Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 118 in total

Abstract:
Sort:
  1. Wang F, Syed Ali SKB
    Medicine (Baltimore), 2024 Mar 29;103(13):e37566.
    PMID: 38552100 DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000037566
    BACKGROUND: College students' physical fitness has declined over the past decades. Taichi Qigong exercise offers numerous health benefits and could serve as a suitable option for them. Traditional programs, however, are time-consuming and necessitate long-term commitments. Therefore, a more cost-effective intervention is needed.

    METHODS: The study enrolled a total of 31 students who actively participated in a 5-week STQE program, consisting of three 60-minute sessions per week. Physical and mental health assessments included the Plank test, vital capacity measurement, 1000/800 m run test, standing jump, and the Zung Self-Rating Scale. Data analysis was performed using SPSS.

    RESULTS: Following the STQE intervention, participants showed improvement in core strength (28.1 seconds in the Plank test, P = .025) and lower limb explosive force (6.52 cm in the standing jump test, P = .011), accompanied by a decrease in anxiety levels (a reduction of 3.41 in the Zung Self-Rating Scale, P = .039). However, no significant improvements were observed in cardiopulmonary endurance, as evidenced by a non-significant increase of 237.84 mL in vital capacity (P = .134) and a non-significant reduction of 1.6 seconds in the 1000/800 m run test (P = .764).

    CONCLUSION: The study suggests that the STQE program effectively improves core strength, lower limb explosive force, and reduces anxiety levels among university students.

  2. Wong JW, Tan JH, Abraham RE, Jauhar Ali SN, Kok SY, Tan HCL, et al.
    Medicine (Baltimore), 2024 Mar 22;103(12):e37415.
    PMID: 38518019 DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000037415
    The outbreak of Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) has a significant impact on the mental health of the global population. Updates are needed regarding the mental health status among the local population since limited studies were done so far. This research compared the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms among HCWs and non-HCWs. We also evaluated the factors associated with anxiety and depression symptoms among these 2 groups. This was a cross-sectional study conducted between September to December 2022. Online questionnaire was distributed to HCWs from 2 tertiary government hospitals. Non-HCWs from various occupational fields were recruited randomly. Generalised Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD-7) and Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) were used to screen for anxiety and depression symptoms respectively. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 28.0. 200 questionnaires were distributed to HCWs and non-HCWs respectively. The response rate was 74.5% from HCWs and 82.5% from non-HCWs (P = .07). A total of 236 individuals (105 HCWs and 131 non-HCWs) were included in the study. Majority were female, married, highly educated and worked more than 8 hours per day. There was no significant difference for the prevalence of anxiety (37.2% vs 44.3%, P = .34) and depression symptoms (37.3% vs 35.1%, P = .75) between HCWs and non-HCWs. Among HCWs, poor workplace support (P = .009) and low income (P = .04) were associated with anxiety symptoms. Younger age (P = .02), single status (P = .01) and poor workplace support (P = .006) were associated with depression symptoms. More non-HCWs with a higher educational level were having anxiety and depression symptoms. Single status (P = .03), working away from home (P = .02), poor family support (P = .03) and quarantine as Covid-19 close contact (P = .04) were also associated with depression symptoms among non-HCWs. There is no significant difference between HCWs and non-HCWs experiencing possible anxiety or depressive symptoms in this study. However, attention should be paid to address associated factors identified among each group to promote good mental health.
  3. Yeoh CW, Law WC
    Medicine (Baltimore), 2023 Dec 22;102(51):e36676.
    PMID: 38134114 DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000036676
    RATIONALE: Heat-related illnesses have protean manifestations that can mimic other life-threatening conditions. The diagnosis of heat stroke requires a high index of suspicion if the patient has been exposed to a high-temperature environment. Central nervous system dysfunction is a cardinal feature. Strict adherence to temperature criteria can potentially lead to misdiagnosis.

    PATIENT CONCERNS: A 37-year-old construction worker was brought in by his wife and coworker due to a sudden loss of consciousness while resting after completing his work.

    DIAGNOSES: Due to challenges faced during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, as well as language barriers, a detailed history from the coworker who witnessed the patient's altered sensorium was not available. He was initially suspected of having encephalitis and brainstem stroke. However, subsequent investigations revealed multiorgan dysfunction with a normal brain computed tomography and cerebral computed tomography angiogram. In view of the multiple risk factors for heat stroke, pupillary constriction, and urine color suggestive of rhabdomyolysis, a diagnosis of heat stroke was made.

    INTERVENTIONS: Despite delayed diagnosis, the patient's multiorgan dysfunction recovered within days with basic supportive care.

    OUTCOMES: There were no noticeable complications on follow-up 14 months later.

    LESSONS: Heat stroke can be easily confused with other neurological pathologies, particularly if no history can be obtained from the patient or informant. When approaching a comatose patient, we propose that serum creatinine kinase should be considered as an initial biochemical screening test.

  4. Alshareefy Y, Cummins S, Mazzoleni A, Sharma V, Guggilapu S, Leong AWY, et al.
    Medicine (Baltimore), 2023 Nov 17;102(46):e36094.
    PMID: 37986400 DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000036094
    Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNETs) are a rare subtype of pancreatic cancer and can be divided into functional (30-40%) and nonfunctional subtypes. The different subtypes of functional PanNETs (F-PanNETs) have a variety of classical presentations that raise suspicion for an underlying PanNET. It is estimated that 90% of PanNETs are sporadic, and the PI3K-Akt-mTOR and ATRX/DAXX signaling pathways have been recognized as key genetic pathways implicated in the pathogenesis. The other 10% of PanNETs may occur in the context of familial cancer syndromes such as MEN1. Chromogranin A is the most useful biomarker currently; however, several studies have shown limitations with its use, especially its prognostic value. Synaptophysin is a novel biomarker which has shown promising preliminary results however its use clinically has yet to be established. Blood tests assessing hormone levels, cross-sectional imaging, and endoscopic ultrasound remain at the core of establishing a diagnosis of F-PanNET. The treatment options for F-PanNETs include surgical methods such as enucleation, systemic therapies like chemotherapy and novel targeted therapies such as everolimus. The prognosis for F-PanNETs is more favorable than for nonfunctional PanNETs, however metastatic disease is associated with poor survival outcomes. Researchers should also focus their efforts on identifying novel pathways implicated in the pathogenesis of F-PanNETs in order to develop new targeted therapies that may reduce the need for surgical intervention and on the establishment of novel biomarkers that may reduce the need for invasive testing and allow for earlier detection of F-PanNETs.
  5. Imon RR, Aktar S, Morshed N, Nur SM, Mahtarin R, Rahman FA, et al.
    Medicine (Baltimore), 2023 Nov 10;102(45):e35347.
    PMID: 37960765 DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000035347
    Glypican-3 (GPC3), a membrane-bound heparan sulfate proteoglycan, has long been found to be dysregulated in human lung adenocarcinomas (LUADs). Nevertheless, the function, mutational profile, epigenetic regulation, co-expression profile, and clinicopathological significance of the GPC3 gene in LUAD progression are not well understood. In this study, we analyzed cancer microarray datasets from publicly available databases using bioinformatics tools to elucidate the above parameters. We observed significant downregulation of GPC3 in LUAD tissues compared to their normal counterparts, and this downregulation was associated with shorter overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS). Nevertheless, no significant differences in the methylation pattern of GPC3 were observed between LUAD and normal tissues, although lower promoter methylation was observed in male patients. GPC3 expression was also found to correlate significantly with infiltration of B cells, CD8+, CD4+, macrophages, neutrophils, and dendritic cells in LUAD. In addition, a total of 11 missense mutations were identified in LUAD patients, and ~1.4% to 2.2% of LUAD patients had copy number amplifications in GPC3. Seventeen genes, mainly involved in dopamine receptor-mediated signaling pathways, were frequently co-expressed with GPC3. We also found 11 TFs and 7 miRNAs interacting with GPC3 and contributing to disease progression. Finally, we identified 3 potential inhibitors of GPC3 in human LUAD, namely heparitin, gemcitabine and arbutin. In conclusion, GPC3 may play an important role in the development of LUAD and could serve as a promising biomarker in LUAD.
  6. Almansour A, Madkhali M, Alzhrani M, Alanazi A, Aldaihan MM, Alamri YH, et al.
    Medicine (Baltimore), 2023 Nov 03;102(44):e35645.
    PMID: 37933019 DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000035645
    The fear of re-injury may persist after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) in professional soccer players (PSPs) even after a successful return to sport (RTS). This study aimed to determine the extent of this fear of re-injury and the impact of demographic variables and this fear of re-injury on the lower extremity functional scale (LEFS) scores in PSPs who had completed a successful RTS following ACLR. A cross-sectional survey design was used. Sixty-seven PSPs who had successfully RTS after ACLR, completed a demographic information sheet, the Athlete Fear-Avoidance Questionnaire (AFAQ), and the LEFS. The average AFAQ scores indicated low fear (M = 10.2, SD = 6.7), while high LEFS scores were observed (M = 67.1, SD = 12.4). There were significant strong negative correlations between LEFS and body mass index (BMI; rs [65] = -0.501, P = .001) and AFAQ and BMI (rs [65] = -0.378, P = .001). A hierarchical linear regression analysis found AFAQ to be a significant predictor of LEFS (b = -0.92, s.e. = 0.19, P = .001), with a total variance (adjusted R2) of 32.9%. PSPs' fear of re-injury post-ACLR significantly reduced their perceived levels of lower limb functionality. This study highlights the need to further explore and develop strategies to manage PSP fear of re-injury to improve sports-related performance post-ACLR.
  7. Mohd Rawi SB, Low Yan Fay Z, Muhammad Khairus NFF, Annandan SK, Mohd Sani N, Mat Termizi MH, et al.
    Medicine (Baltimore), 2023 Oct 27;102(43):e35520.
    PMID: 37904385 DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000035520
    Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has become increasingly prevalent among young adults. Risk perception is believed to be an important determinant of preventive health behaviors; however, young adults remain unaware of the benefits. The current study aimed to examine Malaysian public university students' perceived risk of developing T2DM and its predictors. This cross-sectional study involved a total of 1078 healthy students at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). The validated Malay version of the Questionnaire on Risk Perception of Developing Non-Communicable Diseases in Malaysia was used to assess their perceived risk of developing T2DM in the future. Multiple logistic regression was used to analyze the data regarding the predictors of perceived risk to obtain the final model after controlling the potential confounders. . It was found that the majority of respondents (83.8%) perceived low risk of developing T2DM. Results from the multiple logistic regression indicated that respondents from non-health related faculties (OR, 1.71: 95% CI 1.162, 2.515), smoking (OR, 8.43: 95% CI 1.108, 64.130), consume fast food ≥ 3 times/month (OR, 1.56: 95% CI 1.104, 2.207), and snacking ≥ 3 times/week (OR, 1.79: 95% CI 1.262, 2.550) were significant positive predictors while family history of diabetes was a negative predictor (OR, 0.50: 95% CI 0.350, 0.695). Students who self-rated themselves as practising healthy lifestyles and actively seeking health information perceived a low risk of developing diabetes in the future. . The findings indicate that students perceived their risk as low even though they have the risk. This creates an urgent need to emphasize the necessity of diabetes prevention education, especially on socio-behavioral factors, to address the widespread misunderstandings among university students regarding diabetes risk factors to reduce diabetes incidence.
  8. Batool A, Vaithilingam RD, Mohamad Hassan NH, Safii SH, Saub R
    Medicine (Baltimore), 2023 Oct 13;102(41):e35340.
    PMID: 37832126 DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000035340
    BACKGROUND: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of several chronic diseases including rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and periodontitis (PD). RA patients with periodontitis (RA-PD) are associated with elevated inflammatory burden due to increased production of proinflammatory cytokines. Controlling upregulated MMPs activity in these patients may have potential therapeutic effects. Therefore, aim of this study is to address the focused question: "Do RA subjects with concurrent PD have different levels of MMPs in comparison to RA alone, PD alone and HC subjects?"

    METHODS: The systematic review was performed following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A search from 4 electronic databases (EMBASE, Medline, Web of Science, and Cochrane library) and manual search was performed from inception to July 2023. Quality assessment of each article was done using Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Meta-analyses derived results were summarized as standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals.

    RESULTS: A total of 879 articles were extracted. Following screening and full text assessment, 9 studies were included. MMP-1, MMP-3, MMP-8, MMP-9, and MMP-13 were consistently elevated in RA-PD subjects. MMP-8 levels were found to be higher in RA-PD subjects compared with RA alone, PD alone, and HC in 3 studies reporting GCF levels (SMD = 1.2; Z = 2.07; P = .04) and 2 studies reporting serum levels (SMD = 0.87; Z = 4.53; P < .00001).

    CONCLUSION: RA-PD group showed significantly higher MMP levels in their serum and GCF compared with HC, RA, and PD alone individuals. MMP-8 may serve as a reliable biomarker in the diagnosis and management of RA-PD subjects.

  9. Alzoubi MM, Ks H, Am R, Al-Zoubi KM, Al-Mugheed K, Alsenany SA, et al.
    Medicine (Baltimore), 2023 Oct 06;102(40):e35390.
    PMID: 37800832 DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000035390
    BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to design, implement, and evaluate the impact of a total quality management intervention on job performance and commitment among Jordanian nurses working in government hospitals.

    METHODS: A quasi-experimental multiple time series was conducted starting in September 2017 and ending in June 2018. 140 nurses were sampled using the proportionate stratified random sampling technique; 132 were completed the study 67 the intervention group, while 65 in the control group.

    RESULTS: There were no significant differences in nurses' job performance or commitment between the 2 groups (control and intervention). A repeated measure MANOVA test for both groups revealed that the interaction between group and time was statistically significant (F (4, 127) = 144.841; P = .001; Wilk's Λ = 0.180; η2 = .820), indicating that groups had a significantly different pattern of job performance and commitment over time. A repeated test The MANCOVA test for both groups across time revealed significant differences in nurses' job performance and nurses' commitment at a less than 0.05 significance level (F (2127) = 320.724; P = .001; Wilk's Λ = 0.165; η2 = 0.835), and the overall effect of time was significant for all dependent variables (F (4125) = 36.879; P = .001; Wilk's Λ = 0.459; η2 = 0.541).

    CONCLUSION: The educational intervention was effective in improving nursing job performance among the study sample. The improved commitment of respondents in the intervention group was attributed to the improvement in job performance.

  10. Kim YJ
    Medicine (Baltimore), 2023 Sep 29;102(39):e35143.
    PMID: 37773837 DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000035143
    The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of the problem-based learning (PBL) method on Neurology education for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) undergraduate students. This observational study was conducted during the 2020/02 and 2020/04 intakes of the third year TCM undergraduate students at School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xiamen University Malaysia. A total of 86 students were enrolled in the study and randomly assigned to either conventional learning groups or PBL groups. Students who missed more than 1 session of the course or did not complete the questionnaires during the evaluation periods were excluded from the study (n = 0). An independent sample t test was used to compare the results between the 2 groups, with a significance level set as P 
    Matched MeSH terms: Medicine, Chinese Traditional
  11. Richarz U, Han J, Bai YM, Yu-Hai Chen E, Chung YC, Jhanwar VG, et al.
    Medicine (Baltimore), 2023 Aug 25;102(34):e34623.
    PMID: 37653768 DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000034623
    BACKGROUND: Evaluate efficacy and safety of paliperidone palmitate 6-monthly (PP6M) for patients with schizophrenia in the Asian subgroup of a global, multicenter, noninferiority phase-3 study (NCT03345342).

    METHODS: Patients received paliperidone palmitate 1-monthly (PP1M, 100/150 mg eq.) or paliperidone palmitate 3-monthly (PP3M, 350/525 mg eq.) during the maintenance phase and entered a 12-month double-blind (DB) phase, wherein they were randomized (2:1) to PP6M (700/1000 mg. eq.) or PP3M (350/525 mg eq.). Subgroup analysis was performed for 90 (12.7%) patients from Asia region (India, Taiwan, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Korea). Primary endpoint was time-to-relapse during DB phase (Kaplan-Meier estimates). Secondary endpoints were changes from baseline in Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, Clinical Global Impression-Severity scale, Personal and Social Performance (PSP) scale score.

    RESULTS: In Asian subgroup, 91.9% (82/90) of patients completed DB phase (PP6M: 54/62 [87%]; PP3M: 28/28 [100%]). Median time-to-relapse was "not-estimable" due to low relapse rates in both groups. Estimated difference (95% confidence interval [CI]) between relapse-free patients in PP6M and PP3M groups of Asian subgroup was -0.1% [-8.5%, 8.4%] (global study population: -2.9% [-6.8%, 1.1%]). Mean change from baseline in secondary efficacy parameters was comparable between both groups, similar to the global study population. The incidence of extrapyramidal symptoms was higher in the Asian subgroup than in the global study population.

    CONCLUSION: Consistent with the global study population, PP6M was noninferior to PP3M in preventing relapse in patients with schizophrenia from the Asia region. Findings suggest the possibility of switching from PP1M/PP3M to twice-yearly PP6M without loss of efficacy and with no unexpected safety concerns.

  12. Awuah WA, Huang H, Kalmanovich J, Mehta A, Mikhailova T, Ng JC, et al.
    Medicine (Baltimore), 2023 Aug 11;102(32):e34614.
    PMID: 37565922 DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000034614
    The circadian rhythm (CR) is a fundamental biological process regulated by the Earth's rotation and solar cycles. It plays a critical role in various bodily functions, and its dysregulation can have systemic effects. These effects impact metabolism, redox homeostasis, cell cycle regulation, gut microbiota, cognition, and immune response. Immune mediators, cycle proteins, and hormones exhibit circadian oscillations, supporting optimal immune function and defence against pathogens. Sleep deprivation and disruptions challenge the regulatory mechanisms, making immune responses vulnerable. Altered CR pathways have been implicated in diseases such as diabetes, neurological conditions, and systemic autoimmune diseases (SADs). SADs involve abnormal immune responses to self-antigens, with genetic and environmental factors disrupting self-tolerance and contributing to conditions like Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Inflammatory Myositis. Dysregulated CR may lead to increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, contributing to the systemic responses observed in SADs. Sleep disturbances significantly impact the quality of life of patients with SADs; however, they are often overlooked. The relationship between sleep and autoimmune conditions, whether causal or consequential to CR dysregulation, remains unclear. Chrono-immunology investigates the role of CR in immunity, offering potential for targeted therapies in autoimmune conditions. This paper provides an overview of the connections between sleep and autoimmune conditions, highlighting the importance of recognizing sleep disturbances in SADs and the need for further research into the complex relationship between the CR and autoimmune diseases.
  13. Dboba MM, Mohd Nordin NA, Manaf H, Mohd Rasdi HF
    Medicine (Baltimore), 2023 Jul 14;102(28):e34249.
    PMID: 37443502 DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000034249
    BACKGROUND: Motor impairment is common after a stroke and directly affects the function and quality of life of stroke survivors. Constraint-induced movement therapy and neuromuscular electrical stimulation are interventions that facilitate functional recovery of the upper extremities of a particular subgroup of stroke survivors. The objective of this study was to summarize the available evidence on the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation combined with constraint-induced movement therapy in patients with stroke.

    METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive search of published articles in electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, PEDro, Medline (via Ovid), EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science, using the following search terms: "stroke"; "upper extremity"; "Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy"; and "Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation." The search included published studies, conferences, and presentations. The article selection, data extraction, and quality evaluation will be conducted independently by 2 reviewers. The 3rd and 4th reviewers will assist in resolving any disagreements that may arise between the 2 reviewers. The risk of bias in the included studies will be assessed using the PEDro scale and Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool. Narrative synthesis and meta-analysis will be performed based on the characteristics of the included articles, including the risk of bias (if sufficient information is available).

    RESULTS: This review summarizes the available evidence and could assist therapists in choosing the best treatment for poststroke upper extremity dysfunction.

    CONCLUSION: This study will provide the available evidence on the effectiveness of CIMT and NMES on upper extremity function in patients with stroke.

    ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval is not required because the review will be based on publicly available literature. The findings of this study will be published in a peer-reviewed journal, and updates will be made depending on whether sufficient additional evidence modifies the conclusions of the review. Any changes made to the methods throughout the review will be stated in the article.

    SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42023415645.

  14. Gopala Krishna Pillai S, Mohd Nordin NA, Mohamed Ibrahim N
    Medicine (Baltimore), 2023 Jul 14;102(28):e33966.
    PMID: 37443466 DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000033966
    BACKGROUND: Training caregivers and persons with Parkinson Disease (PwPD) is crucial to provide them with adequate knowledge and care skills in preparation for the Parkinson disease (PD) progression. This review will systematically evaluate the effect of structured training programs on the mobility and quality of life (QoL) of PwPD. In addition, the effect of such training programs on the QoL, burden of caregiving, and knowledge of PD among adult caregivers of PwPD will also be evaluated.

    METHODS: Systematic and comprehensive search of relevant studies will be conducted using electronic databases such as Cochrane Library, EBSCOhost, PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science. The title, abstract, keywords, and full texts will be screened for eligibility. Studies to be selected are randomized controlled trials (RCT) from inception until April 2023. Studies based on structured PD training either in the form of training, education, program, multidisciplinary approach, or self-management targeted at both PwPD and their adult caregivers will be selected. Only full-text articles available in the English language will be included. Full-text articles will be inspected by 2 independent reviewers to produce the final set of articles that meet the eligibility criteria. A third reviewer will be engaged if no consensus is achieved between the first and second reviewers. Version 2 of the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2) will be used to evaluate the quality of papers and inform the risk of bias.

    RESULTS: This review will provide an outlook on the effects of structured PD training programs on mobility and QoL of PwPD. In addition, it will provide insight into the effects of such training on the caregivers' burden, knowledge of PD, and QoL.

    CONCLUSION: This review findings may help clinicians and researchers to understand the effect of structured and comprehensive PD training programs for PwPD and their adult caregiver.

  15. Nagaretnam B, Md Jamal S, Abu Bakar A, Zaini IZ, Saiboon IM
    Medicine (Baltimore), 2023 Jul 14;102(28):e34095.
    PMID: 37443513 DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000034095
    Assessment of asthma management competency using conventional methods remains challenging. This study aimed to explore the baseline knowledge, diagnosis accuracy and clinical management accuracy of acute asthma among emergency doctors using simulation-based assessment. We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 65 emergency department medical officers at a tertiary center. Participants were evaluated using 2 components: knowledge assessment of acute asthma and clinical performance assessment. Knowledge was evaluated using a standardized knowledge questionnaire. Clinical performance in managing acute asthma was assessed using a simulated acute asthma scenario and a standardized asthma management checklist using real-time assessments. The mean knowledge score was 14.69 ± 2.16. No significant differences were found in diagnosis and management accuracy in relation to knowledge (H = 0.644, P = .725, df = 6; H = 1.337, P = .512, df = 2). Acute-asthma attacks of all severities were poorly assessed, with accuracies of 27.3, 41.9, and 20.1% in mild, moderate, severe, and life-threatening cases, respectively. However, all participants provided high-quality treatment (accuracy = 82.3%) regardless of severity. Knowledge score does not influence the ability to differentiate asthma severity and management accuracy according to established asthma guidelines. The overall treatment accuracy was high, regardless of the severity of asthma. However, assessment of acute asthma requires further refinement.
  16. Krisdiyanto, Bin Raja Ghazilla RA, Azuddin M, Bin Ahmad Hairuddin MKF, Risdiana N
    Medicine (Baltimore), 2023 Jun 09;102(23):e33983.
    PMID: 37335669 DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000033983
    In the market, there are many types and shapes of syringes. One of the groupings of syringe types is based on barrel volume. The shape of the product design affects performance and user perception. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of barrel volume on its performance and user perception. We performed analysis following international organization for standardization 7886 procedures on syringe with 1 mL, 3 mL, 5 mL, and 10 mL volume. In addition, a user perception test was conducted on 29 respondents using a questionnaire with the Likert chart method. This study indicates that the bigger the syringe volume, the larger the dead space and the force to operate the piston are. A larger syringe volume also raises the volume that changes due to the plunger position increase. Meanwhile, the barrel volume does not affect water and water leakage, as we did not observe any leak during the syringe tests in our experiment. In addition, the user perception test shows that the barrel's length influences the ease of device control during the injection. The volume of the barrel negatively correlated with its effect to the environment. The safety features of all syringes are similar except for the 3 mL syringe, which has a value of 0.1 points difference to other syringes.
  17. Abd Kadir NA, Azzeri A, Mohd Noor MI, Kefeli Z, Abdullah MF, Ramlee MNA, et al.
    Medicine (Baltimore), 2023 Apr 25;102(17):e33590.
    PMID: 37115076 DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000033590
    BACKGROUND: Adequate health literacy is necessary for individuals as it enables them to readily acquire information, process it, and apply it to health-related decisions. Various factors including geographical area will determine the disparity in health literacy status. Communities living in protected areas have limited health literacy and health status owing to a lack of access to infrastructure and medical facilities. Existing studies have discussed health literacy among various populations disproportionately affected by certain diseases. However, research remains underdeveloped, and the causal factors are largely untested. This research aims to better understand how population living conditions especially those who are living in protected areas are affected and exposed to limited health literacy.

    METHOD: This study will comprehensively review full-text papers published between 2013 and 2023. We will search 3 databases, PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science, using the keyword search strategy to find articles related to the issue. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses will be used to guide the selection of relevant studies. The results will then be assessed using the standard Cochrane Quality assessment method. The outcome is addressed in light of a narrative synthesis that utilizes a theme category and focuses on each component's main conclusions.

    RESULT: This protocol describes the planned scope and methodology for the systematic review and meta-analysis that will provide current evidence on; The status of health literacy among the community in protected areas and; The effect of Protected Areas on health literacy according to their types and characteristics.

    CONCLUSION: Meta-analysis of low-to-high health literacy status will benefit the development of policy recommendations for protected areas.

  18. AlTamimi JZ, AlFaris NA, Alshwaiyat NM, Alkhalidy H, AlKehayez NM, Alsemari MA, et al.
    Medicine (Baltimore), 2023 Apr 14;102(15):e33555.
    PMID: 37058044 DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000033555
    Adults are increasingly eating fast-food, which is connected to adverse health outcomes such as obesity and chronic diseases. This work was carried out to study the prevalence of fast-food intake among a multi-ethnic population of middle-aged men and its connection with sociodemographic factors and obesity. This cross-sectional study enrolled 1800 middle-aged men from Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A valid and reliable questionnaire was used to assess participants fast-food intake frequency. Fast-food was consumed weekly by 87.8% of participants and daily by 45.6% of participants. The nationality of participants was determined as a predictor of fast-food intake. The highest and lowest prevalence of weekly fast-food intake was reported among Turkish (99.6%) and Sudanese (48.3%) participants. The highest and lowest daily intake rates were reported among participants from the Philippines (85.9%) and Bangladesh (10.0%). Another factor predicting fast-food intake was obesity. Obese participants had a significantly higher odds ratio (OR) of weekly (OR = 5.83, P
  19. Jaiswal V, Batra N, Dagar M, Butey S, Huang H, Chia JE, et al.
    Medicine (Baltimore), 2023 Feb 10;102(6):e32775.
    PMID: 36820570 DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000032775
    BACKGROUND: There is limited and conflicting data available regarding the cardiovascular disease outcomes associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

    OBJECTIVE: We aim to perform a systematic review to evaluate the cardiovascular outcomes and mortality associated with IBD patients.

    METHODS: A systematic literature search has been performed on PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Scopus from inception till May 2022 without any language restrictions.

    RESULTS: A total of 2,029,941 patients were included in the analysis from 16 studies. The mean age of the patients was 45.6 years. More females were found compared with males (57% vs 43%). The most common risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) included smoking (24.19%) and alcohol (4.60%). The most common comorbidities includes hypertension (30%), diabetes mellitus (14.41%), dyslipidemia (18.42%), previous CVD (22%), and renal disease (10%). Among outcomes, all-cause mortality among IBD patients was 1.66%; ulcerative colitis (UC): 15.92%; and Crohn disease (CD): 0.30%. Myocardial Infarction (MI) among IBD patients were 1.47%, UC: 30.96%; and CD: 34.14%. CVD events among IBD patients were 1.95%. Heart failure events among IBD patients were 5.49%, stroke events among IBD patients were 0.95%, UC: 2.63%, and CD: 2.41%, respectively.

    CONCLUSION: IBD patients are at higher risk for adverse cardiovascular outcomes, especially in women. Although there remains a lack of concrete treatment algorithms and assessment parameters that better characterize IBD risk factors, nutritional modifications and physical activity should be at the forefront of CVD prevention in IBD.

  20. Singh S, Meher N, Mohammed A, Razab MKAA, Bhaskar LVKS, Nawi NM
    Medicine (Baltimore), 2023 Feb 03;102(5):e30284.
    PMID: 36749239 DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000030284
    The primary target of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is the respiratory system including the nose and lungs, however, it can also damage the kidneys, cardiovascular system and gastrointestinal system. Many recent reports suggested that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infections can also affect the central nervous system as well as peripheral nervous system that lead to the several neurological complications. The virus can break the blood brain barrier and enters the brain via haematological route or directly by the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptors present on endothelial cells of many cerebral tissues. The neurological complications are manifested by headache, dizziness, encephalopathy, encephalitis, cerebrovascular disease, anosmia, hypogeusia, muscle damage, etc. This review article described the possible routes and mechanism of nervous system infection and the range of neurological complications of COVID-19 that may help the medical practitioners and researchers to improve the clinical treatment and reduce the mortality rate among patients with viral diseases.
Related Terms
Filters
Contact Us

Please provide feedback to Administrator (afdal@afpm.org.my)

External Links