Detection of putative autoantibodies in systemic lupus erythematous using a novel native-conformation protein microarray platform.

Objective: Conventional immunoassays detect autoantibodies related to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) via recognition of epitopes on autoantigens expressed in their denatured rather than native conformational state, casting difficulty in evaluating the genuine pathogenicity of the autoantibodies. We aimed to use a novel high-throughput protein microarray platform to identify autoantibodies against native autoantigens in SLE sera.

Methods: Sera from SLE patients and those of gender-, age-, and ethnicity-matched healthy controls (HC) were screened against more than 1,600 immune-related antigens of native conformation.

Attitudes and Behaviors of Patients With Rheumatic Diseases During the Early Stages of the COVID-19 Outbreak.

Objective: To evaluate attitudes and behaviors of patients with rheumatic diseases during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Methods: An online survey delivered by text message to 4695 patients on follow-up at a tertiary rheumatology center. Latent class analysis was performed on the survey variables.

Comparison of 68Ga-DOTANOC with 18F-FDG using PET/MRI imaging in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis.

We compared the somatostatin analog radioligand, DOTANOC, with FDG, to determine whether there was increased detection of active or sub-clinical lesions in pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) with DOTANOC. Three groups were recruited: (1) active pulmonary TB; (2) IGRA-positive household TB contacts; (3) pneumonia (non-TB). DOTANOC PET/MRI followed by FDG PET/MRI was performed in active TB and pneumonia groups.

Comparison between lung ultrasonography and current methods for volume assessment in Asian chronic hemodialysis patients.

Introduction: Volume assessment in end-stage kidney disease patients on hemodialysis (HD) remains inadequate by existing methods: clinical examination, bioimpedance spectroscopy, measurement of inferior vena cava diameter by ultrasound (IVCD), and plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-pro BNP). This study aims to compare the performance of lung ultrasound against existing methods for volume assessment in a HD cohort.

Methods: Two nephrologists independently performed 28-point lung ultrasound immediately before and after midweek HD in 50 patients.

The costs of an expanded screening criteria for COVID-19: A modelling study.

Objectives: Nosocomial infection is an ongoing concern in the COVID-19 outbreak. The effective screening of suspected cases in the healthcare setting is therefore necessary, enabling the early identification and prompt isolation of cases for epidemic containment. We aimed to assess the cost and health outcomes of an extended screening strategy, implemented in Singapore on 07 February 2020, which maximizes case identification in the public healthcare system.

Lactobacillus Plantarum 108 Inhibits Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans Mixed-Species Biofilm Formation.

is the principal biofilm forming oral pathogen associated with dental caries. Studies have shown that , a commensal oral fungus is capable of forming pathogenic mixed-species biofilms with The treatment of bacterial and fungal infections using conventional antimicrobial agents has become challenging due to the antimicrobial resistance of the biofilm mode of growth. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of secretory components of , a potentially promising probiotic strain, against and single and mixed-species biofilms.

Transmission modes of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 and implications for infection control: a review.

The complete picture regarding transmission modes of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is unknown. This review summarises the available evidence on its transmission modes, our preliminary research findings and implications for infection control policy, and outlines future research directions. Environmental contamination has been reported in hospital settings occupied by infected patients, and is higher in the first week of illness.

Clinical Outcomes of Complications Following Self-Expandable Metallic Stent Insertion for Benign Tracheobronchial Stenosis.

The use of metallic stents in benign TBS is controversial. Here, we report the clinical outcomes of patients who developed complications due to self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) insertion for benign TBS. Our institution, which is the largest and most active referral hospital for airway stenosis in South Korea, only uses silicone stents.

Hospital-based chronic disease care model: protocol for an effectiveness and implementation evaluation.

Introduction: Novel and efficient healthcare approaches are needed to better serve increasingly older chronic disease patients. Many effective integrated chronic disease management strategies have emerged from the primary care sector. However, in many Asian and developing countries, primary care is underdeveloped, and patients prefer secondary-based services.

Considerations in the use of slit lamp shields to reduce the risk of respiratory virus transmission in coronavirus disease 2019.

Purpose Of Review: The use of slit lamp shields has been recommended by the American Academy of Ophthalmology as an infection control measure during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. However, there is limited evidence regarding its efficacy to reduce viral transmission risks. We aim to provide an evidence-based approach to optimize the use of slit lamp shields during clinical examination.

Metagenome-wide association analysis identifies microbial determinants of post-antibiotic ecological recovery in the gut.

Loss of diversity in the gut microbiome can persist for extended periods after antibiotic treatment, impacting microbiome function, antimicrobial resistance and probably host health. Despite widespread antibiotic use, our understanding of the species and metabolic functions contributing to gut microbiome recovery is limited. Using data from 4 discovery cohorts in 3 continents comprising >500 microbiome profiles from 117 individuals, we identified 21 bacterial species exhibiting robust association with ecological recovery post antibiotic therapy.

World-Wide FINGERS Network: A global approach to risk reduction and prevention of dementia.

Reducing the risk of dementia can halt the worldwide increase of affected people. The multifactorial and heterogeneous nature of late-onset dementia, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), indicates a potential impact of multidomain lifestyle interventions on risk reduction. The positive results of the landmark multidomain Finnish Geriatric Intervention Study to Prevent Cognitive Impairment and Disability (FINGER) support such an approach.

Differential Effects of Early Energy and Protein Inadequacies on the Outcome of Critically Ill Patients.

Background: Differential effects of energy and protein inadequacies of intensive care unit (ICU) patients in first 72 hours are unknown.

Methods: We included all adult patients receiving mechanical ventilation (MV) > 72 hours between August 2012 and December 2014. Energy and protein doses were 25 kcal/kg/day and 1.

Facilitators and barriers of Hepatitis B screening and vaccination.

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the most common cause of liver disease and liver cancer in Singapore, being endemic despite availability of an efficacious vaccine.

Objective: To assess the factors associated with HBV screening and vaccination.

Methods: Using mixed methods analysis, focus group discussions were conducted alongside a cross-sectional study amongst 784 Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents aged 25-69 residing in Housing and Development Board (HDB) flats.

Non-adherence in non-inferiority trials: pitfalls and recommendations.

Non-adherence in non-inferiority trials can affect treatment effect estimates and often increases the chance of claiming non-inferiority under the standard intention-to-treat analysis. This article discusses the implications of different patterns of non-adherence in non-inferiority trials and offers practical recommendations for trial design, alternative analysis strategies, and outcome reporting to reduce bias in treatment estimates and improve transparency in reporting.