Displaying publications 181 - 200 of 9849 in total

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  1. Laparoscopic approach to small renal mass
    Teh GC
    Urol Oncol, 2010 Nov-Dec;28(6):682-5.
    PMID: 21062652 DOI: 10.1016/j.urolonc.2010.03.017
    With maturing functional and oncologic outcomes data, open partial nephrectomy (OPN) has become the standard of care for T1a renal tumor. Laparoscopic approach can provide a speedier recovery with less blood loss and postoperative pain. Presuming adequate laparoscopic expertise, laparoscopic partial nephrectomy can provide equivalent oncologic outcome as for OPN albeit with higher urologic complications rate and longer warm ischemia time. With refinement of technique and use of robotic assistant, the shortcomings of laparoscopic approach can be further reduced. This article is a mini-review on the current status of laparoscopic approach to partial nephrectomy in the management of small renal mass.
    Matched MeSH terms: Nephrectomy/methods*; Laparoscopy/methods*
  2. Evidence-Synthesis Tools to Inform Evidence-Based Physiatry
    Patrick Engkasan J, Rizzo JR, Levack W, Annaswamy TM
    Am J Phys Med Rehabil, 2020 11;99(11):1072-1073.
    PMID: 32576745 DOI: 10.1097/PHM.0000000000001508
    Matched MeSH terms: Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine/methods*; Evidence-Based Medicine/methods*
  3. Online sample preconcentration techniques in nonaqueous capillary and microchip electrophoresis
    John AS, Sidek MM, Thang LY, Sami S, Tey HY, See HH
    J Chromatogr A, 2021 Feb 08;1638:461868.
    PMID: 33453653 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2020.461868
    One of the major drawbacks of electrophoresis in both capillary and microchip is the unsatisfactory sensitivity. Online sample preconcentration techniques can be regarded as the most common and powerful approaches commonly applied to enhance overall detection sensitivity. While the advances of various online preconcentration strategies in capillary and microchip employing aqueous background electrolytes are well-reviewed, there has been limited discussion of the feasible preconcentration techniques specifically developed for capillary and microchip using nonaqueous background electrolytes. This review provides the first consolidated overview of various online preconcentration techniques in nonaqueous capillary and microchip electrophoresis, covering the period of the last two decades. It covers developments in the field of sample stacking, isotachophoresis, and micellar-based stacking. Attention is also given to multi-stacking strategies that have been used for nonaqueous electrophoresis.
    Matched MeSH terms: Electrophoresis, Capillary/methods*; Electrophoresis, Microchip/methods*
  4. Speckle Noise Diffusion in Knee Articular Cartilage Ultrasound Images
    Shoaib MA, Hossain MB, Hum YC, Chuah JH, Mohd Salim MI, Lai KW
    Curr Med Imaging, 2020;16(6):739-751.
    PMID: 32723246 DOI: 10.2174/1573405615666190903143330
    BACKGROUND: Ultrasound (US) imaging can be a convenient and reliable substitute for magnetic resonance imaging in the investigation or screening of articular cartilage injury. However, US images suffer from two main impediments, i.e., low contrast ratio and presence of speckle noise.

    AIMS: A variation of anisotropic diffusion is proposed that can reduce speckle noise without compromising the image quality of the edges and other important details.

    METHODS: For this technique, four gradient thresholds were adopted instead of one. A new diffusivity function that preserves the edge of the resultant image is also proposed. To automatically terminate the iterative procedures, the Mean Absolute Error as its stopping criterion was implemented.

    RESULTS: Numerical results obtained by simulations unanimously indicate that the proposed method outperforms conventional speckle reduction techniques. Nevertheless, this preliminary study has been conducted based on a small number of asymptomatic subjects.

    CONCLUSION: Future work must investigate the feasibility of this method in a large cohort and its clinical validity through testing subjects with a symptomatic cartilage injury.

    Matched MeSH terms: Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted/methods*; Ultrasonography/methods*
  5. Forensic Odontology: A Boon to Community in Medico-legal Affairs
    Chidambaram R
    JNMA J Nepal Med Assoc, 2016 12 10;54(201):46-54.
    PMID: 27935913
    Forensic odontology is a sub-discipline of dental science which involves the relationship between dentistry and the law. The specialty of forensic odontology is applied in radiographic investigation, human bite marks analysis, anthropologic examination and during mass disasters. Besides the fact that radiographs require pretentious laboratory, it is still claimed to be a facile, rapid, non-invasive method of age identification in the deceased. The budding DNA technology has conquered the traditional procedures and currently being contemplated as chief investigating tool in revealing the hidden mysteries of victims and suspects, especially in hopeless circumstances. Forensic odontology has played a chief role in solving cold cases and proved to be strong evidence in the court of law. Systematic collection of dental records and preservation of the same would marshal the legal officials in identification of the deceased. To serve the forensic operation and legal authorities, dental professionals need to be familiar with the basics of forensic odontology, which would create a consciousness to preserve the dental data. The aim of this paper is to emphasize the vital applications of forensic odontology in medico-legal issues. Conjointly the recent advancements applied in forensic human identification have been updated.
    Matched MeSH terms: Forensic Dentistry/methods*; Forensic Anthropology/methods*
  6. Implementation of video modeling in the occupational therapy intervention process for children and adolescents with special needs: A scoping review
    Abd Aziz N, Kadar M, Harun D, Mohd Rasdi HF
    Occup Ther Health Care, 2021 Apr;35(2):227-244.
    PMID: 33511894 DOI: 10.1080/07380577.2021.1876967
    This scoping review explores the implementation of video modeling (VM) by occupational therapists during the intervention process for children and adolescents with special needs. Four primary electronic databases were used to conduct the scoping review: PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and Proquest (Nursing and Allied Health). Research methodologies by Arksey and O'Malley were used as a framework to perform the review process. From the review, two themes emerged: (1) implementing VM by occupational therapists during the intervention process can successfully improve a client's desired skills; (2) VM can be applied through several types of technologies. The findings support occupational therapists' use of VM during interventions to positively enhance and promote desired skills among children and adolescents with special needs. Also, it can be incorporated into technological devices to suit a client's specific needs.
    Matched MeSH terms: Occupational Therapy/methods*; Video Recording/methods*
  7. Fulltext Bioactive Molecule Prediction Using Extreme Gradient Boosting
    Babajide Mustapha I, Saeed F
    Molecules, 2016 Jul 28;21(8).
    PMID: 27483216 DOI: 10.3390/molecules21080983
    Following the explosive growth in chemical and biological data, the shift from traditional methods of drug discovery to computer-aided means has made data mining and machine learning methods integral parts of today's drug discovery process. In this paper, extreme gradient boosting (Xgboost), which is an ensemble of Classification and Regression Tree (CART) and a variant of the Gradient Boosting Machine, was investigated for the prediction of biological activity based on quantitative description of the compound's molecular structure. Seven datasets, well known in the literature were used in this paper and experimental results show that Xgboost can outperform machine learning algorithms like Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machines (LSVM), Radial Basis Function Neural Network (RBFN) and Naïve Bayes (NB) for the prediction of biological activities. In addition to its ability to detect minority activity classes in highly imbalanced datasets, it showed remarkable performance on both high and low diversity datasets.
    Matched MeSH terms: Drug Discovery/methods*; Data Mining/methods*
  8. Efficiency of Hollow Fiber Liquid-Phase Microextraction Chromatography Methods in the Separation of Organic Compounds: A Review
    Alsharif AM, Tan GH, Choo YM, Lawal A
    J Chromatogr Sci, 2017 03 01;55(3):378-391.
    PMID: 27903555 DOI: 10.1093/chromsci/bmw188
    Hollow fiber liquid-phase microextraction (HF-LPME) techniques coupled to chromatographic systems have been widely used for extraction and determination of diverse compounds. HF-LPME was able to provide better results in precision, accuracy, selectivity and enrichment factor, in addition to reduction of matrix effect and carry over. It is applicable within a wide pH range and compatible with most analytical instruments which enable the utilization of HF-LPME in a wide variety of applications. This review focused on the modified HF-LPME techniques, efficiency, comparison to other LPME methods and applications.
    Matched MeSH terms: Chromatography, Liquid/methods*; Liquid Phase Microextraction/methods*
  9. Computer aided diagnosis of Coronary Artery Disease, Myocardial Infarction and carotid atherosclerosis using ultrasound images: A review
    Faust O, Acharya UR, Sudarshan VK, Tan RS, Yeong CH, Molinari F, et al.
    Phys Med, 2017 Jan;33:1-15.
    PMID: 28010920 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmp.2016.12.005
    The diagnosis of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), Myocardial Infarction (MI) and carotid atherosclerosis is of paramount importance, as these cardiovascular diseases may cause medical complications and large number of death. Ultrasound (US) is a widely used imaging modality, as it captures moving images and image features correlate well with results obtained from other imaging methods. Furthermore, US does not use ionizing radiation and it is economical when compared to other imaging modalities. However, reading US images takes time and the relationship between image and tissue composition is complex. Therefore, the diagnostic accuracy depends on both time taken to read the images and experience of the screening practitioner. Computer support tools can reduce the inter-operator variability with lower subject specific expertise, when appropriate processing methods are used. In the current review, we analysed automatic detection methods for the diagnosis of CAD, MI and carotid atherosclerosis based on thoracic and Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS). We found that IVUS is more often used than thoracic US for CAD. But for MI and carotid atherosclerosis IVUS is still in the experimental stage. Furthermore, thoracic US is more often used than IVUS for computer aided diagnosis systems.
    Matched MeSH terms: Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted/methods*; Ultrasonography/methods*
  10. Assessment of Root Canal Filling Removal Effectiveness Using Micro-computed Tomography: A Systematic Review
    Rossi-Fedele G, Ahmed HM
    J Endod, 2017 Apr;43(4):520-526.
    PMID: 28214018 DOI: 10.1016/j.joen.2016.12.008
    INTRODUCTION: The removal of obturation materials from the root canal system is a primary objective in root canal retreatment procedures. This systematic review aims to discuss the effectiveness of different instrumentation procedures in removing root-canal filling materials assessed by micro-computed tomography.

    METHODS: An electronic search in PubMed and major endodontic journals was conducted using appropriate key words to identify investigations that examined the effectiveness of obturation material removal assessed by micro-computed tomography.

    RESULTS: Among 345 studies, 22 satisfied the inclusion criteria. Seven studies compared hand instrumentation with Nickel-Titanium rotary or reciprocating systems. Three studies investigated rotary systems, and another three studies explored reciprocation. Eight studies compared rotary systems and reciprocation in removing filling materials from the root canal system. Other factors, such as the role of solvents and irrigant agitation, were discussed.

    CONCLUSIONS: The application of different instrumentation protocols can effectively, but not completely, remove the filling materials from the root canal system. Only hand instrumentation was not associated with iatrogenic errors. Reciprocating and rotary systems exhibited similar abilities in removing root filling material. Retreatment files performed similarly to conventional ones. Solvents enhanced penetration of files but hindered cleaning of the root canal. The role of irrigant agitation was determined as controversial.

    Matched MeSH terms: Root Canal Obturation/methods*; Retreatment/methods
  11. Accurate and dynamic predictive model for better prediction in medicine and healthcare
    Alanazi HO, Abdullah AH, Qureshi KN, Ismail AS
    Ir J Med Sci, 2018 May;187(2):501-513.
    PMID: 28756541 DOI: 10.1007/s11845-017-1655-3
    INTRODUCTION: Information and communication technologies (ICTs) have changed the trend into new integrated operations and methods in all fields of life. The health sector has also adopted new technologies to improve the systems and provide better services to customers. Predictive models in health care are also influenced from new technologies to predict the different disease outcomes. However, still, existing predictive models have suffered from some limitations in terms of predictive outcomes performance.

    AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: In order to improve predictive model performance, this paper proposed a predictive model by classifying the disease predictions into different categories. To achieve this model performance, this paper uses traumatic brain injury (TBI) datasets. TBI is one of the serious diseases worldwide and needs more attention due to its seriousness and serious impacts on human life.

    CONCLUSION: The proposed predictive model improves the predictive performance of TBI. The TBI data set is developed and approved by neurologists to set its features. The experiment results show that the proposed model has achieved significant results including accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity.

    Matched MeSH terms: Delivery of Health Care/methods*; Medicine/methods*
  12. Fully automated subchondral bone segmentation from knee MR images: Data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative
    Gandhamal A, Talbar S, Gajre S, Razak R, Hani AFM, Kumar D
    Comput Biol Med, 2017 Sep 01;88:110-125.
    PMID: 28711767 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2017.07.008
    Knee osteoarthritis (OA) progression can be monitored by measuring changes in the subchondral bone structure such as area and shape from MR images as an imaging biomarker. However, measurements of these minute changes are highly dependent on the accurate segmentation of bone tissue from MR images and it is challenging task due to the complex tissue structure and inadequate image contrast/brightness. In this paper, a fully automated method for segmenting subchondral bone from knee MR images is proposed. Here, the contrast of knee MR images is enhanced using a gray-level S-curve transformation followed by automatic seed point detection using a three-dimensional multi-edge overlapping technique. Successively, bone regions are initially extracted using distance-regularized level-set evolution followed by identification and correction of leakages along the bone boundary regions using a boundary displacement technique. The performance of the developed technique is evaluated against ground truths by measuring sensitivity, specificity, dice similarity coefficient (DSC), average surface distance (AvgD) and root mean square surface distance (RMSD). An average sensitivity (91.14%), specificity (99.12%) and DSC (90.28%) with 95% confidence interval (CI) in the range 89.74-92.54%, 98.93-99.31% and 88.68-91.88% respectively is achieved for the femur bone segmentation in 8 datasets. For tibia bone, average sensitivity (90.69%), specificity (99.65%) and DSC (91.35%) with 95% CI in the range 88.59-92.79%, 99.50-99.80% and 88.68-91.88% respectively is achieved. AvgD and RMSD values for femur are 1.43 ± 0.23 (mm) and 2.10 ± 0.35 (mm) respectively while for tibia, the values are 0.95 ± 0.28 (mm) and 1.30 ± 0.42 (mm) respectively that demonstrates acceptable error between proposed method and ground truths. In conclusion, results obtained in this work demonstrate substantially significant performance with consistency and robustness that led the proposed method to be applicable for large scale and longitudinal knee OA studies in clinical settings.
    Matched MeSH terms: Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods*; Imaging, Three-Dimensional/methods*
  13. Automated approach for detection of ischemic stroke using Delaunay Triangulation in brain MRI images
    Subudhi A, Acharya UR, Dash M, Jena S, Sabut S
    Comput Biol Med, 2018 12 01;103:116-129.
    PMID: 30359807 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2018.10.016
    It is difficult to develop an accurate algorithm to detect the stroke lesions using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images due to variation in different lesion sizes, variation in morphological structure, and similarity in intensity of lesion with normal brain in three types of stroke, namely partial anterior circulation syndrome (PACS), lacunar syndrome (LACS) and total anterior circulation stroke (TACS). In this paper, we have integrated the advantages of Delaunay triangulation (DT) and fractional order Darwinian particle swarm optimization (FODPSO), called DT-FODPSO technique for automatic segmentation of the structure of the stroke lesion. The approach was validated on 192 MRI images obtained from different stroke subjects. Statistical and morphological features were extracted and classified according to the Oxfordshire community stroke project (OCSP) using support vector machine (SVM) and random forest (RF) classifiers. The method effectively detected the stroke lesions and achieved promising results with an average sensitivity of 0.93, accuracy of 0.95, JI of 0.89 and Dice similarity index of 0.93 using RF classifier. These promising results indicates the DT based optimized approach is efficient in detecting ischemic stroke and it can aid the neuro-radiologists to validate their routine screening.
    Matched MeSH terms: Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted/methods*; Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods*
  14. Fulltext Waste level detection and HMM based collection scheduling of multiple bins
    Aziz F, Arof H, Mokhtar N, Shah NM, Khairuddin ASM, Hanafi E, et al.
    PLoS One, 2018;13(8):e0202092.
    PMID: 30157219 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0202092
    In this paper, an image-based waste collection scheduling involving a node with three waste bins is considered. First, the system locates the three bins and determines the waste level of each bin using four Laws Masks and a set of Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifiers. Next, a Hidden Markov Model (HMM) is used to decide on the number of days remaining before waste is collected from the node. This decision is based on the HMM's previous state and current observations. The HMM waste collection scheduling seeks to maximize the number of days between collection visits while preventing waste contamination due to late collection. The proposed system was trained using 100 training images and then tested on 100 test images. Each test image contains three bins that might be shifted, rotated, occluded or toppled over. The upright bins could be empty, partially full or full of garbage of various shapes and sizes. The method achieves bin detection, waste level classification and collection day scheduling rates of 100%, 99.8% and 100% respectively.
    Matched MeSH terms: Refuse Disposal/methods; Waste Management/methods*
  15. Fulltext Measuring Engagement in eHealth and mHealth Behavior Change Interventions: Viewpoint of Methodologies
    Short CE, DeSmet A, Woods C, Williams SL, Maher C, Middelweerd A, et al.
    J Med Internet Res, 2018 11 16;20(11):e292.
    PMID: 30446482 DOI: 10.2196/jmir.9397
    Engagement in electronic health (eHealth) and mobile health (mHealth) behavior change interventions is thought to be important for intervention effectiveness, though what constitutes engagement and how it enhances efficacy has been somewhat unclear in the literature. Recently published detailed definitions and conceptual models of engagement have helped to build consensus around a definition of engagement and improve our understanding of how engagement may influence effectiveness. This work has helped to establish a clearer research agenda. However, to test the hypotheses generated by the conceptual modules, we need to know how to measure engagement in a valid and reliable way. The aim of this viewpoint is to provide an overview of engagement measurement options that can be employed in eHealth and mHealth behavior change intervention evaluations, discuss methodological considerations, and provide direction for future research. To identify measures, we used snowball sampling, starting from systematic reviews of engagement research as well as those utilized in studies known to the authors. A wide range of methods to measure engagement were identified, including qualitative measures, self-report questionnaires, ecological momentary assessments, system usage data, sensor data, social media data, and psychophysiological measures. Each measurement method is appraised and examples are provided to illustrate possible use in eHealth and mHealth behavior change research. Recommendations for future research are provided, based on the limitations of current methods and the heavy reliance on system usage data as the sole assessment of engagement. The validation and adoption of a wider range of engagement measurements and their thoughtful application to the study of engagement are encouraged.
    Matched MeSH terms: Health Promotion/methods*; Telemedicine/methods*
  16. Experimental assessment on feasibility of computed tomography-based thermometry for radiofrequency ablation on tissue equivalent polyacrylamide phantom
    Tan D, Mohamad NA, Wong YH, Yeong CH, Cheah PL, Sulaiman N, et al.
    Int J Hyperthermia, 2019;36(1):554-561.
    PMID: 31132888 DOI: 10.1080/02656736.2019.1610800
    Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of various computed tomography (CT) acquisition parameters and metal artifacts on CT number measurement for CT thermometry during CT-guided thermal ablation. Methods: The effects of tube voltage (100-140 kVp), tube current (20-250 mAs), pitch (0.6-1.5) and gantry rotation time (0.5, 1.0 s) as well as metal artifacts from a radiofrequency ablation (RFA) needle on CT number were evaluated using liver tissue equivalent polyacrylamide (PAA) phantom. The correlation between CT number and temperature from 37 to 80 °C was studied on PAA phantom using optimum CT acquisition parameters. Results: No statistical significant difference (p > 0.05) was found on CT numbers under the variation of different acquisition parameters for the same temperature setting. On the other hand, the RFA needle has induced metal artifacts on the CT images of up to 8 mm. The CT numbers decreased linearly when the phantom temperature increased from 37 to 80 °C. A linear regression analysis on the CT numbers and temperature suggested that the CT thermal sensitivity was -0.521 ± 0.061 HU/°C (R2 = 0.998). Conclusion: CT thermometry is feasible for temperature assessment during RFA with the current CT technology, which produced a high CT number reproducibility and stable measurement at different CT acquisition parameters. Despite being affected by metal artifacts, the CT-based thermometry could be further developed as a tissue temperature monitoring tool during CT-guided thermal ablation.
    Matched MeSH terms: Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods*; Thermometry/methods*
  17. Comparison study of CR-39 and CN-85 detectors to evaluate the alpha radioactivity of some samples of drinks in Iraq
    Hashim AK, Hatif AR, Ahmed NM, Wadi IA, Al Qaaod AA
    Appl Radiat Isot, 2021 Jan;167:109410.
    PMID: 33065401 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2020.109410
    Radon and progeny concentration measurements in various drink samples are intrinsically important for assessing the health risks resulting from daily consumption of these drinks. In this study the comparison between two Solid State Nuclear Track Detectors (SSNTDs), the CR-39 and the CN-85 has been conducted for the purpose of evaluating the radon concentration, annual effective dose, the rate of exhalation of radon and the effective radium content in thirty-two different samples of soft drink, water, and milk available in the local Iraq markets. The results showed that there are significant differences in the measurement results for the two detectors. The annual effective dose of the investigated samples is still below the limit of International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) recommendation in the measurements of both detectors.
    Matched MeSH terms: Radiation Monitoring/methods; Radiometry/methods
  18. Investigation and Optimization of Hydrogel Microneedles for Transdermal Delivery of Caffeine
    Chandran R, Mohd Tohit ER, Stanslas J, Salim N, Tuan Mahmood TM
    Tissue Eng Part C Methods, 2022 10;28(10):545-556.
    PMID: 35485888 DOI: 10.1089/ten.TEC.2022.0045
    Caffeine is therapeutically effective for treating apnea, cellulite formation, and pain management. It also exhibits neuroprotective and antioxidant activities in different models of Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. However, caffeine administration in a minimally invasive and sustainable manner through the transdermal route is challenging owing to its hydrophilic nature. Therefore, this study demonstrated a transdermal delivery approach for caffeine by utilizing hydrogel microneedle (MN) as a permeation enhancer. The influence of formulation parameters such as molecular weight (MW) of PMVE/MA (polymethyl vinyl ether/maleic anhydride) copolymer and sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) concentration on the swelling kinetics and mechanical integrity of the hydrogel MNs was investigated. In addition, the effect of different MN application methods and needle densities of hydrogel MN on the skin insertion efficiency and penetration depth was also evaluated. The swelling degree at equilibrium percentage (% Seq) recorded for hydrogels fabricated with Gantrez S-97 (MW = 1,500,000 Da) was significantly higher than formulation with Gantrez AN-139 (MW = 1,080,000 Da). Increasing the concentration of NaHCO3 also significantly increased the % Seq. Moreover, a 100% penetration was recorded for both the applicator and combination of applicator and thumb pressure compared with only 11% for thumb pressure alone. The average diameter of micropores created by the applicator method was 62.94 μm, which was significantly lower than the combination of both applicator and thumb pressure MN application (100.53 μm). Based on histological imaging, the penetration depth of hydrogel MN increased as the MN density per array decreased. The hydrogel MN with the optimized formulation and skin insertion parameters was tested for caffeine delivery in an in vitro Franz diffusion cell setup. Approximately 2.9 mg of caffeine was delivered within 24 h, and the drug release profile was best fitted to the Korsmeyer-Peppas model, displaying Super Case II kinetics. In conclusion, a combination of thumb and impact application methods and reduced needle density improved the skin penetration efficiency of hydrogel MNs. The results also show that hydrogel MNs fabricated from 3% w/w NaHCO3 and high MW of copolymer exhibit optimum physical and swelling properties for enhanced transdermal delivery.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microinjections/methods; Drug Delivery Systems/methods
  19. Fulltext Discriminative Analysis of Different Grades of Gaharu (Aquilaria malaccensis Lamk.) via ¹H-NMR-Based Metabolomics Using PLS-DA and Random Forests Classification Models
    Ismail SN, Maulidiani M, Akhtar MT, Abas F, Ismail IS, Khatib A, et al.
    Molecules, 2017 Sep 25;22(10).
    PMID: 28946701 DOI: 10.3390/molecules22101612
    Gaharu (agarwood, Aquilaria malaccensis Lamk.) is a valuable tropical rainforest product traded internationally for its distinctive fragrance. It is not only popular as incense and in perfumery, but also favored in traditional medicine due to its sedative, carminative, cardioprotective and analgesic effects. The current study addresses the chemical differences and similarities between gaharu samples of different grades, obtained commercially, using ¹H-NMR-based metabolomics. Two classification models: partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and Random Forests were developed to classify the gaharu samples on the basis of their chemical constituents. The gaharu samples could be reclassified into a 'high grade' group (samples A, B and D), characterized by high contents of kusunol, jinkohol, and 10-epi-γ-eudesmol; an 'intermediate grade' group (samples C, F and G), dominated by fatty acid and vanillic acid; and a 'low grade' group (sample E and H), which had higher contents of aquilarone derivatives and phenylethyl chromones. The results showed that ¹H- NMR-based metabolomics can be a potential method to grade the quality of gaharu samples on the basis of their chemical constituents.
    Matched MeSH terms: Metabolomics/methods*; Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy/methods*
  20. 5-Minutes Mindfulness for palliative care: Integrating evidence and good design
    Zhang MWB, Ho RCM, Ng CG
    Technol Health Care, 2017 Dec 04;25(6):1173-1176.
    PMID: 28946598 DOI: 10.3233/THC-170868
    In psychiatry, mindfulness based intervention has been increasingly popular as a means of psychosocial intervention over the last decade. With the alvanche of technological advances, there has been a myriad of mindfulness based applications. Recent reviews have highlighted how these applications are lacking in functionalities and without demonstrated efficacy. Other reviews have emphasized that there is a need to take into consideration the design of an application, due to placebo effects. It is the aim of this technical note to illustrate how the 5-Minutes Mindfulness application, which is an application designed to provide mindfulness exercises to relieve distress and suffering amongst palliative patients, have been conceptualized. The conceptualized application builds on previous evidence of the efficacy of 5-Minutes Mindfulness demonstrated by pilot and randomized trials. In terms of design, the currently conceptualized application has been designed such that placebo effects could be controlled for.
    Matched MeSH terms: Palliative Care/methods*; Mindfulness/methods*
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