Browse publications by year: 2023

  1. Bapat RA, Bedia SV, Bedia AS, Yang HJ, Dharmadhikari S, Abdulla AM, et al.
    Environ Res, 2023 Dec 01;238(Pt 1):116971.
    PMID: 37717805 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116971
    Curcumin is a natural herb and polyphenol that is obtained from the medicinal plant Curcuma longa. It's anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-mutagenic, antioxidant and antifungal properties can be leveraged to treat a myriad of oral and systemic diseases. However, natural curcumin has weak solubility, limited bioavailability and undergoes rapid degradation, which severely limits its therapeutic potential. To overcome these drawbacks, nanocurcumin (nCur) formulations have been developed for improved biomaterial delivery and enhanced treatment outcomes. This novel biomaterial holds tremendous promise for the treatment of various oral diseases, the majority of which are caused by dental biofilm. These include dental caries, periodontal disease, root canal infection and peri-implant diseases, as well as other non-biofilm mediated oral diseases such as oral cancer and oral lichen planus. A number of in-vitro studies have demonstrated the antibacterial efficacy of nCur in various formulations against common oral pathogens such as S. mutans, P. gingivalis and E. faecalis, which are strongly associated with dental caries, periodontitis and root canal infection, respectively. In addition, some clinical studies were suggestive of the notion that nCur can indeed enhance the clinical outcomes of oral diseases such as periodontitis and oral lichen planus, but the level of evidence was very low due to the small number of studies and the methodological limitations of the available studies. The versatility of nCur to treat a diverse range of oral diseases augurs well for its future in dentistry, as reflected by rapid pace in which studies pertaining to this topic are published in the scientific literature. In order to keep abreast of the latest development of nCur in dentistry, this narrative review was undertaken. The aim of this narrative review is to provide a contemporaneous update of the chemistry, properties, mechanism of action, and scientific evidence behind the usage of nCur in dentistry.
    MeSH terms: Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology; Biocompatible Materials; Dental Caries*; Dentistry; Humans; Periodontitis*; Lichen Planus, Oral*
  2. Mansor M, Chong MC, Chui PL, Hamdan M, Basha MAMK
    Saudi Med J, 2023 Sep;44(9):933-939.
    PMID: 37717967 DOI: 10.15537/smj.2023.44.9.20230228
    OBJECTIVES: To validate and determine the psychometric properties of the Malay version of the endometriosis health profile-30 (EHP-30) by confirmatory factor analysis.

    METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out in the main city of Malaysia at a tertiary teaching hospital between January to April 2021. A total of 218 women diagnosed with endometriosis symptoms were recruited using the universal sampling method to answer the questionnaire.

    RESULTS: The revised Malay version of the EHP-30 with 28 items demonstrated that the factor loading of the 28 items had an acceptable value range between 0.60-0.90. The model fit was acceptable after the inclusion of 28 items correlated errors of the root mean square of error approximation: 0.072, 90% confidence interval: [0.065-0.080], comparative fit index (0.939), Tucker-Lewis index (0.932), and Chi-square/degrees of Freedom (2.135). The Cronbach's alpha ranged from 0.89-0.97. Concurrent validity for the composite reliability was between 0.88-0.96, while the average variance extracted was between 0.65-0.74.

    CONCLUSION: This revised Malay version of the EHP-30 is a reliable and valid tool that can be used for the next study.

    MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Hospitals, Teaching; Humans; Malaysia; Psychometrics; Reproducibility of Results
  3. Gunawardena SA, Abeyratne P, Jayasena A, Rajapaksha S, Senadhipathi H, Siriwardana D, et al.
    Sci Justice, 2023 Sep;63(5):638-650.
    PMID: 37718011 DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2023.08.001
    Estimating the post mortem interval (PMI) in skeletonized cases is an extremely challenging exercise. Sri Lanka lacks adequate taphonomic research which is a serious limitation when assessing PMI in forensic death investigations. Methods that have been proposed to estimate PMI using the total body score (TBS) and accumulated degree days (ADD) are mainly based on data from continental and temperate climates and have shown less reliability in tropical climates. With the intention of developing a region-specific, evidence-based guide which would be applicable to tropical climates like Sri Lanka, we selected thirteen skeletonized remains with known PMIs from forensic case records and analysed their taphonomy in relation to selected weather data. We also compared the ADD values within our dataset with reference ranges calculated using published formula. All except one were found from outdoor locations. The TBS ranged from 24 to 32 and had a weak positive correlation with the PMI. The earliest appearance of skeletonization was 15 days in a body found indoors. The highest rate of skeletonization was seen in a body with a TBS of 32 and a PMI of 23 days. The average daily temperature and relative humidity were similar across all the cases however, the amount of rainfall varied. Bodies exposed to monsoon rains (n = 6) had a lower mean rate of skeletonization compared to those that were not exposed (n = 4) suggesting lower rates of decomposition during periods of heavy rainfall. No correlation was found between ADD and TBS. In 9 (69.2%) cases, the actual ADD was much lower than reference ADD ranges for TBS values, indicating poor applicability of TBS and ADD based formulae in estimating PMI within the Sri Lankan climate. Our study shows a strong need for taphonomic and entomological research in tropical climates to further explore the impact of monsoons on biotic and abiotic factors affecting skeletonization.
    MeSH terms: Autopsy; Humans; Rain*; Retrospective Studies; Sri Lanka; Time Factors; Tropical Climate*; Reproducibility of Results; Forensic Anthropology*; Asian Continental Ancestry Group*
  4. Arifin K, Ali MXM, Abas A, Ahmad MA, Ahamad MA, Sahimi AS
    J Safety Res, 2023 Sep;86:376-389.
    PMID: 37718065 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsr.2023.07.017
    INTRODUCTION: The electrical utility industry, which plays a vital role in sustaining other sectors, contributes to high occupational accident rates in the utility industries. The high accident rate shows that there has been insufficient effort made to control unsafe actions and conditions in the workplace. This study aims to examine the influence of hazard control and prevention as leading indicators of safety behaviors and outcomes in coal-fired power plants in Malaysia.

    METHODS: This quantitative research was conducted by distributing survey questionnaires randomly to five coal-fired power plants in Peninsular Malaysia. A total of 340 respondents were involved in this research. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) analysis was performed using SmartPLS to validate and examine the relationship of the proposed model.

    RESULTS: The results validate the construct of hazard control and prevention consisting of planning, action, managing, and verifying, while the safety outcomes construct consists of occupational accidents, fatal accidents, near misses, and lost time injuries. The results indicate that hazard control and prevention significantly relate to safety compliance, safety participation, safety motivation, and safety knowledge. Moreover, safety outcomes were influenced negatively by hazard control and prevention through safety compliance.

    CONCLUSION: The model provides a better understanding of the influence of hazard control and prevention on safety behavior and outcomes.

    PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The model can be used as guidance for practitioners and researchers in planning and implementing hazard control and prevention to improve health and safety in the workplace.

    MeSH terms: Coal; Humans; Power Plants*; Least-Squares Analysis; Safety Management*
  5. Fahmy O, Kochergin M, Asimakopoulos AD, Gakis G
    Semin Oncol, 2023;50(3-5):102-104.
    PMID: 37718162 DOI: 10.1053/j.seminoncol.2023.09.001
    For many decades, extended pelvic lymph node dissection has been an integral part during radical cystectomy for patients with muscle invasive bladder cancer. This practice was based on large retrospective meta-analyses suggesting an oncologic benefit to an extended dissection. This mini review and meta-analysis includes the two available randomized trials in the current literature. Therefore, it can be considered as the strongest level of evidence regarding the prognostic benefit of an extended pelvic lymphadenectomy. Based on current randomized data, standard pelvic lymph node dissection up to the level of iliac bifurcation is sufficient, and extension of the dissection above this level does not provide any additional oncologic benefit.
  6. Supee AH, Zaini MAA
    Environ Monit Assess, 2023 Sep 17;195(10):1218.
    PMID: 37718332 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-11866-7
    This study presents the kinetics and thermodynamics of biomass pyrolysis. The kinetics of the pyrolysis process was estimated using ten kinetic models from three different mechanisms, namely chemical reaction, diffusion, and nucleation and growth. Results showed that each pyrolysis subdivision was described by a different reaction model, signifying the complex nature of the pyrolysis process. The average values of activation energy determined from the kinetic models for empty fruit bunch, coconut shell, bamboo, and cardboard are 10.2-64.6 kJ/mol, 18.7-186.2 kJ/mol, 8.0-70.8 kJ/mol, and 13.1-277.3 kJ/mol, respectively. The biomass pyrolysis is endothermic and non-spontaneous and would require external energy to initiate the degradation process. The findings are helpful in characterizing the thermal degradation of biomass in exploring its potential as a source of alternative solid fuel.
    MeSH terms: Cocos*; Environmental Monitoring; Fruit*; Kinetics; Thermodynamics
  7. Rajan N, Debnath S, Perveen K, Khan F, Pandey B, Srivastava A, et al.
    Front Plant Sci, 2023;14:1238870.
    PMID: 37719210 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1238870
    INTRODUCTION: This study explored the molecular characterization of 14 eggplant (brinjal) genotypes to evaluate their genetic diversity and the impact of heterosis. As eggplant is a vital horticultural crop with substantial economic and nutritional value, a comprehensive understanding of its genetic makeup and heterosis effects is essential for effective breeding strategies. Our aim was not only to dissect the genetic diversity among these genotypes but also to determine how genetic distance impacts heterotic patterns, which could ultimately help improve hybrid breeding programs.

    METHODS: Genetic diversity was assessed using 20 SSR markers, and the parental lines were grouped into five clusters based on the Unweighted Pair Group Method of Arithmetic Means (UPGMA). Heterosis was examined through yield and yield-related traits among parents and hybrids.

    RESULTS: Polymorphisms were detected in eight out of the twenty SSR markers across the parental lines. Notably, a high genetic distance was observed between some parents. The analysis of yield and yield-related traits demonstrated significant heterosis over mid, superior, and standard parents, particularly in fruit yield per plant. Two crosses (RKML-26 X PPC and RKML1 X PPC) displayed substantial heterosis over mid and better parents, respectively. However, the positive correlation between genetic distance and heterosis was only up to a certain threshold; moderate genetic distance often resulted in higher heterosis compared to very high genetic distance.

    DISCUSSION: These findings emphasize the critical role of parental selection in hybrid breeding programs. The results contribute to the understanding of the relationship between genetic distance and heterosis, and it is suggested that future research should delve into the genetic mechanisms that drive heterosis and the effect of genetic distance variance on heterosis. The insights drawn from this study can be harnessed to enhance crop yield and economic value in breeding programs.

  8. Siti Kaamilah MZ, Wong YS, Bushra J, Nik Ahmad Fadhil NM, Aisya Natasya M
    Breathe (Sheff), 2023 Sep;19(3):230052.
    PMID: 37719237 DOI: 10.1183/20734735.0052-2023
    Can you diagnose this woman with a history of uterine fibroids in the previous year and a recent finding of intrathoracic mass on chest radiography? https://bit.ly/44mQ9Jj.
  9. Thuraisingham C, Nalliah S
    Malays Fam Physician, 2023;18:49-100.
    PMID: 37719692 DOI: 10.51866/cm.264
    Menopause is an important phase in the life of older women. Women's life expectancy has increased worldwide. As women experience and perceive menopause differently depending on their personal, family and sociocultural backgrounds, perimenopausal symptoms can often go unnoticed and missed by general practitioners. General practitioners are uniquely placed in the healthcare delivery pyramid to close this gap and improve patients' quality of life by identifying perimenopausal signs and symptoms early. This article shares knowledge about continuing medical education for general practitioners to close the existing gap. As there is great variability within each menopausal woman's experience as well as among individual women, there is a need to individualise and render personalised care. By being able to discuss accepted and safe standards of care and by advocating for a holistic approach incorporating both non-pharmacological and pharmacological strategies, general practitioners would be able to improve the confidence of their patients for better health outcomes.
  10. Abdullah F, Abd Razak AA, Mohd Idris UK
    Malays Fam Physician, 2023;18:46-100.
    PMID: 37719694 DOI: 10.51866/cr.348
    A 37-year-old married, right-handed active firefighter presented to the primary care clinic with a self-report of difficulties in memorising and recalling information associated with declining work performance. Collaborative history-taking revealed that he also experienced emotional and social withdrawal, apathy, irritability and distractibility. He was initially diagnosed with major depressive disorder but showed no improvement with an antidepressant. This young man with no history of hereditary neurodegenerative disorder had further deterioration in cognitive function, predominantly executive behaviours, with progressive aphasia. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed cerebral atrophy predominant over the frontotemporal lobe. Positron emission tomography showed fluorodeoxyglucose hypometabolism at the bifrontal and left parietal and temporal cortices, consistent with frontotemporal dementia. He required institutionalisation with full nursing care less than 24 months after the onset of the symptoms. This case highlights the need for diagnostic consideration of dementia in young individuals presenting with cognitive impairment among other symptoms. It also emphasises the importance of obtaining collateral information from close relatives to avoid misdiagnosis and addresses the psychosocial impact of dementia at a young age.
  11. Majorie Ensayan AJ, Cheah WL, Helmy H
    Malays Fam Physician, 2023;18:48-100.
    PMID: 37719695 DOI: 10.51866/oa.167
    INTRODUCTION: Most working women experience poor physical and mental health during their postpartum period. This prospective study aimed to describe the physical and mental health issues faced by working mothers during their postpartum period.

    METHODS: Respondents were recruited using the proportional sampling method among mothers who attended the Maternal and Child Health Clinic in the Kuching division in Sarawak, Malaysia. Face-to-face interview was conducted using a questionnaire that consisted of items on socio-demographic data as well as perinatal, prenatal and postpartum factors, and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and a checklist of 28 specific postpartum symptoms were used during the first 6 weeks and after 12 weeks of childbirth.

    RESULTS: A total of 281 respondents participated in this study. Fatigue (42.7%), back or neck pain (36.3%), breast discomfort (16.4%), dizziness (13.5%) and nipple irritation (11.0%) were among the most common symptoms experienced by the mothers during the first 6 weeks after childbirth. There was a significant decrease in the physical symptom scores of the respondents from the first 6 weeks to after 12 weeks of childbirth (1.73±1.96 vs 0.16±0.42; P<0.0005). A significant decrease was also found in the depression scores (6.26±4.26 vs 1.35±1.85, P<0.0005).

    CONCLUSION: The prevalence of postnatal depression was higher during the first 6 weeks of postpartum than after 12 weeks of postpartum. Screening and treatment of poor postpartum mental health among working women are essential owing to the impacts on occupational outcomes.

  12. Ng BZ, Peter JS, Chua SH
    Malays Fam Physician, 2023;18:45-100.
    PMID: 37719696 DOI: 10.51866/cr.287
    Brain tumours often present with a variety of early subtle, non-specific symptoms. This can obscure an organic origin of the illness, which deters timely referral and management. We report a rare case of psychosis in a patient with a left frontal lobe tumour, preceded by 2 months of lethargy and word- finding difficulty with minimal neurological deficits, who was referred to our psychiatric unit from a primary care facility. Blood investigation findings including tumour marker levels were normal. Prompt neuroimaging revealed a left frontal lobe lesion with findings indicating a glioblastoma. The patient was subsequently referred to the neurosurgical team for surgical resection of the tumour. A high index of suspicion is paramount among atypical sociodemographic groups of patients with atypical psychiatric presentations. The primary care setting, which is often the first point of contact for patients, provides an avenue for early detection of such cases and timely referral to the appropriate healthcare system to ensure an optimal outcome.
  13. El-Dahiyat F, Jairoun AA, Al-Hemyari SS, Shahwan M, Jairoun M, Zyoud SH, et al.
    Front Pharmacol, 2023;14:1237306.
    PMID: 37719848 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1237306
    Background: The use of drugs containing fiscalized substances is essential in different medical areas, including pain management, obstetric emergencies, and the treatment of mental disorders. However, due to their potential for abuse and negative health effects, the dispensing of these substances demands pharmacists with the requisite skills and practice. Objective: This study assesses the skills and practices of pharmacy personnel in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) regarding the dispensing of tramadol, a medication containing fiscalized substances, in community pharmacies. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted. Community Pharmacies were chosen via random sampling, and seven well-trained final year pharmacy students visited them and conducted face-to-face interviews. The survey tool covered items highlighting the demographic data of the subjects, and items on the practice and skills regarding dispensing the fiscalized substances. The content validity ratio values of all tool questions were more than 0.78, suggesting acceptable validity and the Cronbach's α of 0.75 showed as acceptable internal reliability. The primary outcome measures of interest were the skills and practice regarding dispensing Fiscalized substances. Results: A total of 612 pharmacists were recruited in the study. The average practice score was 80%. There was a statistically significant association (p < 0.05) between practices about dispensing fiscalized substances and gender, age group, pharmacy type, work experience, university of graduation, and receiving training on epilepsy and antiepileptic drugs. Conclusion: The results implied that competency and experience are vital factors for the dispensing of tramadol. Contextually, the majority of the pharmacists evidently have the requisite competencies to provide high-quality and proper medical care, with regards to dispensing tramadol, which will minimize drug abuse and medication errors, and assist outpatients to manage their drugs containing fiscalized substances.
  14. Shutong C, Nazri FM, Wenjun A, Hao F
    MethodsX, 2023 Dec;11:102370.
    PMID: 37719923 DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2023.102370
    The evolution of shear key design for bridges is accompanied by research on structural earthquake resistance. However, the vast majority of pounding forces, responses, and corresponding data for the study and design of shear keys have been based on expensive experimentalism and imprecise empiricism approaches for decades. Hence, strengthening theoretical study on seismic performance of shear key is essential. In this paper, a "Beam-Spring-Beam + Concentrated Mass" continuum dynamic model is proposed. Meanwhile, the transient wave function expansion method and the mode superposition method are applied to determine the analytical expression of the dynamic response from the girder and pier system (pier and cap beam). Furthermore, the combined transient internal force method and Duhamel integration method are introduced to assess the elastic pounding process. Through programming and numerical analysis, a series of pounding response data related to the shear key under various working circumstances will be explored. As mentioned above, the proposed theoretical method can optimize shear key design and boost the reliability of seismic limiting devices in the future. •Establishing a feasible "Beam-Spring-Beam + Concentrated Mass" continuum model of girders and piers based on a two-span continuous girder bridge.•Deriving the analytical solutions of responses by conducting the response equations under horizontal seismic excitation (containing orthonormality verification).•Simulating the pounding process by embedding elastic pounding calculation methods into Continuum Model.
  15. Bellato A, Admani MA, Deak C, Farhat LC, Fontana Antunes de Oliveira MC, Vasconcelos R, et al.
    JCPP Adv, 2023 Sep;3(3):e12148.
    PMID: 37720589 DOI: 10.1002/jcv2.12148
    BACKGROUND: Self-injurious thoughts and behaviours (SITBs) have been associated with dysfunction of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) in children and young people, suggesting that objective ANS measures may aid assessment of suicide risk, but a systematic synthesis of this literature is currently lacking.

    METHODS: Following a pre-registered protocol (PROSPERO CRD42022327605), we conducted a systematic search of PubMed, Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, and Web of Science, for empirical studies published until 10th May 2022 that compared indices of ANS functioning in individuals aged 0-25 years with versus without SITBs, or reported continuous associations between ANS measures and SITBs. Study quality was assessed with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scales. Pooled effect sizes (Hedge's g) were estimated with random-effects meta-analytic models.

    RESULTS: Twenty studies (1979 participants) were included in our systematic review, with 16 included in meta-analyses. Results suggested that SITBs were associated with altered cardiac indices of arousal (g = -0.328, p 

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