IIUM Medical Journal Malaysia

New Issue Published:
IIUM Medical Journal Malaysia (IMJM)
Vol. 25 No. 02 April 2026
IIUM Medical Journal Malaysia (IMJM) has published its latest issue; Volume 25 No. 02 April 2026.
The articles are available from the following:
https://journals.iium.edu.my/kom/index.php/imjm/issue/view/63
DOI : https://doi.org/10.31436/imjm.v25i02
ISSN: 1823-4631 / E-ISSN: 2735-2285

IIUM Medical Journal Malaysia (IMJM), a peer-reviewed open-access journal published by the International Islamic University Malaysia, is indexed in several academic databases including Scopus, Web of Science (ESCI), Directory of Open Access Journals, EBSCO, and Western Pacific Region Index Medicus.

On the occasion of Eid al-Fitr, we extend our warmest wishes to all Muslims.
Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Maaf Zahir dan Batin.
May this blessed celebration bring peace and blessings to you and your loved ones. 🌙✨

Ramadan Mubarak to the global Ummah! 🌙✨

As the crescent moon ushers in this holy month, the Editorial Board of the IIUM Medical Journal Malaysia (IMJM) extends our heartfelt wishes to Muslims around the world.

In this month of reflection and devotion, we pray for your safety, peace, and true to our mission "wealth in health." May this Ramadan be a time of physical rejuvenation and spiritual growth for you and your loved ones.
Wishing you a blessed and peaceful fasting month.

Sincerely from,
IMJM Editorial Board Members.

Happy New Year 2026!
As we welcome the New Year, IIUM Medical Journal Malaysia (IMJM) extends our heartfelt wishes for good health, continued success, and meaningful achievements in medical research and academia.

Thank you for your continued support and collaboration.

Warm regards from :
IIUM MEDICAL JOURNAL MALAYSIA (IMJM)
Kulliyyah of Medicine,
IIUM Kuantan Campus

IIUM Medical Journal Malaysia (IMJM)
Vol. 25 No. 01 January 2026
Ultrasound Guided Dextrose Prolotherapy For Chronic Medial Collateral Ligament Injuries In Young Footballers

Abstract
Dextrose prolotherapy (DPT) is increasingly recognized for its regenerative potential in managing ligamentous injuries. However, evidence supporting its use in medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries among young athletes remains scarce. This case series describes four adolescent footballers (aged 14–16 years) with chronic medial knee pain unresponsive to rehabilitation. Three athletes with isolated MCL injuries achieved complete pain resolution within 4–6 weeks following ultrasound-guided 12.5% dextrose injections, combined with knee bracing and structured rehabilitation. They successfully returned to full training after passing functional assessments, with no reinjury at 3-and 6-month follow-ups. Conversely, the fourth athlete, with concomitant MCL, anterior cruciate ligament, and meniscal injuries, experienced only partial pain relief and sustained reinjury after premature return to play, ultimately requiring surgical intervention. These findings suggest that DPT may accelerate recovery in isolated chronic MCL injuries but has limited benefit in multi-ligament knee injuries.

The article is available at:
https://doi.org/10.31436/imjm.v25i01.2879
Website:
www.imjm.my

IIUM Medical Journal Malaysia (IMJM)
Vol. 25 No. 01 January 2026
Effect of Stromal Vascular Fraction and Platelet-Rich Plasma on Epithelialization in A**l Trauma Healing in Wistar Rats

Abstract
INTRODUCTION:A**l trauma should be treated immediately; early debridement should be performed to prevent infection and sepsis. The use of stromal vascular fraction (SVFs) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) have now become an alternative surgical alternative. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of stromal vascular fraction (SVFs) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on morphological scores for epithelialization during induced a**l trauma healing in Wistar rats. MATERIAL and METHODS:This experimental study assessed 32 male Wistar rats over a 2-month period. The rats were randomly allocated into four groups: Group A (negative control), Group B (a**l trauma treated with PRP + SVF), Group C (a**l trauma without PRP + SVF), and Group D (donor rats for PRP and SVF preparation; excluded from outcome a**lysis). RESULT: Although Group B (PRP+SVF) demonstrated higher epithelialization scores compared with Group C (control), the differences were not statistically significant on Day 1 (p=0.083), Day 7 (p=0.157), or Day 14 (p=0.317). However, a significant improvement in morphological scores was observed in the within-group comparison of the PRP+SVF treatment group between Day 1 and Day 14 (p=0.049). CONCLUSION: The combination of PRP and SVFs led to a significant improvement in morphological scores for epithelialization within the treatment group (PRP+SVF group) over 14 days. However, this combination therapy did not demonstrate a statistically significant acceleration of wound healing when compared to the untreated control group at the observed time points.

The article is available at:
https://doi.org/10.31436/imjm.v25i01.2725
Website:
www.imjm.my

IIUM Medical Journal Malaysia (IMJM)
Vol. 25 No. 01 January 2026
The Impact of Qur’anic Reading and Listening Duration and Frequency on Cognitive Performance and Hippocampal Function: A Systematic Review

Abstract
Engaging with the Qur'an, whether through reading or listening, necessitates complex cognitive processing of the written or spoken Arabic language. This activity demands concentration and attention, thereby engaging cognitive functions such as selective attention, Arabic language processing, and auditory perception. The purpose of this paper is to review the effects of reading and listening to the Qur'an on hippocampal cognitive function. A literature search was conducted using online databases: ScienceDirect, PubMed/ Medline, and Scopus. The keywords used in the literature search were “cognitive”, “Qur'an”, and “hippocampus”. This approach included six full-length articles. A manual search of the cited references was also used to find additional considerations for the discursive a**lysis of each topic discussed in this review. As a sacred text, the Qur'an engages both reading and listening skills and involves cognitive processes that impact memory and comprehension. Regular engagement with the Qur'anic text and its recitation can significantly improve brain activity, memory, and cognitive development. Reading and listening are essential skills for language comprehension and communication. When a person reads the Qur'an, he or she engages in visual Arabic language processing, while when listening to its recitation, the person is involved in auditory language processing. These activities stimulate different parts of the brain, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of the Qur'an text.

The article is available at:
https://doi.org/10.31436/imjm.v25i01.2925
Website:
www.imjm.my

IIUM Medical Journal Malaysia (IMJM)
Vol. 25 No. 01 January 2026
Effectiveness of Solifenacin Monotherapy and Mirabegron and Solifenacin Combination Therapy in Patients with Stent-Related Symptoms

Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Ureteral stents are commonly used for internal urinary drainage but frequently cause stent-related symptoms (USRSs), which can negatively affect patient quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the short-term effectiveness of solifenacin monotherapy compared to a solifenacin-mirabegron combination therapy in patients experiencing USRSs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This double-blind, randomised controlled trial included 54 participants with USRSs. Patients were randomised to receive either solifenacin 5 mg/day (monotherapy) or a combination of solifenacin 5 mg/day and mirabegron 25 mg/day (combination therapy) for four weeks. The Ureteral Stent Symptom Questionnaire (USSQ) was used to compare treatment outcomes. Data were a**lysed using an independent t-test, with p-values

IIUM Medical Journal Malaysia (IMJM)
Vol. 25 No. 01 January 2026
Navigating the Diagnostic Challenges of Cervical Plexus Schwannoma: A Rare Entity

Abstract
Schwannomas are the most commonly occurring neurogenic tumours. However, cervical plexus schwannomas are rare, and they mostly present with an asymptomatic neck mass. An elderly male with multiple comorbidities presented with a painless posterior triangle neck mass for a year without any neurological symptoms. After undergoing a few diagnostic modalities, including ultrasound-guided biopsy and MRI, the mass was suggestive of a schwannoma. Post-excision biopsy, no neurological deficits or recurrence were seen. This case exemplifies the challenges associated with diagnosing cervical plexus schwannomas and highlights the necessity of integrating multiple diagnostic modalities for their accurate identification. The rarity of this tumour, coupled with its uncommon anatomical location, highlights the importance of considering cervical plexus schwannomas in the differential diagnosis of asymptomatic lateral neck masses.

The article is available at:
https://doi.org/10.31436/imjm.v25i01.2870
Website:
www.imjm.my

New Issue Published:
IIUM Medical Journal Malaysia (IMJM)
Vol. 25 No. 01 January 2026
IIUM Medical Journal Malaysia (IMJM) has published its latest issue; Volume 25 No. 01 January 2026.
The articles are available from the following:
https://journals.iium.edu.my/kom/index.php/imjm/issue/view/62
DOI : https://doi.org/10.31436/imjm.v25i01
ISSN: 1823-4631 / E-ISSN: 2735-2285

IIUM Medical Journal Malaysia (IMJM)
Vol. 24 No.4 October 2025

Effects of Sauropus androgynus Extract on Cognitive Function Improvement and Neuron Enhancement in Trimethyltin Chloride-Induced Rats

Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Trimethyltin chloride is a compound utilized for inducing neurotoxicity.This study is to examine effects of Sauropus androgynus (SA) on cognitive function, Bax expression, neuronal number in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex of rats induced TMT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is experimental study. Its subjects were 25 males of Rattus norvegicus. The subjects were divided into five groups: group K1 (no treatment), group K2 (TMT-induced), and groups of K3, K4, and K5 (TMT-induced with ethanol extract of SA at doses of 75, 150, and 300 mg/kg body weight respectively). The TMT at a dose of 6 mg/kg body weight. Cognitive function was measured by using the Y-maze spontaneous alternation test. Brain tissue was collected for histological preparations by using toluidine blue staining and immunohistochemistry with Bax antibody. Then microscopic observations were performed to count the number of neurons and Bax expression. RESULTS: The percentage of alternation in the SA extract groups (K3, K4, K5) was higher than that in the TMT group (K2). The number of neurons in the CA1 area of the hippocampus, dentate gyrus, and prefrontal cortex in the three groups (K3, K4, and K5) was higher than that in group K2. The expression of Bax in groups of K4 and K5 was lower than that in group K2. CONCLUSION: The SA extract could improve the memory function, inhibit the Bax expression, and increase the number of neurons in the CA1 area of the hippocampus, dentate gyrus, and prefrontal cortex in the rats induced with neurotoxicity using TMT.

The article is available at:
https://doi.org/10.31436/imjm.v24i04.2532
Website:
www.imjm.my