Electrically small planar antennas with inductively coupled feed

Inductively coupled antennas and methods of designing the same are disclosed. Electrically small antennas having relatively high efficiency and relatively broad bandwidth may be formed by inductively coupling an antenna loop to at least one antenna winding. Such antennas may be substantially planar. Various operating characteristics of such antennas may be adjustable by and/or dependent upon the strength of the inductive coupling between an antenna winding and an antenna loop.Board of Regents, University of Texas Syste

Discovery and characterization of medaka miRNA genes by next generation sequencing platform

Background MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous non-protein-coding RNA genes which exist in a wide variety of organisms, including animals, plants, virus and even unicellular organisms. Medaka (Oryzias latipes) is a useful model organism among vertebrate animals. However, no medaka miRNAs have been investigated systematically. It is beneficial to conduct a genome-wide miRNA discovery study using the next generation sequencing (NGS) technology, which has emerged as a powerful sequencing tool for high-throughput analysis. Results In this study, we adopted ABI SOLiD platform to generate small RNA sequence reads from medaka tissues, followed by mapping these sequence reads back to medaka genome. The mapped genomic loci were considered as candidate miRNAs and further processed by a support vector machine (SVM) classifier. As result, we identified 599 novel medaka pre-miRNAs, many of which were found to encode more than one isomiRs. Besides, additional minor miRNAs (also called miRNA star) can be also detected with the improvement of sequencing depth. These quantifiable isomiRs and minor miRNAs enable us to further characterize medaka miRNA genes in many aspects. First of all, many medaka candidate pre-miRNAs position close to each other, forming many miRNA clusters, some of which are also conserved across other vertebrate animals. Secondly, during miRNA maturation, there is an arm selection preference of mature miRNAs within precursors. We observed the differences on arm selection preference between our candidate pre-miRNAs and their orthologous ones. We classified these differences into three categories based on the distribution of NGS reads. Finally, we also investigated the relationship between conservation status and expression level of miRNA genes. We concluded that the evolutionally conserved miRNAs were usually the most abundant ones. Conclusions Medaka is a widely used model animal and usually involved in many biomedical studies, including the ones on development biology. Identifying and characterizing medaka miRNA genes would benefit the studies using medaka as a model organism

Massive haemorrhagic pericardial effusion as the cardiac manifestation of Salmonella enteritidis infection in a severely immunocompromised patient

A 41-years-old gentleman was admitted for reduced effort tolerance with non-specific symptoms of weight loss and generalised body weakness. Chest X-ray (CXR) showed cardiomegaly. Echocardiography showed a large pericardial effusion with septation. Emergency pericardiocentesis was performed and pericardial fluid culture grew Salmonella enteritidis (S. enteritidis). He tested positive for the retroviral disease, with a CD4 count of 10 cells/µL. Intravenous (IV) ceftriaxone was administered. A pericardial drain was inserted due to the rapid re-accumulation of pericardial fluid after the initial pericardiocentesis. He also had drainage of his left pleural effusion. He had a guidewire exchange of pericardial drain around 2 weeks after admission, with flushing performed whenever the flow was poor. A repeat echocardiogram showed early signs of constrictive pericarditis with residual pericardial effusion in which intrapericardial fibrinolysis was considered. He was started on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and his condition remained stable. The pericardial drain was kept throughout his admission. Unfortunately, he developed severe sepsis and succumbed to it about a month post-admission

Entomologic and molecular investigation into Plasmodium vivax transmission in Singapore, 2009

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Singapore has been certified malaria free since November 1982 by the World Health Organization and despite occasional local transmission, the country has maintained the standing. In 2009, three clusters of malaria cases were reported in Singapore.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Epidemiological, entomological and molecular studies were carried out to investigate the three clusters, namely Mandai-Sungei Kadut, Jurong Island and Sembawang.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>A total of 29 malaria patients, with no recent travel history, were reported in the three clusters. Molecular analysis based on the <it>msp3α </it>and <it>msp1 </it>genes showed two independent local transmissions: one in Mandai-Sungei Kadut and another in Sembawang. Almost all cases within each cluster were epidemiologically linked. In Jurong Island cluster, epidemiological link remains uncertain, as almost all cases had a unique genetic profile. Only two cases shared a common profile and were found to be linked to the Mandai-Sungei Kadut cluster. Entomological investigation found <it>Anopheles sinensis </it>to be the predominant Anopheline in the two areas where local transmission of <it>P. vivax </it>was confirmed. <it>Anopheles sinensis </it>was found to be attracted to human bait and bites as early as 19:45 hrs. However, all <it>Anopheles </it>mosquitoes caught were negative for sporozoites and oocysts by dissection.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Investigation of <it>P. vivax </it>cases from the three cluster areas confirmed the occurrence of local transmission in two areas. Although <it>An. sinensis </it>was the predominant Anopheline found in areas with confirmed transmission, the vector/s responsible for the outbreaks still remains cryptic.</p

Acute decompensated heart failure in a non cardiology tertiary referral centre, Sarawak General Hospital (SGH‑HF)

Abstract Background: Data on clinical characteristics of acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) in Malaysia especially in East Malaysia is lacking. Methods: This is a prospective observational study in Sarawak General Hospital, Medical Department, from October 2017 to September 2018. Patients with primary admission diagnosis of ADHF were recruited and followed up for 90 days. Data on patient’s characteristics, precipitating factors, medications and short-term clinical outcomes were recorded. Results: Majority of the patients were classified in lower socioeconomic group and the mean age was 59 years old. Hypertension, diabetes mellitus and dyslipidaemia were the common underlying comorbidities. Heart failure with ischemic aetiology was the commonest ADHF admission precipitating factor. 48.6% of patients were having preserved ejection fraction HF and the median NT-ProBNP level was 4230 pg/mL. Prescription rate of the evidencebased heart failure medication was low. The in-patient mortality and the average length of hospital stay were 7.5% and 5 days respectively. 43% of patients required either ICU care or advanced cardiopulmonary support. The 30-day, 90-day mortality and readmission rate were 13.1%, 11.2%, 16.8% and 14% respectively. Conclusion: Comparing with the HF data from West and Asia Pacific, the short-term mortality and readmission rate were high among the ADHF patients in our study cohort. Maladaptation to evidence-based HF prescription and the higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in younger patients were among the possible issues to be addressed to improve the HF outcome in regions with similar socioeconomic background. Keywords: Acute decompensated heart failure, Epidemiology, Sarawak, Southeast Asia, Malaysi

Effect of Probiotic Lactobacillus (Lacidofil® Cap) for the Prevention of Antibiotic-associated Diarrhea: A Prospective, Randomized, Double-blind, Multicenter Study

Antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) is a common complication of antibiotic use. There is growing interest in probiotics for the treatment of AAD and Clostridium difficile infection because of the wide availability of probiotics. The aim of this multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial was to assess the efficacy of probiotic Lactobacillus (Lacidofil® cap) for the prevention of AAD in adults. From September 2008 to November 2009, a total of 214 patients with respiratory tract infection who had begun receiving antibiotics were randomized to receive Lactobacillus (Lacidofil® cap) or placebo for 14 days. Patients recorded bowel frequency and stool consistency daily for 14 days. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients who developed AAD within 14 days of enrollment. AAD developed in 4 (3.9%) of 103 patients in the Lactobacillus group and in 8 (7.2%) of 111 patients in the placebo group (P=0.44). However, the Lactobacillus group showed lower change in bowel frequency and consistency (50/103, 48.5%) than the placebo group (35/111, 31.5%) (P=0.01). Although the Lacidofil® cap does not reduce the rate of occurrence of AAD in adult patients with respiratory tract infection who have taken antibiotics, the Lactobacillus group maintains their bowel habits to a greater extent than the placebo group

The Effect of Co-Exposure to Glyphosate, Cadmium, and Arsenic on Chronic Kidney Disease

The usage of glyphosate is increasing worldwide. Glyphosate and its major metabolite, aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), are of potential toxicological concern in unknown chronic kidney disease (CKDu). As with Cd and other elements, glyphosate exposure has been reported as risk factor for CKDu in farmers. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of co-exposure to glyphosate and metals or metalloids in chronic kidney disease (CKD). In this study, the urine samples from 55 patients with CKD and 100 participants without CKD were analyzed for glyphosate, arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) concentrations, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Negative associations between glyphosate, AMPA, As, and Cd concentrations in the urine and eGFR were found for study subjects (p  1 μg/g creatinine; OR = 7.57, 95% CI = 1.91–29.95). With regard to the effect of co-exposure, the OR for subjects with an of eGFR  1 μg/g creatinine; OR = 1.57, 95% CI = 1.13–2.16) and As concentration (> 1 μg/g creatinine; OR = 1.01, 95% CI = 1.00–1.02). These results showed that glyphosate, AMPA, As, and Cd have an effect on CKD; notably, Cd, As, and glyphosate exposure can be important risk factors after stage 3a of CKD, and that there was a co-exposure effect of As and glyphosate in CKD after stage 3b. The potential health impacts of glyphosate should be considered, especial for patients with CKD and eGFR below 45 mL/min/1.73 m2

COVID-19 Antibody Surveillance Among Healthcare Workers in A Non-COVID designated Cardiology Centre

BACKGROUND: Reports on healthcare worker antibody response to COVID-19 infection are scarce. We aim to determine theCOVID-19 antibody prevalence among healthcare workers in a cardiology centre and the relationship between case definitioncriteria with the COVID-19 antibody result. METHODS: Convenience sampling was applied. Healthcare workers in SarawakHeart Centre (SHC) cardiology, radiology, and emergency unit were recruited. A survey form on clinical symptoms and closecontact history was distributed. HEALGEN COVID-19 IgG/IgM rapid test was performed using serum/ whole blood specimen.Staff with positive COVID-19 antibody results were referred to the infectious disease specialist for assessment. RESULTS: Atotal of 310 staff were screened. 220(71%) were female, and the mean age was 36±7.7 years old. 46(14.8%) staff reported havingclinical symptoms at some stage from the end of January 2020 to the time of this surveillance. Number of staff who had a historyof overseas travel, close contact with confirmed COVID-19 patients, or had visited places with identified COVID-19 clusterswere 4(1.3%), 24(7.7%) and 24(7.7%) respectively. There were 14 staff (4.5%) with positive tests positive, 2 for IgM, and 12for IgG. All those with positive antibody were subsequently tested negative with RT-PCR test. The history of having clinicalsymptoms and exposure to COVID-19 cluster area were independently associated with a positive IgG result. CONCLUSION:The application of COVID-19 antibody serology rapid tests could determine true exposure of staff to the infection and allowus to reassess existing measures of infection control within the hospital

Clinical Outcomes and Predictors of Improved Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction in Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction due to Non-Ischemic Cardiomyopathy

Background: Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) improvement is the cornerstone of LV reverse remodelling. It prognosticates heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). There is limited data on the clinical factors that predict LVEF improvement among non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) patients in Malaysia. Objective: To determine the 3-year outcomes and predictors of LVEF improvement in patients with (NICM) and HFrEF. Materials &amp; Methods: We recruited patients with NICM and HFrEF (LVEF &lt;40%) between 2016 and 2018. NICM was defined as HF with 1) normal coronary arteries or 2) any coronary artery stenosis not involving the proximal left anterior descending artery (LAD) and without transmural fibrosis in the LAD territory from cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging to account for the impaired LVEF. Clinical and imaging parameters were assessed using logistic regression statistics to determine the predictors of LVEF improvement. LVEF improvement is defined as a recovery of EF to &gt; 40% with at least a 10-point increment from baseline. The clinical outcomes at three year were 1) change in NYHA class and 2) composite of all-cause mortality, unscheduled clinic or emergency department visits, readmission and/or ventricular arrhythmia. Results: 43 patients were recruited. The mean duration of follow-up and echocardiographic assessment interval were 46 and 23 months, respectively. The cohort had a mean age of 46±13 years, and were mostly male (72%). More patients had NYHA 1 at the end of the study (37% vs 86%). 11 patients (25%) recorded composite outcomes. 62.8% had LVEF improvement. Patients with LVEF improvement had a lower incidence of late gadolinium enhancement (51.7% vs 85.7%, odds 5.6 ,p=0.045) and midwall fibrosis on CMR (18.5% vs 62.5%, odds 7.3, p=0.003). LVEF improvement did not affect the functional NYHA recovery (92% vs 81%, p=0.28). Patients with less LVEF improvement had higher incidence of composite outcome (18.5% vs 37.5%, p=0.168). Other characteristics were not significantly different between the groups. Conclusion: Patients with NICM and LVEF improvement had lower composite outcome. Absence of late gadolinium enhancement, particularly midwall fibrosis was an independant predictor of LVEF improvement. This underscores the importance of CMR tissue characterisation to refine the prognostication of NICM patients

In-hospital extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation for patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: an analysis by time-dependent propensity score matching using a nationwide database in Japan

院外心停止患者における膜型人工肺を活用した蘇生 --膜型人工肺を活用した蘇生と生存率向上との関連--. 京都大学プレスリリース. 2023-11-21.BACKGROUND: Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) has been proposed as a rescue therapy for patients with refractory cardiac arrest. This study aimed to evaluate the association between ECPR and clinical outcomes among patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) using risk-set matching with a time-dependent propensity score. METHODS: This was a secondary analysis of the JAAM-OHCA registry data, a nationwide multicenter prospective study of patients with OHCA, from June 2014 and December 2019, that included adults (≥ 18 years) with OHCA. Initial cardiac rhythm was classified as shockable and non-shockable. Patients who received ECPR were sequentially matched with the control, within the same time (minutes) based on time-dependent propensity scores calculated from potential confounders. The odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for 30-day survival and 30-day favorable neurological outcomes were estimated for ECPR cases using a conditional logistic model. RESULTS: Of 57, 754 patients in the JAAM-OHCA registry, we selected 1826 patients with an initial shockable rhythm (treated with ECPR, n = 913 and control, n = 913) and a cohort of 740 patients with an initial non-shockable rhythm (treated with ECPR, n = 370 and control, n = 370). In these matched cohorts, the odds ratio for 30-day survival in the ECPR group was 1.76 [95%CI 1.38-2.25] for shockable rhythm and 5.37 [95%CI 2.53-11.43] for non-shockable rhythm, compared to controls. For favorable neurological outcomes, the odds ratio in the ECPR group was 1.11 [95%CI 0.82-1.49] for shockable rhythm and 4.25 [95%CI 1.43-12.63] for non-shockable rhythm, compared to controls. CONCLUSION: ECPR was associated with increased 30-day survival in patients with OHCA with initial shockable and even non-shockable rhythms. Further research is warranted to investigate the reproducibility of the results and who is the best candidate for ECPR