1.A Systematic Literature Review on ICU Nurses’ Experience and Family Interactions during Death and Dying from an Islamic Perspective
The International Medical Journal Malaysia 2026;25(No. 2):9-19
The growing complexity of death and dying in Intensive Care Units highlights nurses'
critical role, particularly concerning family interactions and spiritual needs from an
Islamic perspective. However, there is a gap in understanding the nuances of these
interactions, how nurses can best facilitate them, and how potential conflicts arising
from differing interpretations of religious beliefs may impact care; this area remains
underexplored. This systematic literature review aims to synthesize existing studies
on ICU nurses' experiences with critically ill patients during death and dying, focusing
on Islamic perspectives or spiritual care, employing a qualitative synthesis approach.
The Scopus database was used to retrieve relevant documents published between
2005 and 2024. The review followed PRISMA guidelines for identification, screening,
exclusion, and inclusion. Qualitative, quantitative, mixed-method studies, and review
articles were included, with only qualitative papers appraised using the Joanna Briggs
Institute’s criteria. Initially, 378 records were identified. After removing unavailable
files and screening, 113 titles and abstracts were assessed. Of 84 reports reviewed for
eligibility, 68 were excluded, leaving 14 studies that met the inclusion criteria for the
final review. This review emphasizes the crucial need for better training, policies, and
institutional support for ICU nurses. Such measures would enable them to manage the
complexities of culturally sensitive care for family members during loved ones' death
and dying. Implementing standardized guidelines addressing Islamic perspectives can
significantly improve care quality and patient-family satisfaction.
2.Influencing factors for recompensation and its impact on the prognosis in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis
Danqing XU ; Haiwen LI ; Huan MU ; Yingyuan ZHANG ; Caifen SA ; Li LIU ; Yongrui YANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(1):90-100
ObjectiveTo investigate the influencing factors for recompensation in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis, as well as the impact of recompensation on the prognosis of such patients, and to provide a basis for early identification of high-risk patients in clinical practice. MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed for the clinical data of patients who attended The Third People’s Hospital of Kunming from January 2016 to December 2022 and were diagnosed with decompensated liver cirrhosis due to hepatitis B, hepatitis C, alcoholic hepatitis, and autoimmune hepatitis, and they were divided into recompensation group and persistent decompensation group. To control for confounding factors, whether recompensation occurred was used as the rouping variable,and BMI, alcohol consumption history, HIV infection history, TG, CHOL, LDL, and HDL were used as covariates. The propensity score was calculated, and 1:1 nearest neighbor matching was performed with a caliper value of 0.1. After propensity score matching, the recompensation group and the persistent decompensation group with relatively balanced covariates were obtained. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional-hazards regression model analyses were used to investigate the influencing factors for recompensation; the “rms” package was used to establish a nomogram; the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted to calculate the area under the ROC curve (AUC); the Hosmer-Lemeshow test was used to assess the goodness of fit of the model; the “Calibration Curves” package was used to plot calibration curves for model assessment. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to plot survival curves, and the Log-rank test was used for comparison of survival curves. ResultsAmong the 863 patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis, 305 experienced recompensation, resulting in an incidence rate of 35.3%. After PSM, 610 cases were successfully matched, with 305 cases in each group. The univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses showed that etiology (hepatitis C: hazard ratio[HR]=0.288, P=0.002); male(HR=0.701, P=0.016), age(HR=0.988, P=0.047), hemoglobin (HGB)(HR=1.006, P=0.017), and CD4 T cell(HR=1.001,P=0.047), TIPS procedure (HR=1.808,P=0.042) were independent influencing factors for recompensation in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis. During follow-up, 116 patients died of liver disease-related causes, with 27 patients (8.85%) in the recompensation group and 89 (15.95%) in the persistent decompensation group; 109 patients developed HCC, with 23 patients (7.54%) in the recompensation group and 86 (15.41%) in the persistent decompensation group. The Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed significant separation between the patients with different states of compensation in terms of liver disease-related mortality rate and the incidence rate of HCC, and the Log-rank test showed that there were significant differences between the two groups in liver disease-related mortality rate (χ2=9.023, P=0.003) and the incidence rate of HCC (χ2=10.526, P=0.001). ConclusionEtiology,sex,age,TIPS,HGB,and CD4 T cell are independent influencing factors for recompensation in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis. There is a significant difference in the incidence rate of recompensation between decompensated liver cirrhosis patients with different etiologies, and female patients and patients with a younger age,a history of TIPS, a higher HGB level, and a higher CD4 lymphocyte count are more likely to experience recompensation. Recompensation is the key to improving the long-term prognosis of patients and can significantly reduce long-term liver disease-related mortality rate and the incidence rate of HCC.
3.Translation and validation of the Filipino version of the knowledge, attitudes and practices questionnaire on personal antibiotic use (KAPQ-PAU-FIL): Potential utility in public health programs in the Philippines.
Maxine Francesco Gwyneth C. BACULO ; Samantha Nicole L. BABAO ; Francesca Anne I. BANDARLIPE ; Fitz Cornelius I. BANEZ ; Evelyn SIAO-BRIGINO ; Wennielyn F. FAJILAN ; Roberto D. AMPIL ; Marvin M. ZAPICO ; Maria Rosario R. ARANDA ; Rosalyn G. MIRASOL ; Ivan Neil B. GOMEZ
Journal of Medicine University of Santo Tomas 2026;10(1):1883-1894
INRODUCTION
The growing misuse of antibiotics and the escalating threat of antibiotic resistance in the Philippines pose significant public health concerns. While various Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) questionnaires on personal antibiotic use have been employed in local studies, none have been fully validated and a standardized, culturally appropriate tool remains lacking.
OBJECTIVEThis study aims to develop a Filipino-translated and culturally adapted KAP questionnaire on personal antibiotic use (KAPQ-PAU-FIL) and evaluate its validity and reliability.
METHODOLOGYThe research consisted of two phases. The first phase is the translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the original questionnaire in collaboration with the UST Sentro sa Salin at Araling Salin. The second phase is the validity and reliability testing of the KAPQ-PAU-FIL using a sample of 176 Filipino adults. This included assessment of its face validity, content validity, construct validity, internal consistency, test-retest reliability and equivalent forms reliability.
RESULTSMost items were translated without difficulty, though four items were modified to better fit the linguistic and cultural context. The KAPQ-PAU-FIL demonstrates strong psychometric properties, with face validity (SFVI/Ave = 0.99), content validity (SCVI/Ave = 0.99), construct validity (CFI = 0.92, RMSEA = 0.06, SRMR = 0.04; FL = 0.60-0.85; ITC = 0.58-0.71), test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.83), internal consistency (α = 0.929) and equivalent forms reliability (p>0.05; κ = 0.62-0.74).
CONCLUSIONThe KAPQ-PAU-FIL is the first ever, Filipino-translated, culturally adapted questionnaire designed to assess KAPQ-PAU-FIL, demonstrating strong validity and reliability to support public health programs against antibiotic misuse.
Surveys And Questionnaires ; Public Health ; Knowledge ; Anti-bacterial Agents ; Philippines ; Program
4.Translation and validation of the health-related quality of life in stroke patients - 26 (HRQoLISP-26) scale into Filipino for Filipino adult stroke Patients.
Shanelle Katrina N. TAN ; Portia Margarita D. SIMSUANGCO ; Fatima Mae S. SINGSON ; Joselle T. SINSON ; Celina Therese R. SOLOMON ; Arnold Christopher P. SORIANO ; Stephen Lorenzo P. SULAY ; Mikhael Thaddeus S. SUPE ; Rafael Alfonso S. SYFU ; Althea Jannary C. TALENS ; Ian Cedric D. TAN ; Jan Tyrone CABRERA ; Wennielyn F. FAJILAN ; Elenita MENDOZA ; John Dale TROGO
Journal of Medicine University of Santo Tomas 2026;10(1):1895-1903
INRODUCTION
Stroke is one of the top five leading causes of disability in the Philippines. It has a significant impact on the quality of life (QoL) of patients, particularly in the functional and psycho-emotional aspects. Thus, it is important to understand the health-related quality of life in stroke patients (HRQoLISP), which focuses on the clinical impact of the disease and disability. The assessment of a stroke patient’s QoL is prognostically significant as it can predict a patient’s treatment success and survival.
OBJECTIVEThis study aims to translate the HRQoLISP-26 into Filipino and assess its content validity for Filipino adult stroke patients.
METHODOLOGYThe HRQoLISP-26 was translated into Filipino using a forward translation protocol and an expert analyzed the forward translation. Selected expert committee members reviewed the first version to assess for content validity and the questionnaire was modified accordingly. The content validity index (CVI) was used for content validity.
RESULTSMajority of the revisions made were done to improve the semantic and grammatical accuracy of items in the Filipino version of the HRQoLISP-26. Only a few items had no revisions implemented. No revisions were done in the final version of the translated questionnaire as each item had a CVI of 1 indicating that it has good content validity.
CONCLUSIONThe Filipino translated HRQoLISP-26 questionnaire is a validated questionnaire that allows assessment of a stroke survivor’s QoL.
Quality Of Life ; Patients ; Life ; Health ; Adult ; Stroke
5.Defect Size-Based Comparative Analysis of Treatment Modalities for Esophagojejunal Anastomotic Leakage Following Gastrectomy
Ba Ool SEONG ; Ji Yong AHN ; Juno YOO ; Chang Seok KO ; Sa-Hong MIN ; Chung Sik GONG ; Beom Su KIM ; Moon-Won YOO ; Jeong Hwan YOOK ; Hee Jin CHOI ; In-Seob LEE
Journal of Gastric Cancer 2026;26(2):295-306
Purpose:
Esophagojejunal anastomotic leakage (EJAL) represents a severe postoperative complication following total or proximal gastrectomy. Treatment strategies include conservative management, endoscopic interventions, and surgery; however, comparative data remain limited. This study aimed to compare clinical outcomes of different strategies to identify the optimal approach based on anastomotic defect size.
Materials and Methods:
This retrospective study reviewed 100 patients diagnosed with EJAL between January 2015 and October 2024. Patients were categorized into four groups:conservative management, endoscopic vacuum-assisted closure (E-VAC), other endoscopic treatments, and surgery. The primary outcomes were leakage duration and length of hospital stay after EJAL diagnosis, whereas the secondary outcome was time to C-reactive protein normalization. Subgroup analyses were performed according to defect size.
Results:
Among the 100 patients, 76 were male and 24 were female, with a mean age of 65.7 years. Conservative treatment was the most common modality (53%), followed by other endoscopic treatments (19%), E-VAC (14%), and surgery (14%). In patients with a defect size <1 cm, conservative treatment was associated with significantly shorter leakage duration (P=0.035) and earlier resumption of diet (P=0.029) compared with endoscopic treatment.Among those with defects ≥2 cm, E-VAC demonstrated the most favorable median outcomes across all variables; however, statistical significance was not achieved because of the small sample size.
Conclusions
Conservative treatment appears to be the most effective treatment strategy for EJAL with anastomotic defects <1 cm. For larger defects (≥2 cm), E-VAC may offer clinical benefit, although further studies are needed to confirm its efficacy. These findings highlight the importance of individualized treatment selection based on defect size.
6.Status and appropriateness of fasting in the emergency department
Kangbum LEE ; Stephen Gyung Won LEE ; Chang Seob JANG ; Sa Ran LEE ; Hyeonjeong KIM ; Jeong Hwa HONG ; Sumin LEE ; Yeon Kyung KIM
Journal of the Korean Society of Emergency Medicine 2026;37(2):82-88
Objective:
Prolonged fasting has been reported to have a negative effect on patient outcomes. Although fasting is routinely practiced in the emergency department (ED), there is limited evidence on the current status and appropriateness of fasting in the ED. This study examined the status and appropriateness of fasting in the ED and identified the characteristics of patients who experienced unnecessary fasting.
Methods:
A retrospective observational study was performed at an urban ED in Seoul, Korea. The fasting status and characteristics of adult patients who visited the ED and were admitted or discharged between April 1 and April 30, 2022, were analyzed. A checklist for discontinuing fasting in the ED was used to screen for unnecessary fasting.
Results:
Among 2,292 patients who met the study inclusion criteria, all patients were instructed to begin fasting upon ED arrival. Fasting was discontinued by the physician’s order in 300 patients (13.1%). Patients remained fasting for 92.0%±23.2% of their total ED length of stay. Of the 1,577 patients eligible for fasting discontinuation according to the checklist, 249 patients (15.8%) were ordered to discontinue fasting, and 1,328 patients (84.2%) experienced unnecessary fasting.
Conclusion
ED patients spent significant time fasting during their ED length of stay. A high prevalence of unnecessary fasting was identified in the ED.
7.Home-delivered cooked foods and nutrition education improve weight gain among pregnant women at nutritional risk in Jagakarsa Subdistrict, Jakarta, Indonesia: a pilot study
Didit Damayanti ; Sa&rsquo ; diah Multi Karina ; Kun Aristiati Susiloretni ; Iskari Ngadiarti ; Leliyana Nursanti
Malaysian Journal of Nutrition 2026;32(No. 1):41-52
Introduction: The government of Indonesia runs a food supplementation programme in the form of biscuits for undernourished pregnant mothers. However, a home-delivered cooked foods programme using catering services has not been explored in Indonesia. This study aimed to determine the effect of home-delivered cooked foods and nutrition education on pregnant women’s gestational weight gain.
Methods: This study employed a non-randomised controlled, open-label, parallel design. It enrolled 66 women consecutively assigned to intervention and control groups. The intervention group received home-delivered cooked foods and nutrition education, while control group received usual care at Public Health Centres (PHCs).
Results: After two months of intervention, the average increase in body weight of women in intervention group was 4.7±3.0 kg, which was significantly higher than that observed in control group (3.3±1.8 kg). After adjusting for maternal nutritional status, weight before pregnancy, height, gestational age, and age, mothers who received home-delivered cooked foods and nutrition education gained 1.50 kg (95% CI 0.31, 2.70, p=0.015) more weight than those who did not.
Conclusion: Home-delivered cooked foods combined with nutrition education improved body weight of pregnant women at nutritional risk. Further studies are recommended to determine impact of home-delivered cooked foods on pregnancy outcomes. These study findings advocate and support Indonesian and local governments in potentially implementing a programme that offers home-delivered cooked foods through cateringservices to pregnant women at nutritional risk.
8.Comparative Study on the Protective Effect of Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) on Cannabis Sativa- Induced Oxidative Stress in Male and Female Wistar Rats
Amuda Oluwasola ; Olabisi Elizabeth Ayoola ; Garba Sa' ; adu
Pacific Journal of Medical Sciences 2026;27(2):3-11
Consumption and legalization of Cannabis sativa (CS) are increasing at a rapid rate due to its medicinal
and recreational importance. However, several studies have revealed that CS stimulates oxidative stress
(OS) which could affect the antioxidant defense system of the body. This research examined and
compared the protective role of vitamin C (Vit C) on Cannabis sativa (CS)-induced oxidative stress in
male (M) and female (F)Wistar rats. Post-acclimation (14 days), M and F animals were separately
allocated to four groups. Males (1M, 2M, 3M, and 4M) and females (1F, 2F, 3F, and 4F) groups were
administered orally, 1.0 mL of distilled water (control), CS (4.0 mg/kg), Vit C (4.0 mg/kg) and CS (4.0
mg/kg) + Vit C (4.0 mg/kg) respectively, for 21 days. Glutathione peroxide (GPx), Superoxide dismutase
(SOD), Catalase, Glutathione reductase (GSH), Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), lactate dehydrogenase
(LDH), and Malondialdehyde (MDA) were quantified following standard protocols.
9.Subcutaneous flap and/or pedicled penile skin flap combined with advancement flap coverage technique in the treatment of urethrocutaneous fistula secondary to failed repair
Chongrui JIN ; Yinglong SA ; Jiong ZHANG ; Lujie SONG ; Qiang FU
Journal of Modern Urology 2026;31(4):361-365
Objective To investigate the efficacy of subcutaneous flap and/or pedicled penile skin flap combined with advancement flap coverage technique in the treatment of urethrocutaneous fistula(UCF)secondary to failed repair and to improve the success rate. Methods The clinical data of 36 UCF patients after urethral repair admitted to our hospital during Jan. 2020 and Jan. 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the location and surrounding condition of the fistula, the fistula was closed without tension, the subcutaneous flap and/or pedicled penile skin flap was combined with advancement flap coverage technique. The effects of the treatment were followed up. Successful repair was defined as unobstructed urination, no recurrence of fistula and no urethral stricture. Results The patients' age was(25.7±11.6)years, and the diameter of fistula was(8.1±2.2)mm. UCF occurred in 24 cases after hypospadias repair, and in 12 cases after the repair of other urethral injuries, including 2 cases of urethral compression injury after improper indwelling catheterization, 2 cases of urethral stone removal, 2 cases of urethral diverticulum repair, 2 cases of circumcision repair, 1 case of congenital anal atresia repair, and 3 cases of other urethral repair. The primary repair success rate was 83.3%(30/36). Among the 6 patients with unsuccessful primary repair, 3 were cured with a secondary repair, 1 was cured after wound dressing, and 2 were lost to follow-up. The primary repair success rates of penile shape, penile scrotal junction, and perineal urethral skin fistulas were 82.1%(23/28), 83.3%(5/6), and 100%(2/2), respectively. The primary repair success rates for fistulas with diameter ≤1.0 cm and>1.0 cm were 85.2%(23/27)and 77.8%(7/9), respectively; for single and two urethrocutaneous fistulas, the success rates were 84.8%(28/33)and 66.7%(2/3); for patients with 1 and ≥2 previous repair attempts, the success rates were 87.5%(14/16)and 80.0%(16/20). During the follow-up of(15.1±3.5)months, no recurrence of fistula occurred, and all patients experienced unobstructed urination with a maximum urinary flow rate of(19.5±4.2)mL/s. Conclusion The failure rate of UCF repair is still high. Based on the location of the fistulas and the condition of the surrounding tissue, the surgical success rate can be improved by utilizing subcutaneous flap and/or pedicled penile skin flap combined with advancement flap coverage technique. This approach allows for tension-free suturing and multi-layer closure of the fistula.
10.Implantation of Islets Co-Seeded with Tregs in a Novel Biomaterial Reverses Diabetes in the NOD Mouse Model
Diana M. ELIZONDO ; Lais L. de Oliveira REKOWSKY ; Ayane de Sa RESENDE ; Jonathan SEENARINE ; Ricardo Luis Louzada da SILVA ; Jamel ALI ; Dazhi YANG ; Tatiana de MOURA ; Michael W. LIPSCOMB
Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine 2025;22(1):43-55
Background:
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) results in autoreactive T cells chronically destroying pancreatic islets. This often results in irreplaceable loss of insulin-producing beta cells. To reverse course, a combinatorial strategy of employing glucose-responsive insulin restoration coupled with inhibiting autoreactive immune responses is required.
Methods:
Non-obese diabetic mice received a single intraperitoneal implantation of a novel biomaterial co-seeded with insulin-producing islets and T regulatory cells (Tregs). Controls included biomaterial seeded solely with islets, or biomaterial only groups. Mice were interrogated for changes in inflammation and diabetes progression via blood glucose monitoring, multiplex serum cytokine profiling, flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry assessments.
Results:
Islet and Tregs co-seeded biomaterial recipients had increased longevity, insulin secretion, and normoglycemia through 180 days post-implantation compared to controls. Serum profile revealed reduced TNFα, IFNγ, IL-1β and increased IL-10, insulin, C-Peptide, PP and PPY in recipients receiving co-seeded biomaterial. Evaluation of the resected co-seeded biomaterial revealed reduced infiltrating autoreactive CD8 + and CD4 + T cells concomitant with sustained presence of Foxp3 + Tregs; further analysis revealed that the few infiltrated resident effector CD4+ or CD8+ T cells were anergic, as measured by low levels of IFNγ and Granzyme-B upon stimulation when compared to controls. Interestingly, studies also revealed increased Tregs in the pancreas. However, there was no restoration of the pancreas beta cell compartment, suggesting normoglycemia and production of insulin levels were largely supported by the implanted co-seeded biomaterial.
Conclusion
These studies show the efficacy of a combinatorial approach seeding Tregs with pancreatic islets in a novel self-assembling organoid for reversing T1D.


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