Browse publications by year: 2023

  1. Khandaker MU, Abuzaid MM, Mohamed IA, Yousef M, Jastaniah S, Alshammari QT, et al.
    Radiat Phys Chem Oxf Engl 1993, 2023 Sep;210:111023.
    PMID: 37206369 DOI: 10.1016/j.radphyschem.2023.111023
    Radiological staff, especially radiographers, work as front liners against the COVID-19 outbreak. This study aims to assess compliance with radiation protection and infection control practices during COVID-19 mobile radiography procedures. This cross-sectional study included 234 radiographers (females, 56%, n = 131; males, 44%, n = 103) who were asked to complete an online questionnaire consisting of demographic data, radiation protection and infection control practices during COVID-19 portable cases, and knowledge and awareness. After informed consent was completed, SPSS statistical software was used for the data analysis. The most common age group of participants ranged from 18 to 25 years old (30.3%, n = 71). Bachelor's degree holders were 74.4% (n = 174). Most radiographers (39.7%, n = 93) had a working experience of 1-5 years, followed by 27.8% (n = 65) with more than 16 years of experience. Most respondents (62.4%, n = 146) handled approximately 1-5 cases daily, the majority of them (56%, n = 131) stated affirmatively they had obtained special training to handle COVID-19, and when inquired if they had received any special allowances for handling COVID-19 suspected/confirmed cases most of them stated negative (73.9%, n = 173). Most participants stated that they always wear a TLD during portable cases (67.1%, n = 157) and a lead apron (51.7%, n = 121). Around 73% (n = 171) knew the latest information on COVID-19 and attended the COVID-19 awareness course. A significant association was found between the work experience of the radiographers and their responses to following the best practices (p = 0.018, α = 0.05). Radiographers who had COVID-19 training (μ = 48.78) tend to adhere more to best practices than those who have not (p = 0.04, α = 0.05). Further, respondents who handled more than 16/more COVID-19 suspected/confirmed cases followed the best practices more (μ = 50.38) than those who handled less (p = 0.04, α = 0.05). This study revealed detailed information on radiation protection and infection control practices during COVID-19 mobile radiography. It has been observed that the participants/radiographers have good knowledge and awareness of radiation protection and infection-control practices. The present results may be used to plan future requirements regarding resources and training to ensure patient safety.
  2. Ngu CYV, Lee TH, Ramachandran K, Liew DNS, Tang IP
    Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg, 2023 Apr;75(Suppl 1):764-767.
    PMID: 37206705 DOI: 10.1007/s12070-022-03347-z
    Background: A spontaneous cerebrospinal leak from Sternberg's canal with meningoencephalocele is a very rare clinical entity. Endoscopic repair of the defect is challenging and crucial in identifying the defect. The aim of this case report is to highlight the presence and management with endoscopic surgery in repairing Sternberg canal. Case: 40-year-old woman presents with spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea with no predisposing factors. CT imaging and MRI showed osteodural defect in the lateral recess of sphenoid with meningoencephalocoele lateral to the foramen rotundum. Endoscopic transethmoidal - transphenoidal - transpterygoid approach was used to repair the defect, and patient is well post-operative with least complication from the intervention surgery. Conclusion: Endoscopic approach proved to be the best and safest method in localizing the defect and closure of the leak. Angled scopes and image guided system were used to identify the precise location of the leak.

    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12070-022-03347-z.

  3. Goh SP, Wilfred R, Husain S, Tang IP
    Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg, 2023 Apr;75(Suppl 1):1096-1100.
    PMID: 37206815 DOI: 10.1007/s12070-023-03625-4
    Recurrent epistaxis represents an alarming sign that may suggest a sinister aetiology, especially in patients with previous head and neck malignancy. The recognition of certain potentially life-threatening conditions, namely pseudoaneurysm or tumour recurrence, remains prudence to avoid disastrous repercussion. Nasal endoscopy has become an essential tool in otolaryngology. It can aid identify the underlying cause of epistasis and facilitate therapeutic management. On the other hand, radio imaging is highly sensitive in detecting vascular lesions, besides providing a pre-operative mapping if surgical intervention is planned. This paper reported a patient with sphenoidal sinus squamous cell carcinoma in remission presented with torrential epistaxis not relieved with nasal packing. Despite a repeated angiogram and magnetic resonance image, the identification of the source of bleeding remained futile, culminating in an examination under general anaesthesia. The diagnosis of carotid blowout syndrome was made intraoperatively, and the bleeding was temporarily secured with a muscular patch, preceded by the insertion of a vascular stent. The authors wish to highlight the importance of examination under general anaesthesia if radio imaging does not correlate to the clinical findings. Management options for carotid blowout should be tailored to the patients' medical conditions.

    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12070-023-03625-4.

  4. Kumareysh VV, Kumarasamy G, Letchumanan P, Rajan P, Md Shukri N
    Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg, 2023 Apr;75(Suppl 1):1053-1055.
    PMID: 37206833 DOI: 10.1007/s12070-023-03611-w
    Rhinolith is an uncommon condition that usually happens due to mineralisation of calcium and magnesium salts over a retained foreign body inside the nasal cavity for long period of time. Here we report one such case of a 33-year-old lady who presented to us with long standing intermittent epistaxis and on examination rhinolith was discovered.
  5. Ngu MH, Zakaria R, Mohd Zulkifli M, Ab Rahman R
    PMID: 37207247 DOI: 10.51866/cr.282
    Metformin-induced sexual dysfunction is rare in patients with diabetes mellitus. Herein, we present the case of a 57-year-old man newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus who developed erectile dysfunction following treatment with metformin 500 mg BD. Prior to taking metformin, he had well-controlled hypertension, hyperlipidaemia and normal sexual function. Two weeks after beginning metformin therapy, he was diagnosed with erectile dysfunction after experiencing persistent difficulty achieving an erection. After discontinuation of metformin, his sexual function returned to normal. To determine whether sexual dysfunction is caused by metformin, we rechallenged the patient with metformin 500 mg BD. After 15 days, he became impotent again, confirming that metformin was the most likely cause of his sexual problem. Metformin was stopped, and his sexual function returned to normal after 3 weeks. The adverse reaction is 'probable' according to the World Health Organization-Uppsala Monitoring Centre.
  6. Wahab RA, Omar TFT, Nurulnadia MY, Rozulan NNA
    Mar Pollut Bull, 2023 Jul;192:115036.
    PMID: 37207388 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115036
    The concentration, distribution, and risk assessment of parabens were determined in the surface water of the Terengganu River, Malaysia. Target chemicals were extracted via solid-phase extraction, followed by high-performance liquid chromatography analysis. Method optimization produced a high percentage recovery for methylparaben (MeP, 84.69 %), ethylparaben (EtP, 76.60 %), and propylparaben (PrP, 76.33 %). Results showed that higher concentrations were observed for MeP (3.60 μg/L) as compared with EtP (1.21 μg/L) and PrP (1.00 μg/L). Parabens are ubiquitously present in all sampling stations, with >99 % of detection. Salinity and conductivity were the major factors influencing the level of parabens in the surface water. Overall, we found no potential risk of parabens in the Terengganu River ecosystem due to low calculated risk assessment values (risk quotient 
    MeSH terms: Malaysia; Ecosystem; Risk Assessment; Rivers/chemistry
  7. Watanabe AH, Veettil SK, Le LM, Bald E, Tak C, Chaiyakunapruk N
    PMID: 37207710 DOI: 10.1016/j.japh.2023.05.012
    BACKGROUND: Community pharmacist plays an important role in providing vaccination to the general public in the United States. No economic models have been used to assess the impact of these services on public health and economic benefits.

    OBJECTIVE: To estimate the clinical and economic implications of community pharmacy-based herpes zoster (HZ) vaccination services with a hypothetical scenario of non-pharmacy-based vaccination in the State of Utah.

    METHODS: A hybrid model of decision tree and Markov models was used to estimate lifetime cost and health outcomes. This open-cohort model was populated based on Utah population statistics and included a population of 50 years and above who were eligible for HZ vaccination between the years 2010 and 2020. Data were derived from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Utah Immunization Coverage Report, the CDC Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, the CDC National Health Interview Survey, and existing literature. The analysis was performed from a societal perspective. A lifetime time horizon was used. The primary outcomes were the number of vaccination cases increased, and the number of shingles and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) cases averted. Total costs and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) were also estimated.

    RESULTS: Based on a cohort of 853,550 people eligible for HZ vaccination in Utah, an additional 11,576 individuals were vaccinated in the community pharmacy-based scenario compared to the non-pharmacy-based vaccination, resulting in 706 averted cases of shingles and 143 averted cases of PHN. Community pharmacy-based HZ vaccination was less costly (-$131,894) and gained more QALYs (52.2) compared to the non-pharmacy-based vaccination. A series of sensitivity analyses showed that the findings were robust.

    CONCLUSIONS: Community pharmacy-based herpes zoster vaccination was less costly and gained more QALYs and was associated with improved other clinical outcomes in the State of Utah. This study might be used as a model for future evaluations of other community pharmacy-based vaccination programs in the United States.

  8. Sam-On MFS, Mustafa S, Mohd Hashim A, Yusof MT, Zulkifly S, Malek AZA, et al.
    Microb Pathog, 2023 Aug;181:106161.
    PMID: 37207784 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2023.106161
    Bacillus velezensis FS26 is a bacterium from the genus Bacillus that has been proven as a potential probiotic in aquaculture with a good antagonistic effect on Aeromonas spp. and Vibrio spp. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) allows a comprehensive and in-depth analysis at the molecular level, and it is becoming an increasingly significant technique in aquaculture research. Although numerous probiotic genomes have been sequenced and investigated recently, there are minimal data on in silico analysis of B. velezensis as a probiotic bacterium isolated from aquaculture sources. Thus, this study aims to analyse the general genome characteristics and probiotic markers from the B. velezensis FS26 genome with secondary metabolites predicted against aquaculture pathogens. The B. velezensis FS26 genome (GenBank Accession: JAOPEO000000000) assembly proved to be of high quality, with eight contigs containing 3,926,371 bp and an average G + C content of 46.5%. According to antiSMASH analysis, five clusters of secondary metabolites from the B. velezensis FS26 genome showed 100% similarity. These clusters include Cluster 2 (bacilysin), Cluster 6 (bacillibactin), Cluster 7 (fengycin), Cluster 8 (bacillaene), and Cluster 9 (macrolactin H), which signify promising antibacterial, antifungal, and anticyanobacterial agents against pathogens in aquaculture. The probiotic markers of B. velezensis FS26 genome for adhesion capability in the hosts' intestine, as well as the acid and bile salt-tolerant genes, were also detected through the Prokaryotic Genome Annotation System (Prokka) annotation pipeline. These results are in agreement with our previous in vitro data, suggesting that the in silico investigation facilitates establishing B. velezensis FS26 as a beneficial probiotic for use in aquaculture.
    MeSH terms: Bacillus*; Genome, Bacterial; Probiotics*
  9. Hai T, Alshahri AH, Mohammed AS, Sharma A, Almujibah HR, Mohammed Metwally AS, et al.
    Chemosphere, 2023 Sep;334:138980.
    PMID: 37207897 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138980
    The use of renewable fuels leads to reduction in the use of fossil fuels and environmental pollutants. In this study, the design and analysis of a CCPP based on the use of syngas produced from biomass is discussed. The studied system includes a gasifier system to produce syngas, an external combustion gas turbine and a steam cycle to recover waste heat from combustion gases. Design variables include syngas temperature, syngas moisture content, CPR, TIT, HRSG operating pressure, and PPTD. The effect of design variables on performance components such as power generation, exergy efficiency and total cost rate of the system is investigated. Also, through multi-objective optimization, the optimal design of the system is done. Finally, it is observed that at the final decisioned optimal point, the produced power is 13.4 MW, the exergy efficiency is 17.2%, and the TCR is 118.8 $/h.
    MeSH terms: Gases*; Hot Temperature; Steam*; Temperature; Biomass
  10. Hamid NA, Hong JGS, Hamdan M, Vallikkannu N, Adlan AS, Tan PC
    Am J Obstet Gynecol, 2023 Oct;229(4):443.e1-443.e9.
    PMID: 37207931 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2023.04.049
    BACKGROUND: A prolonged second stage of labor increases the risk of severe perineal laceration, postpartum hemorrhage, operative delivery, and poor Apgar score. The second stage is longer in nulliparas. Maternal pushing during the second stage of labor is an important contributor to the involuntary expulsive force developed by uterine contraction to deliver the fetus. Preliminary data indicate that visual biofeedback during the active second stage hastens birth.

    OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate if visual feedback focusing on the perineum reduced the length of the active second stage of labor in comparison with the control.

    STUDY DESIGN: A randomized controlled trial was conducted in the University Malaya Medical Centre from December 2021 to August 2022. Nulliparous women about to commence the active second stage, at term, with singleton gestation, reassuring fetal status, and no contraindication for vaginal delivery were randomized to live viewing of the maternal introitus (intervention) or maternal face (sham/placebo control) as visual biofeedback during their pushing. A video camera Bluetooth-linked to a tablet computer display screen was used; in the intervention arm, the camera was focused on the introitus, and in the control arm, on the maternal face. Participants were instructed to watch the display screen during their pushing. The primary outcomes were the intervention-to-delivery interval and maternal satisfaction with the pushing experience assessed using a 0-to-10 visual numerical rating scale. Secondary outcomes included mode of delivery, perineal injury, delivery blood loss, birthweight, umbilical cord arterial blood pH and base excess at birth, Apgar score at 1 and 5 minutes, and neonatal intensive care unit admission. Data were analyzed with the t test, Mann-Whitney U test, chi-square test, and Fisher exact test, as appropriate.

    RESULTS: A total of 230 women were randomized (115 to intervention and 115 to control arm). The active second stage duration (intervention-to-delivery interval) was a median (interquartile range) of 16 (11-23) and 17 (12-31) minutes (P=.289), and maternal satisfaction with the pushing experience was 9 (8-10) and 7 (6-7) (P

    MeSH terms: Biofeedback, Psychology; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Labor Stage, Second*; Parity; Pregnancy; Uterine Contraction
  11. Sharko F, Rbbani G, Siriyappagouder P, Raeymaekers JAM, Galindo-Villegas J, Nedoluzhko A, et al.
    BMC Bioinformatics, 2023 May 19;24(1):205.
    PMID: 37208611 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-023-05331-y
    BACKGROUND: Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are covalently closed-loop RNAs with critical regulatory roles in cells. Tens of thousands of circRNAs have been unveiled due to the recent advances in high throughput RNA sequencing technologies and bioinformatic tools development. At the same time, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) cross-validation for circRNAs predicted by bioinformatic tools remains an essential part of any circRNA study before publication.

    RESULTS: Here, we present the CircPrime web-based platform, providing a user-friendly solution for DNA primer design and thermocycling conditions for circRNA identification with routine PCR methods.

    CONCLUSIONS: User-friendly CircPrime web platform ( http://circprime.elgene.net/ ) works with outputs of the most popular bioinformatic predictors of circRNAs to design specific circular RNA primers. CircPrime works with circRNA coordinates and any reference genome from the National Center for Biotechnology Information database).

    MeSH terms: Polymerase Chain Reaction; Sequence Analysis, RNA/methods; Computational Biology/methods; Internet
  12. Hartman CA, Larsson H, Vos M, Bellato A, Libutzki B, Solberg BS, et al.
    Neurosci Biobehav Rev, 2023 Aug;151:105209.
    PMID: 37149075 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105209
    Knowledge on psychiatric comorbidity in adult ADHD is essential for prevention, detection, and treatment of these conditions. This review (1) focuses on large studies (n > 10,000; surveys, claims data, population registries) to identify (a) overall, (b) sex- and (c) age-specific patterns of comorbidity of anxiety disorders (ADs), major depressive disorder (MDD), bipolar disorder (BD) and substance use disorders (SUDs) in adults with ADHD relative to adults without ADHD; and (2) describes methodological challenges relating to establishing comorbidity in ADHD in adults as well as priorities for future research. Meta-analyses (ADHD: n = 550,748; no ADHD n = 14,546,814) yielded pooled odds ratios of 5.0(CI:3.29-7.46) for ADs, 4.5(CI:2.44-8.34) for MDD, 8.7(CI:5.47-13.89) for BD and 4.6(CI:2.72-7.80) for SUDs, indicating strong differences in adults with compared to adults without ADHD. Moderation by sex was not found: high comorbidity held for both men and women with sex-specific patterns as in the general population: higher prevalences of ADs, MDD and BD in women and a higher prevalence of SUDs in men. Insufficient data on different phases of the adult lifespan prevented conclusions on developmental changes in comorbidity. We discuss methodological challenges, knowledge gaps, and future research priorities.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Anxiety/epidemiology; Anxiety Disorders/epidemiology; Female; Humans; Male; Comorbidity
  13. Abd Kadir E, Uchegbu IF, Schätzlein AG
    Int J Pharm, 2023 Jun 10;640:123036.
    PMID: 37169106 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.123036
    Disulfiram (DS) is an anti-alcoholism drug capable of acting against important and hard-to-treat cancers. The drug's relative instability and variable absorption/distribution have led to its variable pharmacokinetics and suboptimal exposure. Hence, it was hypothesised that a nano-enabled form of DS might be able to overcome such limitations. Encapsulation of the labile DS was achieved with quaternary ammonium palmitoyl glycol chitosan (GCPQ) to form a high-capacity, soybean oil-based DS-GCPQ nanoemulsion. DS-GCPQ showed capability of oil-loading up to 50% v/v for a stable entrapment of high drug content. With increasing oil content (10 to 50% v/v), the mean particle size and polydispersity index were also increased (166 to 351 nm and 0.14 to 0.22, respectively) for a given amount of GCPQ. Formulations showed a highly positive particle surface charge (50.9 ± 1.3 mV), contributing to the colloidal stability of the individual particles. DS-GCPQ showed marked cytotoxicity against pancreatic cancer cell lines with enhanced activity in the presence of copper. An intravenous pharmacokinetic study of DS-GCPQ in vivo showed improved plasma drug stability with a DS half-life of 17 min. Prolonged survival was seen in tumour-bearing animals treated with DS-GCPQ supplemented with copper. In conclusion, DS-GCPQ nanoemulsion has the potential to be developed further for cancer therapeutic purposes.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Copper; Disulfiram*; Drug Compounding; Emulsions; Micelles; Particle Size; Nanoparticles*
  14. Yang Y, Gupta VK, Du Y, Aghbashlo M, Show PL, Pan J, et al.
    Int J Biol Macromol, 2023 Jul 01;242(Pt 2):124800.
    PMID: 37178880 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.124800
    Mucilages are natural compounds consisting mainly of polysaccharides with complex chemical structures. Mucilages also contain uronic acids, proteins, lipids, and bioactive compounds. Because of their unique properties, mucilages are used in various industries, including food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Typically, commercial gums are composed only of polysaccharides, which increase their hydrophilicity and surface tension, reducing their emulsifying ability. As a result of the presence of proteins in combination with polysaccharides, mucilages possess unique emulsifying properties due to their ability to reduce surface tension. In recent years, various studies have been conducted on using mucilages as emulsifiers in classical and Pickering emulsions because of their unique emulsifying feature. Studies have shown that some mucilages, such as yellow mustard, mutamba, and flaxseed mucilages, have a higher emulsifying capacity than commercial gums. A synergistic effect has also been shown in some mucilages, such as Dioscorea opposita mucilage when combined with commercial gums. This review article investigates whether mucilages can be used as emulsifiers and what factors affect their emulsifying properties. A discussion of the challenges and prospects of using mucilages as emulsifiers is also presented in this review.
    MeSH terms: Emulsions/chemistry; Food; Proteins
  15. Al Bashir L, Ismail A, Aljunid SM
    Front Immunol, 2023;14:1052450.
    PMID: 37180162 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1052450
    A newly developed fully liquid hexavalent vaccine that comprises six antigens for Diphtheria, Tetanus, acellular Pertussis, Inactivated Poliomyelitis, Haemophilus Influenza type b., and Hepatitis B, is proposed to be introduced in the Malaysian national immunization program, instead of the non-fully liquid pentavalent vaccine and monovalent Hepatitis B vaccine that is currently employed in the immunization schedule. Although the introduction of new vaccines is a necessary intervention, it still needs to be accepted by parents and healthcare professionals. Hence, this study aimed to develop three structured questionnaires and to investigate the participants' perception and acceptability toward the incorporation of the new fully liquid hexavalent vaccine. A cross-sectional study was conducted among a sample of 346 parents, 100 nurses, and 50 physicians attending twenty-two primary health care centers in the states of Selangor and the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya during 2019-2020. The study found that Cronbach's alpha coefficients for the study instruments ranged from 0.825 to 0.918. Principal components analysis produced a good fit with KMO>0.6. For the parents' perception questionnaire, the only extracted factor explained 73.9 % of the total variance; for the nurses' perception toward a non-fully and fully liquid combined vaccine, there was a sole extracted factor that explained 65.2 % and 79.2% of the total variance, respectively. Whereas for the physicians' perception, there was one factor extracted that explains 71.8 % of the total variance. The median score for all the questionnaire items ranged from 4 to 5 (Q1 and Q3 vary between 3-5). Parents' ethnicity was significantly associated (P-value ≤ 0.05) with the perception that the new hexavalent vaccine would reduce their transportation expenses. Moreover, a significant association (P-value ≤ 0.05) was found between physicians' age and the perception of the hexavalent vaccine's ability to decrease patient overcrowding in primary healthcare centers. The instruments used in this study were valid and reliable. Parents of Malay ethnicity were the most concerned about transportation expenses since they have the lowest income and are more concentrated in rural areas compared to other races. Younger physicians were concerned about reducing patient crowding and hence reducing their workload and burnout.
    MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies; Delivery of Health Care; Humans; Perception; Poliovirus Vaccine, Inactivated*; Vaccination; Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis Vaccine*; Vaccines, Combined
  16. Ahmad A, Fazial FF, Khalil HPSA, Fazry S, Lazim A
    Int J Biol Macromol, 2023 Jul 01;242(Pt 2):124816.
    PMID: 37182623 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.124816
    Starch nanocrystals (SNCs) are tiny particles that possess unique qualities due to their small size, such as increased crystallinity, thin sheet structure, low permeability, and strong resistance to digestion. Although sago starch nanocrystals (SNCs) are naturally hydrophilic, their properties can be modified through chemical modifications to make them more versatile for various applications. In this study, the esterification process was used to modify SNCs using lauroyl chloride (LC) to enhance their surface properties. Three different ratios of LC to SNC were tested to determine the impact on the modified SNC (mSNC). The chemical changes in the mSNC were analyzed using FTIR and 1H NMR spectroscopy. ##The results showed that as the amount of LC increased, the degree of substitution (DS) also increased, which reduced the crystallinity of the mSNC and its thermal stability. However, the esterification process also improved the hydrophobicity of the SNC, making it more amphiphilic. The emulsification capabilities of the mSNC were investigated using a Pickering emulsion, and the results showed that the emulsion made from mSNC-1.0 had better stability than the one made from pristine SNC. This study highlights the potential of SNC as a particle emulsifier and demonstrates how esterification can improve its emulsification capabilities.
    MeSH terms: Chlorides; Emulsions/chemistry; Laurates; Particle Size; Emulsifying Agents/chemistry
  17. Thye CT, Hamdan M, Sethi N, Rajaratnam RK, Hong J, Tan PC
    Int J Gynaecol Obstet, 2023 Nov;163(2):601-609.
    PMID: 37199331 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.14861
    OBJECTIVE: To evaluate 4-point per day self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) every 2 weeks compared with every week.

    METHODS: A total of 104 patients with lifestyle-controlled gestational diabetes (GDMA1) were randomized to 2-weekly or weekly 4-point per day (fasting on awakening and 2-h post-meals) SMBG. Primary outcome was the change in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level from enrollment to 36 weeks of pregnancy across trial arms. The non-inferiority margin was an HbA1c increase of 0.2%.

    RESULTS: The mean difference for change in HbA1c from enrollment to 36 weeks was 0.003% (95% confidence interval [CI] -0.098% to +0.093%), within the 0.2% non-inferiority margin. The change in HbA1c level increased significantly within both trial arms-0.275% ± 0.241% (P 

    MeSH terms: Blood Glucose; Female; Hemoglobin A, Glycosylated; Humans; Hypoglycemic Agents; Infant, Newborn; Pregnancy; Nutrition Therapy*
  18. Mohd Faizal AS, Hon WY, Thevarajah TM, Khor SM, Chang SW
    Med Biol Eng Comput, 2023 Oct;61(10):2527-2541.
    PMID: 37199891 DOI: 10.1007/s11517-023-02841-y
    Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) or heart attack is a significant global health threat and one of the leading causes of death. The evolution of machine learning has greatly revamped the risk stratification and death prediction of AMI. In this study, an integrated feature selection and machine learning approach was used to identify potential biomarkers for early detection and treatment of AMI. First, feature selection was conducted and evaluated before all classification tasks with machine learning. Full classification models (using all 62 features) and reduced classification models (using various feature selection methods ranging from 5 to 30 features) were built and evaluated using six machine learning classification algorithms. The results showed that the reduced models performed generally better (mean AUPRC via random forest (RF) algorithm for recursive feature elimination (RFE) method ranges from 0.8048 to 0.8260, while for random forest importance (RFI) method, it ranges from 0.8301 to 0.8505) than the full models (mean AUPRC via RF: 0.8044). The most notable finding of this study was the identification of a five-feature model that included cardiac troponin I, HDL cholesterol, HbA1c, anion gap, and albumin, which had achieved comparable results (mean AUPRC via RF: 0.8462) as to the models that containing more features. These five features were proven by the previous studies as significant risk factors for AMI or cardiovascular disease and could be used as potential biomarkers to predict the prognosis of AMI patients. From the medical point of view, fewer features for diagnosis or prognosis could reduce the cost and time of a patient as lesser clinical and pathological tests are needed.
    MeSH terms: Machine Learning; Algorithms*; Humans; Prognosis; Risk Factors
  19. Chuah KH, Hian WX, Lim SZ, Beh KH, Mahadeva S
    J Dig Dis, 2023 Mar;24(3):194-202.
    PMID: 37200005 DOI: 10.1111/1751-2980.13189
    OBJECTIVE: To explore the factors associated with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), and to further evaluate the impact of SIBO on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in terms of symptom severity and health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

    METHODS: A cross-sectional study of consecutive adult patients who underwent glucose hydrogen breath test was conducted. Factors associated with SIBO were evaluated. Symptom severity and HRQoL of IBS patients with and without SIBO were compared. The independent factors associated with severe IBS were explored.

    RESULTS: A total of 160 patients were included (median age 40 years, males 31.3%). IBS was present among 53.8% of subjects, with 33.8% having diarrhea-predominant IBS (IBS-D). SIBO was diagnosed in 22.5% of the study population. Patients with SIBO were more commonly diagnosed with IBS-D than those without (50.0% vs 29.0%, P = 0.019). Severe IBS was associated with SIBO (36.4% vs 15.6%, P = 0.043). SIBO was associated with poorer HRQoL (Euroqol five-dimensional utility score: 0.73 vs 0.80, P = 0.024). SIBO (44.4% vs 20.6%, P = 0.043), anxiety (77.8% vs. 39.7%, P = 0.004), and depression (50.0% vs 19.1%, P = 0.011) were associated with severe IBS in the univariate analysis. However, SIBO was the only independent factor associated with severe IBS in the multivariate analysis (adjusted odds ratio 3.83, 95% confidence interval CI 1.02-14.34, P = 0.046).

    CONCLUSIONS: There was a significant association between IBS-D and SIBO. The coexistence of SIBO had a significant negative impact on IBS patients.

    MeSH terms: Adult; Breath Tests/methods; Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Intestine, Small; Male; Quality of Life
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