Serum Procalcitonin (PCT) - Is there a Role as an Early Biomarker in Infected Diabetic Foot Ulcer (IDFU) Patients?

@#Introduction: Infected diabetic foot ulcers may lead to serious complications if not recognised in the early stage. Diagnosis of infection is particularly challenging at that stage; thus, a sensitive inflammatory biomarker may be helpful. We aimed to evaluate the role of procalcitonin (PCT) as an early biomarker for infected diabetic foot ulcers (IDFU). Materials and method: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Klinik Rawatan Keluarga (KRK), Orthopedic clinic and wards in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) from May 2020 to December 2020. A total of 264 participants were recruited and divided into three groups: 50 diabetic patients with no ulcers (control), 107 patients with non-infected diabetic foot ulcers (NIDFU), and 107 patients with infected diabetic foot ulcers (IDFU). The level of PCT was taken for all patients. Total white count (TWC) and Creactive protein (CRP) were taken only for IDFU patients. Diagnosis of infection was based on the Infectious Disease Society of America-International Working Group of Diabetic Foot (IDSA-IMWGDF), and the severity of infection was graded according to the Wagner Classification. Results: The level of PCT was higher in IDFU than in NIDFU and diabetic patient, with a median (IQR) of 0.355 (0.63) ng/mL, 0.077 (0.15) ng/mL and 0.028 (0.02) ng/mL, respectively. PCT and CRP showed moderate positive correlations in IDFU patients (p<0.001). The sensitivity and specificity were 63.6% and 83.2%, respectively, at the best cut-off at 0.25 ng/mL. Conclusion: PCT is a valuable biomarker for the diagnosis of infection; however, it adds little value in the early diagnosis of IDFU in view of its low sensitivity.

Dietary patterns associated with the risk of type 2 diabetes in women with and without a history of gestational diabetes mellitus: A pilot study

@#Introduction: There is limited evidence on dietary patterns and the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) compared to their non-GDM counterparts, especially in the Asian population. The pilot study investigated dietary patterns in women with a history of GDM (HGDM) and without a history of GDM (non-HGDM), and the association with T2D risk. Methods: This comparative cross-sectional study involved 64 women (32 HGDM, 32 non-HGDM). Food intake was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Principal component analysis derived the dietary patterns. T2D risk score was determined using the Finnish Diabetes Risk Score tool. Results: HGDM group had significantly higher proportion of first-degree family history of diabetes; higher risk of T2D and better diabetes knowledge; lower gestational weight gain and postpartum weight retention; and consumed more fast food than nonHGDM. ‘Rice-noodle-pasta-meat’ dietary pattern was significantly associated with increased T2D risk after adjusting for age (β=0.272, p=0.032). ‘Bread-cereals-fast food-meat’ dietary pattern was positively and significantly associated with T2D risk after adjusting for confounders, including age, education level, family history of diabetes, diabetes knowledge score, gestational weight gain, and postpartum weight retention (β=0.251, p=0.012). Conclusion: Dietary patterns high in bread, cereals and cereal products, fast food and meat, as well as rice, noodle, pasta and meat were associated with an elevated T2D risk. A more extensive study is warranted to establish the association between dietary patterns and risk of T2D, focusing on women with a history of GDM.

Cryptococcal Meningitis Disguised As A Stroke: A Case Report

@#We present a case of cryptococcal meningitis initially misdiagnosed as stroke. Our patient is a young man on longterm corticosteroid due to gouty arthritis, who presented with acute onset of left-sided body weakness. Computed tomography of the brain revealed multifocal chronic lacunar infarcts with acute communicating hydrocephalus and cerebrospinal fluid culture isolated Cryptococcus neoformans. He was subsequently treated with amphotericin B and fluconazole but passed away due to multiorgan failure. This case report highlights the importance of considering chronic meningitis as a differential diagnosis when encountering stroke in young and immunocompromised patients.

Effect of micro-osteoperforations on external apical root resorption: A randomized controlled trial / 대한치과교정학회지

Objective@#This study aimed to investigate the effect of micro-osteoperforations (MOPs) on external apical root resorption (EARR) during the initial orthodontic alignment phase of maxillary anterior crowding. @*Methods@#Thirty patients (25 females, 5 males; mean age, 22.66 ± 3.27 years) who presented with moderate crowding of the upper labial segment and underwent extraction-based fixed appliance treatment were recruited. They were randomly allocated to receive adjunctive therapy with MOPs (n = 15) or treatment with fixed appliances only (control group; n = 15). EARR was measured from long-cone periapical radiographs taken at the start and the sixth month of treatment. A correction factor for the enlargement difference was used to calculate EARR. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and repeated-measures analysis of variance. @*Results@#The mean root lengths of 168 teeth were measured and showed no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05) after six months of fixed appliance treatment in the MOP (mean difference [MD] = 0.13 mm; 95% confidence interval [CI] = −0.10–0.35) and control group (MD = 0.14 mm; 95% CI = −0.10–0.37). Most of the roots in the MOP and control groups (42.86% and 52.38%, respectively) showed only mild resorption. Less than 8% of the roots in both groups (7.14% in the MOP group and 4.76% in the control group) showed moderate resorption. @*Conclusions@#Acceleration of orthodontic tooth movement with adjunctive MOPs therapy during the alignment phase does not exacerbate EARR in patients with moderate crowding of the upper labial segment in comparison with controls.

Effect of micro-osteoperforations on external apical root resorption: A randomized controlled trial / 대한치과교정학회지

Objective@#This study aimed to investigate the effect of micro-osteoperforations (MOPs) on external apical root resorption (EARR) during the initial orthodontic alignment phase of maxillary anterior crowding. @*Methods@#Thirty patients (25 females, 5 males; mean age, 22.66 ± 3.27 years) who presented with moderate crowding of the upper labial segment and underwent extraction-based fixed appliance treatment were recruited. They were randomly allocated to receive adjunctive therapy with MOPs (n = 15) or treatment with fixed appliances only (control group; n = 15). EARR was measured from long-cone periapical radiographs taken at the start and the sixth month of treatment. A correction factor for the enlargement difference was used to calculate EARR. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and repeated-measures analysis of variance. @*Results@#The mean root lengths of 168 teeth were measured and showed no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05) after six months of fixed appliance treatment in the MOP (mean difference [MD] = 0.13 mm; 95% confidence interval [CI] = −0.10–0.35) and control group (MD = 0.14 mm; 95% CI = −0.10–0.37). Most of the roots in the MOP and control groups (42.86% and 52.38%, respectively) showed only mild resorption. Less than 8% of the roots in both groups (7.14% in the MOP group and 4.76% in the control group) showed moderate resorption. @*Conclusions@#Acceleration of orthodontic tooth movement with adjunctive MOPs therapy during the alignment phase does not exacerbate EARR in patients with moderate crowding of the upper labial segment in comparison with controls.

Effects of nutrient additives and incubation period on sporulation and viability of the entomopathogenic fungus, Metarhizium anisopliae (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae)

Aims@#Metarhizium anisopliae is an entomopathogenic fungus (EPF) that exists naturally in the environment and potentially be used as a biological control agent against many insect pests. This study aims to evaluate the effect of nutrient additives on the yield and viability of M. anisopliae spore and to determine the optimum incubation period for maximum spore production.@*Methodology and results@# In this study, M. anisopliae was cultivated by solid-state fermentation using rice as a growth medium. Three different nutrient additives were examined which aimed to maximize the production of M. anisopliae spores. Among the three nutrient additives evaluated, yeast (1.84 ± 0.04 g) supported better growth and spore production than molasses (0.58 ± 0.04 g) and palm oil (0.47 ± 0.09 g). The incubation period between 2-6 weeks produced higher spore yield (0.97 ± 0.02 g spores) at week 4 with a better spore viability (86.30 ± 0.45%) at week 2. @*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@#Hence, it is suggested that the optimum incubation period is between 2 and 6 weeks after inoculation, and M. anisopliae could be mass produced in large quantities on rice substrate with the addition of yeast as the nutrient additives.

Pain experience with micro-osteoperforations during Initial orthodontic alignment: a randomized clinical trial / Experiencia de dolor con micro-osteoperforaciones durante la alineación ortodóncica inicial: un ensayo clínico aleatorizado

Objetive: The objective of this clinical trial was to investigate the perception of pain during initial maxillary alignment with an adjunctive procedure of micro-osteoperforations (MOPs) compared to conventional orthodontics. Material and methods: This study design was a single-centre, two-arm parallel prospective randomised clinical trial. Thirty consecutive adult subjects (25 females and 5 males; mean age ± SD, 22.66 ± 3.27 years) with 5-8mm moderate upper labial segment crowding were randomly allocated using block randomisation into intervention and control group. All subjects had first premolar extractions, bonded conventional fixed appliances and 0.014-inch nickel-titanium archwire was placed for initial alignment. The intervention group received a 3-mm deep MOPs procedure under local anaesthesia using a Propel device (PROPEL Ortho Singapore) on the labiogingival aspect between the maxillary incisors. Both groups received a set of 100 mm visual analogue scale to complete over the first week, recording pain at 24 hours, 3 days and 1 week. Data were analysed using repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: There was a statistically significant difference observed in perceived pain levels between MOPs and the control group on day 1, day 3 and day 7 postoperatively. Pain perception was significantly lower in the intervention group at all time points. Conclusion: Accelerating orthodontic tooth movement with MOPs did not accentuate pain perceived during initial maxillary alignment with fixed appliances.

Objetivo: El objetivo de este ensayo clínico fue investigar la percepción del dolor durante la alineación maxilar inicial con un procedimiento adyuvante de micro-osteoperforaciones (MOP) en comparación con la ortodoncia convencional. Material y Métodos: El diseño de este estudio fue un ensayo clínico aleatorizado prospectivo paralelo de dos brazos y un solo centro. Treinta sujetos adultos consecutivos (25 mujeres y 5 hombres; edad media ± DE, 22,66 ± 3,27 años) con apiñamiento moderado del segmento labial superior de 5-8 mm se asignaron al azar mediante la asignación al azar en bloques en el grupo de intervención y de control. A todos los sujetos se les realizaron extracciones de los primeros premolares, se colocaron aparatos fijos convencionales adheridos y se colocó un arco de níquel-titanio de 0,014 pulgadas para la alineación inicial. El grupo de intervención recibió un procedimiento de MOP de 3 mm de profundidad bajo anestesia local utilizando un dispositivo Propel (PROPEL Ortho Singapore) en la cara labial de los incisivos superiores. Ambos grupos recibieron un conjunto de escala analógica visual de 100 mm para completar durante la primera semana, registrando el dolor a las 24 horas, 3 días y 1 semana. Los datos se analizaron mediante análisis de varianza de medidas repetidas (ANOVA). Resultados: Se observó una diferencia estadísticamente significativa en los niveles de dolor percibido entre los MOP y el grupo de control el día 1, el día 3 y el día 7 del postoperatorio. La percepción del dolor fue significativamente menor en el grupo de intervención en todos los momentos. Conclusión: La aceleración del movimiento dental de ortodoncia con MOP no acentuó el dolor percibido durante la alineación maxilar inicial con aparatos fijos.

Myxoid Liposarcoma: A Rare Soft Tissue Tumour in the Breast

@#Liposarcoma is one of the most common mesenchymal tumour in adults but it is rare to occur in the breast. Our case was a 50 year old single nulliparous woman who presented with a right breast mass for one year duration. The mass was progressively increasing in size in the last few months. Breast examination showed a huge mass measuring 5 x 8 x 6 cm occupying the entire right breast. Mammogram showed a large homogenous soft tissue mass occupying the entire right breast with foci of calcification. A trucut biopsy showed a cellular tumour which was thought to be an invasive carcinoma. The patient underwent right modified radical mastectomy with axillary clearance. Macroscopy showed a well circumscribed lobulated solid haemorrhagic yellowish tumour mass measuring 180 x 110 x 50 mm. Microscopically the tumour was heterogenous comprising cellular round nonlipogenic mesenchymal cells and loose myxoid areas containing small cells. The typical arborizing ‘chicken wire’ capillaries were observed. Vacuolated lipoblasts were seen. All eleven axillary lymph nodes sampled showed no metastasis. A diagnosis of a myxoid liposarcoma was made. To raise the suspicion of a possible mesenchymal tumour, it is very important for clinicians to relay the clinical and radiological findings to the pathologist to avoid misdiagnosis in a trucut biopsy.

Surgical Management of Distal Tibia Fracture: Towards An Outcome-based Treatment Algorithm

@#Introduction: Distal tibia fractures are frequently associated with an extensive soft tissue injury which then leads to a higher risk of complications such as infection, non-union and eventually poor overall outcome. The purpose of this study is to measure the outcome of distal tibia fractures treated with internal fixation, external fixator or Ilizarov external fixator(IEF). We aim to propose an algorithm for management of distal tibia fractures by evaluating the treatment options, outcomes and risk factors present. Material and Methods: This study is a cross-sectional study of all distal tibia fractures treated surgically in Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital, Klang from 1st January 2016 till 30th June 2018. Patient records were reviewed to analyse the outcomes of surgical treatment and risk factors associated with it. Results: Ninety-one patients were included with a mean age of 41.5 years (SD = 16.4). Thirty-nine cases (42.9%) were open fractures. Thirty-eight patients (41.8%) were treated with internal fixation, 27 patients (29.7%) were treated with IEF and 26 patients (28.6%) were treated with an external fixator. Among open fractures cases, no significant finding can be concluded when comparing each surgical option and its outcome, although one option was seen better than the other in a particular outcome. Initial skeletal traction or temporary spanning external fixator in close fractures reduced the risk of mal-alignment (p value=0.001). Internal fixation is seen superior to IEF and external fixator in close fractures in term of articular surface reduction (p value = 0.043) and risk of mal-alignment (p value = 0.007). Conclusion: There is no single method of fixation that is ideal for all pilon fractures and suitable for all patients. This proposed algorithm can help surgeons in deciding treatment strategies in the challenging management of distal tibia fractures to reduce associated complications.

Morphological and molecular characterization of Acanthamoeba isolated from contact lens paraphernalia in Malaysia: Highlighting the pathogenic potential of T4 genotype

Objective: To determine the morphological and molecular characterization of Acanthamoeba isolates from contact lens paraphernalia in Malaysia and to investigate their pathogenic potential based on the physiological tolerance. Methods: One hundred and eighty contact lens wearers donated their contact lens, lens storage cases and lens solutions between 2018 and 2019. The samples were inoculated onto 1.5% non-nutrient agar plates for 14 d. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed and the amplified PCR products were sequenced and compared with the published sequences in GenBank. The pathogenic potential of positive isolates was further tested using temperature-tolerance and osmo-tolerance assays. Acanthamoeba species were categorized into three distinct morphological groups established by Pussard and Pons. Results: Acanthamoeba was successfully isolated from 14 (7.8%) culture-positive samples in which 11 belong to morphological group II and 3 belong to morphological group III, respectively. The sequencing of 18S ribosomal RNA gene led to the identification of the T4 genotype in all the isolated strains. In vitro assays revealed that 9 (64.3%) Acanthamoeba isolates were able to grow at 42 °C and 1 M mannitol and were thus considered to be highly pathogenic. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report identifying the Acanthamoeba genotype and their pathogenic potential among contact lens wearers in Malaysia. The potentially pathogenic T4 genotype isolated in this study is the most predominant genotype responsible for human ocular infection worldwide. Hence, increasing attention should be aimed at the prevention of contamination by Acanthamoeba and the disinfection of contact lens paraphernalia.

Oral Health Status and Habits among 6 - 13 Years Old Children with Limited Access to Dental Care in South Jeddah

The objective of this research was to assess oral health status and habits and to explore potential risk factors for dentalcaries among 6-13 years old children with limited access to dental care. A cross-sectional design was used to screen asample of 563 intermediate school children with limited access to oral health care in the Al-Khomrah district, south Jeddah,Saudi Arabia. A stratified random sample was selected and data was collected using an interview questionnaire withextraoral and intraoral examination. The examination aimed at detection of oral health conditions regarding oral hygienestatus, habits, decayed, missing and filled teeth and treatment needs. Treatment of simple and emergency cases wasperformed in the mobile clinic and severe cases were referred to King Abdulaziz University, Faculty of Dentistry (KAUFD).The study included 262 males (46.5%) and 301 females (53.3%) with a mean age of 10.99 + 2.07 years. The prevalence ofdecayed, missing or filled primary teeth was 59.1%, 2.5%, and 3.4%, respectively. The corresponding values for permanentteeth were 65.9%, 4.3% and 7.6%, respectively. Males had significantly higher prevalence of caries than females. Theyounger age groups, in case of primary teeth and the older age groups, in case of permanent teeth had significantly higherprevalence of dental caries. The median dmft (95% CI) was 2 (1-2) and the median DMFT (95% CI) was 2 (2-3).Multinomial multiple logistic regression indicated that intensity of primary teeth caries decreased with increasing age andbrushing teeth at least once a day and increased with male gender, living in rented house or having poor oral hygiene. Asregards permanent teeth, the likelihood of having more severe caries increased by child’s age, below secondary schooleducated fathers and/or mothers, being a male, and with poor oral hygiene. Dental caries prevalence and intensity weremoderate among the examined group. Males had significantly higher caries prevalence and intensity than females.

Management of diabetes in pregnancy in primary care

@#Diabetes in pregnancy is associated with risks to the woman and her developing fetus. Management of the condition at the primary care level includes pre-conception care, screening, diagnosis, as well as antenatal and postpartum care. A multidisciplinary approach is essential in ensuring its holistic management.

Stroke in pregnancy

@#Stroke is uncommon among young adults. However, the incidence of stroke among young women increases with pregnancy during peripartum and postpartum periods. The relative risk of suffering from haemorrhagic stroke was three times higher than ischemic stroke during these periods when compared with antenatal period. Neuroimaging should be prioritized in order to establish diagnosis and to facilitate treatment in a patient with suspected acute stroke. Prophylaxic anticoagulants should be used in high risk patients. Treatments of acute stroke in pregnant women include anti-platelet and thrombolytic agents. Further studies should be carried as there is lack of high level of evidences to formulate clear guideline for the management of stroke during pregnancy.

The Positive Effect Of An Integrated Medical Response Protocol On The Knowledge, Attitude And Practice Of Medical Response During Flood Disaster Among Healthcare Providers In Kelantan: A Simulation-Based Randomized Controlled Trial

@#The Integrated Medical Response protocol (IMP) is a new protocol of medical response during the response phase of a flood disaster in Kelantan, Malaysia. It integrates response workflows of various rescue agencies involved in patient care during response phase of flood disaster. Traditionally, health care services in this region used either an all-hazard protocol or those not specific to Kelantan. The present study is aimed to test the effectiveness of IMP on knowledge, attitude and practice of healthcare providers (HCP) involved in managing patients during flood disaster in Kelantan. This study was a prospective parallel group, single blinded, randomized controlled trial. The unit of randomization was the district within Kelantan on a 1:1 basis into either the control or intervention group using cluster randomized method. The hospitals within the district were subsequently assigned to the allocated group. Investigators were blinded to the assignments. The knowledge, attitude and practice scores of HCP were assessed by FloodDMQ-BM© and was evaluated 2 weeks before and immediately after a flood disaster table-top exercise. Data was analyzed using two-way repeated measure ANOVA. Our findings showed that intervention was essential to improve the knowledge [F (1,100) = 6.947, p-value 0.010 (<0.05)] and attitude scores [F (1,100) = 31.56, p-value 0.001]. Meanwhile, practice score was improved in both control and intervention group with time [F (1,100) = 226.56, p-value 0.001]. Thus, our localized IMP specific to response phase of flood disaster was crucial to further enhance the knowledge and attitude levels among HCP while practice level showed similar improvement in both control and intervention group post table-top exercise.

Maternal diet and its association with human milk energy and macronutrient composition among exclusively breastfeeding Malaysian Malay mothers

@# Introduction: This study aimed to determine the relationship of maternal dietary intake with human milk nutritional composition, among Malay mothers during the postpartum period of exclusive breastfeeding. Methods: Human milk samples (20- 30ml) were collected from mothers (n=32) at least once monthly for six months postpartum. Macronutrients and fatty acids contents were determined using proximate analysis and gas chromatography methods, respectively. Maternal dietary intakes were recorded using the multiple-pass diet recall method prior to each milk sampling and were analysed using the Nutritionist ProTM software. Associations between the milk composition and maternal diet were tested using Spearman correlation. Results: The energy content ranged between 49.6-59.2 kcal/100ml, protein 1.3-1.4 g/100ml, carbohydrate 6.5-9.7 g/100ml and total fat 6.5-9.7 g/100ml. The polyunsaturated, monounsaturated, and saturated fatty acids concentrations were 10.5-19.1 %, 40.6-43.5 %, and 38.0-49.7 %, respectively. During confinement (first month postpartum), total energy and total fat content of human milk were the highest whereas total carbohydrate was the lowest, compared to the rest of the exclusive breastfeeding period. In contrast, intakes of total calorie and total fat were the lowest, whereas protein was the highest during this period. However, no associations were detected between human milk nutritional contents and maternal dietary intake. Conclusion: In our study population, the composition of maternal diet and nutritional content of human milk differed between confinement and post-confinement periods. However, the association between maternal diet and human milk composition itself warrants further investigation.

Plating the radial shaft on the lateral surface: An outcome study / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

PURPOSE@#Plate fixation is the gold standard for the treatment of displaced forearm shaft fractures in adults. Conventionally radial shaft fractures will be plated either on the volar surface or on the dorsal surface depending on which approach has been chosen. The lateral surface of the radius provides an even and uniformly curved area for placing a plate. It has the advantage of restoring and easy assessing the radial bow after surgery. We designed a prospective study to observe the outcome of lateral plating of radius shaft fractures.@*METHODS@#Nineteen patients were included in this study performed in Government Medical College, Jammu, India. Among them, 13 had fractures of both the forearm bones and 6 had isolated radial shaft fracture. Three patients had Galeazzi fracture dislocation. Fixation was done within 36 h of injury in all using 3.5 mm limited contact dynamic compression plate or locking compression plate applied to the lateral surface of the radius. Ulna was fixed in routine manner.@*RESULTS@#Union was achieved in 18 out of 19 patients, after a mean time of 17.44 weeks. According to Anderson et al.'s criteria, 12 patients had excellent results, 5 had satisfactory and 1 had unsatisfactory result. There was one failure (nonunion).@*CONCLUSION@#The outcomes including rate of union were comparable to those in the existing literature. Plating the radial shaft on the lateral surface is a viable alternative to volar or dorsal plating of the radius. Larger studies with randomized data are needed to assess whether it has any superiority over other existing techniques.

The Effectiveness Of A Navigation System For Ambulance Service In Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

@#The response and transport intervals of an ambulance dispatch are affected by various factors. The present ambulance system relies on the driver’s experience, knowledge of local road map and estimations of directions. These may contribute to delays, misdirection and inefficient utilization of resources. The objectives of this study were to assess the effects of GPS navigation device on the response and transport time intervals of an ambulance service operating in urban setting. This was a three-month experimental study involving simulated ambulance dispatch based in a hospital. A total of 50 simulated cycles were constructed. Travel time, arrival time and distance were documented from each cycle. The median actual response time using map and GPS navigation device was 11.82 min and 10.47 min respectively. The median actual transport time using map and GPS navigation device was 11.00 min and 10.74 min respectively. The differences in response time and transport time between map and GPS navigation were not statistically significant (p= 0.215 and p=0.710). The application of GPS reduced the error value between estimated and actual response time by 8.73%. It also reduced the mean error value between estimated and actual transport time by 1.42%. The result shows that the GPS navigation device allowed for more accurate travel time estimation and its application in an urban setting such as Kuala Lumpur has the potential to reduce ambulance response time.

The Effectiveness of a Navigation System for Ambulance Service in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

The response and transport intervals of an ambulance dispatch are affected by various factors. The present ambulance system relies on the driver’s experience, knowledge of local road map and estimations of directions. These may contribute to delays, misdirection and inefficient utilization of resources. The objectives of this study were to assess the effects of GPS navigation device on the response and transport time intervals of an ambulance service operating in urban setting. This was a three-month experimental study involving simulated ambulance dispatch based in a hospital. A total of 50 simulated cycles were constructed. Travel time, arrival time and distance were documented from each cycle. The median actual response time using map and GPS navigation device was 11.82 min and 10.47 min respectively. The median actual transport time using map and GPS navigation device was 11.00 min and 10.74 min respectively. The differences in response time and transport time between map and GPS navigation were not statistically significant (p= 0.215 and p=0.710). The application of GPS reduced the error value between estimated and actual response time by 8.73%. It also reduced the mean error value between estimated and actual transport time by 1.42%. The result shows that the GPS navigation device allowed for more accurate travel time estimation and its application in an urban setting such as Kuala Lumpur has the potential to reduce ambulance response time.

Study on ABO and RhD blood grouping: Comparison between conventional tile method and a new solid phase method (InTec Blood Grouping Test Kit)

Introduction: ‘InTec Blood Grouping Test kit’ using solid-phase technology is a new method which may be used at outdoor blood donation site or at bed side as an alternative to the conventional tile method in view of its stability at room temperature and fulfilled the criteria as point of care test. This study aimed to compare the efficiency of this solid phase method (InTec Blood Grouping Test Kit) with the conventional tile method in determining the ABO and RhD blood group of healthy donors. Methods: A total of 760 voluntary donors who attended the Blood Bank, Penang Hospital or offsite blood donation campaigns from April to May 2014 were recruited. The ABO and RhD blood groups were determined by the conventional tile method and the solid phase method, in which the tube method was used as the gold standard. Results: For ABO blood grouping, the tile method has shown 100% concordance results with the gold standard tube method, whereas the solid-phase method only showed concordance result for 754/760 samples (99.2%). Therefore, for ABO grouping, tile method has 100% sensitivity and specificity while the solid phase method has slightly lower sensitivity of 97.7% but both with good specificity of 100%. For RhD grouping, both the tile and solid phase methods have grouped one RhD positive specimen as negative each, thus giving the sensitivity and specificity of 99.9% and 100% for both methods respectively. Conclusion: The ‘InTec Blood Grouping Test Kit’ is suitable for offsite usage because of its simplicity and user friendliness. However, further improvement in adding the internal quality control may increase the test sensitivity and validity of the test results.

Percutaneous needle aspiration versus catheter drainage in treating hepatic abscess

Aim of the study: was to investigate the effectiveness of Percutaneous Needle Aspiration in comparison to continuous catheter drainage in the treatment of hepatic abscesses

Methods: A review of the scientific literature [From 1980 to October 2017] MEDLINE, EMBASE, SCOPUS, Current Contents, Cochrane Library, and Clinicaltrials.gov were searched to identify randomized controlled trials that investigated thoroughly the Percutaneous Needle Aspiration Versus Catheter Drainage in the treating of hepatic abscess and clearly met the inclusion criteria and the study primary endpoints [success rate, total resolution and mortality]. Identification of papers and data extraction were performed by independent researchers

Results: the search yielded six eligible RCTs covering 348 patients. The meta-analysis showed that outcomes in patients treated with PCD were superior to those in patients treated with PNA in terms of success rate [RR: 0.79, 95% CI=0.64-0.97; P = 0.04], days to achieve a 50% reduction in abscess cavity size [SMD: ?1.076, 95% CI 0.63-1.51; P < 0.00001] and overall clinical improvement [SMD: 0.71, 95% CI 0.35-1.09; P =0.0001]. On the other hand, no significant difference was notable in the duration of hospitalization [SMD: -0.15, 95% CI -2.03 to 1.72, P = 0.84] or procedure-related complications [RR: 0.48, 95% CI 0.13-2.58; P = 0.39]

Conclusion: The results of the present meta-analysis and systematic review indicated that PCD and PNA can be less safe and less invasive methods for the treatment of hepatic abscesses yet PCD is suggested to be more advantageous and superior to PNA