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Fulltext YersiniaBase: a genomic resource and analysis platform for comparative analysis of Yersinia

Tan SY, Dutta A, Jakubovics NS, Ang MY, Siow CC, Mutha NV, et al.

BMC Bioinformatics, 2015;16:9.
PMID: 25591325 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-014-0422-y

Yersinia is a Gram-negative bacteria that includes serious pathogens such as the Yersinia pestis, which causes plague, Yersinia pseudotuberculosis, Yersinia enterocolitica. The remaining species are generally considered non-pathogenic to humans, although there is evidence that at least some of these species can cause occasional infections using distinct mechanisms from the more pathogenic species. With the advances in sequencing technologies, many genomes of Yersinia have been sequenced. However, there is currently no specialized platform to hold the rapidly-growing Yersinia genomic data and to provide analysis tools particularly for comparative analyses, which are required to provide improved insights into their biology, evolution and pathogenicity.
Lactobacillus probiotics restore vaginal and gut microbiota of pregnant women with vaginal candidiasis

Ang XY, Roslan NS, Ahmad N, Yusof SM, Abdullah N, Nik Ab Rahman NN, et al.

Benef Microbes, 2023 Nov 23;14(5):421-431.
PMID: 38350486 DOI: 10.1163/18762891-20220103

The development of probiotics has now included the areas along the gut-vaginal axis. We thus aimed to investigate the effects of lactobacilli probiotic to modulate and restore vaginal and gut microbiota of pregnant women with vaginal candidiasis (VC). A randomised, double-blind and placebo-controlled study was performed in 78 pregnant women with VC. Patients were randomised to either the probiotic (SynForU-HerCare) or placebo which were administered at baseline and continued for 8-weeks (two capsules/day of 9.5 log cfu/capsule). Microbiota profiles were assessed at time points of weeks-0, 4 and 8 for high vaginal swab and faecal samples. Shannon diversity index showed that after 8-weeks amid VC, a shift in microbial community compositional changes occurred in the high vaginal region at both genus (P=0.025) and species (P=0.044) levels, where the administration of probiotic prevented such a shift. These changes were mainly attributed to a decreased in abundance of Lactobacillus (P=0.042) accompanied by increased abundance of Prevotella (P=0.002) and Atopobium (P=0.002) in the placebo group while the probiotic group remained unchanged over time. The administration of probiotics also prevented a reduced abundance of faecal phylum Firmicutes after 8-weeks as seen in the placebo group (P<0.0001), which also showed reduction at subsequent taxonomic levels of class, family, genera and species. VC has not only altered the microbiota of vagina regions but also gut microbiota profiles, causing lessening of gut microbiota that are crucial for gut nutrient availability, protection and immunity. The administration of lactobacilli probiotics has prevented such a shift, leading to better modulated gut and vaginal microenvironment amid VC. The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov: identifier number NCT03940612.
Fulltext A WHO-HPH operational program versus usual routines for implementing clinical health promotion: an RCT in health promoting hospitals (HPH)

Svane JK, Chiou ST, Groene O, Kalvachova M, Brkić MZ, Fukuba I, et al.

Implement Sci, 2018 12 22;13(1):153.
PMID: 30577871 DOI: 10.1186/s13012-018-0848-0

BACKGROUND: Implementation of clinical health promotion (CHP) aiming at better health gain is slow despite its effect. CHP focuses on potentially modifiable lifestyle risks such as smoking, alcohol, diet, and physical inactivity. An operational program was created to improve implementation. It included patients, staff, and the organization, and it combined existing standards, indicators, documentation models, a performance recognition process, and a fast-track implementation model. The aim of this study was to evaluate if the operational program improved implementation of CHP in clinical hospital departments, as measured by health status of patients and staff, frequency of CHP service delivery, and standards compliance.
METHODS: Forty-eight hospital departments were recruited via open call and stratified by country. Departments were assigned to the operational program (intervention) or usual routine (control group). Data for analyses included 36 of these departments and their 5285 patients (median 147 per department; range 29-201), 2529 staff members (70; 10-393), 1750 medical records (50; 50-50), and standards compliance assessments. Follow-up was measured after 1 year. The outcomes were health status, service delivery, and standards compliance.
RESULTS: No health differences between groups were found, but the intervention group had higher identification of lifestyle risk (81% versus 60%, p
Bone turnover markers reference database in five Southeast Asian countries

Lee JK, Khor HM, Chotiyarnwong P, Unnanuntana A, Amphansap T, Li-Yu J, et al.

Bone, 2024 Jun 28;187:117182.
PMID: 38945507 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2024.117182

Osteoporosis is highly prevalent, particularly in developing countries. However, bone turnover marker reference ranges for management of osteoporosis in Asian population are yet to be explored and established. Thus, this study aims to develop a regional bone turnover markers (BTMs) reference database by combining country-specific reference database from five ASEAN countries: Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. We established a healthy reference population of 746 healthy premenopausal women aged 20 to 44 years old. Serum Procollagen 1 N-Terminal Propeptide (P1NP), Osteocalcin (OC), and Beta-Crosslaps (CTX) concentrations were measured using an automated immunoassay analyzer system, the cobas® modular analyzer systems (Roche Diagnostic Gmbh). The reference interval was defined as the central 95 % range. The estimated reference interval for CTX was 128 to 811 ng/L, OC was 9.0 to 33.0 μg/L, and for P1NP, the range was 22.8 to 96.5 μg/L. Comparison across countries showed that Singaporeans had the highest levels of median CTX along with Thais and Filipinos, who had significantly higher levels of P1NP and OC. Exploratory analysis on the associations with age showed that BTMs decreased with increasing age at 20 to 29 years old and plateaued after 30 years old. When excluding participants in their 20s, the reference interval estimated were CTX: 117-678 ng/L, P1NP: 21.6-85.8 μg/L and OC: 3.5-27.0 μg/L respectively. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report BTMs reference intervals based on a healthy premenopausal Southeast Asian population which will contribute to the appropriate assessment and monitoring of bone turnover rate in the evaluation and management of osteoporosis in the Southeast Asian region. LAY SUMMARY: Osteoporosis is a common health issue, especially in developing countries. However, there is a lack of information on bone health markers specific to the Southeast Asian population. This study aimed to fill this gap by creating a reference database for bone turnover markers (BTMs) in Southeast Asian countries, including Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. The researchers studied 746 healthy women aged 20 to 44 years and measured blood markers related to bone health. The reference interval, representing the normal range, was determined. For example, the normal range for CTX was found to be 128 to 811 ng/L, for Osteocalcin was 9.0 to 33.0 μg/L, and for P1NP, the range was 22.8 to 96.5 μg/L. When excluding participants in their 20s, the reference intervals estimated were CTX: 117-678 ng/L, P1NP: 21.6-85.8 μg/L and OC: 3.5-27.0 μg/L respectively. Comparing the results across countries, Singaporeans, Thais, and Filipinos showed variations in their biochemical bone marker levels. Additionally, the study observed changes in the levels with age, with a decrease in BTMs observed after the age of 30. This groundbreaking study provides the first-ever reference intervals for BTMs in a healthy premenopausal Southeast Asian population. These findings will help in the proper assessment and monitoring of bone health, contributing to the management of osteoporosis in the Southeast Asian region.
Fulltext An updated hip fracture projection in Asia: The Asian Federation of Osteoporosis Societies study

Cheung CL, Ang SB, Chadha M, Chow ES, Chung YS, Hew FL, et al.

Osteoporos Sarcopenia, 2018 Mar;4(1):16-21.
PMID: 30775536 DOI: 10.1016/j.afos.2018.03.003

OBJECTIVES: Hip fracture is a major public health problem. Earlier studies projected that the total number of hip fracture will increase dramatically by 2050, and most of the hip fracture will occur in Asia. To date, only a few studies provided the updated projection, and none of them focused on the hip fracture projection in Asia. Thus, it is essential to provide the most up to date prediction of hip fracture in Asia, and to evaluate the total direct medical cost of hip fracture in Asia.
METHODS: We provide the updated projection of hip fracture in 9 Asian Federation of Osteoporosis Societies members using the most updated incidence rate and projected population size.
RESULTS: We show that the number of hip fracture will increase from 1,124,060 in 2018 to 2,563,488 in 2050, a 2.28-fold increase. This increase is mainly due to the changes on the population demographics, especially in China and India, which have the largest population size. The direct cost of hip fracture will increase from 9.5 billion United State dollar (USD) in 2018 to 15 billion USD in 2050, resulting a 1.59-fold increase. A 2%-3% decrease in incidence rate of hip fracture annually is required to keep the total number of hip fracture constant over time.
CONCLUSIONS: The results show that hip fracture remains a key public health issue in Asia, despite the available of better diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of fracture over the recent years. Healthcare policy in Asia should be aimed to reduce the burden of hip fracture.
Fulltext Vascular complications and outcomes following transcatheter aortic valve replacement in patients on chronic steroid therapy: a meta-analysis

Ang SP, Chia JE, Jaiswal V, Hanif M, Vadhera A, Gautam S, et al.

Int J Surg, 2024 Apr 01;110(4):2421-2429.
PMID: 38320107 DOI: 10.1097/JS9.0000000000001132

BACKGROUND: Chronic steroid (CS) therapy was reportedly linked to increased vascular complications following percutaneous coronary intervention. However, its association with vascular complications after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) remained uncertain, with conflicting results being reported.
OBJECTIVE: The authors aimed to compare the rate of vascular complications and outcomes between patients with and without CS use after TAVR.
METHODS: The authors conducted a comprehensive literature search in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases from their inception until 18th April 2022 for relevant studies. Endpoints were described according to Valve Academic Research Consortium-2 definitions. Effect sizes were pooled using DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model as risk ratio (RR) with 95% CI.
RESULTS: Five studies with 6136 patients undergoing TAVR were included in the analysis. The included studies were published between 2015 and 2022. The mean ages of patients in both study groups were similar, with the CS group averaging 80 years and the nonsteroid group averaging 82 years. Notably, a higher proportion of patients in the CS group were female (56%) compared to the nonsteroid group (54%). CS use was associated with a significantly higher risk of major vascular complications (12.5 vs. 6.7%, RR 2.32, 95% CI: 1.73-3.11, P <0.001), major bleeding (16.8 vs. 13.1%, RR 1.61, 95% CI: 1.27-2.05, P <0.001), and aortic annulus rupture (2.3 vs. 0.6%, RR 4.66, 95% CI: 1.67-13.01, P <0.001). There was no significant difference in terms of minor vascular complications (RR 1.43, 95% CI: 1.00-2.04, P =0.05), in-hospital mortality (2.3 vs. 1.4%, RR 1.86, 95% CI: 0.74-4.70, P =0.19), and 30-day mortality (2.9 vs. 3.1%, RR 1.14, 95% CI: 0.53-2.46, P =0.74) between both groups.
CONCLUSION: Our study showed that CS therapy is associated with increased major vascular complications, major bleeding, and annulus rupture following TAVR. Further large multicenter studies or randomized controlled trials are warranted to validate these findings.
Mindful breathing for cancer pain: efficacy of a single 20-minute session - a randomised controlled study

Tan SB, Chai CS, Ng DLC, Zainuddin SI, Capelle DP, Lam CL, et al.

BMJ Support Palliat Care, 2024 Aug 20.
PMID: 39164043 DOI: 10.1136/spcare-2023-004762

OBJECTIVES: Cancer pain is a prevalent and challenging symptom affecting a significant number of patients globally, with inadequate control remaining a substantial challenge despite advancements in pain management. Non-pharmacological interventions, including mindfulness-based approaches, have shown promise in alleviating cancer-related pain. This study aimed to explore the efficacy of a single session of 20-minute mindful breathing in reducing pain among patients with cancer.
METHODS: A randomised controlled study was conducted at the University of Malaya Medical Centre, Malaysia, involving adult cancer inpatients with a pain score of ≥4/10. Participants were randomly assigned to a 20-minute mindful breathing intervention or a 20-minute supportive listening control group. Outcome measures included pain intensity, pain unpleasantness and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale score, assessed before and after the intervention.
RESULTS: The 20-minute mindful breathing sessions demonstrated significant efficacy in reducing pain intensity, pain unpleasantness and anxiety compared with the control group.
CONCLUSION: This research broadens the repertoire of cancer pain management by highlighting the rapid and holistic benefits of a single session of 20-minute mindful breathing. The findings suggest the potential integration of brief mindfulness exercises into routine cancer care to enhance pain management and overall well-being.
A study of the acceptability and effectiveness of Norplant (R) contraceptive implants in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Arshat H, Rachagan SP, Kwa Siew Kim, Ang Eng Suan, Karim HA, Ismail MT

Malays J Reprod Health, 1990 Jun;8(1):21-9.
PMID: 12316341
Fulltext Antituberculosis: synthesis and antimycobacterial activity of novel benzimidazole derivatives

Keng Yoon Y, Ashraf Ali M, Choon TS, Ismail R, Chee Wei A, Suresh Kumar R, et al.

Biomed Res Int, 2013;2013:926309.
PMID: 24381946 DOI: 10.1155/2013/926309

A total of seven novel benzimidazoles were synthesized by a 4-step reaction starting from 4-fluoro-3-nitrobenzoic acid under relatively mild reaction conditions. The synthesized compounds were screened for their antimycobacterial activity against M. tuberculosis H₃₇Rv (MTB-H₃₇Rv) and INH-resistant M. tuberculosis (INHR-MTB) strains using agar dilution method. Three of them displayed good activity with MIC of less than 0.2 μM. Compound ethyl 1-(2-(4-(4-(ethoxycarbonyl)-2-aminophenyl)piperazin-1-yl)ethyl)-2-(4-(5-(4-fluorophenyl)pyridin-3-ylphenyl-1H-benzo[d]imidazole-5-carboxylate (5 g) was found to be the most active with MIC of 0.112 μM against MTB-H₃₇Rv and 6.12 μM against INHR-MTB, respectively.
Synthesis, characterization, and molecular docking analysis of novel benzimidazole derivatives as cholinesterase inhibitors

Yoon YK, Ali MA, Wei AC, Choon TS, Khaw KY, Murugaiyah V, et al.

Bioorg Chem, 2013 Aug;49:33-9.
PMID: 23886696 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2013.06.008

Two series of novel acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitors containing benzimidazole core structure were synthesized by a four-step reaction pathway starting from 4-fluoro-3-nitrobenzoic acid as the basic compound. The structure of the novel benzimidazoles was characterized and confirmed by the elemental and mass spectral analyses as well as (1)H NMR spectroscopic data. Of the 34 novel synthesized compounds, three benzimidazoles revealed AChE inhibition with IC50<10 μM. The highest inhibitory activity (IC50=5.12 μM for AChE and IC50=8.63 μM for BChE) corresponds to the compound 5IIc (ethyl 1-(3-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)propyl)-2-(4-nitrophenyl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole-5-carboxylate). The relationship between lipophilicity and the chemical structures as well as their limited structure-activity relationship was discussed.
Fulltext Synthesis and anti-HIV activity of novel 3-substituted phenyl-6,7-dimethoxy-3a,4-dihydro-3H-indeno[1,2-c]isoxazole analogues

Ali MA, Ismail R, Choon TS, Yoon YK, Wei AC, Pandian S, et al.

Acta Pol Pharm, 2011 May-Jun;68(3):343-8.
PMID: 21648188

A series of novel 3-(substituted phenyl)-6,7-dimethoxy-3a,4-dihydro-3H-indeno[1,2-c]isoxazole analogues were synthesized by the reaction of 5,6-dimethoxy-2-[(E)-1-phenylmethylidene]-1-indanone with hydroxylamine hydrochloride. The title compounds were tested for their in vitro anti-HIV activity. Among the compounds, (4g) showed a promising anti-HIV activity in the in vitro testing against IIIB and ROD strains. The IC50 of both IIIB and ROD were found to be 9.05 microM and > 125 microM, respectively.
Fulltext HIV/AIDS-related knowledge, attitudes and perceptions: a cross-sectional household survey

Naing CM, Hakim M, Yee DA, Mun KR, Yung TC, Jian KK, et al.

Southeast Asian J. Trop. Med. Public Health, 2010 Jul;41(4):952-60.
PMID: 21073071

This study aimed to assess knowledge of and attitudes toward HIV/AIDS among a community in a semi-urban setting in Malaysia, to determine factors affecting perceptions toward people living with HIV in the community, and to provide baseline information for planning preventive measures against HIV/AIDS. This cross-sectional study was conducted in August 2009. Two hundred sixty-two household members were interviewed with a semi-structured questionnaire. Most respondents (232; 88.5%) had heard of HIV/AIDS. Only a few respondents (6; 2.6%) could correctly answer all the questionnaire items. Misconceptions about disease transmission were seen among surveyed participants, such as the belief HIV/AIDS can be contracted from saliva (104; 44.8%), mosquito bites (95; 40.9%) or casual touch (86; 37.1%). A multivariate linear regression model showed better perceptions towards people living with HIV depend on an improved knowledge of HIV/AIDS transmission. Current data emphasize the need to scale up HIV/AIDS education incorporating the mode of disease transmission.
Distinctive phyllosphere bacterial communities in tropical trees

Kim M, Singh D, Lai-Hoe A, Go R, Abdul Rahim R, Ainuddin AN, et al.

Microb Ecol, 2012 Apr;63(3):674-81.
PMID: 21990015 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-011-9953-1

Recent work has suggested that in temperate and subtropical trees, leaf surface bacterial communities are distinctive to each individual tree species and dominated by Alpha- and Gammaproteobacteria. In order to understand how general this pattern is, we studied the phyllosphere bacterial community on leaves of six species of tropical trees at a rainforest arboretum in Malaysia. This represents the first detailed study of 'true' tropical lowland tree phyllosphere communities. Leaf surface DNA was extracted and pyrosequenced targeting the V1-V3 region of 16S rRNA gene. As was previously found in temperate and subtropical trees, each tree species had a distinctive bacterial community on its leaves, clustering separately from other tree species in an ordination analysis. Bacterial communities in the phyllosphere were unique to plant leaves in that very few operational taxonomic units (0.5%) co-occurred in the surrounding soil environment. A novel and distinctive aspect of tropical phyllosphere communities is that Acidobacteria were one of the most abundant phyla across all samples (on average, 17%), a pattern not previously recognized. Sequences belonging to Acidobacteria were classified into subgroups 1-6 among known 24 subdivisions, and subgroup 1 (84%) was the most abundant group, followed by subgroup 3 (15%). The high abundance of Acidobacteria on leaves of tropical trees indicates that there is a strong relationship between host plants and Acidobacteria in tropical rain forest, which needs to be investigated further. The similarity of phyllosphere bacterial communities amongst the tree species sampled shows a significant tendency to follow host plant phylogeny, with more similar communities on more closely related hosts.
Distinctive bacterial communities in the rhizoplane of four tropical tree species

Oh YM, Kim M, Lee-Cruz L, Lai-Hoe A, Go R, Ainuddin N, et al.

Microb Ecol, 2012 Nov;64(4):1018-27.
PMID: 22767122 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-012-0082-2

It is known that the microbial community of the rhizosphere is not only influenced by factors such as root exudates, phenology, and nutrient uptake but also by the plant species. However, studies of bacterial communities associated with tropical rainforest tree root surfaces, or rhizoplane, are lacking. Here, we analyzed the bacterial community of root surfaces of four species of native trees, Agathis borneensis, Dipterocarpus kerrii, Dyera costulata, and Gnetum gnemon, and nearby bulk soils, in a rainforest arboretum in Malaysia, using 454 pyrosequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. The rhizoplane bacterial communities for each of the four tree species sampled clustered separately from one another on an ordination, suggesting that these assemblages are linked to chemical and biological characteristics of the host or possibly to the mycorrhizal fungi present. Bacterial communities of the rhizoplane had various similarities to surrounding bulk soils. Acidobacteria, Alphaproteobacteria, and Betaproteobacteria were dominant in rhizoplane communities and in bulk soils from the same depth (0-10 cm). In contrast, the relative abundance of certain bacterial lineages on the rhizoplane was different from that in bulk soils: Bacteroidetes and Betaproteobacteria, which are known as copiotrophs, were much more abundant in the rhizoplane in comparison to bulk soil. At the genus level, Burkholderia, Acidobacterium, Dyella, and Edaphobacter were more abundant in the rhizoplane. Burkholderia, which are known as both pathogens and mutualists of plants, were especially abundant on the rhizoplane of all tree species sampled. The Burkholderia species present included known mutualists of tropical crops and also known N fixers. The host-specific character of tropical tree rhizoplane bacterial communities may have implications for understanding nutrient cycling, recruitment, and structuring of tree species diversity in tropical forests. Such understanding may prove to be useful in both tropical forestry and conservation.
Synthesis and discovery of novel hexacyclic cage compounds as inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase

Suresh Kumar R, Ashraf Ali M, Osman H, Ismail R, Choon TS, Yoon YK, et al.

Bioorg Med Chem Lett, 2011 Jul 1;21(13):3997-4000.
PMID: 21621414 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2011.05.003

Hexacyclic derivatives share vital pharmacological properties, considered useful in Alzheimer's disease. The aim of this study was synthesis and its evaluation for acetyl cholinesterase inhibitory activity of novel hexacyclic analogues. Compound 4f, showed potent inhibitory activity against acetyl cholinesterase enzyme with IC(50) 0.72 μmol/L.
Substituted spiro [2.3'] oxindolespiro [3.2″]-5,6-dimethoxy-indane-1″-one-pyrrolidine analogue as inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase

Ali MA, Ismail R, Choon TS, Yoon YK, Wei AC, Pandian S, et al.

Bioorg Med Chem Lett, 2010 Dec 1;20(23):7064-6.
PMID: 20951037 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2010.09.108

Series of pyrolidine analogues were synthesized and examined as acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors. Among the compounds, compounds 4k and 6k were the most potent inhibitors of the series. Compound 4k, showed potent inhibitory activity against acetyl cholinesterase enzyme with IC(50) 0.10 μmol/L. Pyrolidine analogues might be potential acetyl cholinesterase agents for AD.
Antimycobacterial activity: a facile three-component [3+2]-cycloaddition for the regioselective synthesis of highly functionalised dispiropyrrolidines

Wei AC, Ali MA, Yoon YK, Ismail R, Choon TS, Kumar RS, et al.

Bioorg Med Chem Lett, 2012 Aug 1;22(15):4930-3.
PMID: 22749825 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2012.06.047

A series of twelve dispiropyrrolidines were synthesized using [3+2]-cycloaddition reactions. The synthesized compounds were screened for their antimycobacterial activity against M. tuberculosis H(37)Rv and INH resistant M. tuberculosis strains using agar dilution method, four of them showed good activity with MIC of less than 1 μM. Compound 4'-[5-(4-fluorophenyl)pyridin-3-yl]-1'-methyldispiro[indan-2,2' pyrrolidine-3',2″-indan]-1,3,1″-trione (4b) was found to be the most active with MIC of 0.1215 and 5.121 μM, respectively.
Fulltext Palliative brachytherapy to axilla and hypopharynx in elderly patient with hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma - case report

Appalanaido GK, Shukor SA, Fan AS, Chong SE, Hussin H, Karim NKA, et al.

Rep Pract Oncol Radiother, 2021;26(4):647-653.
PMID: 34434581 DOI: 10.5603/RPOR.a2021.0076

Brachytherapy (BT) is an important local treatment of tumor and it can be applied to different anatomical sites either in a curative or palliative setting. BT can deliver large dose of radiation to the tumor while sparing the surrounding normal tissue which translates into a better therapeutic ratio compared to external beam radiotherapy. However, the evidence for the use of brachytherapy in the palliative setting is lacking in the literature. In this case report, we describe the brachytherapy technique and outcome of a patient with squamous cell carcinoma of the hypopharynx who underwent palliative brachytherapy to the hypopharynx and metastatic tumor at the right axilla.
The Effect of 5-Minute Mindfulness of Peace on Suffering and Spiritual Well-Being Among Palliative Care Patients: A Randomized Controlled Study

Yik LL, Ling LM, Ai LM, Ting AB, Capelle DP, Zainuddin SI, et al.

Am J Hosp Palliat Care, 2021 Sep;38(9):1083-1090.
PMID: 33078627 DOI: 10.1177/1049909120965944

BACKGROUND: Mindfulness practices may have a role in reducing suffering and improving spiritual well-being among patients with serious illness. The efficacy, feasibility and acceptability of such interventions warrant further exploration in the palliative care population.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of a brief mindfulness practice, the 5-minute mindfulness of peace intervention, on suffering and spiritual well-being among palliative care patients.
METHODS: A randomized controlled study was conducted on adult palliative care patients with moderate to severe levels of suffering. Participants in the intervention arm were guided through a 5-minute mindfulness of peace exercise while participants in the control arm received 5 minutes of active listening. Pre- and post-intervention suffering and spiritual well-being were measured using the Suffering Pictogram and the FACIT-Sp-12 questionnaire, respectively.
RESULTS: 40 participants completed the study. 5-minute mindfulness of peace significantly reduced suffering (median = -3.00, IQR = 2.00) more than 5 minutes of active listening (median = -1.00, IQR = 1.75), U = 73.50, z = -3.48, p = 0.001, η2 = 0.31. FACIT-Sp-12 score also significantly improved in the intervention arm (median = +5.00, IQR = 2.75) compared with the control arm after 5 minutes (median = +1.00, IQR = 3.00), U = 95.50, z = -2.85, p = 0.004, η2 = 0.21.
CONCLUSIONS: A brief 5-minute mindfulness of peace exercise is effective in providing immediate relief of suffering and improving spiritual well-being. It is a useful and feasible intervention among patients receiving palliative care for rapidly and momentarily reducing spiritual suffering.
Fulltext Forecasting the Incidence and Prevalence of Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease in Malaysia up to the Year 2040

Bujang MA, Adnan TH, Hashim NH, Mohan K, Kim Liong A, Ahmad G, et al.

Int J Nephrol, 2017;2017:2735296.
PMID: 28348890 DOI: 10.1155/2017/2735296

Background. The incidence of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring dialysis has been growing rapidly in Malaysia from 18 per million population (pmp) in 1993 to 231 pmp in 2013. Objective. To forecast the incidence and prevalence of ESRD patients who will require dialysis treatment in Malaysia until 2040. Methodology. Univariate forecasting models using the number of new and current dialysis patients, by the Malaysian Dialysis and Transplant Registry from 1993 to 2013 were used. Four forecasting models were evaluated, and the model with the smallest error was selected for the prediction. Result. ARIMA (0, 2, 1) modeling with the lowest error was selected to predict both the incidence (RMSE = 135.50, MAPE = 2.85, and MAE = 87.71) and the prevalence (RMSE = 158.79, MAPE = 1.29, and MAE = 117.21) of dialysis patients. The estimated incidences of new dialysis patients in 2020 and 2040 are 10,208 and 19,418 cases, respectively, while the estimated prevalence is 51,269 and 106,249 cases. Conclusion. The growth of ESRD patients on dialysis in Malaysia can be expected to continue at an alarming rate. Effective steps to address and curb further increase in new patients requiring dialysis are urgently needed, in order to mitigate the expected financial and health catastrophes associated with the projected increase of such patients.

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