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

A Case Report of 46 XY Partial Gonadal Dysgenesis with Dual Gonadal Tumours 46XY gonadal dysgenesis is known as a disorder of sex development (DSD) that occurs due to abnormality in gonadal development. There is a conflict between one’s genotype, phenotype, and gonadal development, which influences the wide range of presentation and clinical appearance of 46XY females. This was a case of a 46XY female who presented with primary amenorrhea with delayed puberty at the age of 18 years old. She had ambiguous genitalia. Her breast and pubic hair were at Tanner Stage 2. Transabdominal ultrasound found a small uterus with a vagina; however, the gonads were not seen. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a 20mm right gonad located extra-pelvis near the right iliac vessels while the 9mm streak left gonad was at the usual location next to the sigmoid colon. All her tumour markers were normal except lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was elevated. She was given estrogen therapy for pubertal induction and underwent laparoscopy prophylactic bilateral gonadectomy. The intraoperative findings were similar to the MRI findings, and the histopathology examination (HPE) results showed left gonadoblastoma and right dysgerminoma FIGO stage 1A. She continued taking estrogen therapy until she had withdrawal bleeding, and oral progesterone was added. 46XY-DSD has high risk of developing germ cell tumour and requires prophylactic gonadectomy as soon as the diagnosis is established. However, delay in presentation and surgery may affect the outcomes and prognosis.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) in pregnancy is uncommon in Malaysia. We present a case of sickle cell disease in pregnancy with maternal and fetal complications. The patient presented with acute pain crisis and hemolysis in the third trimester. Despite thromboprophylaxis, she developed deep vein thrombosis. The pregnancy was further complicated by severe pre-eclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction which require preterm caesarean section. The baby was admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit due to prematurity and low birth weight. Multidisciplinary approach in managing pregnant patient with SCD is essential in achieving good obstetrics outcome.

Objective To characterize the bacteriocin-like inhibitory-substances (BLIS) activity of Streptococcus macedonicus MBF10-2 [named BLIS(MBF10-2)], a bacteriocinogenic strain isolated from an Indonesian tofu byproduct. Methods BLIS(MBF10-2) was obtained by culturing the bacterium, and standard deferred antagonism assays were used to demonstrate its activity. The antibacterial testing of fractions collected by filtration using 3–30 kDa cut-off membrane sizes were carried out by performing well diffusion method. Results The growth of Micrococcus luteus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Lactococcus lactis, Leuconostoc mesenteroides and Weissella confusa were inhibited by BLIS(MBF10-2). Interestingly, BLIS-containing fractions obtained from sequential application on ultrafiltration membranes indicated that this bacterium Streptococcus macedonicus MBF10-2 could produces at least two antimicrobial peptides activities, one of which is likely to be a lantibiotic peptide. Potential synergistic activity against certain Gram-positive (but not Gram-negative) species when partnered with antibiotics (ampicillin, tetracycline or kanamycin) were observed. Conclusion Combination of some BLIS(MBF10-2) active fractions with antibiotics (ampicillin, tetracycline or kanamycin) could demonstrate synergistic activities against certain Gram-positive species.

BACKGROUNDAlthough cupping remains a popular treatment modality worldwide, its efficacy for most diseases, including hypertension, has not been scientifically evaluated.

OBJECTIVEWe aimed to determine the efficacy of wet-cupping for high blood pressure, and the incidence of the procedure's side effects in the intervention group.

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTIONSThis is a randomized controlled trial conducted in the General Practice Department at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, between May 2013 and February 2014. There were two groups (40 participants each): intervention group undergoing wet-cupping (hijama) in addition to conventional hypertension treatment, and a control group undergoing only conventional hypertension treatment. Three wet-cupping sessions were performed every other day.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREThe mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures were measured using a validated automatic sphygmomanometer. The follow-up period was 8 weeks.

RESULTSWet-cupping provided an immediate reduction of systolic blood pressure. After 4 weeks of follow-up, the mean systolic blood pressure in the intervention group was 8.4 mmHg less than in the control group (P=0.046). After 8 weeks, there were no significant differences in blood pressures between the intervention and control groups. In this study, wet-cupping did not result in any serious side effects.

CONCLUSIONWet-cupping therapy is effective for reducing systolic blood pressure in hypertensive patients for up to 4 weeks, without serious side effects. Wet-cupping should be considered as a complementary hypertension treatment, and further studies are needed.

TRIAL REGISTRATIONClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT01987583.

Adult ; Aged ; Blood Pressure ; Complementary Therapies ; adverse effects ; Female ; Humans ; Hypertension ; therapy ; Male ; Middle Aged