1.Family communication of genetic risk: What is it and why does it matter?
Acta Medica Philippina 2025;59(8):7-15
Inherited conditions have implications not only for the individual affected but for the entire family. It is in this context that family communication of genetic risk information is important to understand. This paper aims to provide an overview of the construct of family communication of genetic risk and provide implications for healthcare providers. A search of relevant literature was done with electronic databases including PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science. The findings from the literature were organized based on the Family Communication of Genetic Risk (FCGR) conceptual framework which highlights the attributes of the family communication of genetic risk process including influential factors, communication strategy, communication occurrence, and outcomes of communication. Healthcare providers need to understand how individuals share genetic risk with their family members so that appropriate support and interventions can be provided to them. This is especially important across countries, including the Philippines, as genetic services and testing move beyond the traditional medical genetics clinic to other medical specialties, a development where we would expect an increase in individuals and family members undergoing genetic evaluation and testing.
Communication ; Family ; Genetic Predisposition To Disease ; Genetic Testing
2.Family communication of genetic risk: What is it and why does it matter?
Acta Medica Philippina 2024;58(Early Access 2024):1-9
Inherited conditions have implications not only for the individual affected but for the entire family. It is in this context that family communication of genetic risk information is important to understand. This paper aims to provide an overview of the construct of family communication of genetic risk and provide implications for healthcare providers. A search of relevant literature was done with electronic databases including PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science. The findings from the literature were organized based on the Family Communication of Genetic Risk (FCGR) conceptual framework which highlights the attributes of the family communication of genetic risk process including influential factors, communication strategy, communication occurrence, and outcomes of communication. Healthcare providers need to understand how individuals share genetic risk with their family members so that appropriate support and interventions can be provided to them. This is especially important across countries, including the Philippines, as genetic services and testing move beyond the traditional medical genetics clinic to other medical specialties, a development where we would expect an increase in individuals and family members undergoing genetic evaluation and testing.
communication
;
family
;
genetic predisposition to disease
;
genetic testing
3.Comparison of the inward leakage rate between N95 filtering facepiece respirators and modified surgical masks during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kazunari ONISHI ; Masanori NOJIMA
Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine 2024;29():8-8
BACKGROUND:
Owing to shortage of surgical and N95 filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) during the COVID-2019 pandemic, various masks were developed to prevent infection. This study aimed to examine the inward leakage rate (ILR) of sealed face masks and modified surgical masks using a quantitative fit test and compared it with the ILR of unmodified N95 FFRs.
METHODS:
We conducted paired comparisons of ILRs of bent nose-fit wire masks, double masks, and N95 FFRs from October to December 2021. To measure the protective effectiveness of masks, participants wore masks, and the number of particles outside and inside the mask were measured. The ILR was based on the percentage of particles entering the mask using a fit tester.
RESULTS:
We enrolled 54 participants (20 men and 34 women) in this study. The median ILR for surgical masks without and with a W-shaped bend in the nose-fit wire were 96.44% and 50.82%, respectively. The nose-fit wire adjustment reduced the ILR of surgical masks by a mean of 28.57%, which was significantly lower than the ILR without adjustment (P < 0.001). For double masks, with surgical or polyurethane masks on top of the W-shaped mask, the ILR did not differ significantly from that of N95. Although the filtration performance of double surgical masks matched that of N95 masks, their ILR was notably higher, indicating that double masks do not provide equivalent protection.
CONCLUSIONS
Wearing N95 masks alone is effective in many cases. However, surgical mask modifications do not guarantee consistent effectiveness. Properly selected, sealed masks with a good fit overcome leakage, emphasizing their crucial role. Without evidence, mask-wearing may lead to unexpected infections. Education based on quantitative data is crucial for preventing adverse outcomes.
Male
;
Humans
;
Female
;
N95 Respirators
;
COVID-19/epidemiology*
;
Masks
;
Pandemics/prevention & control*
;
Respiratory Protective Devices
;
Materials Testing
;
Equipment Design
;
Occupational Exposure/prevention & control*
4.Missed diagnosis or misdiagnosis: Common pitfalls in genetic testing.
Tarryn SHAW ; Rose FOK ; Eliza COURTNEY ; Shao-Tzu LI ; Jianbang CHIANG ; Joanne NGEOW
Singapore medical journal 2023;64(1):67-73
Genetic testing has the power to identify individuals with increased predisposition to disease, allowing individuals the opportunity to make informed management, treatment and reproductive decisions. As genomic medicine continues to be integrated into aspects of everyday patient care and the indications for genetic testing continue to expand, genetic services are increasingly being offered by non-genetic clinicians. The current complexities of genetic testing highlight the need to support and ensure non-genetic professionals are adequately equipped with the knowledge and skills to provide services. We describe a series of misdiagnosed/mismanaged cases, highlighting the common pitfalls in genetic testing to identify the knowledge gaps and where education and support is needed. We highlight that education focusing on differential diagnoses, test selection and result interpretation is needed. Collaboration and communication between genetic and non-genetic clinicians and integration of genetic counsellors into different medical settings are important. This will minimise the risks and maximise the benefits of genetic testing, ensuring adverse outcomes are mitigated.
Humans
;
Missed Diagnosis
;
Genetic Testing
;
Educational Status
;
Diagnosis, Differential
;
Genotype
5.Diagnosis and treatment of adult tumor patients with COVID-19.
Chinese Journal of Oncology 2023;45(3):191-202
After the first outbreak of corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) at the end of 2019, it has caused multiple rounds of transmission in many countries around the world. Cancer patients are mainly elderly people, and the immunosuppression state caused by the tumor itself and anti-tumor treatment, more accompanying underlying diseases, and more hospital environmental exposure leading to a higher incidence of COVID-19 infection. The proportion of severe cases after infection is high, and the mortality is high. Therefore, based on the domestic and foreign research and clinical practice, the Expert Committee of Geriatric Cancer Prevention and Treatment of Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology launched a discussion based on the characteristics of cancer patients, including the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, differential diagnosis, definition and risk factors of severe cases, diagnosis and treatment recommendations, recovery of anti-tumor treatment and vaccination recommendations. To provide the corresponding suggestions for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of such patients.
Humans
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Adult
;
Aged
;
COVID-19/diagnosis*
;
Neoplasms/epidemiology*
;
Incidence
;
Disease Outbreaks
;
Diagnosis, Differential
;
COVID-19 Testing
6.Tajectories of the self-efficacy of HIV testing among MSM based on latent class growth model.
Jing MENG ; Chun Xiao CHENG ; Yu Xi LIN ; Wei MA
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2023;57(1):29-34
Objective: To analyze the trajectories of HIV testing self-efficacy among men who have sex with men (MSM) based on latent class growth model. Methods: From August 2019 to May 2021, 404 MSM were recruited in Shandong Province and subjected to a 1-year follow-up study with individual intervention (pushing intervention pictures and videos in WeChat and follow-up questionnaires) and community intervention (forwarding to friends and sharing and discussing HIV testing-related information in WeChat groups). The level of HIV testing self-efficacy among MSM was measured. The long-term trend of HIV testing self-efficacy was analyzed using the latent class growth model (LCGM), and the influencing factors of the trend were analyzed. Results: A total of 404 MSM were (28.25±8.95) years old, with the oldest being 58 and the youngest being 18. The scores of HIV testing self-efficacy M(Q1, Q3) at baseline and 4 follow-ups were 18.00 (17.00, 21.00), 19.00 (18.00, 22.00), 19.00 (18.00, 22.00), 19.00 (18.00, 22.00) and 19.00 (18.00, 22.00). The results of the freely estimated two-category LCGM model showed that the trend of HIV testing self-efficacy among MSM could be divided into two classes, "intervention response group" [255(63.1%)] and "intervention non-response group" [149(36.9%)]. The former had a higher level of HIV testing self-efficacy which tended to increase at first and then decrease over time, while the latter had a lower and more stable level. The results of the multifactorial logistic regression analysis showed that the OR values of MSM in business or service and jobless or unemployed were 0.261 (95%CI: 0.108-0.633) and 0.186 (95%CI: 0.057-0.610), respectively, using the students as the reference group. Conclusion: There is a group heterogeneity in the trend of HIV testing self-efficacy in the intervention conditions among MSM, and occupation may be an influencing factor.
Male
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Humans
;
Young Adult
;
Adult
;
Homosexuality, Male
;
HIV Infections/prevention & control*
;
Sexual and Gender Minorities
;
Follow-Up Studies
;
Self Efficacy
;
HIV Testing
7.Establishment and preliminary application of quantitative real-time PCR assay for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 subgenomic nucleocapsid RNA.
Xiao Juan ZHU ; Yin CHEN ; Bin WU ; Yi Yue GE ; Tao WU ; Qiao QIAO ; Kang Chen ZHAO ; Lun Biao CUI
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2023;57(2):268-272
Objective: To establish a rapid and specific quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) method for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 subgenomic nucleocapsid RNA (SgN) in patients with COVID-19 or environmental samples. Methods: The qPCR assay was established by designing specific primers and TaqMan probe based on the SARS-CoV-2 genomic sequence in Global Initiative of Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID) database. The reaction conditions were optimized by using different annealing temperature, different primers and probe concentrations and the standard curve was established. Further, the specificity, sensitivity and repeatability were also assessed. The established SgN and genomic RNA (gRNA) qPCR assays were both applied to detect 21 environmental samples and 351 clinical samples containing 48 recovered patients. In the specimens with both positive gRNA and positive SgN, 25 specimens were inoculated on cells. Results: The primers and probes of SgN had good specificity for SARS-CoV-2. The minimum detection limit of the preliminarily established qPCR detection method for SgN was 1.5×102 copies/ml, with a coefficient of variation less than 1%. The positive rate of gRNA in 372 samples was 97.04% (361/372). The positive rates of SgN in positive environmental samples and positive clinical samples were 36.84% (7/19) and 49.42% (169/342), respectively. The positive rate and copy number of SgN in Wild strain were lower than those of SARS-CoV-2 Delta strain. Among the 25 SgN positive samples, 12 samples within 5 days of sampling time were all isolated with virus; 13 samples sampled for more than 12 days had no cytopathic effect. Conclusion: A qPCR method for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 SgN has been successfully established. The sensitivity, specificity and repeatability of this method are good.
Humans
;
SARS-CoV-2/genetics*
;
COVID-19/diagnosis*
;
Subgenomic RNA
;
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods*
;
RNA, Viral/genetics*
;
Sensitivity and Specificity
;
Nucleocapsid/chemistry*
;
COVID-19 Testing
8.Expert consensus on diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 infection related cough in children.
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2023;57(3):309-317
An epidemic outbreak of the corona virus disease 2019(COVID-19) Omicron variant occurred in most regions of China. Children are susceptible to COVID-19 and the vast majority of them suffer from upper respiratory tract infection. Cough is one of the most common symptoms. COVID-19 infection related cough includes acute cough, persistent cough and chronic cough, and children with original chronic cough or chronic lung disease can also induce or aggravate symptom of cough after infection, which has a great impact on children's physical and mental health. The treatment for COVID-19 infection related cough vary with the etiology. Improper treatment would delay the patient's condition and increase adverse drug reaction. Currently, there is no guideline or consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 infection related cough in children in China, therefore this consensus is drafted. Referring to the latest international research and the diagnostic and therapeutic strategy for COVID-19 infection (Tenth Edition For Trial Implementation), and combining with clinical diagnosis and treatment experience,the consensus elaborates the pathogenesis and etiology of COVID-19 infection related cough, the use of cough relievers and expectorants, as well as the key points of diagnosis and treatment of different etiological factors. It is expected to provide specific and feasible guidance scheme for pediatricians, general practitioners and clinical pharmacists.
Child
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Humans
;
Cough/therapy*
;
COVID-19/therapy*
;
SARS-CoV-2
;
Consensus
;
COVID-19 Testing
9.Association between response to repeated negative HIV testing and risk sexual behaviors in men who have sex with men in Chengdu.
Yang ZHU ; Feng Su HOU ; Xiao Ting CHEN ; Xiao YANG ; Wang Nan CAO ; Yuan Tao HAO ; Jing Hua LI
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2023;44(3):452-456
Objective: To investigate the association between the response to repeated negative HIV testing and the risk sexual behaviors in men who have sex with men (MSM) in Chengdu. Methods: A total of 610 MSM were recruited by convenience sampling method through Chengdu Tongle Health Consultation Service Centre from March to May 2022. Data were collected from the MSM through questionnaire survey, including the demographic characteristics, sexual behaviors in the past 6 months, the response to rerpeated negative HIV testing. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were conducted to analyze the association between the response to repeated negative HIV testing and risk sexual behavior. Results: A total of 579 (94.9%) participants participated in the questionnaire survey and 354 (61.1%) subjects were included in the study.For the negative HIV testing, some MSM believed that they had taken effective protection measures (17.03±2.20), some believed that they were lucky (7.50±1.87) and some believed that they were at low risk (8.87±3.62). Multivariate logistic regression model showed that protected sexual behavior was negatively associated with group sex (aOR=0.80, 95%CI: 0.67-0.95), lucky was positively associated with casual sex (aOR=1.20, 95%CI: 1.06-1.35), inconsistent condom use (aOR=1.21, 95%CI: 1.06-1.37), group sex (aOR=1.26, 95%CI: 1.00-1.60), and multiple sexual partners (aOR=1.24, 95%CI: 1.09-1.42) and low risk perception was positively associated with multiple sexual partners only (aOR=1.08, 95%CI: 1.01-1.15). Conclusions: There were high levels of recognition of protected sexual behavior and lucky dimensions in response to repeated negative HIV testing and well risk perception in MSM in Chengdu. In HIV testing and counseling services, intervention and risk warning should be strengthened in MSM who believed that they are lucky to improve their awareness of safe sex and reduce the negative effects of fluke mind.
Male
;
Humans
;
Homosexuality, Male
;
HIV Infections/prevention & control*
;
Sexual and Gender Minorities
;
Sexual Behavior
;
HIV Testing
;
Logistic Models
10.Applications of collagen extrafibrillar demineralization in dentin bonding.
Meng Meng WANG ; Ying Ying YU ; Wei JIN ; Peng MA ; Ya Ping GOU
Chinese Journal of Stomatology 2023;58(1):81-85
The existing dentin bonding systems based on acid-etching technique lead to the loss of both extrafibrillar and intrafibrillar minerals from dentin collagen, causing excessive demineralization. Because resin monomers can not infiltrate the intrafibrillar spaces of demineralized collagen matrix, degradation of exposed collagen and resin hydrolysis subsequently occur within the hybrid layer, which seriously jeopardizing the longevity of resin-dentin bonding. Collagen extrafibrillar demineralization can effectively avoid the structural defects within the resin-dentin interface caused by acid-etching technique and improve the durability of resin-dentin bonding, by preserving intrafibrillar minerals and selectively demineralizing extrafibrillar dentin. The mechanism and research progress of collagen extrafibrillar demineralization in dentin bonding are reviewed in the paper.
Humans
;
Collagen
;
Dental Bonding
;
Dentin/chemistry*
;
Dentin-Bonding Agents/chemistry*
;
Materials Testing
;
Minerals
;
Resin Cements/chemistry*
;
Tooth Demineralization


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