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Diagnostic performance of COVID-19 serology assays

Zainol Rashid Z, Othman SN, Abdul Samat MN, Ali UK, Wong KK

Malays J Pathol, 2020 Apr;42(1):13-21.
PMID: 32342927

INTRODUCTION: The World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 outbreak as a world pandemic on 12th March 2020. Diagnosis of suspected cases is confirmed by nucleic acid assays with real-time PCR, using respiratory samples. Serology tests are comparatively easier to perform, but their utility may be limited by the performance and the fact that antibodies appear later during the disease course. We aimed to describe the performance data on serological assays for COVID-19.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A review of multiple reports and kit inserts on the diagnostic performance of rapid tests from various manufacturers that are commercially available were performed. Only preliminary data are available currently.
RESULTS: From a total of nine rapid detection test (RDT) kits, three kits offer total antibody detection, while six kits offer combination SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG detection in two separate test lines. All kits are based on colloidal gold-labeled immunochromatography principle and one-step method with results obtained within 15 minutes, using whole blood, serum or plasma samples. The sensitivity for both IgM and IgG tests ranges between 72.7% and 100%, while specificity ranges between 98.7% to 100%. Two immunochromatography using nasopharyngeal or throat swab for detection of COVID-19 specific antigen are also reviewed.
CONCLUSIONS: There is much to determine regarding the value of serological testing in COVID-19 diagnosis and monitoring. More comprehensive evaluations of their performance are rapidly underway. The use of serology methods requires appropriate interpretations of the results and understanding the strengths and limitations of such tests.
Omeprazole 40 mg o.m. combined with amoxycillin alone or with amoxycillin and metronidazole in the eradication of Helicobacter pylori

Goh KL, Peh SC, Parasakthi N, Wong NW, Tan KK, Lo YL

Am J Gastroenterol, 1994 Oct;89(10):1789-92.
PMID: 7942668

OBJECTIVES: Our objectives were to determine the effect of dual therapy with omeprazole and amoxicillin and of triple therapy with omeprazole, amoxicillin, and metronidazole in the eradication of Helicobacter pylori (HP) and to study the long-term results of eradication in these patients.
METHODS: A prospective, randomized, controlled trial was performed. Patients who were recruited had unequivocal evidence of HP infection based on culture, histology, rapid urease test, and Gram's stain of a tissue smear. Eradication was defined as the absence of bacteria in all tests performed on both corpus and antral biopsies.
RESULTS: The infection was eradicated in 15 of 19 (78.9%) patients randomized to receive dual therapy and in 19 of 22 (86.4%) patients who received triple therapy. We followed the course of 30 patients in whom HP had been eradicated for a prolonged term (up to 12 months). All remained clear of HP. Twenty-five of 28 patients (89.3%) with duodenal ulcers in whom HP was successfully eradicated remained healed at 12 months. Fewer side effects were reported among patients who received the dual therapy.
CONCLUSIONS: Combination therapy with omeprazole and amoxicillin with or without metronidazole is effective in the eradication of HP. In particular, the dual therapy regimen with amoxicillin is not only effective but is also well tolerated by patients.
Fulltext Initial results and medium-term follow-up of stent implantation of patent ductus arteriosus in duct-dependent pulmonary circulation

Alwi M, Choo KK, Latiff HA, Kandavello G, Samion H, Mulyadi MD

J Am Coll Cardiol, 2004 Jul 21;44(2):438-45.
PMID: 15261945 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2004.03.066

Objectives: This study was designed to assess the safety, efficacy, medium-term outcome, and complications of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) stenting in duct-dependent pulmonary circulation.
Background: Patent ductus arteriosus stenting has been proposed as an alternative to surgical shunt on account of postoperative morbidity and complications of surgical shunting.
Methods: Between April 2000 and February 2003, 69 patients with duct-dependent pulmonary circulation underwent cardiac catheterization with the intent of PDA stenting as first palliative procedure. Patients with critical pulmonary stenosis and pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum post-radiofrequency valvotomy who had PDA stenting were excluded. Thirteen more patients were excluded because of branch pulmonary artery (PA) stenosis. The follow-up was by clinical examination, echocardiography, and repeat cardiac catheterization at six to nine months following the procedure.
Results: Patent ductus arteriosus stenting was successful in 51 patients (91.1%) and failed in 5 patients (8.9%). The mean narrowest PDA diameter was 1.9 +/- 0.6 mm. The mean procedure and fluoroscopy time were 95.7 min and 29.4 min, respectively. In one patient the stent dislodged and migrated to the left femoral artery and another patient developed transient intravascular hemolysis. There was no procedure-related mortality. Three patients (5.9%) died one day to two months after the procedure. At follow-up (3.2 months to 2.4 years), 8 patients developed significant stent stenosis requiring reintervention. Seven patients developed worsening of preexisting branch PA stenosis. The freedom from reintervention was 89% and 55% at 6 months and 1 year, respectively.
Conclusions: Patent ductus arteriosus stenting is an attractive alternative to surgical shunt in a majority of patients with duct-dependent circulation. An absolute contraindication to this technique is the presence of branch pulmonary stenosis.
Hepatic Sarcoidosis: Diagnostic approach and management

Hon SA, Lee LT, Tan KK, Lee RA, Low QJ

Med J Malaysia, 2021 Nov;76(6):914-917.
PMID: 34806684

Sarcoidosis is a multi-systemic, non-caseating granulomatous disorder with an idiopathic aetiology. We report a 58-year-old Malay woman, with underlying type II diabetes mellitus, hypertension and history of stage II pulmonary sarcoidosis presenting with incidental finding of multiple hypodense liver lesions. Her recent contrasted enhanced computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis demonstrated multiple intra-abdominal lymphadenopathies with evidence of liver and splenic infiltrations. Her ageappropriate malignancy screening was negative while liver biopsy showed non-caseating granulomatous hepatitis consistent with hepatic sarcoidosis. In view of her normal liver enzymes and normalised serum calcium levels, no immunosuppressive therapy was commenced. She remains asymptomatic and is currently under our close monitoring.
Fulltext Association of anti-CLIC2 and anti-HMGB1 autoantibodies with higher disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus patients

Syahidatulamali CS, Wan Syamimee WG, Azwany YN, Wong KK, Che Maraina CH

J Postgrad Med, 2017 9 2;63(4):257-261.
PMID: 28862243 DOI: 10.4103/jpgm.JPGM_499_16

BACKGROUND: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by numerous autoantibodies. In this study, we investigated the presence of anti-chloride intracellular channel 2 (anti-CLIC2) and anti-high mobility group box 1 (anti-HMGB1) autoantibodies in SLE patients (n = 43) versus healthy controls ([HCs] n = 43), and their association with serological parameters (antinuclear antibody [ANA], anti-double-stranded DNA [anti-dsDNA], and C-reactive protein [CRP]) and disease activity using Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) score (active or inactive).
SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Case-control study at Rheumatology Clinic of Universiti Sains Malaysia Hospital.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The sera of SLE patients and HCs were tested for the presence of anti-CLIC2 and anti-HMGB1 autoantibodies using human recombinant proteins and ELISA methodologies. Other serological parameters were evaluated according to routine procedures, and patients' demographic and clinical data were obtained.
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Mann-Whitney U-test, Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and receiver operating characteristic analysis.
RESULTS: Anti-CLIC2 autoantibody levels were significantly higher in SLE patients compared to HCs (P = 0.0035), whereas anti-HMGB1 autoantibody levels were not significantly elevated (P = 0.7702). Anti-CLIC2 and anti-HMGB1 autoantibody levels were not associated with ANA pattern, anti-dsDNA, and CRP. Interestingly, SLEDAI score (≥6) was associated with anti-CLIC2 (P = 0.0046) and with anti-HMGB1 (P = 0.0091) autoantibody levels.
CONCLUSION: Our findings support the potential of using anti-CLIC2 autoantibodies as a novel biomarker for SLE patients. Both anti-CLIC2 and anti-HMGB1 autoantibody levels demonstrated potential in monitoring SLE disease activity.
Fulltext A 15-year single centre retrospective study of antiphospholipid syndrome patients from Northern Malaysia

Islam MA, Alam F, Gan SH, Sasongko TH, Wan Ghazali WS, Wong KK

Malays J Pathol, 2017 08;39(2):123-133.
PMID: 28866693 MyJurnal

BACKGROUND: Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disorder characterised by thrombosis and/or pregnancy morbidity in the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs) based on the Sydney criteria. We aimed to explore the clinico-laboratory features and treatment strategies of APS patients retrospectively.
METHODOLOGY: The medical records of APS patients registered under Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (Kelantan state) between 2000 and 2015 were reviewed.
RESULTS: A total of 17 APS subjects (age 40.7 ± 12.8 years) including 11 primary (64.7%) and six secondary APS (35.3%) patients were identified. The follow-up period was 9.5 ± 6.7 years with male:female ratio of 1.0:4.7. Pregnancy morbidity was the most common clinical manifestation (11/14; 78.6%) followed by recurrent venous thrombosis (10/17; 58.8%). For other clinical features, menorrhagia was the most frequently observed manifestation (4/14; 28.6%) followed by aPLs-associated thrombocytopenia (4/17; 23.5%) and ovarian cyst (3/14; 21.4%). LA and aCL were positive in 94.1% (16/17) and 81.8% (9/11) of the patients, respectively. APTT value (76.7 ± 17.0 sec) was significantly high (p < 0.05). Low intensity warfarin alone was successful to maintain target INR (2.0 - 3.0) and prevent recurrence of thrombosis.
CONCLUSION: The tendency of pregnancy morbidity in this cohort of Malaysian Kelantanese APS patients was high compared to other previously reported APS cohorts. Low intensity warfarin was successful in preventing recurrence of thrombosis, however, APS women receiving long-term anticoagulants should be monitored for possible occurrence of menorrhagia and ovarian cysts.
Pulmonary actinomycosis masquerading as lung cancer: A case report

Boo YL, How KN, Pereira DS, Chin PW, Foong KK, Lim SY

Med J Malaysia, 2017 08;72(4):246-247.
PMID: 28889138 MyJurnal

Pulmonary actinomycosis is a rare yet important and challenging diagnosis to make. It is commonly confused with other lung diseases, such as tuberculosis and bronchogenic carcinoma, leading to delay diagnosis or misdiagnosis. A 49-year-old man presented with a chronic cough, hemoptysis, and pleuritic chest pain. His initial imaging studies including computed tomography (CT) was suggestive of bronchogenic carcinoma. A subsequent CTguided biopsy was consistent with pulmonary actinomycosis and excluded the possibility of bronchogenic carcinoma. He was treated with antibiotic therapy and achieved remission with complete radiological resolution upon follow-up.
Complete immunization coverage and its determinants among children in Malaysia: findings from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2016

Lim KK, Chan YY, Noor Ani A, Rohani J, Siti Norfadhilah ZA, Santhi MR

Public Health, 2017 Dec;153:52-57.
PMID: 28915402 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2017.08.001

OBJECTIVES: The success of the Expanded Program on Immunization among children will greatly reduce the burden of illness and disability from vaccine preventable diseases. The aim of the study was to evaluate the complete immunization coverage and its determinants among children aged 12-23 months in Malaysia.
STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study.
METHODS: Data on immunization were extracted from the 2016 National Health and Morbidity Survey. Complete immunization coverage was classified as received all recommended primary vaccine doses by the age of 12 months and verified by vaccination cards, and incompletely immunized if they received partially recommended vaccine dose or not received any recommended vaccine dose or had no vaccination card. The multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the sociodemographic factors associated with complete immunization coverage.
RESULTS: The overall complete immunization coverage among children (verified by cards) was 86.4% (n = 8920, 95% confidence interval: 85.4-87.4). Multivariable logistic regression analyses model revealed that factors significantly associated with complete immunization coverage were ethnicity, occupation of the mother, head of household's education level, and head of household's occupation. While sex, citizenship, household income, mother's age, and marital status were not significantly associated with complete immunization coverage.
CONCLUSIONS: According to the World Health Organization criteria, the present study demonstrated that the immunization coverage of 86.4% is still unsatisfactory. Thus, the current intervention program should be enhanced in order to achieve the 95% coverage for all antigens in the national vaccination program.
Study name: National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS-2016)
Fulltext Bioequivalence evaluation of two different formulations of ciprofloxacin tablets in healthy volunteers

Hassan Y, Alfadly SO, Azmin MN, Peh KK, Tan TF, Noorizan AA, et al.

Singapore Med J, 2007 Sep;48(9):819-23.
PMID: 17728962

A bioequivalence study of two oral formulations of 500 mg tablets of ciprofloxacin (RAZA Pharmaniaga, Malaysia) as test and Ciprobay (Bayer AG, Germany) as reference, was carried out in 24 healthy human volunteers. Each volunteer received a single dose of ciprofloxacin.
Fulltext Development and characterization of polymeric microspheres for controlled release protein loaded drug delivery system

Ravi S, Peh KK, Darwis Y, Murthy BK, Singh TR, Mallikarjun C

Indian J Pharm Sci, 2008 May-Jun;70(3):303-9.
PMID: 20046737 DOI: 10.4103/0250-474X.42978

The aim of the present work was to investigate the preparation of microspheres as potential drug carriers for proteins, intended for controlled release formulation. The hydrophilic bovine serum albumin was chosen as a model protein to be encapsulated within poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (50:50) microspheres using a w/o/w double emulsion solvent evaporation method. Different parameters influencing the particle size, entrapment efficiency and in vitro release profiles were investigated. The microspheres prepared with different molecular weight and hydrophilicity of poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) polymers were non porous, smooth surfaced and spherical in structure under scanning electron microscope with a mean particle size ranging from 3.98 to 8.74 mum. The protein loading efficiency varied from 40 to 71% of the theoretical amount incorporated. The in vitro release profile of bovine serum albumin from microspheres presented two phases, initial burst release phase due to the protein adsorbed on the microsphere surface, followed by slower and continuous release phase corresponding to the protein entrapped in polymer matrix. The release rate was fairly constant after an initial burst release. Consequently, these microspheres can be proposed as new controlled release protein delivery system.
Fulltext Microwave conductivity of sorted CNT assemblies

Bulmer JS, Martens J, Kurzepa L, Gizewski T, Egilmez M, Blamire MG, et al.

Sci Rep, 2014 Jan 21;4:3762.
PMID: 24446019 DOI: 10.1038/srep03762

Recent progress with tailored growth and post-process sorting enables carbon nanotube (CNT) assemblies with predominantly metallic or semi-conducting concentrations. Cryogenic and microwave measurements performed here show transport dimensionality and overall order increasing with increasing metallic concentration, even in atmospheric doping conditions. By 120 GHz, the conductivity of predominantly semi-conducting assemblies grew to 400% its DC value at an increasing growth rate, while other concentrations a growth rate that tapered off. A generalized Drude model fits to the different frequency dependent behaviors and yields useful quality control parameters such as plasma frequency, mean free path, and degree of localization. As one of the first demonstrations of waveguides fabricated from this material, sorted CNTs from both as-made and post-process sources were inserted into sections of practical micro-strip. With both sources, sorted CNT micro-strip increasingly outperformed the unsorted with increasing frequency-- illustrating that sorted CNT assemblies will be important for high frequency applications.
Validation of ELISA test kits for detection of beta-agonist residues in meat

Ponniah J, Muhammad K, Abdullah S, Ganapathy KK, bt Sheikh Abdul Hamid N

Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health, 2004 Jun;35(2):481-7.
PMID: 15691160

Three ELISA test kits, the Randox ELISA beta-agonist test kit, Euro-Diagnostica test kit, and Ridascreen beta-agonist test kit, were evaluated for screening of meat and liver for beta-agonist residues in fortified and field-incurred samples. It was found that the Randox beta-agonist test kit was more suitable as a screening tool due to its accuracy, ease of use, and lower cost. The tests were able to detect beta-agonist residues at the minimum level of detection, as claimed by the suppliers. The performance of the method as assessed through recovery rates of beta-agonists in fortified samples was satisfactory with a low coefficient of variation (1-3%). Repeatability, as measured through the coefficient of correlation was also satisfactory. For field-incurred positive samples, the test kit showed a sensitivity of 100% and a low rate of false positives for goat and cow tissues. However, a high rate of apparent false positives was obtained for tissues of swine.
Fulltext Pernicious anaemia among Asians in Singapore

Jayaratnam FJ, Seah CS, Da Costa JL, Tan KK, O'Brien W

Br Med J, 1967 Jul 01;3(5556):18-20.
PMID: 6027375
Performance evaluation of two multiplex qualitative RT-PCR assays for detection of respiratory infection in paediatric population

Ali U, Zainal M, Zainol Z, Tai CW, Tang SF, Lee PC, et al.

Malays J Pathol, 2023 Aug;45(2):215-227.
PMID: 37658531

INTRODUCTION: Acute respiratory infection (ARI) contributes to significant mortality and morbidity worldwide and is usually caused by a wide range of respiratory pathogens. This study aims to describe the performance of QIAstat-Dx® Respiratory Panel V2 (RP) and RespiFinder® 2SMART assays for respiratory pathogens detection.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 110 nasopharyngeal swabs (NPS) were collected from children aged one month to 12 years old who were admitted with ARI in UKMMC during a one-year period. The two qPCR assays were conducted in parallel.
RESULTS: Ninety-seven samples (88.2%) were positive by QIAstat-Dx RP and 86 (78.2%) by RespiFinder assay. The overall agreement on both assays was substantial (kappa value: 0.769) with excellent concordance rate of 96.95%. Using both assays, hRV/EV, INF A/H1N1 and RSV were the most common pathogens detected. Influenza A/H1N1 infection was significantly seen higher in older children (age group > 60 months old) (53.3%, p-value < 0.05). Meanwhile, RSV and hRV/EV infection were seen among below one-year-old children. Co-infections by two to four pathogens were detected in 17 (17.5%) samples by QIAstat-Dx RP and 12 (14%) samples by RespiFinder, mainly involving hRV/EV. Bacterial detection was observed only in 5 (4.5%) and 6 (5.4%) samples by QIAstat-Dx RP and RespiFinder, respectively, with Mycoplasma pneumoniae the most common detected.
CONCLUSION: The overall performance of the two qPCR assays was comparable and showed excellent agreement. Both detected various clinically important respiratory pathogens in a single test with simultaneous multiple infection detection. The use of qPCR as a routine diagnostic test can improve diagnosis and management.
[Structural analysis of acute chemical poisoning in persons over 60 years of age.]

Simonova AY, Ilyashenko KK, Belova MV, Potskhveriya MM, Kareva MV, Asanova LR, et al.

Adv Gerontol, 2023;36(4):532-538.
PMID: 38010182

The population of developed countries is aging. Along with an increase in the proportion of people over 60 years of age among the population, their number is also increasing among patients with acute poisoning of chemical etiology. Analysis of the structure of acute poisoning in elderly and senile people for the period 2020-2022. It has been established that the proportion of patients of gerontological age in the overall structure of acute poisonings averages 13,5%, of which the largest group is persons aged 60-74 years (60,2%), women - 64,5%, men - 35,5%. It was found that in 61.5% of cases the cause of poisoning was suicide, 38,5% of poisonings were random. In the structure of acute poisoning in geriatric patients, psychopharmacological drugs are in the lead - 34,1%, corrosive substances - 15,9%, drugs acting on the cardiovascular system - 12,7%. These same toxicants are the main etiological cause of death. Patients over 60 years of age have a high mortality rate from 13,2 to 22,3%. Acute chemical poisoning in patients over 60 years of age is an urgent medical problem at the present stage, due to a significant incidence and high mortality, and require detailed study in order to improve the effectiveness of their treatment.
Parasitism in coral reefs: Trophic ecology of crustacean ascothoracidan parasites and their coral hosts from Malaysia

Zalota AK, Savchenko AS, Miroliubov AA, Waiho K, Fazhan H, Chan BKK, et al.

Zoology (Jena), 2024 Nov 29;168:126234.
PMID: 39626403 DOI: 10.1016/j.zool.2024.126234

Coral reefs house a great variety of symbiotic associations, including parasitism. One of the crucial issues in the host-symbiont interactions is the parasites' feeding mode. Does the parasite/symbiont use the host's tissues for nutrition, steal food from the host's digestive system, or take food directly from the environment? However, most of the parasitism in corals is endosymbiotic (endoparasitic). Their trophic interactions are difficult to identify since they only occur in intact associations. This work uses stable isotope analysis (SIA) of carbon and nitrogen and morphological analysis to study the trophic relationship between the crustacean endoparasites, the Ascothoracida (genera Baccalaureus, Sessilogoga, and Zibrowia) and their various coral hosts ranging from Zoantharia (Palythoa) to Antipatharia (Antipathes), and Scleractinia (Dendrophyllia). The hosts belong to different coral taxa and obtain food from different sources, reflected in their stable isotope values. The SIA, supported by the morphological analysis, suggests that the Zibrowia parasite feeds directly on its Dendrophyllia host. Sessilogoga retains vagility within and around the black coral colony. It has typical generalized piercing mouth parts with numerous teeth and denticles. Sessilogoga may use antipatharian tissues for food directly as well as sucks food fluids from the host's gastrovascular system. There is no clear trophic shift trend between Palythoa and its parasite Baccalaureus. Such differences exclude the possibility of the parasite feeding predominantly on its host's tissues and suggest a broad spectrum of food sources. Thus, SIA reveals that endosymbiotic ascothoracidans may not always be true parasitic but also opportunistic feeders, which steal food directly from the host gastric cavity.
Fulltext UHC Primary Health Care Self-Assessment Tool. Summary Report from Five Country Pilots.

Adyas A, Akazili J, Awoonor-Williams J, Dalingjong P, Ellangovan KK, Ismail MS, et al.

Citation: Adyas A, et al. UHC Primary Health Care Self-Assessment Tool. Joint Learning Network for Universal Health Coverage: Primary Health Care
Technical Initiative; 2016
Synthesis of cellulose nanofibers from jute fiber by using chemomechanical method

N SS, M N EE, C K K, M J N

F1000Res, 2024;13:40.
PMID: 39246826 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.138665.1

BACKGROUND: Jute fiber is one of the most versatile natural fibers that is widely used as a raw material for packaging, textiles, and construction; and as a reinforcement in composite materials for heavy-duty applications. In the past, acid hydrolysis and mechanical treatment via the ball milling method were common in the extraction of cellulose nanofiber (CNFs) from natural plant fibers. However, there are some drawbacks of using those methods where there will be a huge quantity of acidic wastewater generated when the acid hydrolysis method is performed.
METHOD: This study investigated the potential use of a combination of chemical and mechanical methods in the extraction of jute CNFs. Through this method, the jute fibers were first chemically treated using sodium hydroxide (NaOH), sodium chlorite (NaClO 2) and sulphuric acid (H 2SO 4) to remove the non-cellulosic elements followed by mechanical milling by using a planetary ball mill.
RESULTS: The shape and size of the obtained CNFs were observed under a field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). This study revealed that jute CNFs were successfully extracted through the combination of chemical and mechanical treatment methods where the obtained CNFs reveal themselves in smooth fibrous morphology with a diameter of 23 nm and 150-200nm in length.
CONCLUSIONS: Jute cellulose nanofibers were successfully drawn out from raw jute fibers by means of a combination of chemical and mechanical treatment. The results obtained confirmed that the chemomechanical method is an effective technique for isolating the CNFs and its potential use as reinforcement material was explained.
HIV-1 Tat biosensor: Current development and trends for early detection strategies

Fatin MF, Ruslinda AR, Arshad MK, Tee KK, Ayub RM, Hashim U, et al.

Biosens Bioelectron, 2016 Apr 15;78:358-66.
PMID: 26655174 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2015.11.067

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has infected almost 35 million people worldwide. Various tests have been developed to detect the presence of HIV during the early stages of the disease in order to reduce the risk of transmission to other humans. The HIV-1 Tat protein is one of the proteins present in HIV that are released abundantly approximately 2-4 weeks after infection. In this review, we have outlined various strategies for detecting the Tat protein, which helps transcribe the virus and enhances replication. Detection strategies presented include immunoassays, biosensors and gene expression, which utilize antibodies or aptamers as common probes to sense the presence of Tat. Alternatively, measuring the levels of gene transcription is a direct method of analysing the HIV gene to confirm the presence of Tat. By detection of the Tat protein, virus transmission can be detected in high-risk individuals in the early stages of the disease to reduce the risk of an HIV pandemic.
A review of the burden of disease due to otitis media in the Asia-Pacific

Mahadevan M, Navarro-Locsin G, Tan HK, Yamanaka N, Sonsuwan N, Wang PC, et al.

Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol, 2012 May;76(5):623-35.
PMID: 22404948 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2012.02.031

The burden of disease due to otitis media (OM) in Asia Pacific countries was reviewed to increase awareness and raise understanding within the region.

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