Beyond words: analyzing non-verbal communication techniques in a medical communication skills course via synchronous online platform.

Background: Effective doctor-patient relationships hinge on robust communication skills, with non-verbal communication techniques (NVC) often overlooked, particularly in online synchronous interactions. This study delves into the exploration of NVC types during online feedback sessions for communication skill activities in a medical education module. Methods: A cohort of 100 first-year medical students and 10 lecturers at the Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), engaged in communication skills activities via Microsoft Teams. Sessions were recorded, and lecturer NVC, encompassing body position, facial expressions, voice intonation, body movements, eye contact, and paralinguistics, were meticulously observed. Following these sessions, students provided reflective writings highlighting their perceptions of the feedback, specifically focusing on observed NVC. Results: The study identified consistent non-verbal communication patterns during feedback sessions. Lecturers predominantly leaned forward and toward the camera, maintained direct eye contact, and exhibited dynamic voice intonation. They frequently engaged in tactile gestures and paused to formulate thoughts, often accompanied by filler sounds like "um" and "okay." This consistency suggests proficient use of NVC in providing synchronous online feedback. Less observed NVC included body touching and certain paralinguistic cues like long sighs. Initial student apprehension, rooted in feelings of poor performance during activities, transformed positively upon observing the lecturer's facial expressions and cheerful intonation. This transformation fostered an open reception of feedback, motivating students to address communication skill deficiencies. Additionally, students expressed a preference for comfortable learning environments to alleviate uncertainties during feedback reception. Potential contrivances in non-verbal communication (NVC) due to lecturer awareness of being recorded, a small sample size of 10 lecturers limiting generalizability, a focus solely on preclinical lecturers, and the need for future research to address these constraints and explore diverse educational contexts. Conclusion: Medical schools globally should prioritize integrating NVC training into their curricula to equip students with essential communication skills for diverse healthcare settings. The study's findings serve as a valuable reference for lecturers, emphasizing the importance of employing effective NVC during online feedback sessions. This is crucial as NVC, though occurring online synchronously, remains pivotal in conveying nuanced information. Additionally, educators require ongoing professional development to enhance proficiency in utilizing NVC techniques in virtual learning environments. Potential research directions stemming from the study's findings include longitudinal investigations into the evolution of NVC patterns, comparative analyses across disciplines, cross-cultural examinations, interventions to improve NVC skills, exploration of technology's role in NVC enhancement, qualitative studies on student perceptions, and interdisciplinary collaborations to deepen understanding of NVC in virtual learning environments.

Associations between meteorological variation and hospitalisations for rotavirus infections in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Objectives: Rotavirus (RoV) infections have emerged as a significant public health concern around the world. Understanding the relationship between climatic conditions and hospitalisations due to RoV infections can help engage effective prevention strategies. This study aims to investigate the potential associations between meteorological variability and RoV-related hospitalisations in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Methods: Hospitalization data from a tertiary teaching hospital in Kuala Lumpur over a twelve-year period were retrospectively collected. Concurrently, meteorological data were obtained from the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) including variables of temperature, humidity, precipitation, and atmospheric pressure to further demonstrate relationship with RoV-associated hospitalisations. Results: The results indicated positive correlations between increased rainfall, rainy days, humidity, and RoV-related hospitalisations, suggesting the influence of environmental factors on the transmission of RoV. Conclusions: This study highlights positive associations between meteorological variations and hospitalizations for RoV infections in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Further investigations, including national-level data, are needed to deepen our understanding of these associations, particularly within the context of Malaysia and to develop targeted interventions for disease prevention and control.

Beyond the Tropics: Unraveling the Complex Relationship between Sun Exposure, Dietary Intake, and Vitamin D Deficiency in Coastal Malaysians.

Despite Malaysia's year-round sunny climate, vitamin D deficiency is surprisingly common among Malaysians. However, we hypothesise that vitamin D levels among coastal populations are above average. Thus, we aim to investigate vitamin D levels and correlate them with the potential contributing factors from three selected coastal villages in Johor, Melaka, and Negeri Sembilan. Convenient sampling was employed to recruit 120 Malay male and female participants, and dried blood spots (DBS) were obtained to measure 25 (OH) vitamin D3 levels via immunoassay. Participants also completed two questionnaires: the Sun Exposure and Protection Index (SEPI) and a validated food frequency questionnaire for Malaysians. The participant pool comprised 35.20% males and 64.80% females who completed all questionnaires and underwent DBS sampling. Our analysis revealed a significant difference (p < 0.05) based on skin tones, impacting various facets of the SEPI, including sunscreen usage, protective clothing utilisation, and the adoption of protective headwear. Furthermore, gender emerged as another pivotal factor, demonstrating significant distinctions in these SEPI components. Nevertheless, there is a weak correlation between SEPI scores and vitamin D levels. Subsequent regression analysis did produce statistically significant results (p = 0.018), yet the associated low R2 value indicated a weak correlation between dietary vitamin D intake that impacts vitamin D levels. In conclusion, our preliminary findings indicate that sun exposure and dietary factors are not the sole determinants of 25-OH vitamin D3 levels. However, we require more samples from various coastal locations for a definitive justification.

Understanding Challenges of Genetic Testing on Neuromuscular Disorders from the Parental Lens.

Neuromuscular disorders, characterized by progressive muscle degeneration and weakness, present substantial challenges to both affected individuals and their families. Genetic testing assumes a pivotal role in facilitating early diagnosis, intervention, treatment, and informed family planning for these conditions. The objective of this qualitative study is to delve into the knowledge, awareness, and perceptions surrounding genetic testing within the cohort of parents caring for individuals with neuromuscular disorders in Malaysia. A semi-structured interview approach was employed to elicit data from parents of individuals diagnosed with neuromuscular disorders, encompassing those with clinical diagnoses and those diagnosed through genetic testing. Examination of the interview responses yielded nine overarching themes, which furnish invaluable insights into the perspectives of Malaysian parents concerning genetic testing. The study discerned several challenges associated with genetic testing, notably encompassing the limited awareness among parents, the financial constraints associated with genetic testing, and the perceived significance of genetic testing in the context of neuromuscular disorders. The findings suggest that the level of knowledge and awareness pertaining to genetic testing for neuromuscular disorders among parents in Malaysia varies, with initial levels of awareness ranging from relatively low to reasonably sufficient prior to and following the birth of an affected child. However, the investigation revealed that parents tended to cultivate more favorable perceptions regarding genetic testing subsequent to their experience with genetic counseling. This underscores the potential for heightened awareness and comprehension as a consequence of the personal experience of parenting an affected child confirmed through genetic testing and genetic counseling, ultimately influencing parental awareness.

Nutritional status as predictors for quality of life among caregivers of children with severe cerebral palsy.

Background: Individuals with severe cerebral palsy (CP) often experience various health issues, including feeding difficulties, which can adversely affect their nutritional status and caregivers' quality of life, e.g., more time spent for feeding rather than own selfcare. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of poor nutritional status among individuals with severe CP and explore its role as predictors for caregivers' quality of life. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a government hospital (Cheras Rehabilitation Hospital), Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) Program, and Spastic Centre [non-profit organization (NGO)] in Klang Valley, Malaysia. Seventy-one participants with Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level IV and V were recruited. Sociodemographic data, health-associated data, and anthropometric data were collected. Caregivers' quality of life was assessed using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) CP module version 3.0 which included domains such as Movement and Balance, Eating Activities, and School Activities. Results: Most participants were males (60.6%), with 61 classified as level IV in the GMFCS classification. According to the Eating and Drinking Ability Classification System (EDACS), 59 children were at level IV. In total, 40.8% were underweight according to CP growth chart and 49.3% had mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) readings below the 5th percentile. The lowest scores in the PedsQL CP module version 3.0 were observed in the Daily Activities (5.34±10.87), and School Activities domains (8.15±18.65). Sociodemographic and anthropometric data, including body mass index (BMI)-for-age, MUAC, body fat, triceps, and subscapular skinfold measurement, were predictors for the School Activities domain [F (11, 44)=3.981, P<0.005, R2=0.499]. Conclusions: Poor nutritional status in individuals with severe CP has been shown to negatively impact caregivers' quality of life. Therefore, a multidisciplinary approach involving nutritional intervention is essential to improve dietary provision and the nutritional status of children with CP.

Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT): Reliability, Challenges, and Future Directions.

Non-invasive prenatal testing was first discovered in 1988; it was primarily thought to be able to detect common aneuploidies, such as Patau syndrome (T13), Edward Syndrome (T18), and Down syndrome (T21). It comprises a simple technique involving the analysis of cell-free foetal DNA (cffDNA) obtained through maternal serum, using advances in next-generation sequencing. NIPT has shown promise as a simple and low-risk screening test, leading various governments and private organizations worldwide to dedicate significant resources towards its integration into national healthcare initiatives as well as the formation of consortia and research studies aimed at standardizing its implementation. This article aims to review the reliability of NIPT while discussing the current challenges prevalent among different communities worldwide.

Immunomodulatory Role of Vitamin D on Gut Microbiome in Children.

Vitamin D plays a role in regulating the immune system and can be linked to the alteration of the gut microbiome, which leads to several immunological diseases. This systematic review aims to explore the relationship between Vitamin D and children's gut microbiome, as well as its impact towards the immune system. We have systematically collated relevant studies from different databases concerning changes in the gut microbiome of children from infants to 18 years old associated with Vitamin D and the immunological pathways. The studies utilized 16S rRNA sequencing analysis of fecal matter with or without Vitamin D supplementation and Vitamin D levels. Ten studies were selected for the review, among which eight studies showed significant alterations in the gut microbiome related to Vitamin D supplementation or Vitamin D levels. The taxa of the phylum Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria are the most altered in these studies. The alteration of the taxa alters the Th1 and Th2 pathways and changes the immune response. We will discuss how Vitamin D may contribute to the activation of immune pathways via its effects on intestinal barrier function, microbiome composition, and/or direct effects on immune responses. In conclusion, the studies examined in this review have provided evidence that Vitamin D levels may have an impact on the composition of children's gut microbiomes.

Scoping Review on Epigenetic Mechanisms in Primary Immune Thrombocytopenia.

Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune blood disorder that involves multiple pathways responsible for the homeostasis of the immune system. Numerous pieces of literature have proposed the potential of immune-related genes as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, which mostly implicate the role of B cells and T cells in the pathogenesis of ITP. However, a more in-depth understanding is required of how these immune-related genes are regulated. Thus, this scoping review aims to collate evidence and further elucidate each possible epigenetics mechanism in the regulation of immunological pathways pertinent to the pathogenesis of ITP. This encompasses DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNA. A total of 41 studies were scrutinized to further clarify how each of the epigenetics mechanisms is related to the pathogenesis of ITP. Identifying epigenetics mechanisms will provide a new paradigm that may assist in the diagnosis and treatment of immune thrombocytopenia.

Biomarkers for Premature Coronary Artery Disease (PCAD): A Case Control Study.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is often associated with the older generation. However, in recent years, there is an increasing trend in the prevalence of CAD among the younger population; this is known as premature CAD. Although biomarkers for CAD have been established, there are limited studies focusing on premature CAD especially among the Malay male population. Thus, the aim of this research was to compare the biomarkers between premature CAD (PCAD) and older CAD (OCAD) among Malay males. Subjects, recruited from the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre and National Heart Institution, were divided into four groups: healthy control < 45 years old; premature CAD (PCAD) < 45 years old; healthy control > 60 years old; and older CAD (OCAD) > 60 years old, with n = 30 for each group. Ten potential markers for CAD including soluble sVCAM-1, sICAM-1, interleukin-2, interleukin-6, interleukin-10, Apo-E and Apo-A1, homocysteine, CRP, and vitamin D levels were examined. Our results revealed premature CAD patients had significantly higher values (p < 0.05) of sVCAM-1, CRP, interleukin-6, and vitamin D when compared to the age-matched controls. Similarly, older CAD patients showed higher levels of sVCAM-1, CRP, and interleukin-2 when compared to their age-matched controls. After adjusting for multiple parameters, only CRP remained significant for PCAD and interleukin-2 remained significant for CAD. This indicates that premature CAD and older CAD patients showed different profiles of protein biomarkers. CRP has the potential to become a biomarker for premature CAD while interleukin-2 is a better biomarker for older CAD together with other typical panels of protein biomarkers.

Knowledge, awareness, and perception on genetic testing for primary immunodeficiency disease among parents in Malaysia: a qualitative study.

Background: Primary Immunodeficiency Disease (PID), also known as Inborn Errors of Immunity (IEI), comprises a group of rare genetic disorders that impair the body's immune responses. These conditions result from monogenic germline mutations that affect the function of genes governing the innate and adaptive immune system. Therefore, individuals with PID are more susceptible to infectious diseases, allergies, and autoimmune and autoinflammatory conditions. The prevalence of PID has been on the rise, with the number of classified diseases reaching 404, and 430 genetic defects reported to cause these conditions. However, in Malaysia, genetic testing for PID is currently limited and needs to be outsourced to overseas laboratories, posing financial challenges for families. Moreover, limited research has focused on the knowledge and awareness of genetic testing among parents of children with PID in Malaysia. This study aims to address this gap and provide valuable insights into the knowledge, awareness, and perception of genetic testing among this specific population. Method: This qualitative cross-sectional study utilised online open-ended, semi-structured focus group interviews to explore the perceptions and experiences of parents of children with Primary Immunodeficiency (PID). Participants were recruited through convenience sampling from the Malaysian Patient Organisation for Primary Immunodeficiencies (MyPOPI), a non-governmental organisation dedicated to providing support and raising awareness about PID. The study spanned from May 2023 to July 2023 and included participants from diverse regions of Malaysia who had undergone different diagnostic journeys in various hospitals. Result: The focus group discussions yielded 11 sub-themes that highlighted the experiences, understanding and challenges of the participants regarding genetic testing based on the semi-structured questions. These sub-themes were then grouped into four main themes that are awareness and understanding of genetic testing, the journey towards diagnosis and treatment, emotional impact and psychological factors, and the importance of medical experts in diagnosing and managing PID, as well as public perception and awareness. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study highlights the diverse knowledge, awareness, and perception surrounding genetic testing for PID. Factors such as access to services, family history, and personal circumstances shape individuals' understanding of genetic testing. The importance of healthcare professionals, along with the need for improved accessibility and targeted communication strategies, is underscored to enhance understanding and reduce stigma surrounding genetic testing for rare diseases like PID.

A Review of Food Texture Modification among Individuals with Cerebral Palsy: The Challenges among Cerebral Palsy Families.

Individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) frequently present with multiple feeding problems, which may require food texture modification to ensure safe feeding. This review aims to explore the challenges individuals with CP and their caregiver's face and recommend modified food textures to ensure safety and improve the quality of life and nutritional status. A systematic search was carried out through four databases (i.e., EBSCO (Medline), PubMed, Science Direct, and Web of Science) between January 2011 and May 2022. Out of 86 articles retrieved, seven were selected based on keywords and seven other studies through manual search-five cross-sectional studies, two qualitative studies, one correlational study, one mixed method study, one case-control study, two sections of books, and two educational materials. The findings suggest that preparation and intake of food with modified texture play a necessary role in the safety of swallowing in addition to physical, social, and environmental aspects. Safety was found to be the crucial part of the food texture modification provision besides considering the stress of the caregivers and the nutritional status of individuals with CP. Currently, there are no standard guidelines available pertaining to food texture modification. This led to uncertainties in the dietary provision among caregivers, which may lead to undernourishment. Hence, standard guidelines relating to food texture modification that focuses on food preparation and menus with calorie and nutrient information are timely to be developed.

Kawasaki Disease with Hepatobiliary Manifestations.

Background and Objectives: Kawasaki Disease (KD) incidence has been on the rise globally throughout the years, particularly in the Asia Pacific region. KD can be diagnosed based on several clinical criteria. Due to its systemic inflammatory nature, multi-organ involvement has been observed, making the diagnosis of KD more challenging. Notably, several studies have reported KD patients presenting with hepatobiliary abnormalities. Nonetheless, comprehensive data regarding the hepatobiliary manifestations of KD are limited in Malaysia, justifying a more in-depth study of the disease in this country. Thus, in this article, we aim to discuss KD patients in Malaysia with hepatobiliary manifestations. Materials and Methods: A total of six KD patients with hepatobiliary findings who presented at Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz (HCTM) from 2004 to 2021 were selected and included. Variables including the initial presenting signs and symptoms, clinical progress, laboratory investigations such as liver function test (LFT), and ultrasound findings of hepatobiliary system were reviewed and analyzed. Results: Out of these six KD patients, there were two patients complicated with hepatitis and one patient with gallbladder hydrops. Different clinical features including jaundice (n = 3) and hepatomegaly (n = 4) were also observed. All patients received both aspirin and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) as their first-line treatment and all of them responded well to IVIG. The majority of them (n = 5) had a complete recovery and did not have any cardiovascular and hepatobiliary sequelae. Conclusions: Despite KD mostly being diagnosed with the classical clinical criteria, patients with atypical presentations should always alert physicians of KD as one of the possible differential diagnoses. This study discovered that hepatobiliary manifestations in KD patients were not uncommon. More awareness on the epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of KD patients with hepatobiliary manifestations are required to allow for the initiation of prompt treatment, thus preventing further complications.

Clinical Manifestations and Laboratory Findings of Kawasaki Disease: Beyond the Classic Diagnostic Features.

Kawasaki disease (KD) has shown a marked increase in trend over the globe, especially within the last two decades. Kawasaki disease is often seen in the paediatric population below five years old, while it is rare for those who are beyond that age. Up to this date, no exact causes has been identified although KD was found more than half a century ago. The underlying pathogenesis of the disease is still unelucidated, and researchers are trying to unlock the mystery of KD. To further complicate the diagnosis and the prompt management, a specific biomarker for the diagnosis of KD is yet to be discovered, making it hard to differentiate between KD and other diseases with a similar presentation. Nonetheless, since its discovery, clinicians and scientists alike had known more about the different clinical aspects of typical KD. Thus, this article intends to revisit and review the various clinical manifestations and laboratory characteristics of KD in order to guide the diagnosis of KD.

Platinum Nanoparticles: The Potential Antioxidant in the Human Lung Cancer Cells.

Oxidative stress-related conditions associated with lung cells, specifically lung cancer, often lead to a poor prognosis. We hypothesized that platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) can play a role in reversing oxidative stress in human lung adenocarcinoma A549 epithelial lung cell lines. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) was used to induce oxidative stress in cells, and the ability of PtNPs to lower the oxidative stress in the H2O2 treated epithelial lung cell line was determined. The differential capacity of PtNPs to remove H2O2 was studied through cell viability, nanoparticle uptake, DNA damage, ROS production, and antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase). Results indicated that a higher concentration of PtNPs exhibited a higher antioxidant capacity and was able to reduce DNA damage and quench ROS production in the presence of 350 µM H2O2. All antioxidant enzymes' activities also increased in the PtNPs treatment. Our data suggested that PtNPs could be a promising antioxidant in the treatment of lung cancer.

Preparing Medical Students for the Final Examinations During the COVID-19 Crisis: A Bumpy Ride to the Finishing Line.

In this viewpoint, we share and reflect on the experiences of final-year students preparing for a high-stakes examination at the Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia during the COVID-19 pandemic. We highlight the new challenges faced during web-based remote learning and major differences in the clinical learning environment at our teaching hospital, which was one of the designated COVID-19 centers in Malaysia. We also document how a face-to-face professional examination was conducted for final-year medical students at our institution despite in times of a global health crisis. The lessons learned throughout this process address the importance of resilience and adaptability in unprecedented times. Further, we recommend appropriate measures that could be applied by medical schools across the world to improve the delivery of quality medical education during a crisis in the years to come.

Living through the COVID-19 Pandemic: Impact and Lessons on Dietary Behavior and Physical Well-Being.

The aim of this review is to highlight the spectrum on which human behavior has been affected by blanket restriction measures and on a wider scale, the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of the human behaviors that have been impacted by the COVID-19 lockdown are dietary behavior and nutrition, food options and food delivery usage, physical activity and sedentary behaviors. This is important in planning effective public health strategies with minimal detriment to all subsets of society as well as improving the distribution of government aid to populations that are more severely affected. Our main purpose is to present the literature from a rapidly growing pool of scientific research to hopefully enable a better and more comprehensive understanding of the effects of this pandemic and the lessons learnt from the accompanying restrictions, as well as policy recommendations that can be made in national pandemic responses in the future.

Kawasaki disease in Malaysia: Biochemical profile, characterization, diagnosis and treatment.

Introduction: Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute idiopathic systemic vasculitis with a self- limiting course that predominantly affects children under 5 years old, particularly in the East Asian countries. Nevertheless, to date, the data on KD in Malaysia are limited. This study aimed to evaluate the epidemiology, clinical features, treatment, and outcomes of KD among the pediatric patients admitted to Hospital Canselor Tunku Muhriz (HCTM), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Method: A retrospective cohort study of 66,500 pediatric patients presented at HCTM from the year 2004 to 2021 was conducted. Results: 62 KD cases out of 66,500 pediatric admissions were reported, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.58 to 1. Majority of KD patients (95.0%) were younger than 5 years old. Prior infection was reported in 5 KD patients (8.1%). Apart from the classical features, manifestations of various organ systems including cardiovascular (16.1%), gastrointestinal (43.5%), neurological (1.61%), musculoskeletal (1.61%), and genitourinary (17.7%) systems were observed. There was a significant association between sterile pyuria and coronary artery aneurysm (CAA) (p < 0.05). Interestingly, abnormal liver parameters (p < 0.05) and incomplete KD (p < 0.05) were significantly related to IVIG resistance. Discussion: The presence of family history, immunological disorder, and previous infection in our KD patients suggested that there is a possibility of genetic, immunological, and infectious roles in the pathophysiology of KD. IVIG resistance is more likely to occur in KD patients with hepatic dysfunction or incomplete KD presentation. These findings highlighted the significant contribution of laboratory parameters to the prognosis of KD, prompting more in-depth research on the KD scoring systems and their relevance in this country.

Acute Infectious Gastroenteritis: The Causative Agents, Omics-Based Detection of Antigens and Novel Biomarkers.

Acute infectious gastroenteritis (AGE) is among the leading causes of mortality in children less than 5 years of age worldwide. There are many causative agents that lead to this infection, with rotavirus being the commonest pathogen in the past decade. However, this trend is now being progressively replaced by another agent, which is the norovirus. Apart from the viruses, bacteria such as Salmonella and Escherichia coli and parasites such as Entamoeba histolytica also contribute to AGE. These agents can be recognised by their respective biological markers, which are mainly the specific antigens or genes to determine the causative pathogen. In conjunction to that, omics technologies are currently providing crucial insights into the diagnosis of acute infectious gastroenteritis at the molecular level. Recent advancement in omics technologies could be an important tool to further elucidate the potential causative agents for AGE. This review will explore the current available biomarkers and antigens available for the diagnosis and management of the different causative agents of AGE. Despite the high-priced multi-omics approaches, the idea for utilization of these technologies is to allow more robust discovery of novel antigens and biomarkers related to management AGE, which eventually can be developed using easier and cheaper detection methods for future clinical setting. Thus, prediction of prognosis, virulence and drug susceptibility for active infections can be obtained. Case management, risk prediction for hospital-acquired infections, outbreak detection, and antimicrobial accountability are aimed for further improvement by integrating these capabilities into a new clinical workflow.

The Interplay of Nutriepigenomics, Personalized Nutrition and Clinical Practice in Managing Food Allergy.

Food allergy in children has been a common issue due to the challenges of prescribing personalized nutrition with a lack of nutriepigenomics data. This has indeed further influenced clinical practice for appropriate management. While allergen avoidance is still the main principle in food allergy management, we require more information to advance the science behind nutrition, genes, and the immune system. Many researchers have highlighted the importance of personalized nutrition but there is a lack of data on how the decision is made. Thus, this review highlights the relationship among these key players in identifying the solution to the clinical management of food allergy with current nutriepigenomics data. The discussion integrates various inputs, including clinical assessments, biomarkers, and epigenetic information pertaining to food allergy, to curate a holistic and personalized approach to food allergy management in particular.

Exploring Eating and Nutritional Challenges for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Parents' and Special Educators' Perceptions.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disability that is frequently associated with food refusal, limited food repertoire and high-frequency single food intake mainly among children with ASD. Provision of nutrition can be very challenging due to the fact of these behavioural problems, either for the parents or special educators. Healthy nutrition is associated with providing and consuming nutritious food with results being in a good state of health. Semi-structured focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted among 20 participants at a National Autism Centre to explore their understanding towards healthy nutrition. They were parents and special educators who were actively involved with children with ASD. A series of discussions were transcribed verbatim, and four researchers examined each transcript. Inductive analysis linking codes into main thematic categories was conducted using the constant comparison approach across the full data set. The outcome suggested that participants had limited knowledge relating to the proper dietary and nutritional needs of the children. The key messages from the discussion provide a foundation on the development of a nutrition education module which involves primary caretakers of children with ASD.