Research Medical Journal

Factors Influencing the Decision on the Selection of Allied Health Careers Among Singapore Residents

Donovan Wong — 2025-12-22

Background: Singapore's ageing population has created significant healthcare workforce shortages, especially in allied health. This called for the urgent need to increase the local manpower to mitigate this issue.

Objective:To understand the factors influencing career choices in allied health among Singaporean youths.

Methods:This study utilized an online questionnaire to collect data. The questionnaire was distributed via social media, targeting Singaporean residents between the ages of 16 and 30 years, excluding existing allied health students/professionals. A subgroup analysis was also done by splitting respondents into 3 age groups (16-18, 19-24, and 25-30 years).

Results: Among the 305 responses collected, the most preferred allied health professions were psychologist, dietitian or nutritionist, and counsellor. Across all age groups, the top deterring factors were long hours, exhaustion, or working overtime, and low paying profession. For ages 16-18 and 19-24 years, increased salary and flexible work schedule were the top enticing factors. For respondents aged 25-30 years, flexible work schedule was the top factor instead, followed by increased salary.

Conclusions: Generally, the top enticing factors included increased salary, flexible work schedule and positive work environment, while the top deterring factors were long hours, exhaustion, working overtime, low paying profession, and financial issues incurred from allied health education. The subgroup analysis revealed some deviations of priorities between the different age groups which could be suggestive of the difference in perceptions between age groups. Larger, comparative studies are required to understand the needs and perceptions of young Singaporean residents more comprehensively.

Tuberculin Skin Test as a Diagnostic Tool for Sarcoid Uveitis: A Retrospective Analysis at Ramathibodi Hospital, Thailand

Somsiri Sukavatcharin — 2025-12-22

Background: Sarcoid uveitis is rarely diagnosed in tuberculosis-endemic countries like Thailand, despite similar clinical presentations to tuberculous uveitis. Differentiating between the 2 conditions is challenging.

Objectives: To identify the diagnostic value of the tuberculin skin test (TST) for diagnosing sarcoid uveitis and use high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) chest as a gold standard.

Methods: A retrospective review of medical records was conducted for patients who visited the uveitis clinic between January 2006 and December 2021. The inclusion criteria is the patients who underwent both TST and HRCT as part of the diagnostic workup. TST result < 10 mm, which excluded tuberculous uveitis, was strongly considered for diagnosing sarcoid uveitis, with HRCT finding serving as the gold standard due to the limitation of performing tissue biopsy.

Results: The study included 48 uveitis patients, with 19 (39.6%) showing sarcoidosis on HRCT. Among these, 18 (94.7%) had TST < 10 mm, while 1 (5.3%) had TST ≥ 10 mm. In contrast, of those in the non-sarcoidosis group, 13 (44.8%) had TST < 10 mm and 16 (55.2%) had TST ≥ 10 mm. Statistical analysis revealed a significant association between TST and HRCT (P < .001). The TST's sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for sarcoid uveitis was 94.7%, 55.2%, 58.1%, and 94.1%, respectively.

Conclusions: This study suggested that TST is a potential noninvasive adjunctive diagnostic tool for sarcoid uveitis. Using TST as a screening tool, due to its high sensitivity, could improve early detection and appropriate management of patients, leading to better clinical outcomes.

The Association Between Oral Health Literacy and Oral Health Behaviors Among Thai Older Adults in Health Region 6, Thailand

Pannapa Jittimanee — 2025-12-22

Background: Older individuals are susceptible to oral diseases, which are among the most prevalent diseases worldwide. Proper oral health behaviors (OHB) can prevent or manage most oral diseases.

Objective: To investigate the associations between oral health literacy (OHL) and OHB among older adults in Eastern (Health Region 6) Thailand.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to collect data from 385 older adults. A multistage sampling technique was used for sample selection. The questionnaires comprised 3 sections, including demographic characteristics, an OHL questionnaire, and an OHB questionnaire. Data was obtained through face-to-face interviews with participants. Multiple logistic regression was used to analyze variables that were associated with OHB.

Results: A total of 385 older adults, with a mean (SD) age of 64.78 (3.03) years, participated in the study. Only 32.2% demonstrated good OHB. In the adjusted models, good OHB scores significantly correlated with secondary school education level (OR [95% CI], 3.20 [1.62-6.45]), bachelor’s degree and higher education level (OR [95% CI], 1.73 [1.01-2.98]), ever receiving oral health information (OR [95%CI], 2.53 [1.13-6.19]), alcohol drinking (OR [95% CI], 0.24 [0.07-0.70]) and an adequate level of OHL within 2 of 6 domains: media literacy (OR [95% CI], 1.73 [1.11-2.70]) and self-management skill (OR [95% CI], 2.45 [1.53-3.96]).

Conclusions: This study revealed that older adults in Health Region 6 have a low OHB level. Therefore, it is essential to increase the appropriate promotion of OHB, with behavioral modification programs for improving OHL, particularly in the areas of media literacy and self-management skills.

Development of Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay and Lateral Flow Strip Assay for Trimeresurus albolabris Venom Detection

Wichit Thaveekarn — 2025-12-22

Background: Snakebite symptoms (eg, neurological signs, local swelling, nonclotting blood) can overlap among different snake types. Accurate venom identification is crucial for selecting the appropriate antivenom against hemotoxic, neurotoxic, or cytotoxic effects. In Thailand, the common snakes Daboia siamensis, Calloselasma rhodostoma, and Trimeresurus albolabris possess hemotoxic venoms, which can cause symptoms such as pain, swelling, bruising, and bleeding. Although enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is widely employed for snake venom detection due to its high sensitivity, it is time-consuming. It requires a well-equipped laboratory and specialized skills, whereas the later flow strip assay (LFA) is easy to use and significantly reduces the time required; however, it is typically used for qualitative detection. However, both ELISA and LFA are valuable for snakebite diagnosis. Enhancing the sensitivity, accuracy, and reliability of these assays, particularly for low-abundance targets, remains a critical objective.

Objectives: To develop sandwich ELISA and LFA for detecting T. albolabris venom and to enhance the specificity of horse immunoglobulin G (HIgG) against T. albolabris venom for use in ELISA and LFA, thereby reducing the likelihood of cross-reactivity in detection.

Methods: Specific HIgG against T. albolabris venom was purified using an affinity column. The cross-reactivity of snake venoms was demonstrated through Western blotting. Snake venom detection was quantified by ELISA and visually assessed using LFA.

Results: The sandwich ELISA assay for T. albolabris venom detection yielded a coefficient of determination greater than 0.99, a limit of detection at 11.37 ng/mL, and a limit of quantification at 34.45 ng/mL, without any cross-reaction with the venom of C. rhodostoma and D. siamensis. The LFA can detect T. albolabris venom at 25 ng/mL, showing no cross-reaction and no positive test in the test line for either C. rhodostoma or D. siamensis venom.

Conclusions: The developed sandwich ELISA assay and the LFA could distinguish T. albolabris venom from C. rhodostoma and D. siamensis venom.

Evaluating the Validity and Reliability of the Thai Translated Psychological Vulnerability Scale for Graduate Students

Thanayot Sumalrot — 2025-12-22

Background: Psychological vulnerability plays a pivotal role in mental health issues, marked by distorted thinking patterns leading to maladaptive coping behaviors.

Objective: To adapt the concise and user-friendly Psychological Vulnerability Scale (PVS) into Thai while assessing its psychometric properties.

Methods: This study employed purposive sampling, selecting 384 Thai graduate students from various academic disciplines, ensuring the inclusion of specific subgroups relevant to the study's focus on mental health and psychological vulnerability. Data were collected using an online survey that included the Thai version of the PVS, the Thai Mental Health Questionnaire (TMHQ), and demographic information. A pilot test was conducted with 30 students prior to the main survey to assess the clarity and reliability of the instruments.

Results: These findings indicated the translated Thai PVS's robust content validity and revealed 2 factors explaining 56.7% variance through exploratory factor analysis. Pearson correlation coefficients showed a significant moderate relationship between Thai PVS, TMHQ, and vulnerability perception. Furthermore, the Thai PVS showed a strong correlation with the original version and had acceptable internal consistency reliability, with Cronbach at 0.668 and McDonald ω at 0.672.

Conclusions: These results affirm the Thai PVS's robust psychometric properties, making it a valuable tool for screening mental health issues among graduate students, addressing a critical need in this population.

Single-Incision Laparoscopic Common Bile Duct Exploration and Cholecystectomy: An Innovative Transcystic Technique

Yidao Chua — 2025-12-22

Background: Common bile duct stones may be managed via 2-stage endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography followed by single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy, or 1-stage laparoscopic common bile duct exploration and cholecystectomy (LCBDE+LC). This study reports early experience and technique in 1-stage single-incision laparoscopic common bile duct exploration and cholecystectomy (SILCBDE+SILC).

Case Presentation: This study analyzed 10 consecutive cases of choledocholithiasis that underwent SILCBDE+SILC from April 2022 to December 2023. The surgical technique involved the innovative use of an Endoscopic Applicator to better stabilize the choledochoscope for cystic duct cannulation. The mean (SD) operative time was 99 (34) minutes. All patients had 100% stone clearance rate and cholecystectomies with no complications. No conversion to multiport or open surgery was noted. Mean postoperative hospital stay was 1.5 days. Postoperative morbidity and mortality were 0%.

Conclusions: 1-stage SILCBDE+SILC is safe. This study’s technique involving the use of an Endoscopic Applicator addresses the difficulties of manipulating the choledochoscope for cystic duct cannulation, despite its flexible nature and the extra distance between its entry port-site and the cystic ductotomy.

MicroRNA-Mediated Regulation of Granulosa Cell Apoptosis: A Review

Rana R. Al-Saadi — 2025-12-22

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a critical role in regulating granulosa cell apoptosis, a fundamental process in ovarian follicular development and atresia. This review synthesizes current evidence indicating that miRNAs coordinate granulosa cell fate through 3 primary mechanistic pathways. First, the mitochondrial pathway, where miRNAs such as miR-484, miR-15a-5p, and miR-26b modulate BCL2 family proteins and cytochrome C release. Second, cell signaling cascades, particularly through the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) pathway, where miR-33b, miR-142, miR-423, miR-383, and miR-320 regulate various signaling components including transforming growth factor beta receptor 1 (TGFBR1) and protecting mothers against decapentaplegic homolog (SMAD) proteins. Third, metabolic regulation, where miR-34a-5p, miR-19a-3p, and miR-19b-3p influence cellular metabolism and survival through pathways such as phosphoinositide 3-kinase-protein kinase B (PI3K-Akt) and glycolysis. Dysregulation of these miRNA-mediated processes has significant implications for reproductive disorders, particularly polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and premature ovarian failure. Awareness about these complex regulatory networks not only advances the knowledge of follicular development but also indicates potential therapeutic targets for treating ovarian disorders characterized by abnormal granulosa cell apoptosis.

Conceptualizing Functional Ability in Heart Failure: A Concept Analysis and Implications for Nursing Practice

Waiyaporn Promwong — 2025-12-22

The review article discussed the concept of functional ability. It is a critical outcome in patients with heart failure that reflects the prognosis of the disease. Therefore, a deeper understanding of this term's meaning, components, and operational definition is required in nursing practice. This paper aims to clarify the concept of functional ability for people with heart failure. This term is used in many ways, but its meaning, components, and assessment may vary. Consequently, the concept analysis was used to develop an operational definition, critical attributes, antecedents, consequences, and empirical referents. Functional ability encompasses physical, social, and psychological components essential for independent living in patients with heart failure. Determining the defining attributes includes physical ability, social ability, and psychological ability. This paper also defines the antecedents of functional ability, consisting of musculoskeletal capacity and muscle strength, the ability to move, good communication skills, and good cognition. Consequences include quality of life and well-being, health status, vital lung capacity, disease prognosis, good relationship, depression, dependence, fall, and hospitalization. In addition, the article provides empirical references for the measurement of functional abilities, such as the assessment of physical activity in daily life, mobility and work, the assessment of behavior in social activities, interaction and communication with others, and the assessment of emotion and feelings. This review provides a clearer understanding of the concept of functional ability and a new emphasis on the importance of targeting interventions to promote functional ability for patients with heart failure.