Displaying publications 101 - 120 of 2199 in total

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  1. Saniasiaya J, Kulasegarah J
    Braz J Otorhinolaryngol, 2023;89(2):329-338.
    PMID: 35659765 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjorl.2022.05.002
    OBJECTIVE: Airway reflux, a member of extra-esophageal reflux, has been linked to countless respiratory pathologies amongst children. The advent of novel instrumentation has enabled the discovery of non-acid reflux which was postulated as the main culprit of airway reflux. The objective of this review is to outline the association between non-acid reflux and airway reflux in children.

    METHODS: A comprehensive review of recent literature on non-acid reflux and airway reflux in children was conducted. Studies ranged from January 2010 till November 2021 were searched over a period of a month: December 2021.

    RESULTS: A total of eleven studies were identified. All studies included in this review revealed a strong link between non-acid reflux and airway reflux in children. 6 of the included studies are prospective studies, 3 retrospective studies, 1 cross-section study, and type of study was not mentioned in 1 study. The most common reported respiratory manifestation of non-acid reflux in children was chronic cough (7 studies). Predominant non-acid reflux was noted in 4 studies. The total number of children in each study ranges from 21 to 150 patients. MII-pH study was carried out in all studies included as a diagnostic tool for reflux investigation.

    CONCLUSION: Non-acid reflux is the culprit behind airway reflux as well as other myriads of extra-esophageal manifestations in children. Multicentre international studies with a standardized protocol could improve scientific knowledge in managing non-acid reflux in airway reflux amongst children.

    Matched MeSH terms: Prospective Studies
  2. Swarna Nantha Y, Vijayasingham S, Adam NL, Vengadasalam P, Ismail M, Ali N, et al.
    Diabetes Obes Metab, 2023 Nov;25(11):3298-3306.
    PMID: 37551550 DOI: 10.1111/dom.15229
    AIM: Evidence from the literature points towards a viable choice of utilizing Labisia pumila to improve the metabolic profile in animal studies. To that end, this prospective study was designed to assess the health impact of the consumption of L. pumila standardized extract (SKF7®) on key parameters of obesity in humans such as body weight (BW), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR).

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: A dose-ranging analysis using SKF7® was conducted through a randomized, double-blind, multicentre, placebo-controlled, phase 2 clinical trial involving individuals with obesity (N = 133) between January 2020 and April 2021. The potential percentage of change was assessed in relation to BW, BMI, WC and WHtR.

    RESULTS: Average treatment effect estimates (treatment group vs. placebo) show a statistically significant reduction in the percentage of change for BW (mean = -2.915; CI: -4.546, -1.285), BMI (-2.921; CI: -4.551, -1.291), WC (mean = -2.187; CI: -3.784, -0.589) and WHtR (mean = -2.294, CI: -3.908, -0.681) in the group with a total of 750 mg of SKF7® (p 

    Matched MeSH terms: Prospective Studies
  3. Lau BL, Idris Z, Abdullah JM, Bujang MA, Wong ASH
    Br J Neurosurg, 2023 Dec;37(6):1572-1579.
    PMID: 33191803 DOI: 10.1080/02688697.2020.1837728
    BACKGROUND: A new stereotactic frame was created in 2015, based on a linear algorithm. It is called Albert Wong (AW) frame. A simple AW stereo-calculator was also designed based on Excel® (Microscoft Corporation, Redmond, WA) programme for the frame.

    OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to test the accuracy of the AW frame by a direct head to head comparison with CRW® frame (Integra Life Sciences, Plainsboro, NJ) on a phantom.

    METHODS: This is a prospective pilot cross-sectional phantom study with a total of 42 (21 for AW and 21 for CRW®) laboratory testings performed in 2017 at our institute to compare the accuracies of both frames in a consecutive manner. A phantom (BL phantom) was newly created, where targets can be placed at different heights and positions on a platform attached under the frame for accuracy testing comparing between the AW and CRW® frames.

    RESULTS: A comparable accuracy testing results were observed between the AW and CRW® frames of 0.64 mm versus 1.07 mm respectively. Approval from the local ethics committee for a clinical trial was obtained. We report on three case illustrations who had the AW frame-based biopsies with definitive diagnoses and without any post-biopsy related complication.

    CONCLUSION: AW frame successfully demonstrated a good accuracy of 0.64 mm in phantom testing using the BL phantom by a linear algorithmic calculation. The clinical trial with three patients demonstrated definitive diagnoses and safety with its use.

    Matched MeSH terms: Prospective Studies
  4. Lim LL, Lau ESH, Cheung JTK, Chan SP, Ji L, Lim S, et al.
    Diabetes Obes Metab, 2023 Jan;25(1):208-221.
    PMID: 36082513 DOI: 10.1111/dom.14865
    AIMS: To explore the patterns of use of oral glucose-lowering drugs (OGLDs) in Asian patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), focusing on sulphonylureas (SUs), and to describe patient profiles according to treatment regimen.

    METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of data from adults with T2D from 11 Asian countries/regions with structured assessment enrolled in the prospective Joint Asia Diabetes Evaluation (JADE) register between November 2007 and December 2019. Patients receiving insulin and/or injectable glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists were excluded.

    RESULTS: Amongst 62 512 patients (mean ± standard deviation age: 57.3 ± 11.8 years; 53.6% men), 54 783 (87.6%) were treated with OGLDs at enrolment. Most received one (37.5%) or two (44.2%) OGLDs. In the entire cohort, 59.4% of treated patients received SU-based therapy with variations amongst countries/regions. Overall, 79.5% of SU regimens were based on SUs plus metformin, and 22.1% on SUs plus dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors. Among SU users, gliclazide was most commonly prescribed (46.7%), followed by glimepiride (40.0%) and glibenclamide (8.1%). More gliclazide users entered the cohort with glycated haemoglobin levels <53 mmol/mol (7%) than non-gliclazide SU users (odds ratio [OR] 1.09, 95% CI 1.02-1.17), with less frequent self-reported hypoglycaemia in the 3 months before registration (OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.72-0.92; adjusted for sociodemographic factors, cardiometabolic risk factors, complications, use of other OGLDs, country/region and year of registration).

    CONCLUSION: In Asia, SUs are a popular OGLD class, often combined with metformin. Good glycaemic control and safety profiles associated with the use of SUs, including gliclazide, support their position as a key treatment option in patients with T2D.

    Matched MeSH terms: Prospective Studies
  5. Andrew A, Citartan M, Wong KA, Tang TH, Magdline Sia Henry S, Ch'ng ES
    Microbiol Spectr, 2023 Aug 17;11(4):e0008823.
    PMID: 37272795 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00088-23
    Due to the general symptoms presented by the Chikungunya virus (CHIKV)-infected patients, a laboratory test is needed to differentiate CHIKV from other viral infections. The reverse transcription-quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) is a rapid and sensitive diagnostic tool, and several assays have been developed for detecting and quantifying CHIKV. Since real-time amplification efficiency varies within and between laboratories, an assay must be validated before being used on patient samples. In this study, the diagnostic performance of a TaqMan RT-qPCR assay was evaluated using synthetic RNA and archived patient samples. The cutoff quantification cycle (Cq) value for the assay was determined by experimental evidence. We found the in-house assay was highly sensitive, with a detection limit of 3.95 RNA copies/reaction. The analytical specificity of the assay was 100%. The analytical cutoff Cq value was 37, corresponding to the mean Cq value of the detection limit. Using archived samples characterized previously, the sensitivity and specificity of the assay were 76% and 100%, respectively. The in-house assay was also compared with a commercial assay, and we found that the in-house assay had higher sensitivity. Although further evaluation with prospective patient samples is needed in the future, this validated RT-qPCR was sensitive and specific, which shows its potential to detect CHIKV in clinical samples. IMPORTANCE Chikungunya virus causes chikungunya fever, a disease characterized by fever, rash, and joint pain. In the early phase of infection, chikungunya fever is always misdiagnosed as other arbovirus infections, such as dengue. Laboratory tests such as RT-qPCR are therefore necessary to confirm CHIKV infection. We evaluated the performance of an in-house RT-qPCR assay, and our study shows that the assay could detect CHIKV in clinical samples. We also show the cutoff determination of the assay, which provides important guidance to scientists or researchers when implementing a new RT-qPCR assay in a laboratory.
    Matched MeSH terms: Prospective Studies
  6. Boakye K, Bovbjerg M, Schuna J, Branscum A, Varma RP, Ismail R, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2023 Jan 06;13(1):290.
    PMID: 36609613 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-26406-5
    Urbanization may influence physical activity (PA) levels, although little evidence is available for low- and middle- income countries where urbanization is occurring fastest. We evaluated associations between urbanization and total PA, as well as work-, leisure-, home-, and transport-specific PA, for 138,206 adults living in 698 communities across 22 countries within the Prospective Urban and Rural Epidemiology (PURE) study. The 1-week long-form International PA Questionnaire was administered at baseline (2003-2015). We used satellite-derived population density and impervious surface area estimates to quantify baseline urbanization levels for study communities, as well as change measures for 5- and 10-years prior to PA surveys. We used generalized linear mixed effects models to examine associations between urbanization measures and PA levels, controlling for individual, household and community factors. Higher community baseline levels of population density (- 12.4% per IQR, 95% CI - 16.0, - 8.7) and impervious surface area (- 29.2% per IQR, 95% CI - 37.5, - 19.7), as well as the rate of change in 5-year population density (- 17.2% per IQR, 95% CI - 25.7, - 7.7), were associated with lower total PA levels. Important differences in the associations between urbanization and PA were observed between PA domains, country-income levels, urban/rural status, and sex. These findings provide new information on the complex associations between urbanization and PA.
    Matched MeSH terms: Prospective Studies
  7. Al Mamun A, Naznen F, Yang M, Yang Q, Wu M, Masukujjaman M
    Sci Rep, 2023 Jul 11;13(1):11217.
    PMID: 37433838 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38333-0
    This study aims to examine the mediating effect of the intention to use wearable payment devices (WPD) between perceived ease of use (PE), perceived usefulness (PU), social influence (SI), perceived trust (TR), and lifestyle compatibility (CM) on the adoption of WPD. Examination was made on the moderating effect of age and gender to improve the understanding of the adoption of WPD as a new payment system. Empirical data was collected through an online survey from 1094 respondents in Malaysia. Furthermore, this study employed dual-stage data analysis through partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) to test the causal and moderating effects, including artificial neural network (ANN) to examine the predictive power of the selected model. As a result, it was found that PE, PU, TR, and CM had a significant positive influence on the intention to use WPD. Furthermore, facilitating conditions and the intention to use WPD exhibited strong positive impacts on the adoption of WPD among Malaysian youth. The intention to use WPD positively and significantly mediated all predictors of adoption of WPD. Following that, ANN analysis confirmed high prediction accuracy of the data fitness. Overall, the findings for ANN highlighted the importance of PE, CM, and TR on the intention to adopt WPD and the impact of facilitating conditions on the adoption of WPD among Malaysian youth. Theoretically, the study extended UTAUT with two additional determinants (e.g., perceived trust and lifestyle compatibility), which were found to have significant influences on the intention to use WPD. The study results would be able to help payment service providers and the smart wearable device industry offer an innovative spectrum of products and present effective marketing tactics to encourage the prospective consumers of Wearable Payment Devices in Malaysia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Prospective Studies
  8. Rosenthal VD, Yin R, Rodrigues C, Myatra SN, Divatia JV, Biswas SK, et al.
    Am J Infect Control, 2023 Jul;51(7):751-757.
    PMID: 36400318 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2022.11.005
    BACKGROUND: Ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) rates in Asia are several times above those of US. The objective of this study is to identify VAP risk factors.

    METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort study, between March 27, 2004 and November 2, 2022, in 279 ICUs of 95 hospitals in 44 cities in 9 Asian countries (China, India, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam).

    RESULTS: 153,717 patients, followed during 892,996 patient-days, acquired 3,369 VAPs. We analyzed 10 independent variables. Using multiple logistic regression we identified following independent VAP RFs= Age, rising VAP risk 1% per year (aOR=1.01; 95%CI=1.00-1.01, P

    Matched MeSH terms: Prospective Studies
  9. Chin AHB, Sandhu S, Caughey L, Ahmad MF, Peate M
    Hum Fertil (Camb), 2023 Dec;26(2):385-397.
    PMID: 37177817 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2023.2209831
    Upon legalization of social egg freezing in Singapore from 2023 onwards, compulsory pre-procedure counselling is mandated for all prospective patients to enable informed choice about whether to undergo the procedure. Being a newly introduced medical procedure in Singapore, there are currently no clear directives on what pre-procedure counselling for elective egg freezing should entail. Due to pervasive media and internet influences, prospective egg freezing patients could be misled into believing that the procedure represents a guaranteed path to future motherhood, contrary to statements by professional bodies such as the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and the British Fertility Society (BFS). Hence, comprehensive counselling is recommended to provide women with evidence-based information (e.g. success rates of social egg freezing for women of their age) to ensure they make informed decisions and to avoid possible decision regret. For this purpose, a systematic protocol and methodology for pre-procedure counselling of women considering elective egg freezing was developed, incorporating flowcharts and decision trees that are specifically tailored to the unique sociocultural values and legal restrictions in Singapore. Questions relating to the why, what, how, where and when of the egg freezing procedure should be addressed, which could serve as a roadmap to facilitate informed decision-making by women considering elective egg freezing.
    Matched MeSH terms: Prospective Studies
  10. Karkada SR, Noronha JA, Bhat SK, Bhat P, Nayak BS
    F1000Res, 2022;11:159.
    PMID: 37483553 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.75960.3
    Background Childbirth is a life-transforming intense event to a woman and her family. Even though a variety of non-pharmacological techniques are readily available to alleviate the distress of women in labour, the majority of women are unaware of its benefits. The objective of the study was to explore the impact of a simple non-pharmacological technique i.e., antepartum breathing exercises on maternal outcomes of labour among primigravid women. Methods A single centre prospective, single-blinded, randomized controlled trial was conducted at the antenatal outpatient clinic of a secondary healthcare institution. Eligible primigravid women were randomized into intervention and standard care groups. Both groups received standard obstetrical care. In addition, the intervention group were taught antepartum breathing exercises and were advised to practise daily and also during the active stage of labour. The primary outcome of the trial was the maternal outcome of labour measured in terms of onset of labour, nature of delivery, duration of labour, and need for augmentation of labour. Data was collected using World Health Organization (WHO) partograph, structured observational record on the outcome of labour. Results A total of 98 (70%) primigravid women who practised antepartum breathing exercises had spontaneous onset of labour. The odds of spontaneous onset of labour after randomization in the intervention group was 2.192 times more when compared to standard care at a (95% confidence interval 1.31-3.36, p
    Matched MeSH terms: Prospective Studies
  11. Husain Khan A, Abdul Aziz H, Palaniandy P, Naushad M, Cevik E, Zahmatkesh S
    Chemosphere, 2023 Oct;339:139647.
    PMID: 37516325 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139647
    Hospital wastewater has emerged as a major category of environmental pollutants over the past two decades, but its prevalence in freshwater is less well documented than other types of contaminants. Due to compound complexity and improper operations, conventional treatment is unable to remove pharmaceuticals from hospital wastewater. Advanced treatment technologies may eliminate pharmaceuticals, but there are still concerns about cost and energy use. There should be a legal and regulatory framework in place to control the flow of hospital wastewater. Here, we review the latest scientific knowledge regarding effective pharmaceutical cleanup strategies and treatment procedures to achieve that goal. Successful treatment techniques are also highlighted, such as pre-treatment or on-site facilities that control hospital wastewater where it is used in hospitals. Due to the prioritization, the regulatory agencies will be able to assess and monitor the concentration of pharmaceutical residues in groundwater, surface water, and drinking water. Based on the data obtained, the conventional WWTPs remove 10-60% of pharmaceutical residues. However, most PhACs are eliminated during the secondary or advanced therapy stages, and an overall elimination rate higher than 90% can be achieved. This review also highlights and compares the suitability of currently used treatment technologies and identifies the merits and demerits of each technology to upgrade the system to tackle future challenges. For this reason, pharmaceutical compound rankings in regulatory agencies should be the subject of prospective studies.
    Matched MeSH terms: Prospective Studies
  12. Shyam S, Greenwood DC, Mai CW, Tan SS, Yusof BM, Moy FM, et al.
    Nutr Res, 2023 Oct;118:41-51.
    PMID: 37562156 DOI: 10.1016/j.nutres.2023.07.007
    Diet is a modifiable risk factor for pancreatic cancer. We hypothesized that specific dietary patterns would increase/decrease pancreatic cancer risk. We evaluated the association of dietary patterns with pancreatic cancer risk in the UK Women's Cohort Study. Dietary patterns were assessed at enrollment using: (1) self-reported practice of vegan/vegetarian dietary habits, (2) diet quality indices (World Health Organization Healthy Diet Indicator and Mediterranean Diet Score), and (3) principal component analysis-derived dietary patterns. The association of dietary patterns with pancreatic cancer incidence was quantified using Cox regression survival analysis. Over a median follow-up of 19 years of 35,365 respondents, there were 136 incident cases of pancreatic cancer. No association between dietary habits/quality and pancreatic cancer incidence was evident after adjustments (hazard ratio (95% confidence interval): self-reported omnivores vs vegan/vegetarian dietary habit: 1.13 (0.73-1.76); per-unit increase in World Health Organization Healthy Diet Indicator scores: 0.99 (0.91-1.09); per-unit increase in Mediterranean Diet Score: 0.92 (0.83-1.02). Similarly, no association of principal component analysis-derived dietary patterns with pancreatic cancer risk was evident ("prudent:" 1.02 [0.94-1.10]; ``meat-based:'' 1.00 [0.92-1.09]; ``fast-food, sugar-sweetened beverages, and carbohydrate-rich snacks:'' 0.96 [0.86-1.07]; ``cereal and dairy-rich:'' 1.04 [0.94-1.16], and ``low-diversity and lowfat:'' 1.00 [0.89-1.13]). In this prospective cohort of women, several major dietary patterns were of poor quality. There was no evidence of a prospective association between any of the dietary patterns explored and pancreatic cancer incidence.
    Matched MeSH terms: Prospective Studies
  13. Hamzah N, Kassim NK, Omar J, Abdullah MS, Lee YY
    PeerJ, 2023;11:e15988.
    PMID: 37780370 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15988
    BACKGROUND: The significance of the current study was to determine normative levels of PIVKA-II and AFP in patients with unresectable HCC and healthy participants. The second goal was to assess the roles of PIVKA-II and AFP in predicting radiological response after loco-regional therapy.

    METHODS: This prospective cohort study enrolled consecutive samples of HCC patients and healthy controls. Venous blood samples were obtained at baseline and after interventions to determine serum levels of PIVKA-II and AFP using the chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay method. Radiologic responses were determined based on the WHO criteria.

    RESULTS: Fifty-four HCC patients (mean age 58.9 years, 49 males) and 40 healthy controls (mean age 33.5 years, 26 males) were recruited. The median serum levels of PIVKA-II and AFP in HCC vs. healthy controls were 988.4 vs. 24.2 mAU/ml and 13.6 vs. 1.7 ng/ml, respectively (both p 

    Matched MeSH terms: Prospective Studies
  14. Omar AA, Zon EM, Ismail MP, Mahdi M, Ibrahim A, Engku-Husna EI, et al.
    Med J Malaysia, 2023 Nov;78(6):711-716.
    PMID: 38031211
    INTRODUCTION: In gynaecology, laparoscopy is the choice of treatment for a lot of procedures as it is considered safe and effective. However, laparoscopic surgery requires skills that are different from those required for open surgery. In order to acquire the skills, a surgeon needs specific training. The aim of this study was to validate the AR Gynae endotrainer, a new mobile laparoscopic simulator, as a comparable box trainer for gynaecology laparoscopic training, comparing it with the well-established Karl Storz SZABO-BERCISACKIER laparoscopic trainer.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomised prospective crossover study was designed to compare the AR Gynae endotrainer versus Karl Storz SZABO-BERCI-SACKIER laparoscopic trainer as a tool for training gynaecology laparoscopic skills. Participants were assigned to perform two specially designed tasks used for laparoscopic training using both endotrainers. All subjects evaluated both simulators concerning their performance by the use of a questionnaire comparing: design, ports placement, visibility, ergonomics, triangulation of movement, fulcrum effect, depth perception, ambidexterity, resources for training, and resources for teaching. The overall score was defined as the median value obtained. The ability and time taken for participants to complete the tasks using both endotrainers were also compared. A total of 26 participants were enrolled in this study, including 13 Masters's students from the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology and 13 Masters's students from the Department of Surgery, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM), Kelantan, Malaysia.

    RESULTS: A better performance was observed with AR Gynae as compared to Karl Storz endotrainer in five out of ten items evaluated in the questionnaire. Additionally, the overall score of AR Gynae endotrainer (median of 3.98) was comparable to that of Karl Storz endotrainer (median of 3.91) with p=0.519. For the items design and resources for teaching, the evaluation for AR Gynae endotrainer was significantly higher with p-values of 0.003 and 0.032, respectively. All participants were able to complete both tasks using both endotrainers. The time taken to complete both tasks was comparable on both endotrainers. Also, the AR Gynae endotrainer was cheaper.

    CONCLUSIONS: The AR Gynae endotrainer was found to be a convenient and cost-effective laparoscopic simulator for gynaecology laparoscopic training and was comparable to the established Karl Storz SZABO-BERCI-SACKIER laparoscopic trainer.

    Matched MeSH terms: Prospective Studies
  15. Fong CY, Low P, Ng KH, Heng HS, Chong ASL, Ong LC, et al.
    Epilepsy Behav, 2023 Dec;149:109536.
    PMID: 38008017 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2023.109536
    BACKGROUND: A computer game-based epilepsy educational programme (Epigame) can potentially improve the awareness, knowledge and attitude (AKA) and quality of life (QOL) of children with epilepsy (CWE). Our study among Malaysian CWE aimed to assess the: i) baseline level of epilepsy AKA and potential characteristics associated with poor levels of AKA, ii) effectiveness of Epigame in improving AKA and QOL of CWE.

    METHOD: Prospective cohort study on CWE age 7-18 years old with no comorbidities. Epilepsy education was delivered using Epigame. CWE completed AKA questionnaire before (time point 1 [TP1]), immediately after (TP2), 3 months (TP3) after provision of Epigame. Child self-report Health-Related Quality of Life Measurement for Children with Epilepsy (CHEQOL-25) questionnaire was completed at TP1 and TP3.

    RESULTS: Total of 106 CWE participated in this study (mean age of 13.3 years). Baseline (TP1) AKA was rated "very low to moderate" for awareness domain in 95.3 %, "very low to moderate" for knowledge domain in 67 %, "negative to indifferent" for attitude domain in 54.7 %, and "very poor to moderate' for total AKA score domain in 84 %. "Positive to very positive" for child attitude domain was significantly associated with parents with "positive to very positive" for attitude domain (OR 10.6, 95 % CI 3.23-34.66). "Good to excellent" for total child AKA domain was significantly associated with parents with "Good to excellent" for total AKA domain (OR 5.2, 95 % CI 1.16-15.02) and with 

    Matched MeSH terms: Prospective Studies
  16. Leong DP, Loeb M, Mony PK, Rangarajan S, Mushtaha M, Miller MS, et al.
    Microbiol Spectr, 2024 Feb 06;12(2):e0149223.
    PMID: 38214526 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01492-23
    There are limited data on individual risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection (including unrecognized infection). In this seroepidemiologic substudy of an ongoing prospective cohort study of community-dwelling adults, participants were thoroughly characterized pre-pandemic. The SARS-CoV-2 infection was ascertained by serology. Among 8,719 participants from 11 high-, middle-, and low-income countries, 3,009 (35%) were seropositive for SARS-CoV-2. Characteristics independently associated with seropositivity were younger age (odds ratio, OR; 95% confidence interval, CI, per five-year increase: 0.95; 0.91-0.98) and body mass index >25 kg/m2 (OR, 95% CI: 1.16, 1.01-1.34). Smoking (as compared with never smoking, OR, 95% CI: 0.83, 0.70-0.97) and COVID-19 vaccination (OR, 95% CI: 0.70, 0.60-0.82) were associated with a reduced risk of seropositivity. Among seropositive participants, 83% were unaware of having been infected with SARS-CoV-2. Seropositivity and a lack of awareness of infection were more common in lower-income countries. The COVID-19 vaccination reduces the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection (including recognized and unrecognized infections). Overweight or obesity is an independent risk factor for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Infection and lack of infection awareness are more common in lower-income countries.IMPORTANCEIn this large, international study, evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection was obtained by testing blood specimens from 8,719 community-dwelling adults from 11 countries. The key findings are that (i) the large majority (83%) of community-dwelling adults from several high-, middle-, and low-income countries with blood test evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection were unaware of this infection-especially in lower-income countries; and (ii) overweight/obesity predisposes to SARS-CoV-2 infection, while COVID-19 vaccination is associated with a reduced risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. These observations are not attributable to other individual characteristics, highlighting the importance of the COVID-19 vaccination to prevent not only severe infection but possibly any infection. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms by which overweight/obesity might increase the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
    Matched MeSH terms: Prospective Studies
  17. Annuar NAK, Azlan UK, Mediani A, Tong X, Han R, Al-Olayan E, et al.
    Biomed Pharmacother, 2024 Feb;171:116134.
    PMID: 38219389 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116134
    Mitragynine is one of the main psychoactive alkaloids in Mitragyna speciosa Korth. (kratom). It has opium-like effects by acting on μ-, δ-, and κ-opioid receptors in the brain. The compound also interacts with other receptors, such as adrenergic and serotonergic receptors and neuronal Ca2+ channels in the central nervous system to have its neuropharmacological effects. Mitragynine has the potential to treat diseases related to neurodegeneration such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, as its modulation on the opioid receptors has been reported extensively. This review aimed to provide an up-to-date and critical overview on the neuropharmacological effects, mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics and safety of mitragynine as a prospective psychotropic agent. Its multiple neuropharmacological effects on the brain include antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, sedative, stimulant, cognitive, and anxiolytic activities. The potential of mitragynine to manage opioid withdrawal symptoms related to opioid dependence, its pharmacokinetics and toxic effects were also discussed. The interaction of mitragynine with various receptors in the brain produce diverse neuropharmacological effects, which have beneficial properties in neurological disorders. However, further studies need to be carried out on mitragynine to uncover its complex mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamic profiles, addictive potential, and safe dosage to prevent harmful side effects.
    Matched MeSH terms: Prospective Studies
  18. Fathima A, Ilankoon IMSK, Zhang Y, Chong MN
    Sci Total Environ, 2024 Feb 20;912:169186.
    PMID: 38086487 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169186
    Impetus to minimise the energy and carbon footprints of evolving wastewater resource recovery facilities has promoted the development of microbial electrochemical systems (MES) as an emerging energy-neutral and sustainable platform technology. Using separators in dual-chamber MES to isolate anodic and cathodic environments creates endless opportunities for its myriad applications. Nevertheless, the high internal resistance and the complex interdependencies among various system factors have challenged its scale-up. This critical review employed a systems approach to examine the complex interdependencies and practical issues surrounding the implementation and scalability of dual-chamber MES, where the anodic and cathodic reactions are mutually appraised to improve the overall system efficiency. The robustness and stability of anodic biofilms in large-volume MES is dependent on its inoculum source, antecedent history and enrichment strategies. The composition and anode-respiring activity of these biofilms are modulated by the anolyte composition, while their performance demands a delicate balance between the electrode size, macrostructure and the availability of substrates, buffers and nutrients when using real wastewater as anolyte. Additionally, the catholyte governed the reduction environment and associated energy consumption of MES with scalable electrocatalysts needed to enhance the sluggish reaction kinetics for energy-efficient resource recovery. A comprehensive assessment of the dual-chamber reactor configuration revealed that the tubular, spiral-wound, or plug-in modular MES configurations are suitable for pilot-scale, where it could be designed more effectively using efficient electrode macrostructure, suitable membranes and bespoke strategies for continuous operation to maximise their performance. It is anticipated that the critical and analytical understanding gained through this review will support the continuous development and scaling-up of dual-chamber MES for prospective energy-neutral treatment of wastewater and simultaneous circular management of highly relevant environmental resources.
    Matched MeSH terms: Prospective Studies
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