Publications by authors named "Kua J"

The core autocatalytic cycle of the formose reaction may be enhanced or eroded by the presence of simple molecules at life's origin. Utilizing quantum chemistry, we calculate the thermodynamics and kinetics of reactions both within the core cycle and those that deplete the reactants and intermediates, such as the Cannizzaro reaction. We find that via disproportionation of aldehydes into carboxylic acids and alcohols, the Cannizzaro reaction furnishes simple catalysts for a variety of reactions.

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  • Cardiogenic shock (CS) after a heart attack (STEMI) in Asian patients is linked to significantly worse long-term outcomes compared to those without CS.
  • In a study of 1,791 patients who underwent emergency heart procedures, about 12% developed CS, leading to much higher mortality and major cardiac events.
  • Key factors influencing survival include higher left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) at admission, better arterial pH levels, and lower serum lactate concentrations, with the latter indicating a worse prognosis.
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Background: The goals of reconstruction have progressed from filling a defect to enhancing function and aesthetic appearance. We aimed to achieve better aesthetic and functional outcomes in terms of shoe fitting and mobility. This is accomplished via a classification of the subunits and aesthetic considerations of the lower limb.

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  • * Overweight/obesity is forecasted to not only be the most rapidly growing risk factor but also the leading cause of AMI-related deaths, with a staggering 294.7% increase in mortality associated with it.
  • * Disparities exist among ethnic groups, with Indian and Malay populations facing a higher burden of obesity and AMI-related mortality compared to Chinese individuals.
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Guidance for the timing of surgery following SARS-CoV-2 infection needed reassessment given widespread vaccination, less virulent variants, contemporary evidence and a need to increase access to safe surgery. We, therefore, updated previous recommendations to assist policymakers, administrative staff, clinicians and, most importantly, patients. Patients who develop symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection within 7 weeks of planned surgery, including on the day of surgery, should be screened for SARS-CoV-2.

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The Internet of Things (IoT) plays a fundamental role in monitoring applications; however, existing approaches relying on cloud and edge-based IoT data analysis encounter issues such as network delays and high costs, which can adversely impact time-sensitive applications. To address these challenges, this paper proposes an IoT framework called Sazgar IoT. Unlike existing solutions, Sazgar IoT leverages only IoT devices and IoT data analysis approximation techniques to meet the time-bounds of time-sensitive IoT applications.

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Recent years have seen the rapid development of technologies in Smart Grids (SGs) to enhance electricity networks with digital and data communication technologies. SGs can proactively detect, react, and respond to dynamic changes in the network. SGs can also enhance the efficiency and reliability of electricity supplies and promote the integration of renewable energy sources.

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Surgical decision-making after SARS-CoV-2 infection is influenced by the presence of comorbidity, infection severity and whether the surgical problem is time-sensitive. Contemporary surgical policy to delay surgery is informed by highly heterogeneous country-specific guidance. We evaluated surgical provision in England during the COVID-19 pandemic to assess real-world practice and whether deferral remains necessary.

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Background: Front-of-neck access (FONA) is an emergency procedure used as a last resort to achieve a patent airway in the prehospital environment. In this systematic review with meta-analysis, we aimed to evaluate the number and success rate of FONA procedures in the prehospital setting, including changes since 2017, when a surgical technique was outlined as the first-line prehospital method.

Methods: A systematic literature search (PROSPERO CRD42022348975) was performed from inception of databases to July 2022 to identify studies in patients of any age undergoing prehospital FONA, followed by data extraction.

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Black/African American communities continue to be disproportionately impacted by HIV with Black people with HIV (PWH) exhibiting poorer outcomes along the HIV treatment cascade. Psychosocial burden may, in part, explain these health disparities among PWH. We implemented a culturally adapted intervention [individualized Texting for Adherence Building (iTAB)] to improve ART adherence among 89 Black PWH in San Diego, CA.

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Whilst adaptive experts have well-researched beliefs and attitudes towards learning, what is unclear are the interactions that occur within the learning environment that constitute their learning experiences. The practice of geriatric medicine emphasises the interdisciplinary care of complex frail older adults. Our study sets out to understand the learning experiences of adaptive experts in geriatric medicine by examining how interactions at the intra-personal, inter-personal and organisational levels contributed to the development of adaptive expertise.

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Background: Effective multicomponent interventions in the community targeted at preventing frailty in at-risk older adults can promote healthy ageing. However, there is a lack of studies exploring the effectiveness of technology-enabled autonomous multi-domain community-based interventions for frailty. We developed a novel end-to-end System for Assessment and Intervention of Frailty (SAIF) with exercise, nutrition, and polypharmacy components.

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What kinds of CHOS compounds might be formed in a prebiotic milieu by reducing CO in the presence of H and HS? How might the presence of sulfur influence the chemical composition of the mixture? We explore these questions by using first-principles quantum chemistry to calculate the free energies of CHOS compounds in aqueous solution, by first generating a thermodynamic map of one- and two-carbon species. We find that while thiols are thermodynamically favored, thioesters, thioacids, and thiones are less favorable than their non-sulfur counterparts. We then focus on the key role played by mercaptoacetaldehyde in sulfur analogs of the autocatalytic formose reaction, whereby the thiol group introduces asymmetry and potential thermodynamic selectivity of some compounds over others.

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Halal authentication has become essential in the food industry to ensure food is free from any prohibited ingredients according to Islamic law. Diversification of food origin and adulteration issues have raised concerns among Muslim consumers. Therefore, verification of food constituents and their quality is paramount.

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Embedding ethical concepts into smart Internet-connected devices and making them behave in a more human-centred manner, i.e., ethically and in a socially acceptable manner, has received significant attention in the software industry.

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The perceived risk of transmission of aerosolised viral particles from patients to airway practitioners during the COVID-19 pandemic led to the widespread use of aerosol precautions, including personal protective equipment and modifications to anaesthetic technique. The risk of these aerosol precautions on peri-operative airway complications has not been assessed outside of simulation studies. This prospective, national, multicentre cohort study aimed to quantify this risk.

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  • Human umbilical cord lining epithelial cells (CLECs) can be ethically sourced from discarded umbilical cords and show promise for treating skin wounds, similar to the use of oral mucosal cells for cornea defects.
  • Comparative analysis using flow cytometry revealed differences in the expression of epidermal and basal cell markers between CLECs and traditional skin keratinocytes (KCs).
  • In a porcine wound model, CLEC application led to faster healing and fewer adverse effects compared to human skin allografts (HSGs), indicating CLECs as a viable and safe alternative for wound treatment.
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Mask wearing is an essential strategy to combat the spread of SARS-CoV-2. Some individuals may wear masks during physical activity to reduce disease transmission. This study aimed to investigate the real-world effect of wearing a surgical face mask on physiological parameters at peak exercise in healthy individuals.

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The impact of vaccination and new SARS-CoV-2 variants on peri-operative outcomes is unclear. We aimed to update previously published consensus recommendations on timing of elective surgery after SARS-CoV-2 infection to assist policymakers, administrative staff, clinicians and patients. The guidance remains that patients should avoid elective surgery within 7 weeks of infection, unless the benefits of doing so exceed the risk of waiting.

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Neuraxial anaesthesia is widely utilised for elective caesarean section, but the prevalence of inadequate intra-operative anaesthesia is unclear. We aimed to determine the prevalence of inadequate neuraxial anaesthesia for elective caesarean section; prevalence of conversion from neuraxial anaesthesia to general anaesthesia following inadequate neuraxial anaesthesia; and the effect of mode of anaesthesia. We searched studies reporting inadequate neuraxial anaesthesia that used ≥ ED95 doses (effective dose in 95% of the population) of neuraxial local anaesthetic agents.

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