The disadvantaged populations eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) epidemiology (DEGREE) study was designed to gain insight into the burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD) of undetermined cause (CKDu) using standard protocols to estimate the general-population prevalence of low eGFR internationally. Therefore, we estimated the age-standardized prevalence of eGFR under 60 ml/min per 1.73m in adults aged 18-60, excluding participants with commonly known causes of CKD; an ACR (albumin/creatinine ratio) over 300 mg/g or equivalent, or self-reported or measured (HT) hypertension or (DM) diabetes mellitus, stratified by sex and location.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIntroduction: Kidney failure can be managed either conservatively or via kidney replacement therapy. Kidney supportive care combines the expertise of nephrology with palliative care in a multidisciplinary team with a focus on improving quality of life.
Objective: To identify and appraise evidence-based health system kidney supportive care interventions DESIGN: Systematic review (PROSPERO Registration - CRD42022333650).
Background: Leishmaniasis has emerged as an escalating public health problem in Sri Lanka, with reported cases increasing nearly three folds over past decade, from 1,367 in 2014 to 3714 cases in 2023. Phlebotominae sand flies are the vectors of leishmaniasis. Their density is known to be influenced by context-specific climatic and land use patterns.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThis study investigated the applicability of the biodegradable films and coatings prepared from gelatin extracted from jellyfish using two extraction methods; conventional hot water extraction and microwave-assisted extraction, for the preservation of strawberries under refrigerated storage (4 °C), compared to biodegradable films and coatings prepared from analytical grade cold water fish skin gelatin and porcine skin gelatin. After 21 days of storage, uncoated strawberries (control group) exhibited visual decay and fungal attacks while coated or film-wrapped strawberries exhibited a better appearance. Coating or wrapping with gelatin films significantly reduced the weight loss of strawberries and the changes in color, hardness, moisture content, pH, titratable acidity, and total soluble solids of coated/film-wrapped fruits during storage were minimal compared to the uncoated fruits.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPhlebotomus argentipes is the established vector of leishmaniasis in the Indian sub-continent. Antibodies to sand fly salivary antigens are biomarkers for vector-host exposure in leishmaniasis-endemic regions. Ph.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe impact of non-motor symptoms is often overlooked in favour of the motor symptoms when managing Parkinson's disease resulting in suboptimal patient outcomes. This study aimed to characterise the non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease in a cohort of Sri Lankan patients with a special focus on the impulsive control disorders and other compulsive behaviours (ICDs-CB) that had not been previously studied in this population. All patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease followed up at the National Hospital of Colombo, Sri Lanka were included.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjectives: Microwave ablation (MWA) has gained attention as a minimally invasive and safe alternative to surgical intervention for patients with small renal masses; however, its cost-effectiveness in Australia remains unclear. This study conducted a cost-effectiveness analysis to evaluate the relative clinical and economic merits of MWA compared to robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy (RA-PN) in the treatment of small renal masses.
Methods: A Markov state-transition model was constructed to simulate the progression of Australian patients with small renal masses treated with MWA versus RA-PN over a 10-year horizon.
Introduction: Identifying and addressing neurodevelopmental delays in children can be challenging for families and the healthcare system. Delays in accessing services and early interventions are common. The design and delivery of these services, and associated outcomes for children, may be improved if service provision aligns with families' needs and preferences for receiving care.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFis the established vector of leishmaniasis in the Indian sub-continent. Antibodies to sand fly salivary antigens are biomarkers for vector-host exposure in leishmaniasis-endemic regions. transmits in Sri Lanka, primarily causing cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPurpose: To identify the key attributes of breast cancer follow-up care models preferred by cancer survivors in Australia.
Methods: A discrete choice experiment (DCE) was conducted to elicit preferences for attributes of breast cancer follow-up care. Respondents were presented with two hypothetical scenarios, known as choice sets, and asked to select a preference.
Background: The growth in online qualitative research and data collection provides several advantages for health service researchers and participants, including convenience and extended geographic reach. However, these online processes can also present unexpected challenges, including instances of participant fraud or scam behaviour. This study describes an incident of participant fraud identified during online focus group discussions and interviews for a PhD health services research project on paediatric neurodevelopmental care.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIntroduction: The Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ), Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ), and Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) are widely used non-preference-based instruments that measure health-related quality of life (QOL) in people with heart disease. However, currently it is not possible to estimate quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) for economic evaluation using these instruments as the summary scores produced are not preference-based. The MacNew-7D is a heart disease-specific preference-based instrument.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPalladium catalysts are frequently employed in processes where methanol is an energy vector or carrier, being useful for the synthesis of methanol from mixtures of carbon dioxide and hydrogen (CO/H) or its steam reforming on demand. Results of synchrotron-based ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy for the adsorption of methanol on a Pd(111) model catalyst show a rich surface chemistry and complex phenomena that strongly depend on pressure and temperature. At low pressures (<10 Torr) and temperatures (<300 K), CO is the dominant decomposition product.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: It is essential to consider the evidence of consumer preferences and their specific needs when determining which strategies to use to improve patient attendance at scheduled healthcare appointments.
Objectives: This study aimed to identify key attributes and elicit healthcare consumer preferences for a healthcare appointment reminder system.
Methods: A discrete choice experiment was conducted in a general Australian population sample.
Objectives: This scoping review mapped and synthesised original research that identified low-value care in hospital settings as part of multicomponent processes.
Design: Scoping review.
Data Sources: Electronic databases (EMBASE, PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO and Cochrane CENTRAL) and grey literature were last searched 11 July and 3 June 2022, respectively, with no language or date restrictions.
Leishmaniasis is considered one of the neglected tropical diseases in the world. Although Bhutan is a member of the visceral leishmaniasis elimination consortium in South Asia, not much attention has been accorded to the disease because of its low incidence. The vector that transmits Leishmania remains poorly understood.
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