2026-03-16
Al Husni Hadi Pasca Putra, Julia Windi Gunadi, Yenni Limyati, Oeij Anindita Adhika
Background Urban lifestyles have become increasingly sedentary, contributing to reduced physical fitness. Muay Thai, a high-intensity martial art, has been proposed as an effective exercise modality to improve aerobic capacity and muscle endurance. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different weekly Muay Thai training frequencies on VO₂ max and muscle endurance in non-athletic adults. Methods A randomized experimental study with a pre-test–post-test design was conducted involving 40 non-athletic adults (aged 20–25 years). Participants were randomly allocated into two groups: training twice weekly (MT2X) or four times weekly (MT4X) for eight weeks. Outcomes included VO₂ max and upper, abdominal, and lower body muscle endurance. Baseline characteristics were described descriptively. Between-group differences in post-intervention outcomes were analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), with baseline values included as covariates. Results At baseline, VO₂ max, abdominal, and lower body muscle endurance were higher in the MT4X group. After adjustment for baseline values using ANCOVA, the MT4X group demonstrated significantly higher post-intervention VO₂ max compared with the MT2X group (adjusted mean difference, p<0.001). Significantly greater improvements favoring the MT4X group were also observed for upper body muscle endurance (push-ups, p<0.001), abdominal muscle endurance (sit-ups, p<0.001), and lower body muscle endurance (squats, p=0.018). Conclusion A higher frequency Muay Thai training program is effective in significantly improving participants' aerobic capacity and muscle endurance. Practitioners are able to choose their training frequency preference, since both frequencies provide similar adaptation.
2026-03-05
Zainab Abdul Jabbar, Rakad Mohammed Khamas AL-Jumaily
Infertility is recognized as a major global health issue and has become one of the primary challenges in reproductive health; its prevalence and incidence are steadily increasing worldwide. Recent research has highlighted the critical role of epigenetic dysregulation as a direct factor affecting male infertility. The objective of this review is to investigate the relationship between epigenetic modifications (specifically 5-methylcytosine and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine) and essential male reproductive outcomes, including the spermatogenesis process, testicular function, and semen quality parameters. Furthermore, this study explores the influence of micronutrients such as vitamin B 12 , homocysteine metabolism, and antioxidant capacity on DNA methylation and genomic stability. Significantly, this review establishes a novel link between infertility and cellular hypoxia focusing on the modulation of hypoxia-inducible factor ( HIF-1α and HIF-2 α) as a potential therapeutic strategy. Additionally, this work introduces the overlooked association between HIF-2 α and infertility, offering novel insights since current findings regarding HIF-2 α in male infertility are remarkably limited. A literature search was conducted on PubMed, ScienceDirect, Springer Link, Oxford Academic and Nature databases for sources published in English from 2015 to 2025, using the following keywords: male infertility, DNA methylation, hypoxia, HIF-1α , and immunity. Our work investigates the interruption of inflammatory cytokines and immunological markers by linking them with molecular factors, micronutrients and hypoxia pathways. This approach provides an integrated foundation for advanced diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Ultimately, understanding these molecular signatures provides ways to enhance reproductive outcomes and improve success rates of assisted reproductive techniques.
2026-01-11
Intan Kemaladina, Syahrul Syahrul, Taufik Fuadi Abidin, Nasrul Musadir, Imran Imran
BACKGROUND Identifying patients with intracerebral hemorrhagic (ICH) at high risk of mortality is crucial for timely intervention. Machine learning (ML) offers novel methodologies for precise predictive models for ICH. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop an ML-based predictive model for 48-hour mortality in patients with acute hemorrhagic stroke. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted using secondary data from 657 patients diagnosed with acute ICH. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, and radiological variables were extracted from medical records. Data preprocessing included cleaning, normalization, and class balancing using the Synthetic Minority Oversampling Technique (SMOTE). Three supervised algorithms—Random Forest, Decision Tree, and Gaussian Naïve Bayes—were developed and evaluated using stratified 5-fold cross-validation. Model performance was assessed using accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, precision, recall, F1-score, and AUC. RESULTS Random Forest achieved the best overall performance for predicting 48-hour mortality, with an accuracy of 84.77%, F1-score of 84.63%, and AUC of 80.51, outperforming Decision Tree (AUC 61.12) and Gaussian Naïve Bayes (AUC 82.94). Random Forest most accurately identified >48-hour survival, with high sensitivity (93.5%) and PPV (92.9%), while Naïve Bayes provided the most reliable positive classification for this category (PPV 99.0; specificity 94.2%). For ≤24-hour mortality, Naïve Bayes showed the best detection performance (sensitivity 85.4%; NPV 98.7%). CONCLUSIONS Machine learning, particularly the Random Forest algorithm, enables reliable prediction of 48-hour mortality in patients with acute ICH using basic clinical and radiological data available at admission. The model offers practical potential for early risk stratification in emergency and critical care settings.
2026-01-11
Herman Yosef Limpat Wihastyoko, Edith Sumaregita Rinhastyanti, Arviansyah Arviansyah, Yudi Siswanto, Wilma Agustina, Elisabeth Prajanti Sintaningrum
BACKGROUND Keloids are abnormal scars that present a therapeutic challenge. Various treatment modalities have been developed, including surgical excision. While cross-running intradermal sutures were previously created using absorbable polyglycolic acid, this study introduces a modification using a non-absorbable material. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of the cross-running polypropylene intradermal suture (CR-PIS) technique compared to the simple interrupted suture technique on keloid repair. METHODS This was a randomized controlled trial with a post-test-only design involving 30 male and female keloid patients aged 20-50 years. Participants were randomized into the treatment group (n=15) and the control group (n=15). Wound assessment using the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS), Manchester Scar Scale (MSS), and Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) was performed at 3, 6, and 9 months after surgery. Differences in VSS, MSS, and POSAS scores between the CR-PIS group and the simple knot group were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference between the simple knot and CR-PIS groups (p<0.05). The median scores for each assessment (VSS, MSS, and POSAS) decreased significantly at 3, 6, and 9 months, with the control group's values being higher than those in the CR-PIS group (p<0.05). These results indicate that the control group developed moderate scars, whereas the treatment group exhibited good scars. CONCLUSIONS The CR-PIS is more effective than the simple knot technique in improving keloid scars, as shown by changes in wound appearance, morphological function, topography, and patient and evaluator assessments.
2025-12-14
A. Deza Farista, Nur Rivianti, Erial Bahar, Mega Permata, Muhammad Reagan, Crisnah Indah, Ika Artini
Background As people age, skeletal muscle mass and strength decrease, leading to sarcopenia, diagnosed through calf circumference, muscle mass, strength, and physical performance. Uric acid (UA), with both pro-oxidant and antioxidant properties, is an indicator of oxidative stress and may contribute to sarcopenia. This study aimed to determine the correlation between serum uric acid levels and sarcopenia in elderly in a community health center. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 42 subjects aged ≥60 years, consisting of 37 female and 5 male participants. We applied Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) 2019 criteria to define sarcopenia. Muscle mass was measured using skeletal muscle index (SMI) based on bioimpedance analysis (BIA). Handgrip strength (HGS), physical performance, calf circumference, and blood test data were collected. A backward regression analysis was performed to investigate the relationship between UA and SMI, HGS, physical performance, and calf circumference after adjusting for gender, smoking history, upper arm circumference, and body mass index. Results After adjusting for potential confounding variables, uric acid remained significantly associated with muscle strength (β=0.326; p=0.023) and calf circumference (β=0.264; p=0.010), but not with muscle mass (β=0.046; p=0.727) or physical performance (β=–0.171; p=0.279). Conclusion There is a significant correlation between uric acid levels and muscle strength, physical performance, and calf circumference in sarcopenia among the elderly in the community health center. Higher uric acid serum levels might slow down the progression of sarcopenia.
2025-10-27
Md Nadeem Bari, Md Rizwan Ansari, Mohammad Anwar, Imran Mohammad
Although type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has historically been thought of as a disease that mostly affects adults, its incidence among adolescents and young people has been rising in tandem with the rising rates of childhood obesity. There is no evidence to support the best course of treatment for T2DM in this age group despite the undeniable benefits of lifestyle adjustment for obese kids. Early diabetes start is linked to extended exposure to the disease and a greater likelihood of chronic issues, which impact more individuals during their working years and highlight the negative social effects of the condition. Additionally, there is mounting evidence that juvenile diabetes cohorts exhibit an aggressive phenotype that contributes to the early onset of problems that negatively affect life quality and negatively impact long-term results, increasing the possibility of a future public health emergency. Relevant studies were identified through a systematic search of PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar for articles published between 2019 and 2025 using the keyword “Adolescents and (T2DM or Insulin Resistance)”. Type 2 diabetes in young people is a serious global public health issue now. Many significant obstacles must be overcome to treat T2DM that develops in young people, including a lack of effective treatment alternatives and limitations in carrying out therapeutic research. The US Food and Drug Administration has approved metformin, glimepiride (Amaryl), and insulin as treatments for teenagers and young adults with type 2 diabetes, despite therapeutic medication studies. Given modified pharmaceutical laws, it is probable that further anti-diabetic drugs will be included in the arsenal of treatment choices available to teenagers and young adults with T2DM. The epidemiology and current understanding of the pathophysiology, risk factors, consequences, and therapy of T2DM in adolescents and young adults are discussed in this review.
2025-10-05
Kezban KORAŞ SÖZEN, Songül GÜNGÖR
Background Anxiety and poor sleep quality have always caused problems for nursing students. Today, self-foot massage is considered adjunctive therapy for reducing anxiety and improving sleep quality. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of self-foot massage on anxiety levels and sleep quality among nursing students with high anxiety. Methods An experimental study with pre-test and post-test control groups, included 40 first-year nursing students who met the inclusion criteria (intervention= 20, control= 20). The students were randomized into intervention and control groups using block randomization. A block size of four was employed to maintain equal group sizes. State Anxiety Inventory (SAI) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were used to collect the data. In the self-foot massage group, subjects attended foot massage sessions at the same time every day for 10 days. Independent t-test and Chi-square method was used to analyze the data. Results The intervention group performing self-foot massage demonstrated significantly lower mean scores for PSQI (7.70 ± 1.5) and SAI (34.10 ± 4.82) compared to the control group, whose mean scores were 8.00 ± 2.65 and 38.80 ± 3.04, respectively (p=0.03; p=0.021). These differences indicate improved sleep quality and reduced anxiety in the intervention group. Subjective sleep quality was also found to be better among participants in the intervention group. However, no significant differences were observed between the groups in the PSQI subcomponents (p>0.05). Conclusion Self-foot massage can be considered as a potential therapeutic intervention that improves sleep quality and reduces anxiety among nursing students with high level anxiety.
2025-08-20
Elbert Wiradarma, Herlyani Khosama, Finny Warouw, Windy M. V. Wariki, Seilly Yunita Jehosua, Junita Maja Pertiwi
Background Drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) challenges clinical management, with many patients failing to find relief. Medium-chain triglyceride diet (MCTD) and low glycemic index therapy (LGIT) are emerging variants of the ketogenic diet. MCTD and LGIT show promise but lack clear efficacy data. The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate and compare the efficacy of MCTD and LGIT in the management of pediatric patients with DRE. Methods Four databases were searched (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Library) from November 2024 to February 2025. Two independent reviewers meticulously screened titles, abstracts, and full texts, ensuring adherence to predefined criteria. Data extraction encompassed study characteristics, participant demographics, intervention details, and outcomes, including seizure frequency, percentage reduction, and adverse events. Statistical analyses were performed using R 4.2.2 software, assessing heterogeneity with Cochrane Q and I² and utilizing random-effects and common-effects models. Results From 1489 articles found, 487 duplicates were removed, 897 were excluded based on title and abstract screening, and of the 47 full-text articles assessed for eligibility, 31 articles were excluded, resulting in 16 articles (9 MCTD and 7 LGIT) included in this review. The pooled estimates for the proportion of children achieving seizure freedom, ≥90% seizure reduction, and ≥50% seizure reduction following the intervention were comparable between the MCTD and LGIT groups. Based on the random-effects model, the overall success proportion of MCTD in reducing seizure frequency was 0.20 [95 % Confidence Interval (CI), 0.14-0.27] (p<0.01). Meanwhile, in the LGIT group, the overall success proportion was 0.27 [95% CI,0.14- 0.45] (p<0.01). Conclusion Both MCTD and LGIT demonstrate comparable efficacy, and no definitive conclusion can be drawn regarding the superiority of one diet over the other.
2025-08-04
Kanchanapa Sathirachawan, Kosum Chansiri, Deeprom Sirikate, Phakkharawat Sittiprapaporn, Ruttachuk Rungsiwiwut, Somrudee Saiyudthong
Background Aromatherapy with a blend of essential oils is an alternative treatment for stress and sleep disturbances, providing stress relief and sleep enhancement, while increasing the efficacy and scent appeal. This study aimed to formulate an essential oil blend with the potential to reduce stress and enhance sleep quality, and to identify the most preferred blend based on participant satisfaction. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 63 female volunteers aged 25 - 50 years. Three formulations (A, B, and C) of essential oil blends were developed, each with a distinct scent profile—floral, unisex, and aromatic. A preference test was conducted using a sensory evaluation method, assessing participants’ satisfaction of the blends through inhalation. Preferences were quantified using a structured scoring system. Formula B was the most popular and was further refined into two recipes, B1 and B2. B2 emerged as the preferred option, and its primary component was identified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Results Formulation B, rich in bergamot oil, received significantly higher hedonic ratings than Formulation A ( p <0.05) and was the most preferred in interviews. Participants recommended a milder, more balanced scent for relaxation and sleep. While B1 and B2 showed no significant differences, B2 was chosen for its higher bergamot content, fresher unisex profile, and reduced floral notes. GC–MS analysis identified limonene, menthol, and linalool as its main components. Conclusion This study demonstrated that an essential oil blend predominantly composed of bergamot oil was most favored by the volunteers, indicating its potential benefits for promoting relaxation.
2025-06-01
Leandro Dragueta Delfino