METHODS: The development of the database software involves several key stages, including determining the requirements, designing the software interface, implementing the system, conducting thorough testing, and completing comprehensive documentation. The database software was mainly developed internally within the research institution. The team involved in developing the clinical database includes cleft clinicians, software developers, software designers, members of the Cleft Lip and Palate Association Malaysia (CLAPAM), and experts in database development.
RESULTS: An online and offline database software has been developed to store information on patients with CL/P in Malaysia. It is designed to be user-friendly, accommodating multiple specialties and capable of storing photographs, radiology, and three-dimensional files. Various methods have been implemented to ensure data security. Additionally, documentation including video tutorials, consent forms, and hard copy versions has been developed to complement the database.
CONCLUSION: A specialized cleft-specific database software has been successfully developed for use in Malaysia to improve data management and support CL/P patient care.
METHODS: Adults (≥ 18 years) diagnosed with HIV after 2013 in a regional observational cohort were included. Fine and Gray competing risk regression examined predictors of ART initiation (≥ 3 antiretroviral medications), accounting for those lost to follow-up or deceased before treatment considered as competing risks.
RESULTS: Among 14,968 participants, most were male (70.1%), with a median age of 36 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 28-44). At HIV diagnosis, median CD4 count was 208 cells/µL (IQR: 69-395), and median viral load was 86,296 copies/mL (IQR: 13,186-392,000). Over 85% of participants had initiated ART during the study period. Median time from HIV diagnosis to ART initiation differed across years of HIV diagnosis: 51 days (2013-2015), 28 days (2016-2019), and 26 days (≥ 2020). Factors associated with shorter time to ART initiation were higher country income-level (upper-middle: sub-distribution hazard ratio [SHR] = 1.34, 95% CI: 1.28, 1.40; high: SHR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.28, 1.43; vs. lower-middle); HIV transmission via male-to-male contact (SHR = 1.06, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.11) or injection drug use (SHR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.09, 1.38; vs. heterosexual contact); and later years of HIV diagnosis (2016-2019: SHR = 1.33, 95% CI: 1.28, 1.38; ≥ 2020: SHR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.33, 1.48; vs. 2013-2015). Those with higher CD4 counts had longer time to ART start (350-499 cells/µL: SHR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.67, 0.86; > 500 cells/µL: SHR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.49, 0.61; vs. CD4
METHOD: The International Sex Survey, a cross-sectional online study, was conducted in 42 countries and 26 languages. A diverse community sample of 82,243 participants, aged 18 years or older, completed the BEDS-7 and measures of sexuality, mental health, substance use, and sociodemographic characteristics. Confirmatory factor analyses and tests of measurement invariance were employed to evaluate the reliability and validity of the BEDS-7 across languages, countries, genders, and sexual orientations.
RESULTS: The BEDS-7 demonstrated scalar factorial invariance across languages and countries, indicating consistent factor loadings and item intercepts. In contrast, the screener showed residual invariance across gender and sexual orientation groups, supporting its robustness across these demographics. Kruskal-Wallis tests revealed significant differences in BED symptoms across languages, countries, genders, and sexual orientations, with the highest BED scores observed among queer, pansexual, and gender-diverse individuals. The BEDS-7 also demonstrated adequate reliability (Cronbach's alpha > 0.80) and moderate criterion validity.
DISCUSSION: The findings provide further evidence of the reliability and validity of the BEDS-7 as a potential screening tool for identifying probable cases of BED globally, facilitating early intervention in primary care settings.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 240 one-day-old male Ross 308 broilers were randomly distributed among five dietary treatment groups; they received a diet supplemented with a synbiotic product (probiotic [Lactobacillus johnsonii] at least 1.0 × 108 colony-forming unit/mg with prebiotic [by-product of phycocyanin extraction]) at 0.000%, 0.025%, 0.050%, 0.075%, and 0.100%. We investigated the effects of dietary synbiotic supplements on the growth performance, meat quality, intestinal morphology, and cecal bacterial population of broiler chickens aged 35 days.
RESULTS: Synbiotics used as a dietary supplement did not affect the growth performance of broilers during any experimental period (p > 0.05); however, it significantly increased the redness of meat and decreased the levels of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances on days 3 and 7 of storage (p < 0.05). Moreover, synbiotics significantly improved the height and surface area of villi in the duodenum and jejunum (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSION: The study demonstrated that dietary supplementation with 0.1% synbiotics, incorporating a by-product of phycocyanin extraction, did not significantly influence the growth performance of broiler chickens. However, it positively affected meat quality by increasing redness and reducing lipid oxidation during storage. Additionally, synbiotic supplementation significantly enhanced intestinal health by improving the villi height and surface area in the duodenum and jejunum, highlighting its potential benefits for broiler intestinal morphology and meat quality in tropical climates. Further research is recommended to explore the mechanisms underlying these effects and their implications for long-term poultry health and productivity.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study employed response surface methodology with a central composite design to optimize the encystment medium formulation. The key components included Tris-HCl, NaCl, glucose, and MgCl2. The optimized liquid medium was spray-dried to produce a dehydrated powder for practical application. The encystation efficiency of different Acanthamoeba strains was assessed using hemocytometry and fluorescence microscopy.
RESULTS: The optimized medium, comprising 3.152 g/L Tris-HCl, 5.55 g/L NaCl, 8% (w/v) glucose, and 5.0 mM MgCl2 at pH 9.0, demonstrated exceptional encystation efficiency with rates ranging from 99% to 100%. A spray-dried powdered version of this medium was equally effective, achieving a 98.77% encystation rate for A. castellanii American Type Culture Collection 50739 in glucose-free conditions. Notably, optimal glucose concentrations varied among Acanthamoeba strains, with certain strains reaching maximum encystation at 6-8% glucose.
CONCLUSION: This study successfully developed an innovative encystment medium that promotes rapid and efficient cyst production in Acanthamoeba spp. The medium enhances laboratory research and diagnostic capabilities, paving the way for future advancements in understanding and managing Acanthamoeba infections.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two experiments were conducted on 18 Arabian stallions. In Experiment 1, six healthy stallions were divided into control (n = 2) and EBN-supplemented groups (n = 4) to assess safety. The treatment group received 10 g of EBN daily for 12 days. Vital signs, hematological parameters, and organ function markers were monitored. In Experiment 2, 12 stallions were divided into three groups: EBN (n = 3), Premier E® (n = 3), and control (n = 6). The exercise regimen included a daily 10-min walk, 10-min canter (30 km/h), and 10-min walk for 30 days. Blood samples were analyzed for hematological indices and SA levels pre- and post-exercise.
RESULTS: In Experiment 1, EBN supplementation demonstrated no adverse effects, maintaining normal hematological and vital parameters. Kidney and liver function tests revealed significantly reduced creatine kinase, total bilirubin, and aspartate aminotransferase levels in the EBN group. Experiment 2 showed higher SA levels post-exercise in the EBN group (p < 0.05) compared to Premier E® and control groups, suggesting enhanced anti-inflammatory response. Hematological indices, including mean corpuscular volume, red cell distribution width, and platelet counts, were significantly improved in the EBN group, indicating potential immunomodulatory benefits.
CONCLUSION: EBN supplementation is safe and offers anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects in Arabian race stallions, reducing exercise-induced hepatic and muscular stress markers while enhancing recovery. These findings support EBN as a valuable dietary supplement for performance horses. Further studies should explore long-term effects and molecular mechanisms to optimize its use in equine sports.
METHODS: The study included 177 patients admitted for their first episode of STEMI at a Malaysian secondary hospital in 2020. Data were retrospectively collected from the electronic health information system. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify significant predictors of statin therapy utilization for primary prevention.
RESULTS: Of the 177 patients, only 15.8% (n = 28) had been prescribed statin therapy for the primary prevention of CVD prior to their first STEMI. Hypertension and dyslipidemia were identified as significant predictors of statin use, with adjusted odds ratios (AOR) of 9.570 (95% CI: 1.859-49.281) and 37.900 (95% CI: 6.716-213.87), respectively. Follow-up data indicated significantly reduced cholesterol levels post-STEMI, demonstrating the lipid-lowering effectiveness of statin therapy.
CONCLUSION: This study highlights the low utilization rate of statin therapy for primary prevention of CVD among patients prior to their first STEMI. Despite the proven effectiveness of statins in lowering cholesterol levels post-STEMI, there is a need to enhance awareness, adherence to guidelines, and efforts to achieve LDL-C targets through appropriate statin therapy.
METHODS: A systematic search across various databases was implemented to identify eligible RCTs published until January 2024. A meta-analysis was conducted employing a random-effects model.
RESULTS: Eight RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. It was indicated that CUR supplementation substantially reduced fasting blood sugar (FBS) (standardized mean difference [SMD]: -0.40 mg/dL, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.59, -0.21; p