Displaying publications 41 - 60 of 2133 in total

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  1. Ng WK, Philip AZ, Lim TT, Wong M, Goh EL, Tengku Ismail TS, et al.
    Med J Malaysia, 2023 May;78(3):350-356.
    PMID: 37271845
    INTRODUCTION: In managing hypertension, monotherapy and sometimes a combination of more than one agent are used to achieve blood pressure (BP) control. The objective of this prospective, observational, multi-centre study was to assess the level of BP control in patients receiving one or more anti-hypertensive drugs in private medical centres in Malaysia according to the treatment regimens (monotherapy, free drug combinations and single pill combinations).

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were collected through medical records and interview sessions with patients on current pharmacotherapy for hypertension management at baseline and 2-3 months later. Results are expressed as mean ± SD for continuous data and as frequencies and percentages for categorical data.

    RESULTS: Among 182 recruited patients, 89 (49%) achieved BP control by the end of the study. Majority (62/89) patients were on single-pill (monotherapy or SPC) antihypertensives. Majority (63/89) required more than two antihypertensives to achieve BP control.

    CONCLUSION: Both SPC and free drug combination antihypertensives reduced BPs, but physicians preferred SPC to improve BP control and increase treatment compliance.

    Matched MeSH terms: Prospective Studies
  2. Loh ZH, Mohamad S, Gan BC, Zakaria Z, Mohamad I
    Med J Malaysia, 2023 Mar;78(2):197-201.
    PMID: 36988530
    INTRODUCTION: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is among the most common malignancy in Malaysia. Radiationinduced hypothyroidism has been reported in other countries. However, in Malaysia, no studies were ever done to determine the effect of radiation on hypothyroidism. The objective of this study is to evaluate the practice of taking thyroid function test (TFT) and determine hypothyroidism post-radiation in patients with NPC.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study on the symptoms and results of TFT according to the dosage of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) given to patients with NPC. Data were traced and analysed.

    RESULTS: A total of 78 patients were identified. All patients received IMRT with 33-35 fractions of radiotherapy (RT) with total dosage of 66-70 Gray given. Not all patients had their thyroid function status measured routinely. Twelve patients did have symptoms of hypothyroidism. TFT were obtained in this group but the results were normal. No correlation was found between RT and hypothyroidism.

    CONCLUSION: There was no correlation between IMRT and the development of hypothyroidism. A prospective study with better control of inclusion and exclusion criteria, and longer follow-up period with TFT, is needed to demonstrate the consistency of these findings.

    Matched MeSH terms: Prospective Studies
  3. Karda IWAM, Wan Ismail WF, Kamal AF
    Sci Rep, 2023 Oct 29;13(1):18541.
    PMID: 37899365 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-45808-7
    In Indonesia, the challenge of osteosarcoma progression is further worsened by patients' dependence on traditional massage therapy, low socio-economy, and educational status. This study aims to analyze the differences in the characteristics, laboratory findings, surgery techniques, degree of histopathological necrosis, and metastasis between osteosarcoma patients with and without prior massage manipulation therapy. This research is an analytical observational study with a prospective and retrospective cohort design. Patients were treated and followed for one year to evaluate the occurrence of metastasis. Prospective data was collected through interviews, and secondary data was collected from the patient's medical record. Of 84 subjects analyzed, 69% had a history of massage. There was an increase in LDH and ALP in patients with massage manipulation (p = 0.026). The median time to metastasis from baseline in the massage group (4 months) was statistically significant compared to the non-manipulation group (12 months) (p 
    Matched MeSH terms: Prospective Studies
  4. Muzahid NH, Hussain MH, Huët MAL, Dwiyanto J, Su TT, Reidpath D, et al.
    Microb Genom, 2023 Apr;9(4).
    PMID: 37018035 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.000977
    Acinetobacter baumannii is a common cause of multidrug-resistant (MDR) nosocomial infections around the world. However, little is known about the persistence and dynamics of A. baumannii in a healthy community. This study investigated the role of the community as a prospective reservoir for A. baumannii and explored possible links between hospital and community isolates. A total of 12 independent A. baumannii strains were isolated from human faecal samples from the community in Segamat, Malaysia, in 2018 and 2019. Another 15 were obtained in 2020 from patients at the co-located tertiary public hospital. The antimicrobial resistance profile and biofilm formation ability were analysed, and the relatedness of community and hospital isolates was determined using whole-genome sequencing (WGS). Antibiotic profile analysis revealed that 12 out of 15 hospital isolates were MDR, but none of the community isolates were MDR. However, phylogenetic analysis based on single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and a pangenome analysis of core genes showed clustering between four community and two hospital strains. Such clustering of strains from two different settings based on their genomes suggests that these strains could persist in both. WGS revealed 41 potential resistance genes on average in the hospital strains, but fewer (n=32) were detected in the community strains. In contrast, 68 virulence genes were commonly seen in strains from both sources. This study highlights the possible transmission threat to public health posed by virulent A. baumannii present in the gut of asymptomatic individuals in the community.
    Matched MeSH terms: Prospective Studies
  5. DU W, Zhao S, Wei X, Wang J, Xue T, Qi M, et al.
    PMID: 37549946 DOI: 10.13201/j.issn.2096-7993.2023.07.007
    Objective:To investigate the efficacy of functional endoscopic sinus surgery(FESS) in the treatment of olfactory dysfunction in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) , at the same time, it provides an evidence for the prognosis evaluation of olfaction and the clinical application of oERPs to evaluate the plasticity of olfaction cortex. Methods:From October 2021 to October 2022, 45 patients with CRSwNP who underwent FESS nine-step standardized treatment in our department were recruited as the research subjects, divided into 22 patients with eosinophilic CRSwNP(ECRS)and 23 patients with non-eosinophilic CRSwNP(nECRS). VAS-olfactory dysfunction (VAS-OD) score, SNOT-22 olfactory score, Sniffin' Sticks test and oERPs collection and processing were performed before the operation. All items were evaluated again 3 months after the operation. Results:VAS-OD and SNOT-22 olfactory score were significantly lower in all CRSwNP patients after the operation than those before the operation[F(1, 43) =357.429, P<0.001; F(1, 43) =185.657, P<0.001], the scores of T, D, I and TDI scores in Sniffin' Sticks test were significantly higher than those before the operation[F(1, 43) =126.302, P<0.001; F(1, 43) =311.301, P<0.001; F(1, 43) =131.401, P<0.001; F(1, 43) =295.885, P<0.001]; The decrease of VAS-OD and SNOT-22 olfactory score in the ECRS group was smaller than that in the nECRS group[F(1, 43) =4.825, P=0.033; F(1, 43) =9.916, P=0.003], T, D and TDI scores were significantly lower in nECRS group than those in nECRS group[F(1, 43) =6.719, P=0.013; F(1, 43) =4.890, P=0.032; F(1, 43) =4.469, P=0.040]; There was a positive correlation between preoperative eosinophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(ELR) and SNOT-22 olfactory score and how much it changes(r=0.455, P=0.002; r=-0.414, P=0.005), a negative correlation between T, TDI score and how much they change respectively(r=-0.431, P=0.003; r=-0.385, P=0.009; r=-0.383, P=0.010; r=-0.316, P=0.035). The latency of P3 was significantly shorter after operation than that before operation in all CRSwNP patients[F(1, 14) =24.840, P<0.001], however, the amplitude has no significant surgical effect. Conclusion:FESS could significantly improve the olfactory function of CRSwNP patients, while changes in plasticity may occur in the olfactory cortex. In addition, the preoperative peripheral blood eosinophil granulocyte level can predict the postoperative olfactory improvement.
    Matched MeSH terms: Prospective Studies
  6. Hussin R, Aziz AFA, Ali MF, Monoto EMM, Arvinder-Singh HS, Alabed AAA, et al.
    BMC Prim Care, 2023 Sep 08;24(1):181.
    PMID: 37684626 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-023-02138-x
    BACKGROUND: In countries where access to Specialist stroke care services are limited, primary care physicians often manage stroke patients and the caregiving family members. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of Stroke Riskometer Application (SRA™) on promoting healthier lifestyles among familial stroke caregivers for primary prevention.

    METHODS: A parallel, open-label, 2-arm prospective, pilot randomised controlled trial was conducted at a long-term stroke service at a university based primary care clinic. All stroke caregivers aged ≥ 18 years, proficient in English or Malay and smartphone operation were invited. From 147 eligible caregivers, 76 participants were randomised to either SRA™ intervention or conventional care group (CCG) after receiving standard health counselling. The intervention group had additional SRA™ installed on their smartphones, which enabled self-monitoring of modifiable and non-modifiable stroke risk factors. The Stroke Riskometer app (SRATM) and Life's Simple 7 (LS7) questionnaires assessed stroke risk and lifestyle practices. Changes in clinical profile, lifestyle practices and calculated stroke risk were analysed at baseline and 3 months. The trial was registered in the Australia-New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry, ACTRN12618002050235.

    RESULTS: The demographic and clinical characteristics of the intervention and control group study participants were comparable. Better improvement in LS7 scores were noted in the SRA™ arm compared to CCG at 3 months: Median difference (95% CI) = 0.88 (1.68-0.08), p = 0.03. However, both groups did not show significant changes in median stroke risk and relative risk scores at 5-, 10-years (Stroke risk 5-years: Median difference (95% CI) = 0.53 (0.15-1.21), p = 0.13, 10-years: Median difference (95% CI) = 0.81 (0.53-2.15), p = 0.23; Relative risk 5-years: Median difference (95% CI) = 0.84 (0.29-1.97), p = 0.14, Relative risk 10-years: Median difference (95% CI) = 0.58 (0.36-1.52), p = 0.23).

    CONCLUSION: SRA™ is a useful tool for familial stroke caregivers to make lifestyle changes, although it did not reduce personal or relative stroke risk after 3 months usage.

    TRIAL REGISTRATION: No: ACTRN12618002050235 (Registration Date: 21st December 2018).

    Matched MeSH terms: Prospective Studies
  7. Al-Ahmad M, Ali A, Khalaf M, Alterki A, Rodriguez-Bouza T
    BMC Pulm Med, 2023 Jul 18;23(1):266.
    PMID: 37464395 DOI: 10.1186/s12890-023-02556-8
    BACKGROUND: The clinical heterogeneity of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and bronchial asthma is attributable to different underlying inflammatory profiles. However, the similarity between CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and type-2 asthma pathophysiology speculates that one biological therapy could affect both comorbidities. Despite dupilumab, a monoclonal antibody that targets IL-4α and IL-13 receptors, being used in patients with nasal polyps and severe asthma, real-life data about its efficacy in improving the quality of life and patient symptoms is still lacking. This study's primary objective was to evaluate dupilumab treatment's effect on the frequency of olfactory symptoms and health-related quality of life tests as measured by the Sino-nasal outcome test (SNOT-22) in patients with NP. The secondary objective was the effect of dupilumab on asthma symptom control as measured by the asthma control test (ACT).

    METHODS: A prospective study was conducted of 166 patients with CRSwNP, with or without asthma. The following variables were collected at baseline and after at least six months of continuous dupilumab therapy; SNOT-22, olfactory symptoms frequency, and ACT score.

    RESULTS: Asthma prevalence in patients with CRSwNP was high (59.63%), and being female with a history of frequent use of oral corticosteroid (OCS) courses and repeated unsuccessful nasal and para-nasal surgeries for polyposis increased the likelihood of having underlying asthma by 2, 1 and 4 times more, respectively. Additionally, being asthmatic required a longer duration of dupilumab treatment. However, both the health-related quality of life and olfactory symptoms improved equally in both groups.

    CONCLUSION: Even with associated comorbid asthma in patients with CRSwNP, treatment with dupilumab could improve the quality of life, olfactory symptoms, and asthma symptom control.

    Matched MeSH terms: Prospective Studies
  8. Mente A, Dehghan M, Rangarajan S, O'Donnell M, Hu W, Dagenais G, et al.
    Eur Heart J, 2023 Jul 21;44(28):2560-2579.
    PMID: 37414411 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehad269
    AIMS: To develop a healthy diet score that is associated with health outcomes and is globally applicable using data from the Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology (PURE) study and replicate it in five independent studies on a total of 245 000 people from 80 countries.

    METHODS AND RESULTS: A healthy diet score was developed in 147 642 people from the general population, from 21 countries in the PURE study, and the consistency of the associations of the score with events was examined in five large independent studies from 70 countries. The healthy diet score was developed based on six foods each of which has been associated with a significantly lower risk of mortality [i.e. fruit, vegetables, nuts, legumes, fish, and dairy (mainly whole-fat); range of scores, 0-6]. The main outcome measures were all-cause mortality and major cardiovascular events [cardiovascular disease (CVD)]. During a median follow-up of 9.3 years in PURE, compared with a diet score of ≤1 points, a diet score of ≥5 points was associated with a lower risk of mortality [hazard ratio (HR) 0.70; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.63-0.77)], CVD (HR 0.82; 0.75-0.91), myocardial infarction (HR 0.86; 0.75-0.99), and stroke (HR 0.81; 0.71-0.93). In three independent studies in vascular patients, similar results were found, with a higher diet score being associated with lower mortality (HR 0.73; 0.66-0.81), CVD (HR 0.79; 0.72-0.87), myocardial infarction (HR 0.85; 0.71-0.99), and a non-statistically significant lower risk of stroke (HR 0.87; 0.73-1.03). Additionally, in two case-control studies, a higher diet score was associated with lower first myocardial infarction [odds ratio (OR) 0.72; 0.65-0.80] and stroke (OR 0.57; 0.50-0.65). A higher diet score was associated with a significantly lower risk of death or CVD in regions with lower than with higher gross national incomes (P for heterogeneity <0.0001). The PURE score showed slightly stronger associations with death or CVD than several other common diet scores (P < 0.001 for each comparison).

    CONCLUSION: A diet comprised of higher amounts of fruit, vegetables, nuts, legumes, fish, and whole-fat dairy is associated with lower CVD and mortality in all world regions, especially in countries with lower income where consumption of these foods is low.

    Matched MeSH terms: Prospective Studies
  9. Inoue K, Chieh JTW, Yeh LC, Chiang SJ, Phrommintikul A, Suwanasom P, et al.
    Trials, 2022 Dec 07;23(1):986.
    PMID: 36476401 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-06907-4
    BACKGROUND: More than half of the world's population lives in Asia. With current life expectancies in Asian countries, the burden of cardiovascular disease is increasing exponentially. Overcrowding in the emergency departments (ED) has become a public health problem. Since 2015, the European Society of Cardiology recommends the use of a 0/1-h algorithm based on high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTn) for rapid triage of patients with suspected non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS). However, these algorithms are currently not recommended by Asian guidelines due to the lack of suitable data.

    METHODS: The DROP-Asian ACS is a prospective, stepped wedge, cluster-randomized trial enrolling 4260 participants presenting with chest pain to the ED of 12 acute care hospitals in five Asian countries (UMIN; 000042461). Consecutive patients presenting with suspected acute coronary syndrome between July 2022 and Apr 2024 were included. Initially, all clusters will apply "usual care" according to local standard operating procedures including hs-cTnT but not the 0/1-h algorithm. The primary outcome is the incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE), the composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction, unstable angina, or unplanned revascularization within 30 days. The difference in MACE (with one-sided 95% CI) was estimated to evaluate non-inferiority. The non-inferiority margin was prespecified at 1.5%. Secondary efficacy outcomes include costs for healthcare resources and duration of stay in ED.

    CONCLUSIONS: This study provides important evidence concerning the safety and efficacy of the 0/1-h algorithm in Asian countries and may help to reduce congestion of the ED as well as medical costs.

    Matched MeSH terms: Prospective Studies
  10. Mohamed Khazin S, Abdullah D, Liew AKC, Soo E, Ahmad Tarib N
    Aust Endod J, 2022 Apr;48(1):8-19.
    PMID: 34609035 DOI: 10.1111/aej.12567
    This study aimed to determine the incidence and contributing factors to pulpal and periapical disease in crowned vital teeth. Seventy-three pairs of healthy teeth were included and divided into two groups; 'crowned' and 'untreated' groups. The crowned group was prepared for full coverage crown and no treatment was carried out on the untreated group. Both groups were subjected to clinical and radiographic examination to detect endodontic signs and symptoms pre-operatively and one-week after crown cementation. Electric pulp test was also subjected to both groups, pre-operatively, after tooth preparation and before crown cementation. The incidence of pulpal and periapical disease was 6.8% and 1.4%, respectively, after tooth preparation. Factors associated with pulpal and periapical disease were exposed pulp during tooth preparation and pre-operative bone level <35%. Despite the low incidence, the occurrence of pulpal and periapical disease within a short period is noteworthy.
    Matched MeSH terms: Prospective Studies
  11. Kumar A, Kumari S, Mustapha KA, Chakladar S, Chakravarty S
    Environ Geochem Health, 2023 Oct;45(10):6967-6983.
    PMID: 36626075 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-023-01475-1
    The borehole coal samples of Dhulia North Block from the Rajmahal Basin, Eastern India, were systematically analyzed based on the chemical composition and concentration of major and trace elements (including rare earth elements, REEs) to assess the distribution of REEs and their environmental implications with utilization potential. The Dhulia North Block coals are characterized by the predominant major oxides of SiO2, Al2O3, and Fe2O3, accounting for 94% of the total ash composition, indicating the presence of quartz, clay-rich minerals, and pyrite. Compared with the average world coal ash, the total REE content in the analyzed samples ranged from 341.0 to 810.4 ppm, which is substantially higher. Hot humid climate conditions with intermediate igneous source rocks of the basin were demonstrated by the major oxide ratios (Al2O3/TiO2 < 20) and plots of TiO2 with Al2O3 and Zr. The redox-sensitive elements such as V, Ni, Cr, and Co found in the Dhulia North Block coal indicate that an oxic sedimentary environment existed in the basin when coal was formed. The low sulfur content (1% in most samples) indicates freshwater conditions in the basin at the time of organic matter deposition. The outlook coefficient (Coutl) varies between 0.7 and 1.6, indicating that the Dhulia North Block coals are a prospective source of REEs. The Dhulia North Block coals are characterized by low H/C and O/C atomic ratios ranging from 0.56 to 0.90 and 0.10 to 0.22, respectively, and contain type-III kerogens, indicating gas-prone source rock. Further, the basic-to-acid oxide ratio suggested that Dhulia North Block coals were suitable for utilization during combustion processes.
    Matched MeSH terms: Prospective Studies
  12. Inamdar MA, Raghavendra U, Gudigar A, Chakole Y, Hegde A, Menon GR, et al.
    Sensors (Basel), 2021 Dec 20;21(24).
    PMID: 34960599 DOI: 10.3390/s21248507
    Amongst the most common causes of death globally, stroke is one of top three affecting over 100 million people worldwide annually. There are two classes of stroke, namely ischemic stroke (due to impairment of blood supply, accounting for ~70% of all strokes) and hemorrhagic stroke (due to bleeding), both of which can result, if untreated, in permanently damaged brain tissue. The discovery that the affected brain tissue (i.e., 'ischemic penumbra') can be salvaged from permanent damage and the bourgeoning growth in computer aided diagnosis has led to major advances in stroke management. Abiding to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we have surveyed a total of 177 research papers published between 2010 and 2021 to highlight the current status and challenges faced by computer aided diagnosis (CAD), machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) based techniques for CT and MRI as prime modalities for stroke detection and lesion region segmentation. This work concludes by showcasing the current requirement of this domain, the preferred modality, and prospective research areas.
    Matched MeSH terms: Prospective Studies
  13. Chow SK, Yap DFS, Sim JH, Tan PS, Hee NKY, Teow XM, et al.
    Med J Malaysia, 2023 Dec;78(7):907-913.
    PMID: 38159927
    INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and association between the severity of COVID-19 and short and long-term neuropsychiatric symptoms, as well as the risk factors for the development of these symptoms.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted between 1st October 2021 till September 2022 in the state of Johor, Malaysia. 300 patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection were randomly selected and followed up for six months. Data were analysed by using Chi-square test, Fisher's Exact test, Paired t test and Multiple logistic regression.

    RESULTS: The prevalence of short-term neuropsychiatric symptoms was 78%, with anosmia being the most prevalent symptom. Long-term symptoms were found in 22.75% of patients, with headache being the most prevalent (p= 0.001). COVID-19 Stage 2 and 3 infections were associated with a higher risk of short-term neuropsychiatric symptoms, OR for Stage 2 infection was 5.18 (95% CI: 1.48-16.97; p=0.009) and for Stage 3 infection was 4.52 (95% CI: 1.76-11.59; p=0.002). Complete vaccination was a significant predictor of longterm symptoms with adjusted OR 3.65 (95% CI 1.22-10.91; p=0.021).

    CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that neuropsychiatric symptoms were common among COVID-19 patients in Johor, Malaysia and the risk of these symptoms was associated with the severity of the infection. Additionally, complete vaccination does not completely protect against long-term neuropsychiatric deficits. This is crucial for continuous monitoring and addressing neuropsychiatric symptoms in COVID-19 survivors.

    Matched MeSH terms: Prospective Studies
  14. Sidonio RF, Thompson AA, Peyvandi F, Stasyshyn O, Yeoh SL, Sosothikul D, et al.
    Expert Rev Hematol, 2023;16(10):793-801.
    PMID: 37646148 DOI: 10.1080/17474086.2023.2247160
    AIM: To determine the immunogenicity, safety, and efficacy of rurioctocog alfa pegol in previously untreated patients (PUPs) with severe hemophilia A (HA).

    METHODS: This prospective, phase 3 study (NCT02615691) was conducted in PUPs, or patients with ≤2 exposure days (EDs) prior to screening, aged <6 years with severe HA. The primary endpoint was incidence of factor VIII (FVIII) inhibitor development. This protocol-specified interim analysis was conducted after 50 patients had completed ≥50 EDs without developing FVIII inhibitors or had developed a confirmed inhibitor at any time.

    RESULTS: Of the enrolled patients, 59/80 (73.8%) received ≥1 dose of rurioctocog alfa pegol; 54 received prophylaxis, and 35 on-demand treatment. Incidence of inhibitor development was 0.19 (10/52). Total annualized bleeding rate (95% CIs) was 3.2 (2.0-5.0) for patients receiving prophylaxis and 3.2 (1.6-6.3) for on-demand treatment. Hemostatic efficacy of most bleedings was rated as 'excellent' or 'good' after 24 hours (122/131 [93.1%]) and at resolution (161/170 [94.7%]). Five patients received ≥1 dose of rurioctocog alfa pegol for immune tolerance induction (ITI) and 1 patient was defined as having ITI success. Thirteen patients experienced 14 treatment-related adverse events, including 10 cases of FVIII inhibitor development.

    CONCLUSION: This is the first prospective study of rurioctocog alfa pegol for the treatment of PUPs with severe HA.

    TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (CT.gov identifier: NCT02615691).

    Matched MeSH terms: Prospective Studies
  15. Wu X, Sivakumar M, Lim SS, Wu T, Heng PC
    Ultrason Sonochem, 2024 Feb;103:106782.
    PMID: 38309050 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultsonch.2024.106782
    This study investigates a prospective and straightforward method for producing graphene material derived from biomass, examining the influence of plant cell composition and functions. The experimental outcomes highlight ultrasound's crucial role in synthesizing graphene material sourced from biomass. Ultrasound, a pivotal element in the experiment, significantly affects graphene production from biomass by working synergistically with the liquid components in the solvent system. Notably, the ethanol content reduces the solution's surface tension, facilitating the effective dispersion of biochar and graphene oxide sheets throughout the process. Simultaneously, the water content maintains the solution's polarity, enhancing the cavitation effect induced by ultrasound. Biomass-derived graphene is exfoliated utilizing an ultrasonic bath system (134.4 W, 40 kHz, 0.5 W/cm2) from biochar. The as-synthesized graphene oxide exhibits a structure comprising a few layers while remaining intact, featuring abundant functional groups. Interestingly, the resulting product displays nanopores with an approximate diameter of 100 nm. These nanopores are attributed to preserving specific cell structures, particularly those with specialized cell wall structures or secondary metabolite deposits from biomass resources. The study's findings shed light on the impact of cellular structure on synthesizing graphene material sourced from biomass, emphasizing the potential application of ultrasound as a promising approach in graphene production.
    Matched MeSH terms: Prospective Studies
  16. Selvavinayagam ST, Suvaithenamudhan S, Yong YK, Hemashree K, Rajeshkumar M, Kumaresan A, et al.
    J Med Virol, 2024 Feb;96(2):e29456.
    PMID: 38329187 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29456
    A state-wide prospective longitudinal investigation of the genomic surveillance of the omicron B.1.1.529 SARS-CoV-2 variant and its sublineages in Tamil Nadu, India, was conducted between December 2021 and March 2023. The study aimed to elucidate their mutational patterns and their genetic interrelationship in the Indian population. The study identified several unique mutations at different time-points, which likely could attribute to the changing disease characteristics, transmission, and pathogenicity attributes of omicron variants. The study found that the omicron variant is highly competent in its mutating potentials, and that it continues to evolve in the general population, likely escaping from natural as well as vaccine-induced immune responses. Our findings suggest that continuous surveillance of viral variants at the global scenario is warranted to undertake intervention measures against potentially precarious SARS-CoV-2 variants and their evolution.
    Matched MeSH terms: Prospective Studies
  17. Lim WH, Tay P, Ng CH, Tan DJH, Ong C, Koh JH, et al.
    Aliment Pharmacol Ther, 2024 Mar;59(6):730-741.
    PMID: 38303565 DOI: 10.1111/apt.17888
    BACKGROUND: Although alcohol abstinence may be an effective intervention for alcohol-associated cirrhosis, its association with prognosis has not been systematically assessed or quantified.

    AIMS: To determine the prevalence of alcohol abstinence, factors associated with alcohol abstinence and the impact of abstinence on morbidity and overall survival in people with alcohol-associated cirrhosis.

    METHODS: We searched Medline and Embase from inception to 15 April 2023 for prospective and retrospective cohort studies describing alcohol abstinence in people with known alcohol-associated cirrhosis. Meta-analysis of proportions for pooled estimates was performed. The method of inverse variance, employing a random-effects model, was used to pool the hazard ratio (HR) comparing outcomes of abstinent against non-abstinent individuals with alcohol-associated cirrhosis.

    RESULTS: We included 19 studies involving 18,833 people with alcohol-associated cirrhosis. The prevalence of alcohol abstinence was 53.8% (CI: 44.6%-62.7%). Over a mean follow-up duration of 48.6 months, individuals who continued to consume alcohol had significantly lower overall survival compared to those who were abstinent (HR: 0.611, 95% CI: 0.506-0.738). These findings remained consistent in sensitivity/subgroup analysis for the presence of decompensation, study design and studies that assessed abstinence throughout follow-up. Alcohol abstinence was associated with a significantly lower risk of hepatic decompensation (HR: 0.612, 95% CI: 0.473-0.792).

    CONCLUSIONS: Alcohol abstinence is associated with substantial improvement in overall survival in alcohol-associated cirrhosis. However, only half of the individuals with known alcohol-associated cirrhosis are abstinent.

    Matched MeSH terms: Prospective Studies
  18. Teh CL, Chew KF, Ling GR
    Med J Malaysia, 2014 Jun;69(3):126-8.
    PMID: 25326353 MyJurnal
    We performed a prospective study of all hospitalized patients with a diagnosis of Gout in Sarawak General hospital from 1st July 2011 to 1st July 2012. There were a total of 126 patients in our study of which 112 (88.9%) were males. The majority of our patients were from the indigenous populations (71.7%). They have a mean age of 60.0 ± 14.2 years. Most of our patients were overweight (68%) with comorbities of hypertension (78.6%), Chronic Kidney Failure (48.4%), Type II diabetes Mellitus (30.2%), dyslipidemia (27.8%) and Ischaemic heart disease (11.9%). Polyarticular gouty arthritis was the main presenting pattern during hospitalization (88.1%). The mean length of stay for our patients was 9.8 ± 6.0 days which was significantly longer than the mean length of stay for other patients without gout (p<0.05). Only 17 patients had gout on admission and the majority developed gout during hospitalizations. Our patients were admitted respectively for medical problems (45.4%), surgical problems (28.6%) and orthopaedic problems (9.2%). Colchicine (73.8%) and steroid (40.5%) were the main stays of treatment for our patients. Our hospitalized gout patients were complicated patients with multiple comorbidities.
    Matched MeSH terms: Prospective Studies
  19. Mohamad N, Abdul Jalal MI, Hassan A, Abdulkarim Ibrahim M, Salehuddin R, Abu Bakar NH
    Pak J Med Sci, 2013 Sep;29(5):1132-6.
    PMID: 24353706
    OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare the QTc interval between low and high dose methadone groups and evaluate the pattern of QTc variation.
    METHODS: This is a prospective cohort study conducted from December 2010 till August 2011 at Malaysian University of Science's Hospital. Forty six subjects, grouped in high dose (>80mg) and low dose (<80mg) oral methadone, were followed-up at 4-weekly for QTc measurements. Relevant demographic and biochemical profiles were taken at intervals with concurrent QTc measurements.
    RESULTS: No significant QTc differences between methadone dosage groups were found at Week 0 (434ms vs 444ms, p = 0.166) and week 8 (446.5ms vs 459ms, p = 0.076), but not at week 4(435ms vs 450ms, p = 0.029). However, there were significant associations between the groups with QTc prolongation at week 0 and 4 (OR 4.29(95% CI 1.01, 18.72) p=0.044 and OR 5.18 (95% CI 1.34, 20.06) p =0.013, respectively) but not at week 8 (OR 2.44 (95% CI 0.74, 8.01) p=0.139). On multivariate analysis, dose group was the sole significant factor for QTc prolongation for week 0 and 4 (p values 0.047 and 0.017, respectively), but not at week 8.
    CONCLUSION: High-dose methadone group is more likely to develop prolonged QTc than low-dose group. However, such effects were inconsistent and occurred even during chronic methadone therapy, mandating judicious QTc and serum methadone monitoring.
    KEYWORDS: High Dose; Low Dose; Methadone; QTc
    Matched MeSH terms: Prospective Studies
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