METHODS: A comprehensive search strategy was applied across Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane Library, ProQuest, and Scopus databases, using expert-validated keywords, with manual searches for relevant articles published from June 2013 to June 2023. The SR followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Eligible studies focused on the use of ATs as OH education tools for individuals with SI and assessed their impact on OH behavior and status.
RESULTS: Eighteen of the 1298 identified studies were included in the data synthesis. ATs, such as images, software, multimedia, audio, video, audio-tactile performance, and combination methods, were effective for OH care in individuals with SI. However, this SR limitations include study heterogeneity in sample sizes, intervention types, and outcomes, as well as the exclusion of non-English studies.
CONCLUSIONS: Oral health education using a combination of video training and audio-tactile performance is particularly effective for individuals with SI, engaging multiple senses for learning. Future research should focus on standardizing methodologies and incorporating larger sample sizes to enhance the efficacy of these technologies in improving OH care for individuals with SI. PROSPERO REG. NO.: CRD42023485523.
METHODS: MyBFF@school is a school-based, cluster randomized controlled trial (C-RCT) study. The investigators selected government schools from Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Negeri Sembilan by stratified proportionate random sampling based on the multi-ethnic population and the urban-rural location of schools. Subsequently, the schools were assigned randomly to intervention and control groups. The intervention schools underwent MyBFF@school program, whereas the control followed standard school curriculum for a duration of six months. The intervention modules replaced the existing two physical education classes and one co-curriculum activity per week. Three assessments i.e. at baseline, month-3 and month-6 were conducted. Anthropometric, clinical examination, blood, physical fitness, nutrition, and psychology parameters were collected.
RESULTS: Twenty-three out of 1,196 primary schools (seven interventions and 16 controls) and 15 out of 416 secondary schools (six interventions and nine controls). The investigators screened 11,950 primary (age 9-11 years) and 10,866 secondary (age 13, 14, 16 years) schoolchildren. The investigators found 3,516 primary schoolchildren (29.4%) and 2,910 secondary schoolchildren (26.8%) had BMI z-score of more than + 1SD who were eligible for the study. Of these, 39.7% (N = 1397) of the primary and 35.8% (N = 1041) of the secondary schoolchildren agreed to participate in the study. The mean (SD) characteristics for the participating primary and secondary schoolchildren were: BMI z-score, + 2.29 (± 0.81) and + 2.10 (± 0.71); waist circumference, 75.06 (± 9.6) cm and 85.5 (± 10.9) cm; percentage body fat, 37.8% (± 6.5%) and 39.2% (± 7.3%); and muscle mass, 14.7 (± 2.9) and 23.1 (± 5.2) kg respectively.
CONCLUSION: MyBFF@school program, a school-based multi-pronged intervention was designed to combat childhood obesity. Screening of 22,816 primary and secondary schoolchildren found 29.4% of primary schoolchildren and 26.8% of secondary schoolchildren to be overweight and obese which reflected the urgency for an effective intervention.
TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical trial number: NCT04155255, November 7, 2019 (Retrospective registered). National Medical Research Register: NMRR-13-439-16563. Registered July 23, 2013. The intervention program was approved by the Medical Research and Ethics Committee (MREC), Ministry of Health Malaysia and Educational Planning and Research Division (EPRD), Ministry of Education Malaysia. It was funded by the Ministry of Health Malaysia.
METHODS: Data from the 1970 British Cohort Study involving participants born in England, Scotland, and Wales were used. Self-rated oral health was assessed at age 46. Childhood dental attendance patterns, derived from follow-up surveys at ages 5, 10, and 16, were classified as 'always', 'sometimes', or 'never' regular. Logistic regression was performed to estimate the effect of childhood dental attendance on adult oral health. Subgroup analyses by education level and oral hygiene practices examined potential variations across these factors.
RESULTS: This study analyzed data from 4699 participants. An association was found between childhood dental attendance pattern and self-rated oral health in middle adulthood. The odds of reporting poor oral health were higher among those with 'sometimes' and 'never' regular dental attendance patterns than 'always' regular attenders. However, this association became insignificant after adjusting for covariates. Subgroup analyses revealed that 'sometimes' and 'never' regular attendance patterns were associated with higher odds of reporting poor oral health among participants who brushed less than twice daily and those with lower parental academic qualifications.
CONCLUSION: This study suggests that childhood dental attendance is associated with perceived adult oral health, though this relationship diminished after adjusting for covariates. However, the association persisted among those who brushed less than twice daily and had lower parental academic qualifications. It underscores the importance of both demographic factors and health-related behaviors in determining long-term oral health outcomes.
OBJECTIVE: This systematic review analyzed findings from randomized controlled trials published until 2022 to evaluate the health impacts of palm TRF.
DATA SOURCES: A literature search was performed in Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), PubMed, OVID Medline, SCOPUS, and Web of Science from inception until December 2022. Thirty studies involving 2646 patients, including both healthy individuals and those with underlying conditions, were identified.
RESULTS: This review shows palm TRF to be a promising natural supplement against inflammation and lipid peroxidation and that can significantly enhance overall health. Additionally, the study underscores the necessity for further research to ascertain the optimal dosage, formulation, and duration of supplementation, maximizing the potential health advantages.
CONCLUSION: This systematic review provides evidence supporting the health benefits associated with palm TRF.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration no. CRD42020204070.
METHODOLOGY: An electronically validated survey from the COVID-19 vaccination in autoimmune diseases (COVAD) study group was distributed in July 2021 to patients with autoimmune diseases and healthy controls (HCs). The survey collected data on DAEs (any AE that persisted or occurred after 7 days of vaccination), any early or delayed major adverse events (MAEs), and flares following COVID-19 vaccination. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) models were performed to determine the factors associated with repeated events of DAEs, MAEs, and flares.
RESULTS: A total of 556 vaccines were administered to 204 subjects (150 AIRDs and 54 HCs), with 72.1% completing 3 doses. In multivariate GEE analysis, there was a greater frequency of minor DAEs among AIRDs versus HCs (OR 5.65, p = 0.052). The occurrence of MAEs was higher in AIRDs versus HCs (4.9% vs. 1.3%, p = 0.052), but it was no longer significant in the GEE model. In the AIRDs group, the BNT162b2 vaccine increased the risk for minor DAEs (OR4.68, p = 0.02) while patients with autoimmune multimorbidity showed a greater risk for MAEs (OR 8.25, p = 0.007). The rate of flare was 10.6% and multivariate GEE analysis revealed that The rate of flare was 10.6% and multivariate GEE analysis revealed that systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (OR0.31, p = 0.03) and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) (OR 0.16, p
METHODS: Cross-sectional study using eDengue database, the Malaysian National Dengue Registry.
RESULTS: The study included 1,106 confirmed dengue cases, with 553 categorised as outbreak cases and 553 as single cases. Significant associations were found between dengue outbreaks and Priority Locality 1 (areas with Uncontrolled Outbreaks/ Hotspots/ Recurrent Outbreaks/ Dengue Deaths in the previous year) (AOR: 0.15, 95% CI: 0.06,0.37, p<0.001), Aedes Index ≥1% (AOR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.02,1.77, p=0.031), patients initially visiting government clinics (AOR: 1.63, 95% CI: 1.10,2.43, p=0.015), hospitalized dengue patients (AOR: 0.70. 95%CI: 0.52,0.96, p=0.029), the time taken from notification to source reduction (AOR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.50,0.66, p<0.001) and time taken from notification to investigation (AOR: 2.40 95%CI: 1.77,3.24, p<0.001).
INTERPRETATION CONCLUSION: This study identifies key factors associated with dengue outbreaks in Pulau Pinang such as Aedes Index, Priority Locality 1 areas and initial visits to government clinics. These findings underscore the need for targeted vector control and early intervention in high-risk areas to reduce outbreak risk. Early healthcare seeking behavior and timely intervention are critical in managing the spread of dengue. Further research is needed to explore additional factors and improve public health strategies.