1.Reflecting Practice Of Integrated Supportive Cancer Care Education Materials For Radiotherapy Patients: A Pilot Study
Nor Aniza Azmi ; Rozilawati Ahmad ; Ahmad Syahmiuddin Shamsuddin ; Noorazrul Azmi Yahya ; Nor Aini Ahmad Wahid ; Muhammad Fairuz Abdul Hadi
Malaysian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;24(No. 1):1-8
Patient cancer care education aims to inform and empower patients by providing clear, relevant information
about cancer, including its mechanisms, treatment options, and management strategies. This study evaluated the
effectiveness and accuracy of existing patient cancer care education materials in Malaysia, specifically assessing
patients’ understanding of treatment, side effects, and their management. Method: A descriptive, correlational
study was conducted involving 20 cancer patients at Gleneagles Penang Medical Center, using the Patient Cancer
Education Needs Assessment questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 21.0 and Microsoft
Excel 2013. Result: Patient age, education level, occupation, and socioeconomic status were not significant
factors influencing understanding. Findings highlight the need to improve existing educational materials to
enhance patient comprehension and ensure materials are comprehensive, culturally appropriate, and innovative.
Conclusion: Patient cancer care education materials should be comprehensive, interactive, and patient is friendly.
Current materials require revision and enhancement to keep pace with technological developments, ensuring they
are accessible, understandable, and effective in supporting patients’ knowledge of cancer treatment, side effects,
management strategies, and psychosocial aspects.
2.A Bibliometric Analysis of Chatbot or ChatGPT in Nursing Fields from 2022 to 2024
Ab Razak NI ; Muhammad Yusoff MF ; Nasharuddin NA ; Soh KL ; O.K. Rahmat O.K. Rahmat RW
The International Medical Journal Malaysia 2026;25(No. 2):20-30
Nursing education has undergone a significant transformation as a result of artificial
intelligence (AI). Chatbots, specifically ChatGPT, have emerged as vital AI
technologies within the nursing domain as it is a computer program designed to
simulate human conversation through text or voice interactions. This study aims to
conduct a bibliometric analysis to gain insights into the publication trends, citation
impact, and thematic evolution in nursing education and practice concerning ChatGPT
and chatbots. A comprehensive bibliometric analysis was performed using
VOSViewer, concentrating on citation networks for data analysis and visualisation. A
review of LENS.org identified 344 relevant research publications regarding chatbots
and ChatGPT within the nursing discipline, all of which were utilised in the study. The
study examined various aspects, including types of publications, prominent authors,
leading journals, participating nations, institutions, and the impact of ChatGPT on
nursing practice. The primary objectives included categorising the papers, identifying
the most influential authors, delineating the prominent areas and institutions in the
field, and examining the impact of ChatGPT on nursing education and practice. The
findings indicate that ChatGPT positively impacts nursing education by enhancing
learning experiences, improving communication, and aiding clinical decision-making.
The findings indicate that journal articles accounted for 76% of publications, with the
U.S. leading in research output. The findings indicate that ChatGPT positively impacts
nursing education by enhancing learning experiences, improving communication, and
aiding clinical decision-making. Future research should focus on establishing
frameworks for integrating ChatGPT into nursing education, addressing ethical
implications, and assessing the long-term impacts on patient care.
3.Evaluating the TyG Index’s Role to Predict Cardiovascular Risk Score
Oeij Henri Wijaya ; Yusuf Aji Samudera Nurrobi ; Nabilah Hanifah Mukti ; Patrick Kurniawan Chandra Saputra ; Muhammad Iqbal
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2026;22(Supp 1):1-6
Introduction: The Triglycerides-Glucose Index (TyG), as a cost-effective and novel biomarker for insulin resistance,
plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of heart disease. This study aims to assess the TyG’s capacity to predict cardiovascular risk. To investigate the correlation between the TyG and the 10-year risk of heart disease determined by
the Framingham Risk Score (FRS). Materials and methods: A comprehensive study of 3,832 Indonesian participants
(aged 19-65, Male 3,415). TyG Index threshold determined by ROC curve analyses. Its relationship with cardiovascular risk was assessed using the chi-square test and bivariate correlation analysis. Results: 3,832 participants (1,647
with high TyG≥8.7795, mean age 38.86). There was a significant association between TyG Index and FRS (P=0.02,
sensitivity 0.53 specificity 0.57 PR 1.537). TyG-BMI and FRS (P<0.001, sensitivity 0.63, specificity 0.55, PR 2.18).
METS-IR (P<0.001, sensitivity 0.59, specificity 0.55, PR 1.862), treadmill exercise test and FRS (P<0.025, sensitivity
0.07, specificity 0.96, PR 2). Bivariate correlation analysis between FRS and TyG, TyG BMI, METS-IR, SBP, heart rate,
weight, waist circumference, and fasting blood glucose (P<0.001). In subgroup analyses, there was no significant
correlation between TyG Index and FRS in the diabetes and hypertension groups (P=0.360, P=0.344). Conclusion:
This study shows a strong connection between the Triglycerides-Glucose Index and an elevated 10-year cardiovascular disease risk as determined by Framingham Risk Score. The effectiveness of The TyG Index in predicting cardiovascular risk is affected by hypertension and diabetes.
4.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.
5.Testicular tumours in children: a single-centre experience.
Sajid ALI ; Tariq LATIF ; Muhammad Ali SHEIKH ; Shazia PERVEEN ; Muhammad BILAL ; Albash SARWAR
Singapore medical journal 2025;66(6):321-326
INTRODUCTION:
Testicular tumours in childhood have diverse characteristics for different age ranges. This study aimed to describe the pattern, presentation and outcomes of primary testicular tumours in a paediatric population.
METHODS:
A retrospective study was conducted from January 2010 to December 2020 on children (≤18 years) with a diagnosis of primary testicular tumour. Baseline demographics, clinical characteristics, pathology, treatment and outcomes of these patients were analysed. The data were entered into IBM SPSS Statistics version 20.0. Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test were applied to find the statistical significance, which was set at P value ≤ 0.05.
RESULTS:
The study included 115 males, with 85 (73.9%) patients in the prepubertal age range with a mean age of 2.53 ± 2.06 years and 30 (26.1%) patients in the postpubertal group with a mean age of 15.73 ± 1.25 years. Yolk sac tumour was the most common (62.6%) histological subtype. Majority (46.1%) of patients had stage I disease on presentation, while 29.6% had stage IV disease. All patients underwent upfront high inguinal radical orchiectomy, which was followed by platinum-based adjuvant chemotherapy in 67% of the patients. The five-year event-free survival and overall survival for all patients were 75% and 91%, respectively.
CONCLUSION
Primary testicular tumours follow a bimodal age distribution pattern. Majority of patients can be cured with platinum-based chemotherapy despite having advanced disease at presentation.
Humans
;
Male
;
Testicular Neoplasms/mortality*
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Adolescent
;
Child
;
Child, Preschool
;
Orchiectomy/methods*
;
Chemotherapy, Adjuvant
;
Treatment Outcome
;
Neoplasm Staging
;
Infant
;
Endodermal Sinus Tumor/therapy*
;
Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal
6.Engineering and targeting potential of CAR NK cells in colorectal cancer.
Muhammad Babar KHAWAR ; Ali AFZAL ; Shuangshuang DONG ; Yue SI ; Haibo SUN
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(13):1529-1539
Colorectal cancer (CRC), a major global health concern, necessitates innovative treatments. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells have shown promises, yet they grapple with challenges. The spotlight pivots to the rising heroes: CAR natural killer (NK) cells, offering advantages such as higher safety profiles, cost-effectiveness, and efficacy against solid tumors. Nevertheless, the specific mechanisms underlying CAR NK cell trafficking and their interplay within the complex tumor microenvironment require further in-depth exploration. Herein, we provide insights into the design and engineering of CAR NK cells, antigen targets in CRC, and success in overcoming resistance mechanisms with an emphasis on the potential for clinical trials.
Colorectal Neoplasms/immunology*
;
Humans
;
Killer Cells, Natural/metabolism*
;
Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/genetics*
;
Immunotherapy, Adoptive/methods*
;
Tumor Microenvironment/immunology*
;
Animals
7.Herbal medicine in the modern age: The era of personalized precision.
Muhammad Shahzad ASLAM ; Yun Jin KIM
Journal of Integrative Medicine 2025;23(6):591-604
This perspective review explores the transformative potential of personalized herbal medicine, examines the integration of ancient herbal knowledge with modern personalized medicine, delves into the principles of personalized medicine particularly in the context of herbal treatments, and investigates the principles of personalized medicine and elucidates how they are being applied to herbal medicine. It emphasizes the individualized nature of this approach and how it is facilitated through genetic analysis and health profiling. This review also highlights key advancements in herbal medicine, such as deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) analysis and bioinformatics, and their role in the development of precise and personalized herbal remedies. The outcomes of personalized herbal medicine reveal how genetic variations are being considered to tailor treatments, create target-specific therapies, and customize dosage regimens. Furthermore, this review illustrates the evolution of herbal medicine with technological advancements, particularly DNA analysis and bioinformatics, to enhance precision and personalization. The challenge associated with implementing personalized herbal medicine more broadly includes issues of accessibility, regulation, education and ethics. It underscores the transformative potential of personalized herbal medicine. It calls for continued exploration, research and collaboration in this burgeoning field. This emerging field encourages researchers, practitioners, and stakeholders to engage in advancing healthcare practices that are increasingly personalized, evidence-based, and centered on patient's needs. Please cite this article as: Aslam MS, Kim YJ. Herbal medicine in the modern age: The era of personalized precision. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(6):591-604.
Precision Medicine
;
Humans
;
Herbal Medicine/methods*
;
Phytotherapy
8.Anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects of flavan-4-ol and flavan glycosides from the roots of Pronephrium penangianum.
Feibing HUANG ; Yong YANG ; Qingling XIE ; Hanwen YUAN ; Muhammad AAMER ; Yuqing JIAN ; Ye ZHANG ; Wei WANG
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2025;23(5):593-603
Five new flavan-4-ol glycosides jixueqiosides A-E (1-5) and two new flavan glycosides jixueqiosides F and G (6 and 7), along with twelve known flavan-4-ol glycosides (8-19), were isolated from the roots of Pronephrium penangianum. Comprehensive spectral analyses, X-ray single-crystal diffraction, and theoretical electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations established structures and absolute configurations. A single crystal structure of flavan-4-ol glycoside (14) was reported for the first time, while the characteristic ECD and NMR data for all isolated flavan-4-ol glycosides (1-5 , 8-19) were analyzed, establishing a set of empirical rules. Activity screening of these isolates showed that 8 and 9 could inhibit the proliferation of MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells with IC50 values of 7.93 ? 2.85 ?mol?L-1 and 5.87 ? 1.58 ?mol?L-1 (MDA-MB-231), and 2.21 ? 1.38 ?mol?L-1 and 3.52 ? 1.55 ?mol?L-1 (MCF-7), respectively. Western blotting and flow cytometry analyses demonstrated that 8 and 9 dose-dependently induced apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells by up-regulating BAX, activating caspase-3 and down-regulating BCL-2. Additionally, compound 8 affected autophagy-related proteins, increasing the ratio of LC3-II/LC3-I and Beclin-1 levels to inhibit MDA-MB-231 cell proliferation. Moreover, anti-inflammatory studies indicated that 2, 3, 7, 13, 14, and 18 moderately inhibited tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and nitric oxide (NO) release.
Humans
;
Plant Roots/chemistry*
;
Glycosides/isolation & purification*
;
Anti-Inflammatory Agents/isolation & purification*
;
Flavonoids/isolation & purification*
;
Cell Proliferation/drug effects*
;
Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/isolation & purification*
;
Molecular Structure
;
Apoptosis/drug effects*
;
Cell Line, Tumor
;
Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/immunology*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
;
Interleukin-6/immunology*
;
Animals
;
Mice
9.Use of droxidopa for blood pressure augmentation after acute spinal cord injury: case reports
Christopher S. HONG ; Muhammad K. EFFENDI ; Abdalla A. AMMAR ; Kent A. OWUSU ; Mahmoud A. AMMAR ; Andrew B. KOO ; Layton A. LAMSAM ; Aladine A. ELSAMADICY ; Gregory A. KUZMIK ; Maxwell LAURANS ; Michael L. DILUNA ; Mark L. LANDRENEAU
Acute and Critical Care 2025;40(1):138-143
Hypotension secondary to autonomic dysfunction is a common complication of acute spinal cord injury (SCI) that may worsen neurologic outcomes. Midodrine, an enteral α-1 agonist, is often used to facilitate weaning intravenous (IV) vasopressors, but its use can be limited by reflex bradycardia. Alternative enteral agents to facilitate this wean in the acute post-SCI setting have not been described. We aim to describe novel application of droxidopa, an enteral precursor of norepinephrine that is approved to treat neurogenic orthostatic hypotension, in the acute post-SCI setting. Droxidopa may be an alternative enteral therapy for those intolerant of midodrine due to reflex bradycardia. We describe two patients suffering traumatic cervical SCI who were successfully weaned off IV vasopressors with droxidopa after failing with midodrine. The first patient was a 64-year-old male who underwent C3–6 laminectomies and fusion after a ten-foot fall resulting in quadriparesis. Post-operatively, the addition of midodrine in an attempt to wean off IV vasopressors resulted in significant reflexive bradycardia. Treatment with droxidopa facilitated rapidly weaning IV vasopressors and transfer to a lower level of care within 72 hours of treatment initiation. The second patient was a 73-year-old male who underwent C3–5 laminectomies and fusion for a traumatic hyperflexion injury causing paraplegia. The addition of midodrine resulted in severe bradycardia, prompting consideration of pacemaker placement. However, with the addition of droxidopa, this was avoided, and the patient was weaned off IV vasopressors on dual oral therapy with midodrine and droxidopa. Droxidopa may be a viable enteral therapy to treat hypotension in patients after acute SCI who are otherwise not tolerating midodrine in order to wean off IV vasopressors. This strategy may avoid pacemaker placement and facilitate shorter stays in the intensive care unit, particularly for patients who are stable but require continued intensive care unit admission for IV vasopressors, which can be cost ineffective and human resource depleting.
10.Challenges in diagnosing occupational allergic contact dermatitis: a case report
Jun Fai YAP ; Kim Sui WAN ; Muhammad Fadhli Mohd YUSOFF ; Yin Cheng LIM ; Rama Krishna SUPRAMANIAN
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2025;37(1):e7-
Background:
In Malaysia, occupational allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is often under-reported. This case report describes a chemical engineer who developed possible ACD, likely due to workplace allergen exposure.Case presentation: He presented with a 4-month history of intensely itchy rashes on both hands, which improved during work breaks. A dermatological examination revealed lichenified, pruritic papules with well-defined borders on the palmar surfaces of both hands. A skin patch test identified reactions to five allergens, including ‘fragrance mix,’ ‘methyldibromo glutaronitrile,’ ‘clioquinol,’ ‘epoxy resin,’ and ‘textile dye mix.’ However, among these, only ‘bisphenol A diglycidyl ether,’ a component of ‘epoxy resin,’ was listed in the safety data sheet as a confirmed occupational exposure. In accordance with local regulations, this case was reported as ‘occupational dermatitis’ to the Department of Occupational Safety and Health. The patient was prescribed symptomatic topical treatments, including emollients and topical corticosteroids. Additionally, he was advised to switch to hypoallergenic products. On follow-up, his chronic inflammatory skin lesions showed improvement.
Conclusions
Thorough occupational history-taking and patch testing are essential for diagnosing ACD. Personalized health education and regular follow-ups, is crucial in monitoring lesion resolution and evaluating the effectiveness of preventive measures in workplace settings.


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