Journal of Taibah University Medical Sciences最新文献

{"title":"Oxidative DNA damage level and lipid peroxidation status in subclinical hypothyroid patients compared with euthyroid individuals","authors":"Heevi A. Rajab MSc,&nbsp;Hishyar A. Najeeb PhD,&nbsp;Dildar H. Musa FACS","doi":"10.1016/j.jtumed.2026.07.008","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtumed.2026.07.008","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study focused on measuring oxidative DNA damage and oxidative stress biomarkers in subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) patients to gain insight on the condition's contribution to metabolic consequences. Additionally, it assesses the impact of levothyroxine replacement therapy on oxidative stress and DNA damage in patients with SCH over a specified duration of treatment.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A case–control study was done at the Diabetes and Endocrine Center, Azadi Teaching Hospital, Duhok, Kurdistan Region, Iraq, from June 2024 to February 2025. The participants were divided into four groups: euthyroid controls (G1, n = 80), previously treated SCH (G2, n = 44), newly diagnosed SCH (G3, n = 105), and newly diagnosed SCH patients on follow-up levothyroxine therapy (LT4) (G4, n = 20). Oxidative stress and oxidative DNA damage biomarkers were assessed and compared in all study groups.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The research comprised 249 participants: 169 with SCH and 80 euthyroid controls. Compared to G1, oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) and total oxidant status (TOS) were higher in groups G2, G3, and G4 (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.0001). The marker of oxidative DNA damage 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) was significantly higher in G3 and G4. The oxidative stress index (OSI) was higher in the SCH groups compared to controls. Total antioxidant status (TAS) was significantly decreased compared to controls (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.0001). There were no significant differences regarding the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) between the groups.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>SCH patients, especially newly diagnosed, show elevated oxidative stress, DNA damage, and reduced antioxidant capacity versus euthyroid controls, elucidating metabolic complications and validating oxidative biomarkers for early risk stratification.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":46806,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Taibah University Medical Sciences","volume":"21 4","pages":"Pages 835-843"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148657251","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The key role of RANKL and OPG as molecular biomarkers in bone remodeling associated with different grafts regarding socket preservation: A systematic review","authors":"Firas A. Jamil MSc,&nbsp;Saif S. Abdulrazzaq FIBMS","doi":"10.1016/j.jtumed.2026.07.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtumed.2026.07.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>Bone remodeling usually depends on complex molecular signaling, where receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) are key modulators that regulate osteoclastogenesis and the overall bone metabolism process. The aims of this systematic review were to evaluate the effects of different graft materials on RANKL and OPG expression following alveolar ridge preservation.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Electronic literature searches were performed in Embase via Ovid, Medline via Ovid, CINAHL, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, in addition to manual searches regarding all related articles. The PRISMA guidelines and PICO framework were followed in this systematic review. The inclusion criteria were limited to studies published in English that focused on RANKL and/or OPG biomarker outcomes in post-extraction dental sockets preserved with various types of bone grafts. The extracted data were synthesized in a standardized MS Excel form, including general study characteristics, graft interventional details, and RANKL/OPG expression, in addition to other outcomes regarding bone healing. Risk of bias was assessed using ROBINS-I and RYRCLE tools, as well as certainty of evidence for the studies included.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The initial search yielded 307 articles. After thorough screening and reviewing stages, 12 studies were finally selected for inclusion and comprehensive analysis. The findings showed that socket preservation with different grafts led to significant differences in promoting RANKL downregulation and OPG upregulation compared with controls, where composite grafts obtained superior outcomes than other types. The lowest RANKL/OPG ratio (0.11) was reported for a biologically enhanced autograft, whereas using a synthetic graft alone had the highest value (1.88).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Bone substitutes that combine bioactive agents with scaffolds may provide potential benefits for socket preservation, possibly through modulating the RANKL/OPG axis. However, their superior performance compared with other grafts and the reliability of using the RANKL/OPG ratio as a predictive biomarker remain uncertain, warranting further clinical investigation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":46806,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Taibah University Medical Sciences","volume":"21 4","pages":"Pages 802-816"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13392943/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148580652","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Quality, readability, and transparency of Arabic online health information on temporomandibular disorders: An infodemiological analysis of 408 websites","authors":"Marwan H. Aljohani Clin PhD (OMFS),&nbsp;Abeer S. AL-Mouallad Phd (Cardiff),&nbsp;Reem H. Alhammad BDS,&nbsp;Walaa F. Alturki BDS,&nbsp;Basmah A. Qumqumji BDS,&nbsp;Alanoud N. Almohammadi BDS,&nbsp;Albraa B. Alolayan Adv. Dip.(OMFS)","doi":"10.1016/j.jtumed.2026.07.007","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtumed.2026.07.007","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are a common cause of chronic orofacial pain, and patients are increasingly using the Internet to locate health information. However, the quality of web-based information, especially in Arabic, has not been previously evaluated.</div></div><div><h3>Methodology</h3><div>In this study, we analyzed 408 Arabic language websites, including those for medical centers, dental centers, non-profit organizations, and universities. The DISCERN instrument, Journal of the American Medical Association standards, and Health On the Net (HONcode) certification were used to assess quality and reliability. Adapted Flesch Reading Ease (FRE), Flesch–Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL), and Simplified Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG) indices were used as measures of readability.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Quality and transparency varied significantly across website affiliations (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.001). Only 11% of sites had a HONcode certification, 31.4% included source attributions, and 59.6% disclosed authorship. The overall mean DISCERN quality scores ranged between 3.33 and 3.87 (scale 1–5). The quality varied significantly between affiliated websites (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.001). Video content was present on 6.9% of the websites and audio content on 0.03% of websites. No validated Arabic-language instruments exist for readability assessment, so the FRE, FKGL, and SMOG indices (all developed for English) produced unrealistic values (mean FRE = 174.41), and given the scale of 0–100, it was impossible to reach any conclusions.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Significant shortcomings were found in terms of transparency, evidence attribution, and balance in the presentation of TMD information online in Arabic. We recommend the creation of evidence-based, methodological, and patient-centered Arabic digital health content on TMDs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":46806,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Taibah University Medical Sciences","volume":"21 4","pages":"Pages 844-855"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148738743","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of mesenchymal stem cell secretome on osteoclast- and osteogenesis-related markers during orthodontic relapse","authors":"Adya Pramusita PhD ,&nbsp;Ida B. Narmada PhD ,&nbsp;Ervina R. Winoto PhD ,&nbsp;Alida Alida MSc ,&nbsp;Fitri D.A. Pratiwi BDS ,&nbsp;Labieb F. Zaky BDS ,&nbsp;Ari Triwardhani PhD ,&nbsp;I.G.A.W. Ardani PhD ,&nbsp;Wibi Riawan PhD ,&nbsp;Desy Novianti BDS ,&nbsp;Nurul A.R. Putranti PhD ,&nbsp;Ananda F. Putranto PhD ,&nbsp;Tengku N.E.B.T.A. Noor BDS ,&nbsp;Alexander P. Nugraha PhD","doi":"10.1016/j.jtumed.2026.05.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtumed.2026.05.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>The mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) secretome has emerged as a promising cell-free approach for modulating bone remodeling, but its effects during the orthodontic relapse phase remain poorly understood. This study investigated the effects of the human umbilical cord-derived MSC (hUC-MSC) secretome on alveolar bone remodeling during orthodontic relapse.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Forty-one male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to three groups: negative control (C−), positive control (C+), and secretome-treated relapse group (S). S rats were subjected to submucosal injections of the hUC-MSC secretome, whereas the control groups received submucosal injection of phosphate-buffered saline. Orthodontic force was applied for 14 days to move the maxillary first molars mesially. Relapse began on day 14 after the appliance was removed. A retention device was placed only in C− rats. The rats were sacrificed on days 21 and 28, and the expression levels were assessed for cathepsin K (CTSK), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), osteoprotegerin, receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and osteocalcin (OCN) via immunohistochemistry.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Quantitative analysis demonstrated that the TRAP and CTSK expression levels were significantly lower in S than C−, but remained comparable to those in C+. In addition, the RANKL/OPG ratio was consistently lowest in S at both time points compared with C− and C+. Furthermore, across both observation periods, the expression levels of ALP and OCN were significantly higher in S compared with C−.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The hUC-MSC secretome may promote a favorable alveolar bone remodeling balance at the tension side during orthodontic relapse by suppressing osteoclastic activity and enhancing osteoblastic activity.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":46806,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Taibah University Medical Sciences","volume":"21 3","pages":"Pages 559-567"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148167696","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Improving MCQ quality using a self-evaluation checklist: A quasi-experimental study","authors":"Ayesha Sadiqa MCPS-HPE (CPSP), Bioethics Certification (Harvard), Ph.D. Physiology, CHPE, M.Phil., MHRM (PU), BDS,&nbsp;Abid Ashar FDSRCS (England), MCPS-HPE (CPSP), BDS (Punjab)","doi":"10.1016/j.jtumed.2026.05.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtumed.2026.05.006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To improve the quality of multiple-choice questions created by our faculty using a standardized checklist as an intervention.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>A pre–post quasi-experimental design was employed involving the faculty of basic medical sciences without a control group, to assess the impact of a self-evaluation checklist as an intervention tool on the quality of MCQs. Faculty members were familiarized with the predesigned checklist in an interactive training session. After the intervention, only self-evaluated MCQs were included. MCQ quality was measured through item analysis before and after the intervention. The Chi-square test was used to assess statistical significance.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Using a checklist did not significantly improve MCQs' reliability, with a shift from “low” to “acceptable” internal exam consistency. There was a mixed response to the checklist in terms of the distribution of the difficulty levels of MCQs, with a slight increase in “difficult items” for anatomy and oral biology, a moderate decrease in “easy items” and a slight rise in “good/acceptable items” for physiology, and little to no change for biochemistry. Similarly, the results indicated that using a checklist decreased the discriminative ability of exam items in most subjects. However, a statistically significant improvement was observed in MCQs, with a proportional increase in the number of MCQs featuring “well-functioning distractors,” with increases of 26.43%, 12.5%, and 46.66% in the distractor efficiency for anatomy, biochemistry, and oral biology, respectively. Moreover, using a checklist improved the academic performance of students, particularly by reducing the number of students who performed “poorly” across most subjects, and significantly increasing the “good” ratings for anatomy, biochemistry, and oral biology, while more students achieved “satisfactory” in physiology.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Using a checklist for MCQ construction improved the quality of MCQs with well-functioning distractors, internal consistency of MCQs in exams, but had less impact on other item analysis parameters.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":46806,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Taibah University Medical Sciences","volume":"21 3","pages":"Pages 576-585"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148167699","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Characterization of nano α-TCP: Setting time, antibacterial activity and cytotoxicity on fibroblast cells","authors":"Nadya L. Riany Sp.KG ,&nbsp;Selviana Wulansari Sp.KG (K) ,&nbsp;Ade P. Dwisaptarini Sp.KG (K)., PhD ,&nbsp;Moehamad O. Roeslan MKes., PhD., PBO. ,&nbsp;Thalia C. Maharani SKG. ,&nbsp;Faradilla J. Azzahra SKG.","doi":"10.1016/j.jtumed.2026.05.009","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtumed.2026.05.009","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Nano α-Tricalcium Phosphate (nano α-TCP) is a potential pulp capping material due to its calcium/phosphate ion release, antibacterial properties, and biocompatibility.</div></div><div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>To evaluate the setting time, antibacterial activity against <em>Streptococcus mutans</em>, and cytotoxicity of nano α-TCP.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Setting time was measured using the Vicat test. Antibacterial activity was assessed by direct contact testing at concentrations of 100%, 50%, and 25%. Cytotoxicity on fibroblasts was evaluated using the CCK-8 assay after 24 and 72 hours.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Nano α-TCP at 100% concentration showed the strongest antibacterial effect and the fastest setting time. All tested concentrations maintained high fibroblast viability, indicating low cytotoxicity.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Nano α-TCP effectively inhibits <em>S. mutans</em>, sets rapidly, and is biocompatible, supporting its potential as a pulp capping material.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":46806,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Taibah University Medical Sciences","volume":"21 3","pages":"Pages 594-600"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148167697","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Streptomyces GMR22 exhibits anti-Porphyromonas gingivalis activity and binding affinity toward gingipain K and dipeptidyl aminopeptidase IV","authors":"Hera Nirwati Dr. ,&nbsp;Ema Damayanti Dr. ,&nbsp;Metamalik Pasala M.Biomed ,&nbsp;Eti N. Sholikhah Dr. ,&nbsp;Mustofa Mustofa Ph.D ,&nbsp;Jaka Widada Ph.D","doi":"10.1016/j.jtumed.2026.05.010","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtumed.2026.05.010","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>Biofilm-forming oral bacteria, particularly <em>Porphyromonas gingivalis</em>, pose serious concerns, because of their increasing antimicrobial resistance. <em>Streptomyces</em> sp. GMR22, a soil bacterium, has a large genome and is a potent antimicrobial agent. Herein, we investigated the metabolites of GMR22 responsible for antibacterial activity against <em>P. gingivalis</em>.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>GMR22 metabolites are produced via fermentation, extraction, and fractionation. Antibacterial assays with the microdilution method were performed on <em>P. gingivalis</em> ATCC 33277 and confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Potentially active compounds were identified through untargeted metabolomics with ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS). The binding affinities of the active compounds were evaluated through in silico molecular docking to gingipain K (KGP) and dipeptidyl aminopeptidase IV (DAP) proteins from <em>P. gingivalis</em>.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Two active fractions of GMR22 (F13 and F14) showed the highest antibacterial activity against <em>P. gingivalis</em>, with IC₅₀ values of 20.01 and 17.44 μg/mL, respectively. SEM confirmed markedly decreased bacterial cell growth after 24 h of treatment with these fractions at 50 μg/mL under anaerobic conditions. Untargeted UHPLC-HRMS indicated that the major constituents of F13 included α-linolenic acid, β-muricholic acid, and 16-hydroxyhexadecanoic acid, whereas F14 was enriched in 2,2′-methylenebis(4-methyl-6-tert-butylphenol) and myristyl sulfate. In silico molecular docking analysis against KGP (PDB 6I9A) and DAP (PDB 2EEP) indicated that α-linolenic acid had the highest affinity (−6.92 and −7.45 kcal/mol, respectively) among all compounds (−3.38 to −5.08, respectively, and −4.08 to −6.58 kcal/mol, respectively) and native ligands (−4.75 and −4.75 kcal/mol, respectively).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Collectively, our data identified α-linolenic acid as a major metabolite in the GMR22 fraction with in vitro anti-<em>P. gingivalis</em> activity and favorable predicted binding to biofilm- and virulence-relevant targets. <em>Streptomyces</em> sp. GMR22 metabolites therefore offer promising leads for anti-<em>P. gingivalis</em> therapeutics.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":46806,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Taibah University Medical Sciences","volume":"21 3","pages":"Pages 601-609"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148167700","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of alpha-pinene on depressive behaviors in a dextromethorphan-induced depression model in rats","authors":"Danial Hasanisadr DVM ,&nbsp;Kaveh Rahimi PhD ,&nbsp;Zohreh Ghotbeddin PhD","doi":"10.1016/j.jtumed.2026.05.007","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtumed.2026.05.007","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Depression, a multifactorial psychiatric disorder, affects millions of people worldwide and has limited effective therapeutic options. This study was aimed at investigating the potential antidepressant effects of alpha-pinene (aPI) in a dextromethorphan (DEX)-induced pharmacological model in rats.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Thirty-two adult male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 8). The control group received the vehicle (DMSO diluted in saline, 0.5 mL/kg, IP) for 14 days. The model group was administered DEX (40 mg/kg, IP) for 14 days to induce neurobehavioral alterations associated with depressive-like states. Two treatment groups received alpha-pinene (5 or 10 mg/kg, IP), which was dissolved in DMSO diluted in saline and administered 30 min before DEX injection for 14 days. Behavioral assessments, including the sucrose preference test, tail suspension test, and forced swimming test, were conducted to evaluate depressive-like behaviors. Hippocampal levels of TNF-α and MDA were measured with ELISA to assess neuroinflammation and oxidative stress.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>DEX administration resulted in significant depressive-like behaviors, as evidenced by increased immobility in the forced swimming test and tail suspension test, and decreased sucrose preference (P &lt; 0.001). Treatment with alpha-pinene (5 and 10 mg/kg) significantly ameliorated these behavioral alterations (P &lt; 0.05), and no significant difference was observed between doses. Additionally, DEX significantly elevated hippocampal TNF-α and MDA levels, whereas alpha-pinene treatment markedly decreased these levels (P &lt; 0.05).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>These findings suggest that alpha-pinene exerts antidepressant-like effects in a DEX-induced pharmacological model, potentially through modulation of neuroinflammatory and oxidative stress pathways. Nevertheless, confirmation in well-validated animal models of depression is required to strengthen the translational relevance of these findings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":46806,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Taibah University Medical Sciences","volume":"21 3","pages":"Pages 568-575"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148167701","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Nurses’ experiences in pediatric cerebral palsy care: Insights from a transitional health system","authors":"Nursultan Abdigapbar,&nbsp;Ejercito Balay-Odao,&nbsp;Joseph Almazan","doi":"10.1016/j.jtumed.2026.05.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtumed.2026.05.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>In transitional healthcare systems, such as Kazakhstan, caring for children with cerebral palsy (CP) places substantial physical and emotional demands on nurses, but their experiences remain largely undocumented in post-Soviet contexts. CP care requires continuous support, complex clinical tasks, and close collaboration with caregivers, so understanding the perspectives of nurses is essential for improving pediatric neurodisability services.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>This study explored the lived experiences of nurses caring for children with CP in a tertiary hospital in Kazakhstan, focusing on the clinical, emotional, and institutional factors that shaped their practice.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A descriptive qualitative design was used. Twelve nurses were homogeneously purposively sampled, and data were collected through semi-structured, face-to-face interviews conducted for 30–60 min between March and April 2025. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using Braun and Clarke's six-step thematic framework. Ethical approval was obtained from Nazarbayev University and the University Medical Center ethics committees.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Five themes emerged: (1) significant physical and resource-related challenges; (2) emotional labor, resilience, and risk of burnout; (3) caregiver dynamics involving stress, conflict, education, and collaboration; (4) professional and personal growth through skills development, empathy, and identity formation; and (5) workplace satisfaction shaped by institutional and peer support. Nurses exhibited strong ethical commitment, frequently compensating for systemic limitations.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This first exploration of CP nursing experiences in Kazakhstan reveals how cultural norms, institutional gaps, and post-Soviet healthcare legacies influence pediatric neurodisability care. Emotional labor functions both as a vulnerability and a key component of professional identity. Strengthening the assistive infrastructure, psychological support services, and CP specific nurse education is essential for enhancing the care quality and sustaining the pediatric nursing workforce.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":46806,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Taibah University Medical Sciences","volume":"21 3","pages":"Pages 548-558"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148167698","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Hip flexor and ankle dorsiflexor strength associated with gait speed in post-stroke hemiparesis: Cross-sectional study","authors":"Vishal Vennu PhD ,&nbsp;Emad Moftah MSc ,&nbsp;Saad M. Bindawas PhD","doi":"10.1016/j.jtumed.2026.05.011","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtumed.2026.05.011","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>Lower-limb flexor muscle strength, including hip flexor (HF) and ankle dorsiflexor (AD) strength, is important for limb advancement and walking after stroke. However, their individual and combined associations with gait speed (GS) in adults with post-stroke hemiparesis are not well understood, especially in KSA. Thus, the present study examined the individual and combined associations of HF and AD strength with GS in this population.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This cross-sectional study included 60 ambulatory adults with post-stroke hemiparesis who were recruited from a tertiary rehabilitation hospital in Riyadh. Isometric HF and AD strength (N·m/kg) were measured using standardized handheld dynamometry. GS (m/s) was assessed using an electronic walkway. Associations were analyzed based on Pearson's correlation coefficients (<em>r</em>) and linear regression, both unadjusted and adjusted for age, sex, stroke type, stroke chronicity, hemiparesis side, and body mass index.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>HF strength was more strongly correlated with GS (<em>r</em> = 0.45; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.22–0.63; <em>P</em> &lt; 0.001) than AD strength (<em>r</em> = 0.27; 95% CI, 0.01–0.49; P = 0.041). In the adjusted regression models, HF strength remained significantly associated with GS (β = 0.74; <em>P</em> = 0.001), explaining 41% of the variance. AD was not significantly associated with GS when both variables were included. These coefficients were partially adjusted because the models excluded relevant muscle groups, such as knee extensors and ankle plantar flexors.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>HF strength was associated with GS in post-stroke hemiparesis, whereas AD strength did not provide additional explanatory value. These findings may support prioritizing proximal lower-limb strengthening during stroke rehabilitation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":46806,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Taibah University Medical Sciences","volume":"21 3","pages":"Pages 586-593"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148167811","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}