Browse publications by year: 2021

  1. Syafruddin SE, Nazarie WFWM, Moidu NA, Soon BH, Mohtar MA
    BMC Cancer, 2021 Jul 23;21(1):850.
    PMID: 34301218 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-021-08591-0
    BACKGROUND: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly lethal, stage IV brain tumour with a prevalence of approximately 2 per 10,000 people globally. The cell surface proteins or surfaceome serve as information gateway in many oncogenic signalling pathways and are important in modulating cancer phenotypes. Dysregulation in surfaceome expression and activity have been shown to promote tumorigenesis. The expression of GBM surfaceome is a case in point; OMICS screening in a cell-based system identified that this sub-proteome is largely perturbed in GBM. Additionally, since these cell surface proteins have 'direct' access to drugs, they are appealing targets for cancer therapy. However, a comprehensive GBM surfaceome landscape has not been fully defined yet. Thus, this study aimed to define GBM-associated surfaceome genes and identify key cell-surface genes that could potentially be developed as novel GBM biomarkers for therapeutic purposes.

    METHODS: We integrated the RNA-Seq data from TCGA GBM (n = 166) and GTEx normal brain cortex (n = 408) databases to identify the significantly dysregulated surfaceome in GBM. This was followed by an integrative analysis that combines transcriptomics, proteomics and protein-protein interaction network data to prioritize the high-confidence GBM surfaceome signature.

    RESULTS: Of the 2381 significantly dysregulated genes in GBM, 395 genes were classified as surfaceome. Via the integrative analysis, we identified 6 high-confidence GBM molecular signature, HLA-DRA, CD44, SLC1A5, EGFR, ITGB2, PTPRJ, which were significantly upregulated in GBM. The expression of these genes was validated in an independent transcriptomics database, which confirmed their upregulated expression in GBM. Importantly, high expression of CD44, PTPRJ and HLA-DRA is significantly associated with poor disease-free survival. Last, using the Drugbank database, we identified several clinically-approved drugs targeting the GBM molecular signature suggesting potential drug repurposing.

    CONCLUSIONS: In summary, we identified and highlighted the key GBM surface-enriched repertoires that could be biologically relevant in supporting GBM pathogenesis. These genes could be further interrogated experimentally in future studies that could lead to efficient diagnostic/prognostic markers or potential treatment options for GBM.

  2. Jayaraman J, Dhar V, Donly KJ, Priya E, Raggio DP, Childers NK, et al.
    BMC Oral Health, 2021 07 23;21(1):369.
    PMID: 34301229 DOI: 10.1186/s12903-021-01698-7
    BACKGROUND: Reporting guidelines for different study designs are currently available to report studies with accuracy and transparency. There is a need to develop supplementary guideline items that are specific to areas within Pediatric Dentistry. This study aims to develop Reporting stAndards for research in PedIatric Dentistry (RAPID) guidelines using a pre-defined expert consensus-based Delphi process.

    METHODS: The development of the RAPID guidelines was based on the Guidance for Developers of Health Research Reporting Guidelines. Following a comprehensive search of the literature, the Executive Group identified ten themes in Pediatric Dentistry and compiled a draft checklist of items under each theme. The themes were categorized as: General, Oral Medicine, Pathology and Radiology, Children with Special Health Care Needs, Sedation and Hospital Dentistry, Behavior Guidance, Dental Caries, Preventive and Restorative Dentistry, Pulp Therapy, Traumatology, and Interceptive Orthodontics. A RAPID Delphi Group (RDG) was formed comprising of 69 members from 15 countries across six continents. Items were scored using a 9-point rating Likert scale. Items achieving a score of seven and above, marked by at least 70% of RDG members were accepted into the RAPID checklist items. Weighted mean scores were calculated for each item. Statistical significance was set at p 

    MeSH terms: Child; Dental Caries*; Humans; Pediatric Dentistry*; Research Design; Research Report
  3. Lee ZY, Yap CSL, Hasan MS, Engkasan JP, Barakatun-Nisak MY, Day AG, et al.
    Crit Care, 2021 07 23;25(1):260.
    PMID: 34301303 DOI: 10.1186/s13054-021-03693-4
    BACKGROUND: The optimal protein dose in critical illness is unknown. We aim to conduct a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to compare the effect of higher versus lower protein delivery (with similar energy delivery between groups) on clinical and patient-centered outcomes in critically ill patients.

    METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL and CINAHL from database inception through April 1, 2021.We included RCTs of (1) adult (age ≥ 18) critically ill patients that (2) compared higher vs lower protein with (3) similar energy intake between groups, and (4) reported clinical and/or patient-centered outcomes. We excluded studies on immunonutrition. Two authors screened and conducted quality assessment independently and in duplicate. Random-effect meta-analyses were conducted to estimate the pooled risk ratio (dichotomized outcomes) or mean difference (continuous outcomes).

    RESULTS: Nineteen RCTs were included (n = 1731). Sixteen studies used primarily the enteral route to deliver protein. Intervention was started within 72 h of ICU admission in sixteen studies. The intervention lasted between 3 and 28 days. In 11 studies that reported weight-based nutrition delivery, the pooled mean protein and energy received in higher and lower protein groups were 1.31 ± 0.48 vs 0.90 ± 0.30 g/kg and 19.9 ± 6.9 versus 20.1 ± 7.1 kcal/kg, respectively. Higher vs lower protein did not significantly affect overall mortality [risk ratio 0.91, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.75-1.10, p = 0.34] or other clinical or patient-centered outcomes. In 5 small studies, higher protein significantly attenuated muscle loss (MD -3.44% per week, 95% CI -4.99 to -1.90; p 

  4. Rendana M, Idris WMR, Abdul Rahim S
    J Infect Public Health, 2021 Oct;14(10):1340-1348.
    PMID: 34301503 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2021.07.010
    Currently, many countries all over the world are facing the second wave of COVID-19. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the spatial distribution of COVID-19 cases, epidemic spread rate, spatial pattern during the first to the second waves in the South Sumatra Province of Indonesia. This study used the geographical information system (GIS) software to map the spatial distribution of COVID-19 cases and epidemic spread rate. The spatial autocorrelation of the COVID-19 cases was carried out using Moran's I, while the Pearson correlation was used to examining the relationship between meteorological factors and the epidemic spread rate. Most infected areas and the direction of virus spread were predicted using wind rose analysis. The results revealed that the epidemic rapidly spread from August 1 to December 1, 2020. The highest epidemic spread rate was observed in the Palembang district and in its peripheral areas (dense urban areas), while the lowest spread rate was found in the eastern and southern parts of South Sumatra Province (remote areas). The spatial correlation characteristic of the epidemic distribution exhibited a negative correlation and random distribution. Air temperature, wind speed, and precipitation have contributed to a significant impact on the high epidemic spread rate in the second wave. In summary, this study offers new insight for arranging control and prevention strategies against the potential of second wave strike.
    MeSH terms: China; Humans; Meteorological Concepts; Epidemics*; Spatial Analysis
  5. Mohd Thabit AA, Peariasamy KM, Kuan PX, Fern Ying DK, Nheu N, Cyncynatus C, et al.
    Travel Med Infect Dis, 2021;43:102144.
    PMID: 34302954 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2021.102144
    BACKGROUND: The standard for SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis is RT-PCR from nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal swabs. Major airports require COVID-19 screening, and saliva has the potential as a substitute specimen for SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis. We investigated the utility of fresh drooled saliva against NPS for COVID-19 screening of travelers.

    METHODS: We recruited 81 travelers and 15 non-travelers (including ten controls) prospectively within a mean of 3·22 days of RT-PCR confirmed COVID-19. Each study participant provided 2 mls of early morning fresh drooled whole saliva separately into a sterile plastic container and GeneFiX™ saliva collection kit. The saliva specimens were processed within 4 h and tested for SARS-CoV-2 genes (E, RdRP, and N2) and the results compared to paired NPS RT-PCR for diagnostic accuracy.

    RESULTS: Majority of travellers were asymptomatic (75·0%) with a mean age of 34·26 years. 77 travelers were RT-PCR positive at the time of hospitalization whilst three travelers had positive contacts. In this group, the detection rate for SARS-CoV-2 with NPS, whole saliva, and GeneFiX™ were comparable (89·3%, 50/56; 87·8%, 43/49; 89·6%, 43/48). Both saliva collection methods were in good agreement (Kappa = 0·69). There was no statistical difference between the detection rates of saliva and NPS (p > 0·05). Detection was highest for the N2 gene whilst the E gene provided the highest viral load (mean = 27·96 to 30·10, SD = 3·14 to 3·85). Saliva specimens have high sensitivity (80·4%) and specificity (90·0%) with a high positive predictive value of 91·8% for SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis.

    CONCLUSION: Saliva for SARS-CoV-2 screening is a simple accurate technique comparable with NPS RT-PCR.

    MeSH terms: Adult; Humans; Nasopharynx; Saliva; Specimen Handling
  6. Lau YH, Lau KM, Ibrahim NM
    J Mov Disord, 2021 Sep;14(3):177-183.
    PMID: 34315207 DOI: 10.14802/jmd.21034
    The current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has led to a serious global health crisis. Increasing evidence suggests that elderly individuals with underlying chronic diseases, including Parkinson's disease (PD), are particularly vulnerable to this infection. Changes in the routine care of PD patients should be implemented carefully without affecting the quality provided. The utilization of telemedicine for clinical consultation, assessment and rehabilitation has also been widely recommended. Therefore, the aim of this review is to provide recommendations in the management of PD during the pandemic as well as in the early phase of vaccination programs to highlight the potential sequelae and future perspectives of vaccination and further research in PD. Even though a year has passed since COVID- 19 emerged, most of us are still facing great challenges in providing a continuum of care to patients with chronic neurological disorders. However, we should regard this health crisis as an opportunity to change our routine approach in managing PD patients and learn more about the impact of SARS-CoV-2. Hopefully, PD patients can be vaccinated promptly, and more detailed research related to PD in COVID-19 can still be carried out.
  7. Rafiq MT, Hamid MSA, Hafiz E, Chaudhary FA, Khan MI
    Curr Rheumatol Rev, 2021;17(4):421-427.
    PMID: 34315379 DOI: 10.2174/1573397117666210727095552
    INTRODUCTION: Knee Osteoarthritis (OA) is a weight-bearing joint disease and is more common in overweight and obese persons. The objective of the study was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of Instructions of Daily Care (IDC) on pain, mobility, and Body Mass Index (BMI) among knee OA participants who are overweight or obese.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was an open-label randomized controlled trial of six weeks. Forty overweight and obese participants with knee OA were randomly divided into two groups by a computer-generated number. The participants in the Instruction Group (IG) were provided with leaflets explaining IDC for the duration of six weeks. Both groups were instructed to take low doses of the non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs) on alternate days. The outcome measures were pain, mobility and BMI. The feasibility and acceptability of knee pain and mobility were assessed using a questionnaire designed by experts in rehabilitation.

    RESULTS: Participants in the IG reported more statistically significant pain relief as assessed by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index score (p=0.001) and improvement in mobility (p=0.000) assessed by the Timed Up and Go test score after six weeks compared to the Control Group (CG). Both groups did not demonstrate any significant change in BMI (p-value > 0.05). The results of descriptive statistics showed a significantly higher satisfaction score for participants who received a combination of IDC and NSAIDs, indicating an acceptable intervention.

    CONCLUSION: The IDC is effective and acceptable in terms of improving pain and mobility and should be recommended as the usual care of treatment.

    MeSH terms: Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal/therapeutic use; Feasibility Studies; Humans; Pain; Treatment Outcome
  8. Lee ZY, Leong CH, Lim KUL, Wong CCS, Pongtheerawan P, Arikrishnan SA, et al.
    PMID: 34315396 DOI: 10.2174/1871520621666210726132543
    BACKGROUND: Copper complex has been gaining much attention in anticancer research as targeted agent since cancer cells uptake more copper than non-cancerous cells. Our group has synthesised a ternary copper complex which is composed of 1,10-phenanthroline and tyrosine [Cu(phen)(L-tyr)Cl].3H20. These two payloads are designed to cleave DNA and inhibit protein degradation system (proteasome) concurrently in cancer cells, making this copper complex a dual-target compound.

    OBJECTIVE: Current study was carried out to investigate the mode of cell death and role of autophagy induced by [Cu(phen)(L-tyr)Cl].3H20 in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells.

    METHODS: Growth inhibition of [Cu(phen)(L-tyr)Cl].3H20 towards MDA-MB-231 and human non-cancerous MCF10A breast cells was determined by MTT assay. Annexin-V-FITC/PI and cell cycle analysis were evaluated by flow cytometry. The expression of p53, Bax, caspase-9, caspase-7, caspase-3 and LC3 were determined using western blot analysis. The cells were then co-treated with hydroxychloroquine to ascertain the role of autophagy induced by [Cu(phen)(L-tyr)Cl].3H20.

    RESULTS: [Cu(phen)(L-tyr)Cl].3H20 inhibited the growth of cancer cells dose-dependently with less toxicity towards MCF10A cells. Additionally, [Cu(phen)(L-tyr)Cl].3H20 induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest towards MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells possibly via regulation of p53, Bax, caspase-9, caspase-3 and capase-7. The expression of LC3II was upregulated in both cancer cell lines upon treatment with [Cu(phen)(L-tyr) Cl].3H20, indicating the induction of autophagy. Co-treatment with autophagy inhibitor hydroxychloroquine significantly enhanced growth inhibition of both cell lines, suggesting that the autophagy induced by [Cu(phen)(L-tyr) Cl].3H20 in both breast cancer cells was promoting cell survival.

    CONCLUSION: [Cu(phen)(L-tyr)Cl].3H20 holds great potential to be developed for breast cancer treatment.

  9. Sudo MPS, Yesudasan R, Neik TX, Masilamany D, Jayaraj J, Teo SS, et al.
    Plant Sci, 2021 Sep;310:110985.
    PMID: 34315600 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2021.110985
    Weedy rice (Oryza spp.) is a major nuisance to rice farmers from all over the world. Although the emergence of weedy rice in East Malaysia on the island of Borneo is very recent, the threat to rice yield has reached an alarming stage. Using 47,027 genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS)-derived SNPs and candidate gene analysis of the plant architecture domestication gene TAC1, we assessed the genetic variations and evolutionary origin of weedy rice in East Malaysia. Our findings revealed two major evolutionary paths for genetically distinct weedy rice types. Whilst the cultivar-like weedy rice are very likely to be the weedy descendant of local coexisting cultivars, the wild-like weedy rice appeared to have arisen through two possible routes: (i) accidental introduction from Peninsular Malaysia weedy rice populations, and (ii) weedy descendants of coexisting cultivars. The outcome of our genetic analyses supports the notion that Sabah cultivars and Peninsular Malaysia weedy rice are the potential progenitors of Sabah weedy rice. Similar TAC1 haplotypes were shared between Malaysian cultivated and weedy rice populations, which further supported the findings of our GBS-SNP analyses. These different strains of weedy rice have convergently evolved shared traits, such as seeds shattering and open tillers. A comparison with our previous simple-sequence repeat-based population genetic analyses highlights the strength of genome-wide SNPs, including detection of admixtures and low-level introgression events. These findings could inform better strategic management for controlling the spread of weedy rice in the region.
    MeSH terms: Oryza/genetics*; Evolution, Molecular; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide/genetics*; Gene Flow/genetics*
  10. Kaisbain N, Lim WJ, Kim HS
    BMJ Case Rep, 2021 Jul 27;14(7).
    PMID: 34315750 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2021-244180
    Atrial septal defect (ASD) is the most common congenital heart disease observed in adult. Several ECG findings are considered sensitive for the diagnosis of ASD. We describe a 50 years old man who displayed Crochetage sign, incomplete right bundle branch block (IRBBB) and right ventricular strain pattern on ECG. Crochetage sign is highly specific for ASD and it correlates with shunt severity. The diagnostic specificity for ASD increases if the R waves have both Crochetage patterns and IRBBB. It is important not to confuse Crochetage signs with IRBBB abnormalities on ECG. Our patient was ultimately diagnosed with a large ASD measuring 3 cm with bidirectional shunt and concomitant pulmonary thrombosis. This illustrates that high suspicion of the ASD with the use of good-old ECG signs remains relevant in this modern era. This also reminds us that patients with Eisenmenger syndrome are at higher risk for pulmonary thrombosis.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Bundle-Branch Block; Electrocardiography; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Venous Thrombosis*
  11. Wang HQ, Xu J, Lin X, Li Y, Kang J, Zheng JC
    Light Sci Appl, 2021 Jul 27;10(1):153.
    PMID: 34315859 DOI: 10.1038/s41377-021-00592-9
    The fabrication of small-scale electronics usually involves the integration of different functional materials. The electronic states at the nanoscale interface plays an important role in the device performance and the exotic interface physics. Photoemission spectroscopy is a powerful technique to probe electronic structures of valence band. However, this is a surface-sensitive technique that is usually considered not suitable for the probing of buried interface states, due to the limitation of electron-mean-free path. This article reviews several approaches that have been used to extend the surface-sensitive techniques to investigate the buried interface states, which include hard X-ray photoemission spectroscopy, resonant soft X-ray angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy and thickness-dependent photoemission spectroscopy. Especially, a quantitative modeling method is introduced to extract the buried interface states based on the film thickness-dependent photoemission spectra obtained from an integrated experimental system equipped with in-situ growth and photoemission techniques. This quantitative modeling method shall be helpful to further understand the interfacial electronic states between functional materials and determine the interface layers.
  12. Hanafi MM, Azizi P, Akinbola ST, Ismail R, Sahibin AR, Wan Mohd Razi I, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2021 Jul 27;11(1):15234.
    PMID: 34315931 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-93704-9
    Sandy texture soil, a major problem for agriculture requires structure and capacity improvements. However, utilization of soil conditioner may arrest this problem. This research was carried out to investigate the accumulated levels of metal ions and radionuclides in water, soil and plants following phosphogypsum organic (PG organic) added to a sandy soil for 23-month in 3 cropping seasons. The condition in the field was simulated in the laboratory using an open leaching column for 30-day under constant but different pH of leachant. More ions were released at pH  5.6. The metal ions measured in the surface and borehole water, and soils were below the target values for respective standard raw drinking water. The metal ions did not accumulate in soil, plant and grain, and water as indicated by biological accumulation coefficients, contamination factors, I-geo index and pollution load index in a sandy soil that received the PG organic. Naturally occurring radionuclide concentrations, such as 226Ra, 228Ra, and 40K, in soil and plant tissue were found to be lower than the average value reported by several earlier studies. Under field condition the pH of water (i.e., rainfall) was greater than pH 5.6, thus renders PG organic became less soluble. There was no leaching of natural occurring radionuclides to the groundwater. Therefore, the application of PG organic to the studied soil had no impact on the soil, plants, and water and suitable as a soil conditioner in sandy texture soils.
  13. Azim R, Alam T, Mia MS, Almutairi AF, Islam MT
    Sci Rep, 2021 Jul 27;11(1):15298.
    PMID: 34315996 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-94753-w
    Due to the rapid development of wireless communication systems, good numbers of services and devices use different frequency bands and protocols. To concurrently cover all these services, the antenna in communication devices should operate over multiple frequency bands. The use of wide and multi-band antennas not only reduces the number of antennas necessary to cover multiple frequency bands but also lessens the system complexity, size, and costs. To operate over eight frequency bands to cover sixteen well-established narrow service bands, a planar monopole antenna is proposed for portable communication devices. The proposed antenna is comprised of an inverted F-shaped monopole patch with a rotated L-shaped strip and an F-shaped ground strip with a rotated L-shaped branch. The studied antenna can excite at multiple resonant modes which helps it to achieve eight measured operating bands of 789-921 MHz, 1367-1651 MHz, 1995-2360 MHz, 2968-3374 MHz, 3546-3707, 4091-4405 MHz, 4519-5062 MHz and 5355-6000 MHz. The achieved measured operating bands can cover sixteen popular narrow service bands for 4G/3G/2G, MWT, WiFi, WiMAX, WLAN, and sub-6 GHz 5G wireless communication system. The studied antenna achieved good gain, efficiency and exhibits stable radiation characteristics. Moreover, the antenna does not use any lumped element and left ample space for other circuitries which makes it easier to use in portable devices such as tablets, laptops, etc. with low manufacturing cost.
  14. Makky EA, AlMatar M, Mahmood MH, Ting OW, Qi WZ
    Food Technol Biotechnol, 2021 Jun;59(2):127-136.
    PMID: 34316274 DOI: 10.17113/ftb.59.02.21.6658
    RESEARCH BACKGROUND: Antioxidants are important compounds present at low concentrations that inhibit oxidation processes. Due to the side effects of synthetic antioxidants, research interest has increased considerably towards finding natural sources of antioxidants that can replace the synthetic ones. The emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance require the development of new drugs or some potential sources of novel medicine. This work aims to extract the secondary metabolites of Saccharomyces cerevisiae using ethyl acetate as a solvent and to determine the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of these extracted metabolites.

    EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: The antioxidant activity of the secondary metabolites of S. cerevisiae were determined using DPPH, ABTS and FRAP assays. Furthermore, the antimicrobial potential of the ethyl acetate extract of S. cerevisiae against Cutibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis was assessed.

    RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Five out of 13 of the extracted secondary metabolites were identified as antioxidants. The antioxidant activity of the S. cerevisiae extract exhibited relatively high IC50 of 455.26 and 294.51 μg/mL for DPPH and ABTS respectively, while the obtained FRAP value, expressed as ascorbic acid equivalents, was 44.40 μg/mL. Moreover, the extract had a significant antibacterial activity (p<0.05) against Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis at the concentrations of 100 and 200 mg/mL, respectively. However, no inhibitory effect was observed against Cutibacterium acnes as the extract was only effective against the bacterium at the concentrations of 300 and 400 mg/mL (inhibition zones ranging from 9.0±0.0 to 9.3±0.6) respectively (p<0.05). Staphylococcus aureus was highly sensitive to the extract, with a MIC value of 18.75 mg/mL.

    NOVELTY AND SCIENTIFIC CONTRIBUTION: This report confirmed the efficacy of the secondary metabolites of S. cerevisiae as a natural source of antioxidants and antimicrobials and suggested the possibility of employing them in drugs for the treatment of infectious diseases caused by the tested microorganisms.

  15. Kong BH, Yap CA, Razif MFM, Ng ST, Tan CS, Fung SY
    Food Technol Biotechnol, 2021 Jun;59(2):201-208.
    PMID: 34316281 DOI: 10.17113/ftb.59.02.21.7151
    RESEARCH BACKGROUND: Ophiocordyceps sinensis, a highly valued medicinal fungus, is close to extinction due to overexploitation. Successful cultivation of O. sinensis fruiting body (OCS02®) shows that the cultivar has a promising nutritional value and numerous bioactive compounds. Antioxidant and antiproliferative properties and biologically active proteins of the OCS02® are investigated for possible development into nutraceuticals.

    EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: The chemical composition of the OCS02® cold water extract was determined, and the antioxidant activities were examined using ferric reducing, DPPH• and O2 •- scavenging assays. Tetrazolium dye (MTT) cytotoxic assay was performed to assess the antiproliferative activity of the extract. Bioactive proteins in the active fraction of the extract were identified using liquid chromatography (LC) and tandem-mass spectrometry (MS/MS).

    RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The OCS02® extract exhibited strong O2 •- scavenging (expressed as Trolox equivalents (18.4±1.1) mol/g) and potent cytotoxic activities against adenocarcinomic human alveolar basal epithelial (A549) cells (IC50=(58.2±6.8) µg/mL). High molecular mass polysaccharides, proteins and protein-polysaccharide complexes could have contributed to the antioxidant and cytotoxic selectivity of the OCS02®. LC-MS/MS analysis identified several potential cytotoxic proteases and an oxalate decarboxylase protein which may exhibit protection effects on kidneys.

    NOVELTY AND SCIENTIFIC CONTRIBUTIONS: The findings demonstrate the potential of OCS02® to be developed into functional food due to its promising superoxide anion radical scavenging capacity, cytotoxic effect and presence of biopharmaceutically active proteins.

  16. Sayuti KA, Shamsuddin AM, Mamat AZ, Zain MRM, Ramli N, Mokhtar AM, et al.
    J Surg Case Rep, 2021 Jul;2021(7):rjab307.
    PMID: 34316346 DOI: 10.1093/jscr/rjab307
    A neonate with cyanosis at birth was found to have a rare type of tetralogy of Fallot. Echocardiography showed dextrocardia, left aortic arch with constricting and tortuous patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Computed tomography angiography thorax revealed visceroatrial situs inversus, mirror image dextrocardia, tetralogy anatomy and tortuous right PDA arising from bovine brachiocephalic artery. In view of severe cyanosis, emergency division of PDA and modified right Blalock-Taussig shunt through median sternotomy were performed under cardiopulmonary bypass. Post-operatively, the sternum was left open and he developed pulmonary overcirculation requiring prolonged ICU stay. He was discharged well at Day 26 post surgery. This case highlights a rare association tetralogy of Fallot, dextrocardia and situs inversus, with concomitant unilateral right PDA and bovine aortic arch.
  17. Jacob SA, Wong ZJ, Cheong WL, Chong EY, Wong YX, Lew SLH
    Int J Clin Pharm, 2021 Jul 27.
    PMID: 34318400 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-021-01312-4
    Background People with Parkinson's are at higher risk of healthcare and pharmaceutical care issues. Objective To determine the healthcare challenges, pharmaceutical care needs, and perceived need of a pharmacist-run clinic by people with Parkinson's and their caregivers. Setting Malaysian Parkinson's Disease Association. Method A focus group discussion adopting a descriptive qualitative approach was conducted involving people with Parkinson's and their caregivers. A semi-structured interview guide was used to determine the challenges they faced with their medications and healthcare system, their pharmaceutical care needs, and their views on a pharmacist-run clinic. Data was thematically analysed. Main outcome measure: Healthcare challenges faced by people with Parkinson's and caregivers along with their pharmaceutical care needs and perceived need of a pharmacist-run clinic. Results Nine people with Parkinson's and four caregivers participated. Six themes were developed: (1) "It's very personalised": the need for self-experimentation, (2) "Managing it is quite difficult": challenges with medication, (3) "The doctor has no time for you": challenges with healthcare providers, (4) "Nobody can do it except me": challenges faced by caregivers, (5) "It becomes a burden": impact on quality of life, and (6) "Lack of consistency could be counterproductive": views on pharmacist-run clinic. Conclusion The provision of pharmaceutical care services by pharmacists could help overcome issues people with Parkinson's face, however there is a need for them to first see pharmacists in their expanded roles and change their limited perception of pharmacists. This can be achieved through integration of pharmacists within multidisciplinary teams in specialist clinics which they frequent.
  18. Fu M, Le C, Fan T, Prakapovich R, Manko D, Dmytrenko O, et al.
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2021 Dec;28(45):64818-64829.
    PMID: 34318419 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-15574-y
    The atmospheric particulate matter (PM) with a diameter of 2.5 μm or less (PM2.5) is one of the key indicators of air pollutants. Accurate prediction of PM2.5 concentration is very important for air pollution monitoring and public health management. However, the presence of noise in PM2.5 data series is a major challenge of its accurate prediction. A novel hybrid PM2.5 concentration prediction model is proposed in this study by combining complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition (CEEMD) method, Pearson's correlation analysis, and a deep long short-term memory (LSTM) method. CEEMD was employed to decompose historical PM2.5 concentration data to different frequencies in order to enhance the timing characteristics of data. Pearson's correlation was used to screen the different frequency intrinsic-mode functions of decomposed data. Finally, the filtered enhancement data were inputted to a deep LSTM network with multiple hidden layers for training and prediction. The results evidenced the potential of the CEEMD-LSTM hybrid model with a prediction accuracy of approximately 80% and model convergence after 700 training epochs. The secondary screening of Pearson's correlation test improved the model (CEEMD-Pearson) accuracy up to 87% but model convergence after 800 epochs. The hybrid model combining CEEMD-Pearson with the deep LSTM neural network showed a prediction accuracy of nearly 90% and model convergence after 650 interactions. The results provide a clear indication of higher prediction accuracy of PM2.5 with less computation time through hybridization of CEEMD-Pearson with deep LSTM models and its potential to be employed for air pollution monitoring.
    MeSH terms: Environmental Monitoring; Forecasting; Neural Networks (Computer); Particulate Matter/analysis
  19. Hermawan A, Amrillah T, Riapanitra A, Ong WJ, Yin S
    Adv Healthc Mater, 2021 10;10(20):e2100970.
    PMID: 34318999 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202100970
    A fully integrated, flexible, and functional sensing device for exhaled breath analysis drastically transforms conventional medical diagnosis to non-invasive, low-cost, real-time, and personalized health care. 2D materials based on MXenes offer multiple advantages for accurately detecting various breath biomarkers compared to conventional semiconducting oxides. High surface sensitivity, large surface-to-weight ratio, room temperature detection, and easy-to-assemble structures are vital parameters for such sensing devices in which MXenes have demonstrated all these properties both experimentally and theoretically. So far, MXenes-based flexible sensor is successfully fabricated at a lab-scale and is predicted to be translated into clinical practice within the next few years. This review presents a potential application of MXenes as emerging materials for flexible and wearable sensor devices. The biomarkers from exhaled breath are described first, with emphasis on metabolic processes and diseases indicated by abnormal biomarkers. Then, biomarkers sensing performances provided by MXenes families and the enhancement strategies are discussed. The method of fabrications toward MXenes integration into various flexible substrates is summarized. Finally, the fundamental challenges and prospects, including portable integration with Internet-of-Thing (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), are addressed to realize marketization.
    MeSH terms: Artificial Intelligence; Breath Tests; Humans; Biomarkers
  20. Arafat HM, Omar J, Muhamad R, Al-Astani TAD, Shafii N, Al Laham NA, et al.
    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2021 Jul 01;22(7):1987-1995.
    PMID: 34319018 DOI: 10.31557/APJCP.2021.22.7.1987
    OBJECTIVE: Breast cancer (BC) is known as one of the deadliest forms of cancer, and it is increasing globally. Identifying risk factors for BC is a key point in developing preventive strategies to reduce its occurrence. Herein, we aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis focus on the risk factors for BC in Palestine.

    MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a systematic search via PubMed, MEDLINE, SCOPUS, Science Direct, Cochrane library, Emerald Insight, and Google scholar for identifying studies published on BC risk factors up to March 2021. Pooled odds ratios (OR) are calculated using fixed and random-effect models. Data were processed using Review Manager 5.4 (RevMan 5.4).

    RESULTS: From a total of 73 articles, seven case-control studies met the criteria for systematic review. Meta-analysis results showed that of the known modifiable risk factors for BC, diabetes mellitus (DM) had the highest odds ratio (OR = 4.97, 95% CI 3.00- 8.25) followed by hypertension (OR = 3.21, 95% CI 1.96-5.23), obesity (BMI >30 Kg/m2) (OR = 2.90, 95% CI 2.00- 4.21), and passive smoking (OR = 1.50, 95% CI 1.12- 2.02). Controversially, breastfeeding (OR = 0.37, 95% CI 0.23- 0.61) was protective factor in BC. Of non-modifiable risk factors for BC has reached menopause had the highest odds ratio (OR = 3.74, 95% CI 2.64- 5.29), followed by family history of BC (OR = 2.63, 95% CI 1.07-6.44) and age (≥ 40 years) (OR = 2.49, 95% CI 1.43-4.34).

    CONCLUSIONS: The most significant predictors of BC in Palestine were DM, hypertension, passive smokers, age (>40), reached menopause, and family history of BC. Almost all these risk factors are consistent with known risk factors for breast cancer in other parts of the world.
    .

    MeSH terms: Age Factors; Breast Neoplasms/ethnology*; Female; Humans; Risk Factors; Arabs*
External Links