Browse publications by year: 2024

  1. Li B, Zhai JQ, Wu YJ, Shan F, Zou JJ, Hou FH, et al.
    PLoS Negl Trop Dis, 2024 Nov;18(11):e0012667.
    PMID: 39576834 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012667
    The traditional concept of "tonic food" and demand for traditional Chinese medicine make pangolins the largest population of illegally smuggled mammals in the world. Illegal hunting and trade are not only responsible for the sharp decline in pangolin populations but also provide conditions for pathogenic transmission. In 2021, we rescued 21 confiscated unhealthy Malayan pangolins, none of which survived. This study aimed to investigate the reasons for their unexpected deaths and the potential pathogens that may be transmitted during smuggling. Physical examination found that more than 80% pangolins were parasitized with A. javanense ticks. Autopsy and pathological staining analysis revealed multiple organ damage in the deceased pangolins. Pathogens nucleic acid detection of 33 tick samples showed that the positive rate of Rickettsia spp., Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp. Babesia spp., and Colpodella spp. were 90.91%, 6.06%, 6.06%, 15.15% and 18.18%, respectively. Furthermore, pangolin samples were positive for Rickettsia spp. (42.86%, 9/21), Ehrlichia sp. (4.76%, 1/21), and Babesia sp. (4.76%, 1/21). This study confirmed that spotted fever triggered by Rickettsia spp. from A. javanense might accelerate the most death of confiscated pangolins, while Ehrlichia sp., and Babesia sp. infection potentially accelerating a few deaths. Of note, A. javanense ticks carrying Colpodella spp. were detected for the first time in Malayan pangolins. However, whether Colpodella spp. are pathogenic to pangolins is unknown. Further research on the diagnosis, treatment, surveillance, and elimination of ticks and tick-borne diseases in humans, livestock, and wildlife should provide insight into wildlife conservation and zoonotic disease prevention.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Female; Malaysia; Male; Ticks/microbiology; Ticks/parasitology; Tick-Borne Diseases/microbiology; Tick-Borne Diseases/epidemiology; Tick-Borne Diseases/parasitology; Tick-Borne Diseases/veterinary
  2. Mamun AA, Yudhastuti R, Mahmudiono T
    Afr J Reprod Health, 2024 Oct 31;28(10s):376-385.
    PMID: 39641303 DOI: 10.29063/ajrh2024/v28i10s.40
    Childhood stunting remains a global health issue with significant consequences for the growth, long-term health, and development of childre, Poor nutrition is a well-established contributor to childhood stunting. This study aims to investigate the potential of utilizing biscuits as a nutritional intervention to improve the child's stunting condition. This systematic review was consisted of a literature search in several databases: Scopus, Web of Science, mScience Direct, PubMed, and Springer, following the PRISMA methodology. Our search yielded a total of 836 records, while 11 studies were finally included after the screening. The studies revealed critical findings regarding the utilization of biscuits as a carrier in providing essential nutrients. Nevertheless, more well-designed and standardized studies are required to establish clear guidelines for the formulation and implementation of biscuitbased interventions. Policymakers and health practitioners should consider incorporating fortified biscuits into strategies aimed at reducing stunting, especially in regions with a high prevalence of stunting.
    MeSH terms: Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Food, Fortified; Humans; Infant; Nutritional Status
  3. Liew KB, Chew YL, Uddin AH, Lee SK, Lakshminarayanan V, Janakiraman AK, et al.
    Int J Pharm Compd, 2024;28(6):502-508.
    PMID: 39642026
    Fast Melt Tablet (FMT) is a newer type of orally disintegrating tablet using the advantage of cocoa butter that melts at body temperature to achieve fast melting effect when the tablet is placed in oral cavity. However, oral disintegrating dosage form must have good palatability so that patients can accept it. The objective of this study is to taste mask a previously developed FMT containing memantine hydrochloride using artificial sweetener namely aspartame and acesulfame K and conduct a palatability study. Six formulations were developed and each sweetener was used at three level (10mg, 20mg and 30mg) to taste mask memantine hydrochloride in FMT. Formulation T7 was selected as the best taste masked formulation. Aspartame 30mg is sufficient to cover the bitter taste of memantine hydrochloride. A taste masked memantine hydrochloride FMT containing 30mg of aspartame was successfully developed. This formulation has hardness of 17.31 (0.18) Newton, 0.51 (0.02) g weight, 6.18 (0.42) mm thickness and in-vitro melting time of 31.16 (1.23) seconds. This novel dosage form has the potential to be commercialized as a patient friendly dosage form to treat Alzheimer's disease.
    MeSH terms: Administration, Oral; Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; Dietary Fats; Drug Compounding*; Hardness; Humans; Male; Tablets*; Taste*; Thiazines/administration & dosage; Thiazines/chemistry
  4. Bhumika NM, Mishra S, Arjun M, Venkatesh MP
    J Med Imaging Radiat Sci, 2024 Dec;55(4):101420.
    PMID: 38789291 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmir.2024.04.013
    BACKGROUND: The Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) has significant impact on providing high-quality mammography services for the early detection of breast cancer. MQSA emphasizes quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and patient safety. It guides technological integration, ensuring uniform quality across the United States of America (USA). This review synthesizes key MQSA information, analysing compliance, and facilitating policy discussions for improvements, aiming to inspire further policy research in cancer screening by adopting MQSA's success factors.

    METHODS: The review spanned 1997 to 2023, adhering to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Databases like PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar were searched for relevant literature. Selection criteria covered English-language journals, US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines, and professional organizational standards, revealing key aspects of MQSA and breast cancer diagnostics in the USA.

    RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: MQSA's legislative aspects guarantee the effectiveness of regulations for high-quality mammography. It addresses technology, emphasizes inspections, and balances compliance with healthcare burdens. Procedural guidelines prioritize patient outcomes, minimize errors, and address access disparities. Regular updates are crucial to align screening services with technological changes, maintaining safety and accuracy nationwide.

    CONCLUSION: The FDA's collaboration with stakeholders, including medical specialists and patient advocacy groups, has contributed to crucial legislative aspects of MQSA. The accuracy of mammography screenings has significantly improved by MQSA's installation of stringent quality and regulatory standards. Compliance with MQSA guidelines led to higher accuracy, safety, and better detection rates. Ongoing efforts must aim to refine guidelines, address emerging challenges, and optimize breast cancer detection.

    MeSH terms: Female; Humans; Quality Assurance, Health Care; United States; United States Food and Drug Administration*
  5. Go ES, Ling JLJ, Solanki BS, Ahn H, Show PL, Lee SH
    Environ Res, 2024 Dec 15;263(Pt 1):119982.
    PMID: 39270960 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119982
    Oxy-fuel circulating fluidized bed combustion is known as one of the most potent fuel combustion technologies that capture ultra-low greenhouse gases and pollutant emissions. While many investigations have been conducted for carbon capturing, the associated in-situ desulfurization process using calcium-based sorbents should also be underlined. This paper critically reviews the effects of changes in the operating environment on in-situ desulfurization processes compared to conventional air combustion. A comprehensive understanding of the process, encompassing hydrodynamic, physical and chemical aspects can be a guideline for designing the oxy-fuel combustion process with effective sulfur removal, potentially eliminating the need of a flue gas desulfurization unit. Results from thermogravimetric analyzers and morphological changes of calcium-based materials were presented to offer an insight into the sulfation mechanisms involved in the oxy-fuel circulating fluidized beds. Recently findings suggested that in-situ direct desulfurization is influenced not only by the desulfurization kinetics but also by the fluidization characteristics of calcium-based materials. Therefore, a complex reaction analysis that incorporated oxy-combustion reactions, computational fluid dynamics modeling, in-situ desulfurization reaction models and particle behavior can provide a thorough understanding of desulfurization processes across the reactor. Meanwhile, machine learning as a robust tool to predict desulfurization efficiency and improve operational flexibility should be applied with consideration of environmental improvement and economic feasibility.
    MeSH terms: Air Pollution/prevention & control; Sulfur/chemistry
  6. Ng LYB, Ang CZ, Tan TE, Chan CM, Mathur RS, Farooqui SZ, et al.
    Eye (Lond), 2024 Dec;38(18):3595-3600.
    PMID: 39322768 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-024-03368-8
    BACKGROUND: Planned gene therapies for retinitis pigmentosa (RP) depend on viable photoreceptors for efficacy. Understanding disease severity at presentation, and drivers that influence time to presentation is important when planning interventions. We examined features that influence RP severity at initial presentation.

    METHODS: Multi-centre retrospective cohort study of RP patients at initial presentation. Disease severity was scored using ellipsoid zone (EZ) width on SD-OCT and logistic regression used to determine risk factors for advanced disease at presentation.

    RESULTS: A total of 146 unrelated RP patients were included. Median age at onset and presentation was 40.5 (range 1-74) and 50.1 (range 3.9-81.8), respectively. Severe disease (<5° of remaining EZ width) was present in 28.1% of cases at presentation. Patients with family history of RP had greater odds of severe disease (OR 3.29, 95% CI 1.56, 6.95; p = 0.002), while male gender, race, age, syndromic features, and socioeconomic status did not. Patients with affected siblings (median EZ width 6.2°; p = 0.01), but not affected parents (median EZ width 9.4°; p = 0.99), presented with severe EZ loss compared to patients without family history (median EZ width 13.1°). Patients with affected siblings had delayed presentation (≥5 years; OR 5.76, 95% CI 1.817, 18.262; p = 0.003) compared to patients without family history.

    CONCLUSIONS: Family history influences the stage of disease at which RP patients initially seek ophthalmology review. This has implications for patient counselling and the number of patients who may benefit from future therapies.

    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Humans; Infant; Male; Middle Aged; Retrospective Studies; Severity of Illness Index; Visual Acuity/physiology; Tomography, Optical Coherence; Young Adult; Ophthalmologists
  7. Zhou XD, Chen QF, Yang W, Zuluaga M, Targher G, Byrne CD, et al.
    EClinicalMedicine, 2024 Oct;76:102848.
    PMID: 39386160 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2024.102848
    BACKGROUND: Obesity represents a major global health challenge with important clinical implications. Despite its recognized importance, the global disease burden attributable to high body mass index (BMI) remains less well understood.

    METHODS: We systematically analyzed global deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) attributable to high BMI using the methodology and analytical approaches of the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) 2021. High BMI was defined as a BMI over 25 kg/m2 for individuals aged ≥20 years. The Socio-Demographic Index (SDI) was used as a composite measure to assess the level of socio-economic development across different regions. Subgroup analyses considered age, sex, year, geographical location, and SDI.

    FINDINGS: From 1990 to 2021, the global deaths and DALYs attributable to high BMI increased more than 2.5-fold for females and males. However, the age-standardized death rates remained stable for females and increased by 15.0% for males. Similarly, the age-standardized DALY rates increased by 21.7% for females and 31.2% for males. In 2021, the six leading causes of high BMI-attributable DALYs were diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, hypertensive heart disease, chronic kidney disease, low back pain and stroke. From 1990 to 2021, low-middle SDI countries exhibited the highest annual percentage changes in age-standardized DALY rates, whereas high SDI countries showed the lowest.

    INTERPRETATION: The worldwide health burden attributable to high BMI has grown significantly between 1990 and 2021. The increasing global rates of high BMI and the associated disease burden highlight the urgent need for regular surveillance and monitoring of BMI.

    FUNDING: National Natural Science Foundation of China and National Key R&D Program of China.

  8. O'Callaghan C, Michaelian JC, Aihara Y, Anlacan VM, Chen C, Cheung G, et al.
    Lancet Reg Health West Pac, 2024 Sep;50:101183.
    PMID: 39399864 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2024.101183
    Here we first review the limited available literature addressing the current landscape of specialist assessment services for dementia and cognitive decline and the preparedness for new amyloid-targeting therapies for Alzheimer's disease across the Western Pacific region. Considering the scarcity of literature, as national representatives of Western Pacific nations we were then guided by the World Health Organization's Global Action Plan on Dementia to provide country-specific reviews. As a whole, we highlight that the existing diverse socioeconomic and cultural landscape across the region poses unique challenges, including varying access to services and marked differences among countries in their preparedness for upcoming amyloid-targeting therapies for Alzheimer's disease. Therefore, there is an urgent call for intergovernmental collaboration and investment across the Western Pacific to ensure that for all nations, citizens living with dementia and cognitive decline have access to effective and equitable methods of diagnosis, treatment and care.
  9. Woon LS, Maguire PA, Reay RE, Mittinty M, Bastiampillai T, Looi JCL
    Aust Health Rev, 2024 Dec;48(6):617-625.
    PMID: 39433299 DOI: 10.1071/AH24196
    Objective Telepsychiatry consultations grew rapidly with increased total consultations and reduced face-to-face consultations following the pandemic-triggered expansion of Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) telehealth items. It was unclear how much telehealth expansion independently impacted overall and face-to-face consultation trends after accounting for lockdown severity. Methods We extracted monthly MBS Item Reports for psychiatric consultations (January 2012-December 2023). The monthly average Stringency Index (SI) for Australia represented lockdown severity from January 2020 to December 2022. A dichotomous variable denoted telehealth expansion (March 2020 onward). We constructed consecutive multiple linear regression models for combined consultations and face-to-face consultations to include seasonality, trend, SI, and telehealth expansion. We compared model performance using information criteria. Results Median monthly total consultations increased from 148,413 (Interquartile range, IQR: 138,219-153,709) pre-expansion (January 2012-February 2020) to 173,016 (IQR: 158,292-182,463) post-expansion (March 2020-December 2023). Contrarily, median monthly face-to-face consultations decreased from 143,726 (IQR: 135,812-150,153) to 99,272 (IQR: 87,513-107,778). Seasonality and trend were present in both time series. The time series regression model with expansion but excluding SI best explained all consultations, while both telehealth expansion and SI were significant in the best-fit model for face-to-face consultations. Conclusion MBS telehealth expansion was associated with total and face-to-face consultations independent of lockdown severity changes. Policy changes allowing wider access to new telehealth services have possibly led to increased uptake of psychiatric care and addressed previously unmet needs.
    MeSH terms: Australia; Mental Disorders/therapy; Humans; Mental Health Services/statistics & numerical data; National Health Programs; Referral and Consultation/statistics & numerical data; Pandemics
  10. Lai LL, Teh MS, Beh ZY, Lim WL, Lim SM, Soh WQ, et al.
    World J Surg, 2024 Dec;48(12):2799-2810.
    PMID: 39444164 DOI: 10.1002/wjs.12364
    INTRODUCTION: This study aims to establish, execute, and assess the effectiveness of a perioperative enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) clinical care pathway in breast reconstruction patients with LD flap breast cancer treatment. The goal is to improve early recovery outcomes, reduce hospitalization time, and enhance patient satisfaction by implementing a standardized approach to postoperative care.

    METHODS: This study was conducted at the University of Malaya Medical Center. The outcomes of 21 breast cancer patients who underwent autologous reconstructive breast surgery with the latissimus dorsi (LD) flap within six months before the implementation of the ERAS pathway (pre-ERAS) were compared with 26 patients who underwent the same surgery with the ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane (ESP) block for the (ERAS protocol implementation) cohort. The study was conducted from November 2019 to October 2020. The length of hospital stay, amount of analgesic usage, and incidence of postoperative nausea vomiting (PONV) were recorded.

    RESULTS: The implementation of the ERAS clinical care pathway resulted in shorter hospital stays compared with the preceding care. On average, ERAS patients were mostly discharged on Day 2 post-surgery, whereas pre-ERAS patients were mostly discharged on Day 7. ERAS patients had a lower incidence of PONV from Days 1 to 5, starting with 88.5% not experiencing the condition on Days 1 and 2 and increasing to 100% on Day 5. All pre-ERAS patients experienced PONV in the first 5 days post-surgery. Fewer ERAS patients required antiemetics post-surgery (88.5%) compared with pre-ERAS patients (42.9%).

    CONCLUSION: The implementation of the ERAS protocol as part of clinical care in autologous reconstructive breast surgery with the LD flap can improve recovery by shortening hospital stay, decreasing the use of analgesia, and alleviating PONV.

    MeSH terms: Adult; Aged; Female; Humans; Length of Stay/statistics & numerical data; Mastectomy/methods; Middle Aged; Patient Satisfaction/statistics & numerical data; Critical Pathways*; Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting/epidemiology; Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting/prevention & control
  11. Hassanzadeh G, Anastasio AT, Tamrin SBM, Shariat A
    Work, 2024;79(3):1529-1530.
    PMID: 39453648 DOI: 10.3233/WOR-246019
  12. Bhatia S, Paramasivam R, Zolkefley MKIB, Kandasamy R, Muthuraju S, Abdullah JM
    J Physiol Investig, 2024 Nov 01;67(6):321-334.
    PMID: 39475842 DOI: 10.4103/ejpi.EJPI-D-24-00013
    The underlying mechanisms of secondary neuronal damage following intracerebellar hemorrhage (ICbH) have not yet been clearly understood. Our previous study reported apoptotic neuronal damage in the perihematomal region (PH) in mice. However, the possible key factors causing secondary neuronal damage in ICbH are not yet known. Therefore, we aimed to study the vital factors in the mediation of secondary neuronal damage following ICbH induced by collagenase type VII (0.4 U/μL of saline) into the cerebellum of mice. The mice were grouped into four groups: (1) control group ( n = 12), (2) day-1 group ( n = 12), (3) day-3 group ( n = 12), and (4) day-7 group ( n = 12). All mice underwent behavior assessment following induction of ICbH and were subsequently sacrificed on days 1, 3, and 7. Perihaematoma samples were collected to study morphological changes, immunohistochemistry, nitric oxide (NO) estimation, and oxidative stress markers, respectively. Mouse behavior was disturbed following ICbH on days 3 and 7 compared to the control. In addition, neuronal damage was found in the PH region. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and excitatory amino acid transporter 1 (EAAT1) were highly expressed on day 7, while gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor subunit alpha-1 (GABA A α1)-containing receptor subunit was detected on days 1 and 3. NO increased on day 1 post-induction and decreased on days 3 and 7. The expressions of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), neuronal nitric oxide synthases (nNOSs), glutathione peroxidase 1, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) were significantly increased on day 3. Morphological studies of the PH and tissue showed that neuronal damage occurred from day 1 onward and peaked on day 3, associated with alterations in NO, reactive astrocytes (GFAP), glutamate transport regulation (EAAT1), and GABA receptor. Briefly, significant changes in the key markers in the PH regions at different time points are possibly crucial factors facilitating secondary neuronal damage in the PH region. Identifying the time window of these vital changes could help prevent secondary damage and optimize the treatment to occur at proper time points.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Cerebellum/metabolism; Cerebellum/pathology; Cerebral Hemorrhage/metabolism; Cerebral Hemorrhage/pathology; Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein/metabolism; Male; Nitric Oxide/metabolism; Oxidative Stress*; Mice; Cyclooxygenase 2/metabolism
  13. Beichert L, Seemann J, Kessler C, Traschütz A, Müller D, Dillmann-Jehn K, et al.
    Neurology, 2024 Dec 24;103(12):e209887.
    PMID: 39621946 DOI: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000209887
    BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: With targeted treatment trials on the horizon, identification of sensitive and valid outcome measures becomes a priority for >100 spastic ataxias. While digital-motor measures, assessed using wearable sensors, are considered prime outcome candidates for spastic ataxias, genotype-specific validation studies are lacking. We here aimed to identify candidate digital-motor outcomes for spastic paraplegia type 7 (SPG7)-one of the most common spastic ataxias-that (1) reflect patient-relevant health aspects, even in mild, trial-relevant disease stages; (2) are suitable for a multicenter setting; and (3) assess mobility also during uninstructed walking simulating real life.

    METHODS: This cross-sectional multicenter study (7 centers, 6 countries) analyzed defined laboratory-based walking and uninstructed "supervised free walking" in patients with SPG7 and healthy controls using 3 wearable sensors (Opal APDM). For the extracted digital gait measures, we assessed effect sizes for the discrimination of patients and controls (Cliff δ) and Spearman correlations with measures of functional mobility and overall disease severity (Spastic Paraplegia Rating Scale [SPRS], including mobility subscore SPRSmobility; Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia [SARA]) and the activities of daily living subscore of the Friedreich Ataxia Rating Scale (FARS-ADL).

    RESULTS: Gait was analyzed in 65 patients with SPG7 and 50 healthy controls. Among 30 hypothesis-based gait measures, 18 demonstrated at least moderate effect size (δ > 0.5) in discriminating patients from controls and 17 even in mild disease stages (SPRSmobility ≤ 9, n = 41). Spatiotemporal variability measures such as spatial variability measure SPcmp (ρ = 0.67, p < 0.0001) and stride time CV (ρ = 0.67, p < 0.0001) showed the largest correlations with functional mobility (SPRSmobility)-as with overall disease severity (SPRS, SARA) and activities of daily living (FARS-ADL). The correlations of variability measures with SPRSmobility could be confirmed in mild disease stages (e.g., SPcmp: ρ = 0.50, p < 0.0001) and in "supervised free walking" (e.g., stride time CV: ρ = -0.57, p < 0.0001).

    DISCUSSION: We here identified trial-ready digital-motor candidate outcomes for the spastic ataxia SPG7 with proven multicenter applicability, ability to discriminate patients from controls, and correlation with measures of patient-relevant health aspects-even in mild disease stages. If validated longitudinally, these sensor outcomes might inform future natural history and treatment trials in SPG7 and other spastic ataxias.

    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Clinical Trials as Topic/methods; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Severity of Illness Index; Walking/physiology; Outcome Assessment (Health Care); Young Adult
  14. Choo CSB, Yong YV, Chandriah H, Ahmad NS
    Int J Technol Assess Health Care, 2024 Dec 05;40(1):e69.
    PMID: 39635824 DOI: 10.1017/S0266462324000643
    OBJECTIVES: Ministry of Health (MOH) Malaysia stakeholders seek primary care access to sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i). Addressing this required a complex decision, selecting among three SGLT2i for two different indications and two practice settings. The options include expanding the existing SGLT2i (empagliflozin) in the MOH Medicines Formulary to primary care and/or having dapagliflozin and/or luseogliflozin as alternatives. This study aimed to conduct a multiple health technology assessment (HTA) to determine the SGLT2i of choice for the MOH setting.

    METHODS: The clinical benefits of SGLT2i were assessed through a systematic literature review and affordability was assessed through the development of three budget impact analysis models simulating seventy scenarios. Each model varied by prescribing indications, restrictions, and SGLT2i involved (M1: glycemic control, HbA1c between 6.5 percent and 10 percent, empagliflozin-dapagliflozin-luseogliflozin; M2: cardiovascular benefits, HbA1c less than 10 percent, empagliflozin-dapagliflozin; M3: a composite of M1 and M2). The outcome of the HTA was presented to the MOH decision-makers.

    RESULTS: Although there was no significant difference in glycemic control between the SGLT2i, differences exist in cardiovascular benefits conferred. Despite having scenarios with lower net budget impact (NBI) in the M1, M2, and M3 models, decision-makers decided to expand empagliflozin use to primary care setting and add dapagliflozin for hospital-only setting for both indications [NBI of $4.38 mil] due to empagliflozin's advantage in reducing risk for cardiovascular death and prior experience of its use in MOH.

    CONCLUSIONS: The multiple HTA approach guided the complex decision-making process by providing a holistic understanding of the decision's impact.

    MeSH terms: Cost-Benefit Analysis; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/drug therapy; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/economics; Humans; Malaysia; Primary Health Care/organization & administration; Quality-Adjusted Life Years
  15. Quah WC, Leong CJ, Chong E, Low JA, Rafman H
    Ann Acad Med Singap, 2024 Nov 29;53(11):657-669.
    PMID: 39636192 DOI: 10.47102/annals-acadmedsg.2024118
    INTRODUCTION: Hospitalisations can pose hazards and may not be an appropriate care setting for frail nursing home (NH) residents. Few studies have quantified the extent of NH resident hospitalisations in Singapore, hence we aimed to address this knowledge gap by studying characteristics of unplanned hospitalisations over a 1-year period.

    METHOD: This was a retrospective cohort study of 9922 subsidised residents across 59 NHs in Singapore, with analysis using administrative healthcare data. Key measures included inpatient admission and emergency department visit rates, final discharge diagnoses and estimated costs. We examined correlates of inpatient admissions with a multivariable zero-inflated negative binomial regression model incorporating demogra-phics, institutional characteristics and Charlson Comorbidity Index.

    RESULTS: There were 6620 inpatient admissions in 2015, equivalent to 2.23 admissions per 1000 resident days, and the majority were repeat admissions (4504 admissions or 68.0%). Male sex (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 1.23), approaching end-of-life (IRR 2.14), hospitalisations in the past year (IRR 2.73) and recent NH admission within the last 6 months (IRR 1.31-1.99) were significantly associated with inpatient admission rate. Top 5 discharge diagnoses were lower respiratory tract infections (27.3%), urinary tract infection (9.3%), sepsis (3.1%), cellulitis (1.9%) and gastroenteritis (1.1%). We estimated the total system cost of admissions of subsidised residents to be SGD40.2 million (USD29.1 million) in 2015.

    CONCLUSION: We anticipate that unplanned hospitali-sation rate will increase over time, especially with an increasing number of residents who will be cared for in NHs. Our findings provide a baseline to inform stakeholders and develop strategies to address this growing problem.

    MeSH terms: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Emergency Service, Hospital/statistics & numerical data; Female; Homes for the Aged/economics; Homes for the Aged/statistics & numerical data; Humans; Male; Retrospective Studies; Singapore; Information Storage and Retrieval; Frail Elderly/statistics & numerical data
  16. Ni CY, Kassim NFA, Ayub NM, Abuelmaali SA, Mashlawi AM, Dieng H
    J Vector Borne Dis, 2024 Dec 05.
    PMID: 39636255 DOI: 10.4103/JVBD.JVBD_111_24
    BACKGROUND OBJECTIVES: Sound plays an important role in mosquito foraging and sexual interactions. Mosquitoes utilize acoustic signals for host location, sexual recognition, and mating, which is achieved through the rhythmic beating of their wings to generate distinct sounds characterized by specific flight tone frequencies.

    METHODS: In this study, electronic music (Tremor by Dimitri Vegas, Martin Garrix and Like Mike) and country music (Country Road by John Denver) were played in high and low volumes to investigate the influence of different genres of music on the blood feeding and mating responses of Ae. aegypti. The observations encompassed monitoring the landing attempts, blood-feeding endeavors, and mating behavior of Ae. aegypti.

    RESULTS: High-volume electronic and country music with elevated pitch and amplitude significantly reduced host attacks and blood-feeding attempts by female mosquitoes compared to low-volume or music-off conditions.

    INTERPRETATION CONCLUSION: However, the significant reduction of successful copula was only observed in Ae. aegypti mosquitoes exposed under electronic music with high volume. As transmission of dengue is through blood feeding and mating, this discovery may open new possibilities for developing music-based control strategies against mosquito-borne diseases.

  17. Chenchula S, Ghanta MK, Alhammadi M, Mohammed A, Anitha K, Nuthalapati P, et al.
    PMID: 39636406 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-024-03686-4
    Gout is a prevalent metabolic disorder characterized by increased uric acid (UA) synthesis or decreased UA clearance from the bloodstream, leading to the formation of urate crystals in joints and surrounding tissues. Hyperuricemia (HUA), the underlying cause of gout, poses a growing challenge for healthcare systems in developed and developing countries. Currently, the most common therapeutic approaches for gouty HUA primarily involve the use of allopathic or modern medicine. However, these treatments are often accompanied by adverse effects and may not be universally effective for all patients. Therefore, this systematic review aims to provide a comprehensive outline of phytochemical compounds that have emerged as alternative treatments for HUA associated with gout and to examine their specific mechanisms of action. A systematic search was conducted to identify phytochemicals that have previously been evaluated for their effectiveness in reducing HUA. From a review of > 800 published articles, 100 studies reporting on 50 phytochemicals associated with the management of HUA and gout were selected for analysis. Experimental models were used to investigate the effects of these phytochemicals, many of which exhibited multiple mechanisms beneficial for managing HUA. This review offers valuable insights for identifying and developing novel compounds that are safer and more effective for treating HUA associated with gout.
  18. Auwal SM, Ghanisma SBM, Saari N
    J Food Drug Anal, 2024 Sep 13;32(3):358-370.
    PMID: 39636769 DOI: 10.38212/2224-6614.3522
    Chitosan and alginate, are non-toxic and biodegradable polymers used to enhance the stability of biotherapeutics by loading them into nanocarriers. In this study, the stone fish-derived low molecular weight peptide (Ala-Leu-Gly-Pro-Gln-Phe-Tyr), exhibited an in vitro ACE-inhibitory activity of 94.43 ± 2.05% and an IC50 of 0.012 ± 0.001 mM. The peptide was encapsulated via ionic gelation with alginate followed by polyelectrolyte complexation with chitosan. The resulting ACE-inhibitory peptide-loaded alginate-chitosan nanoparticles (ACE-I-ALG-CS NPs) were optimized to achieve small particle size (212.60 nm) and high encapsulation efficiency (EE, 74.48%). This was based on an optimum chitosan concentration (0.420%w/v), homogenization speed (6000 rpm), and homogenization time (30 min) using Box Behnken experimental design (BBED). Characterization of the ACE-I-ALG-CS NPs revealed a spherical, monodispersed morphology with high physicochemical stability during storage at 2 °C, 7 °C, and 12 °C for 12 weeks. Moreover, the in vivo study conducted on spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) demonstrated a significantly higher (p < 0.05) systolic blood pressure (SBP)-lowering effect of the ACE-I-ALG-CS NPs compared to captopril and unencapsulated peptide. Hence, alginate and chitosan can be used as biocompatible coating materials to enhance the stability and in vivo anti-hypertensive effect of Ala-Leu-Gly-Pro-Gln-Phe-Tyr through encapsulation, thereby making it potentially valuable for various applications in pharmaceuticals and food industry.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Blood Pressure/drug effects; Drug Stability; Hexuronic Acids/chemistry; Humans; Hypertension/drug therapy; Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A/metabolism; Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A/chemistry; Male; Molecular Weight; Particle Size; Rats, Inbred SHR; Glucuronic Acid/chemistry; Rats
  19. Jiwanti PK, Putri IH, Kadja GTM, Einaga Y, Sutanto LG, Wafiroh S, et al.
    J Food Drug Anal, 2024 Sep 13;32(3):348-357.
    PMID: 39636777 DOI: 10.38212/2224-6614.3517
    Overuse of levofloxacin (LEV) is often associated with bacterial resistance and serious health problems, underscoring the need for reliable sensing and monitoring of LEV molecules. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate LEV using boron-doped diamond (BDD) and boron-doped diamond modified with MXene (Ti3C2TX) (BDD-MXene) electrode. The successful deposition of MXene on the BDD surface was confirmed using scanning electron microscope (SEM). Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and square wave voltammetry (SWV) methods were also applied to evaluate the electrochemical behavior. The results showed that both electrodes had a linear response in the range of 30-100 μM. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantitation (LOQ) were found to be 1.0 × 10-6 M and 3.37 × 10-6 M for bare-BDD, while on BDD-MXene, the values were 3.90 × 10-7 M and 1.30 × 10-6 M, respectively. Furthermore, both electrodes showed good responses on selectivity tests with glucose and another fluoroquinolone antibiotic such as ciprofloxacin. The results also indicated good precision with %RSD less than 5%. In real sample applications using wastewater, bare-BDD and BDD-MXene produced excellent %recovery of 92.96% and 101.29%, respectively.
    MeSH terms: Electrodes*; Biosensing Techniques/instrumentation; Biosensing Techniques/methods; Limit of Detection
  20. Zhang C
    PLoS One, 2024;19(12):e0312292.
    PMID: 39636876 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0312292
    This study examines the impact of corporate governance and economic policy uncertainty on financial performance in non-financial firms in three emerging Asian economies: Pakistan, China, and Malaysia. The study analyzed 400 non-financial firms listed on these countries' stock markets for ten years (2012-2021). Data on corporate governance, financial performance, and CSR scores were obtained from DataStream. The study used regression analysis and the generalized method of moments (GMM) for its robustness analysis. Our findings show that all attributes of corporate governance practices have a significant positive impact on return on assets, except for the existence of an audit board committee for all selected economies. Moreover, corporate governance practices have a significant positive relationship with return on equity. However, in the case of earnings per share (EPS), all attributes have a significant positive relationship except board size with earnings per share. Economic policy uncertainty significantly moderates corporate governance practices and financial performance of organizations belonging to Asian economies. This study advocated the implications for the government and policymakers to improve corporate governance practices, especially during periods of high economic uncertainty.
    MeSH terms: China; Humans; Malaysia; Pakistan; Uncertainty
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