Browse publications by year: 2024

  1. Taha BA, Addie AJ, Kadhim AC, Azzahran AS, Haider AJ, Chaudhary V, et al.
    Mikrochim Acta, 2024 Apr 08;191(5):250.
    PMID: 38587660 DOI: 10.1007/s00604-024-06314-3
    Rapid technological advancements have created opportunities for new solutions in various industries, including healthcare. One exciting new direction in this field of innovation is the combination of skin-based technologies and augmented reality (AR). These dermatological devices allow for the continuous and non-invasive measurement of vital signs and biomarkers, enabling the real-time diagnosis of anomalies, which have applications in telemedicine, oncology, dermatology, and early diagnostics. Despite its many potential benefits, there is a substantial information vacuum regarding using flexible photonics in conjunction with augmented reality for medical purposes. This review explores the current state of dermal augmented reality and flexible optics in skin-conforming sensing platforms by examining the obstacles faced thus far, including technical hurdles, demanding clinical validation standards, and problems with user acceptance. Our main areas of interest are skills, chiroptical properties, and health platform applications, such as optogenetic pixels, spectroscopic imagers, and optical biosensors. My skin-enhanced spherical dichroism and powerful spherically polarized light enable thorough physical inspection with these augmented reality devices: diabetic tracking, skin cancer diagnosis, and cardiovascular illness: preventative medicine, namely blood pressure screening. We demonstrate how to accomplish early prevention using case studies and emergency detection. Finally, it addresses real-world obstacles that hinder fully realizing these materials' extraordinary potential in advancing proactive and preventative personalized medicine, including technical constraints, clinical validation gaps, and barriers to widespread adoption.
    MeSH terms: Delivery of Health Care; Electronics; Skin; Precision Medicine
  2. Mohd Nawawi NAA, Othman EA, Mohd Nasir F, Abdullah KA, Baharudin MN
    J Ethn Subst Abuse, 2024 Apr 08.
    PMID: 38588590 DOI: 10.1080/15332640.2024.2336495
    Drug addiction remains one of the most complex social problems worldwide that has yet to be resolved. In Malaysia, abuse of various types of drugs has been reported which warrants the government to take immediate strategies in managing drug addicts. Despite implementing various strategies to treat drug addiction, statistics show the number of relapses continues to skyrocket over the years. This calls for urgent attention to improve the effectiveness of substance abuse treatment services in Malaysia. Moreover, emerging evidence shows a change in trend in the type of drug being abused. This factor could potentially contribute to the ineffectiveness of the strategies employed in the treatment of substance abuse. Therefore, this review provides an overview of the major types of drugs commonly abused in Malaysia. Additionally, in an effort to search for ways to improve the effectiveness of substance abuse treatment services, we identified the public institutions responsible for managing drug addicts in Malaysia and discussed the therapeutic programs offered at the institutions. Review findings support the need for future research on the effectiveness of these therapeutic programs and recommend the implementation of evidence-based programs to improve the effectiveness of substance abuse treatments in Malaysia.
  3. Miller V, Jenkins DA, Dehghan M, Srichaikul K, Rangarajan S, Mente A, et al.
    Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol, 2024 May;12(5):330-338.
    PMID: 38588684 DOI: 10.1016/S2213-8587(24)00069-X
    BACKGROUND: The association between the glycaemic index and the glycaemic load with type 2 diabetes incidence is controversial. We aimed to evaluate this association in an international cohort with diverse glycaemic index and glycaemic load diets.

    METHODS: The PURE study is a prospective cohort study of 127 594 adults aged 35-70 years from 20 high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries. Diet was assessed at baseline using country-specific validated food frequency questionnaires. The glycaemic index and the glycaemic load were estimated on the basis of the intake of seven categories of carbohydrate-containing foods. Participants were categorised into quintiles of glycaemic index and glycaemic load. The primary outcome was incident type 2 diabetes. Multivariable Cox Frailty models with random intercepts for study centre were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs).

    FINDINGS: During a median follow-up of 11·8 years (IQR 9·0-13·0), 7326 (5·7%) incident cases of type 2 diabetes occurred. In multivariable adjusted analyses, a diet with a higher glycaemic index was significantly associated with a higher risk of diabetes (quintile 5 vs quintile 1; HR 1·15 [95% CI 1·03-1·29]). Participants in the highest quintile of the glycaemic load had a higher risk of incident type 2 diabetes compared with those in the lowest quintile (HR 1·21, 95% CI 1·06-1·37). The glycaemic index was more strongly associated with diabetes among individuals with a higher BMI (quintile 5 vs quintile 1; HR 1·23 [95% CI 1·08-1·41]) than those with a lower BMI (quintile 5 vs quintile 1; 1·10 [0·87-1·39]; p interaction=0·030).

    INTERPRETATION: Diets with a high glycaemic index and a high glycaemic load were associated with a higher risk of incident type 2 diabetes in a multinational cohort spanning five continents. Our findings suggest that consuming low glycaemic index and low glycaemic load diets might prevent the development of type 2 diabetes.

    FUNDING: Full funding sources are listed at the end of the Article.

    MeSH terms: Glycemic Load*; Adult; Aged; Blood Glucose/analysis; Diet; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Prospective Studies; Risk Factors; Cohort Studies; Incidence
  4. Basri NI
    BMJ Case Rep, 2024 Apr 08;17(4).
    PMID: 38589245 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2024-259938
    Listeriosis is a rare foodborne infection caused by Listeria monocytogenes It has been reported to be commonly found among the obstetric population, immunocompromised group and elderly, presumably due to the lower immunity status in these populations. Presentation in pregnancy is usually non-specific like fever, diarrhoea, respiratory tract symptoms and preterm rupture of membrane. These make the diagnosis challenging and may delay the correct management. We present a case of a female in her early 40s, gravida 4 para 0+3 at 27 weeks who presented with fever. She later developed preterm rupture of membrane 24 hours after admission. The leaking of liquor later changed from clear to meconium stained raising the suspicion of listeria chorioamnionitis, necessitating an emergency preterm delivery via caesarean section. The newborn acquired listeria infection and required ventilation support. He subsequently was discharged from neonatal unit after nearly 3 months of life.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Cesarean Section; Female; Fever/complications; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Listeria monocytogenes*; Male; Pregnancy; Premature Birth*
  5. Wan Puteh SE, Razali H, Ismail A, Zulkifli M
    Sci Rep, 2024 Apr 08;14(1):8152.
    PMID: 38589488 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58844-8
    The EQ-5D is a common generic tool used in clinical trials and economic evaluations to evaluate the health-related quality of life as a proxy of health outcomes. To date, studies using EQ-5D-5L to evaluate the health status of cancer patients remain scarce in Malaysia. In this study, EQ-5D-5L dimensions, EQ-5D-5L index, and EQ-VAS scores were applied to assess the health status of Malaysian cancer patients. A cross-sectional study was conducted March-December 2022 to collect data relevant to the EQ-5D-5L valuation of health status via the Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) platform. Respondents rated their health states using EQ-5D-5L and EQ-VAS. Among the 235 respondents, the mean EQ-5D-5L index and EQ-VAS score were 0.76 (SD 0.223) and 81.06 (SD 16.36). Most of the patients reported some problems in the pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression dimensions. The level of education, stage of cancer, and comorbidity were significantly associated with better health status on EQ-5D-5L (p 
    MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies; Health Status; Humans; Malaysia/epidemiology; Quality of Life*; Surveys and Questionnaires; Self Report
  6. Say YH, Nordin MS, Ng ALO
    BMC Psychol, 2024 Apr 08;12(1):193.
    PMID: 38589962 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-024-01680-2
    BACKGROUND: We assessed the association of hedonic hunger, self-control (impulsivity and restraint), cognitive distortion (CD), and well-being with adiposity measures such as waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), body mass index (BMI), total body fat (TBF), subcutaneous fat (SF), visceral fat level (VFL), skeletal muscle percentage (SM), and resting metabolism (RM), among a sample of urban Malaysian adults at Sunway University and Sunway College, Selangor, Malaysia.

    METHODS: Among 186 participants (M/F = 51/135; aged 22.1 ± 5.0), psychometrics were assessed using Power of Food Scale (PFS), Brief Self-Control Scale, CD Questionnaire (CD-Quest), and WHO-5 Well-being Index. Blood pressures, anthropometrics and body compositions were also measured using standard methods and bioimpedance.

    RESULTS: Men had significantly higher well-being, but lower overall self-control, impulsivity and Food Available hedonic hunger. Those with moderate/severe CD had higher odds ratio (OR) of having high central adiposity, compared with those with absent/slight CD (OR: 2.52;95% CI: 1.14, 5.61; p = 0.023 for WC and OR: 2.50; 95% CI: 1.19, 5.23; p = 0.015 for WHR). Higher CD and PFS scores were strongly significantly correlated with higher systolic blood pressure (SBP), WC, WHR, WHtR, BMI, TBF, SF, VFL and RM. Lower self-control was weakly correlated with higher WC, while lower impulsivity and restraint were weakly correlated with higher VFL. Those who were overweight, obese, and in high TBF class had significantly higher PFS Aggregate Factor scores. Food Available and Food Present scores, but not Food Tasted, were also significantly higher among overweight participants.

    CONCLUSIONS: Higher hedonic hunger and CD were associated with higher SBP and all adiposity measures. Overweight participants had higher hedonic hunger in the context of ready availability and physical presence of highly palatable foods. Lower self-control was weakly correlated with higher central adiposity; lower impulsivity and restraint were weakly correlated with higher visceral adiposity. These findings have provided some insights into the cognitive factors underlying adiposity.

    MeSH terms: Adult; Cognition; Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Hunger; Male; Obesity/complications; Risk Factors
  7. Huang X, Tey NP, Lai SL
    Asia Pac J Public Health, 2024 May;36(4):352-357.
    PMID: 38590147 DOI: 10.1177/10105395241244960
    China's aging population has witnessed a surge in widowed older adults, raising concerns about their mental health. Losing a spouse is a profoundly distressing experience with enduring effects on well-being. Despite the proverbial belief in time's healing power, existing studies often neglect the potential decline in depressive symptoms during widowhood. Drawing data from the 2015 and 2018 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, this study delved into the impact of widowhood duration on depression among 8370 older adults and uncovered significantly higher depression scores among widowed individuals, particularly in the initial three years. This study revealed that widowhood contributes to heightened depression levels even after accounting for sociodemographic factors. Although the depressive impact lessens over time, it persists beyond three years, underscoring the need for heightened awareness and support for this vulnerable population.
    MeSH terms: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; China; Female; Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Middle Aged; Time Factors
  8. Mohd Nasir S, Ismail AF, Tuan Ismail TS, Wan Abdul Rahman WF, Wan Ahmad WAN, Tengku Din TADA, et al.
    World J Exp Med, 2024 Mar 20;14(1):91271.
    PMID: 38590306 DOI: 10.5493/wjem.v14.i1.91271
    BACKGROUND: Diabetes is known damage the liver and kidney, leading to hepatic dysfunction and kidney failure. Honey is believed to help in lowering the blood glucose levels of diabetic patients and reducing diabetic complications. However, the effect of stingless bee honey (SBH) administration in relieving liver and kidney damage in diabetes has not been well-studied.

    AIM: To investigate the effect of SBH administration on the kidney and liver of streptozotocin-induced (STZ; 55 mg/kg) diabetic Sprague Dawley rats.

    METHODS: The rats were grouped as follows (n = 6 per group): non-diabetic (ND), untreated diabetic (UNT), metformin-treated (MET), and SBH+metformin-treated (SBME) groups. After successful diabetic induction, ND and UNT rats were given normal saline, whereas the treatment groups received SBH (2.0 g/kg and/or metformin (250 mg/kg) for 12 d. Serum biochemical parameters and histological changes using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining were evaluated.

    RESULTS: On H&E and PAS staining, the ND group showed normal architecture and cellularity of Bowman's capsule and tubules, whereas the UNT and MET groups had an increased glomerular cellularity and thickened basement membrane. The SBH-treated group showed a decrease in hydropic changes and mild cellularity of the glomerulus vs the ND group based on H&E staining, but the two were similar on PAS staining. Likewise, the SBME-treated group had an increase in cellularity of the glomerulus on H&E staining, but it was comparable to the SBH and ND groups on PAS staining. UNT diabetic rats had tubular hydropic tubules, which were smaller than other groups. Reduced fatty vacuole formation and dilated blood sinusoids in liver tissue were seen in the SBH group. Conversely, the UNT group had high glucose levels, which subsequently increased MDA levels, ultimately leading to liver damage. SBH treatment reduced this damage, as evidenced by having the lowest fasting glucose, serum alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase levels compared to other groups, although the levels of liver enzymes were not statistically significant.

    CONCLUSION: The cellularity of the Bowman's capsule, as well as histological alteration of kidney tubules, glomerular membranes, and liver tissues in diabetic rats after oral SBH resembled those of ND rats. Therefore, SBH exhibited a protective hepatorenal effect in a diabetic rat model.

  9. Parameswaran J, Abd Ghani N, M Yunus NB, Bt Hasanudin N
    Toxicol Rep, 2024 Jun;12:414-421.
    PMID: 38590341 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2024.03.014
    An acute toxicity study assessed the LC50 values for eight different amino acid ionic liquids (AAILs), featuring two cations, tetrabutylphosphonium [P4444] and tetrabutylammonium [N4444], coupled with four anions [PHE], [ASP], [SER], and [GLY]. According to the OECD 203 standard for acute fish toxicity tests with guppy fish (Poecilia reticulata, all the AAILs exhibited low toxicity levels, and were practically nontoxic and harmless. The LC50 values surpassed 100 mg/L and 1000 mg/L. This study provides valuable insights for industrial professionals in utilizing tetrabutylphosphonium-based amino acid ionic liquids [P4444] [AA] and tetrabutylammonium-based amino acid ionic liquids [N4444][AA] in chemical processes, indicating their safety in aquatic environments. These promising results highlight the potential of incorporating these AAILs into diverse chemical processes while ensuring minimal ecological impact.
  10. Galloway I, Roehr CC, Tan K
    Transl Pediatr, 2024 Mar 27;13(3):459-473.
    PMID: 38590374 DOI: 10.21037/tp-23-468
    BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The morbidity and mortality of infants born extremely preterm varies substantially across networks, within countries and throughout the globe. Most of the literature tends to focus on the management at birth and choices around active resuscitation of extremely preterm infants. Withdrawal and withholding of life sustaining treatment (WWLST) is an important and central process in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and practices vary substantially. As such, our objective in this review was to explore whether end of life decisions also contribute to variations in the morbidity and mortality of periviable infants.

    METHODS: This narrative literature review is based on studies from the last 15 years found using several searches of medical databases (OVID Medline, Scopus and Cochrane Systematic Reviews) performed between March 2021 and December 2023.

    KEY CONTENT AND FINDINGS: Just as outcomes in periviable infants vary, the rates of and processes behind WWLST differ in the periviable population. Variation increases as gestational age decreases. Parental involvement is crucial to share decision making but the circumstances and rates of parental involvement differ. Strict guidelines in end-of-life care may not be appropriate, however there is a need for more targeted guidance for periviable infants as a specific population. The current literature available relating to periviable infants or WWLST is minimal, with many datasets rapidly becoming outdated.

    CONCLUSIONS: Further research is needed to establish the role of WWLST in variation of periviable infants' outcomes. The unification of data, acquisition of more recent datasets and inclusion of variables relating to end-of-life decisions in data collection will aid in this process.

  11. Ali F, Zeb M, Amin M, Rajpar MN, Hidayat S, Khan WR
    Saudi J Biol Sci, 2024 May;31(5):103983.
    PMID: 38590389 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2024.103983
    Himalayan 'Ecotone' temperate conifer forest is the cradle of life for human survival and wildlife existence. In spite of the importance of these areas, they have not been studied in depth. This study aimed to quantify the floristic structure, important value index (IVI), topographic and edaphic variables between 2019 and 2020 utilizing circular quadrant method (10 m x 10 m). The upper-storey layer consisted of 17 tree species belongs to 12 families and 9 orders. Middle-storey shrubs comprised of 23 species representing 14 families and 12 orders. A total of 43 species of herbs, grasses, and ferns were identified from the ground-storey layer, representing 25 families and 21 orders. Upper-storey vegetation structure was dominated by Pinus roxburghii (22.45 %) and middle-storey by Dodonaea viscosa (7.69 %). However, the ground layer vegetation was diverse in species composition (43 species) and distribution. The floral vegetation structure was encompassing of three floral communities which were diverse in IVI, such as, in Piro-Aial (Group 2), Pinus roxburghii (54.46 x 15.94) had the highest IVI value, followed by Pinus wallichiana (45.21 x 14.85) in Piwa-Quin (Group 3) and Ailanthus altissima (22.84 x 19.25) in Aial-Qugal (Group 1). However, the IVI values for Aesculus indica, Celtis australis, and Quercus incana in Aial-Qugal (Group 1) were not determined due to low detection rate. Nevertheless, eleven of these species showed 0 IVI values in Piro-Aial (Group 2) and Piwa-Quin (Group 3). CCA ordination biplot illustrated the significant differences among floral communities and its distribution, which impacted by temperature, rainfall, soil pH, altitude, and topographic features. Ward's agglomerative clustering finding reflected 'Ecotone' temperate conifer forest is rich and diverse floristic structure.
  12. Majumder MAA, Bharatha A, Kumar S, Chatterjee M, Gupta S, Harewood H, et al.
    PeerJ, 2024;12:e17083.
    PMID: 38590705 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17083
    Studies focusing on the safety and common side effects of vaccines play a crucial role in enhancing public acceptance of vaccination. Research is scarce regarding the usage of COVID-19 vaccines and the side effects experienced by health professions students in India and other countries. This study aimed to document self-reported side effects associated with COVID-19 vaccination among medical and dental students of six medical and dental colleges and teaching hospitals in four states (Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and West Bengal) of India. A cross-sectional survey using purposive sampling of medical and dental students was conducted from 26 April to 26 May 2021. Data was collected using a Google Forms questionnaire capturing information regarding receiving COVID-19 vaccines, side effects and symptoms, onset and duration of symptoms, use of treatment to alleviate symptoms, awareness of haematologic risks associated with vaccination, and side effects from previous (non-COVID-19) vaccinations. The majority (94.5%) of participants received both doses of the Covishield/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. Among participants (n = 492), 45.3% (n = 223) reported one or more side effects. The most frequently reported side effects were soreness of the injected arm (80.3%), tiredness (78.5%), fever (71.3%), headache (64.1%), and hypersomnia (58.7%). The two most common severe symptoms were fever (14.8%) and headache (13%). Most side effects appeared on the day of vaccination: soreness of the injection site (57%), fever (43.1%), and tiredness (42.6%). Most reported symptoms persisted for one to three days-soreness of the injection site (53%), fever (47.1%), and headache (42.6%). Logistic regression showed that women were almost 85% less likely to report side effects. The study's findings corroborate the safety of the Covishield/AstraZeneca vaccine's first dose, evidenced by the relatively minor and transient nature of the side effects. However, the study underscores the necessity for ongoing research to assess the long-term impacts of COVID-19 vaccines, especially in the context of booster doses, thereby contributing to the global understanding of vaccine safety and efficacy.
    MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies; Fatigue; Female; Fever; Headache; Health Occupations; Humans; India/epidemiology; Male; Pain; Students, Health Occupations*; Self Report
  13. Kusamoto A, Harada M, Minemura A, Matsumoto A, Oka K, Takahashi M, et al.
    Front Cell Dev Biol, 2024;12:1365624.
    PMID: 38590777 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1365624
    The gut microbiome is implicated in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and prenatal androgen exposure is involved in the development of PCOS in later life. Our previous study of a mouse model of PCOS induced by prenatal dihydrotestosterone (DHT) exposure showed that the reproductive phenotype of PCOS appears from puberty, followed by the appearance of the metabolic phenotype after young adulthood, while changes in the gut microbiota was already apparent before puberty. To determine whether the prenatal or postnatal nurturing environment primarily contributes to these changes that characterize prenatally androgenized (PNA) offspring, we used a cross-fostering model to evaluate the effects of changes in the postnatal early-life environment of PNA offspring on the development of PCOS-like phenotypes and alterations in the gut microbiota in later life. Female PNA offspring fostered by normal dams (exposed to an abnormal prenatal environment only, fostered PNA) exhibited less marked PCOS-like phenotypes than PNA offspring, especially with respect to the metabolic phenotype. The gut microbiota of the fostered PNA offspring was similar to that of controls before adolescence, but differences between the fostered PNA and control groups became apparent after young adulthood. In conclusion, both prenatal androgen exposure and the postnatal early-life environment created by the DHT injection of mothers contribute to the development of PCOS-like phenotypes and the alterations in the gut microbiota that characterize PNA offspring. Thus, both the pre- and postnatal environments represent targets for the prevention of PCOS and the associated alteration in the gut microbiota in later life.
  14. Elangovan N, Arumugam N, Almansour AI, Mathew S, Djearamane S, Wong LS, et al.
    Heliyon, 2024 Apr 15;10(7):e28623.
    PMID: 38590870 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28623
    The (E)-4-((4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-5-nitrobenzylidene) amino) pyrimidin-2(1H)-one (C5NV) was synthesized from cytosine and 5-nitrovanilline by simple straightforward condensation reaction. The structural characteristics of the compound was determined and optimized by WB97XD/cc-pVDZ basis set. The vibrational frequencies were computed and subsequently compared to the experimental frequencies. We investiated the electronic properties of the synthesized compound in gas and solvent phases using the time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) approach, and compared them to experimental values. The fluorescence study showed three different wavelengths indicating the nature of the optical material properties. Frontier molecular orbital (FMO) and molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) analyses were conducted for the title compound, and electron localized functions (ELF) and localized orbital locators (LOL) were used to identify the orbital positions of localized and delocalized atoms. Non-covalent interactions (H-bond interactions) were investigated using reduced density gradients (RDGs). The objective of the study was to determine the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the C5NV. The molecular docking study was conducted between C5NV and 2XNF protein, its lowest binding energy score is -7.92 kcal/mol.
  15. Zeng N, Gao W, Chen Z, Chong JY, Lee SY, Xu G
    Mitochondrial DNA B Resour, 2024;9(4):465-469.
    PMID: 38591052 DOI: 10.1080/23802359.2024.2316069
    Strobilanthes dalzielii of Acanthaceae is an herb species with potentially extensive applications for its pharmaceutical and ornamental values. Due to taxonomic complications and limited genetic information, the structural characteristics, and phylogenetic relationships of the S. dalzielii chloroplast genome were assembled and characterized here for the first time. The complete chloroplast genome of S. dalzielii was 144,580 bp in length. The genome is quadripartite in structure and consists of a large single-copy region (92,137 bp) and a small single-copy region (17,669 bp), which are separated by a pair of inverted repeats (each 17,387 bp). A total of 125 genes were annotated, including 80 protein-coding, 37 transfer RNA, and eight ribosomal RNA genes. The overall GC content was 36.4%. Phylogenetic analysis based on the complete chloroplast genome sequence of 21 taxa within the tribe Ruellieae of Acanthaceae using the maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference methods revealed that Strobilanthes diverged after Ruellia; S. dalzielii is closely related to S. tonkinensis. The genomic data obtained from this study will serve as valuable information to the species delimitation and genetic classification of Strobilanthes.
  16. Azzman N, Anwar S, Syazani Mohamed WA, Ahemad N
    Curr Top Med Chem, 2024;24(13):1134-1157.
    PMID: 38591202 DOI: 10.2174/0115680266300736240403075307
    Quinolone is a heterocyclic compound containing carbonyl at the C-2 or C-4 positions with nitrogen at the C-1 position. The scaffold was first identified for its antibacterial properties, and the derivatives were known to possess many pharmacological activities, including anticancer. In this review, the quinolin-2(H)-one and quinolin-4(H)-one derivatives were identified to inhibit several various proteins and enzymes involved in cancer cell growth, such as topoisomerase, microtubules, protein kinases, phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3K) and histone deacetylase (HDAC). Hybrids of quinolone with curcumin or chalcone, 2-phenylpyrroloquinolin-4-one and 4-quinolone derivatives have demonstrated strong potency against cancer cell lines. Additionally, quinolones have been explored as inhibitors of protein kinases, including EGFR and VEGFR. Therefore, this review aims to consolidate the medicinal chemistry of quinolone derivatives in the pipeline and discuss their similarities in terms of their pharmacokinetic profiles and potential target sites to provide an understanding of the structural requirements of anticancer quinolones.
    MeSH terms: Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; Humans; Neoplasms/drug therapy; Neoplasms/pathology; Molecular Structure; Cell Proliferation/drug effects
  17. Javed S, Mohamed M, Altaf B, Ghazali WSW
    J Pak Med Assoc, 2024 Mar;74(3):534-543.
    PMID: 38591293 DOI: 10.47391/JPMA.9977
    OBJECTIVE: To review the association of surfactant protein-D with type 2 diabetes mellitus, infections, oxidative stress and inflammation, and the changes in oxidative stress markers in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

    METHODS: The systematic review was conducted from April to September 2022, and comprised search on PubMed, Web of Sciences, Scopus, Science Direct and Google Scholar databases for relevant studies published in English language between January 1, 2000, and June 30, 2022. The search was updated in September 2022. After transferring literature to Mendeley, relevant data was extracted from the included studies. Quality assessment for eligible studies was done using Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist. Quality of evidences was assessed by using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation tool.

    RESULTS: Of the 203 studies identified, 18(8.9%) were analysed; 16(89%) with humans and 2(11%) with animals as subjects There were 5 (31.25%) studies for SP-D, of which 4 (80%) studies reported lower surfactant protein-D in type 2 diabetes mellitus cases than controls. Its significant negative association with glycated haemoglobin was reported by 1(20%) study and 2(40%) studies with fasting blood glucose levels. Higher surfactant protein-D in type 2 diabetes mellitus cases and its positive association with glycated haemoglobin was reported by 1(20%) study. Recurrent infections were frequent in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Malondialdehyde level was higher and superoxide dismutase activity was lower in type 2 diabetes mellitus cases, reflecting oxidative stress. Animal studies also showed that reactive oxygen species generating from hypochlorous acid during oxidative stress promoted the formation of non-disulfide linkages in surfactant protein-D structure, resulting in its decreased functionality.

    CONCLUSION: Surfactant protein-D, oxidative stress, inflammation and infections were found to be linked to each other for pathogenesis of infections in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

    MeSH terms: Animals; Blood Glucose; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2*; Hemoglobin A, Glycosylated; Humans; Inflammation; Surface-Active Agents; Oxidative Stress; Pulmonary Surfactant-Associated Protein D
  18. Abdelhafez MMA, Ahmed KAM, Ahmed NAM, Ismail MH, Daud MNM, Eldiasty AME, et al.
    Afr J Reprod Health, 2024 Mar 31;28(3):122-129.
    PMID: 38583076 DOI: 10.29063/ajrh2024/v28i3.13
    Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) is known to increase the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), which includes deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and less frequently cerebral vein thrombosis, but the absolute risk for a given patient is very low. After starting MHT, the risk of VTE seems to be at its highest, declining to the non-HRT user baseline level of risk after stopping. Whether estrogen-only or estrogen-progestin HRT combination is linked to a similar risk of VTE is unclear from the available evidence. The aim of this study is to evaluate the risks of developing VTE in relation to different types as well as different modes of administration of MHT through a database search including PubMed, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, and others in order to provide the women carers with the up-to-date and evidence-based guidelines and recommendations while counseling the post-menopausal women enquiring on use of hormonal therapies either to alleviate the menopausal symptoms or to prevent the long-term sequelae of estrogen deficiency.
  19. Khan JS, Piozzi GN, Rouanet P, Saklani A, Ozben V, Neary P, et al.
    Eur J Surg Oncol, 2024 Jun;50(6):108308.
    PMID: 38583214 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejso.2024.108308
    BACKGROUND: Around 20% of rectal tumors are locally advanced with invasion into adjacent structures at presentation. These may require surgical resections beyond boundaries of total mesorectal excision (bTME) for radicality. Robotic bTME is under investigation. This study reports perioperative and oncological outcomes of robotic bTME for locally advanced rectal cancers.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multicentre, retrospective analysis of prospectively collected robotic bTME resections (July 2015-November 2020). Demographics, clinicopathological features, short-term outcomes, recurrences, and survival were investigated.

    RESULTS: One-hundred-sixty-eight patients (eight centres) were included. Median age and BMI were 60.0 (50.0-68.7) years and 24.0 (24.4-27.7) kg/m2. Female sex was prevalent (n = 95, 56.8%). Fifty patients (29.6%) were ASA III-IV. Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy was given to 125 (74.4%) patients. Median operative time was 314.0 (260.0-450.0) minutes. Median estimated blood loss was 150.0 (27.5-500.0) ml. Conversion to laparotomy was seen in 4.8%. Postoperative complications occurred in 77 (45.8%) patients; 27.3% and 3.9% were Clavien-Dindo III and IV, respectively. Thirty-day mortality was 1.2% (n = 2). R0 rate was 92.9%. Adjuvant chemotherapy was offered to 72 (42.9%) patients. Median follow-up was 34.0 (10.0-65.7) months. Distant and local recurrences were seen in 35 (20.8%) and 15 patients (8.9%), respectively. Overall survival (OS) at 1, 3, and 5-years was 91.7, 82.1, and 76.8%. Disease-free survival (DFS) at 1, 3, and 5-years was 84.0, 74.5, and 69.2%.

    CONCLUSION: Robotic bTME is technically safe with relatively low conversion rate, good OS, and acceptable DFS in the hands of experienced surgeons in high volume centres. In selected cases robotic approach allows for high R0 rates during bTME.

    MeSH terms: Aged; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/epidemiology; Postoperative Complications/epidemiology; Retrospective Studies; Survival Rate; Blood Loss, Surgical/statistics & numerical data; Treatment Outcome; Disease-Free Survival; Neoadjuvant Therapy; Chemoradiotherapy, Adjuvant; Operative Time*; Conversion to Open Surgery/statistics & numerical data; Robotic Surgical Procedures*
External Links