Browse publications by year: 2023

  1. Kazmi J, Raza SRA, Ahmad W, Masood A, Jalil A, Mohd Raub AA, et al.
    Phys Chem Chem Phys, 2023 May 24;25(20):14206-14218.
    PMID: 37165672 DOI: 10.1039/d3cp00114h
    Non-magnetic dopants and p-type materials are attractive choices to explore the mechanism and origin of room-temperature defect-based ferromagnetism in metal oxide-based DMSs. In this study, we performed comprehensive transport, magnetic, structural, optical, and compositional as well as DFT studies of pristine, Li-doped, and Bi-Li codoped vertically aligned ZnO NW films to explore the mechanism and origin of ferromagnetism. We used a simple solution process to synthesize a wurtzite structure and vertically aligned ZnO NWs on a Si substrate. The doping, high crystallinity, and vertical alignment along the 002 planes were evidenced through HRTEM, FESEM, and XRD measurements. The XPS analysis confirmed the +1 and +3 states of Li and Bi, respectively. Moreover, Raman analysis also depicted the characteristic peaks of ZnO NWs at 98.31 cm-1 and 437.71 cm-1. The PL studies of doped NWs showed a typical NBE peak of ZnO at ∼395 nm along with a sub-gap defect-related broad peak at ∼504 nm indicating the presence of defects due to doping. The pure ZnO NW samples showed negligible saturation magnetization (Ms) at room temperature while the saturation magnetization was observed to increase with Li-doping and reduced with Bi-Li codoping. According to the Hall studies the pure ZnO NW film showed n-type conductivity, while all doped and codoped samples showed p-type conductivity. The hole concentration was observed to increase with Li-doping and decrease with Bi-Li codoping showing similar behavior to that of the Ms value, thereby suggesting a direct correlation between Ms and carrier concentration. The I-V properties showed a similar trend to that of carrier concentration and Ms. Our DFT studies showed that magnetization increased by Li doping and reduced by Li-Bi codoping in defective ZnO crystals by replacing Zn with Li and Bi atoms at the Zn site. Overall, our studies highlight the immense potential of hole-mediated Bi-Li codoped ZnO NW devices which are expected to play a pivotal role in developing spintronic devices.
  2. Yusoh NA, Tiley PR, James SD, Harun SN, Thomas JA, Saad N, et al.
    J Med Chem, 2023 May 25;66(10):6922-6937.
    PMID: 37185020 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00322
    Synergistic drug combinations can extend the use of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPi) such as Olaparib to BRCA-proficient tumors and overcome acquired or de novo drug resistance. To identify new synergistic combinations for PARPi, we screened a "micro-library" comprising a mix of commercially available drugs and DNA-binding ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complexes (RPCs) for Olaparib synergy in BRCA-proficient triple-negative breast cancer cells. This identified three hits: the natural product Curcumin and two ruthenium(II)-rhenium(I) polypyridyl metallomacrocycles. All combinations identified were effective in BRCA-proficient breast cancer cells, including an Olaparib-resistant cell line, and spheroid models. Mechanistic studies indicated that synergy was achieved via DNA-damage enhancement and resultant apoptosis. Combinations showed low cytotoxicity toward non-malignant breast epithelial cells and low acute and developmental toxicity in zebrafish embryos. This work identifies RPC metallomacrocycles as a novel class of agents for cancer combination therapy and provides a proof of concept for the inclusion of metallocompounds within drug synergy screens.
    MeSH terms: Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase Inhibitors/pharmacology; Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase Inhibitors/therapeutic use; Animals; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/pharmacology; DNA; Female; Humans; Phthalazines/pharmacology; Phthalazines/therapeutic use; Zebrafish; Cell Line, Tumor
  3. Almabhouh FA, Singh HJ
    Reprod Fertil Dev, 2023 May;35(8):459-468.
    PMID: 37196661 DOI: 10.1071/RD22222
    Despite its important role in numerous physiological functions, including regulation of appetite and body weight, immune function and normal sexual maturation, raised leptin levels could result in significant damaging effects on sperm. The adverse effects of leptin on the male reproductive system result from its direct actions on the reproductive organs and cells instead of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis. Binding of leptin to the receptors in the seminiferous tubular cells of the testes increases free radical production and decreases the gene expression and activity of endogenous enzymatic antioxidants. These effects are mediated via the PI3K pathway. The resultant oxidative stress causes significant damage to the seminiferous tubular cells, germ cells and sperm DNA leading to apoptosis, increased sperm DNA fragmentation, decreased sperm count, increased fraction of sperm with abnormal morphology, and decreased seminiferous tubular height and diameter. This review summarises the evidence in the literature on the adverse effects of leptin on sperm, which could underlie the often-reported sperm abnormalities in obese hyperleptinaemic infertile males. Although leptin is necessary for normal reproductive function, its raised levels could be pathologic. There is, therefore, a need to identify the cut-off level in the serum and seminal fluid above which leptin becomes pathological for better management of leptin associated adverse effects on male reproductive function.
    MeSH terms: Antioxidants/pharmacology; Humans; Male; Obesity/metabolism; Semen/metabolism; Sperm Count; Sperm Motility; Spermatozoa/metabolism; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/metabolism; Leptin*
  4. Mat Nor MN, Guo CX, Green CR, Squirrell D, Acosta ML
    J Anat, 2023 Oct;243(4):697-705.
    PMID: 37222261 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13889
    The aim of this study is to correlate small dot hyper-reflective foci (HRF) observed in spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) scans of an animal model of hyperglycaemia with focal electroretinography (fERG) response and immunolabelling of retinal markers. The eyes of an animal model of hyperglycaemia showing signs of diabetic retinopathy (DR) were imaged using SD-OCT. Areas showing dot HRF were further evaluated using fERG. Retinal areas enclosing the HRF were dissected and serially sectioned, stained and labelled for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and a microglial marker (Iba-1). Small dot HRF were frequently seen in OCT scans in all retinal quadrants in the inner nuclear layer or outer nuclear layer in the DR rat model. Retinal function in the HRF and adjacent areas was reduced compared with normal control rats. Microglial activation was detected by Iba-1 labelling and retinal stress identified by GFAP expression in Müller cells observed in discrete areas around small dot HRF. Small dot HRF seen in OCT images of the retina are associated with a local microglial response. This study provides the first evidence of dot HRF correlating with microglial activation, which may allow clinicians to better evaluate the microglia-mediated inflammatory component of progressive diseases showing HRF.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Diabetes Mellitus*; Hyperglycemia*; Tomography, Optical Coherence; Rats
  5. Chen TH, Wu MY, Do Shin S, Jamaluddin SF, Son DN, Hong KJ, et al.
    Int J Surg, 2023 May 01;109(5):1231-1238.
    PMID: 37222717 DOI: 10.1097/JS9.0000000000000287
    BACKGROUND: The shock index (SI) predicts short-term mortality in trauma patients. Other shock indices have been developed to improve discriminant accuracy. The authors examined the discriminant ability of the SI, modified SI (MSI), and reverse SI multiplied by the Glasgow Coma Scale (rSIG) on short-term mortality and functional outcomes.

    METHODS: The authors evaluated a cohort of adult trauma patients transported to emergency departments. The first vital signs were used to calculate the SI, MSI, and rSIG. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves and test results were used to compare the discriminant performance of the indices on short-term mortality and poor functional outcomes. A subgroup analysis of geriatric patients with traumatic brain injury, penetrating injury, and nonpenetrating injury was performed.

    RESULTS: A total of 105 641 patients (49±20 years, 62% male) met the inclusion criteria. The rSIG had the highest areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve for short-term mortality (0.800, CI: 0.791-0.809) and poor functional outcome (0.596, CI: 0.590-0.602). The cutoff for rSIG was 18 for short-term mortality and poor functional outcomes with sensitivities of 0.668 and 0.371 and specificities of 0.805 and 0.813, respectively. The positive predictive values were 9.57% and 22.31%, and the negative predictive values were 98.74% and 89.97%. rSIG also had better discriminant ability in geriatrics, traumatic brain injury, and nonpenetrating injury.

    CONCLUSION: The rSIG with a cutoff of 18 was accurate for short-term mortality in Asian adult trauma patients. Moreover, rSIG discriminates poor functional outcomes better than the commonly used SI and MSI.

    MeSH terms: Adult; Aged; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; Humans; Male; Retrospective Studies; Wounds, Nonpenetrating*; Glasgow Coma Scale
  6. Alkhadher SAA, Suratman S, Zakaria MP
    Environ Monit Assess, 2023 May 24;195(6):720.
    PMID: 37222826 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-11310-w
    One of the molecular chemical markers used to identify anthropogenic inputs is linear alkylbenzenes (LABs) that cause serious impacts in the bays and coastal ecosystems. The surface sediments samples collected from the East Malaysia, including Brunei bay to estimate the LABs concentration and distribution as molecular markers of anthropogenic indicators. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used after purification, fractionation the hydrocarbons in the sediment samples to identify the sources of LABs. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Pearson correlation coefficient were applied to analyze the difference between sampling stations' significance at p 
    MeSH terms: Environmental Monitoring; Environmental Pollutants*; Malaysia; Sewage; Ecosystem*
  7. He X, Zhang F, Cai Y, Tan ML, Chan NW
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2023 Jun;30(30):75511-75531.
    PMID: 37222898 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-27702-x
    This study aims to understand the factors and mechanisms influencing the spatio-temporal changes of fractional vegetation cover (FVC) in the northern slopes of the Tianshan Mountains. The MOD13Q1 product data between June and September (peak of plants growing) during the 2001-2020 period was incorporated into the pixel dichotomy model to calculate the vegetation cover changes. Then, the principal component analysis method was used to identify the primary driving factors affecting the change in vegetation cover from the natural, human, and economic perspectives. Finally, the partial correlation coefficients of FVC with temperature and precipitation were further calculated based on the pixel scale. The findings indicate that (1) FVC in the northern slopes of the Tianshan Mountains ranged from 0.37 to 0.47 during the 2001-2020 period, with an obvious inter-annual variation and an overall upward trend of about 0.4484/10 a. Although the vegetation cover had some changes over time, it was generally stable, and the area of strong variation only accounted for 0.58% of the total. (2) The five grades of vegetation cover were distributed spatially similarly, but the area-weighted gravity center for each vegetation class shifted significantly. The FVC under different land use/land cover types and elevations was obviously different, and as elevation increased, vegetation coverage presented a trend of a "∩"-shape change. (3) According to the results of principal component analysis, human activities, economic growth, and natural climate were the main driving factors that caused the changes in vegetation cover, and the cumulative contribution of the three reached 89.278%. In addition, when it came to climatic factors, precipitation had a greater driving force on the vegetation cover change, followed by temperature and sunshine hours. (4) Overall, precipitation and temperature were correlated positively with FVC, with the average correlation coefficient values of 0.089 and 0.135, respectively. Locally, the correlations vary greatly under different LULC and altitudes. This research can provide some scientific basis and reference for the vegetation evolution pattern and ecological civilization construction in the region.
    MeSH terms: China; Climate*; Humans; Plants; Temperature; Ecosystem*; Climate Change
  8. Ramli NA, Iberahim S, Che Ismail AA, Hussin H
    Caspian J Intern Med, 2023;14(2):237-248.
    PMID: 37223288 DOI: 10.22088/cjim.14.2.237
    BACKGROUND: Cancer-related anaemia is one of the main burdens in oncology, although the available data on its prevalence and treatment options such as blood transfusion are often contradictory. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of anaemia and the requirement for packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusion among women with breast cancer (BC) and to determine the associated factors for chemotherapy-induced anaemia (CIA).

    METHODS: This cross-sectional retrospective study conducted in Kelantan involved 104 newly diagnosed female BC patients from 2015 to 2016 who underwent chemotherapy. For statistical analysis, chi-square was used to compare between CIA and non-CIA groups. In addition, simple and multiple logistic regression were used to determine the association of the CIA.

    RESULTS: Our study revealed that 34.6% (n=36) of patients had mild anaemia, and 59.6% (n=62) had normal haemoglobin at pre-chemotherapy. The prevalence of anaemia increased from 40.4% to 77% at the end of our study. About 30.8% of patients received PRBC transfusion during chemotherapy with mean haemoglobin before the first transfusion of 7.9 g/dl. CIA was observed in 54.8% of cases. There was no significant association between CIA concerning the patient characteristic, cancer characteristic, or cancer treatment.

    CONCLUSION: We concluded that a significant proportion (40.4%) of BC patients was anaemic even before chemotherapy, with the red blood cell requirements up to 30.8% throughout chemotherapy. A larger prospective study is needed to determine the predictors for the CIA and subsequently improve patient management.

  9. Jumaat AF, Mohamad Yunus MR, Yong DJ, Md Zin RR, Mat Baki M
    Iran J Otorhinolaryngol, 2023 Mar;35(127):101-108.
    PMID: 37223400 DOI: 10.22038/IJORL.2023.57806.2995
    INTRODUCTION: An abnormal mass in the head and neck involving the supraglottic and cervical region offers a wide range of differential diagnoses. The pathology is either benign or malignant in nature. Castleman disease (CD) is an uncommon lymphoproliferative disorder characterised by hypervascular lymphoid hyperplasia and is classified into unicentric or multicentric disease. Histopathologically it is divided into hyaline vascular (HV), plasma cell (PC), and mixed cellularity variants. The multicentric disease is linked with PC and has the propensity to progress to lymphoma or Kaposi Sarcoma.

    CASE REPORT: We report a case of a 45-year-old gentleman who presented with a painless anterior neck swelling and left supraglottic mass for six months. Computed tomography (CT) contrast imaging demonstrated a homogenous enhancing lesion at the left supraglottic and the midline of the anterior neck with erosive changes of the thyroid cartilage. A surgical resection of the anterior neck mass was performed. The diagnosis of Castleman disease plasma cell variant was made by histopathologic evaluation. The patient remained well post-resection.

    CONCLUSION: Supraglottic multicentric Castleman disease is the least expected diagnosis in this case. Unicentric disease is treated with surgery. However, limited studies are available in determining the effectiveness of surgery in multicentric diseases. The plasma cell variant requires a multidisciplinary and multimodal approach due to an inclination towards malignancy. Research is needed to determine the role of surgery in multicentric disease and to develop optimum guidelines for managing cases. To date, there is unsubstantial literature describing supraglottic multicentric disease.

  10. Omar AF, Mokhtar IW, Ahmad MS
    J Int Soc Prev Community Dent, 2023;13(2):148-156.
    PMID: 37223444 DOI: 10.4103/jispcd.JISPCD_234_22
    AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: A "caregiver" is responsible for managing the basic needs of others, including individuals with special needs (IWSNs). Caregivers play an important role in the well-being of IWSNs, though caring can lead to a decline in health and quality of life. This qualitative study aimed to investigate the perceived healthcare challenges faced by caregivers of IWSNs in Malaysia.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two primary caregivers were interviewed via audio-recorded semistructured focus group discussions to investigate their perceived barriers and challenges in caring for IWSNs. The qualitative data were then analyzed via thematic analysis.

    RESULTS: Thirty-two participants took part in a total of nine discussion sessions, where the majority were females (n = 29; 90.63%) and from the Malay race (n = 30; 93.75%). Most of the IWSNs under their care had autism (n = 11; 34.38%) and were between 6 and 10 years of age (n = 13; 40.63%). The main themes identified were related to healthcare services, support systems, caregivers' personal factors, and IWSN issues. Within the healthcare services domain, themes regarding the accessibility and appropriateness of healthcare facilities and the attitudes of staff were uncovered, whereas in the support system domain, themes pertaining to community and peer, family, and governmental support were discussed. In the domain of caregivers' personal factors, themes regarding stress with the burden of care and feelings of guilt were noted, and in the area of IWSN factors, the theme of behavioral difficulties exhibited by IWSNs was discussed.

    CONCLUSION: Primary caregivers in Malaysia face challenges with healthcare facilities and staff, gaining support from the community, family, and government, burning out, and feeling guilty as well as behavior issues of their IWSN. Thus, understanding these challenges is vital in providing healthcare services that cater to not only IWSNs but also their caregivers to ensure the success and well-being of all involved.

  11. Kuppusamy E, Ratnasingam MD, Yazid F, Rosli TI, Ali AM, Sockalingam SNMP, et al.
    J Int Soc Prev Community Dent, 2023;13(2):133-140.
    PMID: 37223451 DOI: 10.4103/jispcd.JISPCD_213_22
    OBJECTIVES: This study aims to explore the information-seeking behavior patterns of parents with children receiving treatment for early childhood caries (ECC).

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: Semistructured in-depth interviews were conducted with 20 parents of children with ECC. A topic guide was developed, focusing on questions relating to (i) the timing of their seeking information on ECC, (ii) the types of EEC information they seek, and (iii) the resources used to seek information. The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was performed, whereby the data were coded and categorized into themes and subthemes.

    RESULTS: Four main themes were identified: the immediacy of seeking information, perceived information need, use of resources, and barriers to seeking information. Parents either sought information immediately after detecting changes to the appearance of their child's teeth, with some being aware of the changes after signs and symptoms developed. The types of information parents usually sought covered the disease, its prevention, and management. Common sources of information were friends, family, the internet, and healthcare professionals. Barriers to seeking information discussed by parents were lack of time as well as insufficiency and inaccuracy of the information they received.

    CONCLUSION: This study highlighted the need for comprehensive, tailored early education on ECC for parents using reliable information sources. There is also a need to empower other nondental healthcare professionals to provide oral healthcare education for parents.

  12. Torabi ZA, Rezvani MR, Hall CM, Allam Z
    Technol Forecast Soc Change, 2023 Aug;193:122633.
    PMID: 37223653 DOI: 10.1016/j.techfore.2023.122633
    While there have been numerous studies investigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on tourism, few research projects have examined the impact of the outbreak on using smart tourism technologies (STT), especially in developing countries. This study adopted thematic analysis, with data collected using in-person interviews. The participants for the study were selected using the snow-balling technique. We explored the process of developing smart technologies during the pandemic and its impact on smart rural tourism technology development upon travel restart. The subject was investigated by focusing on five selected villages in central Iran which have tourism dependent economies. Overall, the results indicated that the pandemic partially changed the government's resistance towards the fast development of smart technologies. Thus, the role of smart technologies in curbing the virus spread was officially recognized. This change of policy led to the implementation of Capacity Building (CB) programs to improve digital literacy and minimize the digital gap that exists between urban and rural areas in Iran. Implementing CB programs during the pandemic directly and indirectly contributed to the digitalization of rural tourism. Implementing such programs enhanced tourism stakeholders' individual and institutional capacity to gain access to and creatively use STT in rural area. The results of this study improve our understanding and knowledge of the impact of crises on the degree of acceptability and use of STT in traditional rural societies.
  13. Jaisamrarn U, Esteban-Habana MA, Padolina CS, Decena DCD, Dee MT, Damodaran P, et al.
    SAGE Open Med, 2023;11:20503121231173377.
    PMID: 37223672 DOI: 10.1177/20503121231173377
    Addressing maternal malnutrition and its drivers is paramount in Southeast Asia. This article summarizes the key clinical learnings and evidence-based opinions from the experts to understand the need for vitamins and minerals supplementation, education, and self-care from preconception to the first 1000 days of life, which warranted further attention since COVID-19 pandemic. Evidence describing the importance of vitamins and minerals during preconception, pregnancy, and lactation stages was identified using literature databases. A pre-meeting survey was conducted to determine the current practices and challenges in Southeast Asia. Based on the literature review and clinical experience, experts defined the topics, and an online meeting was held on 13th July 2021. During the meeting, nine experts from Southeast Asia provided evidence-based opinion on the vitamins and minerals supplementation, education, and self-care need during preconception, pregnancy, and lactation stages. The expert opinions underpin maternal malnutrition as a prevalent issue and discuss appropriate interventions and prevention strategies for women in Southeast Asia. The recent pandemic further impacted nutrition status, pregnancy, and neonatal health outcomes. The expert panel emphasized a need to improve existing inadequacies in education, self-care, and social support, and discussed the role of policymakers in addressing the barriers to dietary changes. As inadequacies in regular vitamins and minerals supplementation, education, and self-care for women of reproductive age implicate maternal and child health outcomes, there is an urgent need for addressing malnutrition concerns in this population. Thus, a strong partnership between policymakers, healthcare professionals, and other relevant sectors is required.
  14. Idris S, Jamaludin A, Nazar R, Pop I
    Heliyon, 2023 May;9(5):e15907.
    PMID: 37223714 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15907
    Hybrid ferrofluid is a unique heat transfer fluid because it can be magnetically controlled and ideal in various applications. Further exploration to unleash its potential through studying heat transfer and boundary layer flow is crucial, especially in solving the thermal efficiency problem. Hence, this research focuses on the numerical examination of flow behaviour and heat transfer attributes of magnetized hybrid ferrofluid Fe3O4-CoFe2O4/water across a permeable moving surface considering the mutual effects of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD), viscous dissipation, and suction/injection. The problem was represented by the Tiwari and Das model with duo magnetic nanoparticle hybridization; magnetite Fe3O4 and cobalt ferrite CoFe2O4 immersed in water. The governing equations were transformed into ordinary differential equations using appropriate similarity variables and solved with bvp4c MATLAB. A dual solution is obtained, and via stability analysis, the first solution is stable and physically reliable. The significant influence of governing effects on the temperature and velocity profiles, the local skin friction coefficient and the local Nusselt number are analyzed and visually shown. The surge-up value of suction and CoFe2O4 ferroparticle volume concentration enhances the local skin friction coefficient and heat transfer rate. Additionally, the magnetic parameter and Eckert number reduced the heat transfer. Using a 1% volume fraction of Fe3O4 and CoFe2O4; the hybrid ferrofluid's convective heat transfer rate was shown to be superior to mono-ferrofluid and water by enhancing 2.75% and 6.91%, respectively. This present study also suggests implying a greater volume concentration of CoFe2O4 and lessening the magnetic intensity to maintain the laminar flow phase.
  15. Rahardiyan D, Moko EM, Tan JS, Lee CK
    Enzyme Microb Technol, 2023 Aug;168:110260.
    PMID: 37224591 DOI: 10.1016/j.enzmictec.2023.110260
    Plastic throughout the years is now one of the biggest world commodities and also the largest pollution to have an environmental impact, accumulating in landfills and also leaching into water systems and oceans. Especially with the shift to single-use disposable plastic, evermore positions plastics as the number one novel entity that pollutes the earth. This shift is also consistent in the food packaging industry. Managing plastic waste is still an issue at large, while the process of pyrolysis incineration still requires an obscene amount of energy that also does not resolve the problems with its environmental impact, the cost of mechanical-chemical degradation even outweighs the cost of producing the materials, and biodegradation process is a very slow and long process. Converting to bioplastics is one of the potential solutions to the global plastic issue. This review covers the potentials, limitations, challenges, progress and advancements of bioplastics, especially thermoplastic starch (starch-based bioplastic) in their efforts to replace petroleum plastics in food packaging and smart food packaging, especially for single-use (disposable) food packaging.
    MeSH terms: Biodegradation, Environmental; Plastics*; Starch; Food Packaging*
  16. En ETS, Ismail N, Nasir NSM, Ismadi YKM, Zuraina NMNN, Hassan SA
    J Infect Public Health, 2023 Jul;16(7):1089-1092.
    PMID: 37224619 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2023.05.015
    Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (hvKp) is an emerging pathotype in addition to classical Klebsiella pneumoniae, with its ability to cause life-threatening, community-acquired metastatic infections even in healthy individuals. We presented a case of cerebral abscess preceded by otitis media in a 10-year-old child caused by hvKp. The isolates from blood pus aspirate were later identified as K. pneumoniae capsular serotype K2 and closely related to sequence type (ST65), with multiple hypervirulent genes detected (rmpA, rmpA2, iucA and peg344). She succumbed to death despite surgical drainage and susceptible antibiotic therapy. Clinicians should be cognizant of the rising incidence of hvKp infections in pediatric populations.
    MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use; Brain Abscess*; Child; Female; Humans; Klebsiella pneumoniae; Virulence/genetics; Fatal Outcome; Serogroup
  17. El Omari N, Lee LH, Bakrim S, Makeen HA, Alhazmi HA, Mohan S, et al.
    Biomed Pharmacother, 2023 Aug;164:114774.
    PMID: 37224749 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114774
    Romidepsin, also known as NSC630176, FR901228, FK-228, FR-901228, depsipeptide, or Istodax®, is a natural molecule produced by the Chromobacterium violaceum bacterium that has been approved for its anti-cancer effect. This compound is a selective histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, which modifies histones and epigenetic pathways. An imbalance between HDAC and histone acetyltransferase can lead to the down-regulation of regulatory genes, resulting in tumorigenesis. Inhibition of HDACs by romidepsin indirectly contributes to the anticancer therapeutic effect by causing the accumulation of acetylated histones, restoring normal gene expression in cancer cells, and promoting alternative pathways, including the immune response, p53/p21 signaling cascades, cleaved caspases, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), and other events. Secondary pathways mediate the therapeutic action of romidepsin by disrupting the endoplasmic reticulum and proteasome and/or aggresome, arresting the cell cycle, inducing intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis, inhibiting angiogenesis, and modifying the tumor microenvironment. This review aimed to highlight the specific molecular mechanisms responsible for HDAC inhibition by romidepsin. A more detailed understanding of these mechanisms can significantly improve the understanding of cancer cell disorders and pave the way for new therapeutic approaches using targeted therapy.
    MeSH terms: Histone Deacetylases/metabolism; Histones/metabolism; Humans; Apoptosis; Cell Line, Tumor; Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors/pharmacology; Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors/therapeutic use; Tumor Microenvironment
  18. El Omari N, Bakrim S, Khalid A, Abdalla AN, Almalki WH, Lee LH, et al.
    Biomed Pharmacother, 2023 Aug;164:114886.
    PMID: 37224752 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114886
    Panobinostat, also known as Farydak®, LBH589, PNB, or panobinostat lactate, is a hydroxamic acid that has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its anti-cancer properties. This orally bioavailable drug is classified as a non-selective histone deacetylase inhibitor (pan-HDACi) that inhibits class I, II, and IV HDACs at nanomolar levels due to its significant histone modifications and epigenetic mechanisms. A mismatch between histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and HDACs can negatively affect the regulation of the genes concerned, which in turn can contribute to tumorigenesis. Indeed, panobinostat inhibits HDACs, potentially leading to acetylated histone accumulation, re-establishing normal gene expression in cancer cells, and helping to drive multiple signaling pathways. These pathways include induction of histone acetylation and cytotoxicity for the majority of tested cancer cell lines, increased levels of p21 cell cycle proteins, enhanced amounts of pro-apoptotic factors (such as caspase-3/7 activity and cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP)) associated with decreased levels of anti-apoptotic factors [B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and B-cell lymphoma-extra-large (Bcl-XL)], as well as regulation of immune response [upregulated programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and interferon gamma receptor 1 (IFN-γR1) expression] and other events. The therapeutic outcome of panobinostat is therefore mediated by sub-pathways involving proteasome and/or aggresome degradation, endoplasmic reticulum, cell cycle arrest, promotion of extrinsic and intrinsic processes of apoptosis, tumor microenvironment remodeling, and angiogenesis inhibition. In this investigation, we aimed to pinpoint the precise molecular mechanism underlying panobinostat's HDAC inhibitory effect. A more thorough understanding of these mechanisms will greatly advance our knowledge of cancer cell aberrations and, as a result, provide an opportunity for the discovery of significant new therapeutic perspectives through cancer therapeutics.
    MeSH terms: Histones/metabolism; Humans; United States; Treatment Outcome; Apoptosis; Epigenesis, Genetic; Tumor Microenvironment
  19. Hamza Hermis A, Tehrany PM, Hosseini SJ, Firooz M, Hosseini SR, Jamshidbeigi A, et al.
    Int Wound J, 2023 Nov;20(9):3855-3870.
    PMID: 37224877 DOI: 10.1111/iwj.14236
    Non-accidental burns (NABs) in children had some adverse effects, such as severe burns, requiring skin grafting, and mortality. Previous studies reported NABs in the form of neglect, suspected abuse, and child abuse. Also, different statistics were estimated for the prevalence of NABs in children. Therefore, the current study aimed to comprehensively review and summarise the literature on the prevalence of NABs in children. Also, factors related to NABs as a secondary aim were considered in this review. Keywords combined using Boolean operators and searches were performed in international electronic databases, such as Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science. Only studies in English were considered from the earliest to 1 March 2023. The analysis was performed using STATA software version 14. Finally, 29 articles were retrieved for the quantitative analysis. Results found that the prevalence of child abuse, suspected abuse, neglect, 'child abuse or suspect abused', and 'abuse, suspect abused, or neglect' was 6% (ES: 0.06, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.05-0.07), 12% (ES: 0.12, 95% CI: 0.09-0.15), 21% (ES: 0.21, 95% CI: 0.07-0.35), 8% (ES: 0.08, 95% CI: 0.07-0.09), and 15% (ES: 0.15, 95% CI: 0.13-0.16) among burns victims, respectively. Also, factors related to NABs are categorised into age and gender, agent and area of burns, and family features. Considering the results of the current study, planning for rapid diagnosis and designing a process to manage NABs in children is necessary.
    MeSH terms: Child; Humans; Prevalence
  20. Balakumar P, Venkatesan K, Abdulla Khan N, Raghavendra NM, Venugopal V, Bharathi DR, et al.
    Drug Discov Today, 2023 Jul;28(7):103627.
    PMID: 37224995 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103627
    The past couple of decades in particular have seen a rapid increase in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), a debilitating metabolic disorder characterised by insulin resistance. The insufficient efficacy of current management strategies for insulin resistance calls for additional therapeutic options. The preponderance of evidence suggests potential beneficial effects of curcumin on insulin resistance, while modern science provides a scientific basis for its potential applications against the disease. Curcumin combats insulin resistance by increasing the levels of circulating irisin and adiponectin, activating PPARγ, suppressing Notch1 signalling, and regulating SREBP target genes, among others. In this review, we bring together the diverse areas pertaining to our current understanding of the potential benefits of curcumin on insulin resistance, associated mechanistic insights, and new therapeutic possibilities.
    MeSH terms: Humans; Insulin; PPAR gamma/therapeutic use; Adiponectin
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