Browse publications by year: 2025

Overweight, obesity, and cardiovascular disease in heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia: the EAS FH Studies Collaboration registry

Elshorbagy A, Vallejo-Vaz AJ, Barkas F, Lyons ARM, Stevens CAT, Dharmayat KI, et al.

Eur Heart J, 2025 Jan 13.
PMID: 39801189 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehae791

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Overweight and obesity are modifiable risk factors for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in the general population, but their prevalence in individuals with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia (HeFH) and whether they confer additional risk of ASCVD independent of LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) remains unclear.
METHODS: Cross-sectional analysis was conducted in 35 540 patients with HeFH across 50 countries, in the EAS FH Studies Collaboration registry. Prevalence of World Health Organization-defined body mass index categories was investigated in adults (n = 29 265) and children/adolescents (n = 6275); and their association with prevalent ASCVD.
RESULTS: Globally, 52% of adults and 27% of children with HeFH were overweight or obese, with the highest prevalence noted in Northern Africa/Western Asia. A higher overweight/obesity prevalence was found in non-high-income vs. high-income countries. Median age at familial hypercholesterolaemia diagnosis in adults with obesity was 9 years older than in normal weight adults. Obesity was associated with a more atherogenic lipid profile independent of lipid-lowering medication. Prevalence of coronary artery disease increased progressively across body mass index categories in both children and adults. Compared with normal weight, obesity was associated with higher odds of coronary artery disease in children (odds ratio 9.28, 95% confidence interval 1.77-48.77, adjusted for age, sex, lipids, and lipid-lowering medication) and coronary artery disease and stroke in adults (odds ratio 2.35, 95% confidence interval 2.10-2.63 and odds ratio 1.65, 95% confidence interval 1.27-2.14, respectively), but less consistently with peripheral artery disease. Adjusting for diabetes, hypertension and smoking modestly attenuated the associations.
CONCLUSIONS: Overweight and obesity are common in patients with HeFH and contribute to ASCVD risk from childhood, independent of LDL-C and lipid-lowering medication. Sustained body weight management is needed to reduce the risk of ASCVD in HeFH.
Photocrosslinking of hyaluronic acid-based hydrogels through biotissue barriers

Savelyev AG, Sochilina AV, Babayeva G, Nikolaeva ME, Kuziaeva VI, Prostyakova AI, et al.

Biomater Sci, 2025 Feb 11;13(4):980-992.
PMID: 39801275 DOI: 10.1039/d4bm01174k

Photocrosslinkable hydrogels based on hyaluronic acid are promising biomaterials high in demand in tissue engineering. Typically, hydrogels are photocured under the action of UV or blue light strongly absorbed by biotissues, which limits prototyping under living organism conditions. To overcome this limitation, we propose the derivatives of well-known photosensitizers, namely chlorin p6, chlorin e6 and phthalocyanine, as those for radical polymerization in the transparency window of biotissues. Taking into account the efficiency of radical generation and dark and light cell toxicity, we evaluated water miscible pyridine phthalocyanine as a promising initiator for the intravital hydrogel photoprinting of hyaluronic acid glycidyl methacrylate (HAGM) under irradiation near 670 nm. Coinitiators (dithiothreitol or 2-mercaptoethanol) reduce the irradiation dose required for HAGM crosslinking from ∼405 J cm-2 to 80 J cm-2. Patterning by direct laser writing using a scanning 675 nm laser beam was performed to demonstrate the formation of complex shape structures. Young's moduli typical of soft tissue (∼270-460 kPa) were achieved for crosslinked hydrogels. The viability of human keratinocytes HaCaT cells within the photocrosslinking process was shown. To demonstrate scaffolding across the biotissue barrier, the subcutaneously injected photocomposition was crosslinked in BALB/c mice. The safety of the irradiation dose of 660-675 nm light (100 mW cm-2, 15 min) and the non-toxicity of the hydrogel components were confirmed by histomorphologic analysis. The intravitally photocrosslinked scaffolds maintained their shape and size for at least one month, accompanied by slow biodegradation. We conclude that the proposed technology provides a lucrative opportunity for minimally invasive scaffold formation through biotissue barriers.

MeSH terms: Animals; Biocompatible Materials/pharmacology; Biocompatible Materials/chemistry; Cell Line; Cell Survival/drug effects; Chlorophyllides; Cross-Linking Reagents/chemistry; Epoxy Compounds/chemistry; Humans; Indoles/pharmacology; Indoles/chemistry; Light; Methacrylates/chemistry; Mice, Inbred BALB C*; Porphyrins/administration & dosage; Porphyrins/pharmacology; Porphyrins/chemistry; Photosensitizing Agents/administration & dosage; Photosensitizing Agents/pharmacology; Photosensitizing Agents/chemistry; Tissue Engineering; Mice; Isoindoles; Photochemical Processes
Fulltext A two-stage deep learning-based hybrid model for daily wind speed forecasting

Band SS, Ameri R, Qasem SN, Mehdizadeh S, Gupta BB, Pai HT, et al.

Heliyon, 2025 Jan 15;11(1):e41026.
PMID: 39801963 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e41026

Global adoption of wind energy continues to increase, while improving the efficiency of turbine settings requires reliable wind speed (WS) models. The latest models rely on artificial intelligence (AI) optimizations which constructs tests on a range of novel hybrid models to examine the reliability. Gradient Boosting (GB), Random Forest (RF), and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) are used in new combinations for data pre-processing. A Time Varying Filter-based Empirical Mode Decomposition (TVFEMD) model is coupled with the GB and LSTM standalone models, to create TVFEMD-GB and TVFEMD-LSTM hybrids, which are run in competition with each other. Eventually, a preferred hybrid form is established, simultaneous hybridization of TVFEMD with GB and LSTM. This study is the first to hybridize these fundamental systems, and create a TVFEMD-GB-LSTM model that can forecast WS. This study finds that the novel hybrid models exhibit superior performance to standalone GB and LSTM models, opening the pathway to alternative WS prediction techniques.
Fulltext Enhancing sand screen performance with integrated slurry testing and CFD-DEM modelling

Su NC, Izwani Jusof SA, Zainal AZ, Jian YY, Xian CK, Laziz AM, et al.

Heliyon, 2025 Jan 15;11(1):e40877.
PMID: 39801980 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e40877

Understanding the behavior of sand screens is crucial for optimizing sand control strategies and preventing wellbore failure, which can significantly impact reservoir management and production efficiency. This paper presents a comprehensive experimental and numerical modeling study on sand screen performance, aimed at providing insights prior to real-field applications. The study evaluated a 200-μm wire-wrapped screen (WWS) using slurry tests to determine the amount of sand retained, sand produced and retained permeability to assess screen efficiency. The particle size distribution (PSD) of sand samples was crucial for selecting the appropriate screen size, with results showing that highly uniform and well-sorted sand exhibited higher sand retention and lower sand production due to reduced fines content and maximized void spaces, enhancing fluid flow while mitigating sand production. A coupled Computational Fluid Dynamics-Discrete Element Method (CFD-DEM) simulation platform was employed to model particle-fluid interactions, using an optimal mesh size of 0.005 m. The simulation results showed a high degree of correlation with experimental data, with 93.1 % similarity in sand retention and 63.22 % in sand production. These findings underscore the potential of CFD-DEM simulations in accurately replicating complex sand control processes and optimizing screen performance for enhanced wellbore stability and production efficiency.
Fulltext A review of emerging techniques for pyrethroid residue detection in agricultural commodities

Goh D, Abdull Razis AF, Yusof NA, Mazlan N, Nordin N, Yu CY

Heliyon, 2025 Jan 15;11(1):e41154.
PMID: 39801999 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e41154

Pyrethroid pesticides are essential for modern agriculture, helping to control pests and protect crops. However, due to growing concerns about their potential impact on human health and the environment, reliable detection methods are essential to ensure food safety. In this literature review, we explore the techniques used over the past decade to detect pyrethroid residues in agricultural products. Until now, various methods have been developed for detecting pyrethroid pesticides, ranging from conventional analytical approaches to innovative approaches. The conventional analytical approaches include gas, liquid, and supercritical fluid chromatography, micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Whereas innovative approaches refer to various optical-based and electrochemical-based sensors. For each method, we evaluate its strengths, limitations, and practical applications. Recent innovations are highlighted, focusing on sensitivity, selectivity, and practical applicability. By summarizing the current state of research, this review serves as a valuable resource for researchers and practitioners, providing insights into the evolving technology and strategy for detecting pyrethroid residue.
Fulltext Current antibiotics for leptospirosis: Are still effective?

Mendu C, Rashid SA, Nur Atirah Wan Mohd Azemin WS, Philip N

Heliyon, 2025 Jan 15;11(1):e41239.
PMID: 39802004 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e41239

Leptospirosis is a recurring zoonotic disease of global significance. Leptospirosis is curable, and antibiotics are available for its treatment. However, little is known about the effectiveness of the currently used antibiotics against different Leptospira species, serovars, and strains. This review aimed to give insight into the anti-leptospiral activities of the currently available antibiotics towards Leptospira strains and their effectiveness in treating and preventing leptospirosis. Anti-leptospiral activities from natural resources were also reviewed. The literature search was conducted using several databases. The majority of Leptospira strains were sensitive to the current antibiotics. Antibiotics can accelerate the defervescence and reduced the occurrence of leptospirosis cases, nevertheless, there is no affirmative evidence on the beneficial effects of the antibiotics compared to placebo in preventing death. Adverse reactions like Jarisch-Herxheimer reactions (JHR) in patients treated with the current antibiotics were also reported. Plants, marine actinobacteria and propolis are shown as potential sources of new anti-leptospiral compounds. Although leptospirosis can still be adequately treated with current antibiotics, continuous susceptibility testing and the development of novel antibiotics especially from natural resources are highly encouraged.
Fulltext Embracing Diversity in Asian Facial Morphologies: Rethinking Terminology in Eyelid Surgery

Yong GY, Goh ASC

Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open, 2025 Jan;13(1):e6421.
PMID: 39802278 DOI: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000006421
Fulltext The complete plastid genome of Citrus hystrix DC. 1813 (Rutaceae) and its phylogenetic analysis

Lee WS, Donrung W, Hung BM, Muhamad Rusly NH, Lee SY, Tanee T

Mitochondrial DNA B Resour, 2025;10(1):94-98.
PMID: 39802348 DOI: 10.1080/23802359.2025.2449723

The complete plastome size of Citrus hystrix DC. 1813 was 159,893 bp in length and has a typical quadripartite structure. The 87,148-bp-long large single-copy and the 18,763-bp-long small single-copy regions were separated by a pair of inverted repeats (each 26,991 bp). The plastome was predicted to contain 132 genes, of which 87 were CDS, 37 were tRNA, and eight were rRNA genes. The plastome was A/T biassed, and the overall GC content was 38.4%. Using maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference methods, the phylogenetic analysis of the complete plastome sequence revealed a close relationship between C. hystrix and C. aurantiifolia, placing them under the same clade as C. micrantha.
Fulltext Monitoring air quality index with EWMA and individual charts using XGBoost and SVR residuals

Alfasanah Z, Niam MZH, Wardiani S, Ahsan M, Lee MH

MethodsX, 2025 Jun;14:103107.
PMID: 39802429 DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2024.103107

PM2.5 air pollution poses significant health risks, particularly in urban areas such as Jakarta, where concentrations frequently surpass acceptable levels due to rapid urbanization. This study addresses autocorrelation in air quality data and evaluates the monitoring performance of XGBoost and Support Vector Regression (SVR) models using Individual and Exponentially Weighted Moving Average (EWMA) Charts. PM2.5 levels were obtained from Jakarta's Air Quality Index. The findings reveal that the SVR model effectively manages autocorrelation, while the combination of XGBoost and the EWMA chart yielded superior monitoring performance. Specifically, this approach detected only one out-of-control (OOC) point in Phase II and none in Phase I, with identified shifts ranging from moderate to large. Overall, the XGBoost and EWMA chart integration offers a robust solution for precise air quality monitoring and minimizes false alarms. The identification of OOC points provides actionable insights by highlighting significant deviations in air quality data that may require immediate intervention. Key points:•SVR and XGBoost model regression was introduced to enhance forecasting accuracy.•EWMA chart based on XGBoost residuals has better monitoring results.
Fulltext Unlocking seismic slope stability for risk assessment

Yiheng W, Mohamed Nazri F, El-Maissi AM, Rahmat SR, Mohd Kassim A, Karuppayah S

MethodsX, 2025 Jun;14:103108.
PMID: 39802433 DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2024.103108

Slope instability represents a substantial secondary hazard post-earthquake, leading to considerable socio-economic losses from the destruction of structures, infrastructure, and human lives. This study addresses the urgent need for precise evaluation of seismic slope stability, a subject that has gained significant attention in earthquake engineering over the past decade. A theoretical framework is proposed that utilizes an improved Sarma method, estimating seismic forces and safety factors based on limit equilibrium theory. A Python-based implementation enhances both computational efficiency and reliability. The enhanced method is validated against the pseudo-static approach, exhibiting strong performance. Moreover, critical elements affecting slope stability, such as slope characteristics and seismic motion parameters, are examined. Although the findings predominantly concentrate on rocky slopes, next research intends to broaden the method's application to multiple slope types, hence facilitating more thorough and effective stability evaluations across different geological contexts.•Deriving seismic slope safety factors based on improved Sarma and Pseudo static methods.•Developing Python programs based on the improved Sarma safety factor method.•Assessing seismic rock slope stability based on calculated Safety Factors.
Fulltext Comparative Analyses and Phylogenetic Dependence in Traits and Trends of the Dipterocarpaceae

Malik N, Edwards D, Freckleton RP

Ecol Evol, 2025 Jan;15(1):e70784.
PMID: 39803191 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.70784

The role of trait evolution in shaping the functional and ecological diversity of tropical forests remains poorly understood. Analyses of trait variation as a function of evolutionary history and environmental variables should reveal the drivers of species distributions, as well as generate insights valuable to conservation. Here, we focus on the Dipterocarpaceae, the key plant family underpinning the hyperdiversity of South-East Asian tropical forest canopies and of major conservation concern due to over-exploitation for timber, cultivation, and climate change. Our objectives are to (i) assess whether dipterocarp species traits are phylogenetically conserved through a phylogenetic signal, indicating phylogenetic niche conservatism (PNC); (ii) determine the drivers of dipterocarp species distribution; (iii) examine the relationship between morphological traits with habitat factors; and (iv) assess the correlation between conservation status and phylogeny. We compiled a dataset of species-level plant traits of the Dipterocarpaceae together with population-level ecological trends. We found substantial evidence of phylogenetic conservatism of plant traits in dipterocarp species, with a moderate to strong phylogenetic signal, and that the elevational gradient shapes dipterocarp species distribution pan-tropically. Morphological traits including height and diameter show phylogenetically dependent relationships with soil type, while shade tolerance traits are related to survival. We find that conservation status is related to phylogeny and correlated with population trend status, suggesting that decreasing population trends correlated with conservation status. Overall, our analyses show that functional traits and ecological trends of dipterocarp species are shaped by the phylogenetic history. Our study highlights that conservation strategies require consideration of the consequences of these relationships for long-term population changes.
Fulltext Gastrointestinal transit time of radiopaque ingested foreign bodies in children: experience of two paediatric tertiary centres

Ang CX, Mun WK, Aw MM, Lin D, Chong SL, Ong LY, et al.

Singapore Med J, 2025 Jan 01;66(1):24-27.
PMID: 37171420 DOI: 10.4103/singaporemedj.SMJ-2021-408

INTRODUCTION: Foreign body (FB) ingestion is a common paediatric emergency. While guidelines exist for urgent intervention, less is known of the natural progress of FBs passing through the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). We reviewed these FB transit times in an outpatient cohort.
METHODS: A retrospective review was performed on all children (≤18 years) treated for radiopaque FB ingestion at two major tertiary paediatric centres from 2015 to 2016. Demographic data, FB types, outcomes and hospital visits (emergency department [ED] and outpatient) were recorded. All cases discharged from the ED with outpatient follow-up were included. We excluded those who were not given follow-up appointments and those admitted to inpatient wards. We categorised the outcomes into confirmed passage (ascertained via abdominal X-ray or reported direct stool visualisation by patients/caregivers) and assumed passage (if patients did not attend follow-up appointments).
RESULTS: Of the 2,122 ED visits for FB ingestion, 350 patients who were given outpatient follow-up appointments were reviewed (median age 4.35 years [range: 0.5-14.7], 196 [56%] male). The largest proportion (16%) was aged 1-2 years. Coins were the most common ingested FB, followed by toys. High-risk FB (magnets or batteries) formed 9% of cases ( n =33). The 50 th centile for FB retention was 8, 4 and 7 days for coins, batteries and other radiopaque FBs, respectively; all confirmed passages occurred at 37, 7 and 23 days, respectively. Overall, 197 (68%) patients defaulted on their last given follow-up.
CONCLUSION: This study provides insight into the transit times of FB ingested by children, which helps medical professionals to decide on the optimal time for follow-up visits and provide appropriate counsel to caregivers.

MeSH terms: Adolescent; Child; Child, Preschool; Eating; Emergency Service, Hospital*; Female; Gastrointestinal Transit*; Humans; Infant; Male; Retrospective Studies; Gastrointestinal Tract; Tertiary Care Centers*
Fulltext Orthographic character complexity modulates dynamic neural activity in skilled handwriting

Pei L, Sommer W, Ouyang G

Br J Psychol, 2025 Feb;116(1):149-169.
PMID: 39367804 DOI: 10.1111/bjop.12742

Handwriting is an outstanding case of a highly complex and efficient fine motor skill. However, little is known about its neural underpinnings during continuous handwriting production. In the present study, we examined the effects of orthographic character complexity (i.e. the stroke number of a Chinese character) on both neural and behavioural activities during an EEG-based naturalistic fluent sentence-handwriting task from 102 adult Chinese native speakers. For each written character, the interval between finishing the preceding character and its onset (inter-character interval) as well as the amplitudes of the onset-synchronized event-related potential (ERP) in pre- and post-onset time windows was defined as dependent variables. The effects of character complexity and other confounding factors were analysed with linear mixed models. Character complexity increased the inter-character interval and significantly affected ERP amplitudes in both pre- and post-onset time windows. The ERP pattern in the pre-event time window exhibited a dipole-like activation in the left motor cortex, and its amplitude increased with character complexity in line with the documented relationship between the lateralized readiness potential and motor complexity. This study demonstrates the feasibility of studying neurocognitive processes in complex naturalistic motor tasks and extends our knowledge about the dynamic pattern of handwriting-related neural activities.

MeSH terms: Adult; Electroencephalography*; Female; Handwriting*; Humans; Male; Motor Cortex/physiology; Motor Skills/physiology; Psychomotor Performance/physiology; Young Adult
Electrospun nanofibers of collagen and chitosan for tissue engineering and drug delivery applications: A review

Ramakrishnan P, Ramprasath R, Jalaludeen AM, Jayakumar R, Jolius G, Balu R, et al.

Int J Biol Macromol, 2025 Mar;296:139663.
PMID: 39793786 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.139663

Tissue engineering plays a vital role in the medical field that addresses the repair, regeneration, and replacement of damaged tissues or organs. The development of drug-eluting electrospun nanofiber composed of biological macromolecules plays a key role in providing localized drug delivery and structural support. This review examines the recent development and impact of electrospun nanofibers in the field of tissue engineering and explores their potential applications. This review also investigates into the fabrication techniques of nanofibers, highlighting the use of biopolymers like collagen and chitosan, chiefly, focuses on understanding the mechanisms of drug-releasing features of these nanofibers. Studies concerning the medical applications of these nanofibers, such as wound healing, skin regeneration, bone tissue engineering, and neural repair, were also reviewed. Beyond the application in tissue regeneration, this review also explores the potential efficacy of nanofibres in cancer therapy, antibacterial activity, enzyme immobilization, and biosensing applications. This study provides an up-to-date critical insight into the applications of electrospun nanofiber application and key scalable production processes, underscoring the potential economic impacts of advanced wound care technologies. While outlining current challenges, this paper also offers future perspectives on the design, application, and potential expansion of drug-eluting electrospun fibers in medical sciences, ultimately showcasing their pivotal role in advancing therapeutic outcomes.

MeSH terms: Animals; Humans; Wound Healing/drug effects; Drug Delivery Systems*; Tissue Scaffolds/chemistry
3D-printed poly(ethylene) glycol diacrylate (PEGDA)-chitosan-nanohydroxyapatite scaffolds: Structural characterization and cellular response

Ngau SM, Cheah KH, Wong VL, Khiew PS, Lim SS

Int J Biol Macromol, 2025 Mar;296:139652.
PMID: 39793825 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.139652

Polymer-based scaffolds with bioactive materials offer great potential in bone tissue engineering. Polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) scaffolds fabricated via liquid crystal display 3D printing technique lack inherent osteoconductivity. To improve such properties, chitosan of 10 and 20 wt% and nanohydroxyapatite (nHA) (3-10 wt%) were incorporated into PEGDA scaffolds. nHA, synthesized via wet chemical precipitation, had a particle size of 28 nm and exhibited low crystallinity, as confirmed by X-ray diffraction. PEGDA-chitosan-nHA scaffolds underwent post-curing and 70 % ethanol leaching treatment. The presence of chitosan and nHA in the composite scaffolds was confirmed by their characteristic peaks. TGA analyses further verified nHA content correlating to the intended amount. The scaffolds featured interconnected pores ranging from 2891 to 3382 μm and porosities between 35 and 56 %. The swelling percentage and compressive modulus were reported at ~71-93 % and 0.52-1.18 MPa, respectively. Notably, PEGDA-chitosan-nHA scaffolds showed enhanced in vitro efficacy than pure PEGDA scaffolds, by promoting better MG63 cell adhesion (p

MeSH terms: Alkaline Phosphatase/metabolism; Biocompatible Materials/pharmacology; Biocompatible Materials/chemistry; Cell Adhesion/drug effects; Humans; Osteoblasts/cytology; Osteoblasts/drug effects; Porosity; Printing, Three-Dimensional*
Unveiling the potential of bean proteins: Extraction methods, functional and structural properties, modification techniques, physiological benefits, and diverse food applications

Choudhury DB, Gul K, Sehrawat R, Mir NA, Ali A

Int J Biol Macromol, 2025 Mar;295:139578.
PMID: 39793834 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.139578

Bean proteins, known for their sustainability, versatility, and high nutritional value, represent a valuable yet underutilized resource, receiving less industrial attention compared to soy and pea proteins. This review examines the structural and molecular characteristics, functional properties, amino acid composition, nutritional value, antinutritional factors, and digestibility of bean proteins. Their applications in various food systems, including baked goods, juice and milk substitutes, meat alternatives, edible coatings, and 3D printing inks, are discussed. The physiological benefits of bean proteins, such as antidiabetic, cardioprotective, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects, are also presented, highlighting their potential for promoting well-being. Our review emphasizes the diversity of bean proteins and highlights ultrasound as the most effective extraction method among available techniques. Beyond their physiological benefits, bean proteins significantly enhance the structural, technological, and nutritional properties of food systems. The functionality can be further improved through various modification techniques, thereby expanding their applicability in the food industry. While studies have explored the impact of bean protein structure on their nutritional and functional properties, further research is needed to investigate advanced modification techniques and the structure-function relationship. This will enhance the utilization of bean proteins in innovative and sustainable food applications.

MeSH terms: Amino Acids/chemistry; Antioxidants/isolation & purification; Antioxidants/chemistry; Humans; Fabaceae/chemistry; Nutritive Value
Assessing Health Service Accessibility for Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) Trainees in Malaysia: Implications for Inclusive Healthcare

Wahab HA, Sidek S, Mohd Faizal Lim SM

Soc Work Public Health, 2025 Jan 10.
PMID: 39793976 DOI: 10.1080/19371918.2025.2449971

This study aims to examine the accessibility of Community-Based Rehabilitation trainees to public health services in Malaysia. Quantitative data were collected from 290 parents and guardians across 14 CBR locations using multi-stage simple random sampling. Accessibility to health services and facilities was measured in terms of service availability, suitability, convenience, and adequacy. A four-level Likert scale was employed to assess the condition of the health services and facilities. A questionnaire was employed, and data were analyzed using SPSS. Findings revealed high satisfaction with health campaigns (79.0%), preventive services (74.8%), healthy food programs (74.5%), medical treatment (73.8%), equipment/assistive services (74.1%), and rehabilitation/therapy (67.2%). Results demonstrated significant correlations between trainees' self-change and satisfaction with health services. Improved accessibility to health services was shown to positively impact trainees' ability to perform daily activities, highlighting the importance of tailored, accessible health programs in supporting the development and independence of individuals with disabilities.
Letter to Editor in response to Currie et al., 2023: With Generative AI, written assignments are moot - Think of something else

Yahya N, Manan HA

Radiography (Lond), 2025 Jan 09.
PMID: 39794247 DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2024.12.017
How well do large language models know dentistry? AI takes the test

Memon MA

Br Dent J, 2025 Jan;238(1):33.
PMID: 39794575 DOI: 10.1038/s41415-024-8226-6
Recent developments in photo-fermentative hydrogen evolution: Fundamental biochemistry and influencing factors a review

Verma Y, Iqbal J, Naushad M, Bhaskaralingam A, Kumar A, Dhiman P, et al.

J Environ Manage, 2025 Feb;374:123976.
PMID: 39793497 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.123976

The global shift towards renewable energy sources highlights the urgent need for sustainable hydrogen production, with photo-fermentative hydrogen evolution (PFHP) emerging as a promising solution. This review addresses the challenges and opportunities in optimizing PFHP, specifically the role of photosynthetic bacteria (PBS) in utilizing sunlight for hydrogen production. We focus on the key factors influencing PFHP, including light intensity, reactor design, substrate selection, carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, metal ions, temperature, pH, charge transfer and genetic engineering. Additionally, we explore recent advances in techniques such as immobilization, nanoparticles, biochar, and co-culturing to enhance hydrogen production efficiency. By synthesizing the latest research, this review provides new insights into improving PFHP processes, offering strategies for more efficient biohydrogen production. This work contributes to the development of sustainable hydrogen production technologies, advancing the potential for biohydrogen as a clean energy source.

MeSH terms: Fermentation; Photosynthesis

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