1.Quality of Life Following 3D-Conformal Hypofractionated Radiotherapy of Breast Cancer
Fatimah Alaa Hussein ; Noorazrul Yahya ; Ummu Afifah Che Rosli ; Aida W. M. Mohd Mustapha ; Khairiyah Sidek ; Rosmizan Ahmad Razal ; Hanani Abdul Manan
Malaysian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;24(No. 1):9-17
Purpose: Adjuvant radiotherapy (RT), while effective in reducing cancer recurrence and improving survival
rates, often comes with radiation toxicity that can adversely affect the patient’s quality of life (QoL). Evaluating
toxicity after RT is crucial because it helps to identify and manage adverse effects that can significantly impact
a patient’s QoL. By monitoring toxicity, we can adjust treatment plans to mitigate these effects, improve patient
comfort, and ensure a better overall outcome. Therefore this study aimed to evaluate and compare QoL following
3D-conformal hypofractionated RT in breast cancer patients. Methods: We included twenty-one Malaysian women
with unilateral breast cancer treated with lumpectomy (n=15) or mastectomy (n=6) followed by 3D-conformal
hypofractionated RT. QoL was evaluated using the EORTC QLQ-BR45 questionnaire before, during, and
after RT. Results: During RT, there was a significant increase in the mean score of the breast symptoms scale
compared to baseline (p=0.002), with the most common symptoms being skin problems, followed by swelling and
oversensitivity. However, these symptoms were generally mild for most patients. The other quality of life scales
remained stable during RT. Post-RT, most QoL scales showed improvements compared to both baseline and
during RT, with significant enhancements in the mean breast symptoms score and breast satisfaction score (all
p<0.05). Conclusion: Radiotherapy negatively impacted the QoL of our breast cancer patients, specifically on the
breast symptoms scale. However, these symptoms improved after 4 months, resulting in high breast satisfaction
and indicating a near-excellent cosmetic outcome. Future studies with larger cohorts are essential to validate
these findings, as the small sample size (n=21 at baseline; n=13 post-RT) may have limited the detection of more
subtle changes
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.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.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.
5.Parenting Factors and Child Obesity: A Study Among Preschoolers in Selangor, Malaysia
Ahmad Fayyad Gunaselan ; Ahmad Fayyad Gunaselan ; Zaleha Md Isa ; Idayu Badilla Idris ; Aravind Kumar
International Journal of Public Health Research 2026;16(1):2620-2633
Parenting Factors and Child Obesity: A Study Among Preschoolers in Selangor, Malaysia
Introduction
Child obesity is a pressing global concern. In Malaysia, the rates of child obesity have risen significantly over recent decades, with 5.6% of children under the age of five being categorized as overweight or obese. Children's behavior is influenced by their home environment, which includes both physical and social aspects such as parental behavioral models, parenting styles, practices, beliefs, and societal norms. However, there is a scarcity of data on the prevalence of child obesity and its relationship with parental factors. This research set out to explore the link between parenting styles, parental physical activity, dietary habits, body image perception, screen time, and child obesity.
Methods
A survey using a quantitative approach was conducted among preschoolers in Selangor to test the proposed relationships between these factors. Data were gathered from 354 preschool students in Selangor. This study used a multi-stage sampling technique. In the multi-stage sampling technique, the researcher used a series of sampling frames by developing population strata and then selected using purposive sampling method.
Results
The analysis was carried out using SPSS version 26 and Smart PLS version 4.0. The direct effect analysis revealed that parenting styles (p = 0.000), along with parental dietary habits and body image perception (p=0.001), were significantly associated with child obesity. In contrast, parental physical activity (p = 0.167) and screen time (p = 0.739) did not show a significant relationship with childhood obesity.
Conclusions
The study's outcomes can assist healthcare practitioners in understanding and providing substantial evidence of the significant relationship between parenting styles, dietary practices, body image perception, and child obesity.
6.Environmental and Health Impacts of Pesticide-Based Malaria Control in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Scoping Review
Misra Helma Firdaus ; Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh ; Mohd Hasni Ja&rsquo ; afar ; Mohd Rizal Abdul Manaf
International Journal of Public Health Research 2026;16(1):2520-2534
Environmental and Health Impacts of Pesticide-Based Malaria Control in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Scoping Review
Introduction
Malaria remains a major public health challenge in tropical and subtropical regions, necessitating effective vector control strategies. This scoping review aims to evaluate the environmental and health impacts of pesticide-based malaria control in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs).
Methods
A comprehensive search was conducted across Scopus, Web of Science and PubMed for studies published between 2004 and 2024, using a predefined search string based on the PEO framework. Inclusion criteria focused on studies addressing malaria control programmes and their effects on the environment and human health. Data extraction followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines.
Results
12 studies were included, most of which focused on indoor residual spraying (IRS) and insecticide-treated nets (ITNs). The review identified significant direct and indirect impacts. While effective in reducing malaria transmission, IRS and ITNs pose substantial risks. Direct health effects included acute poisoning and long-term neurodevelopmental issues linked to pesticide exposure, with residues detected in breast milk. Environmental impacts included soil and water contamination, biodiversity loss and ecological disruption. The overlap of pesticide use in malaria control and agriculture was found to exacerbate insecticide resistance in mosquito populations.
Conclusions
Pesticide-based malaria control, while crucial, carries significant unintended consequences for human health and the environment. The findings underscore the urgent need for Integrated Vector Management (IVM) strategies that reduce reliance on chemical pesticides, mitigate resistance, and ensure environmental sustainability and public health safety.
7.Association Between MEN1 Gene and AIHA
Fatihin Abdul Razak ; Nur Aini Eddy Warman ; Mohd Hazriq Awang ; Aimi Fadilah Mohamad ; Nur Haziqah Baharum ; Fatimah Zaherah Mohamed Shah ; Rohana Abdul Ghani
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):99-
Introduction:
Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) is a rare
autosomal dominant syndrome caused by mutations in the
tumor suppressor gene MENIN, classically characterized by endocrine tumors of the parathyroid glands, pancreas,
and pituitary. Beyond tumorigenesis, emerging evidence
suggests a role for MENIN in immune regulation, with
deficiency linked to CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ lymphocyte dysfunction
and predisposition to autoimmunity. While autoimmune
conditions such as thyroiditis and pernicious anemia have
been described in MEN1, an association with autoimmune
hemolytic anemia (AIHA) has not been previously reported.
We describe a rare case of MEN1 associated with warm
AIHA, highlighting a potential link between endocrine
tumorigenesis and immune dysregulation.
Case:
A 56-year-old female presented with a 4-month history
of lethargy, anorexia, weight loss, and painless jaundice.
She is para 6 + 1, with no history of anemia in pregnancy,
prior blood transfusions, or family history of hematological
disorders. Examination revealed mild pallor, jaundice, and
hepatomegaly without splenomegaly.
She had a prior diagnosis of MEN1, with two hallmark
features: primary hyperparathyroidism and a pancreatic
neuroendocrine tumor. She underwent pancreatic
enucleation, hemithyroidectomy, and hemiparathyroidectomy; histopathology demonstrated a benign thyroid
nodule and parathyroid hyperplasia.
Whole exome sequencing identified no pathogenic MEN1
mutation but revealed a c.1621A>G variant, classified as
a non-deleterious polymorphism. Variants in TP53 and
BRCA1 were also detected without phenotypic expression.
Surveillance colonoscopy and mammography were
unremarkable.
Laboratory findings were consistent with warm AIHA,
including elevated lactate dehydrogenase, indirect
hyperbilirubinemia, low haptoglobin, reticulocytosis,
and a positive direct Coombs test (immunoglobulin G).
Peripheral blood film was nonspecific. She responded well
to a tapering course of prednisolone.
Conclusion
This case highlights a possible association between MEN1
and autoimmune hemolysis. The presence of the MEN1
c.1621A>G variant, alongside TP53 and BRCA1 variants,
raises the possibility of modifier effects influencing immune
dysregulation. Further studies are needed to clarify this
relationship.
8.Congenital Toxoplasmosis with Cranial Diabetes Insipidus and Hydrochlorothiazide
May Hou Yap ; Nurul Farah Wahidah Abd Razak ; Sze Teik Teoh
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):142-
Introduction:
Congenital toxoplasmosis (CTox) is common in Malaysia
and classically presents with brain and eye involvement,
causing hydrocephalus, intracranial calcifications, cataract,
chorioretinitis, blindness, epilepsy, and psychomotor or
mental impairment. Cranial diabetes insipidus (CDI) and
panhypopituitarism rarely complicate its clinical course.
Case:
From 2024 to 2026, we had encountered three cases of
CTox infants, of whom 2 (C1, C2) had a stormy neonatal
period and passed away by 3 months old due to refractory
seizures, while the 3rd (C3) survived. C1 (2.2 kg) was
diagnosed antenatally from fetal ultrasound brain with
severe ventriculomegaly, whereas C2 (2.47 kg) had multiple
syndromic features, cleft lip, palate and anopthalmos. C3
(2.6 kg) was only diagnosed later by 1-month-old when she
had afebrile seizures. C1 and C2 had severe hypernatremia
(Na >150 mmol/L) within 1st week of life, but C3 had hypernatremia after surgical drainage of her hydrocephalus and
administration of steroids. All were diagnosed with CDI
and fulfilled the triad of polyuria, hypernatremia and
inappropriate paired osmolality. During acute period,
they were managed with IV vasopressin infusion with
intensive monitoring. At low dose (0.1–0.3 mcg/kg/hour),
all achieved eunatremia and euvolemia within 12 hours
with no inadvertent hyponatremia. They also had central
hypothyroidism and received L-thyroxine, with prior
oral hydrocortisone, except C1. Their CDI persisted with
highest Na 165 mmol/L in C1. They were started on tab
hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) alongside low renal solute load formula (LRSL) and EBM. HCTZ dose was titrated
gradually from 0.5 to 1.0 mg/kg/dose and further to 1.5
mg/kg/dose. In between, subcutaneous desmopressin
(DDAVP) 0.02–0.04 mcg were given during breakthrough
DI. All cases responded to HCTZ at 1.5 mg/kg/dose, with
varying intervals (daily to TDS). C3 went home after
6 weeks with HCTZ, L-thyroxine and hydrocortisone,
together with oral anti-toxoplasmosis and anticonvulsants.
Conclusion
CTox with CDI presents a challenge during infancy, and a
combination of LRSL with thiazide diuretics is an acceptable alternative, prior to definitive DDAVP therapy later.
oxoplasmosis, Congenital
;
Hydrochlorothiazide
;
Diabetes Insipidus
9.ABCD Syndrome: A Rare but Underrecognized Cause of Hypercalcemia in Down Syndrome
Nurul Farah Wahidah Abd Razak ; Sze Teik Teoh
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):147-
Introduction:
ABCD syndrome (ABnormal Calcium-CreatinineCalcinosis in Down syndrome) is a rare tetrad of hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria, nephrocalcinosis, and renal
impairment in children with Down syndrome, often with
delayed diagnosis resulting in irreversible renal damage.
:
We report a 7-year-old male with Down syndrome, who
previously had a stormy neonatal period due to large atrialseptal-defect and pulmonary hypertension, and required
surgery at 3-years-old with prior prolonged ventilation. He
was since bedbound with severe spastic diplegia, complicated by GERD and food aversion, requiring nasogastric tube feeding. He was discovered to have hypercalcemia
and renal impairment during admission in district hospital
for febrile illness with gastrointestinal symptoms. Initial
serum calcium was 2.78 mmol/L, phosphate 1.54 mmol/L,
magnesium 0.96 mmol/L, ALP 210 IU/L, urea 18.6 mmol/L,
and creatinine 266 umol/L. Renal impairment did not
improve and ultrasound KUB revealed bilateral small
kidneys with medullary nephrocalcinosis. Consultation
with the paediatric nephrologist concluded as CKDstage-4. He was transferred to our centre. He demonstrated
severe hypercalcemia (3.44 mmol/L), hypercalciuria (urinecalcium-to-creatinine-ratio of 1.17 mmol/mmol, >95 th%),
and suppressed iPTH (0.9 pmol/L,1.6–6.9), suggesting
PTH-independent process. 25-OH-Vit-D3 was 134 nmol/L
(74–250, sufficient). He was more irritable and moody,
but no seizures. ECG was normal. Skeletal assessment did
not reveal osteolytic changes or increased resorption. He
was investigated by paediatric hemato-oncologists, with
negative findings, despite extensive search for hematological or bone malignancy and granulomatous disease.
His ESR and immunoglobulin level was high for unknown
reasons. He was treated with intravenous and oral
hydration, dietary calcium restriction with modified lowcalcium formula, assisted by dietitian, and IV pamidronate
infusion (0.125 mg/kg) stat dose, resulting in stabilization of
serum calcium level (2.5 mmol/L), which persisted for about
8 weeks during follow-up.
Conclusion
ABCD syndrome should be considered in Down syndrome
children presenting with unexplained hypercalcemia. Early
recognition and intervention are vital.
ABCD syndrome
;
Down Syndrome
;
Hypercalcemia
10.Resistance profiling of Aedes aegypti using intensity concentrations enhances the evaluation of insecticide effectiveness for vector control
Rosilawati R. ; Norlaili M. ; Shazreena R. ; Farah Diana A. ; Nur Amalina K. ; Abdul Razak S. ; Wan K.L.
Tropical Biomedicine 2026;43(No. 2):231-237
The detection of insecticide resistance is pivotal for characterising the phenotypic resistance of
field-collected Aedes aegypti populations, enabling the early identification of resistance trends and
safeguarding the efficacy of chemical interventions in vector control programmes. Although the World
Health Organization (WHO) adult tube test remains the standard screening method, its reliance on
binary classifications of susceptibility and resistance limits the ability to compare the magnitude of
resistance among different insecticides. To address this limitation, probit analysis was performed on
adult mortality data obtained from a field-collected strain exposed to WHO-recommended discriminating
and intensity concentrations. LC50 values were subsequently normalised using a concentration ratio
(CR) framework, allowing resistance levels to be quantified and compared across insecticides. The
relationship between the CR and slope parameters derived from probit analysis enabled the inference
of resistance magnitude within field populations. The results demonstrated that pirimiphos-methyl
retained high efficacy against the tested populations, whereas substantial intra-population variation in
resistance intensity was observed among pyrethroids and malathion. Lambda-cyhalothrin exhibited the
highest level of resistance, followed by permethrin and alpha-cypermethrin. These findings highlight the
value of data-driven approaches for enhancing the interpretation of insecticide resistance profiles and
providing a more comprehensive assessment of resistance status. By utilising mortality data generated
from WHO-recommended discriminating and intensity bioassays, resistance can be evaluated beyond
the binary outcomes of standard susceptibility tests, thereby supporting more informed decisions on
insecticide rotation and resistance management in vector control programmes.


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