56 results on '"MEI FONG"'
Search Results
2. Eosinophilic endotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: similarities and differences from asthma
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Andrew Li, Hui-Fang Lim, Mei Fong Liew, W.S. Fred Wong, Phyllis X L Gan, and Hiang Ping Chan
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medicine.medical_specialty ,Endotype ,Review ,Leukocyte Count ,Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive ,Adrenal Cortex Hormones ,Forced Expiratory Volume ,Internal medicine ,Eosinophilic ,medicine ,Humans ,Eosinophilia ,pulmonary disease ,Asthma ,COPD ,chronic obstructive ,business.industry ,Sputum ,medicine.disease ,respiratory tract diseases ,Eosinophils ,Medicine ,Biomarker (medicine) ,inhaled corticosteroids ,medicine.symptom ,Airway ,business ,eosinophilia - Abstract
Approximately 25% to 40% of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have the eosinophilic endotype. It is important to identify this group accurately because they are more symptomatic and are at increased risk for exacerbations and accelerated decline in forced expiratory volume in the 1st second. Importantly, this endotype is a marker of treat ment responsiveness to inhaled corticosteroid (ICS), resulting in decreased mortality risk. In this review, we highlight differences in the biology of eosinophils in COPD compared to asthma and the different definitions of the COPD eosinophilic endotype based on sputum and blood eosinophil count (BEC) with the corresponding limitations. Although BEC is useful as a biomarker for eosinophilic COPD endotype, optimal BEC cut-offs can be combined with clinical characteristics to improve its sensitivity and specificity. A targeted approach comprising airway eosinophilia and appropriate clinical and physiological features may improve identification of subgroups of patients who would benefit from biologic therapy or early use of ICS for disease modification.
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- 2021
3. Generalizability of randomized controlled trials in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction
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Maureen Cronin, Claire Baudier, Megan Molnar, Marinus J.C. Eijkemans, Folkert W. Asselbergs, Jasper J. Brugts, Yvonne Mei Fong Lim, Ilonca Vaartjes, Arno W. Hoes, Alicia Uijl, Vanessa Blanc-Guillemaud, Gianluigi Savarese, Christoph Gerlinger, Diederick E. Grobbee, Stefan Koudstaal, Hans-Peter Brunner-La Rocca, Tomasz Dyszynski, Lars Lund, Fabrice Couvelard, Eleni Vradi, Benoit Tyl, Kiliana Suzart-Woischnik, Sandra Waechter, Cardiology, Cardiologie, MUMC+: MA Med Staf Spec Cardiologie (9), RS: Carim - H02 Cardiomyopathy, and Epidemiology and Data Science
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medicine.medical_specialty ,Population ,RATIONALE ,Generalizability, External validity, Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, Randomized clinical trials ,F INHIBITOR IVABRADINE ,DOUBLE-BLIND ,DESIGN ,SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being ,Internal medicine ,Humans ,Medicine ,Registries ,education ,POPULATION ,Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic ,Heart Failure ,education.field_of_study ,Ejection fraction ,business.industry ,Health Policy ,Mortality rate ,ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA ,WOMEN ,Stroke Volume ,Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction ,medicine.disease ,Confidence interval ,Clinical trial ,Generalizability ,Standardized mortality ratio ,External validity ,Heart failure ,Observational study ,Randomized clinical trials ,RELAX-AHF ,Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine ,business ,REAL-WORLD - Abstract
Background Heart failure (HF) trials have stringent inclusion and exclusion criteria, but limited data exist regarding generalizability of trials. We compared patient characteristics and outcomes between patients with HF and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) in trials and observational registries. Methods and Results Individual patient data for 16 922 patients from five randomized clinical trials and 46 914 patients from two HF registries were included. The registry patients were categorized into trial-eligible and non-eligible groups using the most commonly used inclusion and exclusion criteria. A total of 26 104 (56%) registry patients fulfilled the eligibility criteria. Unadjusted all-cause mortality rates at 1 year were lowest in the trial population (7%), followed by trial-eligible patients (12%) and trial-non-eligible registry patients (26%). After adjustment for age and sex, all-cause mortality rates were similar between trial participants and trial-eligible registry patients [standardized mortality ratio (SMR) 0.97; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.92–1.03] but cardiovascular mortality was higher in trial participants (SMR 1.19; 1.12–1.27). After full case-mix adjustment, the SMR for cardiovascular mortality remained higher in the trials at 1.28 (1.20–1.37) compared to RCT-eligible registry patients. Conclusion In contemporary HF registries, over half of HFrEF patients would have been eligible for trial enrolment. Crude clinical event rates were lower in the trials, but, after adjustment for case-mix, trial participants had similar rates of survival as registries. Despite this, they had about 30% higher cardiovascular mortality rates. Age and sex were the main drivers of differences in clinical outcomes between HF trials and observational HF registries.
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- 2021
4. Association between lung compliance phenotypes and mortality in COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome
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David C. Lye, Mei Fong Liew, John Abisheganaden, Jonathen Venkatachalam, Jason Phua, Barnaby Edward Young, Roshni Sadashiv Gokhale, Ser Hon Puah, Duu Wen Sewa, Yee Sin Leo, Tsin W. Yeo, Amit Kansal, Benjamin Choon Heng Ho, Vui Kian Ho, Matthew E. Cove, and Jensen Jiansheng Ng
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Mechanical ventilation ,Respiratory Distress Syndrome ,ARDS ,medicine.medical_specialty ,SARS-CoV-2 ,business.industry ,medicine.medical_treatment ,Mortality rate ,Incidence (epidemiology) ,COVID-19 ,General Medicine ,Pulmonary compliance ,medicine.disease ,Intensive care unit ,law.invention ,Phenotype ,Interquartile range ,law ,Internal medicine ,Breathing ,medicine ,Humans ,business ,Lung Compliance - Abstract
Introduction: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in COVID-19 is associated with a high mortality rate, though outcomes of the different lung compliance phenotypes are unclear. We aimed to measure lung compliance and examine other factors associated with mortality in COVID-19 patients with ARDS. Methods: Adult patients with COVID-19 ARDS who required invasive mechanical ventilation at 8 hospitals in Singapore were prospectively enrolled. Factors associated with both mortality and differences between high (
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- 2021
5. Fall prevention education to reduce fall risk among community‐dwelling older persons: A systematic review
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Mei Fong Ong, Kim Lam Soh, Rosalia Saimon, Myint Wai Wai, Manfred Mortell, and Kim Geok Soh
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Protocol (science) ,Leadership and Management ,Scopus ,Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials ,Fall risk ,Nurse's Role ,law.invention ,Systematic review ,Nursing ,Randomized controlled trial ,law ,Humans ,Accidental Falls ,Independent Living ,Nursing management ,Psychology ,Aged ,Fall prevention - Abstract
Objectives: This review aims to identify types of the existing fall prevention education (FPE) and their effectiveness in promoting fall risk awareness, knowledge and preventive fall behaviour change among community-dwelling older people. Background: FPE is a cost-effective and helpful tool for reducing fall occurrences. Evaluation: This is a systematic review study using electronic searches via EBSCOHost® platform, ScienceDirect, Scopus and Google Scholar in March 2021. The review protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021232102). The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement flow chart guided the search strategy. Articles published from January 2010 to March 2021 were included for quality appraisal using the ‘Transparent Reporting of Evaluations with Non-randomised Designs’ (TREND) and the ‘Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials’ (CONSORT) statement for randomised controlled trial studies. Key issues: Six FPE studies selected emphasised on personal health status, exercise and environmental risk factors. These studies reported an increase in fall risk awareness or knowledge and a positive change in fall preventive behaviours. Two studies included nurses as educators in FPE. Conclusion: FPE evidently improved awareness or knowledge and preventive fall behaviour change among older adults. Nurses are in great potential in planning and providing FPE for older adults in community settings. Implications for Nursing Management: Expand nurses’ roles in fall prevention programmes in community settings by using high-quality and evidence-based educational tools. Highlight the nurse’s role and collaborative management in FPE.
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- 2021
6. A Unique CD27sup-/supIgDsup-/supB Cell Population in the Sputum of Severe Eosinophilic Asthma Associated with Airway Autoimmunity
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Nadia Suray, Tan, Manali, Mukherjee, Sheau Yng, Lim, Angeline, Rouers, You Yi, Hwang, Chung Hwee, Thiam, W S Daniel, Tan, Wupeng, Liao, W S Fred, Wong, Mei Fong, Liew, Parameswaran, Nair, Anis, Larbi, De Yun, Wang, Katja, Fink, Veronique, Angeli, and Hui Fang, Lim
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Eosinophils ,Sputum ,Humans ,Autoimmunity ,Immunoglobulin D ,Pulmonary Eosinophilia ,Asthma - Published
- 2022
7. Trends for Readmission and Mortality After Heart Failure Hospitalisation in Malaysia, 2007 to 2016
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Yvonne Mei Fong Lim, Su Miin Ong, Stefan Koudstaal, Wen Yea Hwong, Houng Bang Liew, Jeyamalar Rajadurai, Diederick E. Grobbee, Folkert W. Asselbergs, Sheamini Sivasampu, and Ilonca Vaartjes
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Community and Home Care ,Male ,trends ,Epidemiology ,Malaysia ,heart failure ,outcomes ,Patient Readmission ,Patient Discharge ,ethnicity ,Hospitalization ,Ethnicity ,Humans ,Female ,Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine ,Retrospective Studies - Abstract
Background and objectives Data on population-level outcomes after heart failure (HF) hospitalisation in Asia is sparse. This study aimed to estimate readmission and mortality after hospitalisation among HF patients and examine temporal variation by sex and ethnicity. MethodsData for 105,399 patients who had incident HF hospitalisations from 2007 to 2016 were identified from a national discharge database and linked to death registration records. The outcomes assessed here were 30-day readmission, in-hospital, 30-day and one-year all-cause mortality. ResultsEighteen percent of patients (n = 16786) were readmitted within 30 days. Mortality rates were 5.3% (95% confidence interval (CI) 5.1–5.4%), 11.2% (11.0–11.4%) and 33.1% (32.9–33.4%) for in-hospital, 30-day and 1-year mortality after the index admission. Age, sex and ethnicity-adjusted 30-day readmissions increased by 2% per calendar year while in-hospital and 30-day mortality declined by 7% and 4% per year respectively. One-year mortality rates remained constant during the study period. Men were at higher risk of 30-day readmission (adjusted rate ratio (RR) 1.16, 1.13–1.20) and one-year mortality (RR 1.17, 1.15–1.19) than women. Ethnic differences in outcomes were evident. Readmission rates were equally high in Chinese and Indians relative to Malays whereas Others, which mainly comprised Indigenous groups, fared worst for in-hospital and 30-day mortality with RR 1.84 (1.64–2.07) and 1.3 (1.21–1.41) relative to Malays. ConclusionsShort-term survival was improving across sex and ethnic groups but prognosis at one year after incident HF hospitalisation remained poor. The steady increase in 30-day readmission rates deserves further investigation.
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- 2022
8. Vitamins D and D2 in Cultivated Mushrooms under Ultraviolet Irradiation and Their Bioavailability in Humans: A Mini-Review
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Peter C.K. Cheung and Mei Fong Leung
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Pharmacology ,Chemistry ,Ultraviolet Rays ,Biological Availability ,Vitamins ,Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology ,Mini review ,Bioavailability ,Ergosterol ,Drug Discovery ,Ergocalciferols ,Ultraviolet irradiation ,Vitamin D and neurology ,Humans ,Food science ,Vitamin D - Abstract
Vitamin D deficiency is a public health issue that not only results in skeletal disorders but is also linked to several chronic diseases. Several studies have shown that ultraviolet (UV)-treated mushrooms are a potential dietary source of vitamin D, as these mushrooms have a high rate of conversion of ergosterol to vitamin D2. However, there are gaps in knowledge about the most appropriate irradiation conditions, including the source, dose, intensity, and duration of irradiation, for maximizing vitamin D2 content in mushrooms. UVB seems to be most effective in transforming ergosterol to vitamin D2 in both fresh and dried mushrooms. Effects of drying, storage, and thermal treatments on vitamin D content in UV-treated fresh mushrooms have been reported. This knowledge is important for the mushroom industry in order to provide the market with vitamin D2-enhanced mushrooms in a safe and affordable manner. Recent studies in humans focused on the bioavailability of vitamin D2 from mushrooms. The study results showed that UV-treated mushrooms were effective in increasing serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels, as they contain high vitamin D2. However, other reports indicate that there are no significant changes in serum 25(OH)D levels and suggest that vitamin D2 is not as effective as vitamin D2 in increasing serum 25(OH) D levels. Vitamin D2 bioavailability is still unclear, and there is an urgent need to investigate the effectiveness, safety, and adequate amount of vitamin D2-enhanced mushrooms for reducing vitamin D deficiency and maintaining vitamin D levels.
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- 2021
9. What is the impact of metabolic syndrome and its components on reflux esophagitis? A cross-sectional study
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Mei-Fong Wu, Yao-Hsuan Hsieh, Wei-Cheng Liao, Yi-Hsuan Hsieh, Yu-Jun Chang, Pei-Yu Yang, and I-Ching Lin
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Adult ,Male ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Multivariate analysis ,Cross-sectional study ,Taiwan ,Comorbidity ,Logistic regression ,Severity of Illness Index ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Internal medicine ,Prevalence ,medicine ,Humans ,Reflux esophagitis ,lcsh:RC799-869 ,Esophagitis, Peptic ,Abdominal obesity ,Aged ,Retrospective Studies ,business.industry ,Gastroenterology ,General Medicine ,Odds ratio ,Middle Aged ,medicine.disease ,Metabolic syndrome ,Cross-Sectional Studies ,Gastroesophageal reflux ,Hyperglycemia ,Obesity, Abdominal ,030220 oncology & carcinogenesis ,Hypertension ,Female ,030211 gastroenterology & hepatology ,lcsh:Diseases of the digestive system. Gastroenterology ,medicine.symptom ,business ,Body mass index ,Research Article - Abstract
Background The prevalence rate of reflux esophagitis (RE) in Asia, including Taiwan, has increased dramatically in recent years. However, few studies have discussed on its relationship with metabolic syndrome (MetS). This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between RE and MetS and its components. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study during 2013 to 2014 in Taiwan. A total of 4895 subjects who completed upper gastrointestinal endoscopy at the Health Examination Center of Changhua Christian Hospital were enrolled. RE was defined according to the upper gastrointestinal endoscopic findings and MetS was defined according to the Taiwanese criteria. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were applied to calculate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for each variable to assess the associated features for RE. We analyzed the relationship between the number of MetS components and the severity of RE using the chi-square test for trend. Results The prevalence rates of MetS and RE were respectively 28.5 and 59.6%. According to univariate logistic regression analysis, MetS was significantly associated with RE and remained a positive association in multivariate logistic regression analysis (adjusted ORß = 1.251; 95% CI = 1.071–1.462; p = 0.005). Furthermore, among the five MetS components, elevated blood pressure (adjusted ORγ = 1.163; 95% CI = 1.023–1.323; p = 0.021), abdominal obesity (adjusted ORγ = 1.173; 95% CI = 1.020–1.349; p = 0.026) and hyperglycemia (adjusted ORγ = 1.306; 95% CI = 1.142–1.495; p
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- 2019
10. Patient experience on self-management support among primary care patients with diabetes and hypertension
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Ming Tsuey Lim, Yi Lin Lee, Siti Aminah Ismail, Xin Rou Teh, Sheamini Sivasampu, and Yvonne Mei Fong Lim
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Male ,medicine.medical_specialty ,self-management ,patient assessment of chronic illness care ,Ethnic group ,Type 2 diabetes ,Primary care ,patient education ,03 medical and health sciences ,primary healthcare ,0302 clinical medicine ,Diabetes mellitus ,Surveys and Questionnaires ,Patient experience ,Medicine ,Humans ,030212 general & internal medicine ,Aged ,Quality of Health Care ,Self-management ,Primary Health Care ,business.industry ,030503 health policy & services ,Health Policy ,shared decision-making ,Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health ,Malaysia ,General Medicine ,Middle Aged ,medicine.disease ,Cross-Sectional Studies ,Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 ,Patient Satisfaction ,Family medicine ,Hypertension ,Female ,Willingness to recommend ,0305 other medical science ,business ,Patient education ,Research Article - Abstract
Objective To determine the extent of self-management support (SMS) provided to primary care patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and hypertension and its associated factors. Design Cross-sectional survey conducted between April and May 2017. Setting Forty public clinics in Malaysia. Participants A total of 956 adult patients with T2D and/or hypertension were interviewed. Main Outcome Measures Patient experience on SMS was evaluated using a structured questionnaire of the short version Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care instrument, PACIC-M11. Linear regression analysis adjusting for complex survey design was used to determine the association of patient and clinic factors with PACIC-M11 scores. Results The overall PACIC-M11 mean was 2.3(SD,0.8) out of maximum of 5. The subscales’ mean scores were lowest for patient activation (2.1(SD,1.1)) and highest for delivery system design/decision support (2.9(SD,0.9)). Overall PACIC-M11 score was associated with age, educational level and ethnicity. Higher overall PACIC-M11 ratings was observed with increasing difference between actual and expected consultation duration [β = 0.01; 95% CI (0.001, 0.03)]. Better scores were also observed among patients who would recommend the clinic to friends and family [β = 0.19; 95% CI (0.03, 0.36)], when health providers were able to explain things in ways that were easy to understand [β = 0.34; 95% CI (0.10, 0.59)] and knew about patients’ living conditions [β = 0.31; 95% CI (0.15, 0.47)]. Conclusions Our findings indicated patients received low levels of SMS. PACIC-M11 ratings were associated with age, ethnicity, educational level, difference between actual and expected consultation length, willingness to recommend the clinic and provider communication skills.
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- 2019
11. Acquired ichthyosis and false-positive hepatitis A serology as paraneoplastic phenomena in anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive anaplastic large-cell lymphoma
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Sheena Chantelle Parmar, Usman Kassim Yakubu, Alexandra Lorna Phillips, and Mei Fong Chin
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0301 basic medicine ,myalgia ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Images In… ,030105 genetics & heredity ,Malaise ,Serology ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Ambulatory care ,parasitic diseases ,medicine ,Humans ,Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase ,Anaplastic large-cell lymphoma ,business.industry ,Ichthyosis ,Hepatitis A ,General Medicine ,medicine.disease ,Rash ,Dermatology ,Lymphoma, Large-Cell, Anaplastic ,medicine.symptom ,business ,030217 neurology & neurosurgery - Abstract
A 54-year-old autoclave technician was referred to the ambulatory care department of a UK district general hospital via his general practitioner (GP) with a 5-week history of a ‘profuse, papery’ rash ([figure 1A][1]), left groin lymphadenopathy, malaise, myalgia and fevers. He had a medical
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- 2021
12. Intra-cluster correlation coefficients in primary care patients with type 2 diabetes and hypertension
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Kian Boon Law, Yi Lin Lee, Sheamini Sivasampu, and Yvonne Mei Fong Lim
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Male ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Time Factors ,Psychological intervention ,Medicine (miscellaneous) ,Type 2 diabetes ,Disease cluster ,Intra-cluster correlation ,law.invention ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Randomized controlled trial ,law ,Patient experience ,medicine ,Cluster Analysis ,Humans ,Pharmacology (medical) ,030212 general & internal medicine ,Primary Care ,Aged ,Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic ,Retrospective Studies ,lcsh:R5-920 ,Primary Health Care ,business.industry ,Sample size ,Public health ,Malaysia ,Methodology ,Correction ,Middle Aged ,medicine.disease ,Confidence interval ,Treatment Outcome ,Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 ,Sample size determination ,Data Interpretation, Statistical ,030220 oncology & carcinogenesis ,Hypertension ,Physical therapy ,Female ,business ,lcsh:Medicine (General) - Abstract
Introduction There are few sources of published data on intra-cluster correlation coefficients (ICCs) amongst patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and/or hypertension in primary care, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. ICC values are necessary for determining the sample sizes of cluster randomized trials. Hence, we aim to report the ICC values for a range of measures from a cluster-based interventional study conducted in Malaysia. Method Baseline data from a large study entitled Evaluation of Enhanced Primary Health Care interventions in public health clinics (EnPHC-EVA: Facility) were used in this analysis. Data from 40 public primary care clinics were collected through retrospective chart reviews and a patient exit survey. We calculated the ICCs for processes of care, clinical outcomes and patient experiences in patients with T2D and/or hypertension using the analysis of variance approach. Results Patient experience had the highest ICC values compared to processes of care and clinical outcomes. The ICC values ranged from 0.01 to 0.48 for processes of care. Generally, the ICC values for processes of care for patients with hypertension only are higher than those for T2D patients, with or without hypertension. However, both groups of patients have similar ICCs for antihypertensive medications use. In addition, similar ICC values were observed for clinical outcomes, ranging from 0.01 to 0.09. For patient experience, the ICCs were between 0.03 (proportion of patients who are willing to recommend the clinic to their friends and family) and 0.25 (for Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care item 9, Given a copy of my treatment plan). Conclusion The reported ICCs and their respective 95% confidence intervals for T2D and hypertension will be useful for estimating sample sizes and improving efficiency of cluster trials conducted in the primary care setting, particularly for low- and middle-income countries.
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- 2020
13. Study protocol on Enhanced Primary Healthcare (EnPHC) interventions: a quasi-experimental controlled study on diabetes and hypertension management in primary healthcare clinics
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Swee Hung Ang, Sunita Shanmugam, Sarah Hui Li Pang, Yvonne Mei Fong Lim, Rifat Atun, Faeiz Syezri Adzmin Jaafar, Dennis Ross-Degnan, Noraziani Khamis, Xin Rou Teh, Sheamini Sivasampu, Siti Aminah Ismail, Masliyana Husin, Nazrila Hairizan Nasir, Dian Kusuma, Mohd Safiee Ismail, Wen Jun Wong, and Su Miin Ong
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medicine.medical_specialty ,hypertension ,Referral ,EnHPC ,Primary health care ,Psychological intervention ,030204 cardiovascular system & hematology ,DISEASE ,1117 Public Health and Health Services ,03 medical and health sciences ,primary healthcare ,0302 clinical medicine ,EnPHC ,Diabetes mellitus ,Intervention (counseling) ,General & Internal Medicine ,Type 2 diabetes mellitus ,medicine ,Humans ,QUALITY ,030212 general & internal medicine ,Care Planning ,Retrospective Studies ,Protocol (science) ,Science & Technology ,Primary Health Care ,business.industry ,Research ,Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health ,Malaysia ,Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus ,medicine.disease ,PREVENTION ,Checklist ,Person centred ,Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 ,Family medicine ,person centered ,business ,BURDEN ,Life Sciences & Biomedicine ,study protocol - Abstract
Aim: This paper describes the study protocol, which aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a multifaceted intervention package called ‘Enhanced Primary Healthcare’ (EnPHC) on the process of care and intermediate clinical outcomes among patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and hypertension. Other outcome measures include patients’ experience and healthcare providers’ job satisfaction. Background: In 2014, almost two-thirds of Malaysia’s adult population aged 18 years or older had T2DM, hypertension or hypercholesterolaemia. An analysis of health system performance from 2016 to 2018 revealed that the control and management of diabetes and hypertension in Malaysia was suboptimal with almost half of the patients not diagnosed and just one-quarter of patients with diabetes appropriately treated. EnPHC framework aims to improve diagnosis and effective management of T2DM, hypertension or hypercholesterolaemia and their risk factors by increasing prevention, optimising management and improving surveillance of diagnosed patients. Methods: This is a quasi-experimental controlled study which involves 20 intervention and 20 control clinics in two different states in Malaysia, namely Johor and Selangor. The clinics in the two states were matched and randomly allocated to ‘intervention’ and ‘control’ arms. The EnPHC framework targets different levels from community to primary healthcare clinics and integrated referral networks. Data are collected via a retrospective chart review (RCR), patient exit survey, healthcare provider survey and an intervention checklist. The data collected are entered into tablet computers which have installed in them an offline survey application. Interrupted time series and difference-in-differences (DiD) analyses will be conducted to report outcomes.
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- 2020
14. Promises and challenges of biologics for severe asthma
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Hui Fang Lim, W.S. Fred Wong, Ronnie Tan, Mei Fong Liew, and Bernard Pui Lam Leung
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0301 basic medicine ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Endotype ,Thymic stromal lymphopoietin ,medicine.medical_treatment ,Omalizumab ,Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized ,Biochemistry ,Targeted therapy ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Quality of life (healthcare) ,Medicine ,Humans ,Anti-Asthmatic Agents ,Molecular Targeted Therapy ,Intensive care medicine ,Asthma ,Pharmacology ,Biological Products ,business.industry ,Interleukin-17 ,Immunoglobulin E ,medicine.disease ,Dupilumab ,030104 developmental biology ,030220 oncology & carcinogenesis ,Cytokines ,Interleukin-5 ,business ,Mepolizumab ,medicine.drug - Abstract
Patients with severe asthma that remain uncontrolled incur significant medical burden and healthcare costs. Severe asthma is a heterogeneous airway disorder with complex pathophysiological mechanisms which can be broadly divided into type 2 (T2)-high and T2-low inflammatory pathways. Recent advances in asthma therapeutics with the advent of biologics have heralded an era of promising targeted therapy in this group of patients. The current available biologics, including anti-IgE mAb, anti-IL-5/IL-5R mAb and anti-IL-4Rα mAb, mainly target patients with an asthma endotype characterised by T2-high inflammation. While they have delivered positive outcomes in terms of reduction in exacerbations, improving lung function and quality of life, as well as reducing the dependence on oral corticosteroids, they have not functioned as the "panacea" as a significant proportion of patients do not respond completely to these targeted therapies. In addition, there is a lack of markers that can predict treatment response and clinicians are guided only by subjective asthma symptom scores. Suboptimal treatment response is common for individual patients. There has also been a dearth of effective targeted therapy for patients with T2-low asthma and treatment options remain limited for these patients. There is a pipeline of newer biologics targeting cytokines that operate at the interface between innate and adaptive immunity (e.g. IL-17A, thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), IL-25, IL-33, IL-32 and IL-36γ) with potential of modifying and reducing the severity of asthma. This commentary provides an overview of treatment with the current biologics and highlights the limitations, challenges and unmet needs in clinical management. We also summarise up-and-coming potential targets and therapeutic biologics for severe asthma.
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- 2020
15. Managing COVID-19 in resource-limited settings: critical care considerations
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Mei Fong Liew, Wen Ting Siow, Kay Choong See, Faisal Muchtar, and Babu Raja Shrestha
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Adult ,medicine.medical_specialty ,2019-20 coronavirus outbreak ,Letter ,Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) ,Critical Care ,Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) ,Critical Illness ,Pneumonia, Viral ,MEDLINE ,Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine ,Betacoronavirus ,Pandemic ,medicine ,Humans ,Intensive care medicine ,Developing Countries ,Pandemics ,Viral Epidemiology ,business.industry ,SARS-CoV-2 ,lcsh:Medical emergencies. Critical care. Intensive care. First aid ,COVID-19 ,lcsh:RC86-88.9 ,medicine.disease ,Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation ,Heart Arrest ,Pneumonia ,Editorial ,Health Resources ,business ,Coronavirus Infections ,Limited resources - Abstract
The 2019 coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has now involved numerous low-to-middle-income countries (LMICs). The healthcare systems in LMICs face serious constraints in capacity and accessibility during normal times. This would be aggravated during an outbreak, leading to worse clinical outcomes. Moreover, 69% of the global population aged 60 and above live in LMICs. These older persons are at increased risk of severe COVID-19 and mortality [1]. LMICs lack time and finances for swift uptake of new technologies (e.g., rapid test kits, vaccines, and antivirals). From a more urgent and pragmatic perspective, we believe creative use of existing resources and repurposing others for human medical care are needed (Table 1). We acknowledge that our suggestions may be perceived as controversial, and we wish to emphasize that maximization of conventional healthcare assets should always be done before turning to unconventional solutions.
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- 2020
16. Assessing primary care data quality
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Sheamini Sivasampu, Maryati Mohd. Yusof, and Yvonne Mei Fong Lim
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Adult ,Male ,Time Factors ,Adolescent ,020205 medical informatics ,Computer science ,Data field ,Developing country ,02 engineering and technology ,Representativeness heuristic ,Young Adult ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,0202 electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering ,Humans ,Operations management ,030212 general & internal medicine ,Child ,Developing Countries ,Aged ,Aged, 80 and over ,Data collection ,Primary Health Care ,Health Policy ,Clinical Coding ,Infant, Newborn ,Infant ,Reproducibility of Results ,Middle Aged ,Missing data ,General Business, Management and Accounting ,Data Accuracy ,Socioeconomic Factors ,Child, Preschool ,Health Care Surveys ,Data quality ,Survey data collection ,Female ,Coding (social sciences) - Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to assess National Medical Care Survey data quality. Design/methodology/approach Data completeness and representativeness were computed for all observations while other data quality measures were assessed using a 10 per cent sample from the National Medical Care Survey database; i.e., 12,569 primary care records from 189 public and private practices were included in the analysis. Findings Data field completion ranged from 69 to 100 per cent. Error rates for data transfer from paper to web-based application varied between 0.5 and 6.1 per cent. Error rates arising from diagnosis and clinical process coding were higher than medication coding. Data fields that involved free text entry were more prone to errors than those involving selection from menus. The authors found that completeness, accuracy, coding reliability and representativeness were generally good, while data timeliness needs to be improved. Research limitations/implications Only data entered into a web-based application were examined. Data omissions and errors in the original questionnaires were not covered. Practical implications Results from this study provided informative and practicable approaches to improve primary health care data completeness and accuracy especially in developing nations where resources are limited. Originality/value Primary care data quality studies in developing nations are limited. Understanding errors and missing data enables researchers and health service administrators to prevent quality-related problems in primary care data.
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- 2018
17. Using 'Big Data' Versus Alternative Measures of Aggregate Data to Predict the U.S. 2016 Presidential Election
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Brian Villagrana, Brianna Bishop, Mei Fong Zhang, and Christine Ma-Kellams
- Subjects
Adult ,Presidential election ,media_common.quotation_subject ,Big data ,050109 social psychology ,050105 experimental psychology ,White supremacy ,Humans ,0501 psychology and cognitive sciences ,Social Behavior ,General Psychology ,media_common ,Internet ,business.industry ,Data Collection ,Politics ,05 social sciences ,Multilevel model ,Implicit-association test ,United States ,Attitude ,Aggregate data ,Implicit attitude ,Prejudice ,business ,Psychology ,Social psychology - Abstract
To what extent could “Big Data” predict the results of the 2016 U.S. presidential election better than more conventional sources of aggregate measures? To test this idea, the present research used Google search trends versus other forms of state-level data (i.e., both behavioral measures like the incidence of hate crimes, hate groups, and police brutality and implicit measures like Implicit Association Test (IAT) data) to predict each state’s popular vote for the 2016 presidential election. Results demonstrate that, when taken in isolation, zero-order correlations reveal that prevalence of hate groups, prevalence of hate crimes, Google searches for racially charged terms (i.e., related to White supremacy groups, racial slurs, and the Nazi movement), and political conservatism were all significant predictors of popular support for Trump. However, subsequent hierarchical regression analyses show that when these predictors are considered simultaneously, only Google search data for historical White supremacy terms (e.g., “Adolf Hitler”) uniquely predicted election outcomes earlier and beyond political conservatism. Thus, Big Data, in the form of Google search, emerged as a more potent predictor of political behavior than other aggregate measures, including implicit attitudes and behavioral measures of racial bias. Implications for the role of racial bias in the 2016 presidential election in particular and the utility of Google search data more generally are discussed.
- Published
- 2017
18. Physicochemical characterisation, immunogenicity and protective efficacy of a lead streptococcal vaccine: progress towards Phase I trial
- Author
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Ainslie Calcutt, Zachary N. Phillips, Mei Fong Ho, Michael R. Batzloff, Jessica Powell, Michael F. Good, Mehfuz Zaman, and Manisha Pandey
- Subjects
0301 basic medicine ,Streptococcus pyogenes ,lcsh:Medicine ,Epitope ,Article ,03 medical and health sciences ,Mice ,Plasma ,Antigen ,Adjuvants, Immunologic ,Bacterial Proteins ,Conjugate vaccine ,Streptococcal Infections ,Medicine ,Animals ,Humans ,lcsh:Science ,Diphtheria toxin ,Mice, Inbred BALB C ,Multidisciplinary ,Vaccines, Conjugate ,biology ,Clinical Trials, Phase I as Topic ,business.industry ,Diphtheria ,Immunogenicity ,Streptococcal Vaccines ,lcsh:R ,Vaccine efficacy ,medicine.disease ,Virology ,Antibodies, Bacterial ,3. Good health ,Disease Models, Animal ,030104 developmental biology ,Immunology ,biology.protein ,Epitopes, B-Lymphocyte ,Female ,lcsh:Q ,Antibody ,business ,Peptide Hydrolases - Abstract
Globally, group A streptococcal infections are responsible for over 500,000 deaths per year. A safe vaccine that does not induce autoimmune pathology and that affords coverage for most GAS serotypes is highly desired. We have previously demonstrated that a vaccine based on the conserved M-protein epitope, J8 was safe and immunogenic in a pilot Phase I study. We subsequently improved vaccine efficacy by incorporation of a B-cell epitope from the IL-8 protease, SpyCEP, which protected IL-8 and enhanced neutrophil ingress to the site of infection. We have now substituted the carrier protein, diphtheria toxoid with its superior analogue, CRM197 which provides better immunogenicity and is widely used in licenced human vaccines. The new vaccine was compared with the DT conjugate vaccine to confirm that these modifications have not altered the physicochemical properties of the vaccine. This vaccine, when tested in an animal model of GAS infection, demonstrated significant reduction in systemic and local GAS burden, with comparable efficacy to the DT conjugate vaccine. The vaccine was shown to be equally effective in the presence of human plasma and in the presence of pre-existing DT-specific antibodies, thus minimising concerns regarding its potential efficacy in humans.
- Published
- 2017
19. Pre-clinical evaluation of a whole-parasite vaccine to control human babesiosis
- Author
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Sanjai Kumar, Tanjir Islam, Sharareh Eskandari, Michael R. Batzloff, Istvan Toth, Mei Fong Ho, Victoria Majam, Danielle I. Stanisic, Ali Zaid, Hanan A Al-Nazal, Waleed M. Hussein, Mariusz Skwarczynski, Michael F. Good, Emily Cooper, and Ashwini Kumar Giddam
- Subjects
Hemolytic anemia ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Drug Evaluation, Preclinical ,Antibodies, Protozoan ,Mice, SCID ,Parasitemia ,Babesia microti ,Vaccines, Attenuated ,Microbiology ,Mice ,03 medical and health sciences ,Drug Delivery Systems ,Ticks ,0302 clinical medicine ,Medical microbiology ,Immunity ,Babesiosis ,Virology ,parasitic diseases ,medicine ,Animals ,Humans ,T-Lymphocytopenia, Idiopathic CD4-Positive ,030304 developmental biology ,B-Lymphocytes ,Mice, Inbred BALB C ,0303 health sciences ,biology ,medicine.disease ,biology.organism_classification ,Vaccine efficacy ,Mice, Inbred C57BL ,Vaccination ,Liposomes ,Babesia ,biology.protein ,Female ,Parasitology ,Antibody ,030217 neurology & neurosurgery - Abstract
Babesia spp. are tick-transmitted intra-erythrocytic protozoan parasites that infect humans and animals, causing a flu-like illness and hemolytic anemia. There is currently no human vaccine available. People most at risk of severe disease are the elderly, immunosuppressed, and asplenic individuals. B. microti and B. divergens are the predominant species affecting humans. Here, we present a whole-parasite Babesia vaccine. To establish proof-of-principle, we employed chemically attenuated B. microti parasitized red blood cells from infected mice. To aid clinical translation, we produced liposomes containing killed parasite material. Vaccination significantly reduces peak parasitemia following challenge. B cells and anti-parasite antibodies do not significantly contribute to vaccine efficacy. Protection is abrogated by the removal of CD4+ T cells or macrophages prior to challenge. Importantly, splenectomized mice are protected by vaccination. To further facilitate translation, we prepared a culture-based liposomal vaccine and demonstrate that this performs as a universal vaccine inducing immunity against different human Babesia species.
- Published
- 2021
20. High-risk nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs prescribing in primary care: results from National Medical Care Survey Malaysia
- Author
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Wen Yea Hwong, Yvonne Mei Fong Lim, Ee Ming Khoo, and Sheamini Sivasampu
- Subjects
Adult ,Male ,Adolescent ,Primary Health Care ,NSAIDs ,Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal ,drug utilization review ,Infant, Newborn ,Malaysia ,Infant ,Middle Aged ,Drug Prescriptions ,high-risk prescribing ,Young Adult ,Cross-Sectional Studies ,Risk Factors ,Child, Preschool ,Surveys and Questionnaires ,non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents ,Humans ,Female ,Child - Abstract
Background Information on the extent of high-risk prescribing for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) across developing countries is scarce. Objectives This study examines the prescribing pattern for NSAIDs in primary care, assesses the extent of high-risk NSAIDs prescribing and identifies associated factors. Setting 129 public and 416 private primary care clinics in Malaysia. Methods Data were derived from the National Medical Care Survey 2014, a cross-sectional survey on primary care morbidity patterns and clinical activities in Malaysia. Types of NSAIDs, indications for NSAIDs use and proportion of high-risk NSAIDs prescribing were assessed. Factors associated with high-risk NSAIDs prescribing were identified with a multivariable logistic regression. Weighted results, adjusted for sampling design and non-response were presented. Main outcome measures Prescribing pattern of NSAIDs, proportion of high-risk NSAIDs prescribing and its associated factors. Results Among the 55,489 patients who received NSAIDs, diclofenac was the most frequently prescribed NSAID (40.5%, 95% CI 40.1-40.9%), followed by mefenamic acid (29.2%, 95% CI 28.8-29.6%). The commonest indications for NSAIDs use were musculoskeletal condition and respiratory tract infection, both at 17.8% (95% CI 17.4-18.1%). A total of 22.9% (95% CI 22.6-23.3%) patients received high-risk NSAID prescriptions. Of these, 47.8% (95% CI 46.9-48.7%) did not receive adequate gastroprotection despite being at risk, 24.8% (95% CI 24.0-25.5%) were prescribed NSAIDs despite having cardiovascular comorbidities and 22.4% (95% CI 21.7-23.2%) were prescribed high-dose NSAIDs. The odds of receiving high-risk NSAID prescriptions increased with the number of drugs prescribed (OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.06-1.43) and the number of diagnoses in one visit (OR 2.21, 95% CI 1.71-2.86). The odds of being prescribed high-risk NSAID prescriptions were lower in patients with secondary (OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.35-0.77) and tertiary education (OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.22-0.68) compared to patients without formal education. Patients' citizenship, indication for NSAID prescriptions and whether a medical certificate was issued were also significantly associated with the likelihood of receiving high-risk NSAID prescriptions. Conclusions A quarter of NSAIDs prescribed in Malaysian primary care setting is categorised as high-risk prescribing. Targeted strategies are necessary to improve patient safety. Full Text Link:https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11096-020-00966-w
- Published
- 2019
21. Mannosylated liposomes formulated with whole parasite P. falciparum blood-stage antigens are highly immunogenic in mice
- Author
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Istvan Toth, Leanne M. Low, Mehfuz Zaman, Xue Q. Liu, Michael F. Good, Aloysious Ssemaganda, Danielle I. Stanisic, Ashwini Kumar Giddam, Waleed M. Hussein, Mariusz Skwarczynski, and Mei-Fong Ho
- Subjects
Erythrocytes ,030231 tropical medicine ,Plasmodium falciparum ,Antibodies, Protozoan ,Antigens, Protozoan ,03 medical and health sciences ,Mice ,0302 clinical medicine ,Immune system ,Antigen ,Malaria Vaccines ,medicine ,Animals ,Humans ,030212 general & internal medicine ,Malaria, Falciparum ,Antigen-presenting cell ,General Veterinary ,General Immunology and Microbiology ,biology ,Malaria vaccine ,Immunogenicity ,Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health ,Red blood cell ,Infectious Diseases ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,Immunology ,Antibody Formation ,Liposomes ,biology.protein ,Molecular Medicine ,Antibody ,Rh blood group system - Abstract
The development of a blood-stage malaria vaccine has largely focused on the subunit approach. However, the limited success of this strategy, mainly due to antigenic polymorphism and the failure to maintain potent parasite-specific immune responses, indicates that other approaches must be considered. Whole parasite (WP) vaccines offer many advantages over sub-units; they represent every antigen on the organism, thus limiting the effects of antigenic polymorphism, and similarly they compensate for individual Immune-Response (Ir) gene-regulated non-responsiveness to any particular antigen. From a development perspective, they negate the need to identify and compare the relative efficacies of individual candidate antigens. WP vaccines induce protective immunity that is largely cell-mediated. However, WP blood-stage vaccines present a number of challenges for the development pathway. Key issues are cryopreservation and storage and the possible induction of antibodies against red blood cell surface antigens, even if the parasites are grown in blood group O, Rh negative blood. Here, we used a novel adaptation of an immunomagnetic method from STEMCELL™ Technologies to remove the red cell membranes from human red blood cells parasitized with P. falciparum. We then used these antigens to construct liposomes which were modified to present mannose on their membrane to target the liposome to antigen presenting cells. We then compared the immunogenicity of freshly prepared and lyophilized liposome vaccines. Following vaccination of mice, liposomes induced significantly lower antibody responses to human red cells but potent strain- and species-transcending cell-mediated immune responses to parasite antigens. These data support transitioning the P. falciparum liposomal vaccine into clinical studies.
- Published
- 2019
22. Zika virus infection in Malaysia: an epidemiological, clinical and virological analysis
- Author
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Syed Sharizman Syed Abdul Rahim, Sheamini Sivasampu, Tg Rogayah Tg Abd Rashid, Rose Nani Mudin, Ravindran Thayan, Suresh Kumar Chidambaram, Mei Fong Lim, and Yuan Liang Woon
- Subjects
Adult ,Male ,0301 basic medicine ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Epidemiology ,030106 microbiology ,Population ,Prevalence ,Disease Outbreaks ,lcsh:Infectious and parasitic diseases ,Zika virus ,03 medical and health sciences ,Zika ,0302 clinical medicine ,Blood serum ,Pregnancy ,Seroepidemiologic Studies ,Environmental health ,parasitic diseases ,medicine ,Humans ,Seroprevalence ,lcsh:RC109-216 ,030212 general & internal medicine ,education ,Phylogeny ,education.field_of_study ,biology ,Zika Virus Infection ,business.industry ,Transmission (medicine) ,Malaysia ,virus diseases ,Outbreak ,Zika Virus ,Middle Aged ,biology.organism_classification ,Infectious Diseases ,Female ,business ,Research Article - Abstract
Background A major outbreak of the Zika virus (ZIKV) has been reported in Brazil in 2015. Since then, it spread further to other countries in the Americas and resulted in declaration of the Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by World Health Organization. In 2016, Singapore reported its first minor ZIKV epidemic. Malaysia shares similar ecological environment as Brazil and Singapore which may also favor ZIKV transmission. However, no ZIKV outbreak has been reported in Malaysia to date. This study aimed to discuss all confirmed ZIKV cases captured under Malaysia ZIKV surveillance system after declaration of the PHEIC; and explore why Malaysia did not suffer a similar ZIKV outbreak as the other two countries. Methods This was an observational study reviewing all confirmed ZIKV cases detected in Malaysia through the ZIKV clinical surveillance and Flavivirus laboratory surveillance between June 2015 and December 2017. All basic demographic characteristics, co-morbidities, clinical, laboratory and outcome data of the confirmed ZIKV cases were collected from the source documents. Results Only eight out of 4043 cases tested positive for ZIKV infection during that period. The median age of infected patients was 48.6 years and majority was Chinese. Two of the subjects were pregnant. The median interval between the onset of disease and the first detection of ZIKV Ribonucleic Acid (RNA) in body fluid was 3 days. Six cases had ZIKV RNA detected in both serum and urine samples. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that isolates from the 7 cases of ZIKV infection came from two clusters, both of which were local circulating strains. Conclusion Despite similar ecological background characteristics, Malaysia was not as affected by the recent ZIKV outbreak compared to Brazil and Singapore. This could be related to pre-existing immunity against ZIKV in this population, which developed after the first introduction of the ZIKV in Malaysia decades ago. A serosurvey to determine the seroprevalence of ZIKV in Malaysia was carried out in 2017. The differences in circulating ZIKV strains could be another reason as to why Malaysia seemed to be protected from an outbreak.
- Published
- 2019
23. Controlled Infection Immunization Using Delayed Death Drug Treatment Elicits Protective Immune Responses to Blood-Stage Malaria Parasites
- Author
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Victoria Ozberk, Kevin O’Callaghan, Michael F. Good, Xue Q. Liu, Leanne M. Low, Aloysious Ssemaganda, Amy Morrison, John Gerrard, Kylie Alcorn, James Fink, Lana Sundac, Mei-Fong Ho, and Danielle I. Stanisic
- Subjects
0301 basic medicine ,Male ,030106 microbiology ,Immunology ,Plasmodium falciparum ,malaria ,macromolecular substances ,Biology ,Adaptive Immunity ,Azithromycin ,Microbiology ,Plasmodium chabaudi ,03 medical and health sciences ,Antimalarials ,Young Adult ,Immune system ,Antigen ,Immunity ,parasitic diseases ,medicine ,Animals ,Humans ,Malaria, Falciparum ,Doxycycline ,Mice, Inbred BALB C ,Innate immune system ,Vaccination ,Plasmodium yoelii ,Th1 Cells ,biology.organism_classification ,Acquired immune system ,3. Good health ,Mice, Inbred C57BL ,Disease Models, Animal ,030104 developmental biology ,Infectious Diseases ,Immunization ,Microbial Immunity and Vaccines ,Cytokines ,Parasitology ,Female ,medicine.drug - Abstract
Naturally acquired immunity to malaria is robust and protective against all strains of the same species of Plasmodium. This develops as a result of repeated natural infection, taking several years to develop., Naturally acquired immunity to malaria is robust and protective against all strains of the same species of Plasmodium. This develops as a result of repeated natural infection, taking several years to develop. Evidence suggests that apoptosis of immune lymphocytes due to uncontrolled parasite growth contributes to the slow acquisition of immunity. To hasten and augment the development of natural immunity, we studied controlled infection immunization (CII) using low-dose exposure to different parasite species (Plasmodium chabaudi, P. yoelii, or P. falciparum) in two rodent systems (BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice) and in human volunteers, with drug therapy commencing at the time of initiation of infection. CIIs with infected erythrocytes and in conjunction with doxycycline or azithromycin, which are delayed death drugs targeting the parasite’s apicoplast, allowed extended exposure to parasites at low levels. In turn, this induced strong protection against homologous challenge in all immunized mice. We show that P. chabaudi/P. yoelii infection initiated at the commencement of doxycycline therapy leads to cellular or antibody-mediated protective immune responses in mice, with a broad Th1 cytokine response providing the best correlate of protection against homologous and heterologous species of Plasmodium. P. falciparum CII with doxycycline was additionally tested in a pilot clinical study (n = 4) and was found to be well tolerated and immunogenic, with immunological studies primarily detecting increased cell-associated immune responses. Furthermore, we report that a single dose of the longer-acting drug, azithromycin, given to mice (n = 5) as a single subcutaneous treatment at the initiation of infection controlled P. yoelii infection and protected all mice against subsequent challenge.
- Published
- 2018
24. Canthin-6-one Isolated from Bruceajavanica Root Blocks Cancer Cells in the G2/M phase and Synergizes with Cisplatin
- Author
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Norazwana, Samat, Mei Fong, Ng, Hui Mei, Lee, Sui Kiong, Ling, Pei Jean, Tan, and Vyomesh, Patel
- Subjects
Molecular Structure ,Cell Line, Tumor ,Brucea ,Humans ,Antineoplastic Agents ,Drug Synergism ,Cell Cycle Checkpoints ,Cisplatin ,Plant Roots ,Carbolines ,Indole Alkaloids - Abstract
Poor prognosis of most cancer patients is in part, due to limited therapeutic options. Furthermore, as chemotherapy remains the standard-of-care for several cancers, partial or lack of response remains a concern and compounding this are the adverse side effects of the treatment that severely impacts the quality of life and survival. In pursuit of improving treatment options, we have opted to investigate the unique chemical skeleton of natural compounds as anticancer therapies. In this study, from an initial screen of 31 crude methanol extracts from -15 plant species using HL60 cells, the root extract of Bruceajavanica (L.) Merr indicated the presence of bioactive compounds. Subsequent bioassay-guided purification on the root extract yielded two alkaloids canthin-6-one (1) and bruceolline J (2), which were further investigated for their bioactivity in representative human cancer lines and normal phenotypic counterparts. MTT assay demonstrated ED50 values from 34.7-72.9 gM for 1 and 16.0-54.0 gM for 2 for the cancer cell lines panel. NP69 cells also demonstrated sensitivity to. both compounds (9.3 piM and 4.5 pM). As amount of 2 isolated were limiting, we focused on 1 to further identify novel anticancer properties in PC3 and HeLa cancer lines. We observed at 30 gM, I induced a G2/M phase arrest coinciding with decreased cell proliferation. Furthermore, I was able to synergize the cytotoxic effect of cisplatin when used in combination, suggesting the potential of combination therapy for those less responsive lesions to standard chemotherapy.
- Published
- 2018
25. Extracellular Matrix Stiffness Exists in a Feedback Loop that Drives Tumor Progression
- Author
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Allison K, Simi, Mei-Fong, Pang, and Celeste M, Nelson
- Subjects
Cellular Microenvironment ,Cell Movement ,Neoplasms ,Humans ,Biomechanical Phenomena ,Extracellular Matrix ,Signal Transduction - Abstract
Cells communicate constantly with their surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM) to maintain homeostasis, using both mechanical and chemical signals. In cancer, abnormal signaling leads to stiffening of the ECM. A stiff microenvironment affects many aspects of the cell, including internal molecular signaling as well as behaviors such as motility and proliferation. Thus, cells and ECM interact in a feedback loop to drive matrix deposition and cross-linking, which alter the mechanical properties of the tissue. Stiffer tissue enhances the invasive potential of a tumor and decreases therapeutic efficacy. This chapter describes how specific molecular effects caused by an abnormally stiff tissue drive macroscopic changes that help determine disease outcome. A complete understanding may foster the generation of new cancer therapies.
- Published
- 2018
26. Simulated electronic health documentation: A cross-sectional exploration of factors influencing nursing students’ intention to use
- Author
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Yanika Kowitlawakul, Saloma Pawi, Kim Geok Chan, Mei Fong Ong, and Siew Ching Goy
- Subjects
business.product_category ,Intention to use ,Documentation ,Intention ,Education ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Nursing ,Surveys and Questionnaires ,ComputingMilieux_COMPUTERSANDEDUCATION ,Internet access ,Humans ,030212 general & internal medicine ,Nurse education ,General Nursing ,Data collection ,Academic year ,030504 nursing ,business.industry ,Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate ,Usability ,General Medicine ,Cross-Sectional Studies ,Students, Nursing ,Technology acceptance model ,Electronics ,0305 other medical science ,Psychology ,business - Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate factors influencing nursing students' intention to use a simulated web-application 'Integrated Nursing Education System' for practicing electronic health documentation. The cross-sectional study was conducted at a Malaysian University that provides undergraduate nursing degree program. A total of 133 undergraduate nursing students in their year 2 to year 4 of the program were recruited. They had accessed the simulated web-application as part of the teaching-learning activities during the academic year 2016/2017. Technology Acceptance Model was used to guide the study. Validated questionnaires were used to measure the students' perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, attitudes and intention to use the application. Data collection was done at the end of the semester. Data analysis was done using SPSS (19.0) and AMOS (23.0). Perceived usefulness was the most influential factor of the students' intention to use the simulated web-application. Perceived ease of use influenced their perceived usefulness significantly. Nurse educators should explain the usefulness of the simulated web-application before assigning students to access it to practice electronic health documentation. The availability of a stable internet access and IT support is important to influence students' perceived ease of use and intention to use the application.
- Published
- 2020
27. Tissue Stiffness and Hypoxia Modulate the Integrin-Linked Kinase ILK to Control Breast Cancer Stem-like Cells
- Author
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Melody Stallings-Mann, Siyang Han, Michael J. Siedlik, Mei-Fong Pang, Derek C. Radisky, and Celeste M. Nelson
- Subjects
0301 basic medicine ,Cancer Research ,Pathology ,medicine.medical_specialty ,animal structures ,Immunoblotting ,Breast Neoplasms ,Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases ,Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction ,Time-Lapse Imaging ,Article ,Metastasis ,Mice ,03 medical and health sciences ,Breast cancer ,Cell Line, Tumor ,Image Processing, Computer-Assisted ,Tumor Microenvironment ,medicine ,Animals ,Humans ,Integrin-linked kinase ,PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway ,Tumor microenvironment ,biology ,Chemistry ,CD44 ,Flow Cytometry ,medicine.disease ,Cell Hypoxia ,Oxygen tension ,030104 developmental biology ,Oncology ,embryonic structures ,Cancer cell ,Neoplastic Stem Cells ,biology.protein ,Cancer research ,Female - Abstract
Breast tumors are stiffer and more hypoxic than nonmalignant breast tissue. Here we report that stiff and hypoxic microenvironments promote the development of breast cancer stem-like cells (CSC) through modulation of the integrin-linked kinase ILK. Depleting ILK blocked stiffness and hypoxia-dependent acquisition of CSC marker expression and behavior, whereas ectopic expression of ILK stimulated CSC development under softer or normoxic conditions. Stiff microenvironments also promoted tumor formation and metastasis in ovo, where depleting ILK significantly abrogated the tumorigenic and metastatic potential of invasive breast cancer cells. We further found that the ILK-mediated phenotypes induced by stiff and hypoxic microenvironments are regulated by PI3K/Akt. Analysis of human breast cancer specimens revealed an association between substratum stiffness, ILK, and CSC markers, insofar as ILK and CD44 were expressed in cancer cells located in tumor regions predicted to be stiff. Our results define ILK as a key mechanotransducer in modulating breast CSC development in response to tissue mechanics and oxygen tension. Cancer Res; 76(18); 5277–87. ©2016 AACR.
- Published
- 2016
28. Factors affecting clinical outcomes in the management of melioidosis in Singapore: a 16-year case series
- Author
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Thuan Tong Tan, Jaime Mei-Fong Chien, Ai-Ling Tan, and Seyed Ehsan Saffari
- Subjects
Adult ,Male ,0301 basic medicine ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Burkholderia pseudomallei ,Melioidosis ,B. pseudomallei ,030106 microbiology ,030231 tropical medicine ,Bacteremia ,lcsh:Infectious and parasitic diseases ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Disk Diffusion Antimicrobial Tests ,Recurrence ,Interquartile range ,Internal medicine ,Odds Ratio ,medicine ,Humans ,lcsh:RC109-216 ,Mortality ,Aged ,Retrospective Studies ,Singapore ,Univariate analysis ,biology ,Septic shock ,business.industry ,Retrospective cohort study ,Middle Aged ,Pneumonia, Pneumococcal ,medicine.disease ,biology.organism_classification ,Shock, Septic ,Anti-Bacterial Agents ,Hospitalization ,Pneumonia ,Logistic Models ,Infectious Diseases ,Female ,Recurrent ,business ,Research Article - Abstract
Background Burkholderia pseudomallei is a gram negative bacteria that causes a spectrum of human diseases in the tropics. Although melioidosis is endemic in Southeast Asia, large clinical case series were rarely reported from metropolitan Singapore. Methods This is a retrospective study of 219 consecutive patients with culture proven infections due to Burkholderia pseudomallei between the years 2001 to 2016 managed in Singapore General Hospital (SGH). We aimed to review local patients’ characteristics and identify clinical factors associated with mortality and recurrent melioidosis. Results Culture proven melioidosis occurred in 219 patients, 83.1% were male with a mean age of 55.7 ± 14.3 years and 63.0% had diabetes mellitus. Most patients (71.7%) present within 4 weeks of symptom onset and the most common symptom was fever. The majority of patients had bacteremia (67.6%) and had infection involving the respiratory system (71.2%), presenting most frequently with multi-lobar pneumonia. Thirty-four (15.5%) deaths occurred during the initial hospitalisation with a median time from presentation to death of 6.0 days (interquartile range: 2.8–16.3). Twelve patients demised before the diagnosis of melioidosis was made. Univariate analysis identified patients with symptom duration of longer than 4 weeks, bacteremia, and disease requiring mechanical ventilation, inotropic support or temporary dialysis as factors that were significantly associated with mortality. Having bacteremia and disease requiring mechanical ventilation remained statistically significant factors in the multivariable analysis. Twenty-one (11.4%) patients developed at least 1 episode of culture proven recurrent infection, with 15 recurring within the first 12 months of their initial infection. Eight patients developed more than 1 episode of culture proven recurrent infection. Patients with multifocal infection were more likely to develop recurrent infection. Conclusion In metropolitan Singapore, melioidosis was associated with mortality in excess of 15%, where more than a third occurred before diagnosis. This study reminds local physicians that melioidosis is still a serious infection affecting local male diabetic patients and an important differential diagnosis in a patient presenting with severe multi-lobar pneumonia and septic shock. Recurrent infections occurred in 11.4% and the weight-based dosing of oral eradication antibiotics may improve the management of this disease locally.
- Published
- 2018
29. Age, sex and primary care setting differences in patients’ perception of community healthcare seeking behaviour towards health services
- Author
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Seng Fah Tong, Sheamini Sivasampu, Yvonne Mei Fong Lim, and Ming Tsuey Lim
- Subjects
Male ,Social Sciences ,Logistic regression ,0302 clinical medicine ,Surveys and Questionnaires ,Health care ,Medicine and Health Sciences ,Psychology ,Medicine ,Public and Occupational Health ,Community Health Services ,030212 general & internal medicine ,Multidisciplinary ,Stomach ,Age Factors ,Middle Aged ,Anxiety ,Female ,Anatomy ,Warts ,medicine.symptom ,Behavioral and Social Aspects of Health ,0305 other medical science ,Psychosocial ,Research Article ,Adult ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Patients ,Science ,MEDLINE ,Dermatology ,03 medical and health sciences ,Sex Factors ,Mental Health and Psychiatry ,Patient experience ,Humans ,Primary Care ,Psychological and Psychosocial Issues ,Behavior ,030505 public health ,Primary Health Care ,business.industry ,Biology and Life Sciences ,Odds ratio ,Patient Acceptance of Health Care ,Health Care ,Gastrointestinal Tract ,Family medicine ,Domestic violence ,Perception ,business ,Digestive System - Abstract
Introduction Understanding the potential determinants of community healthcare seeking behaviour helps in improving healthcare utilisation and health outcomes within different populations. This in turn will aid the development of healthcare policies and planning for prevention, early diagnosis and management of health conditions. Objective To evaluate patients’ perception of community healthcare seeking behaviour towards both acute and preventive physical and psychosocial health concerns by sex, age and type of primary care setting (as a proxy for affordability of healthcare). Methods A total of 3979 patients from 221 public and 239 private clinics in Malaysia were interviewed between June 2015 and February 2016 using a patient experience survey questionnaire from the Quality and Cost of Primary Care cross-sectional study. Multivariable logistic regression analysis adjusted for the complex survey design was used. Results After adjusting for covariates, more women than men perceived that most people would see their general practitioners for commonly consulted acute and preventive physical and some psychosocial health concerns such as stomach pain (adjusted odds ratio (AOR), 1.64; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.22–2.21), sprained ankle (AOR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.06–1.56), anxiety (AOR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.12–1.55), domestic violence (AOR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.13–1.62) and relationship problems (AOR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.02–1.51). There were no significant differences in perceived healthcare seeking behaviour by age groups except for the removal of a wart (AOR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.12–1.76). Patients who visited the public clinics had generally higher perception of community healthcare seeking behaviour for both acute and preventive physical and psychosocial health concerns compared to those who went to private clinics. Conclusions Our findings showed that sex and healthcare affordability differences were present in perceived community healthcare seeking behaviour towards primary care services. Also perceived healthcare seeking behaviour were consistently lower for psychosocial health concerns compared to physical health concerns.
- Published
- 2019
30. Variation of polypharmacy in older primary care attenders occurs at prescriber level
- Author
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Su Miin Ong, Ee Ming Khoo, Yvonne Mei Fong Lim, and Sheamini Sivasampu
- Subjects
Male ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Epidemiology ,medicine.medical_treatment ,Population ,Psychological intervention ,Medication ,lcsh:Geriatrics ,030204 cardiovascular system & hematology ,Ambulatory Care Facilities ,Physicians, Primary Care ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,medicine ,Humans ,030212 general & internal medicine ,Adverse effect ,education ,Aged ,Polypharmacy ,education.field_of_study ,Rehabilitation ,Primary Health Care ,business.industry ,Age Factors ,Malaysia ,Multimorbidity ,Odds ratio ,lcsh:RC952-954.6 ,Cross-Sectional Studies ,Private practice ,Family medicine ,Female ,Multilevel modelling ,Geriatrics and Gerontology ,business ,Research Article - Abstract
Background Polypharmacy is particularly important in older persons as they are more likely to experience adverse events compared to the rest of the population. Despite the relevance, there is a lack of studies on the possible association of patient, prescriber and practice characteristics with polypharmacy. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the rate of polypharmacy among older persons attending public and private primary care clinics, and its association with patient, prescriber and practice characteristics. Methods We used data from The National Medical Care Survey (NMCS), a national cross-sectional survey of patients’ visits to primary care clinics in Malaysia. A weighted total of 22,832 encounters of patients aged ≥65 years were analysed. Polypharmacy was defined as concomitant use of five medications and above. Multilevel logistic regression was performed to examine the association of polypharmacy with patient, prescriber and practice characteristics. Results A total of 20.3% of the older primary care attenders experienced polypharmacy (26.7%% in public and 11.0% in private practice). The adjusted odds ratio (OR) of polypharmacy were 6.37 times greater in public practices. Polypharmacy was associated with patients of female gender (OR 1.49), primary education level (OR 1.61) and multimorbidity (OR 14.21). The variation in rate of polypharmacy was mainly found at prescriber level. Conclusion Polypharmacy is common among older persons visiting primary care practices. Given the possible adverse outcomes, interventions to reduce the burden of polypharmacy are best to be directed at individual prescribers.
- Published
- 2018
31. Optimisation of extraction and sludge dewatering efficiencies of bio-flocculants extracted from Abelmoschus esculentus (okra)
- Author
-
Mei Fong Chong, Eleanor Binner, John P. Robinson, and Chai Siah Lee
- Subjects
Flocculation ,Environmental Engineering ,Okra ,Polyacrylamide ,Extraction ,Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law ,Bio-flocculant ,Water Purification ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,Abelmoschus ,Sludge dewatering ,Humans ,Optimisation ,Waste Management and Disposal ,Suspended solids ,Sewage ,Waste management ,biology ,Plant Extracts ,Extraction (chemistry) ,Water ,Water extraction ,General Medicine ,Pulp and paper industry ,biology.organism_classification ,chemistry ,Yield (chemistry) ,Water treatment - Abstract
The production of natural biopolymers as flocculants for water treatment is highly desirable due to their inherent low toxicity and low environmental footprint. In this study, bio-flocculants were extracted from Hibiscus/Abelmoschus esculentus (okra) by using a water extraction method, and the extract yield and its performance in sludge dewatering were evaluated. Single factor experimental design was employed to obtain the optimum conditions for extraction temperature (25–90 °C), time (0.25–5 h), solvent loading (0.5–5 w/w) and agitation speed (0–225 rpm). Results showed that extraction yield was affected non-linearly by all experimental variables, whilst the sludge dewatering ability was only influenced by the temperature of the extraction process. The optimum extraction conditions were obtained at 70 °C, 2 h, solvent loading of 2.5 w/w and agitation at 200 rpm. Under the optimal conditions, the extract yield was 2.38%, which is comparable to the extraction of other polysaccharides (0.69–3.66%). The bio-flocculants displayed >98% removal of suspended solids and 68% water recovery during sludge dewatering, and were shown to be comparable with commercial polyacrylamide flocculants. This work shows that bio-flocculants could offer a feasible alternative to synthetic flocculants for water treatment and sludge dewatering applications, and can be extracted using only water as a solvent, minimising the environmental footprint of the extraction process.
- Published
- 2015
32. Substratum stiffness tunes proliferation downstream of Wnt3a in part by regulating integrin-linked kinase and frizzled-1
- Author
-
Siyang Han, Celeste M. Nelson, and Mei-Fong Pang
- Subjects
0301 basic medicine ,FZD1 ,Frizzled ,animal structures ,Integrin ,macromolecular substances ,Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases ,Extracellular matrix ,03 medical and health sciences ,Wnt3A Protein ,Humans ,Integrin-linked kinase ,Mechanotransduction ,Cells, Cultured ,Cell Proliferation ,biology ,Wnt signaling pathway ,Cell Biology ,Frizzled Receptors ,Cell biology ,Extracellular Matrix ,030104 developmental biology ,embryonic structures ,biology.protein ,Ectopic expression ,Research Article - Abstract
The Wnt/β-catenin pathway controls a variety of cellular behaviors, aberrant activation of which are associated with tumor progression in several types of cancer. The same cellular behaviors are also affected by the mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM) substratum, which induces signaling through integrins and integrin-linked kinase (ILK). Here, we examined the role of substratum stiffness in the regulation of cell proliferation downstream of Wnt3a. We found that treatment with Wnt3a increased proliferation of cells cultured on stiff substrata, with compliances characteristic of breast tumors, but not of cells on soft substrata, with compliances comparable to that of normal mammary tissue. Depleting ILK rendered cells unresponsive to Wnt3a on both substrata. Ectopic expression of ILK permitted Wnt3a to induce proliferation of cells on both microenvironments, although proliferation on soft substrata remained lower than that on stiff substrata. We further showed that ILK regulates expression of the Wnt receptor frizzled-1 (Fzd1), suggesting the presence of a positive feedback loop between Wnt3a, ILK and Fzd1. These findings suggest that tissue mechanics regulates the cellular response to Wnt under physiological and pathological microenvironmental conditions. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
- Published
- 2017
33. Successful Treatment of Autoimmune Disease-Associated Pyoderma Gangrenosum With the IL-1 Receptor Antagonist Anakinra: A Case Series of 3 Patients
- Author
-
Martin A. Bevan, Krishnan Bhagwandas, Marisa Taylor, Celia Beynon, Mei Fong Chin, Thomas M. Lawson, and Prasad Hunasehally
- Subjects
0301 basic medicine ,medicine.medical_specialty ,medicine.drug_class ,Biopsy ,Drug Resistance ,Arthritis ,Drug resistance ,Arthritis, Rheumatoid ,030207 dermatology & venereal diseases ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Rheumatology ,medicine ,Humans ,Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic ,Receptor ,Autoimmune disease ,Anakinra ,Lupus erythematosus ,business.industry ,Receptors, Interleukin-1 ,Middle Aged ,medicine.disease ,Receptor antagonist ,Dermatology ,Pyoderma Gangrenosum ,Interleukin 1 Receptor Antagonist Protein ,030104 developmental biology ,Treatment Outcome ,Female ,business ,Pyoderma gangrenosum ,medicine.drug - Published
- 2017
34. Cryptococcus gattii Infection Presenting as an Aggressive Lung Mass
- Author
-
Jaime Mei Fong Chien, Thuan Tong Tan, and Shuwei Zheng
- Subjects
0301 basic medicine ,Male ,Pathology ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Veterinary (miscellaneous) ,030106 microbiology ,HIV Infections ,Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology ,Microbiology ,Lesion ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Bronchoscopy ,medicine ,Humans ,030212 general & internal medicine ,Cryptococcus gattii ,Hilar Mass ,Lung ,Singapore ,medicine.diagnostic_test ,biology ,Lung Diseases, Fungal ,business.industry ,Cell Biology ,Cryptococcosis ,Middle Aged ,medicine.disease ,biology.organism_classification ,Pneumonia ,Bronchoalveolar lavage ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,Radiography, Thoracic ,medicine.symptom ,Chest radiograph ,business ,Tomography, X-Ray Computed ,Agronomy and Crop Science ,Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid - Abstract
Cryptococcus gattii is an endemic fungus predominantly isolated in the tropical and subtropical regions, causing predominantly pulmonary disease with a predilection for the central nervous system. Herein, we report a case of rapidly progressing C. gattii pneumonia in an immune-deficient but virologically suppressed host with underlying human immunodeficiency viral (HIV) infection, exhibiting various fungal morphologies from bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cytological specimens. A 51-year-old Chinese male with known HIV disease was admitted to the Singapore General Hospital for evaluation of functional decline, febrile episodes, and a left hilar mass on chest radiograph. Computed tomography (CT) showed consolidation in the apical segment of the left lower lobe. He underwent bronchoscopy and BAL. Positron emission tomography-computed tomography done 10 days after the initial CT showed approximate doubling of the pulmonary lesion. Cytological examination of the fluid revealed yeasts of varying sizes. Subsequent fungal culture from BAL fluid grew C. gattii 10 days later.
- Published
- 2017
35. The effect of anxiety and depression on the risk of irritable bowel syndrome in migraine patients
- Author
-
Yu-Wen Yang, Yen-Yu Chen, and Mei-Fong Wu
- Subjects
Adult ,Male ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Databases, Factual ,Migraine Disorders ,Taiwan ,Comorbidity ,Anxiety ,Cohort Studies ,Irritable Bowel Syndrome ,03 medical and health sciences ,Young Adult ,0302 clinical medicine ,Risk Factors ,Physiology (medical) ,Internal medicine ,medicine ,Humans ,Risk factor ,Psychiatry ,Depression (differential diagnoses) ,Irritable bowel syndrome ,Aged ,Aged, 80 and over ,business.industry ,Depression ,Incidence ,General Medicine ,Middle Aged ,medicine.disease ,Mood ,Neurology ,Mood disorders ,Migraine ,Cohort ,030211 gastroenterology & hepatology ,Surgery ,Female ,Neurology (clinical) ,medicine.symptom ,business ,030217 neurology & neurosurgery - Abstract
Bidirectional co-morbidity between migraine and depression has been observed. Mood disorders are associated with an increased risk of both migraine and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk of developing IBS in patients with migraine and to compare the risks between those with and without anxiety or depression. This research used the data contained in the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD). A total of 2859 subjects with migraine and 5718 age-, sex-, hypertension-, diabetes-, mood disorder-matched controls were identified. Both cohorts excluded subjects with pre-existing catastrophic illness and IBS diagnosed before the index visit or within 30days after the index visit. All individuals of both cohorts were tracked until either having the diagnosis of IBS, loss of follow-up, or IBS free up to 7years. During the 7-year follow-up period, 8.4% of patients with migraine and 5.4% of control cohort developed IBS. Migraine is associated with an increased risk of developing IBS (HR=1.58, 95% CI: 1.33-1.87). When separating the cohort into those with mood disorder and without it, migraine is a significant risk factor of IBS in patients without mood disorders, but not in patients with co-existed mood disorders. The findings of this study suggest that migraine is a risk factor of future IBS development for those without comorbid anxiety or depression. However, migraine does not contribute significantly additional risk to IBS development in patients with comorbid anxiety or depression.
- Published
- 2017
36. Menopausal Symptoms and the Menopausal Rating Scale Among Midlife Chinese Women in Macau, China
- Author
-
Yuk Tsan Wun, Mei Fong Chou, and Sai Meng Pang
- Subjects
Adult ,Sleep Wake Disorders ,China ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Sweating ,Behavioral Symptoms ,Irritability ,Severity of Illness Index ,Asian People ,Quality of life ,Rating scale ,Surveys and Questionnaires ,MUSCLE DISCOMFORT ,Prevalence ,medicine ,Humans ,Fatigue ,Analysis of Variance ,Macau ,Depression ,business.industry ,Genitourinary system ,Public health ,General Medicine ,Middle Aged ,medicine.disease ,Menopause ,Cross-Sectional Studies ,Logistic Models ,Socioeconomic Factors ,Hot Flashes ,Quality of Life ,Physical therapy ,Female ,medicine.symptom ,business - Abstract
Studies on menopause-related quality of life (QoL), especially using the Menopausal Rating Scale (MRS), in Asian women are scarce. This study surveyed menopausal symptoms in a convenience sample of 442 Chinese women aged 40-60 years who attended the Well-Women Clinic, Macau, China, in a public health center. The questionnaire included sociodemographic data, the MRS, and a novel question on which area of QoL was affected. The average age of the participants was 49.2±5.08 years, and 98.9% of them reported experiencing menopausal symptoms. The four most prevalent menopausal symptoms were physical and mental exhaustion (90.3%), joint and muscle discomfort (88.5%), irritability (78.1%), and sleep problems (77.1%). The average MRS score was 14.2±8.80. A severe MRS score (≥17) was found in 35.5% of participants. Severe scores in the psychological, somatic, and urogenital MRS subscales were found in 17.9%, 42.8%, and 34.8%, of women, respectively. Menopausal symptoms affected QoL in 57.2% of women: daily life in 36.7%, work in 29.2%, sexual life in 17.0%, and relationship with husband in 13.8%. Daily life was significantly affected by hot flushes and joint/muscular discomfort; work was reportedly affected by irritability and exhaustion; sexual life was reported to be affected by hot flushes, sexual problems, and vaginal dryness, and relationship with husband was affected by sexual problems. We concluded that menopausal symptoms were highly prevalent among midlife Chinese women and often affected their QoL. The MRS, however, did not have a high sensitivity in detecting impaired QoL.
- Published
- 2014
37. Zebrafish phenotypic screen identifies novel Notch antagonists
- Author
-
Vyomesh Patel, Sze Wei Leong, Siti Munirah Mohd Faudzi, Pei Jean Tan, Kazuhide S. Okuda, Sok Ching Cheong, Vithya Velaithan, Faridah Abas, Norazwana Samat, Mei Fong Ng, and Khozirah Shaari
- Subjects
0301 basic medicine ,Curcumin ,Embryo, Nonmammalian ,Cell Survival ,Phenotypic screening ,Notch signaling pathway ,Antineoplastic Agents ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Cell Line, Tumor ,Animals ,Humans ,Pharmacology (medical) ,HES1 ,Enhancer ,Zebrafish ,Cell Proliferation ,Pharmacology ,Genetics ,biology ,Receptors, Notch ,Drug discovery ,HEK 293 cells ,Cell Cycle ,Zebrafish Proteins ,biology.organism_classification ,Phenotype ,Triterpenes ,Cell biology ,030104 developmental biology ,HEK293 Cells ,Oncology ,030220 oncology & carcinogenesis ,embryonic structures - Abstract
Zebrafish represents a powerful in vivo model for phenotype-based drug discovery to identify clinically relevant small molecules. By utilizing this model, we evaluated natural product derived compounds that could potentially modulate Notch signaling that is important in both zebrafish embryogenesis and pathogenic in human cancers. A total of 234 compounds were screened using zebrafish embryos and 3 were identified to be conferring phenotypic alterations similar to embryos treated with known Notch inhibitors. Subsequent secondary screens using HEK293T cells overexpressing truncated Notch1 (HEK293TΔE) identified 2 compounds, EDD3 and 3H4MB, to be potential Notch antagonists. Both compounds reduced protein expression of NOTCH1, Notch intracellular domain (NICD) and hairy and enhancer of split-1 (HES1) in HEK293TΔE and downregulated Notch target genes. Importantly, EDD3 treatment of human oral cancer cell lines demonstrated reduction of Notch target proteins and genes. EDD3 also inhibited proliferation and induced G0/G1 cell cycle arrest of ORL-150 cells through inducing p27KIP1. Our data demonstrates the utility of the zebrafish phenotypic screen and identifying EDD3 as a promising Notch antagonist for further development as a novel therapeutic agent.
- Published
- 2016
38. A 3D Culture Model to Study How Fluid Pressure and Flow Affect the Behavior of Aggregates of Epithelial Cells
- Author
-
Alexandra S, Piotrowski-Daspit, Allison K, Simi, Mei-Fong, Pang, Joe, Tien, and Celeste M, Nelson
- Subjects
Pressure ,Humans ,Epithelial Cells ,Extracellular Fluid ,Stress, Mechanical ,Cells, Cultured - Abstract
Cells are surrounded by mechanical stimuli in their microenvironment. It is important to determine how cells respond to the mechanical information that surrounds them in order to understand both development and disease progression, as well as to be able to predict cell behavior in response to physical stimuli. Here we describe a protocol to determine the effects of interstitial fluid flow on the migratory behavior of an aggregate of epithelial cells in a three-dimensional (3D) culture model. This protocol includes detailed methods for the fabrication of a 3D cell culture chamber with hydrostatic pressure control, the culture of epithelial cells as an aggregate in a collagen gel, and the analysis of collective cell behavior in response to pressure-driven flow.
- Published
- 2016
39. Use of cryobiopsy during pleuroscopy for diagnosis of sarcomatoid malignant mesothelioma
- Author
-
Mei-Fong Liew, Ju Ee Seet, Pyng Lee, and Hiang Ping Chan
- Subjects
Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine ,Image-Guided Biopsy ,Male ,Mesothelioma ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Pathology ,Lung Neoplasms ,Pleural effusion ,Parietal Pleura ,medicine.medical_treatment ,Forceps ,Cryosurgery ,03 medical and health sciences ,Pleural disease ,0302 clinical medicine ,Thoracoscopy ,medicine ,Humans ,Aged ,medicine.diagnostic_test ,business.industry ,Mesothelioma, Malignant ,medicine.disease ,030228 respiratory system ,Cardiothoracic surgery ,030220 oncology & carcinogenesis ,business - Abstract
A 74-year-old man presented with cough of 3 weeks' duration. Chest X-ray showed a large left-sided pleural effusion (figure 1) that was a lymphocytic exudate with normal adenosine deaminase level, and negative bacterial and mycobacterial cultures. Flexi-rigid pleuroscopy (LTF 160, Olympus, Japan) revealed candle-wax fibrotic parietal pleura (figure 2), which was sampled using the flexible forceps (FB-55CD-1, Olympus, Japan) with cusps measuring 2.4 mm when fully open, and a cryoprobe of 2.4 mm in diameter (20416-032, Erbokryo CA, Erbe, Germany). The cryoprobe was directed to the target area and 4-second freeze time was applied. The pleuroscope and cryoprobe with the pleural specimen attached …
- Published
- 2016
40. Utilizing Zebrafish to Identify Anti-(Lymph)Angiogenic Compounds for Cancer Treatment: Promise and Future Challenges
- Author
-
Kazuhide S. Okuda, Hui Mei Lee, Vyomesh Patel, Mei Fong Ng, and Vithya Velaithan
- Subjects
0301 basic medicine ,Pathology ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Physiology ,Angiogenesis ,Context (language use) ,Angiogenesis Inhibitors ,Biology ,03 medical and health sciences ,Renal cell carcinoma ,Physiology (medical) ,Drug Discovery ,medicine ,Animals ,Humans ,Lymphangiogenesis ,Molecular Biology ,Zebrafish ,Neovascularization, Pathologic ,Cancer ,medicine.disease ,biology.organism_classification ,Disease Models, Animal ,030104 developmental biology ,Lymphatic system ,Cancer research ,Lymph ,Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine - Abstract
Cancer metastasis which predominantly occurs through blood and lymphatic vessels, is the leading cause of death in cancer patients. Consequently, several anti-angiogenic agents have been approved as therapeutic agents for human cancers such as metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Also, anti-lymphangiogenic drugs such as monoclonal antibodies VGX-100 and IMC-3C5 have undergone phase I clinical trials for advanced and metastatic solid tumors. Although anti-tumor-associated angiogenesis has proven to be a promising therapeutic strategy for human cancers, this approach is fraught with toxicities and development of drug resistance. This emphasizes the need for alternative anti-(lymph)angiogenic drugs. The use of zebrafish has become accepted as an established model for high-throughput screening, vascular biology, and cancer research. Importantly, various zebrafish transgenic lines have now been generated that can readily discriminate different vascular compartments. This now enables detailed in vivo studies that are relevant to both human physiological and tumor (lymph)angiogenesis to be conducted in zebrafish. This review highlights recent advancements in the zebrafish anti-vascular screening platform and showcases promising new anti-(lymph)angiogenic compounds that have been derived from this model. In addition, this review discusses the promises and challenges of the zebrafish model in the context of anti-(lymph)angiogenic compound discovery for cancer treatment.
- Published
- 2016
41. Non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy secondary to menorrhagia in a young healthy woman
- Author
-
Khairy Shamel Sonny Teo, Koon-Ling Koh, Mei Fong Chong, and Wan Hazabbah Wan Hitam
- Subjects
medicine.medical_specialty ,Blood transfusion ,genetic structures ,medicine.medical_treatment ,media_common.quotation_subject ,Optic Disk ,Vision Disorders ,Optic disk ,Unusual Association of Diseases/Symptoms ,030204 cardiovascular system & hematology ,Young Adult ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Atrophy ,Humans ,Medicine ,Optic Neuropathy, Ischemic ,Young adult ,Menorrhagia ,Menstrual cycle ,media_common ,business.industry ,General Medicine ,medicine.disease ,eye diseases ,Visual field ,Surgery ,Shock (circulatory) ,030221 ophthalmology & optometry ,Visual Field Tests ,Female ,medicine.symptom ,business ,Arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy - Abstract
Non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION) may develop due to severe anaemia and hypotension which is seen in acute blood loss. The devastating visual loss is often irreversible. We report a case of NAION in a 20-year-old healthy woman, who presented on the third day of a heavy menstrual cycle with hypovolaemic shock. On day 2 of admission, she had sudden right eye blurring of vision at the superior field on awakening from sleep. Funduscopy revealed a pale and swollen right optic disc. There was a dense right superior altitudinal visual field defect. Her haemoglobin level was low (3.6 g/dL), but she refused blood transfusion due to her religious belief (Jehovah's Witness) and opted for conservative management. She later developed right optic atrophy with persistent visual field defect despite an improved haemoglobin level of 10.5 g/dL.
- Published
- 2018
42. The signaling pathways of Epstein-Barr virus-encoded latent membrane protein 2A (LMP2A) in latency and cancer
- Author
-
Suat-Cheng Peh, Kah Wai Lin, and Mei-Fong Pang
- Subjects
Epstein-Barr Virus Infections ,Herpesvirus 4, Human ,Review ,Biology ,medicine.disease_cause ,Biochemistry ,Malignant transformation ,Viral Matrix Proteins ,hemic and lymphatic diseases ,Neoplasms ,Virus latency ,medicine ,Epstein-Barr virus ,Animals ,Humans ,Molecular Biology ,Cancer ,Wnt signaling pathway ,Cell Biology ,medicine.disease ,Epstein–Barr virus ,Latent membrane protein ,Lymphoma ,Cell biology ,Virus Latency ,Membrane protein ,Latency ,Signal transduction ,Carcinogenesis ,Signal Transduction - Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a ubiquitous virus with infections commonly resulting in a latency carrier state. Although the exact role of EBV in cancer pathogenesis remains not entirely clear, it is highly probable that it causes several lymphoid and epithelial malignancies, such as Hodgkin’s lymphoma, NK-T cell lymphoma, Burkitt’s lymphoma, and nasopharyngeal carcinoma. EBV-associated malignancies are associated with a latent form of infection, and several of these EBV-encoded latent proteins are known to mediate cellular transformation. These include six nuclear antigens and three latent membrane proteins. Studies have shown that EBV displays distinct patterns of viral latent gene expression in these lymphoid and epithelial tumors. The constant expression of latent membrane protein 2A (LMP2A) at the RNA level in both primary and metastatic tumors suggests that this protein might be a driving factor in the tumorigenesis of EBV-associated malignancies. LMP2A may cooperate with the aberrant host genome, and thereby contribute to malignant transformation by intervening in signaling pathways at multiple points, especially in the cell cycle and apoptotic pathway. This review summarizes the role of EBV-encoded LMP2A in EBV-associated viral latency and cancers. We will focus our discussions on the molecular interactions of each of the conserved motifs in LMP2A, and their involvement in various signaling pathways, namely the B-cell receptor blockade mechanism, the ubiquitin-mediated (Notch and Wnt) pathways, and the MAPK, PI3-K/Akt, NK-κB and STAT pathways, which can provide us with important insights into the roles of LMP2A in the EBV-associated latency state and various malignancies.
- Published
- 2008
43. Should there be a change in the teaching of airway management in the medical school curriculum?
- Author
-
Evelyn Wong, Ling Tiah, Sapna P. Sadarangani, and Mei Fong Jaime Chen
- Subjects
medicine.medical_specialty ,Attitude of Health Personnel ,Resuscitation ,medicine.medical_treatment ,Emergency Nursing ,Manikins ,Tracheal tube ,Laryngeal Masks ,Cohort Studies ,Laryngeal mask airway ,Intensive care ,Intubation, Intratracheal ,medicine ,Humans ,Intubation ,Prospective Studies ,Prospective cohort study ,Singapore ,business.industry ,Surgery ,Combitube ,Emergency Medicine ,Medical school curriculum ,Airway management ,Clinical Competence ,Curriculum ,Educational Measurement ,Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine ,business ,Education, Medical, Undergraduate ,Forecasting - Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the use of the Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA), the oesophageal-tracheal combitube (ETC) and the tracheal tube (TT) by medical students, with a view to recommend changes to the medical school curriculum. Methods: A prospective cohort study of 93 third-year medical students were taught the use of LMA, ETC and TT on manikins and had their skills tested at 0 and 6 months. Results: Overall, LMA insertion was the fastest technique with a mean time taken for successful insertion of 32.2s, compared to that for ETC (55.0s, P = 0.000) and TT (71.5s, P = 0.000). There was a significant delay in the time taken for insertion at 6 months for all three devices: 13.5s for the LMA ( P = 0.000), 29.6s for the ETC ( P = 0.000) and 31.8s for the TT ( P = 0.001). Both the ETC and the TT had a significantly lower first-attempt success rate at 6 months (ETC: 91% versus 63%, P = 0.000 and TT: 80% versus 55%, P = 0.003) but not the LMA (96% versus 92%, P = 0.549). At 6 months, the overall success rate was 99% for the LMA, 100% for the ETC and 93% for the TT. Complication rate was higher for the ETC (9% versus 46%, P = 0.000) and the TT (38% versus 78%, P = 0.005) but not for the LMA (3% versus 10%, P = 0.688). Conclusions: The use of the TT is difficult and the skills acquired by the medical students deteriorate significantly over time. The LMA and the ETC seem to have an advantage over the TT in that they are more easily learnt and the skills better retained. It is recommended that these alternative devices be included in the medical school curriculum for airway management.
- Published
- 2005
44. Successful treatment of NDM-1 Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteraemia in a neutropenic patient
- Author
-
Jaime Mei Fong Chien, Thuan Tong Tan, Kian Sing Chan, Thuan Heng Charles Chuah, and Tse Hsien Koh
- Subjects
Microbiology (medical) ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Neutropenia ,medicine.drug_class ,Klebsiella pneumoniae ,Polymyxin ,Antibiotics ,Bacteremia ,Drug resistance ,beta-Lactamases ,Pharmacotherapy ,Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial ,Humans ,Medicine ,Intensive care medicine ,Aged ,Polymyxin B ,General Immunology and Microbiology ,biology ,business.industry ,General Medicine ,medicine.disease ,biology.organism_classification ,Anti-Bacterial Agents ,Klebsiella Infections ,Neutropenic patient ,Infectious Diseases ,Female ,New delhi ,business - Abstract
The rapid emergence of novel multidrug-resistant organisms coupled with the slow development of new antibiotics is of great concern. With the discovery of New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase 1 (NDM-1)-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae, clinicians are faced with problems in the treatment of infections caused by this multidrug-resistant organism. Therapeutic experiences are limited. We share our experience of the successful treatment of a febrile neutropenic patient with NDM-1-producing K. pneumoniae bacteraemia.
- Published
- 2011
45. Recognition of a Small Number of Diverse Epitopes Dominates the Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte Response to HIV Type 1 in an Infected Individual
- Author
-
Judy Lieberman, Jessica A. Fabry, Donna Mei Fong, and George R. Parkerson
- Subjects
Cytotoxicity, Immunologic ,T cell ,Molecular Sequence Data ,Immunology ,Biology ,Epitope ,Cell Line ,Viral Proteins ,Immune system ,Antigen ,Virology ,HIV Seropositivity ,medicine ,Humans ,Cytotoxic T cell ,Amino Acid Sequence ,Immunodominant Epitopes ,virus diseases ,T lymphocyte ,CTL ,Infectious Diseases ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,Epitope mapping ,HIV-1 ,Peptides ,Epitope Mapping ,T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic - Abstract
Mitogen-activated T cell lines may be reproducibly used to identify relatively conserved HIV-1 epitopes that dominate CTL recognition of HIV-infected cells. Using a combination of nested truncations of HIV-vaccinia recombinants encoding HIV-1LAI Env and overlapping peptides that span the coding regions of the HIV-1 SF2 subclone of env, gag, nef, rev, and tat, we have mapped the immunodominant, relatively conserved CTL epitopes recognized by 25 HIV-seropositive individuals with CD4 counts between 100 and 500/mm3 and no history of AIDS opportunistic infection. We could characterize at least 1 peptide CTL epitope recognized by the T cell lines of 18 of 25 of the subjects; the T cell lines from 2 additional subjects recognized HIV-vaccinia presenting targets, but no dominant peptide epitope was identified. CTL epitopes were most frequently encoded by gag (recognized by 16 of 25 patient T cell lines), followed by nef and env (11 of 25 each), and the RT region of pol (9 of 25). Tat and Rev were rarely the sites of CTL epitopes. The identified epitopes occurred predominantly in relatively conserved regions of HIV-1. The mean number of HIV peptides identified at a single time for each cell line was 2.7 +/- 1.7. Although no single peptide dominated CTL recognition in more than four individuals, clusters of epitopes were found in the N-terminal region of gp160 and in two central regions of Nef. The dominant HIV-1 CTL epitopes in infected patients were not predictable on the basis of MHC expression and varied widely in an MHC-diverse population.
- Published
- 1997
46. Allergic contact dermatitis caused by panthenol in a child
- Author
-
Mei Fong, Chin, Thomas M, Hughes, and Natalie M, Stone
- Subjects
Dermatitis, Allergic Contact ,Humans ,Female ,Cosmetics ,Patch Tests ,Child ,Facial Dermatoses ,Pantothenic Acid - Published
- 2013
47. Three regions of HIV-1 gp160 contain clusters of immunodominant CTL epitopes
- Author
-
Judy Lieberman, Jessica A. Fabry, Donna Mei Fong, and Premlata Shankar
- Subjects
T cell ,Immunology ,Context (language use) ,Viremia ,Biology ,Major histocompatibility complex ,Epitope ,Cell Line ,HIV Envelope Protein gp160 ,Major Histocompatibility Complex ,HIV Seropositivity ,MHC class I ,medicine ,Humans ,Immunology and Allergy ,Immunodominant Epitopes ,Histocompatibility Antigens Class I ,Cytotoxicity Tests, Immunologic ,medicine.disease ,Virology ,HIV Envelope Protein gp41 ,CTL ,Epitope mapping ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,HIV-1 ,biology.protein ,Oligopeptides ,Epitope Mapping ,T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic - Abstract
HIV-1 infection stimulates a strong CTL response that coincides with resolution of viremia in acute infection and declines with development of opportunistic infections. Recognition of HIV gp160 by PBMC-derived T cell lines from 20 HIV-infected subjects is dominated by the response to a small number of peptide epitopes. Overlapping CTL epitopes restricted by multiple MHC Class I elements were identified in 3 relatively conserved regions of gp160 (amino acids 49-68, 591-600 and 844-863). CTL from five of 20 subjects recognized three overlapping immunodominant epitopes in the 49-68 a.a. region restricted by A24, B38, and B55. CTL from four subjects recognized at least three distinct epitopes in a.a 591-600 in the context of A24, B8, B14, and B27. CTL from seven subjects recognized epitopes within a.a. 844-863 restricted by A30, B7, B8 and B35.
- Published
- 1996
48. Transcription and Expression of Plasmodium falciparum Histidine-Rich Proteins in Different Stages and Strains: Implications for Rapid Diagnostic Tests
- Author
-
Michelle L. Gatton, James S. McCarthy, Jennifer M. Peters, Mei-Fong Ho, Joanne Baker, and Qin Cheng
- Subjects
HPR2 ,Transcription, Genetic ,Science ,Plasmodium falciparum ,Protozoan Proteins ,Antigens, Protozoan ,Biology ,Protozoology ,rapid diagnostic test ,Microbiology ,Sensitivity and Specificity ,law.invention ,Western blot ,Species Specificity ,law ,Transcription (biology) ,Diagnostic Medicine ,medicine ,Parasitic Diseases ,Parasite hosting ,Animals ,Humans ,Malaria, Falciparum ,Gene ,Polymerase chain reaction ,060502 Infectious Agents ,Messenger RNA ,Parasitic life cycles ,Life Cycle Stages ,Multidisciplinary ,110803 Medical Parasitology ,medicine.diagnostic_test ,Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental ,biology.organism_classification ,Molecular biology ,Malaria ,Infectious Diseases ,Parastic Protozoans ,Medicine ,Public Health ,Research Article - Abstract
BackgroundAlthough rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for Plasmodium falciparum infection that target histidine rich protein 2 (PfHRP2) are generally sensitive, their performance has been reported to be variable. One possible explanation for variable test performance is differences in expression level of PfHRP in different parasite isolates.MethodsTotal RNA and protein were extracted from synchronised cultures of 7 P. falciparum lines over 5 time points of the life cycle, and from synchronised ring stages of 10 falciparum lines. Using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blot analysis and ELISA we investigated variations in the transcription and protein levels of pfhrp2, pfhrp3 and PfHRP respectively in the different parasite lines, over the parasite intraerythrocytic life cycle.ResultsTranscription of pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 in different parasite lines over the parasite life cycle was observed to vary relative to the control parasite K1. In some parasite lines very low transcription of these genes was observed. The peak transcription was observed in ring-stage parasites. Pfhrp2 transcription was observed to be consistently higher than pfhrp3 transcription within parasite lines. The intraerythrocytic lifecycle stage at which the peak level of protein was present varied across strains. Total protein levels were more constant relative to total mRNA transcription, however a maximum 24 fold difference in expression at ring-stage parasites relative to the K1 strain was observed.ConclusionsThe levels of transcription of pfhrp2 and pfhrp3, and protein expression of PfHRP varied between different P. falciparum strains. This variation may impact on the detection sensitivity of PfHRP2-detecting RDTs.
- Published
- 2011
49. Coffee consumption is inversely associated with type 2 diabetes in Chinese
- Author
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Wen-Yuan, Lin, F, Xaiver Pi-Sunyer, Ching-Chu, Chen, Lance E, Davidson, Chiu-Shong, Liu, Tsai-Chung, Li, Mei-Fong, Wu, Chia-Ing, Li, Walter, Chen, and Cheng-Chieh, Lin
- Subjects
Blood Glucose ,Male ,Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ,Taiwan ,Drinking Behavior ,Middle Aged ,Coffee ,Article ,Cohort Studies ,Asian People ,Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 ,Socioeconomic Factors ,Risk Factors ,Humans ,Regression Analysis ,Female ,Aged - Abstract
Coffee consumption has been shown to be inversely associated to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), but evidence in Chinese populations is limited. We investigated the relationship between coffee consumption and T2DM in a population-based cohort of middle-aged Chinese.We studied 2332 subjects who participated in the Taichung Community Health Study in Taiwan in 2004. The relationships between coffee consumption, T2DM and fasting glucose were assessed.The prevalence of T2DM was 14·0% and 10·4% in men and women. After adjustment for age, body mass index, blood pressure, smoking, alcohol drinking, betel nut chewing, physical activity, income, education level, fat%, protein%, carbohydrate% and magnesium, coffee intake was inversely associated with T2DM. Habitual coffee drinkers had 38-46% lower risk of T2DM than nondrinkers. Compared to nondrinkers, the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for T2DM according to subjects with habitual coffee consumption (1, 1-6, ≥7 times per week) were 0·77 (0·52-1·13), 0·46 (0·28-0·76) and 0·37 (0·16-0·83), respectively. The decreasing ORs indicate a dose-response effect of coffee consumption on the likelihood of having T2DM (P0·001). A similar relationship was also evident in newly diagnosed T2DM (P0·05). The adjusted mean fasting glucose levels gradually decreased as the frequency of coffee consumption increased (P0·05).Coffee intake is inversely associated with T2DM in Chinese. Coffee may be a protective agent for T2DM in Chinese.
- Published
- 2011
50. Population screening for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiencies in Isabel Province, Solomon Islands, using a modified enzyme assay on filter paper dried bloodspots
- Author
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Anita Pelecanos, Mei-Fong Ho, Andrew Vallely, James S. McCarthy, Melissa Kuwahata, Losi Landry, Albino Bobogare, Hugo Bugora, and Rushika S. Wijesinghe
- Subjects
Male ,Primaquine ,lcsh:Arctic medicine. Tropical medicine ,lcsh:RC955-962 ,Plasmodium vivax ,Physiology ,Context (language use) ,lcsh:Infectious and parasitic diseases ,parasitic diseases ,medicine ,Prevalence ,Humans ,Mass Screening ,lcsh:RC109-216 ,Sex Distribution ,Mass screening ,Enzyme Assays ,Rapid diagnostic test ,Blood Specimen Collection ,biology ,Temperature ,Methodology ,Reproducibility of Results ,biology.organism_classification ,medicine.disease ,Haemolysis ,Malaria ,Infectious Diseases ,Glucosephosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency ,Blood Preservation ,Immunology ,Glucose-6-Phosphatase ,Parasitology ,Female ,Melanesia ,Reagent Kits, Diagnostic ,medicine.drug - Abstract
BackgroundGlucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency poses a significant impediment to primaquine use for the elimination of liver stage infection withPlasmodium vivaxand for gametocyte clearance, because of the risk of life-threatening haemolytic anaemia that can occur in G6PD deficient patients. Although a range of methods for screening G6PD deficiency have been described, almost all require skilled personnel, expensive laboratory equipment, freshly collected blood, and are time consuming; factors that render them unsuitable for mass-screening purposes.MethodsA published WST8/1-methoxy PMS method was adapted to assay G6PD activity in a 96-well format using dried blood spots, and used it to undertake population screening within a malaria survey undertaken in Isabel Province, Solomon Islands. The assay results were compared to a biochemical test and a recently marketed rapid diagnostic test.ResultsComparative testing with biochemical and rapid diagnostic test indicated that results obtained by filter paper assay were accurate providing that blood spots were assayed within 5 days when stored at ambient temperature and 10 days when stored at 4 degrees. Screening of 8541 people from 41 villages in Isabel Province, Solomon Islands revealed the prevalence of G6PD deficiency as defined by enzyme activity < 30% of normal control was 20.3% and a prevalence of severe deficiency that would predispose to primaquine-induced hemolysis (WHO Class I-II) of 6.9%.ConclusionsThe assay enabled simple and quick semi-quantitative population screening in a malaria-endemic region. The study indicated a high prevalence of G6PD deficiency in Isabel Province and highlights the critical need to consider G6PD deficiency in the context ofP. vivaxmalaria elimination strategies in Solomon Islands, particularly in light of the potential role of primaquine mass drug administration.
- Published
- 2010
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