METHODS: We studied ER-α expression in 84 cases of PTC obtained within an eight-year period (2011-2018) by immunohistochemical technique (IHC). Associations between ER-α expression and clinicopathological features were evaluated using Fisher's exact test. The statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.
RESULTS: ER-α was expressed in 13.1% of all the PTC cases examined (n=11/84). There were no associations observed between ER-α expression and lymph node metastasis (p=1.000), tumour size (p=0.970), extrathyroidal extension (p=0.677), variants of PTC (p=1.000), age groups (p=0.188), gender (p=0.725) or race (p=0.920).
CONCLUSION: There was no evidence in this study to support the application of ER-α as prediction marker for lymph node metastasis or disease aggressiveness in PTC. Given that the scope of this study was limited to the protein expression of ER- α, we also propose the inclusion of molecular analysis of ESR1 gene expression, as well as inclusion of detailed clinical and radiological findings in future research investigating the role of ER-α in prognostication of PTC.
METHODS: This cross-sectional study involved 455 neonates between June and December 2020. Two milliliters of cord blood were analyzed with CareStart Biosensor 1 and dried cord blood spots with FST. Data was recorded and statistically analyzed. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were calculated to determine the performance of FST at specific G6PD cut-off values; Cohen's kappa analysis assessed the agreement between the two methods.
RESULTS: The sensitivity of FST at 30% cut-off G6PD activity level was 91.0%, (95% CI: 57.0-100) and specificity of 97.0% (95% CI: 95.0-98.0). At 60% cut-off, the FST sensitivity sharply declined to 29.0% (95% CI: 19.0-40.0) with a specificity of 100% (95% CI: 98.0-100). The overall prevalence of G6PD deficiency was 5.1% as measured by FST and 17.8% by Biosensor 1 (p < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS: In this study, FST missed a significant proportion of cases of intermediate G6PD levels. FST also misclassified several G6PD intermediate individuals as normal, rendering them susceptible to oxidative stress. Biosensor 1 reported a significantly higher prevalence of G6PD deficiency.
METHODS: A qualitative phenomenology study using the focus group discussion method was conducted on 30 final-year students from four public universities. Four focus group discussion sessions were conducted, and students' responses were transcribed and converted to electronic formats. The transcripts were analyzed thematically with ATLAS.ti software.
RESULTS: The first-cycle coding of the text analysis generated 157 open codes based on the phrases used by the participants. The subsequent coding cycle produced 16 axial codes-groups of open codes with similar features. During the final coding cycle, the content and interrelations between the axial codes were categorized into six codes: (1) preclinical anatomy learning experience, (2) anatomy content and teaching, (3) anatomy-related competency, (4) the importance of anatomy knowledge in clinical practice, (5) the importance of early exposure to applied clinical anatomy, and (6) suggestions for future anatomy education.
CONCLUSIONS: The six identified themes reflected students' perceptions of their anatomy learning experience, the challenges that they faced during their preclinical years, and their opinions regarding the anatomy knowledge and skills that are functionally relevant during the clinical years. Their responses also echoed the need to improve anatomy teaching and learning, thereby emphasizing the importance of early clinical integration and application.
METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study with two-stage stratified random sampling. In total, 3977 older persons participated in this study. Face-to-face interviews were conducted using a mobile device to obtain information about socio-demographic background, food insecurity, non-communicable diseases, social support and living arrangements. Descriptive and multiple complex sample logistic regression analyses were performed for data analysis.
RESULTS: The overall prevalence of food insecurity among older persons was 10.4%. Older persons from rural areas with no or only primary and secondary education, income less than RM 2000 (USD 477.57), at risk of malnutrition and not receiving very high social support were more likely to be food-insecure.
CONCLUSION: Approximately, one-tenth of Malaysian older adults were classified as food-insecure; particularly those living in rural areas from lower socio-economic status, not receiving very high social support and malnourished were more likely to be at risk. A specific nutrition program, such as meals on wheels and food vouchers, should be targeted toward older persons who are at risk to improve their malnutrition status. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 73-78.