1.Breastfeeding Among the Orang Asli in Peninsular Malaysia: Insights From a Cross-sectional Study of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice
Nurul Jannah Ambak ; Sharifah Zahhura Syed Abdullah ; Salniza Akmar Kamaruszaman ; Fahisham Taib
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2026;22(Supp 2):3-10
Introduction: Breastfeeding is vital for child survival and development, yet its practices are influenced by cultural, social, and informational factors. There is inadequate data concerning breastfeeding knowledge, attitudes, and
practices (KAP) among the Orang Asli in Malaysia. This study aims to assess the KAP related to breastfeeding among
Orang Asli in Peninsular Malaysia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out between July 2022 and November 2023 among Orang Asli women aged 18 years and older with at least one child. Respondents were selected from
sub-ethnic groups across three main indigenous categories. Data were gathered through a structured questionnaire,
administered by interviewers which covered socio-demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Descriptive
statistics were used for analysis. Results: One hundred respondents participated in the study. The majority (89%)
had practiced exclusive breastfeeding, and 90% intended to continue in the future. About 98% correctly recognized
that adequate breastfeeding helps infants sleep better, and 94% knew that complementary feeding should begin at
six months. But several cultural or misinformation-related beliefs persisted. For example, 42% believed colostrum
should be discarded, and 49% thought breastfeeding should be stopped if the mother had cracked nipples. Overall,
respondents demonstrated positive attitudes and consistent breastfeeding practices. Although 58% found exclusive
breastfeeding tiring for the mother. Conclusion: Despite high breastfeeding rates and positive intentions, mixed
feeding practices and misconceptions persist among Orang Asli mothers. Culturally sensitive, community-based
education is needed to reinforce accurate breastfeeding knowledge and support exclusive breastfeeding practices.
2.Development of Machine Learning Models to Predict Health Insurance Claim Costs Among Older Indonesians: A Retrospective Predictive Modeling Study
Yeni MAHWATI ; Dhihram TENRISAU ; Syarif Rahman HASIBUAN ; Bhirau WILAKSONO ; Yeni INDRIYANI ; Andi Afdal ABDULLAH ; Halik MALIK ; Andi Alfian ZAINUDDIN
Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health 2026;59(2):132-142
Objectives:
The objective of this study was to develop machine learning models to predict health insurance claim costs among older adults in Indonesia.
Methods:
This study utilized secondary data from the Indonesian National Health Insurance program (Jaminan Kesehatan Nasional [JKN]) spanning 2017 to 2023. Three modeling techniques—linear regression, random forest, and XGBoost—were employed to predict individual claim costs. Model performance was assessed using the root mean square error (RMSE), coefficient of determination (R2), and mean absolute error (MAE). Additionally, variable importance analysis was conducted to identify key predictors.
Results:
XGBoost with 500 boosting rounds yielded the best performance, with an RMSE of 11 360 283, an R2 of 0.81, and an MAE of 4 485 917, outperforming both linear regression (RMSE, 13 710 035; R2=0.72) and random forest (RMSE, 12 434 238; R2=0.78). Notably, outpatient care was identified as the most consistent predictor across all models. Other significant predictors included length of stay (LOS), diagnosis type (International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision chapter), facility type, facility classification, and severity of illness, particularly for moderate cases. Although LOS and diagnosis type were important predictors, these findings should be interpreted in the context of Indonesia’s fixed Indonesian Case-Based Groups payment system.
Conclusions
XGBoost provides reliable predictions of claim costs among older adults, capturing clinical, utilization, and structural drivers. These findings can inform targeted interventions, improve chronic disease management, optimize the referral system, and support integration of predictive tools into JKN to enhance responsiveness and promote sustainable, equitable financing.
3.Network Radiology as a New Paradigm in Radiology Practice: Recent Insights From Integrated Health Systems in the United States
Woojin YI ; Hyo Jin LEE ; Kyung Won KIM ; Abdullah S. AL-YOUSEF ; Mitulkumar PATEL ; Saurabh PALLOD ; Katherine M. KRAJEWSKI
Korean Journal of Radiology 2026;27(3):197-201
4.Antibacterial Activity of Stilbenes Isolated From Reynoutria japonica Against Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci: An In Vitro and In Silico Approach
Karishma AHMED ; Khizar Abdullah KHAN ; Sultan Mehtap BÜYÜKER ; Muhammad Arshad ZAMAN ; Atif Ali Khan KHALIL ; Syed Babar JAMAL ; Muhammad FAHEEM ; Mi-Jeong AHN ; Mutiullah KHATTAK
Natural Product Sciences 2026;32(1):104-105
5.Multiple Overlapping Low-Profile Visualized Intraluminal Support Stents for Large Extracranial Carotid Artery Aneurysms: A Case Series
Mohamed Adel DENIWAR ; Dawon YOO ; Ali Abdullah KAMLI ; Boseong KWON ; Yunsun SONG ; Deok Hee LEE
Neurointervention 2026;21(2):122-129
Extracranial carotid artery aneurysms (ECAAs) are rare, and the optimal therapeutic modality for these lesions remains controversial. Surgical resection and covered stents may be limited to selected cases. While the concept of using flow diversion is appealing for large aneurysms, the application of flow diverters in extracranial carotid lesions may face restrictions due to off-label use, reimbursement challenges, and factors related to the devices themselves. We report our experience with multiple overlapping Low-profile Visualized Intraluminal Support (LVIS) stents as a reconstructive option for selected ECAAs. Five patients with large ECAAs were treated with multiple overlapping LVIS stents. The primary goal was parent-artery reconstruction and reduction of intra-aneurysmal flow reduction by increasing local metal coverage across the neck of the aneurysm. Double overlapping LVIS stents were used in 3 cases, whereas triple or more extensive overlapping constructs were used in 2 cases. During a mean radiologic follow-up of 24 months, complete occlusion in 2 cases, partial occlusion in 3 cases, and adjunctive procedures in 3 cases were required, and no major thromboembolic or hemorrhagic complications were documented. Adjunctive or staged treatment was required in 3 cases, including balloon angioplasty, additional LVIS stenting, flow-diverter placement, stent-graft placement, or coil embolization. Multiple overlapping LVIS stenting is a feasible and relatively safe reconstructive option for selected large or clinically significant ECAAs, particularly when primary flow-diverter treatment is constrained by off-label indication or reimbursement issues. However, they have limited standalone efficacy, particularly in large or complex aneurysms, often requiring adjunctive or staged treatment.
6.Screening of CGG Trinucleotide Repeats Within FMR1 Gene in Bangladeshi Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Exploring a Possible Link With Fragile X Syndrome
Abdullah Al NOMAN ; Abdullah Al SABA ; Maisha ADIBA ; Molie RAHMAN ; Mohammad SAYEM ; A.H.M. Nurun NABI ; Tahirah YASMIN
Journal of the Korean Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry 2026;37(1):63-69
Objectives:
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a major neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent deficits in social communication along with restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour and interests. FMR1 gene, which causes Fragile X syndrome (FXS), is the most common single-gene contributor to ASD. Variations in CGG repeat length within the 5' untranslated region of FMR1 are central to the etiology of FXS. Given the established connection between FXS and ASD, this study investigated whether the trinucleotide repeat region of FMR1 is associated with ASD in Bangladeshi children.
Methods:
Seventy-one children participated in the study, including 39 with ASD and 32 age-matched controls. The FMR1 region was amplified using polymerase chain reaction and subsequently sequenced.
Results:
There was no statistically significant difference in the number of CGG repeats between patients with ASD and controls (p>0.01), with the most common repeat number being 27 in both groups. Interspersion of the two AGG trinucleotides among the CGG repeats was the most common pattern found in the study participants, with frequencies of 56.67% and 50.00% in the ASD and the control groups, respectively.
Conclusion
This study provides preliminary evidence that CGG repeat expansion in the FMR1 gene is unlikely to represent a major genetic contributor to ASD in Bangladeshi children. However, given the limited sample size, further investigations with a larger cohort are required to confirm these findings.
7.Molecular characterisation and histopathological analysis of canine distemper virus in a Malayan tiger (Panthera tigris jacksoni)
Muhammad Farris MOHD SADALI ; Abdul Razak MARIATULQABTIAH ; Annas SALLEH ; Nurul Izzati Uda ZAHLI ; Tengku Rinalfi Putra Tengku AZIZAN ; Hafandi AHMAD ; Mohd Arifin KADERI ; Khor Kuan HUA ; Ridhwan Abdul WAHAB ; Ahmad Lutfi ABDULLAH ; Millawati GANI ; Farina MUSTAFFA-KAMAL
Journal of Veterinary Science 2026;27(1):e4-
Objective:
This study aims to describe histological manifestations and characterise the CDV strain in the tiger to determine its molecular epidemiology and postulate viral pathogenicity.
Methods:
Histopathology characterisation of the infected tissues were performed through haematoxylin and eosin and immunohistochemistry staining, respectively. We conducted virus isolation and titration in Chinese hamster ovarian expressing the dog signalling lymphocytic activation molecule (CHO-SLAM) cells. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was performed to confirm the presence of CDV RNA, nucleotide and amino acid sequence analyses for comprehensive characterisation of the CDV strain.
Results:
Notable histopathological changes were observed primarily in the brain, lung, liver, kidney, spleen, and stomach, with viral antigens localised in the lung, liver, kidney, and stomach tissues. CDV-induced cell cytopathic effects yielding 4.27 × 10 6 TCID 50 /mL were observed at 48 h post-inoculation in CHO-SLAM cells. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that the virus originated from the Asia-1 clade. Notably, 549H and 519I mutations in the hemagglutinin protein were observed, indicating adaptation to a non-canid wildlife species.
Conclusions
and Relevance: Overall, this study enhances our understanding of the molecular characterisation and evolutionary dynamics of the CDV strain present in the Malayan tiger and serves as a benchmark for developing effective preventative measures to protect Malayan tigers and mitigate their risk of extinction.
8.Risk Factors for Vasovagal Reactions during Nonoperative Orthopedic Interventions in Outpatient Clinics: A Clinical Evaluation of 1,208 Patients
Mustafa ÖZYILDIRAN ; Mustafa Onur KARACA ; Abdullah MERTER
Clinics in Orthopedic Surgery 2026;18(1):176-183
Background:
Vasovagal reactions (VVRs) are abnormal autonomic responses mediated by the vagus nerve. They can occur during or after interventional procedures and negatively impact patient care. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of VVRs observed during nonoperative orthopedic interventions in outpatient clinics and to analyze the associated risk factors.
Methods:
The data of 1,208 patients who underwent nonoperative orthopedic interventions at a single-center outpatient clinic between December 2023 and December 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were categorized into 2 groups based on the occurrence of VVR. The clinical data of both groups were analyzed to identify factors associated with VVRs.
Results:
A total of 1,208 patients with a mean age of 54.7 years were included in the study. Among the 1,208 patients included, 51 cases of VVRs were reported (4.2%). The VVR group had a younger mean age (44.2 vs. 55.1 years, p < 0.001) and a higher proportion of females (74.5% vs. 59.2%, p = 0.029) compared to the non-VVR group. Mean visual analog scale (VAS) scores during intervention were higher in the VVR group (6.41 vs. 2.98, p < 0.001), and blood-injury-injection (BII) phobia was more common (39.2% vs. 1.8%, p < 0.001). Fasting time was longer in the VVR group (3.9 vs. 2.8 hours, p = 0.003). No significant differences were observed in hypertension, coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease, or asthma between groups (p > 0.05).
Conclusions
Younger age, female sex, higher VAS scores, BII phobia, and longer fasting times were the risk factors for VVRs associated with nonoperative orthopedic interventions.
9.Educational value of supine versus prone percutaneous nephrolithotomy videos on YouTube: A comparative analysis
Mucahit GELMIS ; Ali AYTEN ; Nazım Furkan GUNAY ; Abdullah Harun KINIK ; Cagatay OZSOY
Investigative and Clinical Urology 2026;67(1):43-51
Purpose:
The integration of video-based learning into surgical education highlights the need for high-quality instructional content, especially for complex procedures such as percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). This study aimed to systematically evaluate and compare the educational quality of YouTube videos demonstrating supine and prone PCNL techniques.
Materials and Methods:
A comprehensive YouTube search was conducted between January 6 and 19, 2025, using the keywords “supine PCNL,” “prone PCNL,” “supine percutaneous nephrolithotomy,” and “prone percutaneous nephrolithotomy.” Eligible videos were assessed using three validated scoring systems: Global Quality Score (GQS), the DISCERN instrument (a validated tool for assessing the quality of health information), and the JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) criteria, along with a novel tool, the PCNL-Edu Score (educational score). A total of 120 videos (60 supine, 60 prone) were included.
Results:
Supine PCNL videos demonstrated significantly higher DISCERN reliability scores (p=0.037), GQS scores (p=0.001), and PCNL-Edu Scores (p=0.018) compared to prone PCNL videos. Subgroup analyses showed no significant differences in educational quality based on video source (academic/individual) or video type (educational/surgical demonstration). In correlation analyses, video length positively correlated with PCNL-Edu Scores in both groups (prone: p=0.004, supine: p=0.001), whereas popularity metrics such as views (prone: p=0.069, supine: p=0.061) and likes (prone: p=0.183, supine: p=0.225) were not significantly associated with educational quality.
Conclusions
Supine PCNL videos currently offer superior instructional quality on YouTube. The PCNL-Edu Score provides a focused framework for evaluating surgical videos and underscores the need for standardized guidelines to improve video-based surgical education.
10.Sustained antibody response to a linear epitope of Nipah virus fusion protein in human survivor serum samples
Ting L.J ; Tan X.L. ; Tiong V. ; Abubakar S. ; Abdullah I. ; Karsani S.A. ; Chan K-G. ; Chua K-O ; Yong H-S. ; Liew Y.J.M.
Tropical Biomedicine 2026;43(No. 1):5-15
Nipah virus (NiV), a pathogen with pandemic potential, lacks approved treatments or vaccines,
highlighting the urgent need for research on immune-targeted antigenic determinants. A significant
gap persists in NiV research, as studies on the fusion (F) protein critical for viral entry as well as the B
cells epitopes, have primarily focused on computational prediction rather than experimental validation
of immunogenic epitopes obtained through immunoinformatics approach. This study focused on the
conserved F protein across NiV human isolates and employed an immunoinformatics approach to
predict linear B-cell epitopes capable of direct immune activation. Predicted epitopes were screened
for antigenicity, toxicity, and allergenicity. Molecular docking analysis was performed to evaluate
its binding affinity with B-cell receptors (BCRs). To validate its immunogenicity, the LF6 peptide was
synthesized and used in an indirect ELISA to test sera from cohort previously infected with NiV as well
as with negative cohort. Epitope LF6 (LISNIEIGFCL) was identified as a strong candidate based on its
immunogenic properties. Molecular docking showed favorable binding of LF6 with BCR. ELISA results
revealed that one sera from the survival cohort showed positive response which is an IgG antibody
response 2-fold higher (0.343) than the cut-off value (0.0171). This study provides the first reported
evidence linking computational predictions with functional immune reactivity for a B-cell epitope of
NiV. The findings suggest that LF6 has the potential to elicit specific immune responses. However, given
the small sample size, further validation in larger cohorts is essential to confirm LF6’s vaccine relevance.


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