Assertive community treatment for high-utilizing alcohol misuse patients: a before-and-after cohort study protocol.

BACKGROUND: The challenge posed by Alcohol-Related Frequent Attenders (ARFAs) in Emergency Departments (EDs) is growing in Singapore, marked by limited engagement with conventional addiction treatment pathways. Recognizing this gap, this study aims to explore the potential benefits of Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) - an innovative, community-centered, harm-reduction strategy-in mitigating the frequency of ED visits, curbing Emergency Medical Services (EMS) calls, and uplifting health outcomes across a quartet of Singaporean healthcare institutions. METHODS: Employing a prospective before-and-after cohort design, this investigation targeted ARFAs aged 21 years and above, fluent in English or Mandarin. Eligibility was determined by a history of at least five ED visits in the preceding year, with no fewer than two due to alcohol-related issues. The study contrasted health outcomes of patients integrated into the ACT care model versus their experiences under the exclusive provision of standard emergency care across Hospitals A, B, C and D. Following participants for half a year post-initial assessment, the evaluation metrics encompassed socio-demographic factors, ED, and EMS engagement frequencies, along with validated health assessment tools, namely Christo Inventory for Substance-misuse Services (CISS) scores, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Loneliness scores, and Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale Revised (CESD-R-10) scores. DISCUSSION: Confronted with intricate socio-economic and medical challenges, the ARFA cohort often grapples with heightened vulnerabilities in relation to alcohol misuse. Pioneering the exploration of ACT's efficacy with ARFAs in a Singaporean context, our research is anchored in a patient-centered approach, designed to comprehensively address these multifaceted clinical profiles. While challenges, like potential high attrition rates and sporadic data collection, are anticipated, the model's prospective contribution towards enhancing patient well-being and driving healthcare efficiencies in Singapore is substantial. Our findings have the potential to reshape healthcare strategies and policy recommendations. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04447079. Initiated on 25 June 2020.

Vietnam's Responses to Dementia - An Assessment of Service Delivery.

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to assess Vietnam's dementia service delivery. METHODS: Using WHO methodology, website searches of key organisations focused on three aspects of Vietnam's healthcare system: (1) Health and social workforce; (2) Services, supports and treatment programs; and (3) Promotion of awareness and understanding. Data were analysed using content analysis. RESULTS: While key members of the healthcare workforce receive some education in dementia competencies during their training, the skill-mix of staff in the current workforce appears inadequate to address the complex needs of people with dementia. Although Vietnam's general healthcare system comprises a good variety of service types, there is a lack of dementia-specific services. Available diagnosis and treatment services are concentrated in the hospital system and are mainly located in metropolitan areas, impacting their accessibility. While both community-based and institutional long-term care is available, institutional care is not universally accessible and home-based care is mainly provided by family carers who don't have access to dementia care training. There is no active dementia prevention or public awareness campaign. CONCLUSIONS: To improve the ability of Vietnam's service delivery to meet the needs of people with dementia and their carers, the skill-mix of the healthcare workforce should be strengthened by ensuring that dementia core competencies are embedded within undergraduate and graduate education programs and making post-qualification dementia care training available. The capacity of existing community-level health and social services should be expanded to ensure that integrated, specialised and comprehensive health and social services are accessible to all people with dementia. Expanding access to institutional long-term care and making dementia education available to family and other informal carers could increase choice and improve quality of care. Finally, Vietnam could look to other countries in the region with regards to the development of a dementia prevention and public awareness campaign.

The impact of strict lockdowns on the mental health and well-being of people living in Australia during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: There are limited longitudinal studies on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and well-being, including the effects of imposed restrictions and lockdowns. AIMS: This study investigates how living in a pandemic, and related lockdowns and restrictions, affected the mental health of people living in Australia during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHOD: A total of 875 people living in Australia participated in a longitudinal survey from 27 May to 14 December 2020. This time period includes dates that span pre-, during and post-wave 2 lockdowns in Australia, with strict and sustained public health measures. Linear mixed models were fitted to investigate the effect of lockdown on depression and anxiety symptoms. RESULTS: Symptoms of depression and anxiety improved over time, during and after lockdowns. More adverse mental health symptoms were observed for people with a history of medical or mental health problems, caring responsibilities, more neurotic personality traits or less conscientiousness, and for people who were younger. People who reported being more conscientious reported better mental health. CONCLUSIONS: Despite notoriously strict lockdowns, participants did not experience a deterioration of mental health over time. Results suggest a lack of significant adverse effects of lockdown restrictions on mental health and well-being. Findings highlight cohorts that could benefit from targeted mental health support and interventions, so that public policy can be better equipped to support them, particularly if future strict public health measures such as lockdowns are being considered or implemented for the COVID-19 pandemic and other disasters.

Development of a Victorian Falls and Balance Service Directory.

OBJECTIVES: Falls and fall-related injuries amongst older people continue to be a long-term public health issue. Access to specialist services that target fall prevention has been shown to improve outcomes. This project aimed to develop an online directory of public outpatient and ambulatory falls and balance clinics and programs in Victoria. METHOD: Environmental scan of existing services and survey of service providers between January and August 2020. RESULTS: Forty-seven community-based and 53 hospital-based falls and balance services across metropolitan (46%) and regional (54%) Victoria registered. The majority of services were programs (70%) targeting exercise and/or education, as opposed to clinics (30%), which focus on diagnosis and developing management plans. Survey responses were collated to develop an online service directory: https://www.nari.net.au/victorian-falls-directory CONCLUSIONS: The Victorian Falls and Balance Service Directory provides a centralised and accessible reference for clinicians and community members regarding available outpatient and ambulatory services that target fall prevention.

Promoting Independence Through quality dementia Care at Home (PITCH): a research protocol for a stepped-wedge cluster-randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Home care service providers are increasingly supporting clients living with dementia. Targeted and comprehensive dementia-specific training for home care staff is necessary to meet this need. This study evaluates a training programme delivered to care staff (paid personal carers) of clients living with dementia at home. METHODS: This study is a pragmatic stepped-wedge cluster-randomised controlled trial (SW-CRT). Home care workers (HCWs) from seven home care service providers are grouped into 18 geographical clusters. Clusters are randomly assigned to intervention or control groups. The intervention group receives 7 h of a dementia education and upskilling programme (Promoting Independence Through quality dementia Care at Home [PITCH]) after baseline measures. The control group receives PITCH training 6 months after baseline measures. This approach will ensure that all participants are offered the program. Home care clients living with dementia are also invited to participate, as well as their family carers. The primary outcome measure is HCWs' sense of competence in dementia care provision. DISCUSSION: Upskilling home care staff is needed to support the increasing numbers of people living with dementia who choose to remain at home. This study uses a stepped-wedge cluster-randomised trial to evaluate a training programme (PITCH) for dementia care that is delivered to front-line HCWs. TRIAL REGISTRATION: anzctr.org.au ; ACTRN12619000251123. Registered on 20 February 2019.

Heat Stress and Thermal Perception amongst Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic in India and Singapore.

The need for healthcare workers (HCWs) to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic heightens their risk of thermal stress. We assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of HCWs from India and Singapore regarding PPE usage and heat stress when performing treatment and care activities. One hundred sixty-five HCWs from India (n = 110) and Singapore (n = 55) participated in a survey. Thirty-seven HCWs from Singapore provided thermal comfort ratings before and after ice slurry ingestion. Differences in responses between India and Singapore HCWs were compared. A p-value cut-off of 0.05 depicted statistical significance. Median wet-bulb globe temperature was higher in India (30.2 °C (interquartile range [IQR] 29.1-31.8 °C)) than in Singapore (22.0 °C (IQR 18.8-24.8 °C)) (p < 0.001). Respondents from both countries reported thirst (n = 144, 87%), excessive sweating (n = 145, 88%), exhaustion (n = 128, 78%), and desire to go to comfort zones (n = 136, 84%). In Singapore, reports of air-conditioning at worksites (n = 34, 62%), dedicated rest area availability (n = 55, 100%), and PPE removal during breaks (n = 54, 98.2%) were higher than in India (n = 27, 25%; n = 46, 42%; and n = 66, 60%, respectively) (p < 0.001). Median thermal comfort rating improved from 2 (IQR 1-2) to 0 (IQR 0-1) after ice slurry ingestion in Singapore (p < 0.001). HCWs are cognizant of the effects of heat stress but might not adopt best practices due to various constraints. Thermal stress management is better in Singapore than in India. Ice slurry ingestion is shown to be practical and effective in promoting thermal comfort. Adverse effects of heat stress on productivity and judgment of HCWs warrant further investigation.

Prevalence of chronic kidney disease and its associated factors in Malaysia; findings from a nationwide population-based cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Malaysia was 9.07% in 2011. We aim to determine the current CKD prevalence in Malaysia and its associated risk factors. METHODS: A population-based study was conducted on a total of 890 respondents who were representative of the adult population in Malaysia, i.e., aged ≥18 years old. Respondents were randomly selected using a stratified cluster method. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was estimated from calibrated serum creatinine using the CKD-EPI equation. CKD was defined as eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73m2 or the presence of persistent albuminuria if eGFR ≥60 ml/min/1.73m2. RESULTS: Our study shows that the prevalence of CKD in Malaysia was 15.48% (95% CI: 12.30, 19.31) in 2018, an increase compared to the year 2011 when the prevalence of CKD was 9.07%. An estimated 3.85% had stage 1 CKD, 4.82% had stage 2 CKD, and 6.48% had stage 3 CKD, while 0.33% had stage 4-5 CKD. Hypertension (aOR 3.72), diabetes mellitus (aOR 3.32), increasing BMI (aOR 1.06), and increasing age (aOR 1.06) were significantly associated with CKD. CONCLUSION: Our study has shown that CKD has become one of the leading public health issues in Malaysia. Thus, there is an urgent need to screen for CKD and prevent its progression, associated morbidity, and mortality at the national level.

Rab7a and Mitophagosome Formation.

The small GTPase, Rab7a, and the regulators of its GDP/GTP-binding status were shown to have roles in both endocytic membrane traffic and autophagy. Classically known to regulate endosomal retrograde transport and late endosome-lysosome fusion, earlier work has indicated a role for Rab7a in autophagosome-lysosome fusion as well as autolysosome maturation. However, as suggested by recent findings on PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1)-Parkin-mediated mitophagy, Rab7a and its regulators are critical for the correct targeting of Atg9a-bearing vesicles to effect autophagosome formation around damaged mitochondria. This mitophagosome formation role for Rab7a is dependent on an intact Rab cycling process mediated by the Rab7a-specific guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) and GTPase activating proteins (GAPs). Rab7a activity in this regard is also dependent on the retromer complex, as well as phosphorylation by the TRAF family-associated NF-κB activator binding kinase 1 (TBK1). Here, we discuss these recent findings and broadened perspectives on the role of the Rab7a network in PINK1-Parkin mediated mitophagy.

Viability Screen of LOPAC1280 Reveals Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Tyrphostin A9 as a Novel Partner Drug for Artesunate Combinations To Target the Plasmodium falciparum Ring Stage.

The emergence of artemisinin-resistant Plasmodium falciparum poses a major threat to current frontline artemisinin combination therapies. Artemisinin resistance is widely associated with mutations in the P. falciparum Kelch13 (PfKelch13) propeller region, leading to delayed parasite clearance and increased survival of early-ring-stage parasites. There is therefore a need to discover novel drugs that are effective against artemisinin-resistant P. falciparum In view of this, our study aimed to identify compounds from the Library of Pharmacologically Active Compounds1280 (LOPAC1280) that could increase the efficacy of artesunate and be used as a potential partner drug for treatment against artemisinin-resistant falciparum malaria. By using a modified ring-stage survival assay, we performed a high-throughput screening of the activities of the 1,280 compounds from the LOPAC library in combination with artesunate against the P. falciparum IPC 5202 field isolate harboring the R539T mutation in the PfKelch13 propeller region. The potencies of the hits against both the IPC 5202 and CamWT_C580Y field isolates were determined through dose-dependent isobologram analyses; CamWT_C580Y has the more prevalent C580Y mutation characteristic of strains with artemisinin resistance. We identified tyrphostin A9 to have synergistic and additive activity against both parasite strains when dosed in combination with artesunate. These findings provide promising novel artesunate combinations that can target the P. falciparum artemisinin-resistant ring stage and insights that may aid in obtaining a better understanding of the mechanism involved in artemisinin resistance.

Exercise-induced hypoalgesia in women with varying levels of menstrual pain.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH) is a well-established phenomenon in pain-free individuals that describes a decrease in pain sensitivity after an acute bout of exercise. The EIH response has been demonstrated to be sub-optimal in the presence of persisting pain. Menstrual pain is a common recurrent painful problem with many women experiencing high levels of pain each cycle. However, the EIH response has not been examined in a cohort of women with high levels of menstrual pain. This research aimed to examine whether EIH manifests differently in women with varying levels of menstrual pain. The primary hypothesis was that women with high levels of menstrual pain would demonstrate compromised EIH. Secondary aims were to explore relationships between EIH and emotional state, sleep quality, body mass index (BMI) or physical activity levels. METHODS: Pressure pain thresholds (PPT) were measured in 64 participants using a digital handheld algometer before and after a submaximal isometric-handgrip exercise. EIH index was compared between low (VAS 0-3), moderate (VAS 4-7) and high (VAS 8-10) pain groups, using a linear mixed model analysis with participant as a random effect, and site, menstrual pain category and the interaction between the two, as fixed effects. RESULTS: EIH was consistently induced in all groups. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the pain groups for EIH index (p=0.835) or for any co-variates (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: EIH was not found to differ between women who report regular low, moderate or high levels of menstrual pain, when measured at a point in their menstrual cycle when they are pain free. IMPLICATIONS: This study provides insight that EIH does not vary in women with differing levels of menstrual pain when they are not currently experiencing pain. The current findings indicate that, although menstrual pain can involve regular episodes of high pain levels, it may not be associated with the same central nervous system dysfunctions as seen in sustained chronic pain conditions.

Nonadministration of medication doses for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in a cohort of hospitalized patients.

PURPOSE: Results of a study to characterize patterns of nonadministration of medication doses for venous thromboembolism (VTE) prevention among hospitalized patients are presented. METHODS: The electronic records of all patients admitted to 4 floors of a medical center during a 1-month period were examined to identify patients whose records indicated at least 1 nonadministered dose of medication for VTE prophylaxis. Proportions of nonadministered doses by medication type, intended route of administration, and VTE risk categorization were compared; reasons for nonadministration were evaluated. RESULTS: Overall, 12.7% of all medication doses prescribed to patients in the study cohort (n = 75) during the study period (857 of 6,758 doses in total) were not administered. Nonadministration of 1 or more doses of VTE prophylaxis medication was nearly twice as likely for subcutaneous anticoagulants than for all other medication types (231 of 1,112 doses [20.8%] versus 626 of 5,646 doses [11.2%], p < 0.001). For all medications prescribed, the most common reason for nonadministration was patient refusal (559 of 857 doses [65.2%]); the refusal rate was higher for subcutaneous anticoagulants than for all other medication categories (82.7% versus 58.8%, p < 0.001). Doses of antiretrovirals, immunosuppressives, antihypertensives, psychiatric medications, analgesics, and antiepileptics were less commonly missed than doses of electrolytes, vitamins, and gastrointestinal medications. CONCLUSION: Scheduled doses of subcutaneous anticoagulants for hospitalized patients were more likely to be missed than doses of all other medication types.

Tocotrienol is a cardioprotective agent against ageing-associated cardiovascular disease and its associated morbidities.

Ageing is a nonmodifiable risk factor that is linked to increased likelihood of cardiovascular morbidities. Whilst many pharmacological interventions currently exist to treat many of these disorders such as statins for hypercholesterolemia or beta-blockers for hypertension, the elderly appear to present a greater likelihood of suffering non-related side effects such as increased risk of developing new onset type 2 diabetes (NODM). In some cases, lower efficacy in the elderly have also been reported. Alternative forms of treatment have been sought to address these issues, and there has been a growing interest in looking at herbal remedies or plant-based natural compounds. Oxidative stress and inflammation are implicated in the manifestation of ageing-related cardiovascular disease. Thus, it is natural that a compound that possesses both antioxidative and anti-inflammatory bioactivities would be considered. This review article examines the potential of tocotrienols, a class of Vitamin E compounds with proven superior antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activity compared to tocopherols (the other class of Vitamin E compounds), in ameliorating ageing-related cardiovascular diseases and its associated morbidities. In particular, the potential of tocotrienols in improving inflammaging, dyslipidemia and mitochondrial dysfunction in ageing-related cardiovascular diseases are discussed.

Outcome predictors in elderly head and neck free flap reconstruction: A retrospective study and systematic review of the current evidence.

Free flap tissue transfer has become the gold standard for reconstruction of composite head and neck defects. We sought to investigate the efficacy and morbidity of these procedures in the elderly. We retrospectively reviewed 245 head and neck free flap procedures (234 patients). Patients were stratified by age group (≥ or <65 years). Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to evaluate the following primary outcomes - free flap survival, postoperative medical and surgical complications and 30-day mortality. We found that free flap success and surgical complication rates were similar between the two age groups. Overall flap success and perioperative mortality rates were 94.3% and 2.1% respectively. Medical complications were significantly more common in the elderly group (p <0.001) and this correlated with comorbidity (OR = 2.81, p = 0.044) and advanced tumour stage (OR = 10.20, p= 0.029). Age was not independently associated with poor outcomes in our cohort. We then performed a systematic review of similar case-control studies worldwide and compared their findings with our results. We conclude that advanced age does not preclude free flap success in head and neck reconstruction. Rather, the presence of comorbidity appears to predict the development of medical complications postoperatively. Elderly patients with low comorbidity scores may be offered free flap reconstruction with less reservation.

Comparison of four measures in reducing length of stay in burns: An Asian centre's evolved multimodal burns protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Multidisciplinary burns care is constantly evolving to improve outcomes given the numerous modalities available. We examine the use of Biobrane, micrografting, early renal replacement therapy and a strict target time of surgery within 24h of burns on improving outcomes of length of stay, duration of surgery, mean number of surgeries and number of positive tissue cultures in a tertiary burns centre. METHODS: A post-implementation prospective cohort of inpatient burns patients from 2014 to 2015 (n=137) was compared against a similar pre-implementation cohort from 2013 to 2014 (n=93) using REDCAP, an electronic database. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference for comorbidities, age and percentage (%) TBSA between the new protocol and control groups. The protocol group had shorter mean time to surgery (23.5-38.5h) (p<0.002), 0.63 fewer operative sessions, shorter mean length of stay (11.8-16.8 days) (p<0.04), less positive tissue cultures (0.59-1.28) (p<0.03). DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: The 4 measures of the new burns protocol improved burns care and validated the collective effort of a multi-disciplinary, multipronged burns management supported by surgeons, anesthetists, renal physicians, emergency physicians, nurses, and allied healthcare providers. Biobrane, single stage onlay micrograft/allograft, early CRRT and surgery within 24h were successfully introduced. These are useful adjuncts in the armamentarium to be considered for any burns centre.

Hydrological connectivity and Burkholderia pseudomallei prevalence in wetland environments: investigating rice-farming community's risk of exposure to melioidosis in North-East Thailand.

In our analysis of 136 water samples from wetland environments (rice paddies, natural wetland sites, man-made water bodies) in rural areas of North-East Thailand, Burkholderia pseudomallei was most prevalent in rice paddies (15 of the 30 positive sites). The high prevalence in the water of rice fields is indicative of the inherent vulnerability of farmers in rural agricultural areas in this area of Thailand and likely other locations in the tropics. Nearly all B. pseudomallei-positive sites were found within the vicinity of a large wetland associated with the Chi River, in the month of July 2014. Positive samples were found in water ranging in pH from 5.9 to 8.7, salinity ranging from 0.04 to 1.58 ppt, nitrate ranging from 0 to 10.8 ppm, and iron ranging from 0.003 to 1.519 ppm. Of these variables, only iron content was statistically higher in B. pseudomallei-positive versus B. pseudomallei-negative sites, suggesting that increasing concentrations of iron may encourage the growth of this bacterium, which is responsible for melioidosis. Our results, when combined with data from other published studies, support the notion that B. pseudomallei can exist in a wide range of environmental conditions. Thus, we argue that health safety education is a more appropriate means of addressing farmer vulnerability than chemical or physical alterations to fields at large scales. Further, it may be important to investigate melioidosis through transdisciplinary approaches that consider the complex social and ecological contexts in which the disease occurs.

Intervention for Cardiac Repair: A Clinical Perspective.

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide. Damage to the heart resulting from cardiovascular disease leads to gradual loss of function and reduced quality of life. Cardiac injury is particularly debilitating, more so than injury to any other organ, given our current inability to either generate new and functional cardiac tissue or to mimic the actions of the heart using external devices. Advances in the field of stem cells and genetics have paved the way for the development of a variety of novel therapies. A number of these therapies have shown great promise in regenerating cardiac tissue in non-human disease models and some have progressed towards clinical trials. Given the rapid progress and emergence of novel targets for therapy, it is perhaps timely that we assess the practicality of these techniques and their potential for translation to bedside. Hence, this review aims to outline the major therapies in development and to provide insight into the feasibility of the respective techniques with the hope that research can be steered towards developing therapies with greater potential of being employed at the bedside.

Bone marrow abnormalities and early bone lesions in multiple myeloma and its precursor disease: a prospective study using functional and morphologic imaging.

The incidence and importance of bone marrow involvement and/or early bone lesions in multiple myeloma (MM) precursor diseases is largely unknown. This study prospectively compared the sensitivity of several imaging modalities in monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) and MM. Thirty patients (10 each with MGUS, SMM and MM) were evaluated with skeletal survey, [18F]FDG-PET/CT, [18F]NaF-PET/CT and morphologic dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE)-MRI. An additional 16 SMM patients had skeletal surveys and FDG-PET/CT. Among MGUS patients, DCE-MRI found only one focal marrow abnormality; other evaluations were negative. Among 26 SMM patients, five (19%) were re-classified as MM based on lytic bone lesions on CT and six had unifocal or diffuse marrow abnormality. Among MM, marrow abnormalities were observed on FDG-PET/CT in 8/10 patients and on DCE-MRI in nine evaluable patients. Abnormal NaF uptake was observed only in MM patients with lytic lesions on CT, providing no additional clinical information.

Heterotopic Ossification of the Finger Following Closed Blunt Trauma.

A right hand dominant young ethnic Indian male developed heterotopic ossification (HO) of his right index finger after a contusion due to a fall. There were no open wounds clinically and no fractures noted on plain radiographs. Stiffness of the proximal interphalangeal joint and generalised swelling of the digit was present about three weeks after the injury. Radiographic investigations of the digit demonstrated soft tissue ossification volar to the proximal and middle phalanges. Non-operative management was instituted. This case report demonstrates that heterotopic ossification of digits can occur from closed, blunt trauma in the absence of bony injuries. Current literature on management of digital heterotopic ossification is minimal due to low incidence.