Introduction: Early identification of patients at risk for severe multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is essential for favourable clinical outcomes. This study aims to identify the clinical characteristics, factors and outcomes associated with severe MIS-C. Materials and methods: In this retrospective cohort study involving 14 major hospitals in Malaysia, children <15 years who met the United States Centres for Disease Control and Prevention case definition for MIS-C were included. Severe MIS-C was defined as children who required inotropic support, ventilatory support (invasive or non-invasive ventilation), or left ventricular ejection fraction of <55%. The factors investigated for severe MIS-C were demographic characteristics, the presence of comorbidities, clinical characteristics, and laboratory measures. Multivariable logistic regression was used to compute the adjusted odds ratio (aORs) of factors associated with severe MIS-C. Results: Among the 155 patients, 91 (58.7%) presented with severe MIS-C. Severe MIS-C was more likely in patients aged ≥5 years old (aOR 2.13, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.08-4.21), with dehydration (aOR 3.80, 95% CI 1.53-9.45), lethargy (aOR 2.02, 95% CI 0.97-4.18), tachycardia (aOR 8.33, 95% CI 3.27-21.22), albumin <30g/L (aOR 3.36, 95% CI 1.58-7.13), creatine kinase >200U/L (aOR 3.68, 95% CI 1.57-8.64), D-dimer >3.0µg/mL (aOR 2.11, 95% CI 1.08-4.13), ferritin >500ng/mL (aOR 3.77, 95% CI 1.88-7.55), prothrombin time >12.7 seconds (aOR 3.22, 95% CI 1.61-6.43), and urea >6mmol/L (aOR 5.09, 95% CI 2.04-12.71). Conclusion: Identification of these associated factors of severity in MIS-C could aid in early recognition and prompt escalation of care, leading to better outcomes.

A series of comprehensive focus group discussions with active firefighters revealed that inconsistencies in incorporating a rigorous physical training program during work hours contributed significantly to the challenges of maintaining functional fitness, particularly strength. This article outlines a process for identifying the specific exercises required to enhance strength, drawing on the expertise and experience of physical trainers. Modified nominal group technique (mNGT) sessions were conducted to identify and rank exercises for five functional strengths (i.e., pushing, pulling, lifting, carrying, and dragging). A total of six physical trainers from the firefighter academy were interviewed to 1) identify the skeletal muscles involved in the functional movements using a visual aid; 2) generate ideas for exercises via brainstorming; 3) privately rank the displayed list of exercises for each muscle group involved in each functional movement; and 4) design a physical training programme for beginner, intermediate and advanced levels by manipulating loads. Males dominated the expert group (66.7%) and had a mean of 11.50 (SD 5.20) years of experience in physical training. The mNGTs yielded three top-ranking exercises for each functional strength: 1) Pushing: the push-up, sit-up, and jumping jack; 2) pulling: the push-up, jumping jack, and sit-up; 3) lifting: the jumping jack, push-up, and jumping squat; 4) carrying: the push-up, plank, and sit -up; and 5) dragging: the jumping jack, sit-up, and jumping squat. Then each exercise was designed for the beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels by manipulating loads (i.e. additional weight or number of repetitions). This study demonstrated that mNGT is an effective tool for identifying the three top-ranking exercises that address firefighter recruits’ functional strength. The experts chose multi-joint exercises targeting agonist and antagonist skeletal muscle groups and mimicking movements of daily work life. The exercises, corroborated by previous empirical evidence, provide opportunities for common skeletal muscle groupings to be targeted simultaneously to increase cardiovascular adaptations over a shorter period. The physical exercise is now ready to be implemented for piloting purposes among firefighter recruits.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) carries a significant burden in most world regions. However, its screening uptake remains low. This study aimed to explore awareness and perspectives on CRC screening program in a multiethnic population and their preference for CRC screening decision aid. In-depth interviews were conducted until data saturation was reached. All interviews were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, translated to English and analysed thematically using hybrid inductive and deductive approaches. 17 informants from three main ethnic groups (Malay, Chinese and Indian) with various levels of risk for developing CRC were recruited. Awareness on CRC screening program was found to be low. Majority of informants never heard of CRC screening program. Among 11 eligible informants, only five experienced CRC screening uptake. Thematic analysis of the transcripts yielded six major themes; knowledge on CRC, screening process, authority’s role, curability, willingness to screening and preference for decision aid, and theywere mapped onto the Health Belief Model. Specific multiethnic perspectives found included preference for traditional medicine coming from all ethnics, and reliance in God coming from Malay informants. Majority preferred short videos as CRC screening decision aid, in the form of animation and live-action screenplay. Exploration of perspective of CRC screening helps in producing impactful decision aids. Future efforts should focus on developing short videos that incorporate population’s perspectives and can be disseminated through electronic media.

Introduction: COVID-19 pandemic placed unprecedented strain on hospital resources and manpower. This study assesses the impact of Malaysia’s nationwide lockdown on the incidence, types, severity, and outcomes of emergency general surgery (EGS) cases at a tertiary care hospital. Methods: This retrospective cohort study analysed the data of patients who underwent EGS procedures for the period 2017 and 2021. Results: During the pandemic period, there was a 48.3% reduction in EGS cases (n=889) compared to the pre-pandemic period (n=1720). Significant reductions were observed in surgeries for appendicitis, soft tissue infection, colorectal, urology, peptic ulcer, and vascular disorders in the COVID period. Conversely, procedures for biliary disorders and hernia complications increased by 7.4% and 5.5%, respectively. Length of hospital stay increased by 57.8% for patients with small bowel disorders, while ICU/HDU admissions rose by 43.5% for colorectal cases (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in mortality rates between the two periods. Conclusions The overall reduction in EGS procedures during the COVID-19 period was consistent with global trends. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the outcomes related to duration of stay, ICU/HDU utilisation, and mortality remained comparable to the pre-pandemic period. These findings highlight the adaptability of healthcare professionals in maintaining continuity and quality of emergency surgical care during a crisis.
Acute Care Surgery ; COVID-19 ; Pandemics

Purpose: The bisecting angle technique (BAT) encounters difficulties in positioning the X-ray cone and aligningthe central beam with the tooth. To address this, a rectangular laser featuring a pointed light was integrated into theintraoral X-ray cone. This study evaluated its effectiveness in improving radiograph quality and minimizing errors. Materials and Methods: Fifty fifth-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery students were divided into 3 groups. Group1 (n = 16) used the paralleling technique, group 2 (n = 17) employed the conventional BAT, and group 3 (n = 17) utilized the laser-assisted BAT on mannequins. Two independent oral radiologists assessed the quality of the radiographs, categorizing the images as either diagnostically acceptable or not acceptable. Inter-group comparisons of quality and error rates were conducted using the chi-square test (significance level: P<0.05). Results: The paralleling technique group produced 77.5% diagnostically acceptable radiographs and 22.5% that were not diagnostically acceptable. These percentages were 65.3% and 34.7%, respectively, in the conventional BAT group and 75.3% and 24.7%, respectively, in the laser-assisted BAT group, showing results similar to the paralleling technique group. The quality of radiographs differed significantly among the groups (P<0.05). The percentage of error-free radiographs was 38.1% in the paralleling technique group, 20.6% in the conventional BAT group, and 40.0% in the laser-assisted BAT group, with these differences being statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusion The device produced higher acceptability and fewer radiographic errors than the conventional BATtechnique, suggesting accurate adjustment of the X-ray cone and central beam to the desired teeth.

Background: Lowest instrumented vertebra (LIV) selection is controversial in Lenke 1A curves. Alignment of the LIV in coronal, sagittal, and transverse planes is important for correction of overall scoliosis, as well as the alignment of uninstrumented lumbar curve. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the 3-dimensional correction and clinical outcomes of Lenke 1A curves, corrected with rod derotation (RD) maneuver, according to the LIV level. Methods: Prospectively collected data of 46 consecutive idiopathic scoliosis surgery patients with Lenke 1A scoliosis who had been treated with posterior instrumentation and fusion were retrospectively evaluated. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the LIV level: stable vertebra (SV) group (25 patients) and 1 level proximal to SV (SV-1) group (21 patients). Patients were compared pre- and postoperatively according to radiographic and clinical outcomes. Measured parameters in coronal plane were Cobb angle of thoracic curve, shoulder balance, coronal balance, LIV translation, and LIV tilt; in sagittal plane, thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, sagittal balance, and distal junctional angle. Transverse plane analysis included rotational measurement of apical vertebra (AV), LIV, and LIV+1 with computerized tomography. Clinical outcomes were evaluated with Scoliosis Research Society (SRS)-22 questionnaire. Surgical times were noted. Results: There were no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups in terms of preoperative radiographic values. In both groups, Cobb angle of thoracic curve, shoulder balance, LIV translation, and LIV tilt improved significantly after the surgery.Postoperatively, AV rotation decreased in both groups significantly. No significant change was observed in rotations of LIV and LIV+1 after the surgery. Clinical outcomes and surgical times were similar between the groups. Conclusions Selection of the LIV as SV or SV-1 in Lenke 1A patients led to similar results in terms of coronal and sagittal plane reconstruction, as well as AV and LIV rotation. With RD maneuver, an acceptable amount of rotation could be achieved at LIV and LIV+1. Radiologic and functional outcomes were satisfactory in both LIV levels. To save 1 more mobile segment, it seems reasonable to select SV-1 as the LIV if possible in order to obtain a well-aligned LIV in all 3 planes.

Background: This retrospective midterm study aimed to analyze seating properties, fracture types, noisy hips, and survivorship of a delta ceramic liner with a titanium taper locking band. Methods: A total of 451 patients (538 hips) underwent cementless total hip arthroplasty using the same design delta ceramic liner. Patients’ clinical functions were evaluated using Harris Hip score, and the radiological migration or loosening of cementless cups was recorded. Component survival was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis, with failure defined as revision of any component or ceramic bearing for any reason. The worst-case survival scenario for noisy hip revision recommendations was estimated. Results: A total of 475 patients (514 hips) were evaluated with an average follow-up of 9.5 years (range, 5–13.9 years). One hip (0.19%) had intraoperative asymmetric seating. No hips had loosening, osteolysis, wear, or delta ceramic liner or head fracture.Three patients (0.58%) reported reproducible squeaking. Two cups were revised due to recurrent dislocation, 2 femoral stems were revised for periprosthetic fractures, and 1 hip was treated for deep periprosthetic joint infection. Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis showed a 10-year cup survival rate of 97.8% (95% CI, 95.2%–99.9%), with any revision as the endpoint. The worst-case scenario showed a 10-year survival rate of 96.4% (95% CI, 94.2%–99.2%). Conclusions The Delta ceramic liner with a titanium locking band on the mutlibearing cementless cup offered secure intraoperative seating properties with fewer ceramic-related complications at the midterm follow-up.

Purpose: Pilonidal sinus disease is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects approximately 1% of the population.Although many treatment methods have been described, there is no consensus on the exact treatment method. This study was conducted to evaluate the wound healing-promoting effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in patients treated using the unroofing and curettage technique. Methods: A total of 140 patients diagnosed with pilonidal sinus disease were included in the study. The patients were randomized into 2 groups; one group was followed up with a standard dressing after the operation, and the patients in the other group were treated with PRP in addition to the standard dressing. In this study, the wound healing rate between the 2 groups was determined as the primary objective. Results: In postoperative follow-up, a difference in wound healing rate was detected on postoperative day 10 (P = 0.007). While the average wound healing time of the patients in the control group was 41.1 ± 11.0 days (median, 40; range, 20–65), it was 23.6 ± 8.5 days (median, 25; range, 6–45) in the PRP group (P < 0.001). It was determined that the wound closure time of patients in the PRP group was faster. Conclusion In our prospective randomized study, we found that PRP significantly increased the wound healing rate and patient comfort, with recurrence rates below 1% and minimal pain. We think that it should be the first-choice method before operations that cause extensive tissue loss, such as flap surgery.