Diseases Commons^™

Management Of Atypical Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome With Triggers: Diagnostic And Treatment Algorithms From An Asia-Pacific Perspective, Hee Gyung Kang, Danny Hsu, Noritoshi Kato, Jin Seok Kim, Masayoshi Okumi, Min Hua Tseng, Kun Hua Tu, Desmond Yat Hin Yap, Wai H. Lim

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Complement-amplifying events/conditions associated with thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) include pregnancy/postpartum period, severe hypertension, autoimmune diseases, drug exposures, infections and organ transplantation. Some of these ‘triggers’ may exist comorbidly with atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome (aHUS; a complement-mediated form of TMA), unmask previously undiagnosed aHUS, or occur secondary to aHUS, thus creating a considerable diagnostic challenge. A major goal in patients presenting with TMA is to differentiate complement-mediated aHUS from other causes of TMA such that appropriate targeted treatment with complement 5 (C5) inhibitors can be initiated rapidly to avoid irreversible end-organ damage. To this end, nephrologists and haematologists from Australia, Hong Kong, …

Successful Treatment Of Aspergilloma With Antifungal Alone: A Case Of Conservative Management, Ad Rian Chong, Khai Lip Ng, Nai Chien Huan, Nur Husna Mohd Aminudin, Raja Nor Adilla Raja Rahaizat, Kasuma Mohamed Nordin

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Pulmonary aspergilloma can cause life-threatening haemoptysis. Surgical resection and/or bronchial artery embolization (BAE) are established treatment modalities, but both can be risky in frail patients with comorbidities. Spontaneous regression of aspergilloma with antifungal agents alone is rare. We report an elderly gentleman with a background history of treated pulmonary tuberculosis, who presented with haemoptysis due to a large left upper lobe aspergilloma. He declined surgery and BAE due to perceived risks. Oral voriconazole and later isavuconazole were prescribed, which led to clinical improvement and significant reduction in the size of the aspergilloma over 6 months. Antifungal agents might be a …

Diverse Diagnostic And Management Approaches For Acute Rheumatic Fever In Australia And New Zealand: Findings Of A Prospective Clinical Study, Ruwani Peiris, Rachel Webb, Julie Bennett, Jennifer Yan, Joshua Reginald Francis, Bo Remenyi, Florina Chan Mow, Rachel Burgess, Nigel J. Wilson, Alicia Stanley, Laura Francis, Rhonda Holloway, Roxanne Westbury, Shirley Lawrence, Yolanda Hernandez-Gomez, David Broadhurst, Nicole J. Moreland, Reuben Mcgregor, Caroline Motteram, Glenn Pearson, Mark Mayo, Anna P. Ralph, Jonathan R. Carapetis

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objectives To describe diagnostic and management characteristics of acute rheumatic fever (ARF) among participants in the € Searching for a Technology-Driven Acute Rheumatic Fever Test' study, in order to answer clinical questions and determine epidemiological and practice differences in different settings. Design Multisite, prospective cohort study. Setting One hospital in northern Australia and two hospitals in New Zealand, 2018-2021. Participants 143 episodes of definite, probable or possible ARF among 141 participants (median age 10 years, range 5-23; 98% Indigenous). Primary and secondary outcome measures Participant characteristics, clinical, biochemical and echocardiographic data were explored using descriptive data. Associations with length of …

The Effect Of Oral Colchicine And Vitamin K1 On Bone Metabolism In Patients With Diabetes Mellitus: A Post-Hoc Analysis Of A 2 × 2 Factorial Randomized Controlled Trial With 18F-Sodium Fluoride Positron Emission Tomography, Jamie W. Bellinge, Marc Sim, Roslyn J. Francis, Sing Ching Lee, Dick C. Chan, Christian M. Girgis, Gerald F. Watts, Joshua R. Lewis, Carl J. Schultz

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose: Diabetes mellitus (DM) confers an increased risk of fracture. Fracture risk stratification techniques are imperfect, and preventative therapies are sparse. We aimed to describe features associated with a dysfunctional bone metabolism determined by 18F-Sodium Fluoride Positron Emission Tomography (18F-NaF PET) in patients with DM and test the effects of vitamin K1 and colchicine therapy on vertebral 18F-NaF activity. Methods: This is a post-hoc analysis of a 2 × 2 factorial randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Participants aged 50–80 with DM underwent 18F-NaF PET/CT imaging at baseline, 3 months of therapy with vitamin K1 (10mg/daily) or placebo, and colchicine (0.5 mg/day) …

The Association Between Sexually Transmitted Infections And Pregnancy Outcomes In The Northern Territory, Australia: A Population-Based Cohort Study, Jennifer Dunne, Gizachew A. Tessema, Matthew Legge, Sylvester Dodzi Nyadanu, Aditi Roy, Amanuel T. Gebremedhin, Jacqueline Hendriks, Tricia Reid-Moore, Gavin Pereira

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Often asymptomatic in nature, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are highly prevalent in women of reproductive ages, leading to adverse perinatal outcomes. This study investigated the association between STIs during pregnancy and the risk of adverse perinatal outcomes using comprehensive population-linked data from the Northern Territory (NT), Australia. Methods: This population-based retrospective cohort study examined births (live births and stillbirths) from the NT Perinatal Data Collection and the NT Notifiable Diseases register from 2005 to 2020. All singleton births (N = 59,465) were included, along with infectious disease notifications of four STIs that occurred during pregnancy: chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomoniasis, and …

Source-Specific Nitrate And Nitrite Intake And Association With Colorectal Cancer In The Danish Diet, Cancer And Health Cohort, Dorit W. Erichsen, Nicola P. Bondonno, Pratik R. Pokharel, Susanne M. Rosthoj, Catherine P. Bondonno, Liezhou M. Zhong, Jorg Schullehner, Torben L. Sigsgaard, Peter Fjeldstad Hendriksen, Frederik Dalgaard, Ole Raaschou-Nielsen, Jonathan M. Hodgson, Christina C. Dahm, Anja Olsen, Anne Tjonneland, Cecilie Kyro

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: Nitrate and nitrite, present in food and drinking water, may contribute to colorectal cancer (CRC) through the formation of carcinogenic N-nitroso compounds (NOCs). This study examined source-specific associations with CRC and subtypes, considering potential dietary and lifestyle factors that influence NOC formation. Methods: In the Danish Diet, Cancer, and Health Cohort (N=54,610), nitrate/nitrite intake was estimated from comprehensive databases and national monitoring data. Over 27 years, 2245 CRC cases (1508 colon and 737 rectal) were identified via the Danish Cancer Registry. Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for sociodemographic, diet, and lifestyle factors were used to examine associations, with stratified …

Review Of Bronchiectasis Among Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander Children And Young People (0-18 Years Old), André Schultz, Anne Chang

Journal of the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet

Bronchiectasis is a chronic lung disease that often commences during childhood. The disease is often under-recognised but can have a significant lifelong impact and shorten survival. This review discussed bronchiectasis in the context of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people. The review includes section on disease prevalence, risk- and protective factors, prevention diagnosis and treatment, the role of the health system, government initiatives and future directions.

Clostridioides (Clostridium) Difficile In Hospitalised Children In Cambodia, Lengsea Eng, Kefyalew Addis Alene, Deirdre A. Collins, Su Chen Lim, Viso Srey, Choeung Chea, Sotera Yohn, Setha Leng, Archie C.A. Clements, Thomas V. Riley

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Children may play an important role in disseminating Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile within hospital and community settings. In many parts of the world, there has been a recent increase in interest in C. difficile infection (CDI) in paediatric populations. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of, risk factors for, and molecular types of C. difficile in hospitalised children in Cambodia. Methods: Stool samples were collected from children at the National Paediatric Hospital in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, between June 2022 and March 2023, for C. difficile culture. Toxin gene PCR and PCR ribotyping were performed on all isolates. Results: …

Higher Vitamin K1 Intakes Are Associated With Lower Subclinical Atherosclerosis And Lower Risk For Atherosclerotic Vascular Disease-Related Outcomes In Older Women, Montana Dupuy, Liezhou Zhong, Simone Radavelli-Bagatini, Jack Dalla Via, Kun Zhu, Lauren C. Blekkenhorst, James Webster, Nicola P. Bondonno, Allan Linneberg, Carl Schultz, Wai Lim, Richard L. Prince, Jonathan M. Hodgson, Joshua R. Lewis, Marc Sim

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose: Vitamin K may inhibit vascular calcification, a common attribute of atherosclerotic vascular diseases (ASVDs). We examined associations between dietary vitamin K1 intakes and both subclinical atherosclerosis and ASVD events, including hospitalisations and mortality, in older women.

Methods: 1,436 community-dwelling women (mean ± SD age 75.1 ± 2.7 years) were included. Vitamin K1 intakes were calculated from a validated food frequency questionnaire at baseline (1998), utilising a region-matched vitamin K food database. Common carotid artery intima–media thickness (CCA-IMT), a measure of subclinical atherosclerosis, was measured in 2001 (n = 1,090). Differences in CCA-IMT by quartiles (Q) of vitamin K1 intake …

Biological Age Acceleration Associated With The Progression Trajectory Of Cardio-Renal–Metabolic Multimorbidity: A Prospective Cohort Study, Yixing Tian, Jinqi Wang, Tianyu Zhu, Xia Li, Haiping Zhang, Xiaoyu Zhao, Xinghua Yang, Yanxia Luo, Lixin Tao, Zhiyuan Wu, Xiuhua Guo

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objectives: Previous studies have confirmed that biological age (BA) acceleration is associated with single cardio-renal–metabolic diseases (CRMDs), typically including type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, and chronic kidney disease. However, its association with progression to cardio-renal–metabolic multimorbidity (CRMM, coexistence of ≥2 CRMDs) and subsequent mortality remains unexplored. Methods: Using the multi-state model, we analyzed 278,927 UK Biobank participants free of CRMDs at baseline to investigate the association between BA acceleration—measured by phenotypic age (PhenoAge) and Klemera–Doubal method age (KDMAge)—and CRMM progression trajectory, from health to the first CRMD and then to CRMM and death. BA acceleration was the residual from …

In Silico Evaluation Of Bisphosphonates Identifies Leading Candidates For Sars-Cov-2 Rdrp Inhibition, Mohammed Muzaffar-Ur-Rehman, Kishor Suryakant Chougule, Ala Chandu, Pranali Vijaykumar Kuthe, Mohit Garg, Murugesan Sankaranarayanan, Seshadri S. Vasan

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in 777 million confirmed cases and over 7 million deaths worldwide, with insufficient treatment options. Innumerable efforts are being made around the world for faster identification of therapeutic agents to treat the deadly disease. Post Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection or COVID-19 (PASC), also called Long COVID, is still being understood and lacks treatment options as well. A growing list of drugs are being suggested by various in silico, in vitro and ex vivo models, however currently only two treatment options are widely used: the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) inhibitor remdesivir, and …

Septo-Optic Dysplasia And Gastroschisis: Trends In Birth Prevalence And Association With Maternal Age, David J. Cullingford, Mary B. Abraham, Aris Siafarikas, A. Marie Blackmore, Jenny Downs, Peter Jacoby, Gareth Baynam, Catherine S.Y. Choong

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This study aims to describe the risk factors and trends in birth prevalence of septo-optic dysplasia (SOD) and gastroschisis between 1980 and 2023. This descriptive, population-based study of SOD and gastroschisis used Western Australian Register of Developmental Anomalies data from 1980 to 2023. Birth prevalence was calculated using Midwives Notification System data for all births after 20 weeks gestation. Relative risk (RR) for SOD and gastroschisis showed risk by maternal age. SOD and gastroschisis occurred in 99 and 391 cases respectively (no dual diagnoses), with a birth prevalence of 1.41 and 3.71 per 10,000 respectively (from 2010 to 2019), and …

Risk Factors Associated With Helicobacter Pylori Infection In The Urban Population Of China: A Nationwide, Multi-Center, Cross-Sectional Study, Liang Wang, Zheng Kang Li, Jin Xin Lai, Yu Ting Si, Jie Chen, Eng Guan Chua, Ling Yan Dai, Qiong Dai, Xu Bo Dai, Zhao Hui Deng, Hong Du, Qi Fang, Cui Feng, Min He, Guo Chu Hu, Yi Zhong Hu, Hui Huang, Yan Jiang Huang, Fen Li, Jun Hong Li, Qi Xin Li, Zhi Fang Lin, Hai Tao Liu, Ming Bo Liu, Jin Hua Luo, Jian Hong Ma

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objectives: To assess the risk factors associated with Helicobacter pylori infection in the urban Chinese population. Methods: The study was conducted from March to November 2023, including 12,902 urban participants aged 18-60 years across 52 cities distributed over 26 provinces in China. Risk factors included socioeconomic status, lifestyles, and public understanding. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to calculate corrected odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: According to multivariate logistic regression, risk factors associated with significantly higher H. pylori infection rates included residency in developing (OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.13-1.43) and undeveloped cities (OR 1.15, …

The Relationship Between Visceral Fat Accumulation And Risk Of Cardiometabolic Multimorbidity: The Roles Of Accelerated Biological Aging, Tianyu Zhu, Yixing Tian, Jinqi Wang, Zhiyuan Wu, Wenhan Xie, Haotian Liu, Xia Li, Lixin Tao, Xiuhua Guo

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objectives: To investigate the association between visceral fat accumulation and the risk of cardiometabolic multimorbidity (CMM) and the potential roles of accelerated biological aging in this relationship. Methods: Using data from the UK Biobank, a nationwide cohort study was conducted using the available baseline body roundness index (BRI) measurement. Biological aging was assessed using the Klemera–Doubal method for biological age and the phenotypic age algorithms. The association between the BRI and CMM was estimated using the Cox proportional hazards regression model, while the roles of biological aging were examined through interaction and mediation analyses. Results: During a median follow-up of …

Clostridioides (Clostridium) Difficile Infection In Hospitalized Adult Patients In Cambodia, Lengsea Eng, Deirdre A. Collins, Kefyalew Addis Alene, Sotharith Bory, Youdaline Theng, Pisey Vann, Sreyhuoch Meng, Setha Limsreng, Archie C.A. Clements, Thomas V. Riley

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Despite high levels of global concern, little is known about the epidemiology of Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile infection (CDI) in Cambodia. This study aimed to identify the prevalence and risk factors for CDI, and molecular types of C. difficile in hospitalized adults at Calmette Hospital, Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Stool samples were collected from 263 hospitalized adults between June and September 2022 and tested for C. difficile using direct and enrichment cultures. PCR toxin genes tcdA, tcdB, cdtA, and cdtB, and amplification of the 16s–23s rRNA intergenic spacer region for ribotyping, were performed on all C. difficile isolates. C. difficile was isolated …

Haemato-Urological Profile And Asymptomatic Urinary Tract Infection In Ghanaian Steady-State Sickle Cell Disease Patients: A Case-Control Study, Stephen Twumasi, Richard Owusu Ansah, Samuel Essien-Baidoo, Laud Anthony W. Basing, Alexander Yaw Debrah, Enoch Odame Anto, Allwell Adofo Ayirebi, Rebecca Asiamah-Broni, Waldemer Attivor, Eric Twum Ameyaw, Gabriel Addai Manu, Edward Afriyie, Thomas Kwabena Gyampomah, Joseph Nkrumah Opoku, Prince Kwadwo Amoafo, Samuel Kelvin Owusu, Vincent Akwai, Matthew Talmang, Amos Mensah, Isaac Kusi-Amponsah, Angela Opoku, Lilian Antwi Boateng

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background and Aims: Due to the reduction in immunity caused by auto-splenectomy and the consequent opsonic antibody shortage, patients with SCD are more susceptible to encapsulated organism infections, especially asymptomatic urinary tract infection (ASM-UTI). This study investigated the prevalence of ASM-UTI and compared urine and hematology parameters among SCD patients in Ghana to their healthy counterparts. Methods: In this study, 104 SCD participants (cases) and 80 non-SCD (HbAA) controls were recruited. Participants' information was thoroughly documented using a well-structured questionnaire and patient case records. To achieve the study's aims, a mid-stream urine in a cleaned dry aseptic urine capped container …

Differential Risk Of Cardiovascular Complications In Patients With Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus In Ghana: A Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study, Christian Obirikorang, Evans Asamoah Adu, Anthony Afum Adjei Awuah, Samuel Nkansah Darko, Frank Naku Ghartey, Samuel Ametepe, Eric N.Y. Nyarko, Enoch Odame Anto, William Kwame Boakye Ansah Owiredu

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aim To characterize clinically relevant subgroups of patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) based on adiposity, insulin secretion, and resistance indices. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted at Eastern Regional Hospital in Ghana from July to October 2021 to investigate long-term patients with T2DM. To select participants, a systematic random sampling method was employed. Demographic data was collected using a structured questionnaire and fasting blood samples were taken to measure glycemic and lipid levels. Blood pressure and adiposity indices were measured during recruitment. The risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) was defined using Framingham scores and standard low-density lipoprotein thresholds. To …

Modifiable Factors For Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Evidence From Mendelian Randomisation Approach, Di Liu, Meiling Cao, Shanshan Wu, Yiwen Jiang, Weijie Cao, Tengfei Lin, Fuxiao Li, Feng Sha, Zhirong Yang, Jinling Tang

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background The potential modifiable factors influencing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have not been thoroughly documented. We aimed to systematically investigate the modifiable factors associated with IBS, while accounting for the impact of unobserved confounders and coexisting disorders. Methods Genetic correlation and Mendelian randomisation (MR) analyses were integrated to identify potential modifiable factors and coexisting disorders linked to IBS. Subsequently, multiresponse MR (MR 2) was employed to further examine these associations. Summary-level genome-wide association data were used. Modifiable factors and coexisting disorders (ie, gastrointestinal and psychiatric disorders) were identified based on evidence from cohort studies and meta-analysis. In all analyses, IBS …

Cultural Influences, Experiences And Interventions Targeting Self-Management Behaviours For Prediabetes Or Type 2 Diabetes In First-Generation Immigrants: A Scoping Review, Min Zhang, Kirsten Coppell, Johnny Lo, Lisa Whitehead

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aim: To map the existing evidence and identify research gaps regarding the self-management of prediabetes or type 2 diabetes among first-generation immigrants ≥ 18 years. Design: A scoping review followed the JBI guidelines and was in accordance with the PRISMA extension for Scoping Reviews. Methods: A systematic search of CINAHL, Cochrane, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, ProQuest, SCOPUS and the Web of Science was conducted. Grey literature and reference lists of included studies were searched for additional citations. Articles published in English from the database inception to February 2023 were included. Results: We included 96 studies, of which 28.1% were published within …

Immunoglobulin G N-Glycome As A Biomarker Of Mortality Risk In Escherichia Coli Induced Sepsis, Huachen Wang, Houqiang Li, Zheng Guo, Hongda Hou, Haifeng Hou, Bing Chen

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Sepsis is a life-threatening syndrome caused by an imbalance in the inflammatory response to an infection that can lead to a high mortality rate. Escherichia coli is a common pathogen that causes sepsis. The role of immunoglobulin G N-glycome in estimating the mortality in patients with sepsis remains unknown. This study aims to reveal the clinical application of immunoglobulin G N-glycome as a potentially novel biomarker to predict mortality risk in Escherichia coli-induced sepsis. Methods: The serum immunoglobulin G N-glycome levels in 100 adult septic patient serum samples on the day of intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and 100 …

Infant Diet Recommendations Reduce Ige-Mediated Egg, Peanut, And Cow's Milk Allergies, Summer V.M. Walker, Nina D'Vaz, Rachelle A. Pretorius, Johnny Lo, Claus Christophersen, Susan L. Prescott, Debra J. Palmer

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials have found that introducing eggs and peanuts earlier during infancy reduced egg and peanut allergy risk. Hence, infant feeding advice has dramatically changed from previous recommendations of avoidance to current recommendations of inclusion of common food allergens in infant diets. Objective: To compare the prevalence of IgE-mediated food allergies at 1 year of age between 2 cohorts, before and after infant feeding and allergy prevention guidelines changed. Methods: In cohort 1 (506 infants born 2006-2014), no infant feeding advice was provided to participants. In cohort 2 (566 infants born 2016-2022), when the infants were …

Exploring The Association Between Sarcopenic Obesity And Cardiovascular Risk: A Summary Of Findings From Longitudinal Studies And Potential Mechanisms, Zhongyang Guan, Blossom C.M. Stephan, Lorenzo Maria Donini, Carla M. Prado, Marc Sim, Mario Siervo

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

It is estimated that more than one-tenth of adults aged ≥60 years are now classified as having sarcopenic obesity (SO), a clinical condition characterized by the concurrent presence of sarcopenia (low muscle mass and weakness) and obesity (excessive fat mass). Independently, sarcopenia and obesity are associated with a high risk of numerous adverse health outcomes including cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and neurological conditions (e.g. dementia), but SO may confer a greater risk, exceeding either condition alone. This imposes a substantial burden on individuals, healthcare systems and society. In recent years, an increasing number of observational studies have explored the association between …

Pleural Infection: Controversies On The Therapeutic Strategies, Ken K.P. Chan, Estee P.M. Lau, Y. C. Gary Lee

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose of review Management of pleural infection remains heterogeneous worldwide. This review highlights current controversies in therapeutic strategies for pleural infection, focusing particularly on recent studies and their implications. Recent findings The introduction of intrapleural therapy combining alteplase [a tissue plasminogen activator (tPA)] and deoxyribonuclease (DNase) has revolutionized treatment practices, though the optimal delivery and dosing regimen is an area of active investigation. Variations to simplify administration protocols and/or to lower the required drug doses have been published. Most were exploratory studies, but the variations showed maintained therapeutic efficacy. Whether intrapleural alteplase/DNase or video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is superior is …

Rapid Profiling Of Carcinogenic Types Of Helicobacter Pylori Infection Via Deep Learning Analysis Of Label-Free Sers Spectra Of Human Serum, Fen Li, Yu Ting Si, Jia Wei Tang, Zeeshan Umar, Xue Song Xiong, Jin Ting Wang, Quan Yuan, Alfred Chin Yen Tay, Eng Guan Chua, Li Zhang, Barry J. Marshall, Wei Xuan Yang, Bing Gu, Liang Wang

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

WHO classified Helicobacter pylori as a Group I carcinogen for gastric cancer as early as 1994. However, despite the high prevalence of H. pylori infection, only about 3 % of infected individuals eventually develop gastric cancer, with the highly virulent H. pylori strains expressing cytotoxin-associated protein (CagA) and vacuolating cytotoxin (VacA) being critical factors in gastric carcinogenesis. It is well known that H. pylori infection is divided into two types in terms of the presence and absence of CagA and VacA toxins in serum, that is, carcinogenic Type I infection (CagA+/VacA+, CagA+/VacA-, CagA-/VacA+) and non-carcinogenic Type II infection (CagA-/VacA-). Currently, …

Differences In Igg Afucosylation Between Groups With And Without Carotid Atherosclerosis, Cuihong Tian, Xingang Li, Hongxia Zhang, Jieyi He, Yan Zhou, Manshu Song, Peixuan Yang, Xuerui Tan

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: A previous study demonstrated that N-glycosylation profiles of IgG are associated with subclinical atherosclerosis in a British population. However, the generalisability of this finding to other ethnic groups remains to be investigated, and it has yet to account for additional traditional atherosclerotic risk factors. The present study, thus, aims to explore IgG N-glycosylation profiles in Han Chinese with atherosclerosis, and their potential role in atherosclerosis, while controlling for traditional atherosclerotic risk factors. Methods: Data of this case-control study were obtained from an established umbrella Health Examination Cohort Study (registration number: ChiCTR2100048740). The investigation was conducted at the Health Care …

Spatial Transcriptomics Reveals Discrete Tumour Microenvironments And Autocrine Loops Within Ovarian Cancer Subclones, Elena Denisenko, Leanne De Kock, Adeline Tan, Aaron B. Beasley, Maria Beilin, Matthew E. Jones, Rui Hou, Dáithí Ó Muirí, Sanela Bilic, G. Raj K. A. Mohan, Stuart Salfinger, Simon Fox, Khaing P. W. Hmon, Yen Yeow, Youngmi Kim, Rhea John, Tami S. Gilderman, Emily Killingbeck, Elin S. Gray, Paul A. Cohen, Yu Yu, Alistair R. R. Forrest

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

High-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) is genetically unstable and characterised by the presence of subclones with distinct genotypes. Intratumoural heterogeneity is linked to recurrence, chemotherapy resistance, and poor prognosis. Here, we use spatial transcriptomics to identify HGSOC subclones and study their association with infiltrating cell populations. Visium spatial transcriptomics reveals multiple tumour subclones with different copy number alterations present within individual tumour sections. These subclones differentially express various ligands and receptors and are predicted to differentially associate with different stromal and immune cell populations. In one sample, CosMx single molecule imaging reveals subclones differentially associating with immune cell populations, fibroblasts, …

Measuring Treatment Burden In People With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2dm): A Mixed-Methods Systematic Review, Kai Lin, Mi Yao, Xinxin Ji, Rouyan Li, Lesley Andrew, Jacques Oosthuizen, Moira Sim, Yongsong Chen

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Measuring treatment burden is important for the effective management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) care. The purpose of this systematic review was to identify the most robust approach for measuring treatment burden in people with T2DM based on existing evidence. Methods: Articles from seven databases were retrieved. Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods studies examining treatment burden in adults with T2DM and/or reporting relevant experiences were included. A convergent segregated approach with a mixed-methods design of systematic review was employed, creating a measurement framework in a narrative review for consistent critical appraisal. The quality of included studies was assessed using …

The Effects Of Short-Term, Progressive Exercise Training On Disease Activity In Smouldering Multiple Myeloma And Monoclonal Gammopathy Of Undetermined Significance: A Single-Arm Pilot Study, A. Emery, S. Moore, J. Crowe, J. Murray, O. Peacock, D. Thompson, F. Betts, S. Rapps, L. Ross, D. Rothschild-Rodriguez, A. A. Echarri, R. Davies, R. Lewis, D. X. Augustine, A. Whiteway, Z. Afzal, J. L. J. Heaney, M. T. Drayson, J. E. Turner, John P. Campbell

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: High levels of physical activity are associated with reduced risk of the blood cancer multiple myeloma (MM). MM is preceded by the asymptomatic stages of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and smouldering multiple myeloma (SMM) which are clinically managed by watchful waiting. A case study (N = 1) of a former elite athlete aged 44 years previously indicated that a multi-modal exercise programme reversed SMM disease activity. To build from this prior case study, the present pilot study firstly examined if short-term exercise training was feasible and safe for a group of MGUS and SMM patients, and secondly …

Metabolomic-Derived Endotypes Of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (Amd): A Step Towards Identification Of Disease Subgroups, Kevin Mendez, Ines Lains, Rachel S. Kelly, João Gil, Rufino Silva, John Miller, Demetrios G. Vavvas, Ivana Kim, Joan Miller, Liming Liang, Jessica A. Lasky-Su, Deeba Husain

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of blindness worldwide, with a complex pathophysiology and phenotypic diversity. Here, we apply Similarity Network Fusion (SNF) to cluster AMD patients into putative metabolomics-derived endotypes. Using a discovery cohort of 163 AMD patients from Boston, US, and a validation cohort of 214 patients from Coimbra, Portugal, we identified four distinct metabolomics-derived endotypes with varying retinal structural and functional characteristics, confirmed across both cohorts. Patients clustered into Endotype 1 exhibited a milder form of AMD and were characterized by low levels of amino acids in specific metabolic pathways. Meanwhile, patients clustered into both …

Oscillometry Changes Reflect Clinically Meaningful Improvement After Bronchial Thermoplasty For Uncontrolled Asthma: A Case Report, Niranjan Setty, Alice Crawford, Brooke Kyle, Dhaval Thakkar, Rajesh Thomas, John Blakey

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Asthma is a highly prevalent but heterogenous condition. Uncontrolled disease is relatively common and may be due to ongoing inflammation and/or persisting bronchial hyper-reactivity. Bronchial thermoplasty has been in use for many years but optimal case selection and post-procedure assessment remain uncertain. We present a case of a gentleman in his 50s with lifelong asthma who experienced a persistent loss of control following influenza A in 2017. Despite multidisciplinary assessment and guideline-based escalation of therapy, he had persisting symptoms. In the context of his atopy, he was trialled unsuccessfully on dupilumab. Bronchial thermoplasty (BT) was undertaken with good clinical benefit. …