Necrotising fasciitis in the elderly: comparison between patients aged 60 years and older and those younger than 60 years.

Introduction: Increasing age is associated with an increased incidence of necrotising fasciitis. In this study, we aimed to compare the clinical presentation, investigations, microbiology and clinical outcome in elderly (age ≥60 years) and nonelderly (age <60 years) patients with extremity necrotising fasciitis.

Methods: A retrospective review of patients with extremity necrotising fasciitis who were surgically treated between January 2005 and December 2021 was conducted.

Characteristics and outcomes of patients with repeat rapid response team activations in a tertiary centre in Singapore.

Introduction: Rapid response teams (RRTs) are prevalent in healthcare institutions worldwide. Repeated activations are associated with increased morbidity and higher resource utilisation, and represent a heterogeneous population that may benefit from early identification. To date, there are no published data on repeat RRT activations in Singapore.

Examining a brief web and longitudinal app-based intervention [Wysa] for mental health support in Singapore during the COVID-19 pandemic: mixed-methods retrospective observational study.

The COVID-19 pandemic in Singapore led to limited access to mental health services, resulting in increased distress among the population. This study explores the potential benefits of offering a digital mental health intervention (DMHI), Wysa, as a brief and longitudinal intervention as part of the mindline.sg initiative launched by the MOH Office for Healthcare Transformation in Singapore.

Robust and interpretable AI-guided marker for early dementia prediction in real-world clinical settings.

Background: Predicting dementia early has major implications for clinical management and patient outcomes. Yet, we still lack sensitive tools for stratifying patients early, resulting in patients being undiagnosed or wrongly diagnosed. Despite rapid expansion in machine learning models for dementia prediction, limited model interpretability and generalizability impede translation to the clinic.

Transient hypothyroidism in a neonate following maternal exposure to vinblastine during pregnancy: a case report and review.

Background: Vinblastine is a widely used chemotherapeutic agent for various cancers. We report a case of transient congenital hypothyroidism following maternal exposure to vinblastine during the third trimester of pregnancy and propose possible mechanisms of action.

Method: We utilized the CARE guidelines to report the case.

Current trends in intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring among Asia-Pacific countries: an Asia-Pacific Spine Society survey.

Study Design: A prospective web-based survey.

Purpose: Although intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) is critical in spine surgery, its usage is largely based on the surgeon's discretion, and studies on its usage trends in Asia-Pacific countries are lacking. This study aimed to examine current trends in IONM usage in Asia-Pacific countries.

Long-Lasting and High-Power-Density Yarn-Based Moisture-Enabled Electric Generator for Self-powered Electronic Textiles.

1D moisture-enabled electric generators (MEGs) hold great promise for powering electronic textiles, but their current limitations in power output and operational duration restrict their application in wearable technology. This study introduces a high-performance yarn-based moisture-enabled electric generator (YMEG), which comprises a carbon-fiber core, a cotton yarn active layer with a radial gradient of poly(4-styrensulfonic acid) and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PSSA/PVA), and an aluminum wire as the outer electrode. The unique design maintains a persistent moisture gradient between the interior and exterior electrodes, enhancing performance through the continuous proton diffusion from PSSA and Al⁺ ions from the aluminum wire.

Overground robotic exoskeleton vs conventional therapy in inpatient stroke rehabilitation: results from a pragmatic, multicentre implementation programme.

Background: Despite the reported efficacy of overground robotic exoskeleton (ORE) for rehabilitation of mobility post-stroke, its effectiveness in real-world practice is still debated. We analysed prospectively collected data from Improving Mobility Via Exoskeleton (IMOVE), a multicentre clinical implementation programme of ORE enrolling participants with various neurological conditions and were given options to choose between 12 sessions of ORE or conventional therapy (control).

Methods: This is analysis of participants under IMOVE who fulfilled the following criteria (i) primary diagnosis was stroke (ischemic, hemorrhagic; first or recurrent), (ii) onset of stroke was within 9 months and (iii) the intervention was during inpatient stay.

Indicators from The Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change: Perspectives and Experience of City Leaders from 118 Cities.

Rapid urbanization and escalating climate crises place cities at the critical juncture of environmental and public health action. Urban areas are home to more than half of the global population, contributing ~ 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Structured surveys were completed by 191 leaders in city governments and civil society from 118 cities in 52 countries (February-April 2024).

Fully distributed energy management strategy for DC bus charging stations with three charging modes.

Although electric vehicles supplied through distributed generators (DGs) have been universally researched to reduce CO emissions, the accurate current sharing regarding islanded multi-bus DC charging stations considering three charging modes of electric vehicles, i.e., constant current mode, constant power mode and constant voltage mode, is rarely realized.

Targeting mutant p53: Evaluation of novel anti-p53 monoclonal antibodies as diagnostic tools.

About 50% of all cancers carry a mutation in p53 that impairs its tumor suppressor function. The p53 missense mutation p53 (p53 in mice) is a hotspot mutation in various cancer types. Therefore, monoclonal antibodies selectively targeting clinically relevant mutations like p53 could prove immensely value.

Swarm navigation of cyborg-insects in unknown obstructed soft terrain.

Cyborg insects refer to hybrid robots that integrate living insects with miniature electronic controllers to enable robotic-like programmable control. These creatures exhibit advantages over conventional robots in adaption to complex terrain and sustained energy efficiency. Nevertheless, there is a lack of literature on the control of multi-cyborg systems.

Observation of quantum strong Mpemba effect.

An ancient and counterintuitive phenomenon known as the Mpemba effect (water can cool faster when initially heated up) showcases the critical role of initial conditions in relaxation processes. How to realize and utilize this effect for speeding up relaxation is an important but challenging task in purely quantum system till now. Here, we experimentally study the strong Mpemba effect in a single trapped ion system in which an exponentially accelerated relaxation in time is observed by preparing an optimal quantum initial state with no excitation of the slowest decaying mode.

Nanospace Engineering for C Aromatic Isomer Separation.

C aromatic isomers, namely para-xylene (PX), meta-xylene (MX), ortho-xylene (OX), and ethylbenzene (EB), are essential industrial chemicals with a wide range of applications. The effective separation of these isomers is crucial across various sectors, including petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, and polymer manufacturing. Traditional separation methods, such as distillation and solvent extraction, are energy-intensive.

Tract-specific white matter hyperintensities and neuropsychiatric syndromes: a multicentre memory clinic study.

Background: White matter hyperintensities (WMH) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia but the functional significance of WMH in specific white matter (WM) tracts is unclear. We investigate whether WMH burden within major WM fibre classes and individual WM tracts are differentially associated with different neuropsychiatric syndromes in a large multicentre study.

Method: Neuroimaging and neuropsychiatric data of seven memory clinic cohorts through the Meta VCI Map consortium were harmonised.

Pharmacological Interventions for the Acute Treatment of Hyperkalaemia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Background: Hyperkalaemia is a life-threatening electrolyte disturbance and also a potential cause of cardiac arrest. The objective was to assess the effects of acute pharmacological interventions for the treatment of hyperkalaemia in patients with and without cardiac arrest.

Methods: The review was reported according to PRISMA guidelines and registered on PROSPERO (CRD42023440553).

Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from lignin: Pathways, catalysts, and challenges.

The aviation industry plays a crucial role in global trade and cultural exchange, but it faces significant challenges due to high fuel costs and environmental impacts. To achieve carbon neutrality, promoting the development of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is essential, with projections indicating that 65% of emissions reductions in the aviation industry by 2050 will come from the use of SAF. Lignin, as an abundant renewable resource, has great potential for conversion into aviation fuel components.

Optimum diagnostic pathway and pathologic confirmation rate of early stage lung cancer: Results from the VIOLET randomised controlled trial.

Background: Pathologic confirmation of lung cancer influences treatment selection for suspected early-stage lung cancer. High pre-treatment tissue confirmation rates are recommended. We sought to define management and outcomes of patients undergoing surgery for primary lung cancer in a UK multi-centre clinical trial.

Hypermagnesemia- and Hyperphosphatemia-Associated Cardiac Arrest after Injection of a Novel Magnesium-Based Bone Cement in Spinal Surgery.

We report a case of pulseless electrical activity (PEA) associated with profound hypermagnesemia immediately after cementation of a novel magnesium-based cement in spine surgery. During T8 to T12 posterior instrumentation and decompression laminectomy for vertebral metastasis secondary to lung cancer, a 61-year-old Chinese woman developed sudden hypotension and went into PEA immediately after injection of a novel magnesium-based cement. Intraoperative fluoroscopic imaging did not show any notable cement extravasation.

Sleep, Mood, and Economic Preferences.

This study used daily experimental data from smart bands worn by 142 respondents to investigate the relationship between the number of minutes slept and self-reported mood. The results showed that more minutes of sleep were associated with improved mood. Time preferences, altruism, and trust were also associated with mood.

Highly Elastic Spongelike Hydrogels for Impedance-Based Multimodal Sensing.

Hydrogel-based sensors have been widely studied for perceiving the environment. However, the simplest type of resistive sensors still lacks sensitivity to localized strain and other extractable data. Enhancing their sensitivity and expanding their functionality to perceive multiple stimuli simultaneously are highly beneficial yet require optimal material design and proper testing methods.

Streamlined Access to Peptidoglycan Biosynthesis Terminator GlcNAc-1,6-anhydro-MurNAc.

GlcNAc-1,6-anhydro-MurNAc is a key peptidoglycan elongation terminator of biological and medicinal importance. Herein, we present a concise approach to this molecule in 12 steps with an overall 25% yield using d-glucosamine as the sole starting material. Our synthesis features the formation of a 1,6-anhydro-MurNAc building block by an intramolecular glycosylation and the selective conversion of the phthalimido group of the MurNPhth moiety, paving the way for antibiotics with a new killing mechanism by targeting bacterial transglycosylase.