Displaying publications 21 - 40 of 2134 in total

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  1. Ng KP, Kuan CS, Kaur H, Na SL, Atiya N, Velayuthan RD
    Trop Med Int Health, 2015 Nov;20(11):1447-1453.
    PMID: 26216479 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.12577
    To describe a prospective laboratory-based surveillance of Candida species that were collected from different anatomical sites of patients admitted to the University of Malaya Medical Centre, Malaysia, from the year 2000 to 2013.
    Matched MeSH terms: Prospective Studies
  2. Roberts JA, Joynt GM, Lee A, Choi G, Bellomo R, Kanji S, et al.
    Clin Infect Dis, 2021 04 26;72(8):1369-1378.
    PMID: 32150603 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciaa224
    BACKGROUND: The optimal dosing of antibiotics in critically ill patients receiving renal replacement therapy (RRT) remains unclear. In this study, we describe the variability in RRT techniques and antibiotic dosing in critically ill patients receiving RRT and relate observed trough antibiotic concentrations to optimal targets.

    METHODS: We performed a prospective, observational, multinational, pharmacokinetic study in 29 intensive care units from 14 countries. We collected demographic, clinical, and RRT data. We measured trough antibiotic concentrations of meropenem, piperacillin-tazobactam, and vancomycin and related them to high- and low-target trough concentrations.

    RESULTS: We studied 381 patients and obtained 508 trough antibiotic concentrations. There was wide variability (4-8-fold) in antibiotic dosing regimens, RRT prescription, and estimated endogenous renal function. The overall median estimated total renal clearance (eTRCL) was 50 mL/minute (interquartile range [IQR], 35-65) and higher eTRCL was associated with lower trough concentrations for all antibiotics (P < .05). The median (IQR) trough concentration for meropenem was 12.1 mg/L (7.9-18.8), piperacillin was 78.6 mg/L (49.5-127.3), tazobactam was 9.5 mg/L (6.3-14.2), and vancomycin was 14.3 mg/L (11.6-21.8). Trough concentrations failed to meet optimal higher limits in 26%, 36%, and 72% and optimal lower limits in 4%, 4%, and 55% of patients for meropenem, piperacillin, and vancomycin, respectively.

    CONCLUSIONS: In critically ill patients treated with RRT, antibiotic dosing regimens, RRT prescription, and eTRCL varied markedly and resulted in highly variable antibiotic concentrations that failed to meet therapeutic targets in many patients.

    Matched MeSH terms: Prospective Studies
  3. Rao M, Rashid FA, Sabri FSAH, Jamil NN, Zain R, Hashim R, et al.
    Clin Infect Dis, 2021 05 04;72(9):e352-e356.
    PMID: 32761244 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciaa1156
    BACKGROUND: The ideal severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARs-CoV-2) testing method would be accurate and also be patient-performed to reduce exposure to healthcare workers. The aim of this study was to compare patient-performed testing based on a morning saliva sample with the current standard testing method, healthcare worker-collected sampling via a nasopharyngeal swab (NPS).

    METHODS: This was a prospective single center study which recruited 217 asymptomatic adult male participants in a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) quarantine center who had tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 8-10 days prior to isolation. Paired NPS and saliva specimens were collected and processed within 5 hours of sample collection. Real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) targeting Envelope (E) and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) genes was performed and the results were compared.

    RESULTS: Overall, 160 of the 217 (74%) participants tested positive for COVID-19 based on saliva, NPS, or both testing methods. The detection rate for SARS-CoV-2 was higher in saliva compared to NPS testing (93.1%, 149/160 vs 52.5%, 84/160, P < .001). The concordance between the 2 tests was 45.6% (virus was detected in both saliva and NPS in 73/160), whereas 47.5% were discordant (87/160 tested positive for 1 whereas negative for the other). The cycle threshold (Ct) values for E and RdRp genes were significantly lower in saliva specimens compared to NP swab specimens.

    CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate that saliva is a better alternative specimen for detection of SARS-CoV-2. Taking into consideration, the simplicity of specimen collection, shortage of PPE and the transmissibility of the virus, saliva could enable self-collection for an accurate SARS-CoV-2 surveillance testing.

    Matched MeSH terms: Prospective Studies
  4. Abdul Aziz NA, Toh TH, Loh EC, Capelle DP, Goh KJ, Abdul Latif L, et al.
    PMID: 33726578 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2021.1893336
    Objective: To compare two ALS staging systems, King's clinical staging and Milano-Torino (MiToS) functional staging, using prospective data from a multi-ethnic cohort of ALS patients. Methods: The stages of disease were determined prospectively based on existing definitions. The two systems were compared for timing of stages using box plots, correspondence using chi-square tests and association using Spearman's rank correlation. Results: The distribution of stages differed between the two systems. The proportions of disease stages of the King's staging system were more evenly distributed whereas in MiToS, there was greater weight seen at the later stages of disease. At the early stages, patients moved consecutively in the MiToS staging system but not in the King's staging system where patients tended to skip stages to reach later stages. Both systems had good correlation (Spearman's rho = 0.869) and the King's stage 4 most frequently corresponded to MiToS stage 2. Conclusion: We found the King's staging was helpful in determining the stages of disease burden, whereas both were helpful in determining the time to functional dependence with MiToS further refining the levels of dependence.
    Matched MeSH terms: Prospective Studies
  5. Bhavadharini B, Dehghan M, Mente A, Rangarajan S, Sheridan P, Mohan V, et al.
    PMID: 32423962 DOI: 10.1136/bmjdrc-2019-000826
    OBJECTIVE: Our aims were to assess the association of dairy intake with prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) (cross-sectionally) and with incident hypertension and incident diabetes (prospectively) in a large multinational cohort study.

    METHODS: The Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology (PURE) study is a prospective epidemiological study of individuals aged 35 and 70 years from 21 countries on five continents, with a median follow-up of 9.1 years. In the cross-sectional analyses, we assessed the association of dairy intake with prevalent MetS and its components among individuals with information on the five MetS components (n=112 922). For the prospective analyses, we examined the association of dairy with incident hypertension (in 57 547 individuals free of hypertension) and diabetes (in 131 481 individuals free of diabetes).

    RESULTS: In cross-sectional analysis, higher intake of total dairy (at least two servings/day compared with zero intake; OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.71 to 0.80, p-trend<0.0001) was associated with a lower prevalence of MetS after multivariable adjustment. Higher intakes of whole fat dairy consumed alone (OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.66 to 0.78, p-trend<0.0001), or consumed jointly with low fat dairy (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.80 to 0.98, p-trend=0.0005), were associated with a lower MetS prevalence. Low fat dairy consumed alone was not associated with MetS (OR 1.03, 95% CI 0.77 to 1.38, p-trend=0.13). In prospective analysis, 13 640 people with incident hypertension and 5351 people with incident diabetes were recorded. Higher intake of total dairy (at least two servings/day vs zero serving/day) was associated with a lower incidence of hypertension (HR 0.89, 95% CI 0.82 to 0.97, p-trend=0.02) and diabetes (HR 0.88, 95% CI 0.76 to 1.02, p-trend=0.01). Directionally similar associations were found for whole fat dairy versus each outcome.

    CONCLUSIONS: Higher intake of whole fat (but not low fat) dairy was associated with a lower prevalence of MetS and most of its component factors, and with a lower incidence of hypertension and diabetes. Our findings should be evaluated in large randomized trials of the effects of whole fat dairy on the risks of MetS, hypertension, and diabetes.

    Matched MeSH terms: Prospective Studies
  6. Ismail UN, Azlan CA, Khairullah S, Azman RR, Omar NF, Md Shah MN, et al.
    J Magn Reson Imaging, 2021 01;53(1):190-198.
    PMID: 33237616 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.27294
    BACKGROUND: β-thalassemia is a genetic disease that causes abnormal production of red blood cells (ineffective erythropoiesis, IE). IE is a condition known to change bone marrow composition.

    PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of IE on the marrow fat content and fat unsaturation levels in the proximal femur using 1 H-MRS.

    STUDY TYPE: Prospective.

    SUBJECTS: Twenty-three subjects were included in this study, seven control and 16 β-thalassemia subjects.

    FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE: 3.0T; stimulated echo acquisition Mode (STEAM); magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) sequence.

    ASSESSMENT: Multiecho MRS scans were performed in four regions of the proximal left femur of each subject, that is, diaphysis, femoral neck, femoral head, and greater trochanter. The examined regions were grouped into red (diaphysis and femoral neck) and yellow marrow regions (femoral head and greater trochanter).

    STATISTICAL TESTS: The Jonckheere-Terpstra test was used to evaluate the impact of increasing disease severity on bone marrow fat fraction (BMFF), marrow conversion index, and fat unsaturation index (UI). Pairwise comparison analysis was performed when a significant trend (P 

    Matched MeSH terms: Prospective Studies
  7. Asha V, Devi V, Raghavendra R, Rachel AR, Vinod P, Sharmila T
    MyJurnal
    Objectives: This investigation focused on finding the changes in learning approaches of students’ while experiencing physiology curriculum and to explore the reflection of changes if any, on their critical thinking skills.
    Methods: In this longitudinal study, information on students’ learning approaches was obtained using the revised two factor study process questionnaire (R-SPQ-2F) at the commencement (pre-test) and completion (post-test) of first year MBBS course. The total score and the scores obtained in the critical thinking questions in four physiology assessments were analysed. Pre and post-tests scores in R-SPQ-2F and assessment scores were compared using independent samples t-test and one way repeated measure ANOVA respectively. Correlation of scores between assessments was done using Pearson correlation. A p value < 0.05 was taken as significant.
    Results: A significant increase in students’ deep learning approach at the completion of the physiology curriculum when compared to commencement (p < 0.001) was observed. A progressive improvement in their scores as they experienced the curriculum was also noticed. A moderate correlation among critical thinking questions scores and a strong correlation between critical thinking questions and total essay scores were also recorded.
    Conclusion: The study revealed improvement in students’ deep approach to learning in physiology which was reflected in their performance in critical thinking questions.
    Study site: Melaka Manipal Medical College, Manipal University, India
    Matched MeSH terms: Prospective Studies
  8. Youl Lee J, Taniguchi T, Zhang K, Ng CF, Hakim L, Umbas R, et al.
    Jpn J Clin Oncol, 2019 Jun 01;49(6):581-586.
    PMID: 31141613 DOI: 10.1093/jjco/hyz053
    The Asian Prostate Cancer (A-CaP) Study is an Asia-wide prospective registry study for surveying the treatment outcome of prostate cancer patients who have received a histopathological diagnosis. The study aims to clarify the clinical situation for prostate cancer in Asia and use the outcomes for the purposes of international comparison. Following the first meeting in Tokyo on December 2015, the second meeting in Seoul, Korea 2016, the third meeting in Chiang Mai, Thailand, on October 2017, the fourth meeting was held in Seoul, again on August 2018 with the participation of members and collaborators from 13 countries and regions. In the meeting, participating countries and regions presented the current status of data collection and the A-CaP office presented a preliminary analysis of the registered cases received from each country and region. Participants discussed ongoing challenges relating to data cleaning and data up-dating which is the next step of the A-CaP study following the data collection phase between 2016 and 2018. There was specific difference in term of the patient characteristics, and initial treatment pattern among East Asia, Southeast Asia and Turkey, and Jordan. Finally, a close relationship between prevalence of PSA test and disease stage of the patients at diagnosis in Japan and Malaysia was discussed.
    Matched MeSH terms: Prospective Studies
  9. Kan FK, Tan CC, Von Bahr Greenwood T, Khalid KE, Supramaniam P, Hed Myrberg I, et al.
    Clin Infect Dis, 2020 05 23;70(11):2247-2255.
    PMID: 31188423 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciz499
    BACKGROUND: Globally, ~500 000 people with severe dengue (SD) require hospitalization yearly; ~12 500 (2.5%) die. Secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (sHLH) is a potentially fatal hyperinflammatory condition for which HLH-directed therapy (as etoposide and dexamethasone) can be life-saving. Prompted by the high mortality in SD and the increasing awareness that patients with SD may develop sHLH, our objectives were to (1) determine the frequency of dengue-HLH in SD, (2) describe clinical features of dengue-HLH, (3) assess mortality rate in SD and dengue-HLH, and (4) identify mortality-associated risk factors in SD.

    METHODS: A 5-year retrospective single-center study in all adult patients with SD admitted to a tertiary intensive care unit in Malaysia.

    RESULTS: Thirty-nine of 180 (22%) patients with SD died. Twenty-one of 180 (12%) had HLH defined as an HLH probability ≥70% according to histo score (HScore); 9 (43%) died. Similarly, 12 of 31 (39%) fulfilling ≥4 and 7 of 9 (78%) fulfilling ≥5 HLH-2004 diagnostic criteria died. Peak values of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, and creatinine correlated to fatality (odds ratios [ORs], 2.9, 3.4, 5.8, and 31.9; all P < .0001), as did peak ferritin (OR, 2.5; P = .0028), nadir platelets (OR, 1.9; P = .00068), hepatomegaly (OR, 2.9; P = .012), and increasing age (OR, 1.2; P = .0043). Multivariable logistic regression revealed peak AST (OR, 2.8; P = .0019), peak creatinine (OR, 7.3; P = .0065), and SOFA (Sequential Organ Failure Assessment) score (OR, 1.4; P = .0051) as independent risk factors of death.

    CONCLUSIONS: Be observant of dengue-HLH due to its high mortality. A prospective study is suggested on prompt HLH-directed therapy in SD patients with hyperinflammation and evolving multiorgan failure at risk of developing dengue-HLH.

    Matched MeSH terms: Prospective Studies
  10. Parichehreh R, Gheshlaghi R, Mahdavi MA, Kamyab H
    J Biotechnol, 2021 Nov 10;340:64-74.
    PMID: 34454961 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2021.08.010
    Biodiesel, as a renewable and eco-friendly energy source that can be produced through algae oil esterification, has recently received much attention. Maximization of algal biomass and lipid content is crucial for commercial biodiesel production. In this study, Chlorella sp. PG96, a microalgal strain isolated from urban wastewater, was identified considering its morphological and molecular characteristics. Fractional factorial design (211-7) was employed to screen medium and environmental factors for achieving high lipid productivity. The effects of eleven factors including light intensity, light spectrum, aeration rate, temperature, salinity, NaHCO3, CO2, NaNO3, NH4Cl, MgSO4.7H2O, and K2HPO4 and their interactions on growth characteristics of Chlorella sp. PG96 (biomass and lipid production) were statistically assessed. Based on the experimental results, lipid productivity was at its maximum (54.19 ± 8.40 mglipid L-1 day-1) under a combination of high levels of all factors. The analysis also showed that physical parameters of light intensity and temperature were more effective on algal growth compared to nutritional parameters. Furthermore, nitrogen source of ammonium and carbon source of bicarbonate played more significant roles in biomass and lipid production, compared with nitrate and CO2, respectively. Although the effect of sulfur limitation on cellular growth was similar to phosphorus deficiency, S-limitation had a greater impact on lipid accumulation. The interaction between NaHCO3 and NH4Cl was the most prominent interaction affecting all responses. It is concluded that Chlorella sp. PG96 at a high level of light intensity and temperature (22500 Lux and 32 °C, respectively) can be a prospective candidate for biodiesel production.
    Matched MeSH terms: Prospective Studies
  11. Ainine A, Heward E, Kapasi R, Rocke J, Darby D, Kumar N, et al.
    Med J Malaysia, 2021 11;76(6):881-883.
    PMID: 34806677
    INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted the medical world to look at factors that may influence outcomes. There have been connections made between vitamin D and COVID-19, as vitamin D has previously been shown to play a role in the maintenance of immune homeostasis.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a prospective cohort study on 103 patients at Wigan Wrightington and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust looking at serum vitamin D levels of patients with positive COVID-19 swabs. Results were collated and correlations were made to compare vitamin D levels with age; severity of illness; hospital outcomes; and frailty. Comparisons were also made between frailty and outcome.

    RESULTS: The results showed that there was a significant statistical difference between vitamin D levels and severity of infection: those who were treated in the intensive care units (ICU) (severe symptoms) had lower vitamin D levels than those treated on the ward (p=0.0446). There was also a correlation between vitamin D levels and frailty: those who were more frail had higher vitamin D levels than fitter patients (P=0.005). Vitamin D and frailty had no effect on hospital outcomes of COVID-19 infection.

    CONCLUSION: Ultimately, we concluded that low vitamin D can increase susceptibility of contracting COVID-19, increase severity of infection but does not affect mortality.

    Matched MeSH terms: Prospective Studies
  12. Oh CK, Aniwan S, Piyachaturawat P, Wong Z, Soe T, Luvsandagva B, et al.
    Gut Liver, 2021 11 15;15(6):878-886.
    PMID: 33790055 DOI: 10.5009/gnl20166
    Background/Aims: As the number of colonoscopies and polypectomies performed continues to increase in many Asian countries, there is a great demand for surveillance colonoscopy. The aim of this study was to investigate the adherence to postpolypectomy surveillance guidelines among physicians in Asia.

    Methods: A survey study was performed in seven Asian countries. An email invitation with a link to the survey was sent to participants who were asked to complete the questionnaire consisting of eight clinical scenarios.

    Results: Of the 137 doctors invited, 123 (89.8%) provided valid responses. Approximately 50% of the participants adhered to the guidelines regardless of the risk of adenoma, except in the case of tubulovillous adenoma ≥10 mm combined with high-grade dysplasia, in which 35% of the participants adhered to the guidelines. The participants were stratified according to the number of colonoscopies performed: ≥20 colonoscopies per month (high volume group) and <20 colonoscopies per month (low volume group). Higher adherence to the postpolypectomy surveillance guidelines was evident in the high volume group (60%) than in the low volume group (25%). The reasons for nonadherence included concern of missed polyps (59%), the low cost of colonoscopy (26%), concern of incomplete resection (25%), and concern of medical liability (15%).

    Conclusions: A discrepancy between clinical practice and surveillance guidelines among physicians in Asia was found. Physicians in the low volume group frequently did not adhere to the guidelines, suggesting a need for continuing education and appropriate control. Concerns regarding the quality of colonoscopy and complete polypectomy were the main reasons for nonadherence.

    Matched MeSH terms: Prospective Studies
  13. Pocha CKR, Chia SR, Chia WY, Koyande AK, Nomanbhay S, Chew KW
    Chemosphere, 2022 Mar;290:133246.
    PMID: 34906526 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.133246
    The ever-growing human population has resulted in the expansion of agricultural activity; evident by the deforestation of rainfoamrests as a means of acquiring fertile land for crops. The crops and fruits produced by such means should be utilized completely; however, there are still losses and under-exploitation of these produces which has resulted in wastes being mounted in landfills. These underutilized agricultural wastes including vegetables and fruits can serve as a potential source for biofuels and green diesel. This paper discusses the main routes (e.g., biological and thermochemical) for producing biofuels such as bioethanol, biodiesel, biogas, bio-oil and green diesel from underutilized crops by emphasizing recent technological innovations for improving biofuels and green diesel yields. The future prospects of a successful production of biofuels and green diesel by this source are also explained. Underutilized lignocelluloses including fruits and vegetables serve as a prospective biofuel and green diesel generation source for the future prosperity of the biofuel industry.
    Matched MeSH terms: Prospective Studies
  14. Kow CS, Ramachandram DS, Hasan SS
    Travel Med Infect Dis, 2022;48:102350.
    PMID: 35500844 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2022.102350
    Thus far, the investigations on the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines in randomized trials [8,9] have been centered around reducing the risk of severe infection and mortality. We opine investigations on the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines to reduce the risk of cardiovascular outcomes should be performed to understand if COVID-19 vaccination has cardiovascular benefits. Such investigations could also develop more confidence toward the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines by the public, especially when some of the COVID-19 vaccines (particularly the mRNA vaccines such as BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 vaccines) have been associated with the rare occurrence of cardiovascular complications, including myocarditis and pericarditis [10,11]. While the infrequency and the mild nature of the myocarditis and pericarditis cases after vaccination greatly exceed the small increased risk, specious reports on social media are still fueling the COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Therefore, we urge the performance of prospective investigations to establish the relationship between COVID-19 vaccines and cardiovascular outcomes.
    Matched MeSH terms: Prospective Studies
  15. Sarip MSM, Morad NA, Aziz MKTA, Saparin N, Nawi MAHM
    J Oleo Sci, 2023 Jan 07;72(1):33-38.
    PMID: 36504190 DOI: 10.5650/jos.ess22248
    Extraction process are one of the critical units in palm oil milling process which dictates its efficiency. In this study, hot compressed water extraction (HCWE) is utilized for the crude palm oil (CPO) extraction. With regards to CPO quality, the extracted CPO using HCWE was analysed based on overall composition, triacylglycerol (TAG) composition and fatty acid profile composition. This is to evaluate the possible product degradation during the process. From the results, the CPO extracted using HCWE process contain low FFA of 0.15±0.01% and low DAG of 2.145% which reflect to higher quality of CPO. This CPO also show the equal mixture of saturated and unsaturated fatty acid composition at 50.63% and 49.93% respectively, within the CPO composition range in the literature. No significant changing of the fatty acid composition is observed between CPO extracted using HCWE and commercial CPO indicated that no possible undesired reaction during the extraction process. HCWE is a promising method for screw press system replacement, but the economic analysis is essential to evaluate its prospective.
    Matched MeSH terms: Prospective Studies
  16. Ong TK, Lim D, Singh M, Fial AV
    J Evid Based Dent Pract, 2022 Dec;22(4):101722.
    PMID: 36494117 DOI: 10.1016/j.jebdp.2022.101722
    OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this review was to appraise the quality of evidence of the existing publications on IR, and to perform a meta-analysis on the treatment outcomes of IR.

    METHODS: The specific PIO questions were as follows: Population: Patients with periapical periodontitis either before or after non-surgical endodontic therapy.

    INTERVENTION: IR performed with retrograde preparation and retrograde filling.

    OUTCOMES: the healing, treatment complications, and the factors influencing these outcomes after IR. Electronic and hand searches were performed in the Web of Science, PubMed, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library databases. Two authors independently screened the titles and abstracts for eligibility. The risk of bias was performed using the NIH Quality Assessment Tool, and each study was rated as "Good", "Fair" or "Poor". The analyses were performed on the treatment outcome (healing and complications), and the factors influencing the outcome of the procedure.

    RESULTS: Fourteen articles were included in the qualitative and quantitative syntheses. One was a prospective cohort study, and the other 13 were retrospective cohort studies. Overall, the evidence of this review was of poor-to-fair quality. The pooled healing rate was 80.2%, and there was a 21.7% of complication rate. Longer follow-up period, the presence of perio-endo disease, the use of non-bioceramic material as retrograde filling, longer extraoral time, and maxillary molar were found to be associated with lower healing rates. However, the differences between the subgroups were not statistically significant.

    CONCLUSIONS: The present review showed IR yielded a good overall healing rate with a low complication rate. Taking the quality of evidence into account, more high-quality studies are required to evaluate the validity of the factors that may influence the treatment outcome of IR.

    Matched MeSH terms: Prospective Studies
  17. Haron N, Rajendran S, Kallarakkal TG, Zain RB, Ramanathan A, Abraham MT, et al.
    Oral Dis, 2023 Mar;29(2):380-389.
    PMID: 33914993 DOI: 10.1111/odi.13892
    OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the accuracy of MeMoSA®, a mobile phone application to review images of oral lesions in identifying oral cancers and oral potentially malignant disorders requiring referral.

    SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A prospective study of 355 participants, including 280 with oral lesions/variants was conducted. Adults aged ≥18 treated at tertiary referral centres were included. Images of the oral cavity were taken using MeMoSA®. The identification of the presence of lesion/variant and referral decision made using MeMoSA® were compared to clinical oral examination, using kappa statistics for intra-rater agreement. Sensitivity, specificity, concordance and F1 score were computed. Images were reviewed by an off-site specialist and inter-rater agreement was evaluated. Images from sequential clinical visits were compared to evaluate observable changes in the lesions.

    RESULTS: Kappa values comparing MeMoSA® with clinical oral examination in detecting a lesion and referral decision was 0.604 and 0.892, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity for referral decision were 94.0% and 95.5%. Concordance and F1 score were 94.9% and 93.3%, respectively. Inter-rater agreement for a referral decision was 0.825. Progression or regression of lesions were systematically documented using MeMoSA®.

    CONCLUSION: Referral decisions made through MeMoSA® is highly comparable to clinical examination demonstrating it is a reliable telemedicine tool to facilitate the identification of high-risk lesions for early management.

    Matched MeSH terms: Prospective Studies
  18. Kunasegaran T, Balasubramaniam VRMT, Arasoo VJT, Palanisamy UD, Ramadas A
    Curr Nutr Rep, 2023 Mar;12(1):203-214.
    PMID: 36810808 DOI: 10.1007/s13668-023-00453-4
    PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Although gut microbiota have been associated with the etiology of some diseases, the influence of foods on gut microbiota, especially among pregnant women, remains unclear. Hence, a systematic review was performed to investigate the association between diet and gut microbiota and their influence on metabolic health in pregnant women.

    RECENT FINDINGS: We performed the systematic review using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 protocol to investigate the association between diet and gut microbiota and their influence on metabolic role in pregnant women. Five databases were searched for relevant peer-reviewed articles published in English since 2011. Two-staged screening of 659 retrieved records resulted in the inclusion of 10 studies. The collated findings suggested associations between nutrient intakes and four key microbes: Collinsella, Lachnospira, Sutterella, Faecalibacterium, and the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio in pregnant women. Dietary intakes in pregnancy were found to modify the gut microbiota and positively influence the cell metabolism in pregnant women. This review, however, emphasizes the importance of conducting well-designed prospective cohorts to investigate the role of changes in dietary intakes within the pregnancy and the influence of such changes on gut microbiota.

    Matched MeSH terms: Prospective Studies
  19. Tiew PY, Narayana JK, Quek MSL, Ang YY, Ko FWS, Poh ME, et al.
    Eur Respir J, 2023 Jan;61(1).
    PMID: 35926878 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.00507-2022
    BACKGROUND: Variable clinical outcomes are reported with fungal sensitisation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and it remains unclear which fungi and what allergens associate with the poorest outcomes. The use of recombinant as opposed to crude allergens for such assessment is unknown.

    METHODS: A prospective multicentre assessment of stable COPD (n=614) was undertaken in five hospitals across three countries: Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong. Clinical and serological assessment was performed against a panel of 35 fungal allergens including crude and recombinant Aspergillus and non-Aspergillus allergens. Unsupervised clustering and topological data analysis (TDA) approaches were employed using the measured sensitisation responses to elucidate if sensitisation subgroups exist and their related clinical outcomes.

    RESULTS: Aspergillus fumigatus sensitisation was associated with increased exacerbations in COPD. Unsupervised cluster analyses revealed two "fungal sensitisation" groups. The first was characterised by Aspergillus sensitisation and increased exacerbations, poorer lung function and worse prognosis. Polysensitisation in this group conferred even poorer outcome. The second group, characterised by Cladosporium sensitisation, was more symptomatic. Significant numbers of individuals demonstrated sensitisation responses to only recombinant (as opposed to crude) A. fumigatus allergens f 1, 3, 5 and 6, and exhibited increased exacerbations, poorer lung function and an overall worse prognosis. TDA validated these findings and additionally identified a subgroup within Aspergillus-sensitised COPD of patients with frequent exacerbations.

    CONCLUSION: Aspergillus sensitisation is a treatable trait in COPD. Measuring sensitisation responses to recombinant Aspergillus allergens identifies an important patient subgroup with poor COPD outcomes that remains overlooked by assessment of only crude Aspergillus allergens.

    Matched MeSH terms: Prospective Studies
  20. Setyawan D, Amrillah T, Abdullah CAC, Ilhami FB, Dewi DMM, Mumtazah Z, et al.
    J Drug Target, 2023 Apr;31(4):369-389.
    PMID: 36721905 DOI: 10.1080/1061186X.2023.2175833
    The development of two-dimensional (2D) materials for biomedical applications has accelerated exponentially. Contrary to their bulk counterparts, the exceptional properties of 2D materials make them highly prospective for contrast agents for bioimage, drug, and heat delivery in biomedical treatment. Nevertheless, empty space in the integration and utilisation of 2D materials in living biological systems, potential toxicity, as well as required complicated synthesis and high-cost production limit the real application of 2D materials in those advance medical treatments. On the other hand, green technology appears to be one of strategy to shed a light on the blurred employment of 2D in medical applications, thus, with the increasing reports of green technology that promote advanced technologies, here, we compile, summarise, and synthesise information on the biomedical technology of 2D materials through green technology point of view. Beginning with a fundamental understanding, of crystal structures, the working mechanism, and novel properties, this article examines the recent development of 2D materials. As well as 2D materials made from natural and biogenic resources, a recent development in green-related synthesis was also discussed. The biotechnology and biomedical-related application constraints are also discussed. The challenges, solutions, and prospects of the so-called green 2D materials are outlined.
    Matched MeSH terms: Prospective Studies
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