The strategic framework of tuberculosis control and prevention in the elderly: a scoping review towards End TB targets.

With the rapid pace of population ageing, tuberculosis (TB) in the elderly increasingly becomes a public health challenge. Despite the increasing burden and high risks for TB in the elderly, targeted strategy has not been well understood and evaluated. We undertook a scoping review to identify current TB strategies, research and policy gaps in the elderly and summarized the results within a strategic framework towards End TB targets.

Satellite-based estimates of long-term exposure to fine particulate matter are associated with C-reactive protein in 30 034 Taiwanese adults.

Background: Particulate matter (PM) air pollution is associated with the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. However, the biological mechanism underlying the associations remains unclear. Atherosclerosis, the underlying pathology of cardiovascular disease, is a chronic inflammatory process.

Effect of nut consumption on vascular endothelial function: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Objective: nut consumption has consistently been found to be associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and mortality in prospective studies. However, its effect on endothelial function, a prognostic marker of CVD, is still controversial in clinical trials. This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) aimed to quantitatively assess the effect of nuts on vascular endothelial function.

Integrated care for older populations and its implementation facilitators and barriers: A rapid scoping review.

Purpose: Inform health system improvements by summarizing components of integrated care in older populations. Identify key implementation barriers and facilitators.

Data Sources: A scoping review was undertaken for evidence from MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, organizational websites and internet searches.

Circulating Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 (PCSK9) Concentration and Risk of Cardiovascular Events - Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Prospective Studies.

Background: Previous studies have not found a consistent association between circulating proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) and the risk of cardiovascular events. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate this association in prospective studies.

Methods and results: A systematic search of prospective studies published through October 2016 was carried out in order to identify studies that met pre-specified inclusion criteria.

A Randomized Controlled Trial to Determine the Appropriate Time to Initiate Peritoneal Dialysis after Insertion of Catheter (Timely PD Study).

Background: The optimal time for the commencement of peritoneal dialysis (PD) after PD catheter insertion is unclear. If dialysis is started too soon after insertion, dialysate leaks and infection could occur. However, by starting PD earlier, morbidity and costs can be reduced through lesser hemodialysis requirements.

The risk of second primary cancers due to peripheral photon and neutron doses received during prostate cancer external beam radiation therapy.

Background: Out-of-field organs can be affected by secondary radiations originating from high energy linear accelerators, leading to an increased risk of carcinogenesis. The aim of this work was to determine the risk of second primary cancers (SPC) in the organs distal to the prostate during 3D conformal radiotherapy.

Materials And Methods: Based on previously measured peripheral photon and neutron doses in a Rando phantom using an 18MV photon beam, SPC risks in the out-of-field organs were estimated using the linear-no-threshold and the competitive risk models.

Dietary patterns and the risk of rhinitis in primary school children: a prospective cohort study.

This study was to investigate the association between dietary patterns and rhinitis in primary school children. 1,599 students without rhinitis at baseline survey were selected from a primary school children cohort. Information on food consumption, respiratory symptoms, and confounders was collected using questionnaires.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Preferences of Advance Decisions, End-of-Life Care, and Place of Care and Death in Hong Kong. A Population-Based Telephone Survey of 1067 Adults.

Objectives: According to the 2015 Quality of Death Index published by the Intelligence Unit of the Economist, Hong Kong is ranked 22nd in terms of quality of palliative care in the world, behind many other major developed countries in Asia, including Taiwan, Singapore, Japan, and South Korea. The objectives of the present study were to describe the knowledge, attitude, and preferences of the general Hong Kong adult population across different age groups regarding end-of-life (EOL) care decisions, place of care and death, as well as advance directive (AD).

Methods: This was a population-based cross-sectional survey conducted by telephone.

Efficacy of self-monitoring of blood glucose versus retrospective continuous glucose monitoring in improving glycaemic control in diabetic kidney disease patients.

Aims: Patients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD) on anti-diabetic agents, are at greater risk of glycemic variations, both hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. We aimed to compare glycemic control (using HbA1c) and hypoglycemia incidence in patients with Stage 3 DKD (eGFR 30-60 mL/min per 1.73 m ), receiving retrospective CGM-guided anti-diabetic therapy versus self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) over 3 months.

Impact of perioperative hypoglycaemia in subjects with diabetes undergoing colorectal surgery.

Introduction: This study explores the association between perioperative hypoglycaemia and surgical outcomes in subjects with diabetes, undergoing colorectal surgery.

Methods: A retrospective review of 149 subjects with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) who underwent colorectal surgery between 2010 and 2015 was performed. Perioperative glucose levels, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) measurements within 3 months of surgery and surgical complications based on Clavien-Dindo classification were analysed.

The association between types of regular primary care and hospitalization among people with and without multimorbidity: A household survey on 25,780 Chinese.

Using data collected from 25,780 Hong Kong citizens in a household survey, this study aimed to investigate the association between having regular source of primary care and hospitalization amongst people with and without multimorbidity (two or more chronic conditions). Potential interaction effects of regular primary care with multimorbidity were also examined. Results revealed a significant association between having regular source of primary care from General Practitioners and reduced hospitalization amongst respondents with multimorbidity (RR = 0.

Dietary intake of manganese and the risk of the metabolic syndrome in a Chinese population.

Animal studies have suggested that Mn might be associated with some components of the metabolic syndrome (MetS). A few epidemiological studies have assessed dietary Mn intake and its association with the risk of the MetS and its components among Chinese adults. In this study, we assessed daily dietary Mn intake and its relationship with MetS risk among Chinese adults in Zhejiang Province using data from the 5th Chinese National Nutrition and Health Survey (2010-2012).

Inflammatory Markers of CRP, IL6, TNFα, and Soluble TNFR2 and the Risk of Ovarian Cancer: A Meta-analysis of Prospective Studies.

Background: There has been growing evidence showing that inflammatory markers play an important role in the development of ovarian cancer. We conducted a meta-analysis on the associations between circulating levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin 6 (IL6), tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), and soluble TNFα receptor 2 (TNFR2), and the risk of ovarian cancer.

Methods: A systematic search of PubMed and EMBASE up until January 19, 2016 was conducted to retrieve prospective studies.

Predictors of radiation-induced gastrointestinal morbidity: A prospective, longitudinal study following radiotherapy for carcinoma of the prostate.

Background Chronic gastrointestinal (GI) morbidity occurs in ≥50% of patients after external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) for carcinoma of prostate (CaP). This prospective, longitudinal study examines which baseline measurements of: 1) homocysteine and micronutrients in plasma; 2) chromosome damage/misrepair biomarkers; and 3) anal and rectal dose volume metrics predict GI morbidity after EBRT. Patients and methods In total, 106 patients with CaP had evaluations of GI symptoms (modified LENT-SOMA questionnaires) before EBRT and at one month, one, two and three years after its completion.

Genetic evolution of Human Enterovirus A71 subgenotype C4 in Shenzhen, China, 1998-2013.

Background: Human Enterovirus A71 (EV-A71) is one of the severest enteroviruses that causes hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) among children. This study identified the mutations of EV-A71 VP1 amino acid residues over a number of years and explored the possible association of identified mutations and HFMD epidemic outbreaks in Shenzhen, China.

Methods: A total of 3760 stool specimens were collected from HFMD patients by Shenzhen Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) between 1998 and 2013.

How shall we examine and learn about public-private partnerships (PPPs) in the health sector? Realist evaluation of PPPs in Hong Kong.

The World Health Organization advocates the goal of universal coverage of health systems to ensure that everyone can avail the services they need and are protected from the associated financial risks. Governments are increasingly engaging and interacting with the private sector in initiatives collectively referred to as public-private partnerships (PPPs) to enhance the capacity of health systems to meet this objective. Understanding the values that motivate partners and demonstrating commitment for building relationships were found to be key lessons in building effective PPPs; however there, remain many research gaps.

Fasting during Ramadan and Associated Changes in Glycaemia, Caloric Intake and Body Composition with Gender Differences in Singapore.

Introduction: Millions of Muslim patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) fast during Ramadan. However, little is known about the metabolic impact of Ramadan fasting. We aimed to study the changes in body composition and metabolic profile in this group of patients.

Sustained benefit of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion on glycaemic control and hypoglycaemia in adults with Type 1 diabetes.

Aim: To evaluate the sustainability of the benefits of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion therapy in routine practice in a cohort of adults with diabetes.

Methods: The clinical records of all adults starting continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion over 12 years at our centre were included in this study. Baseline and mean annual HbA(1c) levels were recorded.

Interventions That Restore Awareness of Hypoglycemia in Adults With Type 1 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Objective: Impaired awareness of hypoglycemia (IAH) increases the risk of severe hypoglycemia (SH) sixfold and affects 30% of adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D). This systematic review and meta-analysis looks at the educational, technological, and pharmacological interventions aimed at restoring hypoglycemia awareness (HA) in adults with T1D.

Research Design And Methods: We searched The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Embase, Science Citation Index Expanded, Social Sciences Citation Index, PsycINFO, and CINAHL from inception until 1 October 2014.

Technology to Reduce Hypoglycemia.

Hypoglycemia is a major barrier toward achieving glycemic targets and is associated with significant morbidity (both psychological and physical) and mortality. This article reviews technological strategies, from simple to more advanced technologies, which may help prevent or mitigate exposure to hypoglycemia. More efficient insulin delivery systems, bolus advisor calculators, data downloads providing information on glucose trends, continuous glucose monitoring with alarms warning of hypoglycemia, predictive algorithms, and finally closed loop insulin delivery systems are reviewed.

Patient experience and satisfaction with inpatient service: development of short form survey instrument measuring the core aspect of inpatient experience.

Patient experience reflects quality of care from the patients' perspective; therefore, patients' experiences are important data in the evaluation of the quality of health services. The development of an abbreviated, reliable and valid instrument for measuring inpatients' experience would reflect the key aspect of inpatient care from patients' perspective as well as facilitate quality improvement by cultivating patient engagement and allow the trends in patient satisfaction and experience to be measured regularly. The study developed a short-form inpatient instrument and tested its ability to capture a core set of inpatients' experiences.