (-7.662 kcal/mol), NA-163089376 (-9.237 kcal/mol), NA-440735 (-8.826 kcal/mol), TCM-392442 (-10.438 kcal/mol), and TCM-10043097 (-9.046 kcal/mol) which highlighted the strong binding affinity as compared to the control NP3-146 drug (-5.09 kcal/mol). Moreover, the values of dissociation constant further validated the strong binding affinity between the identified lead compounds and NLRP3. The dynamic stability and strong bonding energies of the lead compounds-NLRP3 complexes were confirmed by the molecular dynamic simulation and binding free energy calculation. The analysis of ADMET properties for all compounds indicated high intestinal absorption, water solubility, absence of hepatotoxicity, and skin sensitivity.

    CONCLUSION: In conclusion, our molecular simulations and binding free energy calculations confirmed the strong affinity of these lead compounds for NLRP3 as compared to the control drug, highlighting their potential as part of a combinatorial therapeutic strategy for HS to effectively reduce disease-related inflammation.

  9. Sio YY, Liu Y, Lam TYW, Say YH, Reginald K, Chew FT
    PMID: 39970891 DOI: 10.1159/000544798
    Introduction TXK is involved in the regulation of IFN-γ expression and T helper (Th)1 cell-mediated inflammation that underlies the development of neutrophilic asthma, however, its implication in asthma pathogenesis remains uncertain. This study aims to characterize the functional role of TXK single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) contributing to asthma. Methods This study belongs to a part of an ongoing Singapore/Malaysia cross-sectional genetics and epidemiological study (SMCSGES). Associations of TXK transcript expression with asthma phenotype, the transcript expression of IFN-γ and IL23A, and SNP genotype were assessed in peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) samples from n=658 individuals of the SMCSGES sub-cohort. Genetic associations of TXK SNPs with asthma were assessed in a case-control cohort of n=2407 individuals from the SMCSGES population. Functional effects of asthma-associated SNPs on TXK promoter activity were evaluated by in vitro promoter luciferase assay in THP-1 cells. Results We identified significant associations of upregulated TXK transcript expression with increased asthma risk (p<0.05) and the increased transcript expressions of both IFN-γ (p<0.0001) and IL23A (p<0.0001) in PBMC. A significant association between tag-SNP rs2661532 and TXK transcript expression was detected in PBMC: the allele "T" was significantly associated with a higher TXK expression than allele "C" (false discovery rate-adjusted p<0.05). The major allele "T" of rs2661532 is also significantly associated with a higher risk of asthma (p=0.0346, odds ratio=1.171, 95% confidence interval=1.011-1.357). The in vitro promoter luciferase assay showed the major alleles of rs6819804 and rs74513879 (tagged by rs2661532) are significantly associated with higher TXK promoter activity (p<0.05). Conclusion This study identified multiple TXK functional variants associated with asthma by regulating the transcript expression of TXK and downstream Th1 and Th17 cell-mediated inflammatory pathways. Our findings indicated the potential involvement of TXK functional variants in the development of neutrophilic asthma.
  10. Ng WZ, Chan ES, Liow MY, Ooi CW, Tey BT, Song CP
    Int J Biol Macromol, 2025 Feb 17.
    PMID: 39971058 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.141187
    The development of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) presents a promising alternative to conventional jet fuel, with biofuels offering net-zero CO2 emissions. However, the conventional SAF production process typically involves expensive metal catalysts and extreme operating conditions. In contrast, the enzymatic approach offers a milder alternative; however, it is hindered by several limitations, including prolonged reaction times, reliance on cosolvents and low productivity. This study investigates the impact of CO2-based alkyl carbamate ionic liquids (ILs) on the enzymatic photodecarboxylation reaction catalyzed by Chlorella variabilis algal fatty acid photodecarboxylase (CvFAP). Notably, the study examines four ILs: N,N-dimethylammonium N',N'-dimethylcarbamate (DIMCARB), N,N-dipropylammonium N',N'-dipropylcarbamate (DPCARB), N,N-diallylammonium N',N'-diallylcarbamate (DACARB), and bis(2-ethylhexyl)-ammonium bis(2-ethylhexyl)carbamate (DBCARB). The results demonstrated that DACARB was the most optimal IL as it enhanced hydrocarbon conversion by 40 % and was able to reduce DMSO usage up to 86.7 % as compared to the absence of DACARB. This enhancement is attributed to DACARB's optimal balance of hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties, which increased enzyme activity while serving as a viable DMSO replacement, as well as acting as an allosteric modulator, as shown by Michaelis-Menten model fitting. Overall, this study highlights the potential of DACARB to facilitate process intensification in enzymatic SAF production, contributing to sustainable aviation practices.
  11. Zailani MZ, Jaafar J, Goh PS, Kadir SHSA, Othman MHD, Ahmad SNA, et al.
    Int J Biol Macromol, 2025 Feb 17;305(Pt 2):141231.
    PMID: 39971062 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.141231
    The study aims to enhance the biocompatibility of haemodialysis membranes to reduce mortality risks in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients by addressing oxidative stress and thrombus formation. A novel Chitosan Diallyl Disulfide Nanoparticle (CNP/DADS) complex was immobilised into PSF membranes at various concentrations. The most optimal membrane, with 0.3 wt% CNP, demonstrated the highest KUF of 116 mL/m2.h.mmHg, 95.7 % BSA rejection, and significant urea, creatinine, and lysozyme clearance rates. This was attributed to increased hydrophilicity, improved morphological structure with higher porosity, and a thinner membrane skin layer. However, CNP/DADS-immobilised PSF HFM showed reduced performance due to denser morphological structures. Despite this, CNP/DADS-immobilised membranes met high-flux standards and exhibited enhanced biocompatibility, low haemolysis percentage, reduced protein adsorption and platelet adhesion, and less complement activation. They also significantly prolonged clotting times (P 
  12. Chen LK, Meng LC, Peng LN, Lee WJ, Zhang S, Nishita Y, et al.
    J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle, 2025 Feb;16(1):e13731.
    PMID: 39971708 DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.13731
    BACKGROUND: The vigour of our musculature wanes as the years advance, and prognosticating the concomitant trajectories throughout the course of life assumes paramount importance for judicious and timely interventions. In the present study, we aimed to establish age- and sex-specific reference centiles for multiple muscle health metrics and reveal the distributions of these metrics throughout the aging process in the Asian population.

    METHODS: By using cross-sectional pooled data of community dwellers aged 20 years or older in eight cohorts from Taiwan, Japan and Malaysia, normative values for muscle health metrics (calf circumference (cm), relative appendicular skeletal muscle (RASM) (kilogram per square metre), body mass index (BMI)-adjusted appendicular skeletal muscle mass (kilogram/(kilogram per square metre)), handgrip strength (kilogram), five-time chair stand (seconds) and gait speed (metre per second)) in men and women, categorized by age groups, are calculated. The mean values, along with the 5th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 95th percentiles of these muscle health metrics, are also delineated for both sexes.

    RESULTS: Among 34 265 (16 164 men, 18 101 women) participants from eight cohorts, calf circumference declined in age groups from 60 years onward. RASM values declined from the 50s in men but were stable in women until the 80s. ASM/BMI values showed declines in older age groups for both sexes. Handgrip strength declined similarly from 40 years of age in both sexes. Five-time chair stand performance declined from the 30s. Gait speed peaked at 1.6 m/s in men in their 50s and then declined, while it declined in women in their 60s. The inflection points for decline differed by metric and sex. The 20th percentile cutoffs for individuals aged 65-69 years were as follows: calf circumference, 33.0 cm (men) and 31.5 cm (women); RASM, 7.0 kg/m2 (men) and 5.5 kg/m2 (women); ASM/BMI, 0.78 kg/(kg/m2) (men) and 0.56 kg/(kg/m2) (women); handgrip strength, 30.4 kg (men) and 18.1 kg (women); five-time chair stand, 9.4 s (men) and 10.0 s (women); and gait speed, 0.9 m/s (both). Those in the fifth percentile of all muscle health metrics faced earlier declines than their 95th percentile counterparts did, highlighting the critical roles in identifying these high-risk groups.

    CONCLUSION: The pooled analysis of eight Asian cohorts clearly outlined the age-related changes in various muscle health metrics, with the inflection point of accelerated decline showing age- and sex-specific characteristics. Defining trajectories of muscle health metrics across life stages facilitates timely interventions to mitigate age-related risks and promote healthy longevity.

    MeSH terms: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Japan/epidemiology; Malaysia/epidemiology; Male; Middle Aged; Taiwan/epidemiology; Cohort Studies; Hand Strength/physiology; Young Adult
  13. Hafeez W, Wu S, Aziz N, Abbas Z, Imran M
    Sci Rep, 2025 Feb 19;15(1):6095.
    PMID: 39971985 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-89740-4
    To succeed in the global market, firms must prioritize quality over individual goals and preferences. Acceptance sampling is one of the two primary approaches for ensuring quality, which is used in statistical process control for attributes inspection of the product. In acceptance sampling based on predetermined acceptance criteria for inspection the lot is either accepted or not accepted. This research introduces a Bayesian double group sampling plan (BDGSP) for estimating average number of nonconforming products. Based on acceptance criteria the Poisson distribution is used to construct the likelihood function for both nonconforming and conforming products. To calculate the average probability of acceptance, the gamma distribution is used as a suitable prior distribution of the Poisson distribution. For various suggested producer's and consumer's risk levels four distinct quality regions are calculated. The producer's risk is related to acceptable quality level and consumer's risk is related to and limiting quality level. Operating characteristic curves are utilized to track the effects of changes in the values of the specified parameters. The applicability of the proposed plan for current industrial strategies is demonstrated using a real dataset.
  14. Song HS, Ahamed F, Lee JY, Henry CS, Edirisinghe JN, Nelson WC, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2025 Feb 19;15(1):6042.
    PMID: 39972043 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-89997-9
    Integrating genome-scale metabolic networks with reactive transport models (RTMs) provides a detailed description of the dynamic changes in microbial growth and metabolism. Despite promising demonstrations in the past, computational inefficiency has been pointed out as a critical issue to overcome because it requires repeated application of linear programming (LP) to obtain flux balance analysis (FBA) solutions in every time step and spatial grid. To address this challenge, we propose a new simulation method where we train and validate artificial neural networks (ANNs) using randomly sampled FBA solutions and incorporate the resulting surrogate FBA model (represented as algebraic equations) into RTMs as source/sink terms. We demonstrate the efficiency of our method via a case study of Shewanella oneidensis MR-1. During aerobic growth on lactate, S. oneidensis produces metabolic byproducts (such as pyruvate and acetate), which are subsequently consumed as alternative carbon sources when the preferred nutrients are depleted. To effectively simulate these complex dynamics, we used a cybernetic approach that models metabolic switches as the outcome of dynamic competition among multiple growth options. In both zero-dimensional batch and one-dimensional column configurations, the ANN-based surrogate models achieved substantial reduction of computational time by several orders of magnitude compared to the original LP-based FBA models. Moreover, the ANN models produced robust solutions without any special measures to prevent numerical instability. These developments significantly promote our ability to utilize genome-scale networks in complex, multi-physics, and multi-dimensional ecosystem modeling.
    MeSH terms: Machine Learning*; Biological Transport; Computer Simulation; Models, Biological; Neural Networks (Computer); Metabolic Networks and Pathways*; Metabolic Flux Analysis/methods
  15. Lyu X, Hassan HM, Zan Y, Tan J
    Sci Rep, 2025 Feb 19;15(1):6007.
    PMID: 39972100 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-89380-8
    Water scarcity in China poses a significant challenge for sustainable greenhouse tomato production, necessitating strategies that optimize water use without compromising yield. While previous studies have explored irrigation and fertilization separately, comprehensive research on their combined effects using soluble organic fertilizers in arid regions is lacking. This study evaluates the interactive effects of different irrigation levels and fertilizer application patterns on the growth, physiological characteristics, water use efficiency (WUE), nutrient uptake, nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), and yield of greenhouse tomatoes. A pot experiment was conducted with three irrigation levels: I1 (90-100% field capacity), I2 (72-80% field capacity), and I3 (54-60% field capacity), and four fertilizer treatments: C1 (combined soluble organic and chemical fertilizer), C2 (soluble chemical fertilizer only), C3 (sheep manure and chemical fertilizer), and C4 (soluble organic fertilizer only). Results showed that increased irrigation significantly enhanced plant height, stem diameter, leaf area, leaf SPAD value, dry matter accumulation, nitrogen uptake, and fruit yield. Among all treatments, I1C1 achieved the highest fruit yield under sufficient irrigation, whereas the I2C1 treatment maintained a relatively high yield while notably improving root-to-shoot ratio, WUE, and nitrogen uptake, indicating an optimal balance for water-limited conditions. These findings demonstrate that integrating appropriate irrigation levels with combined fertilizer application can effectively mitigate water scarcity impacts, optimizing water savings and resource use efficiency while sustaining greenhouse tomato production in arid regions.
    MeSH terms: China; Fertilizers*; Fruit/growth & development; Fruit/metabolism; Soil/chemistry; Water/metabolism; Plant Leaves/growth & development; Plant Leaves/metabolism
  16. Albart SA, Looi I
    BMC Med Educ, 2025 Feb 19;25(1):270.
    PMID: 39972298 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-025-06865-w
    BACKGROUND: Evidence-based medicine (EBM) plays a critical role in improving clinical decision-making and patient outcomes. We aimed to determine the knowledge, practice, and facilitating factors of EBM and the associated factors of EBM knowledge and practice among Malaysian doctors.

    METHODS: A cross-sectional study with a nationwide online survey was conducted from June to November 2022 among Malaysian doctors. The survey assessed doctors' knowledge (K), practice (P), and facilitating factors (F) for EBM (collectively referred to as KPF) using the preexisting validated Evidence-Based Medicine Questionnaire (EBMQ). Higher scores indicated better knowledge, practice, and facilitating factors for EBM implementation. The KPF percentage scores were categorised into high (> 80%), moderate (60-79%), and low (

    MeSH terms: Adult; Clinical Competence; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Malaysia; Male; Middle Aged; Physicians; Surveys and Questionnaires
  17. Maghaydah S, Alrosan M, Alu'datt MH, Razzak Mahmood AA, Gammoh S, Bani-Melhem K, et al.
    Int J Food Sci Nutr, 2025 Feb 19.
    PMID: 39972541 DOI: 10.1080/09637486.2025.2465763
    Lentil proteins (LPs) may encounter challenges in their food industry applications due to certain limitations in their functional properties. This study focused on enhancing the quality of LPs through physical modifications and investigating the effects of a 24-hr fermentation process with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum. The protein structures of LPs were analysed using several techniques, including ultraviolet spectra, fluorescence spectra, and FT-IR spectra, respectively, resulting in the protein structure of LPs substantial modifications (p 
  18. Luo H, Tengku Kamalden TF, Zhu X, Xiang C, Nasharuddin NA
    J Int Soc Sports Nutr, 2025 Dec;22(1):2467890.
    PMID: 39972597 DOI: 10.1080/15502783.2025.2467890
    BACKGROUND: As dietary supplements play a crucial role in meeting the unique nutritional needs of soccer players, a growing body of studies are exploring the effects of dietary supplements on athletic performance in soccer players. The effectiveness of certain supplements, such as caffeine and creatine, remains debated due to inconsistent results across studies. Therefore, this systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis was conducted to tentatively identify the most effective dietary supplements for soccer players.

    METHODS: We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, Embase, and SPORTDiscus from database establishment to 5 February 2024 to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effects of different dietary supplements on athletic performance in soccer players. The risk of bias was assessed using the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials. A Bayesian network meta-analysis was performed using the R software and Stata 18.0. A subgroup analysis was conducted based on the competitive level of the athletes.

    RESULTS: Eighty RCTs were included, with 1,425 soccer players randomly receiving 31 different dietary supplements or placebo. The network meta-analysis showed that compared with placebo, carbohydrate + protein (SMD: 2.2, very large), carbohydrate + electrolyte (SMD: 1.3, large), bovine colostrum (SMD: moderate) and caffeine (SMD: 0.29, small) were associated with a significant effect on increasing the distance covered. Kaempferia parviflora (SMD: 0.46, small) was associated with a significant effect on enhancing muscular strength. Beta-alanine (SMD: 0.83, moderate), melatonin (SMD: 0.75, moderate), caffeine (SMD: 0.37, small), and creatine (SMD: 0.33, small) were associated with a significant effect on enhancing jump height. Magnesium creatine chelate (SMD: -3.0, very large), melatonin (SMD: -1.9, large), creatine + sodium bicarbonate (SMD: -1.4, large), and arginine (SMD: -1.2, moderate) were associated with a significant effect on decreasing sprint time. Creatine + sodium bicarbonate (SMD: -2.3, very large) and caffeine (SMD: -0.38, small) were associated with a significant effect on improving agility. Sodium pyruvate (SMD: 0.50, small) was associated with a significant effect on increasing peak power. Magnesium creatine chelate (SMD: 1.3, large) and sodium pyruvate (SMD: 0.56, small) were associated with a significant effect on increasing mean power. Carbohydrate + electrolyte (SMD: -0.56, small) was associated with a significant effect on improving the rating of perceived exertion.

    CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that a range of dietary supplements, including caffeine, creatine, creatine + sodium bicarbonate, magnesium creatine chelate, carbohydrate + electrolyte, carbohydrate + protein, arginine, beta-alanine, bovine colostrum, Kaempferia parviflora, melatonin, and sodium pyruvate, can improve athletic performance in soccer players. This review provides evidence-based guidance for soccer coaches and nutritionists on using dietary supplements to enhance specific performance measures.

    MeSH terms: Bayes Theorem; Creatine/administration & dosage; Creatine/pharmacology; Dietary Proteins/administration & dosage; Humans; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Dietary Supplements*; Sports Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Network Meta-Analysis
  19. Azizee MF, Hussin SA, Mohamad Jamali AA, Hussain AH, Mamat AZ, Marzuki A, et al.
    JACC Case Rep, 2025 Feb 19;30(4):102576.
    PMID: 39972715 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaccas.2024.102576
    Pulmonary stenosis can occur as an isolated valvular lesion associated with congenital structural cardiac anomalies. Rarely, patients may develop an acquired form of pulmonary stenosis. We report a case of a rare presentation of anterior mediastinal teratoma mimicking congenital valvular heart disease, with complete resolution of her symptoms postoperatively.
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