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.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.
3.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
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.Cost-Effectiveness of Mobile Application Use in Managing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review
Mohd Nazrin Jamhari ; Noor Adilla Md Anuar Hussain ; Aliff Faisal Ahmad Kamar ; Shahrul Azhar Md Hanif ; Fateen Nadhira Ismail ; Norfazilah Ahmad ; Mohd &lsquo ; Ammar Ihsan Ahmad Zamzuri ; Muhammad Fikri Azmi ; Norayuni Ismail ; Mohd Rohaizat Hassan ; Mohd Rohaizat Hassan
International Journal of Public Health Research 2026;16(1):2468-2481
Cost-Effectiveness of Mobile Application Use in Managing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review
Introduction
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a debilitating condition that imposes a significant economic burden on its management. This study aims to systematically review the published evidence on the cost-effectiveness of mobile health (mHealth) application interventions for T2DM.
Methods
A search strategy was conducted using electronic bibliographic databases, including PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus for published studies. The inclusion criteria included original articles that reporting cost-effectiveness evaluation studies on mHealth application interventions directed at patients diagnosed or at risk of T2DM, English-language articles and published in the year 2016 to 2020.
Results
A total of 6 eligible studies were selected. The cost savings per person for treating T2DM ranged from USD 1,346 to USD 3,781 per year. The major contributor to cost savings was reduced complication management resulting from good glycaemic control. The direct impacts of the intervention include reduced hospitalisation and fewer unplanned clinic visits, while diabetes- related mortality was indirectly reduced usingmHealth.
Conclusions
The mHealth intervention was cost-effective in managing patients with T2DM. Implementation can be extended to other disease management areas to not only reduce total healthcare expenditure but also improve patients’ quality of life.
6.Determinants of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Among Adolescents with Overweight and Obesity: A Case-Control Study Protocol
Shazana Rifham Abdullah ; Nur Zati Iwani Ahmad Kamil ; Siti Sarah Hamzah ; Norhashimah Abu Seman ; Farah Huda Mohkiar ; Nur Azlin Zainal Abidin ; Ezarul Faradianna Lokman ; Azahadi Omar ; Liyana Ahmad Zamri ; Fatin Saparuddin ; Syarifah Nortasya Sayed Muhamad Kamarudin ; Puteri Sofia Nadira Megat Kamaruddin ; B. Vimala A/P R.M.T. Balasubramaniam ; Fazliana Mansor ; Nur Azurah Abdul Ghani ; Abqariyah Yahya ; Rahima Dahlan @Mohd Shafie ; Ahmad Ali Zainuddin ; Kimberly Yuin Y&rsquo ; ng Wong ; Janet Yeow Hua Hong ; Nik Sumayyah Nik Mhd Nor ; Mohd Fairulnizal Md Noh ; Muhammad Yazid Jalaludin
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):61-
Introduction:
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a complex
endocrine disorder that significantly affects adolescent
girls, particularly those with overweight or obesity.
However, data examining the determinants and metabolic
profiles of PCOS among adolescents with overweight
and obesity remain limited, especially in Malaysia. This
protocol describes a case-control study investigating the
cardiometabolic, dietary, and psychosocial determinants of
PCOS among adolescents with overweight and obesity.
Methodology:
This study is designed as a case-control study involving
adolescent girls aged 13–16 years with a body mass
index z-score >+1 standard deviation. Cases are defined as adolescent girls with a confirmed diagnosis of PCOS
based on the recommendations of the 2017 International
Consortium of Paediatric Endocrinology (ICPE), while
controls are those who do not meet the diagnostic criteria
for PCOS. A total sample size of 440 participants is required.
Participants will be recruited from 22 secondary schools
selected from a list of schools in Kuala Lumpur. Data on
sociodemographic characteristics, psychosocial health,
physical activity, and dietary intake will be collected using
structured questionnaires. Blood samples will be obtained
and analyzed for diagnostic testing (free testosterone),
exclusion tests (thyroid-stimulating hormone, folliclestimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, estradiol,
prolactin, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate), and
biochemical parameters (liver function tests, lipid profile,
hemoglobin A1c, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, and
inflammatory markers).
Results:
The study is expected to generate comprehensive data on
the cardiometabolic, dietary, and psychosocial determinants of PCOS among adolescents with overweight and
obesity. The findings will inform early screening strategies
and targeted interventions aimed at reducing long-term
reproductive and cardiometabolic complications.
Conclusion
This protocol outlines a structured approach to investigating PCOS in adolescence and addresses current gaps
in early identification and risk stratification among highrisk populations.
Adolescent
;
Humans
;
Case-Control Studies
;
Overweight
;
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
;
Obesity
7.Pituitary Stalk Interruption Syndrome Diagnosed in the Fourth Decade: A Rare Cause of Pathological Fracture in Adulthood
Muhammad Atif Sadiqqi bin Nor Azlan ; Amalina Haydar Ali Tajuddin
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):86-
Introduction:
Pituitary stalk interruption syndrome (PSIS) is a rare
congenital disorder characterized by the neuroradiological
triad of an absent or interrupted pituitary stalk, ectopic
posterior pituitary, and anterior pituitary hypoplasia.
It is typically diagnosed in infancy or childhood due to
growth failure or delayed puberty. Diagnosis in adulthood
is uncommon and may occur after decades of untreated
hypopituitarism.
Case:
A 34-year-old Malay male with underlying physical and
intellectual disability presented after a mechanical fall
resulting in left slipped capital femoral epiphysis, an unusual
pathological fracture in adulthood. Clinical examination
revealed marked infantilism with complete absence of
secondary sexual characteristics (Tanner stage I). Laboratory
evaluation demonstrated combined pituitary hormone
deficiency, including severe central hypothyroidism,
profound hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, and central
adrenal insufficiency. Growth hormone and insulin-like
growth factor 1 were undetectable, while prolactin was
mildly elevated, consistent with pituitary stalk disruption
due to loss of hypothalamic dopaminergic inhibition. Bone
age assessment showed severe delay, corresponding to 15
years. Pituitary magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated
the classical PSIS triad: anterior pituitary hypoplasia with
partial empty sella, a high T1 signal nodule at the median
eminence representing ectopic posterior pituitary, and
non-visualization of the infundibulum, consistent with an
absent pituitary stalk. Birth history revealed premature
breech delivery, a recognized perinatal risk factor. The
patient was commenced on hormone replacement therapy,
including levothyroxine, hydrocortisone, testosterone
undecanoate, and calcium–vitamin D supplementation.
Conclusion
This case illustrates that PSIS may remain undiagnosed into
adulthood, leading to severe consequences of long-standing
hypopituitarism such as osteoporosis and pathological fractures. Clinicians should consider hypopituitarism in
adults presenting with unexplained fractures and delayed
sexual maturation, particularly when supported by a
suggestive perinatal history.
Fractures, Spontaneous
;
Pituitary Gland
8.Whole-genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 from residual viral RNA present on positive rapid antigen test kits for genomic surveillance
Mohd Ishtiaq Anasir ; Khayri Kamel ; Nor Malizza G Adypatti ; Mohammad Syafiq Jamaluddin ; Farah Amira Ahmad ; Siti Nurhidayah Norhisham ; Muhammad Zulfazli Mohamad Sukri ; Nur Rafiqah Rosli ; Siti Norazrina Saif ; Nurul Izzati Basarudin ; Mohamad Azzam-Sayuti ; Akmal Hayat Abdul Karim ; Mahirah Kamil Puat ; Ravindran Thayan ; Rozainanee Mohd Zain
Western Pacific Surveillance and Response 2025;16(1):06-11
This report describes an approach to recover SARS-CoV-2 RNA from rapid antigen test kit (RTK-antigen) cassettes for whole-genome sequencing (WGS). RNA samples were recovered from 33 RTK-antigen cassettes for WGS, with 18 samples achieving more than 80% genome coverage. This work provides a proof-of-concept that positive RTK-antigen cassettes can be safely transported, stored and subjected to WGS, enabling swift identification of circulating variants.
9.Evaluation of Occupational Radiation Exposure to Undergraduate Students During Clinical Training in Radiology Department
Muhammad Safwan Ahmad Fadzil1 ; Nurul Elni Md Yusof1 ; Wan Anwah Filzah Wan Anuar1 ; Siti Hajar Zuber1 ; Rozilawati Ahmad1 ; Abdul Khaliq Ahmad Saparuddin1 ; Norhafidzah Mohamed Sharif1 ; Khadijah Mohamad Nasir1 ; Nani Adilah Suhaimi1 ; Noraini Ahmad Wahid1 ; Nur Khalis Sukiman1 ; Ahmad Bazlie Abdul Kadir2
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2025;21(No. 1):10-17
Introduction: Assessing radiation exposure is a vital step in determining the potential health risks associated with
radiation and identifying the necessity for protective measures. The study assesses the occupational radiation dose
encountered by undergraduate students specializing in diagnostic imaging and radiotherapy (DIR) during their clinical training in the radiology department. Materials and methods: An analysis was conducted to compare individual
exposure doses with the dose limits established by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP),
concurrently assessing the variations in mean effective doses among distinct student cohorts. Optically stimulated luminescence dosimeters (OSLD) were employed to monitor 143 students across five cohorts from 2017 to 2022. The
electronic Secondary Standard Dosimetry Laboratory (e-SSDL) information security management system tracked the
deep (Hp(10)) and shallow (Hp(0.07)) dose equivalents of DIR students. Results: The mean values for accumulated
Hp(10) and Hp(0.07) were found to be 0.51 and 0.50 mSv, respectively, averaged over 800 hours of clinical training.
The highest recorded exposure was 1.30 mSv, signifying that the radiation exposure experienced by DIR students
was well below the threshold. The mean annual effective radiation dose per student amounted to 0.17 mSv. Small
but significant difference (p < 0.001) in the radiation exposure between five cohorts was observed with increments
over a 5-year period. Conclusion: The students' radiation dose was notably below the ICRP dose limit of 6 mSv/
year designated for trainees. These results indicate the efficacy of the existing radiation protection measures during
clinical training, reducing the likelihood of overexposure
10.The Effectiveness of the Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets in Controlling Malaria Vector: A Meta-Analysis of Experimental Hut Studies
Muhammad Faiz Mohd Ishak ; Mohd Shahrol Abd Wahil ; Haniff Mohd Nawi ; Azmawati Mohammed Nawi ; Norfazilah Ahmad ; Fatimah Ahmedy ; Mohammad Saffree Jeffree ; Syed Sharizman Syed Abdul Rahim ; Mohd Rohaizat Hassan
International Journal of Public Health Research 2025;15(1):2215-2229
Malaria is a life-threatening, preventable, and curable vector borne disease caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles. The WHO Global Report 2010-2016 reported insecticide resistance in malaria. The main objective of this study is to determine the effectiveness of new generation Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLIN) compared to standard LLIN and untreated nets in terms of the mortality rate of adult female Anopheles gambiae. A comprehensive review of the literature was published in three databases (PubMed, Ovid, EBSCO Host) since 2010. Publications were searched with keywords including malaria, long-lasting treated bed net, long lasting insecticide-treated bed net, LLIN, and experimental hut. The search has identified 60 articles. Based on the PRISMA flowchart, 10 articles are qualified for data collection and analysis. The gathered data was analysed using Review Manager. Following meta-analysis between subgroups, a risk difference of 0.31 between standard LLINs versus untreated net (p<0.001, I²=100% 95% CI:0.01,0.60). A comparison of upgraded LLINs with the untreated net has shown a significant difference with a pooled risk difference of 0.54 favours upgraded LLINs (p<0.001, I²=100% 95% CI: 0.54,0.84). Comparison between upgraded LLINs versus standard gave an overall risk difference of 0.24 (p < 0.001, I² = 100%, 95% CI: 0.10–0.39). Upgraded LLINs significantly increase Anophelesmortality compared to standard LLINs and untreated nets, suggesting their potential for improved malaria control. Thus, using upgraded nets in the field and translating them into malaria preventive programs would help achieve the target and improve healthoutcomes for those living in endemic areas.


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