Browse publications by year: 2024

  1. Yan M, Yu Y, Li S, Zhang P, Yu J
    J Med Internet Res, 2024 Oct 31;26:e59142.
    PMID: 39481094 DOI: 10.2196/59142
    BACKGROUND: Diabetes poses a significant public health challenge in China and globally, with the number of patients expected to reach 592 million by 2035, notably in Asia. In China alone, an estimated 140 million individuals are living with diabetes, and a significant portion is nonadherent to medications, underscoring the urgency of effective management strategies. Recognizing the necessity of early and comprehensive management for newly diagnosed patients with type 2 diabetes, this study leverages an online teach-back method and "Internet + Nursing" platform based on King's Theory of Goal Attainment. The approach aims to enhance glycemic control and reduce fear and misconceptions about the disease, addressing both the educational and emotional needs of the patients.

    OBJECTIVE: The primary aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of King's Goal Attainment Theory in the management of newly diagnosed patients with type 2 diabetes. This research sought to develop a collaborative model for blood glucose management, integrating the expertise and roles of physicians, nurses, and patients. The model is designed to enhance the synergy in health care provision, ensuring a comprehensive approach to diabetes management.

    METHODS: In this study conducted at Changzhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital between January 2022 and February 2023, eligible patients were randomized into a control group or an online feedback group. The control group received standard care, while the online feedback group participated in a King's Theory of Goal Attainment-based online teach-back program, enhanced by "Internet + Nursing" strategies. This included an interactive platform for goal planning, video content sharing, comprehension assessment, misconception correction, and patient-driven recaps of disease information. Health monitoring was facilitated through the "Internet + Nursing" platform. The study focused on comparing changes in glucose metabolism and emotional disorder symptoms between the groups to evaluate the intervention's effectiveness.

    RESULTS: Following a 24-week intervention, we observed significant differences in key metrics between the online feedback group and the control group, each comprising 60 participants. The online feedback group demonstrated significant reductions in fasting plasma glucose, 2-hour postprandial glucose, and hemoglobin A1c (P

    MeSH terms: Adult; Aged; China; Female; Goals; Humans; Male; Middle Aged
  2. Cao X, Hu X, Efrizal E, Hayati I, Yang J, Tan C, et al.
    J Environ Manage, 2024 Dec;372:123379.
    PMID: 39550941 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.123379
    Cadmium (Cd) pollution leads to soil degradation, decreases crop yield and affects human health through the food chain. Iron-modified woody peat (IMP) is an organic passivation material that significantly affects the migration of heavy metals in soil. Nitrification inhibitors are widely used to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This study investigated the effects of the IMP and nitrification inhibitors dicyandiamide (DCD) and 3, 4-dimethylpyrazole phosphate on Cd content and form, crop yield, nitrous oxide (N2O) emission and bacterial communities in soil-lettuce systems. The simultaneous additions of IMP and DCD substantially reduced the soil available Cd content by 22.6 % and significantly promoted the lettuce yield by 42.9 %. Lettuce yield was significantly and negatively correlated with soil available Cd (correlation coefficient = -0.52). The simultaneous applications of IMP and nitrification inhibitors stimulated N2O emission risk by enhancing the soil NH4+-N contents and the relative abundances of Firmicutes, which could also decrease soil bacterial community stabilities. Therefore, tradeoffs among yield, Cd bioavailability, N2O emission and bacterial community stability should be comprehensively considered when evaluating the combined performances of IMP and nitrification inhibitors.
    MeSH terms: Cadmium*; Iron/chemistry; Soil Microbiology; Soil Pollutants/metabolism
  3. Chu KH, Bollinger JC
    Chemosphere, 2024 Nov 15.
    PMID: 39551194 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.143761
    This critique examines a review article in this journal on adsorption techniques for removing metal ions from wastewater. The article is marred by several flaws, including tortured phrases, unsubstantiated quotes, incoherent statements, and factual inaccuracies. These problems weaken the article's clarity and reliability, raising doubts about the authors' understanding of the subject. As a result, the review's credibility is compromised, limiting its value as a reliable resource for researchers. This critique highlights these issues, stressing the importance of accuracy and rigor in scientific writing.
  4. Ru X, You W, Zhang J, Xu F, Wu Z, Jin P, et al.
    Int J Biol Macromol, 2024 Nov 17;283(Pt 2):137729.
    PMID: 39551293 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.137729
    GABA is able to increase resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses in fresh-cut fruits and vegetables. Therefore, the objective of this research was to explore the potential regulatory mechanisms of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) accumulation in fresh-cut stem lettuce following GABA treatment. The evidence showed that exogenous GABA stimulated the GABA shunt by elevating glutamate levels, the activities of GABA transaminase (GABA-T) and glutamate decarboxylase (GAD). Similarly, GABA stimulated polyamine metabolism by increasing the activities of 4-amino aldehyde dehydrogenase (AMADH), polyamine oxidase (PAO) and diamine oxidase (DAO), as well as elevating free polyamines, arginine and ornithine levels. Subsequently, GABA application up-regulated the expression of GABA shunt genes and polyamine metabolism genes. Additionally, GABA treatment resulted in the down-regulation of LsMYB44 and LsWRKY12 expressions. Notably, LsMYB44 bound to MYB binding sites in the LsGAD, LsGABAT1, LsADC1, LsPAO2, LsALDH7B4 promoters and repressed transcription of these genes. The interaction between LsMYB44 and LsWRKY12 was associated with the transcriptional repression of polyamine metabolism and GABA shunt genes by LsMYB44. In conclusion, LsMYB44 and LsWRKY12 downregulated the transcription of key genes of GABA shunt and polyamine metabolism in fresh-cut lettuce. This downregulation, however, was alleviated by the application of GABA, thereby promoting endogenous GABA accumulation.
  5. Siew SW, Khairi MHF, Hamid NA, Asras MFF, Ahmad HF
    Environ Pollut, 2024 Nov 16;364(Pt 1):125330.
    PMID: 39551377 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.125330
    The burgeoning crises of antimicrobial resistance and plastic pollution are converging in healthcare settings, presenting a complex challenge to global health. This study investigates the microbial populations in healthcare waste to understand the extent of antimicrobial resistance and the potential for plastic degradation by bacteria. Our metagenomic analysis, using both amplicon and shallow shotgun sequencing, provided a comprehensive view of the taxonomic diversity and functional capacity of the microbial consortia. The viable bacteria in healthcare waste samples were analyzed employing full-length 16S rRNA sequencing, revealing a diverse bacterial community dominated by Firmicutes and Proteobacteria phyla. Notably, Proteus mirabilis VFC3/3 and Pseudomonas sp. VFA2/3 were detected, while Stenotrophomonas maltophilia VFV3/2 surfaced as the predominant species, holding implications for the spread of hospital-acquired infections and antimicrobial resistance. Antibiotic susceptibility testing identified multidrug-resistant strains conferring antimicrobial genes, including the broad-spectrum antibiotic carbapenem, underscoring the critical need for improved waste management and infection control measures. Remarkably, we found genes linked to the breakdown of plastic that encoded for enzymes of the esterase, depolymerase, and oxidoreductase classes. This suggests that specific bacteria found in medical waste may be able to reduce the amount of plastic pollution that comes from biological and medical waste. The information is helpful in formulating strategies to counter the combined problems of environmental pollution and antibiotic resistance. This study emphasises the importance of monitoring microbial communities in hospital waste in order to influence waste management procedures and public health policy. The findings highlight the need for a multidisciplinary approach to mitigate the risks associated with antimicrobial resistance and plastic waste, especially in hospital settings where they intersect most acutely.
  6. Song BPC, Lai JY, Choong YS, Khanbabaei N, Latz A, Lim TS
    J Immunol Methods, 2024 Nov 17;535:113776.
    PMID: 39551437 DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2024.113776
    Ancylostoma species are parasitic nematodes that release a multitude of proteins to manipulate host immune responses to facilitate their survival. Among the released proteins, Ancylostoma-secreted protein 5 (ASP5) plays a pivotal role in mediating host-parasite interactions, making it a promising target for interventions against canine hookworm infections caused by Ancylostoma species. Antibody phage display, a widely used method for generating human monoclonal antibodies was employed in this study. A bacterial expression system was used to produce ASP5 for biopanning. A single-chain fragment variable (scFv) monoclonal antibody against ASP5 was generated from the naïve Human AntibodY LibrarY (HAYLY). The resulting scFv antibody was characterized to elucidate its antigen-binding properties. The identified monoclonal antibody showed good specificity and binding characteristics which highlights its potential for diagnostic applications for hookworm infections.
  7. Chen IH, Pramukti I, Gan WY, Ruckwongpatr K, Pham LA, Huang PC, et al.
    Brain Behav, 2024 Nov;14(11):e70133.
    PMID: 39551939 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.70133
    INTRODUCTION: A smartphone is a device with various functions, including wifi, application functions, mobile networks, ease of mobility, and the capability of using mobile data. Because of the aforementioned functions, people may use smartphones frequently. The Smartphone Application-Based Addiction Scale (SABAS) is a six-item questionnaire assessing smartphone addiction with promising psychometric properties. However, it is unclear if the SABAS possesses the strong psychometric properties across Asian regions. The present study aimed to examine the factor structure of the SABAS across nine Asian regions.

    METHODS: Using datasets collected from Asian regions of Bangladesh, China, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Pakistan, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam, data from 10,397 participants (mean age = 22.40 years; 44.8% men) were used for analyses. All participants completed the SABAS using an online survey or paper-and-pencil mode.

    RESULTS: Findings from confirmatory factor analysis, Rasch analysis, and network analysis all indicate a one-factor structure for the SABAS. Moreover, the one-factor structure of the SABAS was measurement invariant across age (21 years or less vs. above 21 years) and gender (men vs. women) in metric, scalar, and strict invariance. The one-factor structure was invariant across regions in metric but not scalar or strict invariance.

    CONCLUSION: The present study findings showed that the SABAS possesses a one-factor structure across nine Asian regions; however, noninvariant findings in scalar and strict levels indicate that people in the nine Asian regions may interpret the importance of each SABAS item differently. Age group and gender group comparisons are comparable because of the invariance evidence for the SABAS found in the present study. However, cautions should be made when comparing SABAS scores across Asian regions.

    MeSH terms: Smartphone*; Adult; Asia; Factor Analysis, Statistical; Female; Humans; Male; Surveys and Questionnaires/standards; Young Adult; Mobile Applications/standards
  8. Liu H, Zou M, Shen M, Kamarulzaman A, Chen S, Li J, et al.
    Int J Cancer, 2024 Nov 17.
    PMID: 39551969 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.35242
    The presence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection increases the risk of acquiring human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and developing HPV-related adversities. We aimed to estimate the cost-effectiveness of HPV vaccination for women living with HIV in a Chinese setting. A decision-analysis Markov model was developed to estimate the cost-effectiveness of 36 HPV vaccination strategies for women living with HIV aged 18-45 years, from the healthcare system perspective. With the status quo, not vaccinating women living with HIV would lead to 51.99% (51,985/100,000) HIV-related deaths; 35.10% (35,098/100,000) would develop genital warts, 0.36% (355/100,000) develop cervical cancer, and among which 63.66% (226/355) die from cervical cancer over their lifetime (1,601,457 person-years). With a willingness to pay (WTP) threshold of three times gross domestic product (GDP), Gardasil 4 vaccination for all women living with HIV aged 18-45 years was the most cost-effective strategy (ICER = US $32,766/QALY gained). This strategy would reduce genital warts by 35.52% (12,467/35,098), cervical cancers by 12.96% (46/355), and cervical cancer deaths by 12.39% (28/226) over the lifetime of the cohort. If the future domestic Cecolin 9 vaccine is priced at 60% of Gardasil 9, vaccinating all women living with HIV aged 18-45 years with Cecolin 9 would be the most cost-effective strategy (ICER = US $30,493/QALY gained). Improving adherence to antiretroviral therapy for HIV may substantially improve the cost-effectiveness of both Gardasil 4 and Cecolin 9 vaccination.
  9. Mohd-Zainurian NFN, Esah HD, Mohamad-Fauzi N, Hashim NH, Mazlishah MSH, Shamsuddin SAA, et al.
    Anim Sci J, 2024;95(1):e70005.
    PMID: 39552140 DOI: 10.1111/asj.70005
    Mature coconut water (MCW) has been demonstrated to contain bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties. In vivo research showed that MCW supplementation increased semen quality in rats, suggesting that it may boost reproductive performance. This study investigated the impact of MCW on the reproduction of Boer bucks. Two groups of 12 sexually mature bucks were given either plain water (control) or MCW at 5 mL/kg of body weight daily for 60 days. Sexual behaviors were studied using the focal observation technique, whereas semen was collected for quality assessment. Oxidative stress markers, namely, malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH), along with reproductive hormones, specifically luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and testosterone, were quantified in blood serum samples via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The oxidative stress analysis showed elevated GSH and reduced MDA levels, accompanied by enhanced sperm quality, including superior motility, concentration, viability, and fewer morphological abnormalities (p 
    MeSH terms: Animals; Cocos*; Goats/physiology; Male; Reproduction; Semen/metabolism; Sexual Behavior, Animal*; Sperm Motility; Water/metabolism; Oxidative Stress*; Dietary Supplements
  10. Almasri AMH, Hajeer MY, Sultan K, Aljabban O, Zakaria AS, Alhaffar JB
    Cureus, 2024 Nov;16(11):e73846.
    PMID: 39552740 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.73846
    Dentofacial deformities can significantly impact an individual's quality of life, affecting facial aesthetics, self-esteem, and overall well-being. The combined orthognathic surgery-orthodontic treatment is the preferred approach for correcting moderate-to-severe deformities. However, patient satisfaction following orthognathic surgery remains a crucial outcome measure, influenced by various factors, including the type of malocclusion, surgical procedure, and demographic characteristics. This systematic review aimed to synthesize the available evidence regarding patient satisfaction following orthognathic surgery, exploring the effects of the type of malocclusion, surgical procedure, age, and gender on satisfaction rates, addressing a gap left by previous outdated reviews. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed®, Scopus®, Web of Science™, and Embase®. Eligibility criteria were defined using the PICOS (population, intervention, comparison, outcomes, and study design) framework. Cochrane's ROBINS-I (Risk of Bias In Non-randomized Studies-of Interventions) tool was employed for non-randomized intervention studies within clinical controlled trials to assess the risk of bias. In parallel, a revised version of the Newcastle-Ottawa scale determined the methodological quality of cohort and cross-sectional studies. Sixteen studies were analyzed, revealing satisfaction levels ranging from 83% to 100%. Findings indicate that class III malocclusion patients report higher satisfaction than class II patients and satisfaction varies based on surgical type, with bimaxillary procedures generally yielding better outcomes. While most studies found no significant correlation between satisfaction and demographic factors such as age and gender, some suggested younger patients may express higher satisfaction and that female patients might report lower satisfaction levels. The review highlights the importance of effective patient communication and expectation management in achieving optimal satisfaction outcomes in orthognathic surgery. Limitations such as memory bias and methodological diversity across studies restrict the ability to perform meta-analyses, underscoring the need for further research in this area.
  11. Chen HP, Chan FT, Shiao SF, Chiu MC
    Biodivers Data J, 2024;12:e137532.
    PMID: 39552916 DOI: 10.3897/BDJ.12.e137532
    BACKGROUND: The genus Carnus Nitzsch, 1818 comprises small ectoparasites that feed on the blood of juvenile avians. They are characterised by dealated adults with setose abdominal intersegmental membranes. Carnusorientalis Maa, 1968 was previously recorded in Malaysia and the Ryukyu Islands of Japan, parasitising two owl species: Ketupaketupu (Horsfield, 1821) and Otuselegans (Cassin, 1852). This study confirms the occurrence of C.orientalis in Taiwan and presents a new host record, along with COI barcode sequences. Additionally, the study also elucidates the difficulties posed by blood meal contamination and pseudogene amplification as confounding factors intrinsic to the molecular taxonomic delineation of C.orientalis via universal DNA barcoding primers.

    NEW INFORMATION: The following new information regarding C.orientalis is provided in this study: Carnusorientalis is first recorded in Taiwan, filling the gap in its East Asian distribution. This is also the first record of Carnidae from Taiwan.Otuslettia (Hodgson, 1836) (Aves, Strigidae) is reported as a new host for C.orientalis, identified on a fallen fledgling.Co-amplification of the host's COI is reported in this study using the universal PCR primer set LCO1490/HCO2198. Additionally, the amplification of a COI-like pseudogene using a newly-designed primer set is detected through abnormal translated amino acid sequences and the occurrence of a stop codon.New specific primers for the COI gene of Carnus were designed in this study. The new distribution and ecological data of C.orientalis enhance our understanding of this species. The provision of new COI primers is anticipated to contribute to future studies employing DNA barcoding in bird-parasitic flies.

  12. Siow S, Abdullah NA
    Cureus, 2024 Oct;16(10):e71695.
    PMID: 39552961 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.71695
    Coats-like retinitis pigmentosa is a rare disease demonstrating both features of Coats disease and retinitis pigmentosa. We are reporting a case of a 15-year-old female with no known medical illness who presented with a one-year history of nyctalopia and bilateral painless blurred vision. Fundus examination revealed bilateral optic disc swelling, telangiectasia, and bony spicules. Optical coherence tomography and fundus fluorescein angiography showed cystoid macular edema (CMO). The diagnosis of Coats-like retinitis pigmentosa with CMO was made. She received laser indirect ophthalmoscope photocoagulation and intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy, but her vision remained refractory. Her diagnosis was subsequently revised to bilateral intermediate uveitis causing CMO and her vision improved to periocular steroid injections. This case emphasizes how critical it is to identify symptoms and diagnose the illness as soon as possible because treating related complications on time can save a patient's sight and provide long-term benefits.
  13. Liao Y, Mohd Hairon S, Yaacob NM, Luo L, Tengku Ismail TA
    Cureus, 2024 Oct;16(10):e71583.
    PMID: 39553070 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.71583
    Breast cancer screening (BCS) is a critical preventive measure that can significantly reduce mortality rates. Despite its importance, screening hesitancy remains a global issue. This paper showcases the combination of the Health Belief Model (HBM) and the 5C Model and how it provides a more holistic understanding of BCS hesitancy. The first model, HBM, is a well-regarded tool that collects data based on individual beliefs such as perceived susceptibility, severity, benefits, barriers, cues to action, and self-efficacy. The second model, the 5C Model, stands for confidence, convenience, complacency, constraints, and risk and responsibility calculations. This model adds a layer of environmental considerations that HBM lacks. By combining these models, we can identify the key psychological, social, and structural barriers that contribute to BCS hesitancy. Furthermore, analysis of the literature suggests that enhancing trust in healthcare systems, increasing accessibility and affordability of screening, addressing cultural and social stigmas, and promoting a sense of collective responsibility can significantly improve screening participation rates, which are reflected in the models.
  14. Alkinani AA, Rohana AJ, Hasan R, W Ahmad WMA, Al-Badri SA
    Cureus, 2024 Oct;16(10):e71710.
    PMID: 39553075 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.71710
    BACKGROUND: The prevalence of sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption is on the rise among Arabic adolescents, with a notable increase observed in Iraq. However, no validated tool currently exists to assess SSB consumption apart from the frequency of SSB intake within this population. The objective of this study is to evaluate the beverage consumption patterns of Arabic-speaking adolescents using a validated Beverage Intake Questionnaire (BEVQ) specifically designed for this population.

    METHODOLOGY: The BEVQ has been authorized by the original author and was meticulously translated through a 10-step protocol. The content validity of the BEVQ was rigorously evaluated by four independent experts using the item-level content validity index (I-CVI), scale-level content validity index average (S-CVI/Ave), sum of the content validity index/universal agreement (S-CVI/UA), and the modified kappa statistic (κ m). The face validity was also conducted on 30 adolescents, ensuring clarity and comprehensive validation.

    RESULTS: The translation process required minor modifications to ensure linguistic and cultural equivalence to the original questionnaire. The Arabic version of the BEVQ (BEVQ-A) achieved S-CVI/Ave scores ranging from 0.90 to 0.98 and S-CVI/UA scores ranging from 0.75 to 1.00. The modified kappa statistic (κ m) indicated that the majority of items were categorized as good to excellent. These scores confirmed that the BEVQ-A possessed robust content validity. Additionally, the BEVQ-A demonstratedcomprehensive and clear face validity, with a sum of face validity index (S-FVI) score of 0.97.

    CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the Arabic-translated version of the BEVQ is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing total beverage consumption among Arabic-speaking adolescents.

  15. Harun NF, Wan Hitam WH, Mohd Fauzi Yap MF, Jalaluddin J
    Cureus, 2024 Oct;16(10):e71664.
    PMID: 39553123 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.71664
    Orbital abscesses secondary to odontogenic infections are rare but can lead to serious complications, including compressive optic neuropathy and permanent vision loss, if not diagnosed and treated promptly. We present the case of a 13-year-old child with a radiologically confirmed orbital abscess associated with a recent odontogenic infection. The patient initially presented with a one-week history of right eyelid swelling and fever. The symptoms began after treatment for dental caries, during which the patient was prescribed a three-day course of oral antibiotics. Despite emergency pulp extirpation, the swelling worsened, leading to severe proptosis, decreased vision, and mild optic nerve dysfunction. Surgical exploration of the right orbit with incision and drainage revealed 8 mL of thick purulent material. Culture results confirmed Streptococcus intermedius as the causative organism. Following a combination of intravenous antibiotics and surgical intervention, the patient showed significant improvement, with resolution of swelling and restoration of vision. This case highlights the critical importance of early diagnosis, timely imaging, and surgical and medical management integration in preventing vision-threatening complications of orbital abscesses caused by odontogenic infections in pediatric patients.
  16. Param Jit Singh JK, Chewa Raja JS
    Cureus, 2024 Oct;16(10):e71657.
    PMID: 39553126 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.71657
    Sporotrichosis is a subacute or chronic infection affecting subcutaneous tissues, caused by the dimorphic fungus Sporothrix spp. This case series discusses three instances of ocular adnexal sporotrichosis treated at a tertiary government hospital in Pahang, Malaysia. It highlights diagnostic challenges, management strategies, and the impact of misdiagnosis and underreporting in the Southeast Asian tropical region compared to other parts of the world. Two of the three cases were initially misdiagnosed, leading to delays in definitive treatment. Incisional biopsies were performed for histopathological and fungal culture analysis, with two cases confirming the presence of Sporothrix spp. Following diagnosis, all patients responded well to oral fluconazole, although the recovery duration varied. Ocular sporotrichosis can be misdiagnosed due to its resemblance to other ocular conditions. Prompt diagnosis and early treatment are crucial to accelerating recovery and minimizing the risk of long-term ocular complications.
  17. Baharudin N, Palanisamy V, Azman M, Balachandran K, Arif F
    Cureus, 2024 Oct;16(10):e71558.
    PMID: 39553147 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.71558
    Fungal laryngotracheitis (FLT) is rare, and the diagnosis can be challenging, as its presentation lacks specificity and may resemble other conditions such as granulomatous disease, gastroesophageal reflux, or malignancy. FLT can be very invasive, causing complete laryngotracheal separation, leading to a non-functioning larynx. We report a 39-year-old Indian woman with diabetes who presented to the emergency department with a sore throat, hoarseness, dysphagia, and stridor for two days. Initially treated for diabetic ketoacidosis due to acute tonsillopharyngitis, she required intubation for airway obstruction and severe metabolic acidosis. Fourteen days post-intubation, an airway assessment revealed bilateral vocal fold edema and pus in the subglottic and cervical trachea. CT imaging showed circumferential fluid around the trachea and a distorted larynx. Examination under anesthesia and neck exploration revealed pus around the thyroid gland and trachea, leading to a tracheostomy and sample collection. Histopathology indicated a fungal infection, confirmed as Candida guillermondii with Escherichia coli. The patient was treated with oral fluconazole and intravenous cefuroxime for four weeks. Despite treatment, a repeat CT indicated a non-functioning larynx, prompting a proposal for a total laryngectomy. After a multidisciplinary discussion, it was decided to continue antifungal therapy due to the patient's clinical improvement. At follow-up a month later, she was stable, tolerating oral intake with a double-lumen tracheostomy tube. This case underscores the importance of a high index of suspicion for FLT and the need for patient-specific decisions regarding total laryngectomy in a non-functioning larynx.
  18. Zheng FM, Adiatman M, Chu CH, Crystal YO, Featherstone JD, Hoang TH, et al.
    Int Dent J, 2024 Oct;74(5):910-916.
    PMID: 38871599 DOI: 10.1016/j.identj.2024.04.016
    Dental caries is a widespread oral health issue in Asia, affecting an estimated 30% to 90% of children and adults. Many caries cases remain untreated, resulting in pain and infection. In response, the Asian Academy of Preventive Dentistry (AAPD) emphasises comprehensive caries management and organised a fluoride workshop at the 15th International Conference of the AAPD in 2023. The AAPD invited a group of experts to form a fluoride working group to review existing literature and develop fluoride recommendations for stakeholders across Asian countries and regions. The working group assessed caries risk and identified commonly used topical fluoride products for home care, professional, and community settings in Asia. The working group concluded that fluoride is a safe and highly effective strategy to reduce caries prevalence and incidence. The working group provided key recommendations based on successful regional caries management practices: (1) use topical fluoride for prevention and control of dental caries; (2) encourage the use of fluoride toothpaste with a concentration of at least 1,000 ppm for effective caries reduction; (3) advise a 0.05% fluoride mouth rinse as soon as children can spit it out to prevent early childhood caries; (4) deliver professionally administered fluoride, such as 5% sodium fluoride varnish, 2% fluoride gel, or 1.23% acidulated phosphate fluoride preparations, to decrease dental caries in at-risk individuals; and (5) apply 38% silver diamine fluoride to arrest cavitated caries. These recommendations aim to help practitioners, health care providers, and parents/caregivers make informed decisions about fluoride use as part of comprehensive oral health care in the region.
    MeSH terms: Child; Far East; Humans; Mouthwashes/therapeutic use; Toothpastes/therapeutic use
  19. Hassanein MM, Huri HZ, Abduelkarem AR
    Int J Gynaecol Obstet, 2024 Dec;167(3):981-989.
    PMID: 38874110 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.15736
    OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the relationship between urogenital symptom frequency and severity, perception of vaginal treatment burden, and female sexual desire, arousal, and satisfaction.

    METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 326 patients from three tertiary care hospitals in the United Arab Emirates. The frequency and severity of urogenital symptoms, emotional and physical functioning, and treatment burden were assessed using the validated genitourinary syndrome of menopause symptoms and vaginal treatments acceptability questionnaire (GSM-SVATQ). To examine the mediating roles of emotional and physical functioning, as well as the perceived treatment burden on sexual functioning, a partial least squares-structural equation model was developed using the SmartPLS 4 Software.

    RESULTS: The measurement model was successfully established. All constructs had a reliability of > 0.70 and discriminant validity of < 0.90. Emotional, physical and sexual functioning showed an adjusted R2 values of 0.377, 0.282 and 0.169, respectively.The multistep multiple mediator model revealed a full mediation effect of both emotional and physical functioning between symptom, treatment burden and sexual functioning. The model showed high predictive performance with all manifest variables showing lower mean absolute errors compared to the naiive benchmark model.

    CONCLUSION: This study enhances our understanding of the relationships between urogenital symptoms, perceived treatment burden, emotional functioning, and sexual well-being. The findings emphasize the importance of addressing emotional well-being in managing urogenital symptoms and in addressing emotional factors associated with the use of vaginal treatments.

    MeSH terms: Adult; Aged; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Surveys and Questionnaires; Sexual Behavior/psychology; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological; Reproducibility of Results
  20. Ariffin H
    Br J Haematol, 2024 Nov;205(5):1679-1680.
    PMID: 39267309 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.19773
    Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) that occurs concomitantly with leukaemia can be initially missed due to overlapping clinical features. In a series of three cases, Tanabe and colleagues illustrate the need for prompt recognition of HLH and institution of HLH-directed therapy to prevent hyperinflammation-mediated multi-organ damage and death. Commentary on: Tanabe et al. Paediatric acute lymphoblastic leukaemia-associated haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis develops during prednisolone prephase. Br J Haematol 2024; 205:2031-2035.
    MeSH terms: Child; Female; Humans; Inflammation*; Male; Prednisolone/therapeutic use
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