A major goal in behavioral neuroscience is to identify the neural mechanisms underlying learning and memory. Fear conditioning models, including contextual and cued conditioning, are widely used to assess associative learning in rodents; however, commercially available systems for these experiments are often expensive (> $4000), limiting accessibility and reproducibility across laboratories. Here, we present a low-cost (about $100), modular fear conditioning platform for rodents that enables precise control of experimental parameters while maintaining compatibility with standard behavioral protocols. The fear conditioning system consists of conditioning chambers equipped with stainless-steel grid floors, a custom-built constant-current foot-shock generator, and an auditory cue delivery section, all synchronized with video-based behavioral recording. Shock intensity, duration, and timing are fully programmable, and the platform supports both contextual and cued fear conditioning paradigms.

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.

BACKGROUND : Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of preventable blindness. However, Indonesia lacks a comprehensive screening program. Artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted screening in primary health care (PHC) is a promising solution. Patient satisfaction is crucial for ensuring the participation and sustainability of such programs. This study aimed to adapt Indonesian version of evaluate client satisfaction questionnaire-18 (CSQ-18) and evaluate its acceptability. METHODS : This study was conducted from August 5–29, 2024 at 2 public PHCs in Jakarta. Patients with diabetes underwent DR screening, which included fundus photography and an AI-based grading system (RADR). Referable cases were graded secondarily by ophthalmologists. Satisfaction was assessed from November 10–20, 2024 using the Indonesian-translated CSQ-18, adapted through forward-backward translation, expert review, and pilot testing. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha, validity was evaluated using Pearson’s correlation, and satisfaction scores were summarized as descriptive statistics. RESULTS : Of 300 selected participants, 216 completed telephone or in-person interviews. The Indonesian CSQ-18 demonstrated a strong internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.886). All items showed acceptable item-total correlations. The mean (SD) satisfaction score was 60.19 (5.50) of 72, with a median of 59, indicating high patient satisfaction. Most participants expressed positive perceptions of screening duration, accessibility, and provider competence, although awareness-related items scored slightly lower. Potential interviewer bias and nonresponse may have affected the findings. CONCLUSIONS The Indonesian CSQ-18 is a reliable tool for assessing patient satisfaction with DR screening. These findings confirm the feasibility and acceptability of AI-assisted DR screening at the PHC level, supporting its potential for broader implementation in Indonesia.
artificial intelligence ; diabetic retinopathy ; patient satisfaction ; primary health care ; surveys and questionnaires

Quetiapine-induced hypokalemic periodic paralysis (QIHPP) is a rare condition. Herein, we present the case of a 31-year-old pregnant Malay woman diagnosed with bipolar II disorder and QIHPP. She presented to the casualty department with a 2-day history of bilateral lower limb weakness and numbness. Her renal function tests showed moderate hypokalemia (2.5 mmol/L), whereas other investigations were normal. Quetiapine was suspected to be the cause, prompting a psychiatric referral to manage her acute condition. Balancing the risks of untreated QIHPP against the potential relapse of bipolar symptoms from quetiapine discontinuation or dosage reduction poses a significant treatment challenge for pregnant women with QIHPP. Finally, we reduced the quetiapine dosage after careful consideration, leading to the normalization of potassium levels and symptom resolution. Therefore, clinicians should be aware of this side effect when initiating or continuing quetiapine treatment in women of childbearing age or pregnant women with psychiatric disorders. It is crucial to monitor serum electrolytes, especially potassium, following quetiapine administration and warn patients about its potential side effects.

Quetiapine-induced hypokalemic periodic paralysis (QIHPP) is a rare condition. Herein, we present the case of a 31-year-old pregnant Malay woman diagnosed with bipolar II disorder and QIHPP. She presented to the casualty department with a 2-day history of bilateral lower limb weakness and numbness. Her renal function tests showed moderate hypokalemia (2.5 mmol/L), whereas other investigations were normal. Quetiapine was suspected to be the cause, prompting a psychiatric referral to manage her acute condition. Balancing the risks of untreated QIHPP against the potential relapse of bipolar symptoms from quetiapine discontinuation or dosage reduction poses a significant treatment challenge for pregnant women with QIHPP. Finally, we reduced the quetiapine dosage after careful consideration, leading to the normalization of potassium levels and symptom resolution. Therefore, clinicians should be aware of this side effect when initiating or continuing quetiapine treatment in women of childbearing age or pregnant women with psychiatric disorders. It is crucial to monitor serum electrolytes, especially potassium, following quetiapine administration and warn patients about its potential side effects.

Quetiapine-induced hypokalemic periodic paralysis (QIHPP) is a rare condition. Herein, we present the case of a 31-year-old pregnant Malay woman diagnosed with bipolar II disorder and QIHPP. She presented to the casualty department with a 2-day history of bilateral lower limb weakness and numbness. Her renal function tests showed moderate hypokalemia (2.5 mmol/L), whereas other investigations were normal. Quetiapine was suspected to be the cause, prompting a psychiatric referral to manage her acute condition. Balancing the risks of untreated QIHPP against the potential relapse of bipolar symptoms from quetiapine discontinuation or dosage reduction poses a significant treatment challenge for pregnant women with QIHPP. Finally, we reduced the quetiapine dosage after careful consideration, leading to the normalization of potassium levels and symptom resolution. Therefore, clinicians should be aware of this side effect when initiating or continuing quetiapine treatment in women of childbearing age or pregnant women with psychiatric disorders. It is crucial to monitor serum electrolytes, especially potassium, following quetiapine administration and warn patients about its potential side effects.

Quetiapine-induced hypokalemic periodic paralysis (QIHPP) is a rare condition. Herein, we present the case of a 31-year-old pregnant Malay woman diagnosed with bipolar II disorder and QIHPP. She presented to the casualty department with a 2-day history of bilateral lower limb weakness and numbness. Her renal function tests showed moderate hypokalemia (2.5 mmol/L), whereas other investigations were normal. Quetiapine was suspected to be the cause, prompting a psychiatric referral to manage her acute condition. Balancing the risks of untreated QIHPP against the potential relapse of bipolar symptoms from quetiapine discontinuation or dosage reduction poses a significant treatment challenge for pregnant women with QIHPP. Finally, we reduced the quetiapine dosage after careful consideration, leading to the normalization of potassium levels and symptom resolution. Therefore, clinicians should be aware of this side effect when initiating or continuing quetiapine treatment in women of childbearing age or pregnant women with psychiatric disorders. It is crucial to monitor serum electrolytes, especially potassium, following quetiapine administration and warn patients about its potential side effects.

Vancomycin is used to manage methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and other bacterial infections that are Gram-positive in nature. Linezolid belongs to the oxazolidinone class of antibiotics, which is primarily used to treat vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE), MRSA, diabetic foot, soft tissue, and skin infections. Here, we discuss vancomycin and linezolid dosing in obese patients, their mechanism of actions, pharmacokinetics, problems with dosing and evaluation of several dosing protocols in the obese patient population. There is no generally accepted dosing protocol for linezolid and vancomycin. Evidence suggests that using trough concentrations alone is insufficient for estimating vancomycin and linezolid exposure accurately as many researchers have revised protocol guidelines, developed more rigorous dosing and monitoring guidelines, or developed novel dosage strategies to meet the needs of overweight patients. Peaks and troughs measurement should be considered because it improves precision and reduces the area under the curve (AUC) estimate bias. To provide better dosing guidelines in this vulnerable group, obese patients must be included in all phases of drug design.

Introduction: Recent studies have published the roles of exosomal miRNAs in the pathogenesis of various type of malignancies and can be developed as potential biomarkers for diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic purposes. The aim of this study was to identify the expression level of selected miRNAs (miR-182, miR-301a, and miR-373) in exosomes of the serum and ascitic fluid in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)-related liver cirrhosis with or without hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Materials and Methods: A literature search was performed to identify potential miRNAs involved in the pathogenesis of HCC. Unpaired serum and ascitic fluid were obtained from 52 patients with NASH related liver cirrhosis (n=26 for each group of with and without HCC). Exosomal miRNA was isolated from all samples. Expression levels of miR-182, miR-301a and miR373 were determined using quantitative real-time PCR. Results: Serum-derived exosomal mir-182, miR-301a and miR-373 were significantly up-regulated with fold change of 1.77, 2.52, and 1.67 (p< 0.05) respectively in NASH-induced liver cirrhosis with HCC as compared to NASH-induced liver cirrhosis without HCC. We identified the expression levels of ascitic fluid-derived exosomal mir-182, miR-301a, and miR-373 were significantly up-regulated with fold change of 1.6, 1.94 and 2.13 respectively in NASH-induced liver cirrhosis with HCC as compared to NASH-induced liver cirrhosis without HCC (p <0.05). There was poor correlation expression of all the selected exosomal miRNA between serum- and ascitic fluid-derived in HCC group. Conclusions: This preliminary data showed significant increase in the expression levels of exosomal miR-182, miR-301a and miR373 in both serum and ascetic fluid suggesting the possible roles of these miRNAs as circulating biomarkers for NASH-induced liver cirrhosis with hepatocellular carcinoma

Background and objective: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID19) was first reported in Malaysia in March 2020. We describe here the clinical characteristics and computed tomography (CT) patterns in asymptomatic young patients who had laboratory-confirmed COVID-19. Methods: This is a retrospective observational study where 25 male in-patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 in Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz. Demographics, clinical data and CT images of these patients were reviewed by 2 senior radiologists. Results: In total there were 25 patients (all males; mean age [±SD], 21.64±2.40 years; range, 18-27 years). Patients with abnormal chest CT showed a relatively low normal absolute lymphocytes count (median: 2.2 x 109/L) and absolute monocyte count (median: 0.5 x 109/L). Lactate dehydrogenase was elevated in 5 (20%) of the patients. The procalcitonin level was normal while elevated levels of alanine aminotransferase, total bilirubin, platelet and C-reactive protein were common. Baseline chest CT showed abnormalities in 6 patients. The distribution of the lesions were; upper lobe 3 (12%) lower lobe 3 (12%) with peripheral distribution 4 (16%). Of the 25 patients included, 4 (16%) had ground glass opacification (GGO), 1 (4%) had a small peripheral subpleural nodule, and 1 (4%) had a dense solitary granuloma. Four patients had typical CT features of COVID-19. Conclusion: We found that the CT imaging showed peripheral GGO in our patients. They remained clinically stable with no deterioration of their respiratory symptoms suggesting stability in lung involvement. We postulate that rapid changes in CT imaging may not be present in young, asymptomatic, non-smoking COVID-19 patients. Thus the use of CT thorax for early diagnosis may be reserved for patients in the older age groups, and not in younger patients.