The Evaluation and Modification of Standard Airway Assessment Tests for Virtual Anaesthetic Assessments: A Pilot Study.

Virtual preoperative anaesthetic assessments can significantly reduce healthcare costs and improve patient convenience. The challenge with virtual consults is often the airway assessments, which screen for potentially difficult airways (PDAs). The objective of this pilot study was to determine the reliability of standard airway screening tests for detecting PDAs when conducted virtually.

Experimental Investigation on Macroscopic and Microscopic Mechanical Properties of Geopolymer-Stabilized Macadam.

Geopolymer, as a promising inorganic binding material, holds potential for use in constructing base layers for highway pavements. This study aims to evaluate the mechanical properties of geopolymer-stabilized macadam (GSM) at both the micro- and macro-scale by a series of tests, demonstrating that high-Ca GSM is a high-quality material for pavement base layers. The results demonstrated that GSM exhibits outstanding mechanical and fatigue properties, significantly surpassing those of cement-stabilized macadam (CSM).

High-Mobility All-Transparent TFTs with Dual-Functional Amorphous IZTO for Channel and Transparent Conductive Electrodes.

The increasing demand for advanced transparent and flexible display technologies has led to significant research in thin-film transistors (TFTs) with high mobility, transparency, and mechanical robustness. In this study, we fabricated all-transparent TFTs (AT-TFTs) utilizing amorphous indium-zinc-tin-oxide (a-IZTO) as a dual-functional material for both the channel layer and transparent conductive electrodes (TCEs). The a-IZTO was deposited using radio-frequency magnetron sputtering, with its composition adjusted for both channel and electrode functionality.

Comparison of Respiratory Microbiomes in Influenza Versus Other Respiratory Infections: Systematic Review and Analysis.

Studies have indicated the potential importance of the human nasal and respiratory microbiomes in health and disease. However, the roles of these microbiomes in the pathogenesis of influenza and its complications are not fully understood. Therefore, the objective of this systematic review and analysis is to identify the patterns of nasal and respiratory microbiome dysbiosis and to define the unique signature bacteria associated with influenza compared with other respiratory tract infections.

Mechanism of Transcription Factor ChbZIP1 Enhanced Alkaline Stress Tolerance in .

Alkaline environments such as alkaline lands, lakes, and industrial wastewater are not conducive to the growth of plants and microorganisms due to high pH and salinity. ChbZIP1 is a bZIP family transcription factor isolated from an alkaliphilic microalgae ( sp. BLD).

The Impact of Metabolic Rewiring in Glioblastoma: The Immune Landscape and Therapeutic Strategies.

Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive brain tumor characterized by extensive metabolic reprogramming that drives tumor growth and therapeutic resistance. Key metabolic pathways, including glycolysis, lactate production, and lipid metabolism, are upregulated to sustain tumor survival in the hypoxic and nutrient-deprived tumor microenvironment (TME), while glutamine and tryptophan metabolism further contribute to the aggressive phenotype of GBM. These metabolic alterations impair immune cell function, leading to exhaustion and stress in CD8+ and CD4+ T cells while favoring immunosuppressive populations such as regulatory T cells (Tregs) and M2-like macrophages.

Insights into the Corrosion Inhibition Performance of Plant Extracts of Different Genera in the Asteraceae Family for Q235 Steel in HSO Medium.

Nowadays, the development of plant extracts as corrosion inhibitors to protect metals from corrosion is a popular research direction. However, given the vast diversity of plant species in nature, it is imperative to explore effective methods to improve screening efficiency in order to quickly identify the corrosion inhibition potential of plants. In this work, a new strategy for developing plant-extracted eco-friendly corrosion inhibitors based on the family and genus of plants is proposed.

Comparative Pharmacokinetic Analysis of Aflibercept and Brolucizumab in Human Aqueous Humor Using Nano-Surface and Molecular-Orientation Limited Proteolysis.

Aflibercept and brolucizumab, two anti-VEGF agents used as intravitreal injections in ophthalmology, differ significantly in molecular weight (aflibercept-115 kDa and brolucizumab-26 kDa). Using aqueous humor samples collected after drug administration, we measured and performed a comparative analysis of pharmacokinetics and half-lives of these drugs in the human eye. Since the quantification of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) using antigen-antibody reactions, such as ELISA, is influenced by endogenous ligands or anti-drug antibodies, we employed nano-surface and molecular-orientation limited proteolysis (nSMOL), combined with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), for accurate measurements.

Evidence Suggesting That Alzheimer's Disease May Be a Transmissible Disorder.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterised by progressive neurodegeneration with the formation of amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tau tangles in the brain parenchyma. The causes of AD have been attributed to a combination of age-related changes within the brain as well as genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors. However, a recent study by Banerjee et al.

The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Diagnosis, Treatment, and Outcomes of Colorectal Cancer in Singapore.

: During the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries implemented lockdowns and social distancing measures, which may delay the early diagnosis of colorectal cancer (CRC). This study aims to review the impact of the pandemic on the diagnosis and treatment outcomes of CRC. : Patients who underwent colonoscopy or surgery for CRC were included.

Comparison of Vaccination Regimens on Immune Responses Using PED Replicon Vaccine: A Field Trial in PED-Negative and PED-Positive Thai Swine Farms.

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) is an economically important pathogen of swine, causing severe diarrhea in neonates with high morbidity and mortality. Vaccination is a key strategy for PEDV control, but optimizing regimens based on herd status is essential for improving immunity and protection. This study evaluated immune responses to different vaccination protocols using a PED replicon vaccine (PED-RP) in Thai swine farms with varying PED statuses.

Detection and Phylogenetic Analysis of an Exotic Strain of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus and Its Effect on an Affected Herd Immunized Against the Endemic Strain in Thailand.

Porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) is caused by the PED virus, with (), comprising and , being the primary contributors to outbreaks worldwide. In Thailand, was the only virulent strain identified until the emergence of the first strain in 2014, followed by additional strains in 2015-2016, particularly those closely related to virulent strains from China. This led to increased awareness of more frequent and complex outbreaks.

Morphokinetic Analyses of Fishing Cat-Domestic Cat Interspecies Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer Embryos Through A Time-Lapse System.

A time-lapse live embryo monitoring system provides a powerful approach to recording dynamic developmental events of cultured embryos in detail. By obtaining continuous short-interval images, blastocyst formation can be predicted and embryos can be selected. The objective of this study was to investigate the morphokinetic parameters of fishing cat-domestic cat interspecies somatic cell nuclear transfer (iSCNT) embryos from one-cell to blastocyst stages, and in particular, the cleavage patterns of the first division in iSCNT and IVF embryos, as these play a central role in euploidy.

Detection and Characterization of Circulating Tumor Cells in Colorectal Cancer Patients via Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Markers.

Liquid biopsy methods have gained prominence as minimally invasive tools to improve cancer treatment outcomes. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) offer valuable insights into both primary and metastatic lesions. However, validating the CTC test results requires confirmation that the detected cells originate from cancer tissue.

Harnessing Artificial Intelligence to Enhance Global Breast Cancer Care: A Scoping Review of Applications, Outcomes, and Challenges.

Background: In recent years, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has shown transformative potential in advancing breast cancer care globally. This scoping review seeks to provide a comprehensive overview of AI applications in breast cancer care, examining how they could reshape diagnosis, treatment, and management on a worldwide scale and discussing both the benefits and challenges associated with their adoption.

Methods: In accordance with PRISMA-ScR and ensuing guidelines on scoping reviews, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase were systematically searched from inception to end of May 2024.

A Scoping Review of Primary Breast Cancer Risk Reduction Strategies in East and Southeast Asia.

Breast cancer (BC) screening enables early detection and timely treatment of cancer. Improving the effectiveness of BC screening can be accomplished by personalizing screening schedules according to each woman's specific risk level. However, when informing women about their risk classification, especially those at high risk, it is important to give clear recommendations on how to lower their risk.

Wish-Granting Interventions Promote Positive Emotions in Both the Short and Long Term in Children with Critical Illnesses and Their Families.

Background: Wish-granting interventions are recognized as positive experiences for children with critical illness and their families. While the positive effects have been shown in the immediate and short term, data on their long-term effects are lacking.

Objectives: To evaluate the effects of wish-granting interventions on children and parents during and post intervention-both in the weeks after, and up to 5 years after-and to examine any differences between these two groups.

Exploring in Ischemic Stroke and Moyamoya Disease: From Cellular Models to Clinical Insights.

Advances in stroke genetics have highlighted the critical role of rare genetic variants in cerebrovascular diseases, with emerging as a key player in ischemic stroke and Moyamoya disease (MMD). Initially identified as the primary susceptibility gene for MMD, -notably the p.R4810K variant-has been strongly linked to intracranial artery stenosis (ICAS) and various ischemic stroke subtypes, particularly in East Asian populations.

ADL+: A Digital Toolkit for Multidomain Cognitive, Physical, and Nutritional Interventions to Prevent Cognitive Decline in Community-Dwelling Older Adults.

Background: Current research highlights the importance of addressing multiple risk factors concurrently to tackle the complex etiology of dementia. However, limited evidence exists on the efficacy of technology-driven, multidomain community-based interventions for preventing cognitive decline.

Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of ADL+, an artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled digital toolkit integrating cognitive assessments and multidomain interventions, on outcomes of cognitive function, activity levels, and quality of life in older adults at risk of cognitive decline.

Comparative Analysis of One Health Policies in Asia for Exploring Opportunities for British Columbia in Canada.

In response to emerging challenges that intersect humans, animals, and environments, there is growing international exigent need to adopt 'One Health' approaches. While One Health efforts are emerging in British Columbia in Canada, there are still challenges to overcome in the adoption of a One Health approach in policymaking. We conducted a comparative analysis of One Health policies in Asia, specifically, Singapore, Hong Kong, Bangladesh, and Thailand, which have well-established and sophisticated One Health approaches, to determine good practices in the implementation of One Health that could be considered for adoption in British Columbia.

Advanced Practice Nurses' Evidence-Based Healthcare Competence and Associated Factors in Finland and Singapore-A Cross-Sectional Study.

Aim: To describe and compare the Evidence-Based HealthCare (EBHC) competence of Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs), and the factors associated with it in Finland and Singapore.

Design: A descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study.

Methods: Data were collected from APNs working in healthcare in Finland (n = 157) or Singapore (n = 99) between May 2023 and October 2023 using a self-assessment instrument to measure EBHC competence (EBHC-Comp-APN) and an EBHC knowledge test.

Classifying strategies for building community health movements: a guide for implementers.

Background: Enabling community-led health initiatives will contribute to reducing the burdens on the healthcare system. Implementing such initiatives successfully in high and upper-middle income Asian countries is poorly understood and documented. We undertook a Rapid Review, systematically synthesising the evidence to develop implementation guidelines to address this gap.

Mortality and ocular parameters and diseases.

Background: To assess associations between mortality and major ocular parameters and diseases.

Methods: The population-based Ural Eye and Medical Study (UEMS) and Ural Very Old Study (UVOS) included 5899 individuals (age: 40+ years) and 1526 individuals (age: 85+ years), respectively. Cause-specific mortality was determined using the government regional information and analytical system.

Development of the PRECIOUS Short-Form (PRECIOUS-SF) quality of care measure for children with serious illnesses.

Background: Rising number of children with complex medical conditions necessitate regular healthcare quality evaluation to achieve optimal outcomes. To address the need for a periodic and quick assessment of quality of care in serious childhood illnesses, we developed a short version of previously validated 45-item PaRental Experience with care for Children with serIOUS illnesses (PRECIOUS) measure.

Methodology: PRECIOUS was administered by parents of children living with serious illnesses at two time-points (baseline and two weeks) in an online survey.

A machine learning based algorithm accurately stages liver disease by quantification of arteries.

A major histologic feature of cirrhosis is the loss of liver architecture with collapse of tissue and vascular changes per unit. We developed qVessel to quantify the arterial density (AD) in liver biopsies with chronic disease of varied etiology and stage. 46 needle liver biopsy samples with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), 48 with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and 43 with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) were collected at the Shuguang Hospital.