Outcomes of Endoscopic versus Microscopic Ossicular Chain Reconstruction-A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Objective: The efficacy of the transcanal endoscopic approach in tympanoplasty, cholesteatoma removal, and stapedotomy is detailed. This study reviews evidence on the feasibility of endoscopic ossiculoplasty as a suitable alternative to traditional microscopic ossiculoplasty.

Data Sources: PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched from inception to 19 June 2024 for articles comparing endoscopic and microscopic ossicular chain reconstruction.

Meta-analysis of soluble tumour necrosis factor receptors in severe mental illnesses.

Tumour necrosis factor (TNF), as an innate immune defense molecule, functions through binding to TNF receptor 1 (TNFR1) or TNF receptor 2 (TNFR2). Peripheral levels of soluble TNFR1 (sTNFR1) and soluble TNFR2 (sTNFR2) were widely measured in severe mental illnesses (SMIs) including schizophrenia (SCZ), bipolar disorder (BD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) but inconsistencies existed. Hence, the present meta-analysis was conducted to identify the overall association between plasma/serum sTNFR1 and sTNFR2 levels and SMIs.

"Vertigo, likely peripheral": the dizzying rise of ChatGPT.

Purpose: The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in medical decision-making has once again come to the forefront with the prevalence of Natural Language Processing (NLP). In this exploratory article, we tested one such model, ChatGPT, for its ability to identify vestibular causes of dizziness METHODS: Eight hypothetical scenarios were presented to ChatGPT, which included varying clinical pictures and types of prompts. The responses given by ChatGPT were evaluated for coherence, clarity, consistency, accuracy, appropriateness, and recognition of limitations.

Frequency of electrode migration after cochlear implantation in the early postoperative period. What are associated risk factors?

Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of, and risk factors associated with electrode migration (EM) in cochlear implant (CI) recipients.

Design: Historical cohort study of all CIs performed between 1 January 2018 and 1 August 2021 in a single tertiary adult and paediatric CI centre in the UK.

Main Outcome Measures: The primary aim is to determine the prevalence of electrode migration, comparing intraoperative surgeon report and examination of a routine plain radiograph performed 2 weeks after surgery.

Advanced Fabrication and Multi-Properties of Aluminum-Based Aerogels from Aluminum Waste for Thermal Insulation and Oil Absorption Applications.

Metal-based aerogels have attracted numerous studies due to their unique physical, structural, thermal, and chemical properties. Utilizing aluminum waste, a novel, facile, environmentally friendly approach to aluminum-based aerogels is proposed. In this work, the aluminum-based aerogels produced do not use toxic chemicals unlike conventional aerogel production.

De novo metabolic syndrome after liver transplantation: a meta-analysis on cumulative incidence, risk factors, and outcomes.

Post-transplant metabolic syndrome (PTMS) has been associated with increased cardiovascular risk which significantly impacts the morbidity and mortality rates of liver transplant (LT) recipients. This study sought to conduct a meta-analysis and systematic review on the cumulative incidence, risk factors, and cardiovascular outcomes associated with de novo PTMS.Medline and Embase were searched for articles describing the incidence, risk factors, and cardiovascular outcomes of de novo PTMS.

Meta-analysis: Chemoprevention of hepatocellular carcinoma with statins, aspirin and metformin.

Background: Emerging data suggest that statins, aspirin and metformin may protect against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development. However, prior meta-analyses were limited by heterogeneity and inclusion of studies without adequate adjustment for baseline risks.

Aim: To examine by an updated meta-analysis the association between these medications and HCC risk.

Emotional journey of Asian mothers of premature infants who received pasteurised donor human milk: a qualitative study.

Objective: To explore the effect of donor human milk usage on the emotional experience of mothers with premature infants in a multiracial Asian population.

Design: A qualitative descriptive study. Semistructured individual interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed using Braun and Clarke's process of thematic analysis.

Depression in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is associated with an increased risk of complications and mortality.

Background And Aims: The global prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is expected to rise continuously. Furthermore, emerging evidence has also shown the potential for concomitant depression in NAFLD. This study aims to examine the prevalence, risk factors, and adverse events of depression in NAFLD and evaluate whether treated depression can reverse the increased risks of adverse outcomes.

Serological Evidence of Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) Infection Among Ruminant Farmworkers: A Retrospective Study from Malaysia.

Background: As scant data are available about Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection in Malaysia, this study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of HEV amongst ruminant farmworkers in Malaysia.

Methods: A total of 87 farmworkers provided serum samples, which were collected from eight farms. All serum samples were tested for anti-HEV IgG and anti-HEV IgM by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using the Wantai HEV-IgG and HEV-IgM ELISA kits from Beijing Wantai Biological Pharmacy Enterprise Co.

Both Medialization and Anteromedialization Tibial Tubercle Osteotomies are Effective Surgical Management for Skeletally Mature Patients with Patellofemoral Instability when Combined with Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction.

The study aimed to compare the midterm outcomes of medialization and anteromedialization tibial tubercle osteotomies when used in the management of recurrent patellofemoral instability. The hypothesis is that both techniques would result in significant improvement for patellofemoral instability, but anteromedialization would result in a lower incidence of early osteoarthritis. In the cohort study, all skeletally mature patients aged 18 years old or younger who underwent tibial tubercle osteotomy for recurrent patellofemoral instability within a 10-year period in a single institution were included.

Cochlear implantation in systemic autoimmune disease.

Purpose Of Review: Autoimmune inner ear disease (AIED) is a rare, but likely underrecognized cause of hearing loss. However, hearing loss is common in systemic autoimmune disease and it is important for the clinician to be familiar with the spectrum of disease. In this article, we will review the developments in diagnosis and management of AIED, with a focus on the outcomes and potential pitfalls of cochlear implantation.

The first association study of Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase, Non-Receptor Type 2 (PTPN2) gene polymorphisms in Malaysian patients with Crohn's disease.

Crohn's disease (CD) is one of the sub-entities of Inflammatory Bowel Disease which causes chronic inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. The development of CD has shown to have a strong genetic association. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the association between genetic polymorphisms in a susceptible locus of CD, the protein tyrosine phosphatase, non-receptor type 2 (PTPN2) gene and the development of CD in Malaysian patients.

Effects of antipsychotics on antioxidant defence system in patients with schizophrenia: A meta-analysis.

Theory of oxidative stress is suggested in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. To determine the cause of impaired antioxidant defense system in schizophrenia, a meta-analysis was performed by selecting studies published from 1964 to 2021 from Pubmed and Scopus databases. Data were analysed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis version 2 and calculated effect sizes were compared between unmedicated and medicated patients with schizophrenia and healthy controls.

Blood-based oxidation markers in medicated and unmedicated schizophrenia patients: A meta-analysis.

Increased reactive species due to the effect of antipsychotics on oxidative stress may be involved in the development of schizophrenia. However, antipsychotics may have different direct antioxidant effects due to their chemical structures. The present meta-analysis aimed to investigate whether the cause increased oxidant status in schizophrenia patients is due to the illness or induction by antipsychotics.

Recent Progresses in Eco-Friendly Fabrication and Applications of Sustainable Aerogels from Various Waste Materials.

Tons of waste from residential, commercial and manufacturing activities are generated due to the growing population, urbanization and economic development, prompting the need for sustainable measures. Numerous ways of converting waste to aerogels, a novel class of ultra-light and ultra-porous materials, have been researched to tackle the issues of waste. This review provides an overview of the status of aerogels made from agricultural waste, municipal solid, and industrial waste focusing on the fabrication, properties, and applications of such aerogels.

Diabetes is a risk factor for hearing loss in older adults: Results of a community screening programme.

Objectives: To investigate the association between diabetes mellitus (DM) and the prevalence and severity of hearing loss in a population of community-dwelling older adults in Singapore.

Materials And Methods: This is a retrospective, cross-sectional study of 1787 adults aged 60-100 who had undergone a comprehensive audiological assessment in a community-based audiology clinic. Data extracted included their age, hearing profile, medical history, and comorbidities collected through verbal interview at the point of audiologic assessment.

Antidiabetic Medications for Type 2 Diabetics with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Evidence From a Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Objective: Type 2 diabetes mellitus and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are closely related, and antidiabetic medications have been shown to be potential therapeutics in NAFLD. Using a network meta-analysis, we sought to examine the effectiveness of antidiabetic agents for the treatment of NAFLD in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods: Medline and Embase were searched for randomized controlled trials relating to the use of antidiabetic agents, including sodium-glucose transport protein 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) agonists, biguanides, sulfonylureas and insulin, on NAFLD in patients with diabetes.

Extrapulmonary manifestations and complications of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 infection: a systematic review.

Introduction: We aimed to describe the extrapulmonary manifestations of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, including their frequency, onset with respect to respiratory symptoms, pathogenesis and association with disease severity.

Methods: We searched the MEDLINE and Embase databases for SARS-CoV-2-related studies. Meta-analysis, observational studies, case series and case reports published in English or Chinese between 1 January 2020 and 1 May 2020 were included.

8-Hydroxy-2'-Deoxyguanosine and Reactive Oxygen Species as Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress in Mental Illnesses: A Meta-Analysis.

Objective: Mental illnesses may be caused by genetic and environmental factors. Recent studies reported that mental illnesses were accompanied by higher oxidative stress level. However, the results were inconsistent.

Diversity and natural selection of Merozoite surface Protein-1 in three species of human malaria parasites: Contribution from South-East Asian isolates.

The present study aimed to examine the genetic diversity of human malaria parasites (i.e., P.