Aims: The aim of the study was to investigate the antimicrobial activity of Nauclea subdita (Korth) Steud against six pathogenic microorganisms. Methodology and results: Young and matured trees of N. subdita were cut and separated into bark and wood parts, respectively, prior to extraction process. Phytochemical screening tests, antimicrobial activity, minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) values were determined. Preliminary screening for phytochemical components showed that both young and matured tree had similar constituents. Extracts from matured tree showed more potency in terms of the zones of inhibition sizes than the young tree. Extract of N. subdita was more potent to both marine bacteria, Vibrio parahaemoliticus and V. alginolyticus, while Candida albican and Aspergillus niger were resistant to it. The sensitivity test showed that 500 µg/mL is the optimum concentration for extract of bottom sapwood of mature tree to act as bactericidal. Conclusion, significance and impact study: The results from this study suggest that N. subdita bark and wood extracts may serve as potential source of antimicrobial agents for future development in medicine applications.
Anti-Infective Agents

Humans ; COVID-19/complications* ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Lung ; Abdominal Pain/diagnosis*

Humans ; COVID-19/complications* ; Pericarditis/complications*

Aims: New therapeutics are needed to ease the prevailing waterborne disease, and one of the alternatives is by exploring the natural compounds with antimicrobial properties. Duckweed, Lemna sp. is recorded as a medicinal herb that known to have antifungal and antibacterial activities towards several fungi and bacteria. Suitability of duckweed (Lemna minor) as an antibacterial resource against selected waterborne bacteria were evaluated in terms of its antibacterial activity and toxicity. Methodology and results: Antibacterial activity of the duckweed methanolic extract was tested against 11 selected waterborne bacteria using disc diffusion, minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) assay. Brine shrimp lethality assay was used to determine the toxicity of this extract. The lethal concentrations of plant extract resulting in 50% mortality of the brine shrimp (LC50) were then determined. Conclusion, significance and impact of study Results showed that duckweed extract exhibited bacteriostatic and bactericidal against the selected bacteria activity at the concentration of MIC = 1.8-2.0 mg/mL and MBC ≥ 2.0 mg/mL. This study shows that methanolic extract of L. minor may contain bioactive compounds against bacteria and potential therapeutic effect. The crude extract is slightly toxic and may not safe to be used in high concentration but is valuable in further study as a potential antitumor agent.

INTRODUCTIONLittle data is available on community hospital admissions. We examined the differences between community hospitals and the annual trends in sociodemographic characteristics of all patient admissions in Singaporean community hospitals over a 10- year period from 1996 to 2005.

MATERIALS AND METHODSData were manually extracted from medical records of 4 community hospitals existent in Singapore from 1996 to 2005. Nineteen thousand and three hundred and sixty patient records were examined. Chisquare test was used for univariate analysis of categorical variables by type of community hospitals. For annual trends, test for linear by linear association was used. ANOVA was used to generate beta coefficients for continuous variables.

RESULTSMean age of all patient admissions has increased from 72.8 years in 1996 to 74.8 years in 2005. The majority was Chinese (88.4%), and female (58.1%) and admissions were mainly for rehabilitation (88.0%). Almost one third had foreign domestic workers as primary caregivers and most (73.5%) were discharged to their own home. There were significant differences in socio-demographic profile of admissions between hospitals with one hospital having more patients with poor social support. Over the 10-year period, the geometric mean length of stay decreased from 29.7 days (95% CI, 6.4 to 138.0) to 26.7 days (95% CI, 7.5 to 94.2), and both mean admission and discharge Barthel Index scores increased from 41.0 (SD = 24.9) and 51.8 (SD = 30.0), respectively in 1996 to 48.4 (SD = 24.5) and 64.2 (SD = 27.3) respectively in 2005.

CONCLUSIONThere are significant differences in socio-demographic characteristics and clinical profile of admissions between various community hospitals and across time. Understanding these differences and trends in admission profiles may help in projecting future healthcare service needs.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Analysis of Variance ; Confidence Intervals ; Diagnosis ; Female ; Hospitals, Community ; Humans ; Male ; Medical Records ; statistics & numerical data ; Middle Aged ; Odds Ratio ; Patient Admission ; statistics & numerical data ; trends ; Singapore ; Social Class

Objectives: This study aimed to present the Asia-Pacific consensus on long-term and sequential therapy for osteoporosis, offering evidence-based recommendations for the effective management of this chronic condition.The primary focus is on achieving optimal fracture prevention through a comprehensive, individualized approach. Methods: A panel of experts convened to develop consensus statements by synthesizing the current literature and leveraging clinical expertise. The review encompassed long-term anti-osteoporosis medication goals, first-line treatments for individuals at very high fracture risk, and the strategic integration of anabolic and anti resorptive agents in sequential therapy approaches. Results: The panelists reached a consensus on 12 statements. Key recommendations included advocating for anabolic agents as the first-line treatment for individuals at very high fracture risk and transitioning to anti resorptive agents following the completion of anabolic therapy. Anabolic therapy remains an option for in dividuals experiencing new fractures or persistent high fracture risk despite antiresorptive treatment. In cases of inadequate response, the consensus recommended considering a switch to more potent medications. The consensus also addressed the management of medication-related complications, proposing alternatives instead of discontinuation of treatment. Conclusions This consensus provides a comprehensive, cost-effective strategy for fracture prevention with an emphasis on shared decision-making and the incorporation of country-specific case management systems, such as fracture liaison services. It serves as a valuable guide for healthcare professionals in the Asia-Pacific region, contributing to the ongoing evolution of osteoporosis management.