Archives of Allied Health Sciences

The genus Dyella spp. bacteremia from hemodialysis blood culture: a case report

Monchai Siribamrungwong — 2025-07-22

This study presents a patient identified to have Dyella spp., a rare genus of bacteria, bacteremia. Dyella spp. cannot be identified through biochemical testing methods. At present, Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization is applied to differentiate the types of microbes. However, there is a limitation in distinguishing the specific type of bacteria because of the limitation of library databases. The 16S rRNA sequencing is crucial for differentiating the rare genus of bacteria that are improbable to recognize by mass spectrometry technique. This report highlights the discovery of Dyella spp. in patient blood culture, emphasizing the challenges in identification by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometer (MALDI-TOF MS), an ordinary technique. The instruction provided in this report aims to improve the application of this high-technology machine to accurately differentiate the rare genus of bacteria, ultimately enhancing patient care and treatment outcomes.

ATR-FTIR detection of secondary structural stability of hemoglobin in hemolysate samples stored at freezing temperature

Htin Khine Htet Htet — 2025-07-22

As for the importance of HbA1c for the diagnosis and monitoring of diabetes patients, many research studies evaluate HbA1c concentration upon storage. However, there are limited studies concerning the structural compositions during storage. The objective of this study was to examine the stability of secondary structure of hemoglobin in hemolysate samples stored for four months using the attenuated total reflectance-fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectrometer. The leftover EDTA samples with known HbA1c values were separated into normal and diabetes groups, prepared in hemolysate form, and stored at -20°C. To evaluate the secondary structure of hemoglobin, FTIR spectra were collected for four months using the Agilent 4500 portable FTIR spectrometer (Agilent Technologies, CA). Qualitative and quantitative comparisons of amide I bands were performed in Spectragryph software and Origin software. The difference between the relative intensity ratios of amide A/B and amide I/II were not significant (p-value > 0.05). In qualitative comparison, the position, pattern, and signal intensity of the second derivative spectra remained identical up to four months. In quantitative comparison graph, alpha helix and beta sheet compositions did not show increasing or decreasing trend. This study demonstrated that the structural firmness of hemoglobin in samples remains unchanged after four months of storage at -20°C.

Ability of a single question to discriminate physical and psychological problems relating to the fear of fall in hyperkyphosis older adults

Sirirut Multakorn — 2025-07-22

Fear of falling (FOF) is a significant concern among older adults, especially those with hyperkyphosis that may induce several negative impacts, such as reduced both physical and social interaction, increased risk of future falls and associated mortality, and decreased quality of life. Given these consequences, early and accurate identification of FOF is essential to inform targeted preventive strategies. Various assessment tools are available to evaluate FOF, including single-item question, self-reported scales such as the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I), and objective assessments, including the five times sit-to-stand test (FTSST). However, a universally accepted gold standard for assessing FOF in older adults with hyperkyphosis has not yet been established. This study aimed to evaluate whether a single-question assessment can effectively identify individuals with and without FOF, using the FES-I and FTSST as reference measures. Sixty-three community-dwelling older adults aged 60 years and above with clinically confirmed hyperkyphosis participated in the study. All participants were assessed for FOF using the single-question method to divide the participants into non-FOF and FOF groups. Then they were assessed for physical and psychological problems relating to FOF using the FES-I and FTSST. The results indicated that participants in the FOF group had significantly higher FES-I scores than those in the non-FOF group (p-value < 0.001). Similarly, participants with FOF required significantly more time to complete the FTSST (p-value < 0.001). These findings suggested that the single-question assessment can effectively distinguish individuals with FOF from those without FOF. In conclusion, the single-question approach appears to be a simple, time-efficient, and practical screening tool for identifying FOF in older adults with hyperkyphosis. Its implementation in clinical and community settings may contribute to early detection and timely intervention, potentially reducing fall risk and enhancing functional outcomes in this population.

Validity and reliability of 30-second chair-stand test and modified 30-second chair-stand test in obese older adults

Tanida Vajaradesa — 2025-07-22

Obesity in older adults can negatively affect muscle strength and balance, putting them at a greater risk of falling and experiencing mobility limitations. While the 30-second chair-stand test (30sCST) is widely used to assess lower limb strength, its validity and reliability have not been well established in obese older individuals, who may face unique physical challenges. Additionally, a modified version of the test (m30sCST), which involves standing up from a foam surface with eyes closed, may help reveal more subtle balance impairments that are not captured by the standard version. However, this version has also not been properly validated by this population Assessing the reliability and validity of both tests in obese older adults is important to ensure whether these tools can accurately identify individuals at higher risk of falling—allowing for earlier, more targeted interventions to prevent falls and support safe aging. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the concurrent validity and reliability of 30sCST and m30sCST in obese older adults. Twenty-six community-dwelling obese older adults aged 60 years and over participated in this study. All participants completed the 30sCST and m30sCST, along with the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test and the modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Balance (m-CTSIB). Validity was assessed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient to examine the relationship between 30sCST and m30sCST with TUG and m-CTSIB. Reliability was determined by administering the 30sCST and m30sCST twice, five days apart. Intra-rater reliability was assessed using the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC3,2). The results showed that both the 30sCST and the m30sCST were significantly correlated with the TUG (r = -0.54 and – 0.52) and m-CTSIB test (r = -0.53 and – 0.52). In addition, both 30sCST and m30sCST have good intra-rater reliability with an ICC of 0.98. The results suggest that both the 30sCST and m30sCST are reliable and valid tools for assessing balance in obese older adults. These findings highlight the potential of the 30sCST and m30sCST as practical balance assessment tools in clinical settings.

Relationships between arterial stiffness and the cluster of cardiovascular disease risk factors

Sarinda Sataman — 2025-07-31

Evidence indicated that individuals with more than one cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor were more likely to develop CVD events, compared with those with a single risk factor. Arterial stiffness is known as an independent risk factor for CVD. This study aimed to explore the association of clustering of CVD risk factors and arterial stiffness. Arterial stiffness was measured in both male and female adults aged 49.04 ± 15.79 years who visited the vascular screening clinic at the Physical Therapy Center, Mahidol University. Participants with two or more risk factors were assigned to the cluster of CVD risk factors group. This study was part of a routine-to-research (R2R) project; therefore, all participants who were willing to receive the service from September 2021 to April 2023 were recruited into the study with their permission. The results showed that the brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), an arterial stiffness indicator, was highest in the clustering of CVD risk factors group (1594 cm/sec²), higher in the single CVD risk factor group (1263cm/sec²) than in none of CVD risk factors participant (1148 cm/sec²). The overall mean resting mean arterial blood pressure level was 90 mmHg. In conclusion, clustering of CVD risk factors significantly correlated with arterial stiffness. Lifestyle modification should be strongly encouraged for individuals with more than one CVD risk factor to reduce the burden of CVD.