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Wong SY, Lee ARYB, Sia AHJ, Wo YJ, Teo YH, Teo YN, Syn NL, Ong CC, Teo LL, Yeo TC, Poh KK, Kong WK, Wong RC, Sia CH. Effects of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist (GLP-1RA) on Cardiac Structure and Function: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized-Controlled Trials. Cardiovasc Drugs Ther 2024; 38:371-389. [PMID: 35819544 DOI: 10.1007/s10557-022-07360-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Recent trials suggest glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) may have a cardioprotective role by reducing major adverse cardiac events, stroke mortality and heart failure-related hospitalisations. We examined whether and how GLP-1RAs affect cardiac function in cardiovascular and metabolic diseases including type 2 diabetes, heart failure and post-myocardial infarction. METHODS In this PRISMA-adherent systematic review and meta-analysis, three databases were searched from inception to July 2021 and registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021259661). RESULTS 20 reports of 19 randomized placebo-controlled trials including 2062 participants were meta-analyzed. Among type 2 diabetes patients, GLP-1RA resulted in improved systolic function measured by circumferential strain (mean difference [MD]= -5.48; 95% CI: -10.47 to -0.49; P= 0.03; I2= 89%) and diastolic dysfunction measured by E / A (MD= -0.15; 95% CI: -0.25 to -0.05; P= 0.003; I2= 0%). For post-myocardial infarction patients, GLP-1RA reduced infarct size (g) (MD= -5.36; 95% CI: -10.68 to -0.04; P= 0.05; I2= 78%). Liraglutide, but not exenatide, demonstrated improved systolic function, by increasing left ventricular ejection fraction (MD= 4.89; 95% CI: 3.62 to 6.16; P< 0.00001; I2= 0%) and reducing left ventricular end-systolic volume (MD= -4.15; 95% CI: -7.49 to -0.81; P = 0.01; I2= 0%). Among heart failure patients, no significant changes were noted. CONCLUSION GLP-1RA drugs may improve systolic and diastolic function in type 2 diabetes and reduce infarct size post-acute myocardial infarction with no demonstrable effect on cardiac function in heart failure. Tailored recommendations for the use of GLP-1RAs for cardioprotection should be considered for each patient's condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi Yin Wong
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Aaron Hon Jiun Sia
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yu Jun Wo
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yao Hao Teo
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yao Neng Teo
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Nicholas L Syn
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ching-Ching Ong
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Lynette L Teo
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Tiong-Cheng Yeo
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Cardiology, National University Heart Centre Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block Level 9, Singapore, 119228, Singapore
| | - Kian-Keong Poh
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Cardiology, National University Heart Centre Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block Level 9, Singapore, 119228, Singapore
| | - William K Kong
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Cardiology, National University Heart Centre Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block Level 9, Singapore, 119228, Singapore
| | - Raymond C Wong
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Cardiology, National University Heart Centre Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block Level 9, Singapore, 119228, Singapore
| | - Ching-Hui Sia
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- Department of Cardiology, National University Heart Centre Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block Level 9, Singapore, 119228, Singapore.
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Wong SY, Teo YN, Wo YJ, Lim CW, Lai YF. Distilling lessons from home hospital implementation: a narrative scoping review. Singapore Med J 2024:00077293-990000000-00093. [PMID: 38363647 DOI: 10.4103/singaporemedj.smj-2020-478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Multiple Cochrane Reviews have demonstrated 'hospital at home' (HaH) as a promising healthcare model to be explored, with benefits such as higher care quality, reduced readmissions, shorter lengths of stay, lower cost and greater patient satisfaction. While there have been many reviews focusing on the quantitative clinical outcomes of HaH, there is generally a lack of collation of qualitative insights from stakeholders and lessons learnt from past HaH implementation. METHODS We performed a systematic literature search on four databases and included 17 papers involving the provision of acute and/or subacute care by healthcare professionals in patients' homes. Review characteristics and relevant outcomes were extracted from the reported findings and tables in the reviews, and these included stakeholder attitudes and factors contributing to the success of HaH implementation. RESULTS Factors relating to patients and caregivers included home setup, preference for care and death settings, and support for caregiver. Factors involving the healthcare professionals and intervention included a multidisciplinary care team, accessibility to emergency care and support, training of providers and patients, adequate manpower allocation, robust eligibility and referral criteria, sufficient awareness of the HaH referral pathway, communication and medication management. CONCLUSION HaH presents a promising alternative care model, and many of the success factors identified, including the strong push for multidisciplinary single care teams, existing frameworks for data sharing and strong community network, are already present today. As such, Singapore appears to be well positioned to adopt a new care model like HaH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi Yin Wong
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yao Neng Teo
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yu Jun Wo
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Cher Wee Lim
- Office for Healthcare Transformation, Ministry of Health, Singapore
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yi Feng Lai
- Office for Healthcare Transformation, Ministry of Health, Singapore
- School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, USA
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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Lee ARYB, Yau CE, Chua CKT, Cheng WL, Chia AJL, Wong SY, Kow NY, Gong L, Lee BTK, Ling LH, Mak A, Loh TP, Tay SH. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol subfraction HDL2 is associated with improved endothelial function in systemic lupus erythematosus. Lupus Sci Med 2024; 11:e001030. [PMID: 38262630 PMCID: PMC10806503 DOI: 10.1136/lupus-2023-001030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have increased risk of premature atherosclerosis but the exact mechanisms remains unclear. Flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) is an established non-invasive assessment of vascular endothelial function. Lipoprotein subfractions may be better predictors of FMD than conventional cholesterol measurements. We tested the hypothesis that lipoprotein subfractions are independently associated with FMD. METHODS Forty-one consecutive adult patients with SLE without known cardiovascular risk factors or disease were recruited in this cross-sectional study. Endothelial function and early atherosclerosis were assessed by brachial FMD and common carotid artery (CCA) intima-media thickness (IMT). High-density lipoprotein (HDL)/low-density lipoprotein (LDL) subfractions were measured. Machine learning models were also constructed to predict FMD and CCA IMT. RESULTS Median FMD was 4.48% (IQR 5.00%) while median IMT was 0.54 mm (IQR 0.12 mm). Univariate analysis showed lower LDL1 (r=-0.313, p<0.05) and higher HDL2 subfractions (r=0.313, p<0.05) were significantly associated with higher log-transformed FMD. In a multiple linear regression model, HDL2 (β=0.024, SE=0.012, p<0.05) remained an independent predictor of higher FMD after adjusting for age, body mass index, LDL1 and systolic blood pressure. The machine learning model included parameters such as HDL2 (positive association), prednisolone dose, LDL cholesterol and LDL1 for prediction of FMD (r=0.433, p<0.01). Age, LDL cholesterol and systolic blood pressure were independently associated with higher CCA IMT after adjusting for body mass index and HDL2. CONCLUSIONS HDL 2, a large HDL particle, was independently associated with greater FMD and may be a biomarker of vascular health in SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chun En Yau
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Cheryl Kai Ting Chua
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore
| | - Wan Ling Cheng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore
| | | | - Shi Yin Wong
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Nien Yee Kow
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Lingli Gong
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Bernett Teck Kwong Lee
- Centre for Biomedical Informatics, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
- Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
| | - Lieng Hsi Ling
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Cardiology, National University Heart Centre, National University Hospital, Singapore
| | - Anselm Mak
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore
| | - Tze Ping Loh
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore
| | - Sen Hee Tay
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore
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Lee MX, Peng S, Lee ARYB, Tay RYK, Li J, Wong SY, Tariq A, Goh CXY, Tan YK, Tan BKJ, Teo CB, Chan E, Ooi M, Chng WJ, Chee CE, Ho CLF, Walsh RJ, Sethi SK, Tan SSY, Chan YH, Tan KB, Lee SC, Chai LYA, Sundar R. Neutralising antibody titers and COVID outcomes in cancer patients. Pathology 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pathol.2022.12.108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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Lee MX, Peng S, Lee ARYB, Wong SY, Tay RYK, Li J, Tariq A, Goh CXY, Tan YK, Tan BKJ, Teo CB, Chan E, Ooi M, Chng WJ, Chee CE, Ho CLF, Walsh RJ, Wong M, Su Y, Alexander L, Sethi SK, Tan SSY, Chan YH, Tan KB, Lee SC, Chai LYA, Sundar R. Clinical efficacy and long-term immunogenicity of an early triple dose regimen of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination in cancer patients. Ann Acad Med Singap 2023. [DOI: 10.47102/annals-acadmedsg.2022302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Three doses of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines have been recommended for cancer patients to reduce the risk of severe disease. Anti-neoplastic treatment, such as chemotherapy, may affect long-term vaccine immunogenicity.
Method: Patients with solid or haematological cancer were recruited from 2 hospitals between July 2021 and March 2022. Humoral response was evaluated using GenScript cPASS surrogate virus neutralisation assays. Clinical outcomes were obtained from medical records and national mandatory-reporting databases.
Results: A total of 273 patients were recruited, with 40 having haematological malignancies and the rest solid tumours. Among the participants, 204 (74.7%) were receiving active cancer therapy, including 98 (35.9%) undergoing systemic chemotherapy and the rest targeted therapy or immunotherapy. All patients were seronegative at baseline. Seroconversion rates after receiving 1, 2 and 3 doses of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination were 35.2%, 79.4% and 92.4%, respectively. After 3 doses, patients on active treatment for haematological malignancies had lower antibodies (57.3%±46.2) when compared to patients on immunotherapy (94.1%±9.56, P<0.05) and chemotherapy (92.8%±18.1, P<0.05). SARS-CoV-2 infection was reported in 77 (28.2%) patients, of which 18 were severe. No patient receiving a third dose within 90 days of the second dose experienced severe infection.
Conclusion: This study demonstrates the benefit of early administration of the third dose among cancer patients.
Keywords: Cancer, oncology, SARS-CoV-2, third dose, vaccination
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Siyu Peng
- National University Hospital, Singapore
| | | | - Shi Yin Wong
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ryan Yong Kiat Tay
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jiaqi Li
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Areeba Tariq
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Claire Xin Yi Goh
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ying Kiat Tan
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Chong Boon Teo
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Esther Chan
- National University Cancer Institute, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Melissa Ooi
- National University Cancer Institute, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wee Joo Chng
- National University Cancer Institute, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Cheng Ean Chee
- National University Cancer Institute, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Carol LF Ho
- National University Cancer Institute, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Maggie Wong
- National University Cancer Institute, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yan Su
- Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
| | - Lezhava Alexander
- Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
| | | | | | - Yiong Huak Chan
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Soo-Chin Lee
- National University Cancer Institute, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Raghav Sundar
- National University Cancer Institute, Singapore, Singapore
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Lee MX, Peng S, Lee ARYB, Wong SY, Tay RYK, Li J, Tariq A, Goh CXY, Tan YK, Tan BKJ, Teo CB, Chan E, Ooi M, Chng WJ, Chee CE, Ho CLF, Walsh RJ, Wong M, Su Y, Alexander L, Sethi SK, Tan SSY, Chan YH, Tan KB, Lee SC, Chai LYA, Sundar R. Clinical efficacy and long-term immunogenicity of an early triple dose regimen of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination in cancer patients. Ann Acad Med Singap 2023; 52:8-16. [PMID: 36730801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Three doses of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines have been recommended for cancer patients to reduce the risk of severe disease. Anti-neoplastic treatment, such as chemotherapy, may affect long-term vaccine immunogenicity. METHOD Patients with solid or haematological cancer were recruited from 2 hospitals between July 2021 and March 2022. Humoral response was evaluated using GenScript cPASS surrogate virus neutralisation assays. Clinical outcomes were obtained from medical records and national mandatory-reporting databases. RESULTS A total of 273 patients were recruited, with 40 having haematological malignancies and the rest solid tumours. Among the participants, 204 (74.7%) were receiving active cancer therapy, including 98 (35.9%) undergoing systemic chemotherapy and the rest targeted therapy or immunotherapy. All patients were seronegative at baseline. Seroconversion rates after receiving 1, 2 and 3 doses of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination were 35.2%, 79.4% and 92.4%, respectively. After 3 doses, patients on active treatment for haematological malignancies had lower antibodies (57.3%±46.2) when compared to patients on immunotherapy (94.1%±9.56, P<0.05) and chemotherapy (92.8%±18.1, P<0.05). SARS-CoV-2 infection was reported in 77 (28.2%) patients, of which 18 were severe. No patient receiving a third dose within 90 days of the second dose experienced severe infection. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates the benefit of early administration of the third dose among cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matilda Xinwei Lee
- Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore, Singapore
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Wong SY, Foley S, Cantwell CP, Ryan R, Lucey J, Maher P, McNulty JP. THE EFFECTS OF CONE-BEAM COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY IMAGING GUIDANCE ON PATIENT RADIATION EXPOSURES IN TRANS-ARTERIAL CHEMOEMBOLISATION FOR HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA. Radiat Prot Dosimetry 2022; 198:441-447. [PMID: 35640248 PMCID: PMC9248773 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncac077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) guidance in trans-arterial chemoembolisation (TACE) procedures on the number of digital subtraction angiography (DSA) runs acquired and total patient radiation exposure in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A retrospective, analytical cross-sectional, single institution, study was conducted. Dose data were compared across the control (DSA guidance alone) and study (DSA and CBCT guidance) groups. A total of 122 procedures were included within the study. There was a significant reduction in the number of DSA runs (3 vs 5, p < 0.001) and DSA air kerma-area product (PKA) (3077.3 vs 4276.6 μGym2, p = 0.042) for the study group when compared to the control group. Total procedural PKA and total procedural reference air kerma (Ka,r) were shown to be 50 and 73% higher, respectively, for the study group when compared to the control group. CBCT imaging guidance does reduce the number of DSA runs and DSA PKA required to complete the TACE procedure for patients diagnosed with HCC; however, a substantial increase in total procedural PKA is to be expected and it is thus important that this increased dose is carefully considered and justified.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Y Wong
- Radiography and Diagnostic Imaging, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
- Department of Radiology, St. Vincent’s University Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin 4, Ireland
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Singapore General Hospital, Outram Road, Singapore 169608, Singapore
| | - S Foley
- Radiography and Diagnostic Imaging, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
- Department of Radiology, St. Vincent’s University Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - C P Cantwell
- Department of Radiology, St. Vincent’s University Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin 4, Ireland
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - R Ryan
- Department of Radiology, St. Vincent’s University Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin 4, Ireland
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - J Lucey
- Department of Radiology, St. Vincent’s University Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin 4, Ireland
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - P Maher
- Department of Radiology, St. Vincent’s University Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin 4, Ireland
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Zhao JJ, Tashi S, Lim EJ, Wong SY, Wang YW, Sultana R, Leong S, Chua JME, Too CW, Chandramohan S. Octyl cyanoacrylate skin adhesive with or without subcuticular suture for skin closure after implantable venous port placement for oncology patients: a propensity-score matching analysis. Clin Radiol 2022; 77:628-635. [PMID: 35659114 DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2022.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
AIM To compare peri-operative outcomes of skin closure with octyl cyanoacrylate (OCA) skin adhesive (Dermabond) with or without subcuticular sutures after deep dermal suturing for implantable venous port placement closure. MATERIALS AND METHODS Seven hundred and ninety-two single-lumen implantable venous port insertions for chemotherapy were reviewed from September 2019 to March 2021 in a retrospective single-centre study. Propensity-score matching by a 1:1 nearest neighbour algorithm was conducted to control for confounding baseline differences. Distances were determined by logistic regression. Propensity-score matching was performed based on the following variables: age at procedure, gender, race, operator's seniority, use of anchoring polypropylene suture (PROLENE), port model, and volume of intra-operative local analgesia. The primary outcome was wound dehiscence at the first follow-up (∼1 week). RESULTS The 792 port insertions were conducted in 302 males (38.1%), median age 63 years (IQR: 54-69). Of the 656 wounds closed with subcuticular sutures and skin adhesive, 136 were matched in a 1:1 fashion against procedures closed without a subcuticular suture. No significant differences were demonstrated in pain scores, bleeding, swelling, bruising, fever, wound dehiscence, and discharge at postoperative day 1 (POD1) and at first follow-up between the groups (all p>0.05). Of note, no significant differences in wound dehiscence at first follow-up was found in both unmatched (p=0.133) and matched cohorts (McNemar-Bowker's χ2 = 1.167, p=0.761). CONCLUSION These findings suggest that the omission of subcuticular sutures during implantable venous port closure may not compromise peri-operative outcomes when OCA skin adhesives were used.
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Affiliation(s)
- J J Zhao
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - S Tashi
- Department of Vascular & Interventional Radiology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore; Division of Radiological Sciences, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore; Radiological Sciences Academic Clinical Program, SingHealth-Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre, Singapore
| | - E J Lim
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - S Y Wong
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Y W Wang
- Department of Vascular & Interventional Radiology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore; Division of Radiological Sciences, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore; Radiological Sciences Academic Clinical Program, SingHealth-Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre, Singapore
| | - R Sultana
- Center of Quantitative Medicine, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore
| | - S Leong
- Department of Vascular & Interventional Radiology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore; Division of Radiological Sciences, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore; Radiological Sciences Academic Clinical Program, SingHealth-Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre, Singapore
| | - J M E Chua
- Department of Vascular & Interventional Radiology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore; Division of Radiological Sciences, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore; Radiological Sciences Academic Clinical Program, SingHealth-Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre, Singapore
| | - C W Too
- Department of Vascular & Interventional Radiology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore; Division of Radiological Sciences, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore; Radiological Sciences Academic Clinical Program, SingHealth-Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre, Singapore
| | - S Chandramohan
- Department of Vascular & Interventional Radiology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore; Division of Radiological Sciences, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore; Radiological Sciences Academic Clinical Program, SingHealth-Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre, Singapore.
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Lee ARYB, Wong SY, Chai LYA, Lee SC, Lee MX, Muthiah MD, Tay SH, Teo CB, Tan BKJ, Chan YH, Sundar R, Soon YY. Efficacy of covid-19 vaccines in immunocompromised patients: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ 2022; 376:e068632. [PMID: 35236664 PMCID: PMC8889026 DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2021-068632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 199] [Impact Index Per Article: 99.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the efficacy of covid-19 vaccines between immunocompromised and immunocompetent people. DESIGN Systematic review and meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES PubMed, Embase, Central Register of Controlled Trials, COVID-19 Open Research Dataset Challenge (CORD-19), and WHO covid-19 databases for studies published between 1 December 2020 and 5 November 2021. ClinicalTrials.gov and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform were searched in November 2021 to identify registered but as yet unpublished or ongoing studies. STUDY SELECTION Prospective observational studies comparing the efficacy of covid-19 vaccination in immunocompromised and immunocompetent participants. METHODS A frequentist random effects meta-analysis was used to separately pool relative and absolute risks of seroconversion after the first and second doses of a covid-19 vaccine. Systematic review without meta-analysis of SARS-CoV-2 antibody titre levels was performed after first, second, and third vaccine doses and the seroconversion rate after a third dose. Risk of bias and certainty of evidence were assessed. RESULTS 82 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Of these studies, 77 (94%) used mRNA vaccines, 16 (20%) viral vector vaccines, and 4 (5%) inactivated whole virus vaccines. 63 studies were assessed to be at low risk of bias and 19 at moderate risk of bias. After one vaccine dose, seroconversion was about half as likely in patients with haematological cancers (risk ratio 0.40, 95% confidence interval 0.32 to 0.50, I2=80%; absolute risk 0.29, 95% confidence interval 0.20 to 0.40, I2=89%), immune mediated inflammatory disorders (0.53, 0.39 to 0.71, I2=89%; 0.29, 0.11 to 0.58, I2=97%), and solid cancers (0.55, 0.46 to 0.65, I2=78%; 0.44, 0.36 to 0.53, I2=84%) compared with immunocompetent controls, whereas organ transplant recipients were 16 times less likely to seroconvert (0.06, 0.04 to 0.09, I2=0%; 0.06, 0.04 to 0.08, I2=0%). After a second dose, seroconversion remained least likely in transplant recipients (0.39, 0.32 to 0.46, I2=92%; 0.35, 0.26 to 0.46), with only a third achieving seroconversion. Seroconversion was increasingly likely in patients with haematological cancers (0.63, 0.57 to 0.69, I2=88%; 0.62, 0.54 to 0.70, I2=90%), immune mediated inflammatory disorders (0.75, 0.69 to 0.82, I2=92%; 0.77, 0.66 to 0.85, I2=93%), and solid cancers (0.90, 0.88 to 0.93, I2=51%; 0.89, 0.86 to 0.91, I2=49%). Seroconversion was similar between people with HIV and immunocompetent controls (1.00, 0.98 to 1.01, I2=0%; 0.97, 0.83 to 1.00, I2=89%). Systematic review of 11 studies showed that a third dose of a covid-19 mRNA vaccine was associated with seroconversion among vaccine non-responders with solid cancers, haematological cancers, and immune mediated inflammatory disorders, although response was variable in transplant recipients and inadequately studied in people with HIV and those receiving non-mRNA vaccines. CONCLUSION Seroconversion rates after covid-19 vaccination were significantly lower in immunocompromised patients, especially organ transplant recipients. A second dose was associated with consistently improved seroconversion across all patient groups, albeit at a lower magnitude for organ transplant recipients. Targeted interventions for immunocompromised patients, including a third (booster) dose, should be performed. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42021272088.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shi Yin Wong
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Louis Yi Ann Chai
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Synthetic Biology for Clinical and Technological Innovation, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- National University Cancer Institute, Singapore
| | - Soo Chin Lee
- Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, National University Hospital, 119228, Singapore
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Matilda Xinwei Lee
- Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, National University Hospital, 119228, Singapore
| | - Mark Dhinesh Muthiah
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, National University Health System, Singapore
- National University Centre for Organ Transplantation, Singapore
| | - Sen Hee Tay
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore
| | - Chong Boon Teo
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Yiong Huak Chan
- Biostatistics Unit, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Raghav Sundar
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, National University Hospital, 119228, Singapore
- Cancer and Stem Cell Biology Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
- The N.1 Institute for Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Singapore Gastric Cancer Consortium, Singapore
| | - Yu Yang Soon
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Radiation Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore
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Koo HC, Kaur S, Chan KQ, Soh WH, Ang YL, Chow WS, Hew MK, Wong SY, Yap MP. Whole-grain intake and its inverse relationships with fatty acids intake among multiethnic Malaysian schoolchildren. J Hum Nutr Diet 2020; 33:670-677. [PMID: 32250007 DOI: 10.1111/jhn.12753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Little is known about the relationship of whole-grain intake with dietary fatty acids intake. The present study aimed to assess the whole-grain intake and its relationships with dietary fatty acids intake among multiethnic schoolchildren in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted among 392 schoolchildren aged 9-11 years, cluster sampled from five randomly selected schools in Kuala Lumpur. Whole-grain and fatty acids intakes were assessed by 3-day, 24-h diet recalls. All whole-grain foods were considered irrespective of the amount of whole grain they contained. RESULTS In total, 55.6% (n = 218) were whole-grain consumers. Mean (SD) daily intake of whole grain in the total sample was 5.13 (9.75) g day-1 . In the whole-grain consumer's only sample, mean (SD) intakes reached 9.23 (11.55) g day-1 . Significant inverse associations were found between whole-grain intake and saturated fatty acid (SAFA) intake (r = -0.357; P < 0.001), monosaturated fatty acid (MUFA) (r = -0.373; P < 0.001) and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) (r = -0.307; P < 0.001) intake. Furthermore, whole-grain intake was a significant predictor of SAFA (β = -0.077; P = 0.004), MUFA (β = -0.112; P = <0.001) and PUFA (β = -0.202; P = <0.001) intakes, after controlling for sex, age and ethnicity. CONCLUSIONS Whole-grain intake in Malaysia was well below recommendations. Schoolchildren who consumed higher whole grain tend to reduce fat intake; however, it would also reduce the SAFA, MUFA and PUFA intakes. Future collaboration may be conducted between industry, government and universities to promote unsaturated fatty acids-rich foods and whole-grain food, although not to promote processed whole-grain foods with a high sugar and salt content.
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Affiliation(s)
- H C Koo
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, Tunku Abdul Rahman University College, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - S Kaur
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - K Q Chan
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, Tunku Abdul Rahman University College, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - W H Soh
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, Tunku Abdul Rahman University College, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Y L Ang
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, Tunku Abdul Rahman University College, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - W S Chow
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, Tunku Abdul Rahman University College, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - M K Hew
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, Tunku Abdul Rahman University College, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - S Y Wong
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, Tunku Abdul Rahman University College, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - M P Yap
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, Tunku Abdul Rahman University College, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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11
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Karadedou CT, Gomes AR, Chen J, Petkovic M, Ho KK, Zwolinska AK, Feltes A, Wong SY, Chan KYK, Cheung YN, Tsang JWH, Brosens JJ, Khoo US, Lam EWF. Correction: FOXO3a represses VEGF expression through FOXM1-dependent and -independent mechanisms in breast cancer. Oncogene 2019; 38:5111-5112. [PMID: 30867566 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-019-0770-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
In the published version of this article, the images for cytoplasmic and nuclear FGF7 in MDA-MB-231 cells were duplicated and mistaken for total FGF7 in SKBR-3 and MDA-MB-231 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- C T Karadedou
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Cancer Research-UK Labs, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London, UK
| | - A R Gomes
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Cancer Research-UK Labs, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London, UK
| | - J Chen
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Cancer Research-UK Labs, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London, UK.,Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - M Petkovic
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Cancer Research-UK Labs, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London, UK
| | - K-K Ho
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Cancer Research-UK Labs, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London, UK
| | - A K Zwolinska
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Cancer Research-UK Labs, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London, UK
| | - A Feltes
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Cancer Research-UK Labs, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London, UK
| | - S Y Wong
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - K Y K Chan
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Y-N Cheung
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - J W H Tsang
- Department of Clinical Oncology Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - J J Brosens
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Cancer Research-UK Labs, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London, UK
| | - U-S Khoo
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - E W-F Lam
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Cancer Research-UK Labs, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London, UK.
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12
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Tsui KL, Wong SY, Wu JT, Chow CB, Goldsman DM, Nizam A. Development of adaptable pandemic simulation models. Hong Kong Med J 2018; 24 Suppl 6:23-25. [PMID: 30229732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- K L Tsui
- Department of Systems Engineering and Engineering Management, City University of Hong Kong
| | - S Y Wong
- Department of Systems Engineering and Engineering Management, City University of Hong Kong
| | - J T Wu
- School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong
| | - C B Chow
- Infectious Disease Centre, Hospital Authority
| | - D M Goldsman
- School of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, USA
| | - A Nizam
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Emory University, USA
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13
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Hoe YC, Gibernau M, Wong SY. Diversity of pollination ecology in the Schismatoglottis Calyptrata Complex Clade (Araceae). Plant Biol (Stuttg) 2018; 20:563-578. [PMID: 29316090 DOI: 10.1111/plb.12687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2017] [Accepted: 12/26/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Field studies integrating pollination investigations with an assessment of floral scent composition and thermogenesis in tropical aroids are rather few. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the pollination biology of nine species belonging to Schismatoglottis Calyptrata Complex Clade. The flowering mechanism, visiting insect activities, reproductive system, thermogenesis and floral scent composition were examined. Anthesis for all species started at dawn and lasted 25-29 h. Colocasiomyia (Diptera, Drosophilidae) are considered the main pollinators for all the investigated species. Cycreon (Coleoptera, Hydrophilidae) are considered secondary pollinators as they are only present in seven of the nine host plants, despite the fact that they are the most effective pollen carrier, carrying up to 15 times more pollen grains than Colocasiomyia flies. However, the number of Colocasiomyia individuals was six times higher than Cycreon beetles. Chaloenus (Chrysomelidae, Galeuricinae) appeared to be an inadvertent pollinator. Atheta (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae) is considered a floral visitor in most investigated species of the Calyptrata Complex Clade in Sarawak, but a possible pollinator in S. muluensis. Chironomidae midges and pteromalid wasps are considered visitors in S. calyptrata. Thermogenesis in a biphasic pattern was observed in inflorescences of S. adducta, S. calyptrata, S. giamensis, S. pseudoniahensis and S. roh. The first peak occurred during pistillate anthesis; the second peak during staminate anthesis. Inflorescences of all investigated species of Calyptrata Complex Clade emitted four types of ester compound, with methyl ester-3-methyl-3-butenoic acid as a single major VOC (volatile organic compound). The appendix, pistillate zone, staminate zone and spathe emitted all these compounds. A mixed fly-beetle pollination system is considered an ancestral trait in the Calyptrata Complex Clade, persisting in Sarawak taxa, whereas the marked reduction of interpistillar staminodes in taxa from Peninsular Malaysia and especially, Ambon, Indonesia, is probably linked to a shift in these taxa to a fly-pollinated system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y C Hoe
- Tunku Abdul Rahman University College, Johor Branch Campus, Johor, Malaysia
- Faculty of Resource Science and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - M Gibernau
- Natural Resources Project, Vignola Route des Sanguinaires Ajaccio, CNRS - University of Corsica, Ajaccio, France
| | - S Y Wong
- Faculty of Resource Science and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Sarawak, Malaysia
- Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA, USA
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Yeo W, Luk MY, Soong IS, Yuen TY, Ng TY, Mo FK, Chan K, Wong SY, Tsang J, Leung C, Suen JJ, Ngan RK. Efficacy and tolerability of trastuzumab emtansine in advanced human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive breast cancer. Hong Kong Med J 2018; 24:56-62. [PMID: 29326401 DOI: 10.12809/hkmj176808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The management of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer has changed dramatically with the introduction and widespread use of HER2-targeted therapies. There is, however, relatively limited real-world information about the effectiveness and safety of trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) in Hong Kong Chinese patients. We assessed the efficacy and toxicity profiles among local patients with HER2-positive advanced breast cancer who had received T-DM1 therapy in the second-line setting and beyond. METHODS This retrospective study involved five local centres that provide service for over 80% of the breast cancer population in Hong Kong. The study period was from December 2013 to December 2015. Patients were included if they had recurrent or metastatic histologically confirmed HER2+ breast cancer who had progressed after at least one line of anti-HER2 therapy including trastuzumab. Patients were excluded if they received T-DM1 as first-line treatment for recurrent or metastatic HER2+ breast cancer. Patient charts including biochemical and haematological profiles were reviewed for background information, T-DM1 response, and toxicity data. Adverse events were documented during chemotherapy and 28 days after the last dose of medication. RESULTS Among 37 patients being included in this study, 28 (75.7%) had two or more lines of anti-HER2 agents and 26 (70.3%) had received two or more lines of palliative chemotherapy. Response assessment revealed that three (8.1%) patients had a complete response, eight (21.6%) a partial response, 11 (29.7%) a stable disease, and 12 (32.4%) a progressive disease; three patients could not be assessed. The median duration of response was 17.3 (95% confidence interval, 8.4-24.8) months. The clinical benefit rate (complete response + partial response + stable disease, ≥12 weeks) was 37.8% (95% confidence interval, 22.2%-53.5%). The median progression-free survival was 6.0 (95% confidence interval, 3.3- 9.8) months and the median overall survival had not been reached by the data cut-off date. Grade 3 or 4 toxicities included thrombocytopaenia (13.5%), raised alanine transaminase (8.1%), anaemia (5.4%), and hypokalaemia (2.7%). No patient died as a result of toxicities. CONCLUSIONS In patients with HER2-positive advanced breast cancer who have been heavily pretreated with anti-HER2 agents and cytotoxic chemotherapy, T-DM1 is well tolerated and provided a meaningful progression-free survival of 6 months and an overall survival that has not been reached. Further studies to identify appropriate patient subgroups are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Yeo
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - M Y Luk
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - I S Soong
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, Chai Wan, Hong Kong
| | - T Ys Yuen
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Jordan, Hong Kong
| | - T Y Ng
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Tuen Mun Hospital, Tuen Mun, Hong Kong
| | - F Kf Mo
- Comprehensive Clinical Trials Unit, Department of Clinical Oncology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - K Chan
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, Chai Wan, Hong Kong
| | - S Y Wong
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Tuen Mun Hospital, Tuen Mun, Hong Kong
| | - J Tsang
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - C Leung
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Jordan, Hong Kong
| | - J Js Suen
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - R Kc Ngan
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Jordan, Hong Kong
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15
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Ho CS, Wong SY, Chiu MM, Ho RC. Global Prevalence of Elder Abuse: A Meta-analysis and Meta-regression. East Asian Arch Psychiatry 2017; 27:43-55. [PMID: 28652497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Elder abuse is increasingly recognised as a global public health and social problem. There has been limited inter-study comparison of the prevalence and risk factors for elder abuse. This study aimed to estimate the pooled and subtype prevalence of elder abuse worldwide and identify significant associated risk factors. METHODS We conducted a meta-analysis and meta-regression of 34 population-based and 17 non-population-based studies. RESULTS The pooled prevalences of elder abuse were 10.0% (95% confidence interval, 5.2%-18.6%) and 34.3% (95% confidence interval, 22.9%-47.8%) in population-based studies and third party- or caregiver-reported studies, respectively. Being in a marital relationship was found to be a significant moderator using random-effects model. CONCLUSIONS This meta-analysis revealed that third parties or caregivers were more likely to report abuse than older abused adults. Subgroup analyses showed that females and those resident in non-western countries were more likely to be abused. Emotional abuse was the most prevalent elder abuse subtype and financial abuse was less commonly reported by third parties or caregivers. Heterogeneity in the prevalence was due to the high proportion of married older adults in the sample. Subgroup analysis showed that cultural factors, subtypes of abuse, and gender also contributed to heterogeneity in the pooled prevalence of elder abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Sh Ho
- Department of Psychological Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - S Y Wong
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - M M Chiu
- Department of Applied Social Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - R Cm Ho
- Department of Psychological Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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16
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Long BL, Li H, Mahadevan A, Tang T, Balotin K, Grandel N, Soto J, Wong SY, Abrego A, Li S, Qutub AA. GAIN: A graphical method to automatically analyze individual neurite outgrowth. J Neurosci Methods 2017; 283:62-71. [PMID: 28336360 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2017.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2017] [Revised: 03/18/2017] [Accepted: 03/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurite outgrowth is a metric widely used to assess the success of in vitro neural stem cell differentiation or neuron reprogramming protocols and to evaluate high-content screening assays for neural regenerative drug discovery. However, neurite measurements are tedious to perform manually, and there is a paucity of freely available, fully automated software to determine neurite measurements and neuron counting. To provide such a tool to the neurobiology, stem cell, cell engineering, and neuroregenerative communities, we developed an algorithm for performing high-throughput neurite analysis in immunofluorescent images. NEW METHOD Given an input of paired neuronal nuclear and cytoskeletal microscopy images, the GAIN algorithm calculates neurite length statistics linked to individual cells or clusters of cells. It also provides an estimate of the number of nuclei in clusters of overlapping cells, thereby increasing the accuracy of neurite length statistics for higher confluency cultures. GAIN combines image processing for neuronal cell bodies and neurites with an algorithm for resolving neurite junctions. RESULTS GAIN produces a table of neurite lengths from cell body to neurite tip per cell cluster in an image along with a count of cells per cluster. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS GAIN's performance compares favorably with the popular ImageJ plugin NeuriteTracer for counting neurons, and provides the added benefit of assigning neurites to their respective cell bodies. CONCLUSIONS In summary, GAIN provides a new tool to improve the robust assessment of neural cells by image-based analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- B L Long
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77030 USA.
| | - H Li
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - A Mahadevan
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - T Tang
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - K Balotin
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - N Grandel
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - J Soto
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720 USA
| | - S Y Wong
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720 USA
| | - A Abrego
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - S Li
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
| | - A A Qutub
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77030 USA
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17
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Hoe YC, Gibernau M, Maia ACD, Wong SY. Flowering mechanisms, pollination strategies and floral scent analyses of syntopically co-flowering Homalomena spp. (Araceae) on Borneo. Plant Biol (Stuttg) 2016; 18:563-576. [PMID: 26780890 DOI: 10.1111/plb.12431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2015] [Accepted: 01/12/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
In this study, the flowering mechanisms and pollination strategies of seven species of the highly diverse genus Homalomena (Araceae) were investigated in native populations of West Sarawak, Borneo. The floral scent compositions were also recorded for six of these species. The selected taxa belong to three out of four complexes of the section Cyrtocladon (Hanneae, Giamensis and Borneensis). The species belonging to the Hanneae complex exhibited longer anthesis (53-62 h) than those of the Giamensis and Borneensis complexes (ca. 30 h). Species belonging to the Hanneae complex underwent two floral scent emission events in consecutive days, during the pistillate and staminate phases of anthesis. In species belonging to the Giamensis and Borneensis complexes, floral scent emission was only evident to the human nose during the pistillate phase. A total of 33 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were detected in floral scent analyses of species belonging to the Hanneae complex, whereas 26 VOCs were found in samples of those belonging to the Giamensis complex. The floral scent blends contained uncommon compounds in high concentration, which could ensure pollinator discrimination. Our observations indicate that scarab beetles (Parastasia gestroi and P. nigripennis; Scarabaeidae, Rutelinae) are the pollinators of the investigated species of Homalomena, with Chaloenus schawalleri (Chrysomelidae, Galeuricinae) acting as a secondary pollinator. The pollinators utilise the inflorescence for food, mating opportunities and safe mating arena as rewards. Flower-breeding flies (Colocasiomyia nigricauda and C. aff. heterodonta; Diptera, Drosophilidae) and terrestrial hydrophilid beetles (Cycreon sp.; Coleoptera, Hydrophilidae) were also frequently recovered from inflorescences belonging to all studied species (except H. velutipedunculata), but they probably do not act as efficient pollinators. Future studies should investigate the post-mating isolating barriers among syntopically co-flowering Homalomena sharing the same visiting insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y C Hoe
- Department of Plant Science and Environmental Ecology, Faculty of Resource Science and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - M Gibernau
- CNRS - University of Corsica, UMR 6134 - SPE, Natural Resources Project, Ajaccio, France
| | - A C D Maia
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil
| | - S Y Wong
- Department of Plant Science and Environmental Ecology, Faculty of Resource Science and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Sarawak, Malaysia
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18
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O'Mahony M, Atassi-Sheldon S, Wong J, Klapman-Baker K, Wong SY. Salt Taste Sensitivity and Stimulus Volume: Sips and Drops. Some Implications for the Henkin Taste Test. Perception 2016; 13:725-37. [PMID: 6543952 DOI: 10.1068/p130725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Various presentation procedures and stimulus volumes were compared in their effect on salt taste sensitivity. For sodium chloride (NaCl) stimuli pipetted onto the tongue, subjects had comparable measured sensitivity to 10 ml and 1 ml volumes but a reduced sensitivity to 0.1 ml volumes. The greatest sensitivity was achieved with 10 ml sipped volumes. Modification of the Henkin dropwise triangluar taste test, by increasing the stimulus volumes, increased subjects' sensitivity. Only the 1 ml pipette presentation increased the sensitivity of the Henkin procedure, albeit slightly, to the detection of changes in taste sensitivity, the purpose for which the procedure was actually designed. Such modification did not perturb salivary NaCl levels more than the regular Henkin procedure, so it would not be expected to introduce sensitivity drift.
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Low SL, Wong SY, Ooi IH, Hesse M, Städler Y, Schönenberger J, Boyce PC. Floral diversity and pollination strategies of three rheophytic Schismatoglottideae (Araceae). Plant Biol (Stuttg) 2016; 18:84-97. [PMID: 25688576 DOI: 10.1111/plb.12320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2014] [Accepted: 02/12/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Homoplastic evolution of 'unique' morphological characteristics in the Schismatoglottideae - many previously used to define genera - prompted this study to compare morphology and function in connection with pollination biology for Aridarum nicolsonii, Phymatarum borneense and Schottarum sarikeense. Aridarum nicolsonii and P. borneense extrude pollen through a pair of horned thecae while S. sarikeense sheds pollen through a pair of pores on the thecae. Floral traits of spathe constriction, presence and movement of sterile structures on the spadix, the comparable role of horned thecae and thecae pores, the presence of stamen-associated calcium oxalate packages, and the timing of odour emission are discussed in the context of their roles in pollinator management. Pollinators for all investigated species were determined to be species of Colocasiomyia (Diptera: Drosophilidae).
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Affiliation(s)
- S L Low
- Department of Plant Science and Environmental Ecology, Faculty of Resource Science and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - S Y Wong
- Department of Plant Science and Environmental Ecology, Faculty of Resource Science and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - I H Ooi
- Department of Plant Science and Environmental Ecology, Faculty of Resource Science and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - M Hesse
- Department of Structural and Functional Botany, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Y Städler
- Department of Structural and Functional Botany, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - J Schönenberger
- Department of Structural and Functional Botany, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - P C Boyce
- Institute of Biodiversity and Environmental Conservation, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Sarawak, Malaysia
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Santiago-Ortiz J, Ojala DS, Westesson O, Weinstein JR, Wong SY, Steinsapir A, Kumar S, Holmes I, Schaffer DV. AAV ancestral reconstruction library enables selection of broadly infectious viral variants. Gene Ther 2015; 22:934-46. [PMID: 26186661 PMCID: PMC4509550 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2015.74] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2015] [Revised: 06/22/2015] [Accepted: 07/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors have achieved clinical efficacy in treating several diseases. However, enhanced vectors are required to extend these landmark successes to other indications and protein engineering approaches may provide the necessary vector improvements to address such unmet medical needs. To generate new capsid variants with potentially enhanced infectious properties and to gain insights into AAV's evolutionary history, we computationally designed and experimentally constructed a putative ancestral AAV library. Combinatorial variations at 32 amino acid sites were introduced to account for uncertainty in their identities. We then analyzed the evolutionary flexibility of these residues, the majority of which have not been previously studied, by subjecting the library to iterative selection on a representative cell line panel. The resulting variants exhibited transduction efficiencies comparable to the most efficient extant serotypes and, in general, ancestral libraries were broadly infectious across the cell line panel, indicating that they favored promiscuity over specificity. Interestingly, putative ancestral AAVs were more thermostable than modern serotypes and did not use sialic acids, galactose or heparan sulfate proteoglycans for cellular entry. Finally, variants mediated 19- to 31-fold higher gene expression in the muscle compared with AAV1, a clinically used serotype for muscle delivery, highlighting their promise for gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Santiago-Ortiz
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - D S Ojala
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - O Westesson
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - J R Weinstein
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - S Y Wong
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - A Steinsapir
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - S Kumar
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - I Holmes
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - D V Schaffer
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA.,Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA.,The Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
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Wong LJ, H'ng PS, Wong SY, Lee SH, Lum WC, Chai EW, Wong WZ, Chin KL. Termite digestomes as a potential source of symbiotic microbiota for lignocelluloses degradation: a review. Pak J Biol Sci 2015; 17:956-63. [PMID: 26031014 DOI: 10.3923/pjbs.2014.956.963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Termites thrive in great abundance in terrestrial ecosystems and the symbiotic gut microbiota play important roles in digestion of lignocelluloses and nitrogen metabolism. Termites are excellent models of biocatalysts as they inhabit dense microbes in their guts that produce digestive enzymes to decompose lignocelluloses and convert it to end products such as sugars, hydrogen, and acetate. Different of digestive system between lower and higher termites which lower termites dependent on their dual decomposing system, consisting of termite's own cellulases and gut's protists. Higher termites decompose cellulose using their own enzymes, because of the absence of symbiotic protists. Termite gut prokaryotes efficiently support lignocelluloses degradation. In this review, a brief overview of recent experimental works, development and commercialization is discussed. Significant progress has been made to isolate cellulolytic strains from termites and optimise the digestion efficiency of cellulose. Future perspective should emphasize the isolation of cellulolytic strains from termites, genetically modifying or immobilization of the microbes which produce the desired enzyme and thus benefits on the microbiology and biotechnology.
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Liu KSH, Hung IFN, Seto WKW, Tong T, Hsu ASJ, Lam FYF, But DYK, Wong SY, Leung WK. Ten day sequential versus 10 day modified bismuth quadruple therapy as empirical firstline and secondline treatment for Helicobacter pylori in Chinese patients: an open label, randomised, crossover trial. Gut 2014; 63:1410-5. [PMID: 24295850 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2013-306120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Treatments with sequential therapy (SEQ) or bismuth quadruple (QUAD) therapy have been proposed as empirical firstline regimens for Helicobacter pylori. We compared the efficacy and tolerability of 10 day SEQ with 10 day modified QUAD as both firstline and secondline treatments for H pylori in a randomised crossover study. DESIGN H pylori positive and treatment naïve patients were randomly assigned to receive either 10 day SEQ (esomeprazole for 10 days, amoxicillin for an initial 5 days, followed by clarithromycin and metronidazole for a subsequent 5 days) or modified QUAD (esomeprazole, bismuth subcitrate, tetracycline and metronidazole). H pylori eradication was confirmed by urea breath test at 8 weeks. Patients who failed the initial assigned treatment were crossed over to receive the alternate regimen. The primary outcome was eradication rates of firstline treatment by intention to treat (ITT) and per protocol (PP) analyses. RESULTS 357 patients were randomised to receive either SEQ or QUAD. The PP eradication rates of the SEQ and QUAD groups were 95.2% and 98.8%, respectively (p=0.10). Based on ITT analysis, the corresponding eradication rates were 89.4% and 92.7%, respectively (p=0.36). Eight (4.8%) patients in the SEQ and two (1.2%) patients in the QUAD who failed the firstline treatment were crossed over to the alternate regimen with 100% retreatment success. The overall incidence of adverse events was higher in the QUAD (16.7%) than in the SEQ (8.1%; p=0.032) group. CONCLUSIONS Ten day sequential and modified bismuth quadruple therapies are both highly effective as empirical firstline therapies for H pylori in Chinese patients. CLINICALTRIALSGOV NCT 01760824.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin S H Liu
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Ivan F N Hung
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - W K Walter Seto
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Teresa Tong
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Axel S J Hsu
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Frank Y F Lam
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - David Y K But
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - S Y Wong
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Wai K Leung
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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Leung WK, Lo OSH, Liu KSH, Tong T, But DYK, Lam FYF, Hsu ASJ, Wong SY, Seto WKW, Hung IFN, Law WL. Detection of colorectal adenoma by narrow band imaging (HQ190) vs. high-definition white light colonoscopy: a randomized controlled trial. Am J Gastroenterol 2014; 109:855-63. [PMID: 24751581 DOI: 10.1038/ajg.2014.83] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2013] [Accepted: 02/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The benefits of narrow band imaging (NBI) on enhancing colorectal adenoma detection remain questionable. We tested whether the new generation of NBI (190-NBI), which is twice as bright as the previous version, would improve adenoma detection when compared with high-definition white light (HD-WL) colonoscopy. METHODS It was a randomized controlled trial with tandem colonoscopy. We recruited patients who underwent colonoscopy for symptoms, screening, or surveillance. Patients were randomized for the use of either 190-NBI or HD-WL on withdrawal. Tandem colonoscopy was performed by using the same assigned colonoscope and withdrawal method. Lesions detected on first-pass and second-pass examination were used for adenoma detection and miss rates, respectively. The primary outcomes were adenoma and polyp detection rates. RESULTS A total of 360 patients were randomized to undergo either 190-NBI or HD-WL colonoscopy. Both the adenoma and polyp detection rates were significantly higher in the 190-NBI group compared with the HD-WL group (adenoma: 48.3% vs. 34.4%, P=0.01; polyps: 61.1% vs. 48.3%, P=0.02). The mean number of polyps detected per patient was higher in the 190-NBI group (1.49% vs. 1.13, P=0.07). There was no significant difference in the adenoma miss rates between the two groups (21.8% vs. 21.2%). Multivariate analysis showed that the use of 190-NBI (odds ratio (OR) 1.85; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.10-3.12), withdrawal time (OR 1.29; CI 1.19-1.38), patient's age (OR 1.04; CI 1.01-1.06), and male gender (OR 2.38; CI 1.42-3.99) were associated with adenoma detection. CONCLUSIONS 190-NBI colonoscopy was superior to the conventional HD-WL in detecting colorectal adenomas or polyps, but there was no significant difference in adenoma miss rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wai K Leung
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Oswens S H Lo
- Department of Surgery, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Kevin S H Liu
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Teresa Tong
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - David Y K But
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Frank Y F Lam
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Axel S J Hsu
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - S Y Wong
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - W K Walter Seto
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Ivan F N Hung
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - W L Law
- Department of Surgery, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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Liu KSH, Hung IFN, Seto WKW, Tong T, Hsu ASJ, Lam FYF, But DYK, Wong SY, Leung WK. Ten day sequential versus 10 day modified bismuth quadruple therapy as empirical firstline and secondline treatment for Helicobacter pylori in Chinese patients: an open label, randomised, crossover trial. Gut 2013. [PMID: 24295850 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2013-30612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Treatments with sequential therapy (SEQ) or bismuth quadruple (QUAD) therapy have been proposed as empirical firstline regimens for Helicobacter pylori. We compared the efficacy and tolerability of 10 day SEQ with 10 day modified QUAD as both firstline and secondline treatments for H pylori in a randomised crossover study. DESIGN H pylori positive and treatment naïve patients were randomly assigned to receive either 10 day SEQ (esomeprazole for 10 days, amoxicillin for an initial 5 days, followed by clarithromycin and metronidazole for a subsequent 5 days) or modified QUAD (esomeprazole, bismuth subcitrate, tetracycline and metronidazole). H pylori eradication was confirmed by urea breath test at 8 weeks. Patients who failed the initial assigned treatment were crossed over to receive the alternate regimen. The primary outcome was eradication rates of firstline treatment by intention to treat (ITT) and per protocol (PP) analyses. RESULTS 357 patients were randomised to receive either SEQ or QUAD. The PP eradication rates of the SEQ and QUAD groups were 95.2% and 98.8%, respectively (p=0.10). Based on ITT analysis, the corresponding eradication rates were 89.4% and 92.7%, respectively (p=0.36). Eight (4.8%) patients in the SEQ and two (1.2%) patients in the QUAD who failed the firstline treatment were crossed over to the alternate regimen with 100% retreatment success. The overall incidence of adverse events was higher in the QUAD (16.7%) than in the SEQ (8.1%; p=0.032) group. CONCLUSIONS Ten day sequential and modified bismuth quadruple therapies are both highly effective as empirical firstline therapies for H pylori in Chinese patients. CLINICALTRIALSGOV NCT 01760824.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin S H Liu
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Ivan F N Hung
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - W K Walter Seto
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Teresa Tong
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Axel S J Hsu
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Frank Y F Lam
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - David Y K But
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - S Y Wong
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Wai K Leung
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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Wong SY, Lo SH, Chan CH, Chui HS, Sze WK, Tung Y. Is it feasible to discuss an advance directive with a Chinese patient with advanced malignancy? A prospective cohort study. Hong Kong Med J 2012; 18:178-185. [PMID: 22665680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Advance directives have been implemented for years in western countries, but the concept is new to Asian cultures. According to traditional Chinese culture, family members usually play a decisive role in a patient's treatment plan. Thus it may be hard to implement an advance directive despite its importance to the treatment of patients. The objectives of this study were to assess the feasibility of advance directive engagement and to explore significant contributing factors to achieving such a goal. DESIGN Prospective cohort study. SETTING Palliative Care Unit of Clinical Oncology, Tuen Mun Hospital, Hong Kong. PATIENTS The subjects of the investigation were adult patients diagnosed to have advanced malignancy and newly referred to the hospice service from 24 April 2009 to 30 July 2009. Data were collected from nursing assessment forms, locally designed advance directive forms, a checklist completed by oncologists, and details available in the electronic hospital record. RESULTS Of the 191 eligible patients, 120 (63%) had the advance directive, whereas 71 (37%) did not. In the Cox regression model, the patient having insight of a poor prognosis was the most significant factor facilitating advance directive engagement (P=0.001). Any family objection in the discussion of advance directives was also an important factor, though it did not reach statistical significance (P=0.082). Other factors like age, gender, education, religion, financial status, living environment, understanding the diagnosis, bereavement experience, type of cancer, nature of illness, courses of chemotherapy or radiotherapy received, main caregiver, in-house supporter, nurse-led clinic attendance, clinical psychologist consultation, and in-patient hospice nurse coordinator interview were all statistically insignificant. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrated that it was feasible to discuss an advance directive with Chinese patients with advanced malignancy. When patients have insight about their poor prognosis and family members have no objection, it may be appropriate to discuss an advance directive.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Y Wong
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Tuen Mun Hospital, Tuen Mun, Hong Kong.
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Wong SY, Lua PL. Chocolate: food for moods. Malays J Nutr 2011; 17:259-269. [PMID: 22303579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chocolate is a popular food and its consumption has long been associated with enjoyment and pleasure. The effect of chocolate on mood too has long been recognised. Chocolate is thought to have interactions with neurotransmitters which contribute to mood modulation and appetite regulation. However, the evidence in chocolate and mood studies remains highly controversial. As more is known about the influence of chocolate on mood, the reasons for these effects appear increasingly complex and inter-related. METHODS We reviewed chocolate's properties and the principal hypotheses addressing its mood altering propensities. RESULTS The relationship between chocolate and mood are highly complex, combining psychopharmacological components, nutritional and sensory characteristics of the food. Individual and situational differences on chocolate consumption may also exert influence on mood and the mixed results in previous research indicate that the direction of the association remains unclear. CONCLUSION The association between chocolate consumption and emotions warrants further multi-prong investigations to substantiate chocolate's mood alterating propensity.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Y Wong
- Centre for Clinical and Quality of Life Studies (CCQoLS), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Sultan ZainalAbidin (UniSZA), Kampus Kota, 20400 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia
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Lope RJR, Kong WK, Lee VWM, Tiew WT, Wong SY. Sleep position and infant care practices in an urban community in Kuala Lumpur. Med J Malaysia 2010; 65:45-48. [PMID: 21265248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Several modifiable risk factors for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) have been identified such as sleeping prone or on the side, sleeping on a soft surface, bed-sharing, no prenatal care and maternal ante-natal smoking. A cross-sectional survey of infant sleep and care practices was conducted among parents of babies aged below 8 months to determine the prevalence and predictors of non-supine sleep position and the prevalence of other high-risk infant care practices for SIDS. Of 263 infants, 24.7% were placed to sleep in the non-supine position and age of infants was a factor positively associated with this (adjusted odds ratio 1.275, 95% CI=1.085, 1.499). The most common modifiable risk factor was the presence of soft toys or bedding in the infants' bed or cot (89.4%). Results from this study indicate that although the predominant sleep position of Malaysian infants in this population is supine, the majority of infants were exposed to other care practices which have been shown to be associated with SIDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- R J Raja Lope
- Department of Paediatrics, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latif, 56000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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Ling GR, Singh K, Wong SY, Toh VKL. Severe neuroglycopaenia secondary to severe hypoglycaemia from serendipitous overdose of gliclazide without adrenergic or autonomic response. Diabet Med 2009; 26:1182-3. [PMID: 19930002 DOI: 10.1111/j.1464-5491.2009.02851.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Wong SY, Mercer SM, Leung J, Woo J. The relationship between clinically relevant depressive symptoms and episodes and duration of all cause hospitalization in Southern Chinese elderly. J Affect Disord 2009; 113:272-8. [PMID: 18639936 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2008.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2008] [Revised: 06/03/2008] [Accepted: 06/03/2008] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Identification of depression as an independent factor for increased hospital service utilization, or as part of other factors, is important for primary healthcare in possibly preventing use of hospitals. The objective of this study was to study the effects of having clinically relevant depressive symptoms in community dwelling elderly on all cause hospitalization in the elderly. METHODS We administered the validated Chinese version of Geriatric Depression Scale on 3770 men and women aged 65 years and over. Duration and episodes of hospitalization were assessed using 4-monthly telephone interviews and database from the Hospital Authority over a 4-year period. The associations between the presence of clinically relevant depressive symptoms and the number of hospitalizations and duration of hospitalization were studied by multiple Poisson regression analysis. RESULTS The presence of clinically relevant depressive symptoms was independently associated with increased episodes (RR: 1.29; CI: 1.16-1.43) and increased length of stay (RR: 1.18; CI: 1.10-1.25) for all cause hospitalization in those with and without chronic conditions at baseline. LIMITATION Our study relied on self report of chronic medical conditions. As a result, under-diagnosis of diseases and misclassification of disease status could not be excluded. CONCLUSION It was shown that clinically relevant depressive symptoms are independently associated with inpatient utilization over a 4-year period after adjustment for socioeconomic and health status in these elderly subjects. Identification and effective management of depression in primary care may be one way to reduce hospital service utilization in the elderly in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Y Wong
- Department of Community and Family Medicine, School of Public Health, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR China.
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Abstract
Economic and social factors are determinants of health, as are psychosocial factors. The present study compared self-perceived social status and its relation to health, health related quality of life and lifestyle in older women with men, adjusting for age, education level and maximum lifetime income. A cross-sectional study was conducted of 4,000 men and women aged 65 years and over in a community in the North Eastern part of Hong Kong, a Special Administrative Region in China. Participants were asked to rate their community status, education, income and occupation, on two ladders, each with ten rungs. The distributions of the two ladder scores differed, showing that although participants may not have been ranked highly in terms of money, education and job respectability, they may have ranked their community standing highly. Women and older participants tended to rank their community standing highly in spite of lower ratings in the objective measures. A social gradient in self-perceived social status, independent of objective socioeconomic measures, was noted for physical performance and health-related quality of life, rather than related to presence of specific chronic diseases or lifestyle. However, the different ratings of the two ladders suggested that mechanisms by which the gradient operates may differ between women and men. Further studies are needed to explore the health and psychosocial consequences of the gender difference in self-rated social status.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Woo
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, School of Public Health, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong.
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Rajekar H, Wai CT, Majeed TA, Lee KH, Wong SY, Leong SO, Singh R, Tay KH, Soosaynathan C, Tan KC. Prognostic factors in patients with acute liver failure undergoing live donor liver transplantation. Transplant Proc 2008; 410:1-8. [PMID: 18929776 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2007.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2007] [Revised: 11/27/2007] [Accepted: 11/29/2007] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Mortality from acute liver failure (ALF) is high. Live donor liver transplantation (LDLT) is the treatment of choice for ALF in Asia, because cadaveric donors are rare. We sought to review our results in ALF patients with undergoing LDLT at our center. One hundred two LDLTs were performed at our center from April 2002 to November 2007, 15 (14%) because of ALF. Mean (SEM; median, range) follow-up was 1,065 (189; 1400; 3-2046) days. Nine patients (60%) had acute exacerbation of chronic hepatitis B; and 6 (40%) had drug-induced liver injury. Age was 47 (3; 50; 27-65) years. Ten patients (67%) were men. At transplantation, laboratory values were included bilirubin, 449 (35) micromol/L; creatinine concentration, 182 (32) mmol/L. The international normalized ratio was 2.4 (0.2). The Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score was 34 (2). Both inpatient and long-term mortality was 20% 3 of 15 patients died. The 5-year survival was 80%. Compared with survivors, patients who died had a significantly higher creatinine concentration 289 vs 155 micromol/L, international normalized ratio (3.4 vs 2.1), MELD score (47 vs 32). We conclude that despite being sick with median and mean MELD scores of 32 and 34, 80% of patients with ALF can achieve good long-term survival after LDLT.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Rajekar
- Asian Center for Liver Diseases and Transplantation, Singapore
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Rajekar H, Wai CT, Majeed TA, Lee KH, Wong SY, Leong SO, Singh R, Tay KH, Soosaynathan C, Tan KC. Prognostic factors in patients with acute liver failure undergoing live donor liver transplantation. Transplant Proc 2008; 40:2492-3. [PMID: 18929776 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2008.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Mortality from acute liver failure (ALF) is high. Live donor liver transplantation (LDLT) is the treatment of choice for ALF in Asia, because cadaveric donors are rare. We sought to review our results in ALF patients with undergoing LDLT at our center. One hundred two LDLTs were performed at our center from April 2002 to November 2007, 15 (14%) because of ALF. Mean (SEM; median, range) follow-up was 1,065 (189; 1400; 3-2046) days. Nine patients (60%) had acute exacerbation of chronic hepatitis B; and 6 (40%) had drug-induced liver injury. Age was 47 (3; 50; 27-65) years. Ten patients (67%) were men. At transplantation, laboratory values were included bilirubin, 449 (35) micromol/L; creatinine concentration, 182 (32) mmol/L. The international normalized ratio was 2.4 (0.2). The Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score was 34 (2). Both inpatient and long-term mortality was 20% 3 of 15 patients died. The 5-year survival was 80%. Compared with survivors, patients who died had a significantly higher creatinine concentration 289 vs 155 micromol/L, international normalized ratio (3.4 vs 2.1), MELD score (47 vs 32). We conclude that despite being sick with median and mean MELD scores of 32 and 34, 80% of patients with ALF can achieve good long-term survival after LDLT.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Rajekar
- Asian Center for Liver Diseases and Transplantation, Singapore
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Hsu LY, Kwa AL, Lye DC, Chlebicki MP, Tan TY, Ling ML, Wong SY, Goh LG. Reducing antimicrobial resistance through appropriate antibiotic usage in Singapore. Singapore Med J 2008; 49:749-755. [PMID: 18946605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Two alarming trends threaten the future utility of antimicrobial agents: rise of antimicrobial resistance and decline in development of new antibiotics. The continuing emergence and spread of antimicrobial-resistant microbes--a global public health issue--exacerbates the problem of paucity of new antimicrobial agents. Singapore's public sector hospitals currently have some of the highest rates of antimicrobial resistance worldwide, evolving with surprising speed over the past two decades. Because there was no systematic surveillance until fairly recently, this healthcare problem has not been emphasised. In contrast, it is difficult to assess the scale of antimicrobial resistance in the community in view of the lack of recent research, although indirect evidence suggests that this is also a source of concern. A panel comprising representatives from multiple professional healthcare societies was convened to address the issue of antimicrobial resistance in Singapore, focusing on the conservation of antibiotics against resistance. From a review of the medical literature, potentially successful strategies involve facilitating prudent and appropriate use of antimicrobial agents in tandem with other interventions in infection control. Presently, there is a lack of data on the appropriate use of antibiotics in Singapore. The recommendations of the panel are: The professions should look into ways and means to support systematic data collection on antibiotic use and appropriateness of use; The Ministry of Health should take a more active and positive role in regulating antibiotic usage; Hospitals should actively support effective antimicrobial stewardship programmes; Educators should coordinate programmes to give greater emphasis on appropriate antimicrobial prescription, and support good clinical practice; and, Local and regional branches of pharmaceutical companies should adopt the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America's updated code of conduct on interactions with physicians as a step towards re-aligning the industry-physician relationship in the direction of educational and informational support.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Y Hsu
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 5 Lower Kent Ridge Road, Singapore 119074.
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Chiu TW, Lam CK, Wong SY, Lau YK, Ying SY, Burd A. A simple practical model for planning tissue-expanded flaps. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg 2007; 60:686-7. [PMID: 17485060 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2006.11.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2006] [Accepted: 11/30/2006] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Abstract
Necrotizing fasciitis is an uncommon but life-threatening complication in immunocompromised hosts. We reported four patients with rheumatic diseases complicated by necrotizing fasciitis and reviewed 14 others from literature search. Most patients were on corticosteroid treatment. Septic shock, disseminated intravascular coagulopathy and acute renal deterioration were common giving rise to an overall mortality rate of 27.8%. Septic arthritis may also complicate the condition. Statistical analysis on the series showed the lack of major surgical debridement as the only risk factor associated with increased mortality (RR 7.5, 95% CI 2.1-27.3, P = 0.01). Timely debridement of necrotic tissue is important for reducing mortality.
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MESH Headings
- Adult
- Aeromonas/isolation & purification
- Animals
- Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use
- Arthritis, Infectious/etiology
- Arthritis, Rheumatoid/complications
- Arthritis, Rheumatoid/drug therapy
- Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip
- Combined Modality Therapy
- Cyclophosphamide/adverse effects
- Cyclophosphamide/therapeutic use
- Debridement
- Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation/etiology
- Fasciitis, Necrotizing/drug therapy
- Fasciitis, Necrotizing/etiology
- Fasciitis, Necrotizing/surgery
- Fatal Outcome
- Female
- Femur Head Necrosis/chemically induced
- Femur Head Necrosis/surgery
- Fishes/microbiology
- Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections/drug therapy
- Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections/etiology
- Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections/surgery
- Humans
- Immunocompromised Host
- Immunosuppressive Agents/adverse effects
- Immunosuppressive Agents/therapeutic use
- Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/complications
- Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/drug therapy
- Middle Aged
- Prednisolone/adverse effects
- Prednisolone/therapeutic use
- Pseudomonas Infections/drug therapy
- Pseudomonas Infections/etiology
- Pseudomonas Infections/surgery
- Scleroderma, Diffuse/complications
- Scleroderma, Diffuse/drug therapy
- Shock, Septic/etiology
- Skin/injuries
- Skin Transplantation
- Streptococcal Infections/drug therapy
- Streptococcal Infections/etiology
- Streptococcal Infections/surgery
- Surgical Wound Infection/etiology
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Affiliation(s)
- M Y Mok
- University Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong.
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37
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Wong SY, Lai AC, Martinson I, Wong TKS. Effects of an education programme on family participation in the rehabilitation of children with developmental disability. J Intellect Disabil 2006; 10:165-89. [PMID: 16682391 DOI: 10.1177/1744629506064012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
The growth and development of children with developmental disability depend very much on the parents. The present study was designed to examine whether family-focused education could enhance parental skills, knowledge and competency. The enhancement would in turn result in greater parental participation in the rehabilitation process of these children. The parental needs of Chinese parents were reviewed for the formulation of the Family-Focused Education Programme, which was then implemented, and evaluated using a pre-test/post-test control group design. Forty parents were invited to participate in the study using a convenience sampling technique. The mean scores of these variables were in the direction of increasing after the programme, though repeated measures ANOVA did not indicate any statistically significant changes in parenting knowledge, attitude and stress. It was apparent that the Family-Focused Education Programme enhanced parental competence. Undoubtedly, the family-focused approach is crucial for enhancing parenting competency, and education is fundamental to enabling parents.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Y Wong
- Siu Lam Hospital, and Hong Kong Polytechnic University, China.
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38
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Abstract
By a systematic examination on Na(H2O)n, with n = 4-7, 9, 10, and 15, we demonstrate that a hydrogen loss reaction can be initiated by a single sodium atom with water molecules. This reaction is similar to the well-known size-dependent intracluster hydrogen loss in Mg+(H2O)n, which is isoelectronic to Na(H2O)n. However, with one less charge on Na(H2O)n than that on Mg+(H2O)n, the hydrogen loss for Na(H2O)n is characterized by a higher barrier and a more flexible solvation shell around the metal ion, although the reaction should be accessible, as the lowest barrier is around 8 kcal/mol. Interestingly, the hydroxide ion OH- produced in the process is stabilized by the solvation of H2O molecules and the formation of an ion pair Na+(H2O)4(H2O)n-l-4[OH-(H2O)l]. The activation barrier is reduced as the unpaired electron in Na(H2O)n moves to higher solvation shells with increasing cluster size, and the reaction is not switched off for larger clusters. This is in sharp contrast to the reaction for Mg+(H2O)n, in which the OH- ion is stabilized by direct coordination with Mg2+ and the reaction is switched off for n > 17, as the unpaired electron moved to higher solvation shells. Such a contrast illustrates the important link between microsolvation environment and chemical reactivity in solvation clusters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ka Wai Chan
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Scientific Modeling and Computation, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
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39
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Wong SY, Lim WWC, Que TL, Au DMY. Reflection on SARS precautions in a severe intellectual disabilities hospital in Hong Kong. J Intellect Disabil Res 2005; 49:379-384. [PMID: 15817055 PMCID: PMC7167173 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2788.2005.00687.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/13/2004] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hong Kong went through a battle with a new respiratory disease, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), from March to June 2003. All clinical settings, including rehabilitative and infirmary setting, have actively involved in fighting against the infection. The intent of this paper was to reflect on the SARS precautionary measures that had been taken in a severe intellectual disabilities hospital in Hong Kong. METHODS A review on six SARS precautionary measures were conducted. They were assessment of risk, formulation of operational guidelines, implementation of infection control measures, education and training of staff, conducting audits and carrying out environmental improvement work. RESULTS Patients were at risk of getting infected from carers, visitors, volunteers, and staff and patients of general hospitals. A SARS Quarantine Unit, isolation ward, was opened to isolate patients who might have had close contact with SARS patients during a stay in a general hospital or when they returned from home leave. Undoubtedly, both staff and relatives participated in preventing the patients from being infected. No day leave and home leave was reported and the number of hospitalization in general hospital was decreased during the critical period. Three infection control audits were conducted and improvement work was carried out subsequently. CONCLUSION The practice of grouping within a standard isolation room is recommended to continue in the future. Moreover, intensive infection control training for all staff is of highest importance to safeguard the health of both staff and patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Y Wong
- Mental Handicap, Siu Lam Hospital, Tuen Mun, Hong Kong.
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40
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Wong SY, Lau EM, Lau WW, Lynn HS. Is dietary counselling effective in increasing dietary calcium, protein and energy intake in patients with osteoporotic fractures? A randomized controlled clinical trial. J Hum Nutr Diet 2004; 17:359-64. [PMID: 15250845 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-277x.2004.00536.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
To determine the feasibility of increasing the calcium, protein and calorie intake of osteoporotic fracture patients by repeated dietary counselling delivered by a dietitian, a randomized controlled trial was conducted. Among 189 patients presenting with osteoporotic fractures to an Orthopaedics and Traumatology Department of a large regional hospital, 98 patients were randomized to the intervention group and 91 were randomized to the control group (with usual care). Intervention group received three sessions of dietary counselling with tailored made recommendations over a period of 4 months, while the control group only received dietary assessment and pamphlets on the prevention of osteoporosis. Almost all subjects in both intervention and control groups had calcium intake below the recommended level of 1000 mg at baseline. Half and 60% of subjects in both groups had total energy and protein intake below recommended levels respectively. The mean weights of control and intervention groups at baseline were 51.5 and 50.9 kg respectively, while the body mass index (BMI) were 22.6 (kg m(-2)) and 22.6 (kg m(-2)) respectively. After dietary intervention, significant increase of intake was seen in calcium intake (P = 0.0095 by t-test) in the intervention group. No significant increase was seen in protein or calorie intake. No significant change was observed in the body weight or BMI although there was a positive trend in the intervention group for all these parameters. We concluded that there was general malnutrition in Chinese elderly who presented with osteoporotic fractures. Dietary calcium could be increased by repeated professional dietary counselling. Future studies with longer duration and more objective clinical outcomes will be helpful to further demonstrate the long-term effects of dietary intervention on osteoporosis and other chronic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Y Wong
- Department of Community and Family Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
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41
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Ng FH, Wong SY, Chang CM, Chen WH, Kng C, Lanas AI, Wong BCY. High incidence of clopidogrel-associated gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with previous peptic ulcer disease. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2003; 18:443-9. [PMID: 12940930 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2036.2003.01693.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In average-risk patients, the new anti-platelet agent, clopidogrel, causes less upper gastrointestinal adverse events than aspirin. However, there are no safety data on the use of clopidogrel in high-risk patients. AIM To evaluate the safety of clopidogrel in patients with peptic ulcer disease in a retrospective cohort longitudinal study. METHODS During the period from January 2000 to May 2002, 70 patients who were prescribed clopidogrel (75 mg/day) for a previous history of non-aspirin-related peptic ulcer disease or a history of aspirin-related gastrointestinal complications (dyspepsia or peptic ulcer) were recruited. The occurrence of ulcer complications (bleeding/perforation/obstruction) was the primary end-point. RESULTS After a median follow-up of 1 year, nine patients (12%) developed gastrointestinal bleeding and one had a perforated peptic ulcer. Clopidogrel-associated gastrointestinal bleeding was significantly more common in patients with a history of gastrointestinal bleeding than in those without (22% vs. 0%; P = 0.007; odds ratio, 1.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-1.5). CONCLUSIONS Clopidogrel is associated with a high incidence of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in high-risk patients. A previous history of gastrointestinal bleeding appears to be a predictor of adverse gastrointestinal events.
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Affiliation(s)
- F H Ng
- Department of Medicine, Ruttonjee Hospital, Hong Kong
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42
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Ng FH, Wong WM, Wong BCY, Kng C, Wong SY, Lai KC, Cheng CS, Yuen WC, Lam SK, Lai CL. Sequential intravenous/oral antibiotic vs. continuous intravenous antibiotic in the treatment of pyogenic liver abscess. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2002; 16:1083-90. [PMID: 12030949 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2036.2002.01266.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
AIM Pyogenic liver abscesses result in substantial morbidity and mortality. Antimicrobial regimens using sequential intravenous/oral therapy may reduce the length of hospital stay. In this retrospective analysis, the efficacy of continuous intravenous antibiotic therapy (group I) vs. sequential intravenous/oral antibiotic therapy (group II) was studied in patients with pyogenic liver abscess. METHODS One hundred and twelve consecutive patients (55 in group I and 57 in group II) with pyogenic liver abscess were analysed. Clinical response, length of hospital stay and relapse rates were examined. RESULTS Group II had a significantly shorter duration of intravenous antibiotic treatment (3.2 weeks vs. 5.9 weeks, P < 0.01) and a shorter length of hospital stay (28 days vs. 42 days, P < 0.01) when compared to group I. Oral antibiotics were prescribed for a median duration of 2.9 weeks in group II after discharge. No relapse occurred within 6 weeks after the completion of treatment in both groups. The cost of therapy was significantly lower in group II than in group I by 33%. CONCLUSIONS A sequential intravenous/oral antibiotic regime is a safe and effective treatment for pyogenic liver abscess. This reduces the cost of therapy and the length of hospital stay.
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Affiliation(s)
- F H Ng
- Department of Medicine, Ruttonjee Hospital, Hong Kong, ROC
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43
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Wong SY, Lam MS. Rickettsioses: the new and old diseases. Singapore Med J 2001; 42:546-8. [PMID: 11989573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
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44
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Xia HH, Wong BC, Wong KW, Wong SY, Wong WM, Lai KC, Hu WH, Chan CK, Lam SK. Clinical and endoscopic characteristics of non-Helicobacter pylori, non-NSAID duodenal ulcers: a long-term prospective study. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2001; 15:1875-82. [PMID: 11736717 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2036.2001.01115.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The proportion of duodenal ulcers not associated with Helicobacter pylori infection or the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is increasing. AIM To identify the clinical and endoscopic characteristics of non-H. pylori, non-NSAID duodenal ulcers. METHODS Clinical and endoscopic data and H. pylori status were prospectively collected from consecutive patients who underwent upper endoscopy from 1997 to 1999. Patients with duodenal ulcers were identified, and those with non-H. pylori, non-NSAID duodenal ulcers were analysed further. RESULTS A total of 11 717 upper endoscopies were performed in 8344 patients. Of these, 1153 (14%) had duodenal ulcers. Of 599 patients with active ulcers and known H. pylori status, 104 (17%) had ulcers not associated with H. pylori or the use of NSAIDs, 393 (66%) had ulcers associated with H. pylori alone, 51 (8.5%) had ulcers associated with the use of NSAIDs alone and 51 (8.5%) had ulcers associated with both. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the presence of concomitant diseases (odds ratio=15.0; 95% confidence interval, 8.64-25.9; P < 0.001) and the absence of epigastric pain/discomfort (odds ratio=0.52; 95% confidence interval, 0.29-0.91; P=0.022) were independent predictors for non-H. pylori, non-NSAID duodenal ulcers. CONCLUSIONS Non-H. pylori, non-NSAID duodenal ulcers exhibit certain distinct clinical and endoscopic characteristics. The presence of concomitant diseases is an important predictive factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- H H Xia
- Department of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
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45
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Abstract
Behçet's disease, as initially described, is a triad of recurrent oral and genital ulcers and relapsing uveitis. The incomplete form, in which there is no ocular involvement, has been described in Japan and Korea, but this is not commonly recognized in the southern Chinese. We reported herein a rare case of repeated intestinal perforations caused by an incomplete form of Behçet's syndrome in a southern Chinese man.
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Affiliation(s)
- F H Ng
- Department of Medicine, Ruttonjee Hospital, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, China.
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46
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Abstract
Novel mutations in NADH dehydrogenase (ndh) were detected in 8 of 84 (9.5%) isoniazid (INH)-resistant isolates (T110A [n = 1], R268H [n = 7]), but not in 22 INH-susceptible isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Significantly, all eight isolates with mutations at ndh did not have mutations at katG, kasA, or the promoter regions of inhA or ahpC, except for one isolate. Mutations in ndh appear to be an additional molecular mechanism for isoniazid resistance in M. tuberculosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- A S Lee
- Department of Clinical Research, Singapore General Hospital, 169608 Singapore
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47
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48
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Skelton V, Greenway GM, Haswell SJ, Styring P, Morgan DO, Warrington BH, Wong SY. The generation of concentration gradients using electroosmotic flow in micro reactors allowing stereoselective chemical synthesis. Analyst 2001; 126:11-3. [PMID: 11205499 DOI: 10.1039/b006727j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The stereoselective control of chemical reactions has been achieved by applying electrical fields in a micro reactor generating controlled concentration gradients of the reagent streams. The chemistry based upon well-established Wittig synthesis was carried out in a micro reactor device fabricated in borosilicate glass using photolithographic and wet etching techniques. The selectivity of the cis (Z) to trans (E) isomeric ratio in the product synthesised was controlled by varying the applied voltages to the reagent reservoirs within the micro reactor. This subsequently altered the relative reagent concentrations within the device resulting in Z/E ratios in the range 0.57-5.21. By comparison, a traditional batch method based on the same reaction length, concentration, solvent and stoichiometry (i.e., 1.0:1.5:1.0 reagent ratios) gave a Z/E in the range 2.8-3.0. However, when the stoichiometric ratios were varied up to ten times as much, the Z/E ratios varied in accordance to the micro reactor i.e., when the aldehyde is in excess, the Z isomer predominates whereas when the aldehyde is in low concentrations, the E isomer is the more favourable form. Thus indicating that localised concentration gradients generated by careful flow control due to the diffusion limited non-turbulent mixing regime within a micro reactor, leads to the observed stereo selectivity for the cis and trans isomers.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Skelton
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and the Environment, University of Hull, Cottingham Road, Hull, UK HU6 7RX
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49
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Skelton V, Greenway GM, Haswell SJ, Styring P, Morgan DO, Warrington B, Wong SY. The preparation of a series of nitrostilbene ester compounds using micro reactor technology. Analyst 2001; 126:7-10. [PMID: 11205516 DOI: 10.1039/b006728h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The synthesis of stilbene esters using Wittig chemistry has been used to illustrate the generic diversity micro reactors offer in terms of chemical control and rapid method development. The micro reactor consisted of a 'T' design based on channel geometries 200 microns wide and 100 microns deep, etched into borosilicate glass and sealed with a borosilicate top plate using a thermal bonding technique. The movement of the reagent and products was achieved using electroosmotic flow (EOF), assisted by the incorporation of micro porous silica frits within the micro-channels to allow accurate solution control. To optimise the operating conditions methyl 4-formylbenzoate, premixed with sodium methoxide, was reacted with 2-nitrobenzyl-triphenylphosphonium bromide in dry degassed MeOH using flow conditions for both reagents of 0.40 microL min-1 for 20 min. A product yield of 70% (2:1 reaction stoichiometry with the aldehyde in excess) was obtained representing a 10% increase compared with the traditional batch synthesis. To demonstrate the capability of micro reactors to perform atom efficient synthesis a series of experiments based on an injection methodology (optimised to 30 s) were performed in the micro reactor at 1:1 stoichiometry resulting in a yield of 59%. Finally, the capability of micro reactors to perform a series of analogue reactions was investigated. The yields for a further three aldehydes indicated that the technology will be suitable for the development of automated device to support the generation of combinatorial libraries and rapid high throughput synthetic methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Skelton
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and the Environment, University of Hull, Cottingham Road, Hull, UK HU6 7RX
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50
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Ng FH, Kng C, Wong SY, Yuen WC, Mau TY. Positioning the rubber band at the tip of the housing cylinder can prevent damage to the gastroscope during endoscopic variceal ligation. Endoscopy 2000; 32:S61. [PMID: 11068845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- F H Ng
- Department of Medicine, Ruttonjee Hospital, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, China.
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