1.Exploring Neonatal NaV1.5 Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel as a Therapeutic Target in Cancer
Mohd Redhuan Mohd Noor ; Siti Yusrina Nadihah Jamaludin ; Mohd Harizal Senik ; Farizan Ahmad ; Noor Fatmawati Mokhtar ; Izuddin Fahmy Abu ; Muhammad Yusran Abdul Aziz
The International Medical Journal Malaysia 2026;25(No. 1):30-40
Voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) play pivotal roles in cancer progression and
have emerged as promising therapeutic targets and biomarkers. VGSCs comprise
multiple subtypes with distinct tissue distributions, influencing tumour characteristics in
different ways. Among these, the tetrodotoxin-sensitive α-subunits and the β1 subunit,
commonly found in breast cancer, have been implicated in metastasis and tumour
aggressiveness. The NaV1.5 channel and its neonatal variant (nNaV1.5) are
overexpressed in aggressive cancers such as breast, prostate, colorectal, and lung cancers,
thereby enhancing their invasive capacity. nNaV1.5 is particularly significant due to its
tumour-specific expression and strong association with poor prognosis, especially
in breast cancer, where it regulates cell proliferation, invasion, and tumour
microenvironment remodelling. This review highlights nNaV1.5 as a critical ion channel
that drives metastasis through ion regulation, extracellular acidification, and cytoskeletal
remodelling. We further evaluate current therapeutic strategies, including siRNA,
monoclonal antibodies, and small-molecule inhibitors, while addressing translational
challenges such as tumour heterogeneity, drug delivery limitations, and off-target
cardiotoxicity due to its similarity with the adult isoform. In addition, we explore the
potential of nNaV1.5 as a biomarker subject to epigenetic regulations by factors
including RE1-silencing transcription factor (REST) and histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2),
which may facilitate patient stratification and treatment optimization. By integrating
mechanistic insights, therapeutic opportunities, and translational challenges, this review
goes beyond descriptive summaries to provide a framework for advancing nNaV1.5
research from preclinical studies toward clinical application in cancer therapy.
2.Arabic Language and Medical Terminology in Education: A Systematic Review
Mior Syazril Mohamed Sapawi ; Nik Mohd Rahimi Nik Yusof
The International Medical Journal Malaysia 2026;25(No. 1):41-52
The use of Arabic in medical education and healthcare communication remains limited despite growing linguistic needs in Arabic-speaking populations. Issues related to translation accuracy, cultural sensitivity, and curriculum alignment hinder its integration. The objective of this study is to systematically review how Arabic medical terminology has been translated, validated, and applied in educational and clinical contexts. This systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines. Searches were conducted in May 2025 across three databases: Scopus, Web of Science (WoS), and the Education Resources Information Center (ERIC). A total of 769 records were retrieved, and 19 peer-reviewed articles were selected based on inclusion criteria. A six-point quality appraisal framework was applied to ensure methodological rigour prior to thematic synthesis. Three major themes emerged: (1) translation and cultural adaptation, highlighting the importance of expert validation and semantic accuracy; (2) psychometric evaluation, where tools such as the Postgraduate Hospital Educational Environment Measure (PHEEM) demonstrated strong internal consistency and contextual clarity; and (3) educational application, showing varied success in enhancing communication, comprehension, and learner confidence. Gaps in terminology standardisation and the limitations of automated translation tools were noted across studies. In conclusion Arabic medical terminology, when supported by structured processes and expert review, makes a meaningful contribution to education and communication. Further efforts should prioritise the development of validated terminology repositories, multidisciplinary collaboration, and the integration of Arabic-language resources into medical curricula to support inclusive and patient-centred care.
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.Ultrasound-Guided Retrograde Internal Jugular Venous Puncture in Neurointerventional Procedures
Jan Mohd SUHAIL ; Santhosh Babu Kannan BHARATHY ; Shikhar GARG ; Shoban HARIDASS ; Shyamkumar Nidugala KESHAVA
Neurointervention 2026;21(1):29-34
Purpose:
To evaluate the safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided retrograde internal jugular venous (IJV) puncture in neurointerventional procedures.
Materials and Methods:
This single-centre retrospective study evaluates data collected over 20 years. All punctures were performed under general anaesthesia using ultrasound guidance. The data were analyzed to assess patient demographics, indications and potential advantages, the technique of puncture, safety, outcomes, and complications associated with such punctures.
Results:
The study included 60 patients (males: n=38, 63%; females: n=22, 37%). The median age was 33 years (range 13–73 years). A total of 74 retrograde jugular punctures were performed. Isolated right-sided punctures were done in 31 patients (52%), isolated left-sided punctures in 18 (30%), and 11 patients (18%) underwent bilateral punctures. The preferred access needle was an 18G needle; however, micropuncture access was used in some patients. No inadvertent arterial punctures were encountered. The most common indication was mechanical thrombectomy for cerebral venous thrombosis (62%). Other indications included transvenous embolization of carotid-cavernous fistulae (16%), embolization of cerebral dural arteriovenous fistulae (8%), inferior petrosal sinus sampling (8%), and cerebral venous sinus angioplasty or stenting (6%). In all procedures, the expected technical outcome was achieved.
Conclusion
Ultrasound-guided retrograde IJV puncture is a safe and effective method for accessing neurovascular pathologies requiring a transvenous approach. Based on our experience, this access has been routinely used without any major complications. We foresee the technique being accepted on a larger scale in the future.
5.Insomnia, Pain, and Pain-Related Dysfunctional Beliefs about Sleep among Patients with Cancer
Seockhoon CHUNG ; Soobeen LEE ; Mohd. Ashik SHAHRIER ; Saebom JEON
Cancer Research and Treatment 2026;58(2):686-693
Purpose:
We explored the reliability and validity of the Pain-related Beliefs and Attitudes about Sleep (PBAS) scale among patients with cancer. Further, we compared the usability of the PBAS scale with that of the Cancer-related Dysfunctional Beliefs and Attitudes about Sleep-14 (C-DBAS-14) among patients with cancer.
Materials and Methods:
The medical records of 252 patients with cancer who visited the sleep clinic from August 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. The responses of the enrolled patients to the PBAS, C-DBAS-14, Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), and Numeric Rating Scale of pain were collected.
Results:
The internal consistency reliability of the PBAS scale was excellent (Cronbach’s alpha of 0.96). Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the two-factor structure of the PBAS for patients with cancer is a good fit for the model (Comparative Fit Index, 0.99; Tucker-Lewis Index, 0.99; root mean square error of approximation, 0.14; standardized root mean square residual, 0.05). The convergent validity of the Korean version of the PBAS in patients with cancer was good, as indicated by its significant association with pain severity (r=0.63, p < 0.001), C-DBAS-14 (r=0.33, p < 0.001), and ISI (r=0.21, p < 0.01). The PBAS adequately reflected an increase in pain severity and was more effective and appropriate for capturing pain-related dysfunctional sleep beliefs than the C-DBAS-14.
Conclusion
The Korean version of the PBAS showed high reliability and validity in patients with cancer, and applicability across cancer types and cancer-related beliefs.
6.Significance of Perforating Vessels in Vertebrobasilar Territory Acute Ischemic Stroke Treated With Mechanical Thrombectomy: A Review of Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Findings and the Literature
Mohamad Syafeeq Faeez Md NOH ; Rajeev Shamsuddin PERISAMY ; Anas THAREK ; Noor Hayatul Al Akmal NORALAM ; Muhammad Zakwan YAHYA ; Mohd Hanif AMRAN ; Sin Yeat MAH ; Siti Azleen MOHAMAD ; Anna Misyail Abdul RASHID ; Azliza IBRAHIM ; Ezamin Abdul RAHIM ; Ahmad Sobri MUDA
Journal of Stroke 2026;28(1):181-186
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.Qualitative exploration of manual dental records in the digital era using sociotechnical systems theory: insights from a teaching dental institution
Syuwari Azhar AZMAN ; Sulhi ABIDIN ; Galvin Sim Siang LIN ; Mohd Haikal Muhamad HALIL
Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science 2026;43(1):9-
Background:
Dental records are essential repositories of patient information that support diagnosis, treatment planning, continuity of care, and medicolegal accountability, making them a fundamental component of safe, effective, and transparent dental practices. This study aimed to explore the perceptions and experiences of academic and nonacademic clinical staff regarding a paper-based patient record system at a Malaysian public dental institute.
Methods:
A qualitative phenomenological design underpinned by the sociotechnical systems theory was employed. Purposive sampling recruited 20 full-time staff (10 academic, 10 nonacademic) with at least 1 year of experience using the manual record system and no prior training in electronic dental records. Semi-structured, one-on-one interviews were conducted between May 2025 and October 2025, audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis. Rigor was enhanced through independent coding, member checking, reflexive journaling, and adherence to the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research checklist.
Results:
Four main themes were identified: (1) inefficiency and accessibility challenges; (2) accuracy, legibility, and record integrity; (3) continuity of care and patient safety risks; and (4) desire for digital transition and system improvements.
Conclusion
Although manual paper-based dental records remain central to documentation in teaching dental institutions, they present growing inefficiencies and safety concerns, highlighting the need for sociotechnical-informed strategies that align human processes, technology, and institutional support to enhance record-keeping and patient care.
9.Violet-pigmented Burkholderia contaminans sequence type 922 bacteremia in an end-stage renal disease patient – a case report and review of the literature
Ahmad S. ; Mohd Sukhaimi N.A. ; Shahimi S.S. ; Mahfodz N.H. ; Soh Y.H. ; AbuBakar S. ; Choong K.Y. ; Loong S.K.
Tropical Biomedicine 2026;43(No. 1):1-4
Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) is an emerging nosocomial pathogen, with violet-pigmented
strains representing a rare and possibly neglected but clinically important subset. We report a case
of a 62-year-old man with end-stage renal disease on dialysis who presented with fever and cough.
Blood cultures from central and peripheral lines grew violet-pigmented, non-lactose fermenting
colonies on MacConkey agar, later identified as Burkholderia contaminans sequence type 922 (ST922)
via a multimodal approach. Initial phenotypic methods (VITEK-2, API20NE and MALDI-ToF) and 16S
rDNA sequencing were inconclusive; however, multilocus sequence typing confirmed ST922, a strain
previously reported in India and associated with nosocomial outbreaks. The isolate was susceptible to
ceftazidime, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, minocycline, and meropenem. The patient responded
well to intravenous ceftazidime, with subsequent blood cultures yielding no growth. Notably,
antimicrobial susceptibility varied geographically, with some ST922 isolates resistant to third-generation
cephalosporins. This case illustrates the diagnostic challenges in Bcc speciation and highlights the value
of molecular tools such as MLST. The detection of this strain in Malaysia raises concerns about global
dissemination, potentially via contaminated medical devices or water systems. Early recognition of
violet-pigmented Bcc in resource-limited settings can facilitate prompt, targeted treatment. This report
underscores the need for environmental surveillance and antimicrobial stewardship to prevent spread,
while reinforcing Bcc’s ecological adaptability and clinical significance, especially in immunocompromised
individuals.
10.YOLOv8m-segmentation for detecting cervical burnout and caries in bitewing radiographs:A deep learning approach
Mohd Isyrafuddin Bin ISMAIL ; Nooritawati Md TAHIR ; Wan Syahirah Binti W. SAMSUDIN ; Mas Suryalis AHMAD ; Nashuha OMAR ; Mohd Yusmiaidil Putera Mohd YUSOF
Imaging Science in Dentistry 2026;56(1):26-35
Purpose:
This study evaluated the performance of the YOLOv8m-seg model in detecting and delineating interproximal caries and cervical burnout on bitewing radiographs and examined whether increasing the number of training epochs improved segmentation accuracy and consistency.
Materials and Methods:
In total, 1,410 bitewing radiographs were annotated using polygon-based masks by a trained dental clinician. The YOLOv8m-seg model was trained for 50, 100, and 150 epochs on 1,128 images and validated on 282 images using the Ultralytics segmentation framework. Model performance was assessed using precision, recall, and mean average precision at intersection-over-union thresholds of 0.5 and 0.5 to 0.95 (mAP0.5, mAP0.5-0.95) for both bounding box and mask outputs. Additional evaluation was conducted on a non-augmented validation subset.
Results:
Extended training duration was associated with improved segmentation performance. The highest mask mAP0.5-0.95 value was 0.828 at epoch 150. Both box-based precision and recall increased with longer training, whereas mask-based evaluation more accurately reflected the model’s ability to delineate the boundaries of caries and cervical burnout. Performance appeared consistent across both classes in the augmented validation split but was reduced in the non-augmented validation subset.
Conclusion
The YOLOv8m-seg model demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy in distinguishing proximal caries from cervical burnout on bitewing radiographs. Its mask-based outputs may assist clinicians in early lesion recognition and support improved diagnostic decision-making. Future studies should evaluate model generalizability across broader populations and diverse clinical environments and should prioritize assessment using non-augmented validation sets and independent test datasets.


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