Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Shuo Huang, Baowen Qi, Ling Yang, Xue Wang, Jing Huang, Ya Zhao, Yonghe Hu, Wenjing Xiao
Summary: Endocrine therapy has been effective in treating breast cancer, but it still faces challenges such as drug resistance and individual discrepancy. There is a demand for novel preventive and therapeutic modalities to decrease the incidence and mortality rate of breast cancer. G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) is a potential target for breast cancer prevention and treatment. This review discusses the possible mechanisms of GPER pathways and proposes the development of phytoestrogens-based dietary supplements against breast cancer.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Clemens P. J. G. Wolf, Tobias Rachow, Thomas Ernst, Andreas Hochhaus, Bijan Zomorodbakhsch, Susan Foller, Matthias Rengsberger, Michael Hartmann, Jutta Huebner
Summary: The study aimed to analyze the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) supplements in cancer patients and identified younger age and a longer cancer history as predictors for CAM supplement use. It was found that over-the-counter CAM supplements can potentially interact with conventional cancer therapy, emphasizing the importance of physician-patient communication and monitoring for interactions to ensure patient safety.
JOURNAL OF CANCER RESEARCH AND CLINICAL ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Prakash Monika, Mathikere Naganna Chandraprabha, Annapoorni Rangarajan, P. Veena Waiker, Kotamballi N. Chidambara Murthy
Summary: Wound healing is a complicated biological process that is influenced by an individual's health status and other factors. Current treatment options for chronic wounds are limited, and the use of complementary and alternative medicine in wound management is still being explored.
FRONTIERS IN NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Tsuyoshi Chiba, Nanae Tanemura
Summary: Some patients have misconceptions about the safety and efficacy of dietary supplements and medicines, leading to concomitant use. A survey showed that a significant percentage of participants used both dietary supplements and prescription medicines. Compared to non-users, dietary supplement users had a more positive perception of the safety and efficacy of dietary supplements. However, there was a low awareness of the interaction between dietary supplements and prescription medicines.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Benedicte Marie Finger, Annika Triller, Ashley M. Bourke, Gert Jan Lammers, Christian Veauthier, Merve Yildizli, Ulf Kallweit
Summary: This study investigated the frequency and characteristics of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use in German narcolepsy patients. 15% of patients were using CAM at the time of the survey, and an additional 18% reported past use. The most commonly used CAM treatments were vitamins/trace elements, homeopathy, and meditation. CAM users were more likely to experience side effects from medication and have low adherence to pharmacological treatment.
Article
Oncology
Nazi Nejat, Amir Rahbarian, Fatemeh Mehrabi, Fatemeh Rafiei
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use among cancer patients in Iran. The findings showed that 44.3% of the 320 participants were using CAM. Most patients used CAM to improve their physical condition and used it alongside conventional medical treatments. Common CAM treatments included visiting holy places, practicing yoga, engaging in prayer therapy, and using medicinal plants and special diets.
JOURNAL OF CANCER RESEARCH AND CLINICAL ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Simon Alesi, Carolyn Ee, Lisa J. Moran, Vibhuti Rao, Aya Mousa
Summary: This review provides an up-to-date, comprehensive synthesis of the highest level of evidence regarding the effects of nutritional supplements and complementary therapies in the treatment and management of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The evidence suggests that specific vitamins, vitamin-like nutrients, minerals, and some complementary approaches may be beneficial in PCOS. However, there are still uncertainties and limitations that need to be addressed.
ADVANCES IN NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Michelle A. Fravel, Michael E. Ernst, Julia Gilmartin-Thomas, Robyn L. Woods, Suzanne G. Orchard, Alice J. Owen
Summary: This study found that the use of dietary supplements and complementary and alternative medicine is common among community-dwelling older adults in the United States and Australia. Factors such as female sex, US residency, higher education, polypharmacy, and frailty (in women) were significantly associated with higher use of supplements/CAMs.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY
(2023)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Alireza Hekmat-Ardakani, Bahar Morshed-Behbahani, Hania Rahimi-Ardabili, Mohammad Hossein Ayati, Nazli Namazi
Summary: This overview collected studies on the most effective dietary supplements and medicinal herbs for controlling glycemic status. The evidence showed positive effects of chromium, zinc, propolis, aloe vera, milk thistle, fenugreek, cinnamon, ginger, and nettle on blood sugar levels. However, most studies had high heterogeneity and the clinical significance of these effects was not remarkable.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN FOOD SCIENCE AND NUTRITION
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Hongmin Chu, Seunghwan Moon, Jeongsu Park, Seongjun Bak, Youme Ko, Bo-Young Youn
Summary: The development of artificial intelligence in complementary and alternative medicine has been rapidly advancing. This systematic scoping review identified three main categories of AI usage in CAM, including acupuncture treatment, tongue and lip diagnoses, and herbal medicine. Future research should focus on verifying and validating these AI models through large-scale clinical trials.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Sebastiano Mercadante, Giuseppe Bellavia, Alessio Lo Cascio, Marcella Dabbene, Grazia di Silvestre, Alessandra Casuccio
Summary: The study surveyed 283 advanced cancer patients receiving home care and found that only 4.2% of patients were using complementary alternative medicines (CAM). The indications and types of CAM varied among patients, with different costs involved. Further analysis was not performed due to the limited number of patients using CAM.
SUPPORTIVE CARE IN CANCER
(2022)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Vicky Chan, Kenneth Lo
Summary: The study found that supplementation with amino acids, melatonin, and vitamin D significantly improved subjective sleep quality. Other dietary supplements such as magnesium, zinc, resveratrol, and nitrate may also have a positive effect on sleep quality, but further research is needed.
POSTGRADUATE MEDICAL JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Anja Stoecker, Anja Mehnert-Theuerkauf, Andreas Hinz, Jochen Ernst
Summary: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and methods of CAM use in breast cancer and gynecological cancer patients, compare CAM users vs. non-CAM users regarding their sociodemographic and medical characteristics, and investigate the relationship between CAM use and QoL. The results showed that 46.5% of the patients used some form of CAM, and CAM use was higher in breast cancer patients. CAM users were younger, more educated, and financially better off, but had a lower global health status/QoL.
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
John A. Batsis, John W. Apolzan, Pamela J. Bagley, Heather B. Blunt, Vidita Divan, Sonia Gill, Angela Golden, Shalini Gundumraj, Steven B. Heymsfield, Scott Kahan, Katherine Kopatsis, Ava Port, Elizabeth Prout Parks, Clifford A. Reilly, Domenica Rubino, Katherine H. Saunders, Ryan Shean, Luai Tabaza, Abishek Stanley, Beverly G. Tchang, Shivani Gundumraj, Srividya Kidambi
Summary: Dietary supplements and alternative therapies for weight loss lack high-quality evidence of efficacy, with only a limited number of studies showing significant weight loss effects. It is important for practitioners and patients to be aware of the scientific evidence supporting claims before recommending the use of these products.
Article
Oncology
J. Huebner, R. Muecke, O. Micke, F. -J Prott, L. Josfeld, J. Buentzel, J. Buentzel
Summary: This study investigates whether cancer patients' concepts of how and why cancer develops have an influence on their choice of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). The results show that many patients use CAM, with supplements, relaxation techniques, and homeopathy being the most commonly used methods. While all lay etiological beliefs are associated with the overall usage of CAM, there is no association between specific etiological concepts and types of CAM used. These findings suggest that patients may have other needs addressed by CAM.
JOURNAL OF CANCER RESEARCH AND CLINICAL ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Sanpagavalli Doraimuthu, Maznah Dahlui, Victor C. W. Hoe, Tin Tin Su
Summary: According to the Malaysian National Cancer Registry (MNCR), over 70% of colorectal cancer (CRC) cases in Malaysia are diagnosed at advanced stages, resulting in poor survival rates and burdening the healthcare system. This study examines the perspectives of the general population, healthcare providers, and policymakers to identify barriers and facilitators of CRC screening uptake. In-depth interviews were conducted with 25 purposively sampled respondents. Common barriers include psychological factors, lack of knowledge and awareness, inadequate physician recommendation, and limited implementation of CRC-related campaigns. Facilitating factors include family support and family history of CRC. A comprehensive understanding of these factors is crucial for designing effective interventions and policies to increase CRC screening rates in Malaysia.
ASIA-PACIFIC JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Editorial Material
Oncology
Edward Christopher Dee, Janine Patricia G. Robredo, Michelle Ann B. Eala, Patricia N. Suanes, Nirmala Bhoo-Pathy
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Yek-Ching Kong, Mahmoud Danaee, Ranjit Kaur, Muthukkumaran Thiagarajan, Hafizah Zaharah, Mustafa Sener, Harenthri Devy Alagir Rajah, Nur Aishah Taib, Karuthan Chinna, Cheng-Har Yip, Nirmala Bhoo-Pathy
Summary: This study developed and validated a dual-language needs assessment tool for women with breast cancer through two phases of design and testing. The tool demonstrated good reliability and validity, and can be used to guide the establishment of evidence-based cancer survivorship services in Malaysia as well as other multi-ethnic and/or low-and-middle-income settings.
Article
Rehabilitation
Wai-Chee Kuan, Yek-Ching Kong, Ros Suzanna Bustamam, Li-Ping Wong, Yin-Ling Woo, Nur Aishah Taib, Gwo-Fuang Ho, Hafizah Zaharah, Cheng-Har Yip, Nirmala Bhoo-Pathy
Summary: The study aimed to understand the impact of cancer on the sexual well-being of patients in a middle-income setting with limited supportive care services. Through focus group discussions with 102 patients, three major themes emerged: loss, adjustments, and unmet supportive care needs. Changes in physical appearance and childbearing abilities negatively affected self-confidence and body image, especially in females. It was found that sexual healthcare services including counseling and clinical management of sexual dysfunction should not be overlooked in low- and middle-income countries.
SEXUALITY AND DISABILITY
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Bairave Shunnmugam, Tania Islam, Siamala Sinnadurai, Chua Seng Hui, See Mee Hong, Karuthan Chinna, Nur Aishah Mohd Taib
Summary: This study translated and validated the Malay version of the BREAST-Q questionnaire, and the results demonstrated good reliability, validity, and construct validity.
ASIA-PACIFIC JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Huey Yi Chong, Kheng-Seang Lim, Si-Lei Fong, Fatiha Hana Shabaruddin, Maznah Dahlui, Pauline Siew Mei Lai, Ching-Ching Ng, Nathorn Chaiyakunapruk
Summary: Despite the availability of newer antiseizure medications, carbamazepine (CBZ) remains the gold standard. However, patients of Asian ancestry are susceptible to CBZ-related severe cutaneous adverse reactions. Universal HLA-B*15:02 screening is a promising intervention to address this.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Xin-Hui Khoo, Chun-Wie Chong, Abdul Malik Talha, Koshy Philip, Cindy Shuan-Ju Teh, Adib Mat Isa, Mung Seong Wong, Deborah Chia-Hsin Chew, Zhiqin Wong, Nor Syarahani Jusoh, Noorhuda Madihah Mohamed Maksum, Norfilza Mohd Mokhtar, Hazreen Abdul Majid, Raja Affendi Raja Ali, Yeong-Yeh Lee, Sanjiv Mahadeva
Summary: This study analyzed the gut microbiota composition of multi-ethnic IBS patients and explored the impact of a low FODMAP diet on their gastrointestinal symptoms and gut microbiota. The results showed that IBS patients had a greater abundance of Parabacteroides species and lower levels of bacterial fermenters and short-chain fatty acids producers compared to healthy controls. Following a low FODMAP diet, about 70.6% of IBS patients experienced symptom and quality of life improvement. Rating: 8/10.
JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Chuan Way Lye, Sheamini Sivasampu, Trias Mahmudiono, Hazreen Abdul Majid
Summary: This systematic review explores the association between household food insecurity (HFIS) and undernutrition in children under 5 years old, highlighting the need for policymakers to consider key factors in tackling childhood undernutrition and HFIS. The review found a significant association between HFIS and undernutrition, particularly stunting and underweight, across all national income levels. Therefore, sustainable and inclusive economic growth should be a key policy goal in addressing food insecurity and childhood undernutrition, and multisectoral interventions are needed.
JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tharani Loganathan, Zhen Ling Ong, Fikri Hassan, Zhie. X. X. Chan, Hazreen Abdul Majid
Summary: In Malaysia, marginalised non-citizen children are excluded from formal education at public schools. This study explores the barriers and facilitators to educational access among various marginalized children, and highlights the importance of legislative/policy changes, financial constraints, cultural norms, proximity to learning centers, and institutional discrimination. It suggests the gradual inclusion of all children in public schools, the recognition and support of learning centers, and the realization of the right to work for refugees and stateless peoples in order to achieve universal education access.
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Darwish Mohd Isa, Raanita Krishnamoorthy, Hazreen Abdul Majid
Summary: Stunting in children is caused by malnutrition or undernutrition, which hinders their growth and has negative effects on their overall health. This study reviewed the effects of different types of cow's milk on children's growth. The results showed that standard cow's milk may be more effective in promoting children's growth compared to nutrient-enriched cow's milk, but more research is needed on the effects of standard milk on child growth. Inconsistent findings were found between nutrient-enriched cow's milk and children's growth. It is important to ensure that children's diets include recommended nutrient intake, including milk.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Nurfazlinda Md Shah, Nasrin Aghamohammadi, Nithiah Thangiah, Ai Kah Ng, Hazreen Abdul Majid
Summary: Studies have found that mental health issues and obesity among adolescents are increasing due to urbanization and changes in lifestyle. This study aimed to investigate the level of stress and its impact on eating behavior among Malaysian adolescents. A total of 797 multi-ethnic Malaysian secondary school students participated in this cross-sectional study. The findings showed that 29.1% of adolescents experienced high stress, with a mean saliva cortisol level of 3.8 nmol/L. There was a positive correlation between perceived stress and emotional overeating, which was stronger among urban, female, underweight, and moderately stressed adolescents. Additionally, a positive correlation was found between perceived stress and food responsiveness, which was strongest among Malay, male, underweight, and highly stressed adolescents. The study suggests that the perceived stress level prior to exams can influence the emotional and external eating patterns of adolescents.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Amirah Azzeri, Maznah Dahlui, Rosmawati Mohamed, Scott Alexander McDonald, Hafiz Jaafar, Fatiha Hana Shabaruddin
Summary: For the treatment of hepatitis C in Malaysia, a stratified treatment cascade is proposed, where non-cirrhotic patients are treated with SOF/DAC and cirrhotic patients are treated with SOF/VEL. This approach is cost-saving compared to treating all patients with SOF/DAC.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Health Policy & Services
Zaliha Harun, Suzana Shahar, Yee Xing You, Zahara Abdul Manaf, Hazreen Abdul Majid, Yook Chin Chia, Hasnah Haron, Viola Michael, Noor Shahida Sukiman, Aida Farzana Mohamad Taib, Feng J. J. He, Mhairi K. K. Brown
Summary: This study investigates the perceptions, barriers, and enablers towards salt reduction in Malaysia's out-of-home sector, including policy-makers and the food industry. It found that lack of awareness, poor eating culture, and frequent eating out contribute to high salt intake. Strategies such as awareness campaigns, sodium content labeling, and product reformulation have been implemented, but face barriers such as poor consumer acceptance and lack of guidelines. Enablers such as prioritizing salt reduction, creating awareness, collaboration, research and technology, and incentives and salt tax have been proposed.
HEALTH RESEARCH POLICY AND SYSTEMS
(2023)
Article
Education, Scientific Disciplines
Mary Chan Mei Yen, Tania Islam, Corrine Ellsworth-Beaumont, Sarinder Kaur Dhillon, Mogana Darshini Ganggayah, Nur Aishah Taib
Summary: This study evaluated the confidence levels and perceived knowledge of participants in identifying breast cancer symptoms before and after exposure to Know Your Lemons (KYL) tools. The results showed a significant improvement in knowledge and confidence levels after using the KYL tools.
JOURNAL OF EDUCATION AND HEALTH PROMOTION
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Oncology
Tania Islam, Syahidatul Akmal Azmi, Suniza Jamarish, Fatiha Hana Shaharuddin, Julia Patrick Engkasan, Nur Aishah Taib
CANCER EPIDEMIOLOGY BIOMARKERS & PREVENTION
(2023)
