1.Factors Influencing Continued Usage of Intracavernosal Injections for Erectile Dysfunction:A Retrospective Analysis
Braian Rene LEDESMA ; Jason CODRINGTON ; David VELASQUEZ ; Alexandra Aponte VARNUM ; Joshua WHITE ; Greeshma VENIGALLA ; Farah RAHMAN ; Katherine CAMPBELL ; Alexander WEBER ; Max SANDLER ; Ranjith RAMASAMY
The World Journal of Men's Health 2025;43(2):407-414
Purpose:
Intracavernosal injections are used to treat erectile dysfunction. Patient compliance with intracavernosal injections is required for success, though factors influencing compliance are unknown. This study aimed to identify factors that influence compliance with intracavernosal injections among men with erectile dysfunction.
Materials and Methods:
A retrospective analysis was conducted using men who were prescribed intracavernosal injections between 2017 and 2022 at an academic medical center in a cosmopolitan area. Custom Python code was used to capture the first and last prescription refill events, and the duration of intracavernosal injection use was calculated. Additional patient-related data, including demographics and comorbidities, were gathered through chart reviews. Cox Proportional Hazards Regression models were used to evaluate the effects of predictor variables on the duration of intracavernosal injection use.
Results:
A total of 4,072 patients were included in the analysis. The study revealed that age significantly predicted discontinuation of intracavernosal injection therapy, showing an elevated hazard ratio of 1.007 for each additional year of age (p<0.001). Men who preferred to speak Spanish as their primary language was a significant predictor of discontinuation of injection therapy, showing a hazard ratio of 1.163 compared to those who preferred English (p=0.004). Men with a history of prostate cancer treatment stayed on treatment for 80 days fewer on average than those without (p=0.002).
Conclusions
Older age, prior history of prostate cancer treatment, and men who preferred to speak Spanish were all identified as factors potentially associated with reduced continuation of intracavernosal injection therapy for erectile dysfunction. Understanding these factors can help healthcare providers in both patient selection and counseling when discussing treatment options for erectile dysfunction.
2.Factors Influencing Continued Usage of Intracavernosal Injections for Erectile Dysfunction:A Retrospective Analysis
Braian Rene LEDESMA ; Jason CODRINGTON ; David VELASQUEZ ; Alexandra Aponte VARNUM ; Joshua WHITE ; Greeshma VENIGALLA ; Farah RAHMAN ; Katherine CAMPBELL ; Alexander WEBER ; Max SANDLER ; Ranjith RAMASAMY
The World Journal of Men's Health 2025;43(2):407-414
Purpose:
Intracavernosal injections are used to treat erectile dysfunction. Patient compliance with intracavernosal injections is required for success, though factors influencing compliance are unknown. This study aimed to identify factors that influence compliance with intracavernosal injections among men with erectile dysfunction.
Materials and Methods:
A retrospective analysis was conducted using men who were prescribed intracavernosal injections between 2017 and 2022 at an academic medical center in a cosmopolitan area. Custom Python code was used to capture the first and last prescription refill events, and the duration of intracavernosal injection use was calculated. Additional patient-related data, including demographics and comorbidities, were gathered through chart reviews. Cox Proportional Hazards Regression models were used to evaluate the effects of predictor variables on the duration of intracavernosal injection use.
Results:
A total of 4,072 patients were included in the analysis. The study revealed that age significantly predicted discontinuation of intracavernosal injection therapy, showing an elevated hazard ratio of 1.007 for each additional year of age (p<0.001). Men who preferred to speak Spanish as their primary language was a significant predictor of discontinuation of injection therapy, showing a hazard ratio of 1.163 compared to those who preferred English (p=0.004). Men with a history of prostate cancer treatment stayed on treatment for 80 days fewer on average than those without (p=0.002).
Conclusions
Older age, prior history of prostate cancer treatment, and men who preferred to speak Spanish were all identified as factors potentially associated with reduced continuation of intracavernosal injection therapy for erectile dysfunction. Understanding these factors can help healthcare providers in both patient selection and counseling when discussing treatment options for erectile dysfunction.
3.Factors Influencing Continued Usage of Intracavernosal Injections for Erectile Dysfunction:A Retrospective Analysis
Braian Rene LEDESMA ; Jason CODRINGTON ; David VELASQUEZ ; Alexandra Aponte VARNUM ; Joshua WHITE ; Greeshma VENIGALLA ; Farah RAHMAN ; Katherine CAMPBELL ; Alexander WEBER ; Max SANDLER ; Ranjith RAMASAMY
The World Journal of Men's Health 2025;43(2):407-414
Purpose:
Intracavernosal injections are used to treat erectile dysfunction. Patient compliance with intracavernosal injections is required for success, though factors influencing compliance are unknown. This study aimed to identify factors that influence compliance with intracavernosal injections among men with erectile dysfunction.
Materials and Methods:
A retrospective analysis was conducted using men who were prescribed intracavernosal injections between 2017 and 2022 at an academic medical center in a cosmopolitan area. Custom Python code was used to capture the first and last prescription refill events, and the duration of intracavernosal injection use was calculated. Additional patient-related data, including demographics and comorbidities, were gathered through chart reviews. Cox Proportional Hazards Regression models were used to evaluate the effects of predictor variables on the duration of intracavernosal injection use.
Results:
A total of 4,072 patients were included in the analysis. The study revealed that age significantly predicted discontinuation of intracavernosal injection therapy, showing an elevated hazard ratio of 1.007 for each additional year of age (p<0.001). Men who preferred to speak Spanish as their primary language was a significant predictor of discontinuation of injection therapy, showing a hazard ratio of 1.163 compared to those who preferred English (p=0.004). Men with a history of prostate cancer treatment stayed on treatment for 80 days fewer on average than those without (p=0.002).
Conclusions
Older age, prior history of prostate cancer treatment, and men who preferred to speak Spanish were all identified as factors potentially associated with reduced continuation of intracavernosal injection therapy for erectile dysfunction. Understanding these factors can help healthcare providers in both patient selection and counseling when discussing treatment options for erectile dysfunction.
4.Factors Influencing Continued Usage of Intracavernosal Injections for Erectile Dysfunction:A Retrospective Analysis
Braian Rene LEDESMA ; Jason CODRINGTON ; David VELASQUEZ ; Alexandra Aponte VARNUM ; Joshua WHITE ; Greeshma VENIGALLA ; Farah RAHMAN ; Katherine CAMPBELL ; Alexander WEBER ; Max SANDLER ; Ranjith RAMASAMY
The World Journal of Men's Health 2025;43(2):407-414
Purpose:
Intracavernosal injections are used to treat erectile dysfunction. Patient compliance with intracavernosal injections is required for success, though factors influencing compliance are unknown. This study aimed to identify factors that influence compliance with intracavernosal injections among men with erectile dysfunction.
Materials and Methods:
A retrospective analysis was conducted using men who were prescribed intracavernosal injections between 2017 and 2022 at an academic medical center in a cosmopolitan area. Custom Python code was used to capture the first and last prescription refill events, and the duration of intracavernosal injection use was calculated. Additional patient-related data, including demographics and comorbidities, were gathered through chart reviews. Cox Proportional Hazards Regression models were used to evaluate the effects of predictor variables on the duration of intracavernosal injection use.
Results:
A total of 4,072 patients were included in the analysis. The study revealed that age significantly predicted discontinuation of intracavernosal injection therapy, showing an elevated hazard ratio of 1.007 for each additional year of age (p<0.001). Men who preferred to speak Spanish as their primary language was a significant predictor of discontinuation of injection therapy, showing a hazard ratio of 1.163 compared to those who preferred English (p=0.004). Men with a history of prostate cancer treatment stayed on treatment for 80 days fewer on average than those without (p=0.002).
Conclusions
Older age, prior history of prostate cancer treatment, and men who preferred to speak Spanish were all identified as factors potentially associated with reduced continuation of intracavernosal injection therapy for erectile dysfunction. Understanding these factors can help healthcare providers in both patient selection and counseling when discussing treatment options for erectile dysfunction.
5.Factors Influencing Continued Usage of Intracavernosal Injections for Erectile Dysfunction:A Retrospective Analysis
Braian Rene LEDESMA ; Jason CODRINGTON ; David VELASQUEZ ; Alexandra Aponte VARNUM ; Joshua WHITE ; Greeshma VENIGALLA ; Farah RAHMAN ; Katherine CAMPBELL ; Alexander WEBER ; Max SANDLER ; Ranjith RAMASAMY
The World Journal of Men's Health 2025;43(2):407-414
Purpose:
Intracavernosal injections are used to treat erectile dysfunction. Patient compliance with intracavernosal injections is required for success, though factors influencing compliance are unknown. This study aimed to identify factors that influence compliance with intracavernosal injections among men with erectile dysfunction.
Materials and Methods:
A retrospective analysis was conducted using men who were prescribed intracavernosal injections between 2017 and 2022 at an academic medical center in a cosmopolitan area. Custom Python code was used to capture the first and last prescription refill events, and the duration of intracavernosal injection use was calculated. Additional patient-related data, including demographics and comorbidities, were gathered through chart reviews. Cox Proportional Hazards Regression models were used to evaluate the effects of predictor variables on the duration of intracavernosal injection use.
Results:
A total of 4,072 patients were included in the analysis. The study revealed that age significantly predicted discontinuation of intracavernosal injection therapy, showing an elevated hazard ratio of 1.007 for each additional year of age (p<0.001). Men who preferred to speak Spanish as their primary language was a significant predictor of discontinuation of injection therapy, showing a hazard ratio of 1.163 compared to those who preferred English (p=0.004). Men with a history of prostate cancer treatment stayed on treatment for 80 days fewer on average than those without (p=0.002).
Conclusions
Older age, prior history of prostate cancer treatment, and men who preferred to speak Spanish were all identified as factors potentially associated with reduced continuation of intracavernosal injection therapy for erectile dysfunction. Understanding these factors can help healthcare providers in both patient selection and counseling when discussing treatment options for erectile dysfunction.
6.Dietary Intake, Levels Of Trace Elements And Intelligence Quotient (Iq) Among Huffaz Students From Selected Tahfiz Schools In Selangor
Farah Wahida IBRAHIM ; Santibuana Abd RAHMAN ; Nor Malia Abd Warif ; Ahmad Rohi GHAZALI ; Faisal ARIFFIN ; Ismarulyusda ISHAK ; Nur Farahin Abdul Rahman ; Dzalani HARUN ; Hanis Mastura YAHYA ; Sabri MOHAMAD
Malaysian Journal of Health Sciences 2018;16(Special Issue (Article)):129-136
Tahfiz education has been well accepted by Muslims in Malaysia. Memorizing the Quran through rote learning can assistin improving the brain ability to process, store information and build memory. In addition, dietary intakes were reportedto contribute in the process of memorizing the Quran and to increase the levels of intelligence (IQ) among huffaz students.This cross-sectional study was conducted to measure and to determine the correlation between IQ and dietary intakeas well as between IQ and the level of trace elements among students in selected tahfiz schools and non-tahfiz school inSelangor. Questionnaires were used to obtain demographic data. Dietary intake was assessed via 3 days dietary record.Levels of trace elements in the nail samples were analyzed by using ICP-MS. Test for intelligence using WASI-II wasconducted to measure the students’ IQ. The results showed that there was a moderate positive correlation between IQ andcarbohydrate (r = 0.425, p < 0.001, a weak positive correlation between IQ and energy (r = 0.260, p < 0.05), vitaminB6 (r = 0.189, p < 0.05), vitamin B12 (r = 0.207, p < 0.05) and vitamin C (r = 0.211, p < 0.05). The levels of traceelements in nail samples showed no correlation with IQ, whereas there were moderate positive correlations between IQand dietary zinc (r = 0.375, p < 0.001) as well as between IQ and dietary iron (r = 0.303, p < 0.001). There was also amoderate positive correlation between IQ and the level of memorization (r = 0.375, p < 0.001). The results of stepwisemultiple linear regression showed that al-Quran memorization influence the level of IQ by 20 %. As a conclusion, dietaryintake of certain nutrients including energy, vitamins and selected trace elements can potentially improve memorizationactivities and also IQ.
7.Brain Activation Display Functional Asymmetry in Response to Action, Background and Tonal Frequency During a Pitch Memory Processing: An fMRI Study
Ahmad Nazlim YUSOFF ; Farah Nabila Ab Rahman ; Siti Zamratol-Mai Sarah Mukari ; Khairiah Abdul HAMID ; Mazlyfarina MOHAMAD
Malaysian Journal of Health Sciences 2018;16(1):35-44
In this study, the asymmetry of the main effects of action, background and tonal frequency during a pitch memory processingwere investigated by means of brain activation. Eighteen participants (mean age 27.6 years) were presented with low andhigh frequency tones in quiet and in noise. They listen, discriminate and recognize the target tone against the final tonein a series of four distracting tones. The main effects were studied using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) with action (towring (rubber bulb) vs. not to wring), background (in quiet vs. in noise) and frequency (low vs. high) as the factors (andlevels respectively). The main effect of action is in the right pre-central gyrus (PCG), in conformation with its contralateralbehavior. The main effect of background indicated the bilateral primary auditory cortices (PAC) and is right lateralized,attributable to white noise. The main effect of frequency is also observed in PAC but bilaterally equal and attributable tolow frequency tones. Despite the argument that the temporo-spectral lateralization dichotomy is not especially rigid asrevealed by the main effect of frequency, right lateralization of PAC for the respective main effect of background clearlydemonstrates its functional asymmetry suggesting different perceptual functionality of the right and left PAC.
8.Ayres Sensory Integration ® Implementation in Malaysian Occupational Therapists: Challenges and Limitations (Perlaksanaan Ayres Sensory Integration ® Terhadap Terapis Carakerja di Malaysia: Cabaran dan Limitasi)
FARAH SAMSU RAHMAN ; MASNE KADAR ; DZALANI HARUN
Malaysian Journal of Health Sciences 2022;20(No.2):117-128
One of the most popular interventions provided by occupational therapists for pediatric clients is Ayres Sensory
Integration® (ASI). Strict fidelity measures consisting of procedural and structural elements must be adhered to when
using it. These fidelity measures distinguish Ayres Sensory Integration® from other sensory-based interventions. This
study involved the development of a survey instrument and outlined the challenges that Malaysian occupational
therapists face when using Ayres sensory integration® (ASI). The questionnaire development involved the processes of
assessing its validity and reliability. A total of 161 occupational therapists working in various healthcare settings
responded to the survey by answering a self-administered questionnaire. The results identified eight themes or issues:
(1) Inadequate Training, (2) Resource Issues, (3) Physical Constraints, (4) Time Constraints, (5) Limited Information/
Support Provided By Family, (6) Limited Support From Management, (7) Limited Information/Support Provided By
Suppliers, and (8) Issues in Implementing Evidence-Based Practice. Identifying the challenges of implementing ASI is
an important aspect of improving occupational therapy assessments and interventions, which would establish the
effectiveness of the interventions provided.
9.Chemical composition and antimicrobial activities of wood vinegars from carambola, coconut shells and mango against selected plant pathogenic microorganisms
Nur Adliza Baharom ; Mohammad Hariz Abdul Rahman ; Mohammad Shahid Shahrun ; Farah Huda Sjafni Suherman ; Siti Nur Hafizah Masdar
Malaysian Journal of Microbiology 2020;16(6):438-445
Aims:
This work aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activities of three different sources of wood vinegars obtained from
pyrolysis of carambola (Averrhoa carambola), coconut shells (Cocos nucifera) and mango (Mangifera indica) and to
identify their chemical composition.
Methodology and results:
Agar well diffusion technique was employed to assay the antifungal activity of the wood
vinegars against Fusarium oxysporum, Colletotrichum gleosporoides, and Pestalotiopsis microspora and disc diffusion
technique for antibacterial screening against Ralstonia solanacearum. The chemical compositions of these wood
vinegars were also analyzed using GC-MS by employing the headspace technique. All wood vinegars exhibited
antimicrobial activity against tested pathogens. Wood vinegar from carambola exhibited the most promising antimicrobial
effect followed by coconut shells and mango. The GC-MS analysis revealed the wood vinegars from coconut shells,
carambola, and mango are different in the chemical composition and active compounds. Major compounds identified in
coconut shells are furfural, phenol, benzofuran, acetic acid, hexanal, ethanone, and formic acid. In carambola, the main
compounds are furfural, imidazole, 3-pyridinecarboxaldehyde, benzaldehyde, phenol, benzofuran, indene, acetic acid,
indazole, naphthalene, cyclohexanecarboxylic acid, palmitamide, palmitic acid, heptadecanenitril, and sterylamide.
Meanwhile, the main chemical compounds in the pruning of mango-based vinegar consist of toluene, furfural, imidazole,
annulene, benzaldehyde, phenol, carbamic acid, acetic acid, naphthalene, heptadecanenitril, and stearylamide.
Conclusion, significance and impact of study
It is suggested that wood vinegar from carambola, coconut shells, and
mango is a promising antimicrobial agent in plant disease control, showing good potential for inhibition of selected plant
pathogenic microorganisms.
Anti-Infective Agents
;
Acetates
10.Adherence to the Ayres Sensory Integration® Fidelity Measures: Malaysian Occupational Therapists’ Practices
Farah Samsu Rahman ; Masne Kadar ; Dzalani Harun
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2023;19(No.2):76-85
Introduction: A popular intervention for paediatric clients, Ayres Sensory Integration® (ASI) must adhere to sensory
integration (SI) fidelity. This study describes fidelity adherence in ASI intervention by occupational therapy practitioners in Malaysia. Methods: A questionnaire on ASI fidelity was developed before being tested for its validity by seven experts and for its internal consistency and test-retest reliability by 30 occupational therapists. The questionnaire
was then used nationally to collect data on ASI practitioners. Data were collected from 161 occupational therapists
working in various settings. Results: The mean of the sub-scales I-CVI was excellent, ranging between 0.97 and 1.00.
The total S-CVI/Ave of the form was also reported as excellent, at 0.98, with subscales S-CVI ranging between 0.75
and 1.00. Cronbach’s alpha was 0.80 for the questionnaire’s internal consistency and the ICC for test-retest reliability
ranged from 0.80 to 0.95. The survey received 161 responses, indicating that most respondents perceived themselves
as having ‘moderate competence’ and showing ‘high interest’ in ASI implementation. Most fidelity aspects were
addressed in their practices. Majority of the respondents adhered to the process elements. It was indicated that three
aspects of physical space under the structural elements could not be provided by most occupational therapists in the
study. Conclusion: To implement evidence-based practice, adherence to fidelity when providing ASI is important to
ascertain its effectiveness. Improvements to ensure optimal space, ASI certification, and more related training are the
first steps that can be taken by the related agencies to ensure effective ASI intervention could be delivered.