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.

The marked release of catecholamines during subarachnoid hemorrhage is an important aspect of the pathobiology following aneurysmal rupture. This narrative review aims to identify how catecholamines influence aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) outcomes. aSAH is a critical neurological condition characterized by hemorrhage into the subarachnoid space, leading to severe neurological deficits and mortality. Catecholamines, including epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine, are the body's stress responses, which can lead to secondary injuries following aSAH. This review was conducted through a targeted literature search of relevant studies examining the relationship between aSAH, catecholamines, and clinical outcomes. Searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, The Cochrane Library, Medline (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), and CINAHL, including publications up to July 2024. Search terms combined keywords and subject headings related to “subarachnoid hemorrhage” or “aSAH,” “catecholamines,” “epinephrine,” “norepinephrine,” “dopamine,” and outcome-related terms such as “prognosis,” “mortality,” and “neurological outcome.” Articles were selected based on relevance, and key findings were synthesized descriptively to provide a comprehensive overview of current knowledge in this area. Elevated levels of catecholamines are observed following aSAH and are associated with increased sympathetic nervous system activity. This catecholamine surge contributes to pathological processes, including vasospasm, blood-brain barrier disruption, cerebral edema, and neuronal damage. The review highlights the implications of catecholamine levels; where higher concentrations correlate with poorer outcomes and higher mortality rates. Understanding the mechanisms responsible for secondary injury due to catecholamines surge following aSAH shall facilitate the development of therapeutic approaches to prevent secondary brain injury and improve outcomes.

Excessive use of antibiotics is a significant public health concern with several severe implications for the development of Antibiotic Resistance and its impact on Gut Microbiota. C-reactive Protein (CRP) is non-specific, acute-phase reactant whose levels increase in response to infection or inflammation due bacterial and viral etiologies. Many studies have explored the role of CRP as a point-of-care tool to assist in decision-making and improve the efficiency of antibiotic prescribing practices among healthcare professionals in primary care settings. The main benefit of POC CRP testing is its ease of use, providing results within 2 to 3 minutes from a simple finger prick, which is optimal for an outpatient clinic. While several studies demonstrate reductions in antibiotic use with POC CRP testing, there are many controversies around those need to be resolved, including the cutoff values of CRP for antibiotic prescription, whether CRP can differentiate bacterial and viral etiologies, and whether a single CRP level can reflect the disease state. Future research needs to focus on developing uniform guidelines for interpreting CRP levels and evaluating whether serial CRP measurements, physician training, especially in primary care and rural settings, to reduce overprescribing. Ultimately, while POC CRP testing can support antibiotic stewardship, its utility must be carefully balanced with sound clinical judgment.

Studies have suggested that patients with severe head injury, in addition to Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), reveal high D-dimer levels which are independently associated with increased mortality. In the present review, we analyzed the literature where studies have reported the role of D-dimers as a potential biomarker in stratification and early identification of patients with TBI who are at risk of clinical deterioration, where early intervention can improve overall outcomes. After scrutinizing 246 articles, which were narrowed down to 38 (16 prospective, 9 retrospective, 2 RCTs, 2 case-control, 1 cross-sectional study). All these studies included 7,589 patients, in whom D-dimer was measured at different timings and in different ways. Most studies demonstrated significant changes that could be utilized for prognostication. However, we also observed instances where no significant changes were found. Unfortunately, direct comparisons were hindered by variations in the methods used to measure D-dimer across different outcomes. Limitations included the lack of a substantial number of RCTs, heterogeneity of available data, and the difficulty in summarization of specific cutoff points for D-dimer. Future studies, especially RCTs, should measure D-dimer levels at different times from injury for an accurate assessment of its correlation with outcomes.

Dentoalveolar (DA) trauma, which can involve tooth, alveolar bone, and surrounding soft tissues, is a significant dentofacial emergency. In emergency settings, physicians might lack comprehensive knowledge of timely procedures, causing delays for specialist referral. This systematic review assesses the literature on isolated DA fractures, emphasizing intervention timing and splinting techniques and duration in both children and adults. This systematic review adhered to PRISMA guidelines and involved a thorough search across PubMed, Google Scholar, Semantic Scholar, and the Cochrane Library from January 1980 to December 2022. Inclusion and exclusion criteria guided study selection, with data extraction and analysis centered on demographics, etiology, injury site, diagnostics, treatment timelines, and outcomes in pediatric (2-12 years) and adult (>12 years) populations. This review analyzed 26 studies, categorized by age into pediatrics (2-12 years) and adults (>12 years). Falls were a common etiology, primarily affecting the anterior maxilla. Immediate management involved replantation, repositioning, and splinting within 24 hours (pediatric) or 48 hours (adult). Composite resin-bonded splints were common. Endodontic treatment was done within a timeframe of 3 days to 12 weeks for children and 2-12 weeks for adults.Tailored management based on patient age, tooth development stage, time elapsed, and resource availability is essential.

Purpose: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a prevalent and distressing complication, especially in laparoscopic surgeries. This review compares the efficacy and safety of palonosetron and ondansetron in preventing PONV after laparoscopic surgery. Methods: A systematic review was conducted in PubMed, Google Scholar, Semantic Scholar, and Cochrane Library to identify comparative studies that reported the efficacy (nausea and vomiting) at three postoperative time points T1 (0–2 hours), T2 (2–6 hours), T3 (6–24 hours) and safety (incidence of adverse effects). Meta-analysis of relative risk was performed using a random effect model and subgroup analysis based on factors such as antiemetic dose and timing of administration, type of surgery, and anesthetic agents. Results: Twenty-one randomized controlled trials were published between 2011 and 2022, involving 2,043 participants. Nineteen trials were included in the meta-analysis (efficacy, 17;safety, 11). The pooled risk ratio revealed that patients receiving palonosetron demonstrated significantly less likelihood of developing nausea and vomiting at various postoperative time points. Subgroup analysis indicated significantly less PONV when palonosetron was administered before intubation and in combination with isoflurane anesthesia. Headache, dizziness, constipation, and drowsiness were the most commonly reported. The safety profiles of palonosetron and ondansetron were comparable. Conclusion Palonosetron exhibits superior efficacy within the first 24 hours postoperatively and requires less rescue antiemetic intervention compared to ondansetron in laparoscopic surgery patients. Both demonstrate nearly comparable safety profiles. Future trials focusing on cardiac safety (QT interval) and cost consideration are needed.

Purpose: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a prevalent and distressing complication, especially in laparoscopic surgeries. This review compares the efficacy and safety of palonosetron and ondansetron in preventing PONV after laparoscopic surgery. Methods: A systematic review was conducted in PubMed, Google Scholar, Semantic Scholar, and Cochrane Library to identify comparative studies that reported the efficacy (nausea and vomiting) at three postoperative time points T1 (0–2 hours), T2 (2–6 hours), T3 (6–24 hours) and safety (incidence of adverse effects). Meta-analysis of relative risk was performed using a random effect model and subgroup analysis based on factors such as antiemetic dose and timing of administration, type of surgery, and anesthetic agents. Results: Twenty-one randomized controlled trials were published between 2011 and 2022, involving 2,043 participants. Nineteen trials were included in the meta-analysis (efficacy, 17;safety, 11). The pooled risk ratio revealed that patients receiving palonosetron demonstrated significantly less likelihood of developing nausea and vomiting at various postoperative time points. Subgroup analysis indicated significantly less PONV when palonosetron was administered before intubation and in combination with isoflurane anesthesia. Headache, dizziness, constipation, and drowsiness were the most commonly reported. The safety profiles of palonosetron and ondansetron were comparable. Conclusion Palonosetron exhibits superior efficacy within the first 24 hours postoperatively and requires less rescue antiemetic intervention compared to ondansetron in laparoscopic surgery patients. Both demonstrate nearly comparable safety profiles. Future trials focusing on cardiac safety (QT interval) and cost consideration are needed.

Purpose: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a prevalent and distressing complication, especially in laparoscopic surgeries. This review compares the efficacy and safety of palonosetron and ondansetron in preventing PONV after laparoscopic surgery. Methods: A systematic review was conducted in PubMed, Google Scholar, Semantic Scholar, and Cochrane Library to identify comparative studies that reported the efficacy (nausea and vomiting) at three postoperative time points T1 (0–2 hours), T2 (2–6 hours), T3 (6–24 hours) and safety (incidence of adverse effects). Meta-analysis of relative risk was performed using a random effect model and subgroup analysis based on factors such as antiemetic dose and timing of administration, type of surgery, and anesthetic agents. Results: Twenty-one randomized controlled trials were published between 2011 and 2022, involving 2,043 participants. Nineteen trials were included in the meta-analysis (efficacy, 17;safety, 11). The pooled risk ratio revealed that patients receiving palonosetron demonstrated significantly less likelihood of developing nausea and vomiting at various postoperative time points. Subgroup analysis indicated significantly less PONV when palonosetron was administered before intubation and in combination with isoflurane anesthesia. Headache, dizziness, constipation, and drowsiness were the most commonly reported. The safety profiles of palonosetron and ondansetron were comparable. Conclusion Palonosetron exhibits superior efficacy within the first 24 hours postoperatively and requires less rescue antiemetic intervention compared to ondansetron in laparoscopic surgery patients. Both demonstrate nearly comparable safety profiles. Future trials focusing on cardiac safety (QT interval) and cost consideration are needed.

Characterization as well as prediction of the secondary and tertiary structure of hypothetical proteins from their amino acid sequences uploaded in databases by in silico approach are the critical issues in computational biology. Severe acute respiratory syndrome–associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV), which is responsible for pneumonia alike diseases, possesses a wide range of proteins of which many are still uncharacterized. The current study was conducted to reveal the physicochemical characteristics and structures of an uncharacterized protein Q6S8D9_SARS of SARS-CoV. Following the common flowchart of characterizing a hypothetical protein, several sophisticated computerized tools e.g., ExPASy Protparam, CD Search, SOPMA, PSIPRED, HHpred, etc. were employed to discover the functions and structures of Q6S8D9_SARS. After delineating the secondary and tertiary structures of the protein, some quality evaluating tools e.g., PROCHECK, ProSA-web etc. were performed to assess the structures and later the active site was identified also by CASTp v.3.0. The protein contains more negatively charged residues than positively charged residues and a high aliphatic index value which make the protein more stable. The 2D and 3D structures modeled by several bioinformatics tools ensured that the proteins had domain in it which indicated it was functional protein having the ability to trouble host antiviral inflammatory cytokine and interferon production pathways. Moreover, active site was found in the protein where ligand could bind. The study was aimed to unveil the features and structures of an uncharacterized protein of SARS-CoV which can be a therapeutic target for development of vaccines against the virus. Further research are needed to accomplish the task.

Homocystineimia is an Inborn Errors of Metabolism (IEM) which can occur due to accumulation of homocysteine. Homocysteine is one of the sulfur-containing amino acid with thiol group that is formed by demethylation of methionine. Deficiency of enzymes involves in homocysteine metabolism can give rise to seven types of homocystinemia subject to total homocysteine level. Therefore reference ranges are needed to differentiate between normal and abnormal population as well as the type of homocystineimia depending on the enzymes defect in the pathway. Hence, homocysteine reference ranges in children for the Malaysian population were postulated. 3 mL of blood was collected from 86 normal individuals (52 boys and 34 girls) and then subsequently processed and analysed using High Performance Liquid Chromatogrphy – Ion Exchange Chromatography (HPLC-IEC). The calculated mean total homocysteine for the population was 8.1 ± 3.89 µM (95% confidence interval, l 7.3-8.9 µM). Reference range was 2.5 – 16.2 µM with lower and upper cut-off were 1.0 µM dan 21.0 µM, respectively. The newly developed reference range of total homocysteine for Malaysian children is able to reduce false negative cases in the laboratory.