Browse publications by year: 2025

  1. Letchumanan G, Marlini M, Baharom N, Lawley B, Syed Mohideen FB, Jogulu SR, et al.
    J Med Microbiol, 2025 Jan;74(1).
    PMID: 39886920 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.001963
    Introduction. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major global health issue projected to exceed 700 million cases by 2045. In Malaysia, T2DM prevalence has risen, with notable ethnic disparities.Gap statement. The gut microbiota's role in T2DM pathogenesis is well recognized, yet its composition in Malaysia's ethnically diverse population remains underexplored.Aim. This study aimed to characterize gut microbiota composition among T2DM and ethnicity-matched adults without diabetes (nonDM) in Malaysia.Methodology. A case-control study was conducted with 45 T2DM and 45 nonDM participants matched by ethnicity from a primary care clinic in Klang Valley, Malaysia. Faecal DNA was subjected to 16S rRNA sequencing to identify microbiota diversity and composition differences and compare predicted functional capabilities. Correlations between bacterial taxa, clinical characteristics and dietary intake were analysed.Results. T2DM participants showed decreased alpha diversity (observed, P-value=0.002, r=0.69; Shannon, P-value<0.001, r=0.73) and significant differences in beta diversity (permutational multivariate ANOVA, R²=0.036, P-value=0.001). Linear discriminant analysis effect size and multiple regression analysis, adjusted for covariates age, gender, BMI and intakes of protein, fat, carbohydrate and fibre, identified the phylum Proteobacteria and genera Escherichia-Shigella to be increased, while the genera Anaerostipes and Romboutsia decreased in T2DM. These bacteria were associated with various clinical characteristics and dietary intake. However, these 'potential biomarkers' were not uniformly present across all participants, suggesting that individual bacterial taxa may not serve as universal biomarkers.Conclusion. Significant gut microbiota differences exist between T2DM and nonDM individuals in Malaysia, indicating a dysbiosis characterized by increased pro-inflammatory bacteria and reduced short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria in T2DM. While these findings highlight the potential functional relevance of gut microbiota in T2DM pathogenesis, addressing limitations such as participant matching for confounding factors in future studies could uncover additional significant differences in microbiota composition. Furthermore, the variability in taxa prevalence across individuals suggests that targeting microbial metabolic products may offer more promising strategies to inform microbiota-targeted interventions than relying solely on specific bacterial taxa as biomarkers.
    MeSH terms: Gastrointestinal Microbiome*; Adult; Aged; Bacteria/classification; Bacteria/genetics; Bacteria/isolation & purification; Ethnic Groups; Female; Humans; Malaysia/epidemiology; Male; Middle Aged; Case-Control Studies
  2. Bushra SMR, Bakar RA, Nurul AA
    J Asian Nat Prod Res, 2025 Jan 31.
    PMID: 39887028 DOI: 10.1080/10286020.2025.2453852
    Lignosus rhinocerotis is rich in polysaccharide with diverse -bioactivities. This study developed a pre-column derivatization reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method for analyzing monosaccharides in Lignosus rhinocerotis polysaccharides (LRP). LRP underwent hydrolysis, derivatization, and separation on a Cosmosil 5C18-MS-II column at 254 nm. Baseline separation of eight standard monosaccharides was achieved within 45 min. Calibration curves, precision, and accuracy were validated. Quantitative analysis revealed LRP as a heteropolysaccharide containing mannose, ribose, rhamnose, glucose, galactose, xylose, and arabinose, with 100.28-111.02% recovery. This optimized RP-HPLC offers a simple, reproducible, and accurate tool for LRP monosaccharides analysis, facilitating in understanding its structure-function relationship.
  3. Morales-Espinoza LL, Gebara RC, Longo E, Fracácio R
    Environ Toxicol Chem, 2025 Jan 01;44(1):3-25.
    PMID: 39887287 DOI: 10.1093/etojnl/vgae008
    Ecotoxicological studies involving microplastics (MPs) conducted on a laboratory scale may not always accurately mirror real environmental conditions (types, sizes, shapes, and concentrations of MPs). This review primarily focused on examining studies that investigated the prevalence of MPs in freshwater environments and accumulation in organisms worldwide, considering important factors such as morphology, particle size, and the specific polymer types involved. This review also encompassed ecotoxicological studies related to MPs, and ecological risk analyses were carried out based on the obtained ecotoxicological data. Based on the extensive dataset collected, we determined the hazardous concentration for 5% of the tested organisms (HC5) and estimated for the first time a predicted noneffect concentration (PNEC) value for two distinct types of MPs polymers: polystyrene (PS) and polyethylene (PE), based on the species sensitive distribution (SSD) curves obtained from nonobserved concentration (NOEC) values, with 0.003 mg L-1 for PS and 0.011 mg L-1 for PE. Furthermore, another PNEC value for 7 types of MPs (PE, PS, polyvinyl chloride, PA6, polyester, polyethylene terephthalate, and ethylene acrylic acid copolymer (EEA copolymer)) was calculated (0.0027 mg L-1 or 2.61 particles L-1). Subsequently, the risk quotient (RQ) was computed utilizing data obtained from the measured environmental concentrations of 18 places. An RQ value of 0.094 was obtained, inferring that MPs have a low-risk potential globally. However, when the RQ values were examined for each country separately, they exhibited significant variability (RQ = 22.06 in Malaysia and 0.000008 in Australia). Overall, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge on MP abundance in freshwater environments, the associated ecotoxicological research to reinforce the outcomes derived from the risk analysis, and their accumulation in biota.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Environmental Monitoring/methods; Ecosystem; Risk Assessment; Ecotoxicology*
  4. Ghadin N, Baharum SN, Ahmad Raston NH, Low CF
    J Fish Dis, 2025 May;48(5):e14093.
    PMID: 39887434 DOI: 10.1111/jfd.14093
    White tail disease in Macrobrachium rosenbergii is caused by M. rosenbergii nodavirus (MrNV) infection, resulting in up to 100% mortality in larvae and post-larvae stages, severely impacting aquaculture production. Existing genome-based detection methods for MrNV are costly and time-consuming, highlighting the need for rapid and cost-effective diagnostic tests. This study evaluated the effects of truncating selected aptamer on its binding affinity to the MrNV capsid protein. The previously isolated and identified aptamer through magnetic-capture SELEX and Next Generation Sequencing demonstrated high binding affinity to the MrNV capsid protein. Truncation at the primer overhang was found to improve binding affinity, reducing the dissociation constant from 347 nM to 30.1 nM. The calculated limit of detection for the truncated aptamer decreased from 5.64 nM to 1.7 nM, while the limit of quantification decreased from 17.1 nM to 5.16 nM. These reductions indicate that the truncated aptamer has higher sensitivity compared to the full-length aptamer. In tests with MrNV-infected M. rosenbergii samples, both the enzyme-linked aptamer assay and the gold nanoparticle aptasensor assay showed consistent results when 0.5 μg of total protein lysate was used. This indicates that the prawn protein concentration interferes with the detection of the viral protein. These findings suggest the potential application of the truncated aptamer as a sensor in the development of a practical aptamer-based diagnostic kit. For instance, an aptamer-based lateral flow assay test kit could provide a user-friendly, cost-effective solution that eliminates the need for sophisticated instrumentation for diagnosis or data interpretation, making it ideal for detecting MrNV infection in M. rosenbergii aquaculture.
    MeSH terms: Animals
  5. Tan KA, Ryan MM, Kennedy RA, Carroll K, de Valle K, Kollias CM, et al.
    J Peripher Nerv Syst, 2025 Mar;30(1):e70002.
    PMID: 39887493 DOI: 10.1111/jns.70002
    BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Despite the known association of hip dysplasia and Charcot Marie Tooth disease (CMT), evidence is limited regarding its exact prevalence. Available studies pre-date genetic confirmation of CMT subtypes and current hip reconstruction surgical options. This study examined the prevalence of hip dysplasia in CMT in a tertiary neuromuscular center.

    METHODS: This was a retrospective study of children with CMT who had at least one pelvic radiograph between 2000 and 2020. Reimer's migration percentage, acetabular index and lateral center edge angle were used to identify hip dysplasia.

    RESULTS: A total of 178 children were included with a median age of 6.4 (IQR 3.4-11.3) years at CMT diagnosis. First pelvic radiographs were performed at a median age of 8.0 (IQR 4.6-12.2) years and 64 (35.8%) had hip dysplasia, of which 20 normalized over time. Repeat radiographs were done in 96/178 children (53.9%), and six children with originally normal radiographs developed later radiographic hip dysplasia. At the time of last follow up, 50/178 children (28.1%) had hip dysplasia and 17/178 children (9.6%) required surgical intervention. The frequency of hip dysplasia in specific CMT subtypes was: 28/100 in CMT1A, 5/7 in Dejerine-Sottas disease, 3/10 in CMT2A, and 4/4 in TRPV4-related CMT.

    INTERPRETATION: The prevalence of hip dysplasia in children with CMT in this cohort was estimated to be between 9.6% and 28.1%. Serial imaging is important to monitor outcomes into adulthood. Specific CMT subtypes were more likely to be associated with hip dysplasia.

    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Hip Dislocation/etiology; Hip Dislocation/epidemiology; Humans; Male; Retrospective Studies; Cohort Studies; Prevalence
  6. Khan KS, Fawzy M, Chien P, Geary M, Bueno-Cavanillas A, Nunez-Nunez M, et al.
    Int J Gynaecol Obstet, 2025 Jan 31.
    PMID: 39887735 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.16118
    The number of retractions of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) following post-publication allegations of misconduct is increasing. To address this issue, we aimed to establish an international multistakeholder consensus on post-publication integrity concerns related to RCTs. After prospective registration (https://osf.io/njksm), we assembled a multidisciplinary stakeholder group comprising 48 participants from 18 countries across six continents, recruited using a curated list of journal editors and snowballing. An underpinning evidence synthesis collated 89 articles related to post-publication integrity concerns. Integrity statements related to RCTs created were subjected to anonymized two-round Delphi survey. A hybrid face-to-face-online consensus development meeting was convened to consolidate the consensus. The response rates of the two Delphi survey rounds were 65% (31/48) and 67% (32/ 48), respectively. There were 101 and 41 statements in the first and second Delphi rounds, respectively. After the two Delphi rounds and the consensus development meeting, consensus was achieved on 104 statements consolidated to 84 after merging, editing, and removing duplicates. This set of statements included general aspects (n = 9), journal instructions (n = 14), editorial and peer review (n = 7), correspondence and complaints (n = 4), investigations for integrity concerns (n = 16), decisions and sanctions (n = 9), critical appraisal guidance (n = 1), systematic reviews of RCTs (n = 8), and research recommendations (n = 16). In conclusion, this international multistakeholder consensus statement aimed to underpin policies for preventing post-publication integrity concerns in RCT publications and assist in improving investigations of misconduct allegations.
  7. Ang TL, Hang DV, Li JW, Ho JCL, Sy-Janairo ML, Raja Ali RA, et al.
    J Gastroenterol Hepatol, 2025 Apr;40(4):821-831.
    PMID: 39888113 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.16896
    BACKGROUND AND AIM: The APAGE Position Statements aimed to provide guidance to healthcare practitioners on clinical practices aligned with climate sustainability.

    METHODS: A taskforce convened by APAGE proposed provisional statements. Twenty-two gastroenterologists from the Asian Pacific region participated in online voting and consensus was assessed through an anonymized and iterative Delphi process.

    RESULTS: There were five sections that addressed the rationale for climate action, the importance of adopting principles of waste management, clinical practice, gastrointestinal endoscopy, and issues related to advocacy and research. Sixteen statements achieved consensus and included the following: 1. APAGE recommends adopting prompt measures to reduce the carbon footprint of clinical practice due to the importance of climate action and its health cobenefits. 5. APAGE recommends adherence to professional clinical guidelines to optimize clinical care delivery in gastroenterology and hepatology to avoid the environmental impact of unnecessary procedures and tests. 8. APAGE recommends an emphasis on health promotion, disease prevention, and appropriate screening and surveillance, when resources are available, to reduce the environmental impact of managing more advanced diseases that require more intensive resources. 12. APAGE recommends that technological advances in endoscopic imaging and artificial intelligence, when available, be used to improve the precision of endoscopic diagnosis to reduce the risk of missed lesions and need for unnecessary biopsies. 13. APAGE recommends against the routine use of single-use endoscopes.

    CONCLUSION: The position statements provide guidance to healthcare practitioners on clinical practices in gastroenterology, hepatology, and endoscopy that promote climate sustainability.

    MeSH terms: Humans; Societies, Medical; Waste Management; Consensus; Carbon Footprint
  8. Kim D, Lee J, Toyama T, Liyanage T, Woodward M, Matsushita K, et al.
    Nephrology (Carlton), 2025 Feb;30(2):e70002.
    PMID: 39888116 DOI: 10.1111/nep.70002
    AIM: Anaemia is a significant complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, its prevalence and treatment patterns in Asia are poorly understood. We sought to quantify prevalence of anaemia and its treatment in people with CKD across the region.

    METHODS: MEDLINE and Embase (inception to 2023) were systematically searched for observational studies of adults with CKD conducted in Asia that reported the prevalence of anaemia or its treatment. Additional relevant unpublished data were obtained from national experts. Summary estimates of the prevalence of anaemia and its treatment were determined using a random-effects meta-analysis according to country and study-specific CKD inclusion criteria.

    RESULTS: Eighty-six studies from 10 Asian countries reported data on 1 342 121 participants. The overall prevalence of anaemia in individuals with CKD was 42% (95% CI 33%-52%), with wide variation (12%-57% in studies including all CKD stages; 21%-96% in studies limited to individuals with kidney failure). Anaemia prevalence progressively increased with more advanced CKD (80% in Stage 5). Studies reporting data on anaemia treatment, particularly in early CKD, were limited. The prevalence of erythropoietin-stimulating agents (ESAs) and iron therapy was 40% (95% CI 24%-58%) and 21% (95% CI 14%-31%), respectively (ESA: 7%-29% in CKD, 63%-95% in kidney failure; iron: 6%-26% in CKD, 15%-88% in kidney failure).

    CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate a significant, but widely varying, prevalence of anaemia and its treatment in people with CKD in Asia. Substantial variability in data availability and collection highlights the need for standardised reporting to facilitate the development of regionally relevant strategies for anaemia management in CKD.

    MeSH terms: Asia/epidemiology; Humans; Prevalence
  9. Ismail SMY, Murray CM, Stevenson MA, Yen HH, Ismail MM, Aldibi'i RS, et al.
    Acta Vet Hung, 2025 Jan 31.
    PMID: 39888335 DOI: 10.1556/004.2024.01123
    OBJECTIVE: To identify associations between the occurrence of sacrocaudal fusion and the potential morphology of certain hind limb bones in actively racing greyhounds.

    METHODS: The calcaneus, talus and patella from each hind limb were collected from 94 male and 77 female mature greyhound cadavers and grouped into four groups; right or left bones from greyhounds with a standard or fused sacrum. The measurements were recorded for the following parameters: body mass of the greyhound, mass, length, and width of the right and left calcanei, tali and patellae.

    RESULTS: A fused sacrum (4 sacral vertebrae) was present in 41% of specimens. The right and left calcanei, tali and patellae in greyhounds with a standard or fused sacrum were anatomically similar. Overall, left to right asymmetry was found, in the width of calcaneus (P < 0.01) and the talus (P < 0.05) and the length of calcaneus (P < 0.001) all these being larger in bones from the left hind limbs. Comparing bones from dogs with a fused or unfused sacrum showed that the right calcaneus length (P < 0.05) was significantly less than the left in those greyhounds with standard sacrum; the right calcaneus width was significantly less (P < 0.01) than the left in those with a fused sacrum. There were no significant differences in the means of measurements of bones between greyhounds with a standard and those with a fused sacrum except for the mass of the right (95% CI 0.22 to 1.10, P < 0.01) and left (95% CI 0.18 to 1.04, P < 0.01) calcaneus which were heavier in greyhounds with a fused sacrum than those with a standard sacrum.

    CONCLUSION: In a population of greyhounds that race on anticlockwise tracks, the left calcaneus was wider and longer than the right and the left talus was wider. This asymmetry was more significant in dogs with sacrocaudal fusion and those dogs had more massive calcanei than dogs with standard sacrums, suggesting a difference in the way these bones were loaded in dogs with sacrocaudal fusion compared to dogs with the standard sacral anatomy.

  10. Mark JKK, Teh AH, Yap BK
    Med Oncol, 2025 Jan 31;42(3):59.
    PMID: 39888474 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-025-02610-x
    Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a distinctive epithelial cancer closely associated with Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) infection, posing significant challenges in diagnosis and treatment due to its resistance to conventional therapies and high recurrence rates. Current therapies, including radiotherapy and chemotherapy, exhibit limited efficacy, particularly in recurrent or metastatic cases, highlighting the urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies. Targeting EBV oncoproteins, such as Epstein-Barr Virus encoded Nuclear Antigen 1 (EBNA1), Latent Membrane Protein 1 (LMP1), and Latent Membrane Protein 2 (LMP2), presents a promising therapeutic avenue in NPC treatment. This review discusses the latest advancements in drug discovery targeting EBV oncoproteins, emphasizing the identification of inhibitors for specific functional regions of oncoproteins EBNA1, LMP1, and LMP2. Particular attention is given to the molecular mechanisms of these inhibitors and their preclinical or clinical potential in treating EBV-positive NPC. These developments highlight a promising future for targeted therapies in improving outcomes for NPC patients.
    MeSH terms: Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology; Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use; Herpesvirus 4, Human*; Humans; Viral Matrix Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors; Viral Matrix Proteins/metabolism; Oncogene Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors; Oncogene Proteins/metabolism; Epstein-Barr Virus Nuclear Antigens/metabolism; Molecular Targeted Therapy/methods
  11. Chen ZH, Mousavi S, Mandhane PJ, Simons E, Turvey SE, Moraes TJ, et al.
    JAMA Netw Open, 2025 Jan 02;8(1):e2457341.
    PMID: 39888617 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.57341
    IMPORTANCE: Ultraprocessed foods (UPF), characterized as shelf-stable but nutritionally imbalanced foods, pose a public health crisis worldwide. In adults, UPF consumption is associated with increased obesity risk, but findings among children are inconsistent.

    OBJECTIVES: To examine the associations among UPF intake, anthropometric adiposity indicators, and obesity status in Canadian children.

    DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: In the CHILD Cohort Study, one of the largest prospective, multicenter, population-based pregnancy cohorts in Canada, diet was assessed during the 3-year visit (September 2011 to June 2016), and anthropometric measurements were assessed at the 5-year visit (December 2013 to April 2018). Data analysis was performed between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024.

    EXPOSURE: Diet intake was assessed using a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire at 3 years of age. UPFs were identified using the NOVA classification system.

    MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Anthropometric adiposity indicators were measured at 5 years of age and used to calculate age- and sex-standardized z scores for body mass index (BMI), waist to height ratio, and subscapular and triceps skinfold thicknesses, and obesity, which was defined using BMI z score cutoffs. Multivariable-adjusted regression analyses were used to examine the associations of UPF with adiposity and obesity development, accounting for parental, birth, and early-childhood factors.

    RESULTS: Among 2217 participants included in this study, median age at the outcome assessment was 5.0 (IQR, 5.0-5.1) years, and 1175 (53.0%) were males. At 3 years of age, UPF contributed 45.0% of total daily energy intake. UPF energy contribution was higher in males vs females (46.0% vs 43.9%; P 

    MeSH terms: Canada/epidemiology; Child; Child, Preschool; Diet/adverse effects; Diet/statistics & numerical data; Female; Food Handling; Humans; Male; Prospective Studies; Body Mass Index; Adiposity/physiology; Fast Foods/adverse effects; Fast Foods/statistics & numerical data
  12. Car J, Ong QC, Erlikh Fox T, Leightley D, Kemp SJ, Švab I, et al.
    JAMA Netw Open, 2025 Jan 02;8(1):e2453131.
    PMID: 39888625 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.53131
    IMPORTANCE: Rapid digitalization of health care and a dearth of digital health education for medical students and junior physicians worldwide means there is an imperative for more training in this dynamic and evolving field.

    OBJECTIVE: To develop an evidence-informed, consensus-guided, adaptable digital health competencies framework for the design and development of digital health curricula in medical institutions globally.

    EVIDENCE REVIEW: A core group was assembled to oversee the development of the Digital Health Competencies in Medical Education (DECODE) framework. First, an initial list was created based on findings from a scoping review and expert consultations. A multidisciplinary and geographically diverse panel of 211 experts from 79 countries and territories was convened for a 2-round, modified Delphi survey conducted between December 2022 and July 2023, with an a priori consensus level of 70%. The framework structure, wordings, and learning outcomes with marginal percentage of agreement were discussed and determined in a consensus meeting organized on September 8, 2023, and subsequent postmeeting qualitative feedback. In total, 211 experts participated in round 1, 149 participated in round 2, 12 participated in the consensus meeting, and 58 participated in postmeeting feedback.

    FINDINGS: The DECODE framework uses 3 main terminologies: domain, competency, and learning outcome. Competencies were grouped into 4 domains: professionalism in digital health, patient and population digital health, health information systems, and health data science. Each competency is accompanied by a set of learning outcomes that are either mandatory or discretionary. The final framework comprises 4 domains, 19 competencies, and 33 mandatory and 145 discretionary learning outcomes, with descriptions for each domain and competency. Six highlighted areas of considerations for medical educators are the variations in nomenclature, the distinctiveness of digital health, the concept of digital health literacy, curriculum space and implementation, the inclusion of discretionary learning outcomes, and socioeconomic inequities in digital health education.

    CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: This evidence-informed and consensus-guided framework will play an important role in enabling medical institutions to better prepare future physicians for the ongoing digital transformation in health care. Medical schools are encouraged to adopt and adapt this framework to align with their needs, resources, and circumstances.

    MeSH terms: Clinical Competence/standards; Delphi Technique*; Humans; Consensus*
  13. Mohd Noor N, Ariffin AA, Minhat HS, Ying LP, Silim UA
    PLoS One, 2025;20(1):e0317654.
    PMID: 39888868 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0317654
    BACKGROUND: Public primary healthcare workers (HCWs) face various psychosocial risks at workplace that can impact their mental health. However, little is known about their mental health service utilisation (MHSU). This study aimed to determine prevalence and predictors of MHSU among public primary HCWs in Negeri Sembilan, using Anderson Behavioural Model of Health Service Use.

    METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2022 to April 2023, using a valid and reliable self-administered six sections questionnaire consisting of; (i) sociodemographic, (ii) work-related factors, (iii) MHSU, (iv) perception of stigmatisation by others, (v) enabling factors, and (vi) need factors. Respondents were selected through proportionate stratified random sampling based on job categories. Multiple Logistic Regression using SPSS version 26 was used to determine the predictors of MHSU.

    RESULTS: A total of 294 respondents participated in this study, with a response rate of 83.5%. The 12-months MHSU prevalence was 45.6%. Mental health services were predominantly utilised for screening (96.3%) and treatment purposes (28.4%), primarily accessed through health clinics (85.1%), and interaction with paramedics (44.0%) and medical officers (38.8%). Significant drivers predicting MHSU were B40 household income (aOR = 3.426, 95% CI: 1.588, 7.393, p-value = 0.002) and M40 household income (aOR = 3.781, 95% CI: 1.916, 7.460, p-value<0.001), low supervisor support (aOR = 2.302, 95% CI: 1.206, 4.392, p-value = 0.011), received mental health training (aOR = 2.058, 95% CI: 1.221, 3.469, p-value = 0.007) and high co-worker support (aOR = 1.701, 95% CI: 1.034, 2.798, p-value = 0.036).

    CONCLUSION: Almost half of respondents used mental health services, predicted by lower and middle household income, received mental health training and high co-worker support. Conversely, MHSU was also predicted by low supervisor support. To sustain high levels of MHSU, it is essential to implement regular mental health training targeted HCWs with lower to middle household incomes and those experiencing low supervisor support, while simultaneously enhancing co-worker support and screening program for early detection of mental health problems.

    MeSH terms: Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Male; Mental Health; Middle Aged; Patient Acceptance of Health Care/psychology; Patient Acceptance of Health Care/statistics & numerical data; Surveys and Questionnaires; Prevalence; Young Adult
  14. Mohamad Anuar MF, Mohamed N, Awaluddin SM, Yacob H
    PLoS One, 2025;20(1):e0317484.
    PMID: 39888900 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0317484
    INTRODUCTION: Inadequate toothbrushing practice is define as brushing teeth less than two times per day. Inadequate toothbrushing during adolescence can lead to oral health problems and disease burden in adults. Moreover, inadequate practice can lead to low quality of life and inadequate self-esteem.

    OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of inadequate toothbrushing practice among adolescents aged 13 to 17 years in Malaysia and its association with sociodemographic and other related risky lifestyles.

    METHOD: This study was part of a national cross-sectional study, Global School Health Survey 2017. 27,497 students were agreed to participate in this study, with response of 89.2%. A validated self-administered bilingual, comprised of topics related to sociodemographic as well as adolescent health and risky lifestyles; substance use (alcohol, drug, smoking cigarettes), eating patterns, hygiene (inclusive of oral and hand hygiene), mental health status, lack of peer and parental/guardian support, truancy, physical activity, and body mass index (BMI). Analysis was performed using IBM SPSS for Windows version 26.0 involving complex sampling analysis and logistic regression.

    RESULTS: A total of 12.7% (95% CI: 11.8-13.6) of in-school adolescents had inadequate toothbrushing practices. Higher prevalence of inadequate toothbrushing were found among male, Indian, had ever drug use, had three or more lack of protective factors and had inadequate hand hygiene practices. Adolescents who had inadequate toothbrushing were significantly higher odd among males, Indian ethnic, ever drug use, inadequate hand hygiene practices and adolescents who had three or more lack of peer and parental/guardian support.

    CONCLUSION: Approximately 1 out of 10 adolescents had inadequate toothbrushing practices with several factors associated, such as male gender, Indian ethnicity, inadequate hand hygiene, ever drug use and lack of protective factors are identified to be associated. By emphasizing the significance of frequent brushing, we can encourage positive changes and reduce the burden of preventable dental problems on adolescents.

    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adolescent Behavior/psychology; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Health Surveys; Humans; Malaysia/epidemiology; Male; Oral Health/statistics & numerical data; Oral Hygiene/statistics & numerical data; Schools/statistics & numerical data; Students/psychology; Students/statistics & numerical data; Prevalence
  15. Hong S
    PLoS One, 2025;20(1):e0316841.
    PMID: 39888932 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0316841
    Future time perspective is closely related to students' academic achievement, potentially affecting academic achievement through academic emotions. This study examines the relationship between future time perspective and academic achievement, exploring the mediating roles of academic burnout and academic engagement among 686 university students. Using a cross-sectional quantitative design, we investigated both the direct relationship between future time perspective and academic achievement, and the indirect effects mediated by burnout and engagement. Structural equation modeling revealed that future time perspective predicts academic achievement directly, and also indirectly through increasing academic engagement and reducing academic burnout. Notably, the mediating effect of academic burnout was found to be more significant than that of academic engagement. Overall, the results highlight the crucial role of future time perspective and its mediating mechanisms in promoting academic success, suggesting potential interventions to enhance students' future orientation and academic well-being.
    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Burnout, Professional/psychology; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Male; Universities; Young Adult
  16. Lin LY, Lin CH, Chuang TY, Loh SC, Chu SY
    Int J Dev Disabil, 2025;71(1):87-94.
    PMID: 39882411 DOI: 10.1080/20473869.2023.2202454
    Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disability with increasing prevalence worldwide. Its main challenges include poor social interaction and self-regulation skills. Effective interventions are required to improve children with ASD's social interaction skills and emotional regulation. This study aimed to develop and test the feasibility and short-term efficacy of home-based augmented reality (AR) training modules for preschool children with ASD. We recruited five and 15 preschool children (3-5 years old) with ASD, respectively. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare emotional functioning and adaptive behavior differences. The children received 8-week home-based AR training modules-sessions were 20 min four times a week. After using the home-based AR training modules, the overall adaptive function, socialization skills, and emotional functioning of children with ASD significantly improved. The findings of this study provide promising evidence supporting the feasibility and applicability of home-based AR training modules. Practitioners and researchers could assist caregivers in implementing AR training modules at home to increase the emotional functioning and adaptive behavior of preschool children with ASD.
  17. Lim EQ, Ahemad N, Yap MKK
    J Biomol Struct Dyn, 2025 Mar;43(4):2014-2028.
    PMID: 38100546 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2293275
    Cobra venom cytotoxins (CTX) cause dermonecrosis in envenomed patients who suffered from limb amputations due to the limitation of serotherapy-based antivenoms. This study aimed to identify small molecule inhibitors against CTX. A structure-based high-throughput virtual screening (HTVS) was conducted based on a conserved CTX, using the Natural Product Activity and Species Source (NPASS) screening library. The hits were valerenic acid, 1-oxo-2H-isoquinoline-4-carboxylic acid, acenaphthene, and 5-bromopyrrole-2-carboxamide, which interacted with contemporary antivenom binding site A and functional loops I-III of CTX, respectively, in molecular docking studies. Furthermore, molecular dynamic simulations were performed along with analysis of ligand fitness through their pharmacophore and pharmacokinetics properties. The antagonist effects of these hits on CTX-induced cytotoxicity were examined in human keratinocytes (HaCaT). Despite having a low binding affinity (KD = 14.45 × 10-4 M), acenaphthene demonstrated a significant increase of cell viability at 6 h and 24 h in experimental envenomed HaCaT. It also demonstrated the highest neutralization potency against CTX with a median effective concentration (EC50) of 0.05 mL/mg. Acenaphthene interacted with the functional loop II, which is the crucial cytotoxic site of CTX. It has an aromatic ring as its primary pharmacophoric feature, commonly used for rational drug design. In conclusion, acenaphthene could be a promising lead compound as a small molecule inhibitor.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
    MeSH terms: Binding Sites; Cell Survival/drug effects; Cytotoxins/pharmacology; Cytotoxins/chemistry; Humans; Ligands; Protein Binding; Structure-Activity Relationship; Molecular Dynamics Simulation*; Molecular Docking Simulation*
  18. Birla D, Khandale N, Bashir B, ShahbazAlam M, Vishwas S, Gupta G, et al.
    Drug Deliv Transl Res, 2025 Mar;15(3):798-830.
    PMID: 39126576 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-024-01681-z
    Nanoparticulate drug delivery systems (NDDS) based nanoformulations have emerged as promising drug delivery systems. Various NDDS-based formulations have been reported such as polymeric nanoparticles (NPs), nanoliposomes, solid lipid NPs, nanocapsules, liposomes, self-nano emulsifying drug delivery systems, pro liposomes, nanospheres, microemulsion, nanoemulsion, gold NPs, silver NPs and nanostructured lipid carrier. They have shown numerous advantages such as enhanced bioavailability, aqueous solubility, permeability, controlled release profile, and blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability. This advantage of NDDS can help to deliver pure drugs to the target site. However, the formulation of nanoparticles is a complex process that requires optimization to ensure product quality and efficacy. Quality by Design (QbD) is a systemic approach that has been implemented in the pharmaceutical industry to improve the quality and reliability of drug products. QbD involves the optimization of different parameters like zeta potential (ZP), particle size (PS), entrapment efficiency (EE), polydispersity index (PDI), and drug release using statistical experimental design. The present article discussed the detailed role of QbD in optimizing nanoformulations and their advantages, advancement, and applications from the industrial perspective. Various case studies of QbD in the optimization of nanoformulations are also discussed.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Chemistry, Pharmaceutical/methods; Humans; Drug Delivery Systems
  19. Huang D, Gao F, Huang Y, Zheng R, Fang C, Huang W, et al.
    PMID: 39710086 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2024.110091
    Cathelicidin is a family of antimicrobial peptides in vertebrates that plays an important role in resistance and immunization against pathogenic microorganisms. In the present study, the full-length cDNA sequences of four novel cathelicidins (cathelicidin-1 to cathelicidin-4) in the tiger frog Hoplobatrachus rugulosus, encoding 153, 188, 132, and 160 amino acids, respectively, were firstly cloned by rapid amplification of the cDNA ends (RACE) technique. Sequence comparison and phylogenetic tree analysis indicated that the structures of the four cathelicidins are highly diverse. Afterwards, the tissue distribution profiles and antimicrobial patterns of cathelicidins in H. rugulosus were determined by real-time PCR. The four cathelicidins showed tissue-specific distribution patterns in the healthy frogs, and the transcriptional levels of cathelicidins exhibited a tissue- and time-dependency profile in the frogs challenged with pathogenic bacteria Aeromonas hydrophila for 72 h. The synthetic peptides of cathelicidin-1 and cathelicidin-2 exhibited broad-spectrum in vitro antimicrobial activity, and cathelicidins exerted antimicrobial activities through excessive induction of reactive oxygen species and direct disruption of the microbial membrane structure. In addition, the intraperitoneal injection of cathelicidin proteins significantly increased the marine medaka Oryzias melastigma resistance to bacterial challenges. The existence of multiple cathelicidins, their distinct tissue distribution patterns, and the inducible expression profiles suggest a sophisticated, highly redundant, and multilevel network of antimicrobial defense mechanisms in tiger frogs. This study provides evidence that cathelicidins have antimicrobial and immunomodulatory activities, and cathelicidins derived from H. rugulosus have potential therapeutic applications against pathogenic infections in aquaculture.
    MeSH terms: Amino Acid Sequence; Animals; Anti-Infective Agents/pharmacology; Anura/genetics; Phylogeny*; Ranidae/genetics; Aeromonas hydrophila*; Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides/genetics; Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides/isolation & purification; Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides/pharmacology; Amphibian Proteins/genetics; Amphibian Proteins/pharmacology; Immunomodulation/drug effects; Immunomodulation/genetics
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