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Perceived barriers to and ideas for weight control interventions in Malay homemakers: results from focus groups

Ng LW, Malhotra R, Lai D, Tai ES, Østbye T

Asia Pac J Public Health, 2015 Mar;27(2):NP552-61.
PMID: 23482708 DOI: 10.1177/1010539513479966

To develop a better understanding of perceived barriers to and ideas for weight loss and maintenance among Malay homemakers in Singapore.

Matched MeSH terms: Health Promotion/methods*
Insurance and epidemics: SARS, West Nile virus and Nipah virus

von Overbeck J

J Insur Med, 2003;35(3-4):165-73.
PMID: 14971089

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) reminds us that sudden disease emergence is a permanent part of our world--and should be anticipated in our planning. Historically the emergence of new diseases has had little or no impact beyond a small, localized cluster of infections. However, given just the right conditions, a highly virulent pathogen can suddenly spread across time and space with massive consequences, as has occurred on several occasions in human history. In the wake of the SARS outbreak, we are now forced to confront the unpleasant fact that human activities are increasing the frequency and severity of these kinds of emergences. The idea of more frequent biological "invasions" with economic and societal impacts comparable to SARS, presents stakeholders in and the global economy with unprecedented new risks, challenges and even opportunities. As a major contributor to economic stability, the insurance industry must follow these trends very closely and develop scenarios to anticipate these events.

Matched MeSH terms: Population Surveillance/methods
Results of group-circumcision of Muslim boys in Malaysia with a new type of disposable clamp

Schmitz RF, Abu Bakar MH, Omar ZH, Kamalanathan S, Schulpen TW, van der Werken C

Trop Doct, 2001 Jul;31(3):152-4.
PMID: 11444337

This study evaluates the safety and results of surgery usingTaraKlamp Circumcision Device during a group circumcision. Atotal of 64 circumcisions of Muslim boys were performed by Medical Assistants supervised by Medical Doctors in a hall in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. A new type disposable clamp was used, which was removed 4 days after the operation. No major complications occurred and the boys experienced in general mild pain postoperatively. Mostly good cosmetic results were obtained and 90% of the parents would recommend this new clamp to others. Group circumcisions withTaraKlamp Circumcision Device (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia) are safe, although proper patient selection and adequate training in using the device are mandatory.

Matched MeSH terms: Circumcision, Male/methods
Fulltext Improving primary care management of asthma: do we know what really works?

Fletcher MJ, Tsiligianni I, Kocks JWH, Cave A, Chunhua C, Sousa JC, et al.

NPJ Prim Care Respir Med, 2020 06 17;30(1):29.
PMID: 32555169 DOI: 10.1038/s41533-020-0184-0

Asthma imposes a substantial burden on individuals and societies. Patients with asthma need high-quality primary care management; however, evidence suggests the quality of this care can be highly variable. Here we identify and report factors contributing to high-quality management. Twelve primary care global asthma experts, representing nine countries, identified key factors. A literature review (past 10 years) was performed to validate or refute the expert viewpoint. Key driving factors identified were: policy, clinical guidelines, rewards for performance, practice organisation and workforce. Further analysis established the relevant factor components. Review evidence supported the validity of each driver; however, impact on patient outcomes was uncertain. Single interventions (e.g. healthcare practitioner education) showed little effect; interventions driven by national policy (e.g. incentive schemes and teamworking) were more effective. The panel's opinion, supported by literature review, concluded that multiple primary care interventions offer greater benefit than any single intervention in asthma management.

Matched MeSH terms: Primary Health Care/methods*
Psychometric properties of measures of gait quality and walking performance in young people with Cerebral Palsy: A systematic review

Zanudin A, Mercer TH, Jagadamma KC, van der Linden ML

Gait Posture, 2017 10;58:30-40.
PMID: 28711651 DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2017.07.005

Availability of outcome measures (OMs) with robust psychometric properties is an essential prerequisite for the evaluation of interventions designed to address gait deterioration in young people with Cerebral Palsy (CP). This review evaluates evidence for the reliability, validity and responsiveness of outcome measures of gait quality and walking performance in young people with CP. A systematic search was performed in MEDLINE, CINAHL, PubMed and Scopus. Articles that met the eligibility criteria were selected. Methodological quality of studies was independently rated by two raters using the modified COnsensus-based Standard for the selection of health status Measurement INstruments checklist. Strength of evidence was rated using standardised guidelines. Best evidence synthesis was scored according to Cochrane criteria. Fifty-one articles reporting on 18 distinct OMs were included for review. Best evidence synthesis indicated a moderate to strong evidence for the reliability for OMs of walking performance but conflicting evidence for the reliability of OMs of gait quality. The evidence for responsiveness for all OMs included in this review was rated as 'unknown'. The limitations of using the modified COSMIN scoring for small sample sizes are acknowledged. Future studies of high methodological quality are needed to explore the responsiveness of OMs assessing gait quality and walking performance in young people with CP.

Matched MeSH terms: Psychometrics/methods
Fulltext The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the diagnosis and management of inborn errors of metabolism: A global perspective

Elmonem MA, Belanger-Quintana A, Bordugo A, Boruah R, Cortès-Saladelafont E, Endrakanti M, et al.

Mol Genet Metab, 2020 11;131(3):285-288.
PMID: 33004274 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2020.09.004

Quantitative estimates for the global impact of COVID-19 on the diagnosis and management of patients with inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) are lacking. We collected relevant data from 16 specialized medical centers treating IEM patients in Europe, Asia and Africa. The median decline of reported IEM related services in March 1st-May 31st 2020 compared to the same period in 2019 were as high as 60-80% with a profound impact on patient management and care for this vulnerable patient group. More representative data along with outcome data and guidelines for managing IEM disorders under such extraordinary circumstances are needed.

Matched MeSH terms: Delivery of Health Care/methods; Mass Screening/methods; Neonatal Screening/methods
New Guinea has the world's richest island flora

Cámara-Leret R, Frodin DG, Adema F, Anderson C, Appelhans MS, Argent G, et al.

Nature, 2020 08;584(7822):579-583.
PMID: 32760001 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-020-2549-5

New Guinea is the world's largest tropical island and has fascinated naturalists for centuries1,2. Home to some of the best-preserved ecosystems on the planet3 and to intact ecological gradients-from mangroves to tropical alpine grasslands-that are unmatched in the Asia-Pacific region4,5, it is a globally recognized centre of biological and cultural diversity6,7. So far, however, there has been no attempt to critically catalogue the entire vascular plant diversity of New Guinea. Here we present the first, to our knowledge, expert-verified checklist of the vascular plants of mainland New Guinea and surrounding islands. Our publicly available checklist includes 13,634 species (68% endemic), 1,742 genera and 264 families-suggesting that New Guinea is the most floristically diverse island in the world. Expert knowledge is essential for building checklists in the digital era: reliance on online taxonomic resources alone would have inflated species counts by 22%. Species discovery shows no sign of levelling off, and we discuss steps to accelerate botanical research in the 'Last Unknown'8.

Matched MeSH terms: Classification/methods*
Fulltext Venipuncture versus heel prick for blood glucose monitoring in neonates

Saththasivam P, Umadevan D, Ramli N, Voralu K, Naing NN, Ilias MI, et al.

Singapore Med J, 2009 Oct;50(10):1004-7.
PMID: 19907892

The aim of this study was to determine whether there was a difference in the pain indicators and effectiveness between venipuncture (VP) and heel prick (HP) for blood glucose monitoring in term neonates (recently, venipuncture was shown superior for the Guthrie test).

Matched MeSH terms: Blood Specimen Collection/methods; Phlebotomy/methods*
Fulltext Teaching metacognition in clinical decision-making using a novel mnemonic checklist: an exploratory study

Chew KS, Durning SJ, van Merriënboer JJ

Singapore Med J, 2016 Dec;57(12):694-700.
PMID: 26778635 DOI: 10.11622/smedj.2016015

INTRODUCTION: Metacognition is a cognitive debiasing strategy that clinicians can use to deliberately detach themselves from the immediate context of a clinical decision, which allows them to reflect upon the thinking process. However, cognitive debiasing strategies are often most needed when the clinician cannot afford the time to use them. A mnemonic checklist known as TWED (T = threat, W = what else, E = evidence and D = dispositional factors) was recently created to facilitate metacognition. This study explores the hypothesis that the TWED checklist improves the ability of medical students to make better clinical decisions.
METHODS: Two groups of final-year medical students from Universiti Sains Malaysia, Malaysia, were recruited to participate in this quasi-experimental study. The intervention group (n = 21) received educational intervention that introduced the TWED checklist, while the control group (n = 19) received a tutorial on basic electrocardiography. Post-intervention, both groups received a similar assessment on clinical decision-making based on five case scenarios.
RESULTS: The mean score of the intervention group was significantly higher than that of the control group (18.50 ± 4.45 marks vs. 12.50 ± 2.84 marks, p < 0.001). In three of the five case scenarios, students in the intervention group obtained higher scores than those in the control group.
CONCLUSION: The results of this study support the use of the TWED checklist to facilitate metacognition in clinical decision-making.

Matched MeSH terms: Clinical Decision-Making/methods*; Education, Medical/methods*
Pathogenicity of Aschersonia spp. against whiteflies Bemisia argentifolii and Trialeurodes vaporariorum

Meekes ET, Fransen JJ, van Lenteren JC

J Invertebr Pathol, 2002 Sep;81(1):1-11.
PMID: 12417207

Entomopathogenic fungi of the genus Aschersonia are specific for whitefly and scale insects. They can be used as biological control agents against silverleaf whitefly, Bemisia argentifolii and greenhouse whitefly, Trialeurodes vaporariorum. Forty-four isolates of Aschersonia spp. were tested for their ability to sporulate and germinate on semi-artificial media and to infect insect hosts. Seven isolates sporulated poorly (less than 1x10(7) conidia/dry weight) and 10 were not able to infect either of the whitefly species. Several isolates were able to produce capilliconidia. Infection level was not correlated with germination on water agar. After a selection based on spore production and infection, virulence of 31 isolates was evaluated on third instar nymphs of both whitefly species on poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima). Whitefly infection levels varied between 2 and 70%, and infection percentages of B. argentifolii correlated with that of T. vaporariorum. However, mortality was higher for T. vaporariorum than for B. argentifolii, as a result of a higher 'mortality due to unknown causes.' Several isolates, among which unidentified species of Aschersonia originating from Thailand and Malaysia, A. aleyrodis from Colombia, and A. placenta from India showed high spore production on semi-artificial medium and high infection levels of both whitefly species.

Matched MeSH terms: Pest Control, Biological/methods*
Stage-directed individualized therapy in esophageal cancer

Goense L, van Rossum PS, Kandioler D, Ruurda JP, Goh KL, Luyer MD, et al.

Ann N Y Acad Sci, 2016 10;1381(1):50-65.
PMID: 27384385 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.13113

Esophageal cancer is the eighth most common cancer worldwide, and the incidence of esophageal carcinoma is rapidly increasing. With the advent of new staging and treatment techniques, esophageal cancer can now be managed through various strategies. A good understanding of the advances and limitations of new staging techniques and how these can guide in individualizing treatment is important to improve outcomes for esophageal cancer patients. This paper outlines the recent progress in staging and treatment of esophageal cancer, with particularly attention to endoscopic techniques for early-stage esophageal cancer, multimodality treatment for locally advanced esophageal cancer, assessment of response to neoadjuvant treatment, and the role of cervical lymph node dissection. Furthermore, advances in robot-assisted surgical techniques and postoperative recovery protocols that may further improve outcomes after esophagectomy are discussed.

Matched MeSH terms: Combined Modality Therapy/methods; Esophagectomy/methods; Precision Medicine/methods*
Fulltext High variability phonetic training in adaptive adverse conditions is rapid, effective, and sustained

Leong CXR, Price JM, Pitchford NJ, van Heuven WJB

PLoS One, 2018;13(10):e0204888.
PMID: 30300372 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0204888

This paper evaluates a novel high variability phonetic training paradigm that involves presenting spoken words in adverse conditions. The effectiveness, generalizability, and longevity of this high variability phonetic training in adverse conditions was evaluated using English phoneme contrasts in three experiments with Malaysian multilinguals. Adverse conditions were created by presenting spoken words against background multi-talker babble. In Experiment 1, the adverse condition level was set at a fixed level throughout the training and in Experiment 2 the adverse condition level was determined for each participant before training using an adaptive staircase procedure. To explore the effectiveness and sustainability of the training, phonemic discrimination ability was assessed before and immediately after training (Experiments 1 and 2) and 6 months after training (Experiment 3). Generalization of training was evaluated within and across phonemic contrasts using trained and untrained stimuli. Results revealed significant perceptual improvements after just three 20-minute training sessions and these improvements were maintained after 6 months. The training benefits also generalized from trained to untrained stimuli. Crucially, perceptual improvements were significantly larger when the adverse conditions were adapted before each training session than when it was set at a fixed level. As the training improvements observed here are markedly larger than those reported in the literature, this indicates that the individualized phonetic training regime in adaptive adverse conditions (HVPT-AAC) is highly effective at improving speech perception.

Matched MeSH terms: Patient Education as Topic/methods*
Fulltext A generic assay for whole-genome amplification and deep sequencing of enterovirus A71

Tan le V, Tuyen NT, Thanh TT, Ngan TT, Van HM, Sabanathan S, et al.

J Virol Methods, 2015 Apr;215-216:30-6.
PMID: 25704598 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2015.02.011

Enterovirus A71 (EV-A71) has emerged as the most important cause of large outbreaks of severe and sometimes fatal hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) across the Asia-Pacific region. EV-A71 outbreaks have been associated with (sub)genogroup switches, sometimes accompanied by recombination events. Understanding EV-A71 population dynamics is therefore essential for understanding this emerging infection, and may provide pivotal information for vaccine development. Despite the public health burden of EV-A71, relatively few EV-A71 complete-genome sequences are available for analysis and from limited geographical localities. The availability of an efficient procedure for whole-genome sequencing would stimulate effort to generate more viral sequence data. Herein, we report for the first time the development of a next-generation sequencing based protocol for whole-genome sequencing of EV-A71 directly from clinical specimens. We were able to sequence viruses of subgenogroup C4 and B5, while RNA from culture materials of diverse EV-A71 subgenogroups belonging to both genogroup B and C was successfully amplified. The nature of intra-host genetic diversity was explored in 22 clinical samples, revealing 107 positions carrying minor variants (ranging from 0 to 15 variants per sample). Our analysis of EV-A71 strains sampled in 2013 showed that they all belonged to subgenogroup B5, representing the first report of this subgenogroup in Vietnam. In conclusion, we have successfully developed a high-throughput next-generation sequencing-based assay for whole-genome sequencing of EV-A71 from clinical samples.

Matched MeSH terms: Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques/methods*; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing/methods*
Fulltext Psychometric properties and population norms of the positive mental health instrument in a representative multi-ethnic Asian population

Vaingankar JA, Subramaniam M, Tan LWL, Abdin E, Lim WY, Wee HL, et al.

BMC Med Res Methodol, 2018 03 15;18(1):29.
PMID: 29544448 DOI: 10.1186/s12874-018-0487-9

BACKGROUND: Measures of mental well-being and positive mental health (PMH) have been largely developed and used in Western populations, however, data on representative Asian communities are lacking. Using data from a population sample, this study sought to establish psychometric properties and norms of the PMH Instrument (PMH-I), a measure of positive mental health developed in Singapore.
METHODS: We conducted a nationally representative survey among 1925 adults aged 18-79 years of Chinese, Malay, Indian or other ethnicity. Participants reported socio-demographic characteristics and completed the PMH-I along with measures of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and psychological distress. Construct validity of the PMH-I was assessed using confirmatory factor analysis and concurrent validity was tested through correlation with other psychological measures. Normative PMH values and differences in population subgroups were estimated.
RESULTS: The six-factor-higher-order structure of the PMH-I comprising six subscales of general coping, emotional support, spirituality, interpersonal skills, personal growth and autonomy and global affect was confirmed. Concurrent validity was shown through significant positive correlation of the total PMH score and its subscales with HRQoL and an inverse correlation with psychological distress. Weighted age, gender and ethnicity-specific norms were derived for the Singapore population. Total PMH was significantly higher in participants aged over 40 years as compared with 18-29 year olds and in non-Chinese ethnic groups as compared with Chinese. These differences were observed for all PMH-I subscales, with the exception of emotional support and interpersonal skills score differences by age. In contrast, gender, marital status, and education level were significantly associated with some of the subscales, but not with total PMH.
CONCLUSIONS: These results support the psychometric properties of the PMH-I in a multi-ethnic Asian population sample. The generalizable population-based norms support the application of the PMH-I for measuring mental health and assessing its determinants within the Singapore general population.

Matched MeSH terms: Psychometrics/methods*
Fulltext International Core Outcome Set for Acute Simple Appendicitis in Children: Results of a Systematic Review, Delphi Study, and Focus Croups With Young People

Knaapen M, Hall NJ, Moulin D, van der Lee JH, Butcher NJ, Minneci PC, et al.

Ann Surg, 2022 Dec 01;276(6):1047-1055.
PMID: 33630468 DOI: 10.1097/SLA.0000000000004707

OBJECTIVE: To develop an international core outcome set (COS), a minimal collection of outcomes that should be measured and reported in all future clinical trials evaluating treatments of acute simple appendicitis in children.
SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: A previous systematic review identified 115 outcomes in 60 trials and systematic reviews evaluating treatments for children with appendicitis, suggesting the need for a COS.
METHODS: The development process consisted of 4 phases: (1) an updated systematic review identifying all previously reported outcomes, (2) a 2-stage international Delphi study in which parents with their children and surgeons rated these outcomes for inclusion in the COS, (3) focus groups with young people to identify missing outcomes, and (4) international expert meetings to ratify the final COS.
RESULTS: The systematic review identified 129 outcomes which were mapped to 43 unique outcome terms for the Delphi survey. The first-round included 137 parents (8 countries) and 245 surgeons (10 countries), the second-round response rates were 61% and 85% respectively, with 10 outcomes emerging with consensus. After 2 young peoples' focus groups, 2 additional outcomes were added to the final COS (12): mortality, bowel obstruction, intraabdominal abscess, recurrent appendicitis, complicated appendicitis, return to baseline health, readmission, reoperation, unplanned appendectomy, adverse events related to treatment, major and minor complications.
CONCLUSION: An evidence-informed COS based on international consensus, including patients and parents has been developed. This COS is recommended for all future studies evaluating treatment ofsimple appendicitis in children, to reduce heterogeneity between studies and facilitate data synthesis and evidence-based decision-making.

Matched MeSH terms: Outcome Assessment (Health Care)/methods
Fulltext Mobile health-care information for all: a global challenge

Royston G, Hagar C, Long LA, McMahon D, Pakenham-Walsh N, Wadhwani N, et al.

Lancet Glob Health, 2015 Jul;3(7):e356-7.
PMID: 26087979 DOI: 10.1016/S2214-109X(15)00054-6
Matched MeSH terms: Health Education/methods*
Fulltext Dietary fatty acid intake in hemodialysis patients and associations with circulating fatty acid profiles: A cross-sectional study

Khor BH, Sahathevan S, Sualeheen A, Ali MSM, Narayanan SS, Chinna K, et al.

Nutrition, 2019 01 15;63-64:14-21.
PMID: 30927642 DOI: 10.1016/j.nut.2019.01.005

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were threefold: first, to assess the dietary fatty acid (FA) intake and blood FA status in Malaysian patients on hemodialysis (HD); second, to examine the association between dietary FA intakes and blood FA profiles in patients on HD; and third, to determine whether blood FAs could serve as a biomarker of dietary fat intake quality in these patients.
METHODS: Using 3 d of dietary records, FA intakes of 333 recruited patients were calculated using a food database built from laboratory analyses of commonly consumed Malaysian foods. Plasma triacylglycerol (TG) and erythrocyte FAs were determined by gas chromatography.
RESULTS: High dietary saturated fatty acid (SFA) and monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) consumption trends were observed. Patients on HD also reported low dietary ω-3 and ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) consumptions and low levels of TG and erythrocyte FAs. TG and dietary FAs were significantly associated respective to total PUFA, total ω-6 PUFA, 18:2 ω-6, total ω-3 PUFA, 18:3 ω-3, 22:6 ω-3, and trans 18:2 isomers (P < 0.05). Contrarily, only dietary total ω-3 PUFA and 22:6 ω-3 were significantly associated with erythrocyte FAs (P < 0.01). The highest tertile of fish and shellfish consumption reflected a significantly higher proportion of TG 22:6 ω-3. Dietary SFAs were directly associated with TG and erythrocyte MUFA, whereas dietary PUFAs were not.
CONCLUSION: TG and erythrocyte FAs serve as biomarkers of dietary PUFA intake in patients on HD. Elevation of circulating MUFA may be attributed to inadequate intake of PUFAs.

Matched MeSH terms: Diet/methods
Does gender influence retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) outcomes? Data from the Flexible Ureteroscopy Outcomes Registry (FLEXOR)

Emiliani E, Sanz-Gómez I, Somani B, Tailly T, Castellani D, Traxer O, et al.

Actas Urol Esp (Engl Ed), 2023 Nov;47(9):581-587.
PMID: 37369300 DOI: 10.1016/j.acuroe.2023.06.008

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: As well established flexible ureteroscopy (RIRS). There is still no evidence if gender can have any influence on the outcomes and complication when performing. This study aims to evaluate the role that gender has in performing flexible ureteroscopy from a large series of patients.
METHODS: This study retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent RIRS for renal stones from January 2018 to August 2021 within the multicentric FLEXOR registry. Demographics, stone characteristics, perioperative findings, results and complications were analyzed and compared between gender groups.
RESULTS: A total of 6669 patients were included, 66.1% were male and 33.9% were female. Stone characteristics was comparable between groups. Female patients had significant higher fever and positive urine culture rates (12% vs. 8% and 37% vs. 34%). Also, females had a slight longer hospital stay (3.8 vs. 3.5 days; P 

Matched MeSH terms: Ureteroscopy/methods
Evaluation of dietary taste patterns as assessed by FFQ against 24-h recalls and biomarkers of exposure

van Langeveld AWB, Teo PS, Mars M, Feskens EJM, de Graaf C, de Vries JHM

Eur J Clin Nutr, 2019 01;73(1):132-140.
PMID: 30254242 DOI: 10.1038/s41430-018-0300-1

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Taste is of key importance in food choice and dietary patterns, but studies on taste profiles are limited. We previously assessed dietary taste patterns by 24 h recalls (24hR), but for epidemiological studies food frequency questionnaires (FFQ) may also be suitable. This study compared dietary taste patterns based on FFQ against 24hR and biomarkers of exposure.
SUBJECTS/METHODS: A taste database including 467 foods' sweet, sour, bitter, salt, umami and fat sensation values was combined with food intake data to assess dietary taste patterns: the contribution to energy intake of 6 taste clusters. The FFQ's reliability was assessed against 3-d 24hR and urinary biomarkers for sodium (Na) and protein intake (N) in Dutch men (n = 449) and women (n = 397) from the NQplus validation study (mean age 53 ± 11 y, BMI 26 ± 4 kg/m2).
RESULTS: Correlations of dietary taste patterns ranged from 0.39-0.68 between FFQ and 24hR (p

Matched MeSH terms: Diet Surveys/methods*
Fulltext A comparative effect of various surface chemical treatments on the resin composite-composite repair bond strength

Gupta S, Parolia A, Jain A, Kundabala M, Mohan M, de Moraes Porto IC

J Indian Soc Pedod Prev Dent, 2015 Jul-Sep;33(3):245-9.
PMID: 26156281 DOI: 10.4103/0970-4388.160402

The aim of this in vitro study was an attempt to investigate the effect of different surface treatments on the bond strength between pre-existing composite and repair composite resin.

Matched MeSH terms: Dental Bonding/methods*

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