METHODOLOGY AND RESULT: A study conducted in Himachal Pradesh (Latitude: N 31° 6' 2.0088", Longitude: E 77° 10' 29.9136") identified leaf anomalies resembling rust-like manifestations in R. ferrugineum. These anomalies were traced back to the pathogenic fungus Curvularia tuberculata, marking the first documented case of its impact on R. ferrugineum in India.
DISCUSSION: This discovery emphasizes the need for vigilant monitoring, disease management research, and conservation efforts to protect the cultural and ecological significance of this iconic shrub. Beyond its immediate findings, the study introduces a novel dimension to Indian flora by associating C. tuberculata with R. ferrugineum, historically linked to monocotyledonous crops. The research methodology combines traditional microscopic examination with advanced genomic sequencing and phylogenetic analysis, enhancing pathogen identification accuracy.
FUTURE PROSPECT: In a broader context, this research aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by highlighting the importance of environmental preservation, conservation, and sustainable management. It underscores the intricate interplay between biodiversity, cultural heritage, and the need for holistic solutions. Overall, this study calls for proactive measures to protect R. ferrugineum's cultural and ecological heritage and emphasizes the significance of interdisciplinary approaches in addressing emerging ecological threats.
OBJECTIVES: This study seeks to examine the closeness between the mandibular canal and the roots of mandibular third molars using IOPARs and to assess the incidence of postoperative neurosensory disorders.
METHODS: A cohort of 100 subjects aged 18 to 25, presenting for partially erupted/ impacted mandibular third molar removal, underwent IOPAR examinations. Data analysis employed IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 12 (Released 2004; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States), calculating frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations, and ranges. Radiographic signs of proximity were evaluated, and a standardized surgical procedure was performed under local anesthesia. Postoperative neurosensory disorders were assessed using various methods.
RESULTS: Of the evaluated subjects, darkening of the root (52%) was the most prevalent radiographic sign, followed by interruption of the white line of the canal (20%). The prevalence of radiographic signs varied, with none of the patients experiencing narrowing of the root. Postsurgical paraesthesia assessment revealed no nerve sensitivity alterations in any patient.
CONCLUSION: Preoperative radiographic examination is imperative for determining the relationship between mandibular third molar roots and the inferior alveolar canal, aiding in preventing IAN damage during extraction. Contrary to radiographic signs, there was no observed association between impacted mandibular third molar radiographic signs and the occurrence of postoperative neurosensory disorders.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 144 blood donors were selected under stratified random sampling. The deoxyribonucleic acid was extracted from whole blood samples, followed by a polymerase chain reaction assay. Sanger sequencing was used to identify the specific MNS variants and then validated by a serological crossmatch with known anti-Mur and anti-MUT.
RESULTS: GP. Mur was identified among Malaysian blood donors with a prevalence of 6.94%, and no other variants of the MNS system were found.
CONCLUSION: The present study substantiates that GP. Mur is the main variant of the MNS system glycophorin (B-A-B) hybrid in Malaysian blood donors. GP. Mur-negative red blood cells must therefore be considered in the current transfusion policy in order to prevent alloimmunization and immune-mediated transfusion reactions, particularly in transfusion-dependent patients.
METHODS: The study includes 18 patients who underwent LT at Hospital Selayang between January 2020 and December 2020. Retrospective analysis of data included preoperative assessment of coagulopathy, intraoperative blood loss, and blood component transfusion.
RESULTS: The mean age in the study group was 36.4 ± 12.68 years. The mean intraoperative blood loss was 4450 ± 1646 ml requiring 4.17 ± 3.3 packed red blood cell (PRBC) units, 7.56 ± 5.5 platelet units, and 9.50 ± 6.0 fresh-frozen plasma units. The independent risk factor for high blood loss (HBL) group was lower preoperative platelet count and it is statistically significant (P = 0.024). The HBL group is associated with higher usage of PRBC (P = 0.024) and platelet units (P = 0.031) and it is statistically significant. The length of stay (LOS) in intensive care unit (ICU) averaging 8.6 ± 4.95 days, and there is no significant differences comparing the HBL and LBL group (P = 0.552). The mortality <90 days for all recipients was 22.2%.
CONCLUSION: The preoperative platelet count for is the most important factor associated with HBL in LT procedure. The usage of PRBC and platelet units was statistically higher in the HBL group. Comparing HBL and LBL patients, there is no difference in terms of the LOS in ICU postoperatively. A larger sample size would be needed in view of relatively small sample size.
METHODS: In the current study, we performed quantitative real-time PCR to measure salivary levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in saliva obtained from patients diagnosed with mild COVID-19, in a diabetic group (DG; n = 10) and a non-diabetic group (NDG; n = 13). All participants were diagnosed with periodontitis, while six participants with periodontitis but not diagnosed with COVID-19 were included as controls.
RESULTS: We found increases in salivary total protein levels in both the DG and NDG compared to control patients. In both groups, salivary CRP and IL-6 levels were comparable. Additionally, the levels of salivary CRP were significantly correlated with total proteins, in which a strong and moderate positive correlation was found between DG and NDG, respectively. A linear positive correlation was also noted in the relationship between salivary IL-6 level and total proteins, but the correlation was not significant. Interestingly, the association between salivary CRP and IL-6 levels was positive. However, a moderately significant correlation was only found in COVID-19 patients with diabetes, through which the association was validated by a receiver operating curve.
CONCLUSIONS: These finding suggest that salivary CRP and IL-6 are particularly relevant as potential non-invasive biomarker for predicting diabetes risk in mild cases of COVID-19 accompanied with periodontitis.
METHODS: Tear samples were collected from eight healthy volunteers using the standard Schirmer's test strip method with or without anesthesia and microcapillary tubes. The total tear protein concentrations were analyzed via spectrophotometry and bicinchoninic acid (BCA) protein assay. The protein profile was determined by sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The optimal wetting length of Schirmer's strip and suitable buffer solutions were compared. Discomfort levels reported by participants and the ease of execution for ophthalmologists were also evaluated.
RESULTS: Tear samples exhibited typical protein profiles as shown by SDS-PAGE. The mean total protein obtained from an optimum wetting length of 20 mm using Schirmer's strip without anesthesia in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) yielded substantial quantities of protein as measured by nanophotometer (220.20 ± 67.43 µg) and the BCA protein assay (210.34 ± 59.46 µg). This method collected a significantly higher quantity of protein compared to the microcapillary tube method (p=0.004) which was much more difficult to standardize. The clinician found it harder to utilize microcapillary tubes, while participants experienced higher insecurity and less discomfort with the microcapillary tube method. PBS used during the tear protein extraction process eluted higher tear protein concentration than ammonium bicarbonate, although the difference was not statistically significant. Using anaesthesia did not ease the sampling procedure substantially and protein quantity was maintained.
CONCLUSION: Good quality and quantity of protein from tear samples were extracted with the optimized procedure. Schirmer's strip test in the absence of local anesthesia provided a standard, convenient, and non-invasive method for tear collection.
METHOD: The systematic literature review consisted of four electronic databases from which 29 articles published in English and in full-text form in peer-reviewed journals between 1999 and 2023 were retrieved.
RESULTS: A total of 29 studies met the eligibility criteria. These studies collectively surveyed 9,185 young athlete participants and 2,191 parent participants. The sample comprised 26 quantitative studies and 3 qualitative studies. The findings underscore that parents play both unique and synergistic multidimensional roles in motivating young athletes. Parents' positive goals and values, autonomy-supportive parenting styles, moderate parental involvement, positive parent-child relationships, and a parent-initiated task climate are identified as optimal parenting strategies.
CONCLUSION: While parents undeniably play a crucial role in motivating young athletes, the manner and extent of their involvement are key.
METHODS: Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and ProQuest databases were searched up to December 2021 for studies that report the effect of unrefined sugar on inflammation according to inflammatory cytokines, chemokine, and adhesion molecules as outcome measures. Results: Thirty-six studies were evaluated. Across all research, five studies (two in vitro and three animal studies) reported the effect of unrefined sugar on levels of cytokines, including IL-6, TNF-α, IL-10, IL-1β, and IFN-γ. Additionally, the quality of the studies was assessed for risk of bias.
CONCLUSIONS: it is possible to affirm that unrefined sugarcane products, including jaggery, may have a protective effect on inflammation via regulating some of the inflammatory pathways and a favorable impact on cytokines secretion according to the results of in vitro and animal model studies. However, since the findings are still insufficient, more scientific research, especially well-designed human trials, is highly recommended to conclude the outcomes confidently. Human data may encourage industries and the public to replace purified sugar with unrefined sugarcane in sugar-based food and for further health-care policy decisions.
METHODS: This multinational cohort study was conducted at 25 sites across 13 Asia-Pacific countries. We included adult patients aged 18 years or older with stable SLE who were receiving routine clinical care, had two or more visits and had attained stable disease at one or more visits. We categorised stable disease into: LLDAS (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 [SLEDAI-2K] score ≤4, Physician Global Assessment [PGA] ≤1, and prednisolone ≤7·5 mg/day); Definitions of Remission in SLE (DORIS) remission (clinical SLEDAI-2K score 0, PGA <0·5, and prednisolone ≤5 mg/day); or complete remission on therapy (SLEDAI-2K score 0, PGA <0·5, and prednisolone ≤5 mg/day). Stable disease categories were mutually exclusive. Tapering was defined as any decrease in dose of corticosteroids or immunosuppressive therapy (mycophenolate mofetil, calcineurin inhibitors, azathioprine, leflunomide, or methotrexate). Using multivariable generalised estimating equations, we compared flares (SELENA-SLEDAI Flare Index) at the subsequent visit after drug tapering. We used generalised estimating equations and Cox proportional hazard models to compare tapering attempts that had begun in LLDAS, remission, and complete remission.
FINDINGS: Between May 1, 2013, and Dec 31, 2020, 4106 patients were recruited to the cohort, 3002 (73·1%) of whom were included in our analysis. 2769 (92·2%) participants were female, 233 (7·8%) were male, and 2636 (88·1%) of 2993 with ethnicity data available were Asian. The median age was 39·5 years (IQR 29·0-50·0). There were 14 808 patient visits for patients in LLDAS, or remission or complete remission, of which 13 140 (88·7%) entered the final multivariable model after excluding missing data. Among the 9863 visits at which patients continued the same therapy, 1121 (11·4%) flared at the next visit, of which 221 (19·7%) were severe flares. Of the 3277 visits at which a patient received a tapering of therapy, 557 (17·0%) flared at the next visit, of which 120 (21·5%) were severe flares. Tapering was associated with higher odds of flare compared with continuing the same therapy (odds ratio [OR] 1·24 [95% CI 1·10-1·39]; p=0·0005). Of 2095 continuous tapering attempts, 860 (41·1%) were initiated in LLDAS, 596 (28·4%) in remission, and 639 (30·5%) in complete remission. Tapering initiated in LLDAS (OR 1·37 [95% CI 1·03-1·81]; p=0·029) or remission (1·45 [1·08-1·94]; p=0·013) had higher odds of flare in 1 year compared with complete remission. Tapering in LLDAS (hazard ratio 1·24 [95% CI 1·04-1·48]; p=0·016) or remission (1·30 [1·08-1·56]; p=0·0054) had a significantly shorter time to first flare than tapering initiated in complete remission. Attaining sustained LLDAS, remission, or complete remission for at least 6 months just before the time of taper was associated with lower odds of flare at next visit, flares in 1 year, and longer time to flare.
INTERPRETATION: Tapering of corticosteroids or immunosuppressive therapy in patients with stable SLE was associated with excess flares. Our findings suggest that drug tapering should be carefully considered, weighing the risks and benefits, and is best exercised in complete (clinical and serological) remission and after maintaining stable disease for at least 6 months.
FUNDING: AstraZeneca, BMS, Eli Lily, Janssen, Merck Serono, GSK, and UCB.
METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted between November 2019 and November 2021 at seven tertiary hospitals in Malaysia. Participants registered with Malaysian Thalassemia Registry were recruited by convenience sampling. Adherence was measured via pill count and self-reported adherence. Knowledge about thalassemia and ICT was measured using a questionnaire from Modul Thalassemia by Ministry of Health of Malaysia. A decision tree was used to identify predictors of non-adherence.
RESULTS: A total of 135 patients were recruited. The prevalence of non-adherence to ICT in those who took subcutaneous ± oral medications was 47.5% (95% CI: 31.5%, 63.9%) and the prevalence of non-adherence to ICT in those who took oral medications only was 21.1% (95% CI: 13.4%, 30.6%). The median knowledge score was 67.5% (IQR 15%). A decision tree has identified two factors associated with non-adherence. They were ICT's route of administration and knowledge score. Out of 100 patients who were on oral medications only, 79 were expected to adhere. Out of 100 patients who were on subcutaneous ± oral medications and scored less than 56.25% in knowledge questionnaire, 86 were expected to non-adhere. Based on the logistic regression, the odds of non-adherence in patients who took oral medications only was 71% lower than the odds of non-adherence in patients who took subcutaneous ± oral medications (OR = 0.29; 95% CI = 0.13, 0.65; p = .002).
CONCLUSION: The prevalence of non-adherence to ICT among children with beta thalassemia major in Malaysia was 20/95 (21.1%) in those who took oral medications only and the prevalence of non-adherence was 19/40 (47.5%) in those who took subcutaneous ± oral medications. The factors associated with non-adherence were ICT's route of administration and knowledge score.
METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted among diabetic patients attending 11 health clinics in the Terengganu region from June 2017 to November 2018. The selected participants were administered a tuberculin skin test (TST). Simple and multivariate logistic regressions were applied to evaluate the significant associated factors of LTBI.
RESULTS: The total number of participants were 703 DM patients. The factors found associated with LTBI were poor diabetic control status (odds ratio (OR) = 8.53; p=0.008), being a healthcare worker (OR = 7.91; p=0.001), history of contact with TB patients (OR = 5.69; p < 0.001), bronchial asthma (OR = 5.28; p=0.019), coronary heart disease (OR = 3.45; p=0.026), and nephropathy (OR = 0.34; p=0.040). The presence of LTBI was found in 34 (4.8%) participants.
CONCLUSIONS: At 4.8%, the prevalence of LTBI among DM patients in Terengganu is relatively low. Diabetics with poorly controlled blood glucose levels, nephropathy, bronchial asthma, coronary heart disease, history of TB patient contact, or working in the healthcare profession should be periodically tested for LTBI.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective, interventional case series. A total of 22 eyes of 20 patients with RB who underwent IAC using melphalan and topotecan from January 2018 to December 2021 in Hospital Kuala Lumpur were retrospectively reviewed. Tumor response, globe salvage, mortality, and safety profile of IAC were compared based on the International Classification of Retinoblastoma.
RESULTS: The mean patient age at IAC was 21.3 months. An overall globe salvage rate of 63.6% was observed: more specifically, 100% for Group A, 75% for Groups B and C, 66.7% for Group D, and 42.9% for Group E. Poor tumor response after IAC was significantly associated with a lesser chance of globe salvage (P = 0.045). The overall rate of good tumor response following IAC was 77.3%. Specifically, rates of good tumor response in each group were 100%, 75%, 75%, 83.3% and 71.4% in group A, B, C, D and E, respectively. The mortality rate was 5%. Complications (per-catheterization) included cerebral infarct (2.2%), oxygen desaturation (2.2%), vomiting (26.1%), periorbital edema (8.8%), ptosis (6.5%), fever, femoral hematoma, and hyperpigmentation over lid (4.4% each).
CONCLUSION: Four-year experience showed that IAC is a safe and effective method for RB management. Patients with a poor response after IAC may have a lower chance of globe salvage. Careful patient selection is of utmost importance to achieve the best outcome in a setting of limited health-care resources.
METHODS: A literature search was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar databases from January 1, 2018 to January 31, 2023 to include studies focusing on 0 to 5 years old children in Nigeria, reporting data on nutritional status, nutrient deficiencies, and published in English.
RESULTS: 73 out of 1,545 articles were included. Stunting remained alarmingly high ranging from 7.2% (Osun, South West) to 61% (Kaduna, North Central), while wasting varied from 1% (Ibadan, South West) to 29% (FCT Abuja, Central) and underweight from 5.9% (Osun, South West) to 42.6% (Kano, North West) respectively. The overall prevalence of anemia and vitamin A deficiency ranged between 55.2 to 75.1 % and 5.3 to 67.6%, respectively. Low rates of achieving minimum dietary diversity and minimum meal frequency were reported across different states depicting the suboptimal quality of complementary feeding. The prevalence of overweight/obesity ranged from 1.5% (Rivers, South South) to 25.9% (Benue, North Central).
CONCLUSION: Multiple early childhood malnutrition issues exist with a wide disparity across states in Nigeria, particularly in the Northern region. Targeted nutrition interventions must be implemented to improve the situation.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 124 breast cancer outpatients within the first year of diagnosis and yet to commence oncological treatment. Body composition parameters [body weight, body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage, fat mass over fat-free mass ratio (FM/FFM), muscle mass, and visceral fat] were obtained using a bioelectrical impedance analyzer. Body fat percentage was categorized into two groups which were normal (<35%) and high (≥35%). The E-DII was calculated from the validated 165-items Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) and categorized into three groups or tertiles. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association between the E-DII and body fat percentage.
RESULTS: Mean body weight, body fat percentage, FM/FFM, and visceral fat increased as E-DII increased from the lowest tertile (T1) to the most pro-inflammatory tertile (T3) (p for trend <0.05). E-DII was positively associated with body fat percentage (OR 2.952; 95% CI 1.154-7.556; p = 0.024) and remained significant after adjustment for cancer stage, age, physical activity, ethnicity, smoking history, and presence of comorbidities. Compared to T1, participants in T3 had a significantly lower consumption of fiber, vitamin A, beta-carotene, vitamin C, iron, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, folic acid, zinc, magnesium, and selenium, but a higher intake of total fat, saturated fat, and monounsaturated fatty acids.
CONCLUSIONS: A higher E-DII was associated with increased body fat percentage, suggesting the potential of advocating anti-inflammatory diet to combat obesity among newly diagnosed breast cancer patients.