METHODS: The hospital wastewater samples were collected from the sewage water effluent of a tertiary hospital at Universiti Sains Malaysia, located on the east coast of Malaysia. These samples underwent serial filtration and centrifugation processes for phage recovery. The phage solutions were undergoing a screening test by spot assay using clinical isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae AmpC strain as amplification hosts. The isolated AmpC-phages were further studied and characterised to determine the phage's host range, temperature, pH, and chloroform stabilities. High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM) was performed to determine the phage type.
RESULTS: Thirty HWW samples were analyzed using four K. pneumoniae AmpC strains resulting in a total of 120 screening plates. The AmpC-Klebsiella pneumoniae (AmpC-KP) phages were detected in 31.70% (38/120) of the plates. The AmpC-KP phages had lytic diameters ranging from 1-3 mm, and a phage titer ranged from4×103-3.2×107 PFU/ml. The phages had a narrow-host range stable at a temperature range from -20-50˚C. The phages were also stable at pH ranging from 4 to 9 and at different concentrations of chloroform (5%,10%). Based on HRTEM, Siphoviridea was identified.
CONCLUSIONS: The AmpC-phages were abundant in hospital wastewater, and HWW was a good source for AmpC-KP phages. The isolated AmpC phages had a high effectivity and specificity for AmpC-KP with a narrow host range and could survive under harsh conditions such as (temperature, pH, and chloroform).
METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive search on March 15, 2024, using Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and EBSCOhost. Eligibility criteria for selecting studies were established based on the PICOS framework: (i) Population-healthy soccer players; (ii) Intervention-SAQ training; (iii) Comparison condition (conventional training or traditional training); (iv) Outcome-physical performance (speed, agility, strength, etc.); (v) Study design-randomized controlled trials. The PEDro scale was employed to evaluate the methodological quality of each study, and a random-effects model was used for the meta-analysis.
RESULTS: A total of 11 studies met the inclusion criteria for the systematic literature review. One study with low PEDro score was excluded, and one was excluded based on Cochrane bias risk assessment. Finally, 9 studies were included in the meta-analysis, comprising 498 soccer players. Overall, the results indicated a significant impact of SAQ training on physical qualities and dribbling speed among soccer players. Specifically, there was a moderate effect size for sprint performance (5m, 10m, 20m) (ES = 0.75; p < 0.01), change of direction ability (COD) (ES = 0.35; p < 0.001), power (vertical and horizontal jumps) (ES = 0.67; p < 0.01), while flexibility showed no significant impact (ES = 0.11; p > 0.05). Moreover, change-of-direction dribbling demonstrated a significant effect (ES = 0.58; p < 0.01).
CONCLUSION: Overall, SAQ training effectively enhances speed, COD, explosiveness, and change-of-direction dribbling specific performance in adolescent soccer players, particularly in sprinting. However, it does not have an advantage in improving flexibility. Further high-quality studies encompassing a broader range of exercises are needed to fully determine the effectiveness of SAQ training in improving other physical qualities and technical skills of soccer players, as well as ultimately enhancing match performance.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among women with T2DM between January and April 2023 in a public primary care clinic in Seremban, Malaysia. The study instrument consists of the Summary of Diabetes Self-care Activities (SDSCA), scale for Measuring Role Strain in Women with Diabetes, problem-focused coping from brief COPE, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) and an item to assess the perception of diabetes as a priority.
RESULTS: A total of 346 women participated in the study (mean age = 60.67, SD = 10.12). Most were elderly (60.4%), Indian (48.3%), had low education (80.6%) and from lower income (70.8%). The mean score for self-care was 2.81 (SD 0.80) days, indicating a suboptimal level. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that higher income (β = 0.82, [95% CI 0.04, 1.59], p = 0.039), problem-focused coping (β = 0.47,[95% CI 0.03, 0.06],p
METHODS: A comprehensive search across PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science was conducted through December 10 2024, identifying observational studies exploring hydrocarbon exposure and stroke risk. Studies meeting predefined inclusion criteria, excluding those with major methodological flaws, were synthesized narratively. Variations in hydrocarbon types, population demographics, and stroke outcomes were considered.
RESULTS: Six studies, including five cross-sectional and one retrospective cohort, with sample sizes ranging from 5,537 to 283,666 participants, demonstrated significant associations between hydrocarbon exposure and stroke risk. Key findings revealed strong associations for metabolites like 1-hydroxynaphthalene (OR: 1.89; 95% CI: 1.62-2.20) and 2-hydroxyfluorene (OR: 1.94; 95% CI: 1.66-2.26). However, variability in findings was noted, attributed to differences in study design, exposure levels, and populations studied.
CONCLUSION: This review highlights a complex relationship between hydrocarbon exposure and stroke risk, with some studies indicating significant associations and others reporting inconsistencies. Standardized, large-scale research is essential to clarify this relationship, identify high-risk populations, and guide public health strategies to mitigate exposure and prevent stroke.
CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.