A Multi-Center Prospective Study on the Healing of Neuro-Ischemic Ulcers in Singapore: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Background And Aims: Neuro-ischemic ulcers (NIU) present a substantial clinical and economic burden on the healthcare systems. This study aims to evaluate their healing rate, associated healthcare resource utilization, and prognostic factors influencing healing.

Methods: Consecutive patients attended specialist clinics or admitted to wards in three tertiary hospitals for new or existing NIUs from November 2019 to November 2021 were eligible for this study.

Global impact of 10- and 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccines on pneumococcal meningitis in all ages: the PSERENADE project.

Background: Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) introduced in childhood national immunization programs lowered vaccine-type invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD), but replacement with non-vaccine-types persisted throughout the PCV10/13 follow-up period. We assessed PCV10/13 impact on pneumococcal meningitis incidence globally.

Methods: The number of cases with serotyped pneumococci detected in cerebrospinal fluid and population denominators were obtained from surveillance sites globally.

Validity of non-traditional measures of obesity compared to total body fat across the life course: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

IntroductionTraditional obesity measures including body mass index, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, and waist-to-height ratio have limitations. The primary objective of this study was to identify and review the validity of non-traditional obesity measures, using measures of total body fat as the reference standard, that have been used across multiple life stages. MethodsWe conducted a systematic review and searched MEDLINE, Embase, and PsycINFO.

Women's preferences for testing to predict breast cancer risk - a discrete choice experiment.

Background: Risk-based breast cancer screening offers a more targeted and potentially cost-effective approach in cancer detection compared to age-based screening. This study aims to understand women's preferences and willingness for undergoing risk assessment tests.

Methods: A discrete choice experiment (DCE) was conducted.

Dramatic effect of extreme rainfall event and storm on microbial community dynamics in a subtropical coastal region.

Extreme weather events, such as heavy rainfall and typhoons, are becoming more frequent due to climate change and can significantly impact coastal microbial communities. This study examines the short-term alterations in microbial food webs-viruses, bacteria, picophytoplankton, nanoflagellates, ciliates, and diatom-following Typhoon Krathon in Taiwan's coastal waters in October 2024. Daily in situ sampling revealed a significant post-typhoon increased in viral, nanoflagellate, and Synechococcus spp.