1.The Impact of Aerobic Training on Exercise Tolerance and Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) in Obese People
Manoranjitham R ; Ishwarya Vardhini C ; Thiruppathi A ; Deepa I ; Saraswathi K
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2026;22(No. 1):1-5
Introduction: Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is characterised by recurrent pharyngeal collapses that occur five or more times per hour of sleep or more and reduce or completely block airflow for at least 10 seconds. Obesity predis-poses individuals to and potentiates OSA. Materials and methods: As a pre- and post-training activity measure, 30 obese people between the ages of 25 and 45 were asked to complete the STOP-BANG questionnaire and a 6-minute walk test. After that, they engaged in aerobic activity. Results: The scores for the six-minute walk test and the stop-bang questionnaire were 0.0005 and 0.0003, respectively with a “p” value- ≤0.001 (significant). In our investigation, the effects of aerobic exercise on exercise tolerance and obstructive sleep apnoea were significantly different. Con-clusion: Aerobic exercise is a better intervention for increasing exercise tolerance and obstructive sleep apnoea in obese patients. This intervention may be a significant contributor to cardiorespiratory fitness and can be considered a useful tool for enhancing quality of life.
2.Contribution of Medication Expenditures to Catastrophic Health Expenditures in Iran: An Inequality Analysis
Abdoreza MOUSAV ; Rajabali DAROUDI ; Ali AKBARI SARI ; Masoomeh GHOLAMI ; Saeed MOHAMMADPOUR ; Ali Akbar FAZAELI
Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health 2026;59(3):298-307
Objectives:
Catastrophic health expenditures (CHE) is a well-established indicator of financial risk protection. This study aimed to examine the contribution of medication expenditure to CHE and the associated socioeconomic inequalities.
Methods:
Data were drawn from 6 nationally representative income and expenditure surveys covering the period 2019–2024. Using the budget share method, CHE was defined as out-of-pocket (OOP) health payments exceeding 25% of a household’s total consumption expenditure. The contribution of medication expenditures to CHE was then calculated as the difference in the proportion of households experiencing CHE with and without medication payments. Socioeconomic inequalities were quantified using the Concentration Index (CI), and decomposition analysis was conducted to identify the primary drivers of overall socioeconomic inequality in the contribution of medication expenditures to CHE.
Results:
During the study period, medications represented a substantial share of household health expenditures and contributed to CHE. In 2024, OOP spending on medications accounted for 31.2% of total health expenditures, while the contribution of medication expenditures to CHE was 1.28%. The CI indicated that the contribution of medication expenditures to CHE was concentrated among poorer households. Decomposition analysis further identified medium-sized households, male-headed households, households with employed heads, insured households, and urban households as the main contributors to this socioeconomic inequality.
Conclusions
In Iran, OOP payments for medications constitute a substantial share of household healthcare expenditures and contribute to CHE. Because the roots of inequality extend beyond the healthcare system, addressing this issue requires a comprehensive, cross-sectoral strategy that integrates broader social and economic policies.
3.Prognostic factors influencing recurrence in patients with endometrial cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Fitriyadi Kusuma ; Kemal Akbar Suryoadji ; Vira Nur Arifa ; Geraldus Sigap Gung Binathara ; Marshaly Safira Masrie ; Salsa Billa As' ; syifa
Medical Journal of Indonesia 2026;35(3):228-237
BACKGROUND :
Endometrial cancer (EC) ranks as the 6th most common cancer among women worldwide. Despite early detection often yielding favorable outcomes, approximately 13% of early-stage EC patients still experience recurrence. This study aimed to identify prognostic factors for EC recurrence.
METHODS :
A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews ID: CRD42024501501). PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library were searched for cohort and case-control studies published on January 1, 2018–January 1, 2024. The primary outcome was disease recurrence (any, locoregional, or distant). Inclusion criteria included adult women with histologically confirmed EC after primary surgery, ≥12-month follow-up, and sample size ≥100. Risk of bias was assessed using Quality in Prognosis Studies; certainty was rated using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation.
RESULTS :
8 studies met inclusion criteria from 5,633 records screened. Significant prognostic factors included lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) (relative risk [RR]: 4.83, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.49–6.69), cancer grade (RR: 2.15, 95% CI: 1.86–2.48), histology type (RR: 0.46, 95% CI: 0.34–0.61), cancer stage (RR: 2.58, 95% CI: 2.13–3.12), cervical stromal invasion (RR: 3.36, 95% CI: 1.30–8.73), myometrial invasion (RR: 2.60, 95% CI: 2.03–3.32), and chemotherapy history (RR: 1.81, 95% CI: 1.41–2.31). High heterogeneity was observed for chemotherapy history (I² = 92%) and cancer stage (I² = 77%).
CONCLUSIONS
Various clinicopathological factors, particularly LVSI, grade, stage, histology, and myometrial invasion, significantly influence EC recurrence. These findings support the need for individualized risk stratification and treatment planning.
endometrial cancer
;
meta-analysis
;
neoplasm recurrence
;
prognostic factors
;
systematic review
4.Excessive fluid resuscitation is associated with intensive care unit mortality in Pakistani patients with dengue shock syndrome
Moiz SALAHUDDIN ; Rameesha KHALID ; Sadaf HANIF ; Filza NAEEM ; Rameen AIJAZ ; Akbar Shoukat ALI
Acute and Critical Care 2025;40(2):235-243
Background:
The mortality of severe dengue infections is approximately 23%. In the management of dengue shock syndrome (DSS), aggressive fluid resuscitation is recommended. The primary objective of our study was to assess the factors associated with 30-day mortality in DSS patients.
Methods:
Adult patients >18 years old, who were admitted with DSS were included. DSS was diagnosed in patients who required vasopressors or had lactic acidosis >4 mmol/L. Patients were divided into three different groups based on cumulative fluid balance at death or extubation: group I (<3.5 L), group II (3.5–8.0 L), and group III (>8.0 L).
Results:
A total of 135 patients with DSS was included, with an overall 30-day mortality of 74.8%. The average Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score on intensive care unit admission was 12.2. Mechanical ventilation was required in 112 patients (83.0%), with 61 patients (45.2%) being intubated without a noninvasive ventilation trial. Respiratory failure was the most common reason for requiring intubation (65 patients, 48.2%). In survivors, the median cumulative fluid balance was 1,493 ml (interquartile range [IQR], 0–4,501 ml), whereas that in the mortality group was 7,797 ml (IQR, 3,700–13,600 ml). On multivariate analysis, SOFA score (odds ratio [OR], 1.220; 95% CI, 1.011–1.472; P=0.038) and having received >8.0 L cumulative fluid balance (OR, 6.682; 95% CI, 1.808–24.689; P=0.004) were associated with increased risk of mortality.
Conclusions
DSS patients have high mortality rates. High SOFA scores and >8.0 L cumulative fluid balance may indicate worse outcomes.
5.Working Hours and Personal Protective Equipment Effect on Blood Cholinesterase Levels of Tobacco Plantation Workers
Prehatin Trirahayu Ningrum ; Globila Nurika ; Abdullah Al Mamun ; Ellyke ; Isa Ma&rsquo ; rufi ; Rahayu Sri Pujiati ; Anita Dewi Moelyaningrum ; Ragil Ismi Hartanti ; Reny Indrayani ; Kurnia Ardiansyah Akbar ; Edza Aria Wikurendra
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2024;20(No.1):78-83
Introduction: Tobacco production is increasing in certain regions of Indonesia due to its high economic value.
Tobacco and its products can have harmful effects on the health of consumers, producers and processing workers.
Analysis of blood samples has shown that tobacco farmers are at risk of developing occupational diseases related to
pesticide exposure and nicotine absorption through the epidermis of wet tobacco leaves. The aim of this study was
to compare blood cholinesterase levels in tobacco plantation workers in relation to their working hours and use of
personal protective equipment (PPE). Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted in ten subdistricts in Jember district, Indonesia, and included 50 participants selected using proportional sampling. Spearman’s
test was used to analyse the relationship between variables. Results: The significance value of the relationship based
on Spearman’s test between working hours and blood cholinesterase levels of tobacco farmers in Jember was 0.058
> α (0.05). Meanwhile, the significance value of the relationship between working hours and complete blood count,
specifically mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), was 0.00 < α (0.05), and between PPE use and
blood cholinesterase levels was 0.035 < α (0.05). Conclusion: Working hours were not associated with blood cholinesterase levels, but were associated with blood MCHC levels. Meanwhile, the use of PPE was found to be associated
with cholinesterase levels in tobacco farmers.
6.Prognostic indicators and risk factors for the in-hospital mortality rate of patients with cirrhosis
Zahra Shokati ESHKIKI ; Mobin GHOLAMI ; Ahmad KADKHODAEI ; Ali Akbar SHAYESTEH
International Journal of Gastrointestinal Intervention 2024;13(3):91-97
Background:
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is an adverse prognostic indicator of liver cirrhosis, often triggered by various precipitating factors, with gastrointestinal bleeding being the most common. Comparing the Child–Pugh and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores to predict the severity and outcome of complications in patients with cirrhosis could help establish an accurate prognosis.
Methods:
We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients with cirrhosis aged 18 and older who were referred to the Gastroenterology Department at Imam Khomeini Hospital in Ahvaz from April to September 2023. A statistical analysis was conducted to compare MELD and Child-Pugh score (CPS) in 95 patients with cirrhosis.
Results:
The in-hospital mortality rate was strongly correlated with certain complications of cirrhosis. Gastrointestinal bleeding and HE showed statistical significance (P < 0.05). Additionally, the co-occurrence of cirrhosis complications, particularly HE in conjunction with others, was associated with increased mortality rates. Abnormal levels of the international normalized ratio, prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, bilirubin, and liver enzymes (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase) were also associated with mortality (P < 0.05). Specific laboratory factors in ascites fluid, namely total cell count and red blood count, were linked to the 6-month survival rate (P < 0.05). Furthermore, CPS was identified as a more specific and sensitive independent predictor of 6-month in-hospital survival than the MELD score (logistic regression: odds ratio, 2.3; standard error, 0.0189; P < 0.05).
Conclusion
We recommend continuing to use the CPS for predicting in-hospital mortality in patients with cirrhosis and for the individual evaluation of liver disease in daily clinical practice.
7.Effect of lidocaine regulating the Hippo-YAP signaling pathway on ischemia-reperfusion injury in orthotopic liver transplantation rats
Yue LIU ; Nurmaimaiti AKBAR ; Jianrong YE
Chinese Journal of Comparative Medicine 2024;34(2):1-8
Objective To explore the effect of lidocaine(LID)on ischemia-reperfusion injury in orthotopic liver transplantation(OLT)rats and to analyze its mechanism of action.Methods Sixty rats were randomly divided into Verteporfin group,high-dose LID(High LID),medium-dose LID(Medium LID),low-dose LID(Low LID),Model and Control groups,on average.The rest of the rats except the control rats were used to establish OLT models.Observe the pathological changes in liver tissue were with hematoxylin-eosin staining.Serum aspartate transaminase(AST),total bilirubin(TBIL),lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)activities and alanine transaminase(ALT)were detected.Measure liver tissue levels of proinflammatory factors tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin(IL)-6,IL-1β,and IL-10 with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.Reactive oxygen species(ROS)was detected by a fluorescence probe.Malondialdehyde(MDA)was detected by the thiobarbituric acid colorimetric method.Superoxide dismutase(SOD)was detected by nitrogen blue tetrazole colorimetry.Glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px)was detected by a spectrophotometry method.Apoptosis of liver histiocytes was detected by in situ end labeling.Detect the expression of mammalian STE20 like protein kinase(MST1),phosphorylation(p)-MST1,large tumor suppressor factor 1(LATS1),p-LATS1,Yes associated protein(YAP),p-YAP,and apoptosis-related proteins B-cell lymphoma 2(Bcl-2)and Bcl-2 related X protein(Bax)with Western blot.Results Compared with the Control group,liver tissue in Model group rats showed injury,liver cell necrosis,and a large degree of inflammatory cell infiltration.Moreover,the cell apoptosis rate;serum AST,ALT,TBIL,and LDH activities;and liver tissue levels of TNF-α,IL-6,IL-1β,MDA,ROS,and Bax were significantly increased.Furthermore,liver tissue levels of IL-10,SOD,GSH-Px,Bcl-2,p-MST1/MST1,p-LATS1/LATS1,and p-YAP/YAP proteins were significantly reduced(P<0.05).Compared with the Model group,liver tissue injury was reduced in Low LID,Medium LID,and High LID groups.The cell apoptosis rate;serum AST,ALT,TBIL,and LDH activities;and liver tissue levels of TNF-α,IL-6,1L-1β,MDA,ROS,and Bax were significantly reduced.Moreover,liver tissue levels of IL-10,SOD,GSH-Px,Bcl-2,p-MST1/MST1,p-LATS1/LATS1,and p-YAP/YAP proteins were significantly increased(P<0.05).Hippo-YAP signaling pathway inhibitor verteporfin reversed the improving effect of LID on ischemia-reperfusion injury in OLT rats(P<0.05).Conclusions LID may activate the Hippo-YAP pathway,which reduces the inflammatory response,oxidative stress,and liver cell apoptosis,and improves liver ischemia-reperfusion injury in OLT rats.
8.Black Lung Disease Among Coal Miners in Asia: A Systematic Review
Kurnia A. AKBAR ; Kraiwuth KALLAWICHA
Safety and Health at Work 2024;15(2):123-128
Background:
Coal miners are highly prone to occupational health risks, such as black lung disease. This study aims to assess the prevalence of black lung disease and the factors associated with black lung disease among coal miners in Asia.MethodThis systematic review, conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines, searched through the scientific literature of the following databases: EBSCO, ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Scopus. We selected articles that studied black lung disease among coal miners from 48 countries in Asia and were published between 2014 and 2023. Article quality was evaluated using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program.ResultThe seven articles that we review studied a total of 653,635 coal miners from various types of coal mines from three countries in Asia. Of these miners, 59,998 experienced black lung disease. Black lung disease is prevalent among 9.18% of coal miners in Asia, which is approximately four times higher than the worldwide prevalence. Common factors that influence black lung disease in Asia include age, years of dust exposure, smoking, drinking, working types, and sizes of mines, type of mines, respiratory functions, spirometry parameters, tenure, lack of attention to occupational health, inefficient surveillance, and weak occupational health service.
Conclusion
Although the prevalence of black lung disease among coal miners in Asia is considerably high, it can be addressed through effective prevention measures, monitoring, control, and case reporting.
9.Prognostic indicators and risk factors for the in-hospital mortality rate of patients with cirrhosis
Zahra Shokati ESHKIKI ; Mobin GHOLAMI ; Ahmad KADKHODAEI ; Ali Akbar SHAYESTEH
International Journal of Gastrointestinal Intervention 2024;13(3):91-97
Background:
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is an adverse prognostic indicator of liver cirrhosis, often triggered by various precipitating factors, with gastrointestinal bleeding being the most common. Comparing the Child–Pugh and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores to predict the severity and outcome of complications in patients with cirrhosis could help establish an accurate prognosis.
Methods:
We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients with cirrhosis aged 18 and older who were referred to the Gastroenterology Department at Imam Khomeini Hospital in Ahvaz from April to September 2023. A statistical analysis was conducted to compare MELD and Child-Pugh score (CPS) in 95 patients with cirrhosis.
Results:
The in-hospital mortality rate was strongly correlated with certain complications of cirrhosis. Gastrointestinal bleeding and HE showed statistical significance (P < 0.05). Additionally, the co-occurrence of cirrhosis complications, particularly HE in conjunction with others, was associated with increased mortality rates. Abnormal levels of the international normalized ratio, prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, bilirubin, and liver enzymes (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase) were also associated with mortality (P < 0.05). Specific laboratory factors in ascites fluid, namely total cell count and red blood count, were linked to the 6-month survival rate (P < 0.05). Furthermore, CPS was identified as a more specific and sensitive independent predictor of 6-month in-hospital survival than the MELD score (logistic regression: odds ratio, 2.3; standard error, 0.0189; P < 0.05).
Conclusion
We recommend continuing to use the CPS for predicting in-hospital mortality in patients with cirrhosis and for the individual evaluation of liver disease in daily clinical practice.
10.EXPLANATION OF POSTMODERN APPROACH AND MORAL EDUCATION FROM POINT OF VIEW RICHARD RORTY’S ETHICS WITH EMPHASIS ON PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPLICATIONS
ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry 2024;25(1):1-10
This research aimed to investigate postmodernist ethics with an emphasis on Richard Rorty’s moral thought. Anti-fundamentalism, pluralism, anti-authoritarian and emphasis on social solidarity are introduced as the features of postmodernist ethics, followed by the consequences and education implications of this view that can help us in moral education, including adopting a comprehensive and holistic approach in moral education, respecting the various differences of people, taking an anti-authoritarian and authoritarian approach in teaching moral values, and paying attention to and emphasizing the element of alturism. The positive achievement of this approach in moral education is mainly in a new look in moral education, which includes the three basic characteristics of the tendency to pluralism, avoiding absolutism and adopting an anti-authoritarian approach. In addition, the shortcomings and limitations of this view can be mentioned as follows: Absolute surrender of power to avoid falling into the abyss of domineering and excessiveness in it causes the introduction of accepting any type of belief, profession and action on the part of the citizens, under the name of avoiding absolutism, which also makes every opinion, thought and practice acceptable, even if it is inhuman from a human point of view, which can be compatible with the spirit of moral education in a democratic society as a postmodern utopia. In addition, issues such as human solidarity, democracy and local and regional requirements are considered as the foundations of morality; therefore, moral education from a postmodernist point of view, despite their claims, cannot be based on any foundation. The consequences of Rorty’s postmodernism ethics in the field of educational psychology and psychiatry include: facilitation of Teacher-Students Relationship, Attention to the needs and Interests of students, attention to the Power of facilitation and Emotional catharsis of clients, and the Psychiatrists attention to the patient as a moral subject.


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