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.

In Malaysia, the government has made it mandatory to label sodium content on food packaging effectively from 1st January 2024. This study evaluated the physicochemical characteristics, sodium content, and sensory evaluation of selected commercial soy sauce without sodium labelling in Malaysia. 25 soy sauce samples were studied. Each soy sauce has a significant difference (p<0.05) in physicochemical properties except for the pH value. Results found that the sodium content in light soy sauce was the highest (5766.50±968.37mg) while sweet soy sauce was the lowest (3289.09± 589.14mg). For total soluble solids, sweet soy sauce was the highest (52.73°B). The range of pH values for soy sauce is between 4.90-5.19. Sweet soy sauce showed the highest viscosity (145.78cP) and brightness (L* = 2.48). Light soy sauce showed the highest values for redness and yellowness (a* = 1.34 and b* = 1.57). Soy sauce without caramel has a significantly higher (p<0.05) sodium content and is less viscous than the one with caramel. The sensory evaluation shows that sweet soy sauce has significantly (p<0.05) the highest score for overall acceptance. Sodium content information on all soy sauce available in the Malaysian market to help consumers make smarter choices.

Dialisis merupakan rawatan yang lazim bagi pesakit kegagalan buah pinggang. Dari tahun ke tahun, bilangan pesakit yang menjalani dialisis semakin meningkat dengan kadar yang membimbangkan. Tahap keupayaan fungsi pesakit dialisis adalah lebih rendah berbanding pesakit diabetes yang tidak menjalani dialisis. Kajian ini bertujuan untuk mengenal pasti bagaimana dialisis mempengaruhi prestasi Aktiviti Kehidupan Seharian (ADL) dalam kalangan pesakit diabetes di Kuala Selangor serta faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi prestasi ADL mereka. Kajian berkaitan prestasi ADL dalam kalangan pesakit dialisis yang menghidap diabetes masih terhad. Oleh itu, kajian ini menggunakan kaedah kualitatif melalui sesi temu bual bersemuka secara separa berstruktur. Seramai sepuluh peserta telah direkrut berdasarkan kriteria kemasukan yang ditetapkan. Lima tema utama telah dikenal pasti daripada temu bual, iaitu: (i) meningkatkan kualiti kehidupan seharian: perspektif baharu terhadap aktiviti harian; (ii) kesan diabetes terhadap aktiviti kehidupan seharian; (iii) kesan dialisis terhadap aktiviti kehidupan seharian; (iv) prestasi fungsi dalam aktiviti asas kehidupan seharian; dan (v) aktiviti harian yang dianggap penting. Hasil kajian menunjukkan bahawa pelbagai jenis aktiviti kehidupan seharian telah terjejas akibat kelemahan fizikal yang dialami oleh peserta. Kajian ini dapat memberi pemahaman yang lebih mendalam kepada ahli terapi cara kerja dan bidang pemulihan lain mengenai keupayaan fizikal pesakit diabetes yang menjalani hemodialisis

BACKGROUND

Burn injuries remain a significant global public health problem, causing substantial morbidity, mortality, and economic burden, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where nearly 90% of cases occur. Despite the importance of timely and appropriate first aid in reducing complications, community responses to burn injuries in many settings continue to rely on traditional or non-evidence-based practices.

OBJECTIVES

This qualitative phenomenological study explored community-based knowledge and responses related to the causes and first aid of burn injuries.

METHODS

The study involved ten (10) purposively selected informants residing in South Mangga Dua Urban Village, Central Jakarta, Indonesia. Data collection methods included semi-structured interviews, direct observations, and focus group discussions (FGDs). Thematic analysis was used.

RESULTS

Three (3) core domains were identified: (1) community perceptions of burn causes and classifications, (2) indigenous first aid practices used in domestic settings, and (3) sources of knowledge and information pathways related to burn first aid. Participants commonly attributed burns to incidents involving fire, hot liquids, and electrical faults. Their understanding of burn severity was limited to superficial assessments, with little awareness of clinical classifications. First aid responses were largely based on traditional practices such as the application of toothpaste, honey, or aloe vera, while evidencebased practices like using running water were rarely mentioned. Notably, most participants relied on familial teachings and informal community experiences as their primary sources of knowledge, with limited exposure to health professionals or verified media content.

CONCLUSION

Community knowledge is culturally rooted but misaligned with medical standards, potentially leading to unsafe practices. Culturally sensitive health education integrating traditional beliefs and accurate information is essential to improve outcomes in burn injury management.

Wounds And Injuries ; Residence Characteristics ; Public Health ; Mortality ; Insemination, Artificial, Heterologous ; Income ; Financial Stress ; Burns ; Health Education ; Attitude ; First Aid ; Medicine ; Health Communication ; Urban Population

BACKGROUND

Burn injuries remain a significant global public health problem, causing substantial morbidity, mortality, and economic burden, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where nearly 90% of cases occur. Despite the importance of timely and appropriate first aid in reducing complications, community responses to burn injuries in many settings continue to rely on traditional or non-evidence-based practices.

OBJECTIVES

This qualitative phenomenological study explored community-based knowledge and responses related to the causes and first aid of burn injuries.

METHODS

The study involved ten (10) purposively selected informants residing in South Mangga Dua Urban Village, Central Jakarta, Indonesia. Data collection methods included semi-structured interviews, direct observations, and focus group discussions (FGDs). Thematic analysis was used.

RESULTS

Three (3) core domains were identified: (1) community perceptions of burn causes and classifications, (2) indigenous first aid practices used in domestic settings, and (3) sources of knowledge and information pathways related to burn first aid. Participants commonly attributed burns to incidents involving fire, hot liquids, and electrical faults. Their understanding of burn severity was limited to superficial assessments, with little awareness of clinical classifications. First aid responses were largely based on traditional practices such as the application of toothpaste, honey, or aloe vera, while evidencebased practices like using running water were rarely mentioned. Notably, most participants relied on familial teachings and informal community experiences as their primary sources of knowledge, with limited exposure to health professionals or verified media content.

CONCLUSION

Community knowledge is culturally rooted but misaligned with medical standards, potentially leading to unsafe practices. Culturally sensitive health education integrating traditional beliefs and accurate information is essential to improve outcomes in burn injury management.

Wounds And Injuries ; Residence Characteristics ; Public Health ; Mortality ; Insemination, Artificial, Heterologous ; Income ; Financial Stress ; Burns ; Health Education ; Attitude ; First Aid ; Medicine ; Health Communication ; Urban Population

Background: Evidence indicates that central sensitization (CS) plays a role in subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS). Reduced treatment response has been associated with pretreatment pain sensitization features, such as CSrelated symptoms. Methods: Patients who received subacromial steroid injection were evaluated before the injection, at the first and third months. CS-related symptoms were investigated through the central sensitization inventory (CSI), and pain hypersensitivity was investigated by pressure pain threshold (PPT). Patients were evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS), Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and Short Form-36. Results: With the injection, all participants had a significant reduction in shoulder pain (P < 0.05). In all follow-ups,VAS values did not differ significantly between the groups, and patients with CSI ≥ 40 had higher levels of disability,anxiety, depression, and worse quality of life before treatment (P < 0.05). Post-injection disability decreased significantly in the CS group and reached similar levels in both groups at the third month (P > 0.05). Although both groups' PPT values were comparable pre-treatment and at the third month, the CS group's affected shoulder showed a notable PPT decline at the first month (P < 0.05). Conclusions Pre-treatment CS-related symptoms had no effect on SIS patients' responsiveness to steroid injections.

Periodontal Screening, Where Are We Now? A Narrative Review Prevention of diseases begins with screening. An ideal screening tool identifies patients at an early stage to facilitate appropriate treatment modalities with the aim of preventing symptom manifestation, reducing disease severity, and improving health outcomes. Disease screening has been a fundamental component of preventive medicine and dentistry. In the context of periodontal disease, the basic periodontal examination (BPE) is one of the screening tools available. There is a high prevalence of periodontal diseases worldwide, indicating a global issue. Despite the significance of periodontal screening, it remains underutilized both globally and locally. The lack of routine screening contributes to poor assessment and treatment of periodontal disease. This article focuses on the epidemiology of periodontal disease, the associated challenges, current screening practices, and the future directions of periodontal screening. By addressing these issues, early detection and management of periodontal disease can be improved, ultimately enhancing oral health outcomes.

Objective:To investigate the association between metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease(MASLD)and the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes,and to analyze the impact of the type and severity of cardiometabolic risk factor(CMRF)abnormalities on this association.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted among primiparous women with singleton pregnancies who had registered at Beijing Friendship Hospital from March 10,2020,to December 31,2022.A total of 2 623 women were included.Basic characteristics and delivery outcomes were documented,liver ultrasound and relevant prenatal examinations were performed,and adverse pregnancy outcomes were diagnosed.Modi-fied Poisson regression models were used to analyze the association between MASLD and adverse pregnan-cy outcomes.The relationship between the type or severity of CMRF abnormalities in MASLD and the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes was also explored.Results:After adjusting for confounding factors including age,gestational weight gain,and education level,MASLD was associated with an increased risk of cesarean section(RR=1.531,95％CI:1.304-1.799,P＜0.001),gestational diabetes melli-tus(GDM;RR=2.409,95％CI:1.948-2.979,P＜0.001),pregnancy-associated hypertension(PAH;RR=3.062,95％CI:2.069-4.533,P＜0.001),preterm birth(RR=2.145,95％CI:1.342-3.429,P=0.001),and large for gestational age(LGA;2.224,95％CI:1.599-3.095,P＜0.001).However,no significant associations were found for small for gestational age or postpartum hemorrhage.After adjusting for other CMRF abnormalities,the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes varied among MASLD pregnant women with different CMRF abnormalities:the body mass index abnormal group had higher risks of cesarean section,GDM,PAH,preterm birth,and LGA;the glucose abnormal group had an increased risk of GDM;the blood pressure abnormal group had a higher risk of PAH;the high density lipoprotein cholesterol abnormal group had higher risks of cesarean section,GDM,and PAH;and the tri-glyceride abnormal group was associated with higher risks of GDM and preterm birth.Additional,as the severity of CMRF abnormalities increased,the risks of cesarean section(RR=1.199,95％CI:1.112-1.292,P＜0.001),GDM(RR=1.478,95％CI:1.345-1.624,P＜0.001),PAH(RR=1.626,95％CI:1.367-1.934,P＜0.001),preterm birth(RR=1.384,95％CI:1.120-1.710,P=0.003),and LGA(RR=1.422,95％CI:1.224-1.650,P＜0.001)continued to rise.Conclusion:MASLD during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of multiple adverse pregnancy outcomes,and the type and severity of CMRF abnormalities significantly influence this association.These results suggest that attention should be paid to the specific CMRF abnormalities when diagnosed MASLD,as this may help to facilitate targeted interventions and reduce the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common digestive disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. Reflux of gastric acid may cause oral acidification that can induce teeth demineralization. Destruction of dental hard tissue by acid reflux necessitates a combine approach involving medical and dental profession. This pilot study aims to assess associationbetween enamel erosion and GERD, and estimate prevalence of enamel erosion among GERD patients. A total of 22 patients (GERD and control) were involved in this case-control study. Dental charting was done using five-point ordinal scales of modified Tooth Wear Evaluation System (TWES 2.0). Cohen’s Kappa Coefficient was used for assessment of intra-rater and inter-rater reliability. Fisher’s Exact Test was used to determine association between enamel erosion and GERD, reflecting prevalence. Out of 11 GERD patients, 63.6% exhibit enamel erosion, whereas only 9.1% ofcontrol patient presented with enamel erosion. Fisher’s Exact Test showed a significant prevalence of enamel erosion in GERD patients (p=0.024).This study showeda clear association between enamelerosion and GERD, and it can be considered as an oral manifestation in patient with GERD. Future study involving large sample size is recommended to show clear statistical evidence ofassociation betweenenamel erosion and GERD.

Background: The co-occurrence of frailty, sarcopenia, and malnutrition was well studied in inpatient and nursing home settings, which was associated with higher risk of all-cause mortality. Multicentre data in community-dwelling outpatient setting were lacking. We aimed to find the prevalence of frailty, possible sarcopenia and malnutrition, their overlap and the associated factors in community-dwelling older outpatients. Methods: We collected data from community-dwelling outpatients aged ≥60 years in Indonesian geriatric care centres to conduct this cross-sectional study with bivariate and multivariable analyses. Frailty, possible sarcopenia, and malnutrition diagnoses were based on FRAIL scale, Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 consensus, and Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form, respectively. Results: The prevalence of frailty, possible sarcopenia, and malnutrition in community-dwelling older outpatients were 13.6%, 45.5%, and 5.3%, respectively. The prevalence of co-occurrence of frailty, possible sarcopenia and malnutrition was 3.3%. It was associated with transient ischemic attack (TIA) and cerebrovascular accident (odds ratio [OR]=5.53, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.48–20.61), cognitive impairment (OR=3.70, 95% CI 1.21–11.31), and dependent functional capacity (OR=11.62, 95% CI 3.38–39.99). Overlap of three evaluated syndromes was found in 24.1%, 7.2%, and 61.3% of subjects with frailty, possible sarcopenia, and malnutrition, respectively. It was characterized by a substantial proportion of female sex, older adults with low educational attainment, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cognitive impairment, multimorbidity, and dependent functional status. Conclusion Approximately 1 in 30 community-dwelling older outpatients had overlapping frailty, possible sarcopenia, and malnutrition. The condition is associated with TIA and cerebrovascular accident, cognitive impairment, and dependent functional capacity. Standardized screening in community-dwelling older population is necessary.