1.Attitude and Motivation Influence the Research Performance among Academicians at Malaysian Research University
Nurul Fatin Malek Rivan ; Suzana Shahar ; Norhayati Ibrahim ; Devinder Kaur Ajit Singh ; Wan Syafira Ishak ; Ruszymah Idrus ; Ishak Ahmad ; Melor Md Yunus ; Hatta Sidi ; Ahmad Kamal Arifin ; Adi Irfan Che An ; Neoh Hui-Min ; Roszalina Ramli ; Kuik Cheng Chwee ; Nur Faizah Abu Bakar ; Noor Shahida Sukiman
Malaysian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;24(No. 1):18-28
Despite publishing and securing research grants being obligatory in research universities, the literature on the
factors influencing academic productivity is relatively scarce. Thus, in this study, we aimed to determine the
personal and behavioural-related factors that influence the culture of publishing and securing research grants
among academicians with lower research-related performance. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 49
academic staff members of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). A self-administered questionnaire consisting
of personal, attitude and behavioural (barriers, perceived stress scale, work extrinsic and intrinsic motivation
scale, psychological well-being scale, and basic needs satisfaction scale) questions were distributed during a
workshop and online. Simple linear regression (SLR) analyses were performed for each variable, followed by
multiple linear regression (MLR) to identify the associated factors of research output. After adjusting for covariates,
having a doctoral degree (β=0.396, 95% CI=0.221-2.146, p<0.05) and integrated regulation (β=0.574, 95%
CI=0.036-3.612, p<0.05) were found to be associated with research grant acquisition (R2=0.273). Moreover,
increasing age (β=0.426, 95% CI=0.088-0.397, p<0.05), living alone (β=0.331, 95% CI=0.944-6.626, p<0.05),
having a doctoral degree (β=0.248, 95% CI=0.174-6.747, p<0.05), environmental mastery (β=0.318, 95%
CI=0.013-0.347, p<0.05), self-acceptance (β=0.284, 95% CI=0.010-0.242, p<0.05), satisfaction incompetence
(β=0.273, 95% CI=0.001-0.200, p<0.05) and relatedness (β=0.280, 95% CI=0.001-0.116, p<0.05) were found to
be the factors that influence the publications produced among participants (R2
=0.423). The findings of this study
could be used by management to formulate effective strategies to increase the productivity of academics in their
research-related performance.
2.Management of asymptomatic irreversible pulpitis with single-visit endodontic treatment and minimally invasive indirect restoration: A case report.
Irfan Fauzy Yamin ; Noor Hikmah
Acta Medica Philippina 2026;60(1):96-100
Patient's need for endodontic treatment in a short period is on the rise nowadays. Technological developments in instruments and materials are allowing single-visit endodontic treatment to be performed. The success of an endodontic treatment is also influenced by the restoration, in consideration of the remaining tooth structure. This becomes a challenge for the clinician if the cavities are large or if minimal tooth structure remains, so it needs a
minimally invasive restoration like morphology-driven preparation technique. This case report aims to describe the single-visit endodontic treatment and minimally invasive indirect restoration of the mandibular first molar. A 13-year-old girl came to the Dental Hospital of Hasanuddin University with complaints of cavities in the mandibular left posterior tooth and pain for one month. The patient had taken analgesic medication but was afforded no relief. Intraoral examination showed tooth #36 with extensive cavities reaching the proximal area, a positive thermal test, and no pain to percussion. The case diagnosis was asymptomatic irreversible pulpitis. The treatment plan was a single-visit endodontic treatment and minimally invasive indirect restoration.
Human ; Female ; Adolescent: 13-18 Yrs Old ; Pulpitis ; Tooth ; Molar
3.Factors associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorders using machine learning approaches: a systematic review
Muhammad Irfan MOHD SALLEHHUDIN ; Siti Munira YASIN ; Mohamad Rodi ISA ; Tajul Rosli RAZAK ; Muhamad Syazni MOHAMAD ASRAFF ; Nur Adilla CHE RAMELI ; Muhammad Muaz SHAHRIMAN-TERUNA ; Muhammad Muzzammil MOHAMAD SALLEH ; Mohamad Zuhair MOHAMED YUSOFF ; Muhammad Hariz AMMAR KHEBIR
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2026;38(1):e10-
Background:
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) remain a major cause of occupational disability and productivity loss worldwide. Traditional statistical methods have identified numerous associated factors; however, they often struggle to capture complex non-linear relationships and interactions across multiple domains of risk. Machine learning (ML) offers an alternative analytical approach for modelling such multidimensional relationships.
Methods:
Following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines (PROSPERO: CRD420250605234), literature searches were conducted in Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed for studies published between 2020 and 2025. Eligible studies applied ML methods to identify factors associated with WRMSDs using cross-sectional study designs. Included studies were appraised using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for analytical cross-sectional studies.
Results:
Ten studies met the inclusion criteria, representing workers from healthcare, transport, manufacturing, and service sectors across Asia, Africa, and Europe. Frequently applied ML algorithms included random forest, support vector machine, and artificial neural networks, demonstrating strong internal discriminative performance (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve: 0.80–0.99), although the absence of external validation in several studies suggests a potential risk of overfitting. Commonly identified factors included age, sex, awkward posture, vibration exposure, prolonged working hours, stress, and burnout. Psychosocial factors, including post-traumatic stress disorder, job stress, and depression, were ranked among the most influential predictors within ML models.
Conclusions
ML models demonstrate strong capability in discriminating WRMSDs risk and identifying multidimensional risk factors compared with traditional statistical approaches. These models highlight complex interrelationships between ergonomic and psychosocial exposures. Future research should incorporate external validation, objective exposure measurements, and standardized ML reporting frameworks to enhance methodological transparency and generalizability.
4.Protective Effect of Secang Wood (Caesalpinia sappan L.) on Wistar Rats’ Trachea upon Exposure to Cigarette Smoke
Irfan YUNIANTO ; Haris SETIAWAN ; Dewi Nurul ISTIQOMAH
Natural Product Sciences 2026;32(1):22-28
Continuous exposure to cigarette smoke causes oxidative stress, leading to diseases in the respiratory tract. Secang (Caesalpinia sappan L.) wood is a popular herbal drink in Indonesia due to its antioxidant properties. To date, the protective effects of Secang on the respiratory system have not been widely studied.Ethanolic extract of Secang was prepared by maceration. An in vivo experiment was conducted on 24 male Wistar rats divided into four groups: Control (K), Negative control (KN), low-dose treatment of the extract (P1, 300 mg/kg), and a high-dose one (P2, 600 mg/kg) for 30 days of treatment. After finishing treatments, rats were sacrificed for histological analysis. Rats' average bodyweight showed a consistent increase, indicating tolerable toxicity of the extract, which does not interfere with rats' general health. Serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) and serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) depicted consistent results, where P1 and P2 groups significantly decreased (p < 0.001) compared to KN, indicating hepatoprotective activity of Secang.Histologically, tracheal lumen diameter in P2 significantly (p < 0.05) increased compared to KN, suggesting Secang’s potent antioxidant activity. The number of goblet cells increased in KN compared to K, indicating irritation and inflammatory conditions from cigarette smoke. Secang-treated groups exhibited improvement in the lumen diameter, goblet cells, and ciliated epithelium. The findings suggest protective potential of Secang against cigarette smoke-induced tracheal damage.
5.Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Rare but Devastating Complication of Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Hui Min Tan ; Mohd Irfan bin Moktar ; Hwee Ching Tee
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):56-
Introduction:
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a common complication
of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Neurological complications of DKA are rare in adults. We report a case of young
lady with T1DM who presented with severe DKA and
complicated with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).
Case:
A 19-year-old female was diagnosed with T1DM following
an admission for DKA 2 months earlier. Her hemoglobin
A1c was 17.2%, and autoimmune markers showed positive
anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase (anti-GAD) antibodies (71
IU/mL) with negative anti-insulinoma-associated antigen
2 (anti-IA2) and islet cell antibodies. Her C-peptide level
was low at 69 pmol/L. She was discharged with basal bolus
insulin analogues, but she defaulted on her medications.
She presented to the hospital 2 months later with a history
of epigastric pain, vomiting, and breathlessness for 2 days,
and was then found unconscious at home. There was no
history of trauma. She was intubated for a poor Glasgow
Coma Scale (E1V1M1). Blood results showed severe DKA
with glucose 25 mmol/L, blood gas pH 6.572, bicarbonate 2.6
mmol/L, and ketone more than 8.8 mmol/L. She was started
on insulin infusion and fluid resuscitation. DKA resolved
after 24 hours. Computed tomography (CT) of the brain
showed SAH in the right frontal and left frontotemporal
regions. CT angiography of the brain reported no evidence
of an intracranial aneurysm. She was extubated on day
4 of admission. Subsequent cerebral digital subtraction
angiography was unremarkable. The patient achieved
complete neurological recovery on follow-up.
Conclusion
This case highlights that severe DKA may rarely be
associated with spontaneous SAH, which increases
morbidity and mortality. Proposed mechanisms include
vascular injury, oxidative stress from severe ketoacidosis,
and endothelial dysfunction related to inflammatory
mediators. Clinicians should have a high suspicion and
consider neuroimaging in DKA patients with unexplained
reduced consciousness or atypical neurological findings.
6.Oropharyngeal Synovial Sarcoma: A Case Report
Mohammad Zakwan Mohamed Zin ; Mohammad Zakwan Mohamed Zin ; Avatar Singh Mohan Singh ; Shiraz Qamil Muhammad Abdul Kadar ; Suhana Abdul Rahim ; Kannivanen Arasu ; Nur Eliana Ahmad Termizi ; Hui Heng Chua ; Norsyamira Aida Mohamad Umbaik ; Irfan Mohamad
Archives of Orofacial Sciences 2025;20(1):53-58
Oropharyngeal Synovial Sarcoma: A Case Report
Synovial sarcoma is a rare and aggressive type of sarcoma that develops from mesenchymal cells and
accounts for around 8% to 10% of all cases of soft tissue sarcoma. The presence of synovial sarcoma
in the head-and-neck region is characterised by aggressive behaviour and a generally unfavourable
prognosis. Understanding the various manifestations of synovial sarcoma, particularly uncommon
locations like the oropharynx, significantly improves patient outcomes by facilitating early diagnosis and
prompt management. We report a case of a 57-year-old Malay woman who presented with a two-month
history of sore throat and odynophagia, complicated with partial airway obstruction. She underwent
endoscopic excision of the right oropharyngeal tumour via transoral approach, and the histopathological
examination revealed monophasic synovial sarcoma. The surgical management, histopathological
characteristics, and rarity of the disease are discussed.
7.Factors Affecting Visual Outcome after Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE) Pro
Muhammad Irfan KAMARUDDIN ; Ucok Parlindungan PASARIBU ; Tjahyono Darminto GONDHOWIARDJO
Korean Journal of Ophthalmology 2025;39(6):501-512
Purpose:
To report the factors affecting visual outcomes after small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) in eyes treated with the Visumax 800.
Methods:
This is a retrospective study with cross-sectional design of eyes underwent SMILE Pro using Visumax 800 at Jakarta Eye Center. Patients ≤40 years old with a corrected distance visual acuity of >20 / 25, manifest refractive spherical equivalent ≤10.0 diopters (D), and cylinder refraction <5.0 D were included. Evaluation of visual outcomes was conducted at 1 day and 1 month postoperatively.
Results:
A total of 258 eyes from 132 patients were analyzed. Among the total, 94% achieved an uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) of 20 / 20 at 1 month postoperatively. Of the eyes with high myopia, 81% achieved a UDVA of 20 / 20, followed by 97% and 99% in moderate and low myopic eyes, respectively. Spherical equivalent refraction (r = 0.273, p < 0.01), optic zone (OZ; r = 0.260, p < 0.01), cap thickness (r = 0.209, p < 0.01), and residual stromal thickness (RST; r = 0.256, p < 0.01) showed a significant but weak correlation with UDVA at 1 month postoperatively. There is increasing risk to get <20 / 20 UDVA in right eyes (odds ratio [OR], 3.101; p < 0.045), eyes with high myopia (OR, 9.964; p < 0.01), 100-μm cap thickness (OR, 4.578; p < 0.01), ≤6 mm OZ (OR, 10.556; p < 0.01), and <300-μm RST (OR, 9.100; p < 0.01) at 1 month postoperatively.
Conclusions
SMILE Pro results in promising visual outcome in early postoperative period. Patients with low to moderate myopia have better visual outcomes than those with high myopia. A small OZ, thin cap thickness, and low RST could increase the risk of not achieving the maximum visual outcome after SMILE. A prospective study with a longer follow-up period that includes comprehensive variables is needed to fully understand the factors affecting visual acuity after SMILE.
8.Robotic management of huge hepatic angiomyolipoma:A case report and literature review
Andrew PARK ; Kush SAVSANI ; Anjelica ALFONSO ; Ester JO ; Bryce HATFIELD ; Daisuke IMAI ; Aamir KHAN ; Amit SHARMA ; Irfan SAEED ; Vinay KUMARAN ; Adrian COTTERELL ; David BRUNO ; Yuzuru SAMBOMMATSU ; Seung LEE
Annals of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery 2024;28(4):527-534
Hepatic angiomyolipoma (HAML) is a rare, benign mesenchymal liver tumor encountered in Asia, primarily in females, and can be found within the right hepatic lobe, but also in other areas of the liver. Immunohistochemically, HAMLs are characteristically positive for human melanoma black-45 antigen (HMB-45) and can histochemically vary in the composition of angiomatous, lipomatous, and myomatous tissue, together with the presence of epithelioid cells. In this case report, we discuss a previously healthy patient presenting with bloating and previously documented concern of liver lesions, found to have HAML confirmed by surgical pathology. Surgery was decided, as HAMLs greater than 10 cm are at risk of rupture. This is one of the first documented cases of HAML resected through robot-assisted bisegmentectomy and cholecystectomy, and therefore, intraoperative images have been included to assist in the planning of future robotic cases.
9.Comprehensive characterization of genomic features and clinical outcomes following targeted therapy and secondary cytoreductive surgery in OCCC: a single center experience
Silvana Talisa WIJAYA ; Natalie YL NGOI ; Jerold WZ LOH ; Tuan Zea TAN ; Diana LIM ; Irfan Sagir KHAN ; Yee Liang THIAN ; Alexa LAI ; Bertrand WL ANG ; Pearl TONG ; Joseph NG ; Jeffrey JH LOW ; Arunachalam ILANCHERAN ; Siew Eng LIM ; Yi Wan LIM ; David SP TAN
Journal of Gynecologic Oncology 2024;35(5):e69-
Objective:
Ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC) is associated with chemoresistance. Limited data exists regarding the efficacy of targeted therapies such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) and bevacizumab, and the role of secondary cytoreductive surgery (SCS).
Methods:
We retrospectively analyzed genomic features and treatment outcomes of 172 OCCC patients treated at our institution from January 2000 to May 2022. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was performed where sufficient archival tissue was available.
Results:
64.0% of patients were diagnosed at an early stage, and 36.0% at an advanced stage.Patients with advanced/relapsed OCCC who received platinum-based chemotherapy plus bevacizumab followed by maintenance bevacizumab had a median first-line progressionfree survival (PFS) of 12.2 months, compared with 9.3 months for chemotherapy alone (hazard ratio=0.69; 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.33, 1.45). In 27 patients who received an ICI, the overall response rate was 18.5% and median duration of response was 7.4 months (95% CI=6.5, 8.3). In 17 carefully selected patients with fewer than 3 sites of relapse, median PFS was 35 months (95% CI=0, 73.5) and median overall survival was 96.8 months (95% CI=44.6, 149.0) after SCS. NGS on 58 tumors revealed common mutations in ARID1A (48.3%), PIK3CA (46.6%), and KRAS (20.7%). Pathogenic alterations in PIK3CA, FGFR2, and NBN were associated with worse survival outcomes. Median tumor mutational burden was 3.78 (range, 0–16). All 26 patients with available loss of heterozygosity (LOH) scores had LOH <16%.
Conclusion
Our study demonstrates encouraging outcomes with bevacizumab and ICI, and SCS in select relapsed OCCC patients. Prospective trials are warranted.
10.Robotic management of huge hepatic angiomyolipoma:A case report and literature review
Andrew PARK ; Kush SAVSANI ; Anjelica ALFONSO ; Ester JO ; Bryce HATFIELD ; Daisuke IMAI ; Aamir KHAN ; Amit SHARMA ; Irfan SAEED ; Vinay KUMARAN ; Adrian COTTERELL ; David BRUNO ; Yuzuru SAMBOMMATSU ; Seung LEE
Annals of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery 2024;28(4):527-534
Hepatic angiomyolipoma (HAML) is a rare, benign mesenchymal liver tumor encountered in Asia, primarily in females, and can be found within the right hepatic lobe, but also in other areas of the liver. Immunohistochemically, HAMLs are characteristically positive for human melanoma black-45 antigen (HMB-45) and can histochemically vary in the composition of angiomatous, lipomatous, and myomatous tissue, together with the presence of epithelioid cells. In this case report, we discuss a previously healthy patient presenting with bloating and previously documented concern of liver lesions, found to have HAML confirmed by surgical pathology. Surgery was decided, as HAMLs greater than 10 cm are at risk of rupture. This is one of the first documented cases of HAML resected through robot-assisted bisegmentectomy and cholecystectomy, and therefore, intraoperative images have been included to assist in the planning of future robotic cases.


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