METHODS: Consensus on a novel endoscopic sphenoid surgery classification system by running the Delphi procedure with 16 rhinology experts from around the world.
RESULTS: Four Delphi rounds were required to reach a consensus on all stages of the classification. The average percentage of agreement on the stages of classification progressively increased from 70.83% in the first round to 87.68% in the last round. The rejection rates continuously decreased from 8.81% in the first round to 4.44% in the last round. The classification system was developed as follows: stage 1, presphenoid surgery; stage 2A, partial sphenoidotomy; stage 2B, complete sphenoidotomy; stage 2C, transpterygoid sphenoidotomy; stage 3A, Rostral sphenoidectomy; and stage 3B, extended sphenoid drill-out.
CONCLUSIONS: This novel endoscopic sphenoid surgery classification system facilitates the description of different sphenoid sinus procedures, providing surgeons with better opportunities for discussion and communication.
OBJECTIVE: We aimed to explore factors influencing the adoption of telehealth services among older adults in Malaysia, going beyond the conventional framework by incorporating transition cost and subjective well-being as additional constructs.
METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 119 adults aged ≥60 years in Malaysia, using 39 survey items adapted from existing studies. Data analysis was performed using partial least squares structural equation modeling, with both the measurement model and structural model being evaluated. To determine the predictive relevance of the model, PLSpredict was applied. In addition, importance-performance map analysis was conducted to further expand on the structural model results by assessing the performance of each variable.
RESULTS: Of the 119 participants, 52 (43.7%) were women and 67 (56.3%) were men. The study found that subjective well-being (β=0.448; P
METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed. MED was determined using a handheld device with wavelength of 311 nm. Vitiligo severity was measured using the Vitiligo Area Scoring Index (VASI) while disease activity was assessed by the Vitiligo Disease Activity (VIDA). Sun exposure was quantified by the Sun Exposure Index (SEI).
RESULTS: A total of 36 patients (mean age of 49.06 ± 21.29 years old) participated with 12 patients from each skin phototype. MEDs of skin affected by vitiligo were 255 ± 120.3, 280 ± 93.4, and 525 ± 226.1 mJ/cm2 for phototypes III, IV, and V respectively. The MEDs of unaffected skin were 465 ± 120.3, 580 ± 123.6, and 1150 ± 116.8 mJ/cm2 for phototypes III, IV, and V respectively. The MEDs for skin affected by vitiligo were 45%, 52%, and 54% less than the MEDs of unaffected skin for phototypes III, IV, and V respectively. The differences in MEDs between vitiligo-affected skin and unaffected skin were significant for all skin phototypes (p
OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to assess the prevalence of and factors associated with being at risk of anemia among Malaysian children aged ≥6 months to ≤36 months by using a noninvasive hemoglobin assessment.
METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study (from July to December 2022) of outpatient Malaysian children, aged ≥6 months to ≤36 months, who were selected from five maternal-and-child health clinics by convenience sampling. At risk of anemia was defined as a total hemoglobin level of <12 g/dL, measured using the Masimo Rad-67, a noninvasive screening device for total hemoglobin levels. The χ2 and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to assess the prevalence and factors associated with being at risk of anemia, using R-Studio (version 4.0.0).
RESULTS: The study included 1201 participants, of whom 30% (95% CI 28-33) were at risk of anemia. Children aged 6-12 months (210/364, 57.7%, P12-36 months. However, weight-for-age (adjusted odds ratio=0.88; 95% CI 0.80-0.98) was associated with lower odds of being at risk of anemia.
CONCLUSIONS: The current study revealed a substantial prevalence of Malaysian children being at risk of developing anemia. The study results therefore imply a need for more community education and awareness on anemia, including nutrition education, as well as targeted community screening to enable the early detection and prompt treatment of anemia cases. Anemia reduction strategies in Malaysia should consider the highlighted factors indicative of higher risk of anemia.
STUDY DESIGN: Secondary analysis of a large dataset multi-country observational study.
METHODS: We used a four-pronged analysis approach to investigate whether personal history of infectious and parasitic diseases is related to self-reported health, measured with a single item.
RESULTS: Three of the four analyses found a small positive effect on self-reported health among those reporting a history of pathogen exposure. The meta-analysis found no support but large heterogeneity that was not reduced by two classifications of countries.
CONCLUSION: Personal history of infectious and parasitic diseases does not reduce self-reported health across a global sample.
METHODS: We conducted a feasibility study to build a conversation tool, guided by principles of shared decision making, called the "About Me" Care Card. Informed by an environmental scan, we created and pilot-tested prototypes at implementation sites. All phases were overseen by a multidisciplinary steering committee.
RESULTS: Fourteen diverse clinicians consisting of 7 clinician types across 7 institutions piloted the card during in-person visits or by telephone. Observations showed that the card (1) allowed time to elicit what matters most to patients, (2) created space for personalized care conversations, (3) opened an examination of social care needs, and (4) moderated emotional relationships between families and individuals.
CONCLUSION: A community-based codesign process led to a feasible tool for primary care teams to facilitate whole-person conversations with aging adults. The About Me Care Card appeared to broaden conversations compared with routine care. More work is needed to determine scalability and effects on outcomes.
METHODS: This randomized controlled trial involved participants aged 18 to 25 years with mild to moderate idiopathic scoliosis, who were randomly assigned to either the control or experimental group. Both groups received 12 sessions of supervised exercises over 6 weeks, with the experimental group also incorporating DNS exercises alongside CSE. Lumbopelvic stability was assessed using the single leg squat, while core stability was evaluated with the stabilizer pressure Biofeedback in combination with the Sahrmann core stability test. Additionally, gait spatiotemporal parameters and pelvic dynamics were analyzed using the BTS-G-WALK system.
RESULTS: Of 30 participants, 28 completed the study, comprising 12 males and 16 females, with 26 having mild right-sided thoracic scoliosis. Both groups showed improvement in the left single leg squat, with the control group reaching 93.3% "Good" performance and the experimental group achieving 69.2%. Gait analysis showed a significant reduction in duration for both groups, with the control group improving from 112.98 to 71.41 seconds (P = .005) and the experimental group improving from 112.33 to 67.68 seconds (P = .021).
CONCLUSION: This ongoing 12-week study shows that the combined DNS and CSE approach significantly improves lumbopelvic stability in individuals with idiopathic scoliosis. However, the impact on gait parameters was minimal, possibly due to the short duration of the intervention and the similar walking strategies of those with single-curve scoliosis and healthy individuals. These findings highlight the potential of integrating DNS into scoliosis rehabilitation and underscore the need for further research to optimize treatment duration and assess long-term functional outcomes.