Browse publications by year: 2024

  1. Wang C, Yuan Y, Ji X
    BMC Public Health, 2024 Nov 14;24(1):3170.
    PMID: 39543547 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-20469-x
    BACKGROUND: The importance of physical education in higher education is widely recognized, as it improves not only exercise attitudes and motor skills but also physical fitness, social skills, and academic performance. However, physical education courses in Chinese colleges and universities face various constraints, such as a shortage of teachers, limited teaching methods, and insufficient resources, resulting in low student motor skills, negative attitudes toward sports, and low participation rates. This study explores the effectiveness of a blended learning model, which integrates traditional face-to-face instruction with online learning components, in improving university students' exercise attitudes and basketball skills.

    METHODS: The research was conducted in 2022 at Luoyang Normal University in China, utilizing a cluster randomized controlled trial (CRCT) with 78 healthy first-year university students. Participants were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (blended learning) or the control group (traditional learning), and the intervention lasted 16 weeks. Exercise attitudes were assessed via the Exercise Attitude Scale, whereas basketball skills were evaluated via set shot and half-court dribbling and shooting tests.

    RESULTS: Both instructional models improved students' exercise attitudes and basketball skills; however, the blended learning model demonstrated significantly superior outcomes. Effect sizes (d) ranging from 0.57 to 1.92 indicated that the experimental group showed greater improvements in behavior attitude, target attitude, behavior cognition, behavior intention, emotional experience, behavior control, and subjective standards. In basketball skills, the experimental group outperformed the control group in set shots (d = 0.56) and half-court dribbling and shooting (d = 0.46).

    CONCLUSION: Compared with traditional methods, blended learning significantly enhances university students' exercise attitudes and basketball skills. Future research should explore the long-term effects and underlying mechanisms of blended learning in physical education, involving larger and more diverse samples to validate these findings.

    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Attitude to Health*; China; Female; Humans; Learning; Male; Motor Skills*; Universities*; Young Adult
  2. Yosep I, Mardhiyah A, Hazmi H, Fitria N, Lukman M, Yamin A, et al.
    BMC Nurs, 2024 Nov 14;23(1):834.
    PMID: 39543631 DOI: 10.1186/s12912-024-02453-3
    BACKGROUND: Incidences of domestic violence against women are increasingly every years. Domestic violence has the negative impacts on physical problems, psychological problems, and can even cause death. Nurses have a role for providing interventions to reduce the impact of domestic violence on women.

    AIM: The purpose of this study is to explore methods of nursing interventions in reducing the traumatic effect of domestic violence among women.

    METHOD: This study used a scoping review method. The literature used in this study from CINAHL, PubMed, and Scopus databases. Search articles used the keywords domestic violence, impact, women, and victims. PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews are used for selecting articles. The inclusion criteria for the articles in this study were that the sample was female victims of sexual violence, randomized control trial or quasi-experimental research design, and last 10 years for publications period (2013-2022).

    RESULT: From three databases, we found 579 articles. After elimination-based inclusion and exclusion criteria, we found 10 articles discussing the effect of nursing interventions in reducing the impact of domestic violence on female victims. Most of the studies from USA and the range of respondents in the articles is 112-1250 respondents. The methods used in providing nursing interventions are classified into three, namely self-management programs, counseling programs, social support programs. The activities carried out in nursing interventions in the form of psychoeducation, relaxation, meditation, and also discussions about solving problems encountered. All articles show that nursing interventions are effective in reducing the impact of domestic violence on women.

    CONCLUSION: Nurses have an important role to provide comprehensive nursing care to victims of domestic violence by paying attention to various aspects, namely physical, psychological, and spiritual aspects to improve safety and comfort of patients.

    IMPLICATION FOR NURSING: This study is the basis for nurses to provide comprehensive nursing care to reduce the impact of domestic violence among women victims of domestic violence.

  3. Choi SJ, Choi S, Park S, Nam KC, Jang HJ, Kim JK, et al.
    BMC Health Serv Res, 2024 Nov 14;24(1):1402.
    PMID: 39543640 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-11885-1
    BACKGROUND: The reporting of adverse events in medical devices (MD) is a starting point of post-market surveillance and the most common source of initial safety signals. Because MD adverse events (AE) occur globally and involve high-profile international public health crises, international regulators implanted standard codes for MDAE reporting. This study aimed to assess the application of MDAE terminology and codes by providing examples of virtual events.

    METHODS: An online survey was conducted among participants of the MD Training Program for Regulatory Authorities which provide International Medical Device Regulators Forum (IMDRF) adverse event terminology and codes, and six virtual MDAE cases.

    RESULTS: All 29 of the 72 participants were regulators. In all cases, most participants selected the broad (level 1) codes rather than the detailed (level 2 or level 3) codes. While responders selected a variety of codes for all annexes in case 1, over 50% of responders selected the intended codes in case 6. The codes for cause investigation were chosen more frequently than other annexes for device problem, components, and health effect. No differences were observed in code selection amongst different stakeholders.

    CONCLUSIONS: We identified the diversification in terminology and code selection for reporting MDAEs.

    MeSH terms: Equipment and Supplies/adverse effects; Equipment and Supplies/standards; Equipment Safety/standards; Humans; Terminology as Topic; Surveys and Questionnaires
  4. Apalasamy YD, Awang H, Hairi NN, Tan CL, Mohamad M, Zainal Abidin AF
    Asia Pac J Public Health, 2024 Nov;36(8):797-800.
    PMID: 39543957 DOI: 10.1177/10105395241283131
  5. Basivi PK, Raman J, Tippana A, Kakani V, Kumar R, Rao PV, et al.
    Nat Prod Res, 2024 Nov 14.
    PMID: 39543990 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2024.2425804
    Drug-resistant microorganisms pose a significant threat to public health as they can undermine the effectiveness of existing antibiotics and other medications. Additionally, the formation of free radicals, can contribute to various health problems. Diospyros buxifolia (D. buxifolia) belonging to Ebenaceae family is a large tropical evergreen tree utilised in traditional medicine to cure several health ailments. The present study was set out to separate bioactive speciation of aqueous and methanolic extracts of stem and leaves from D. buxifolia by using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) followed by evaluation of its antimicrobial and antioxidant capabilities. GC-MS identified 14 different bioactive compounds, with four compounds common for both (leaf and stem) extracts. The methanolic extracts of leaf demonstrated significant antibacterial activity) while stem extracts exhibited notable antioxidant potential. Thus, D. buxifolia is proved source of natural antimicrobial and antioxidant agent, that could address the challenges posed by drug-resistant microorganisms and oxidative stress in global health.
  6. Kamaruzaman HF, Grieve E, Ku Abd Rahim KN, Izzuna M, Sit Wai L, Romli EZ, et al.
    Int J Technol Assess Health Care, 2024 Nov 15;40(1):e57.
    PMID: 39544076 DOI: 10.1017/S0266462324004665
    OBJECTIVES: Healthcare disinvestment requires multi-level decision-making, and early stakeholder engagement is essential to facilitate implementation and acceptance. This study aimed to explore the perceptions of Malaysian healthcare stakeholders to disinvestment initiatives as well as identify disinvestment activities in the country.

    METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted from February to March 2023 among Malaysian healthcare stakeholders involved in resource allocation and decision-making at various levels of governance. Response frequencies were analyzed descriptively and cross-tabulation was performed for specific questions to compare the responses of different groups of stakeholders. For free-text replies, content analysis was used with each verbatim response examined and assigned a theme.

    RESULTS: A total of 153 complete responses were analyzed and approximately 37 percent of participants had prior involvement in disinvestment initiatives. Clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness ranked as the most important criteria in assessment for disinvestment. Surprisingly, equity was rated the lowest priority despite its crucial role in healthcare decision-making. Almost 90 percent of the respondents concurred that a formal disinvestment framework is necessary and the importance of training for the program's successful implementation. Key obstacles to the adoption of disinvestment include insufficient stakeholder support and political will as well as a lack of expertise in executing the process.

    CONCLUSIONS: While disinvestment is perceived as a priority for efficient resource allocation in Malaysian healthcare, there is a lack of a systematic framework for its implementation. Future research should prioritize methodological analysis in healthcare disinvestment and strategies for integrating equity considerations in evaluating disinvestment candidates.

    MeSH terms: Adult; Cost-Benefit Analysis*; Cross-Sectional Studies; Decision Making*; Female; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Middle Aged; Surveys and Questionnaires; Technology Assessment, Biomedical/organization & administration; Resource Allocation
  7. Hamid Z, Akbar A, Kamran K, Achakzai JK, Wong LS, Sadiq MB
    Int J Food Sci, 2024;2024:5589506.
    PMID: 39544277 DOI: 10.1155/2024/5589506
    The Prunus armeniaca L. (bitter apricot) is an apricot fruit tree categorized on the basis of the bitter taste of its seed kernel. In this study, the functional, medicinal, and therapeutic potential of bitter apricot seed kernel oil (BASKO) was evaluated. The qualitative screening of BASKO was performed using standard methodologies. The chemical profile of the oil was analyzed with the help of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Results revealed the presence of different phytochemical constituents comprising steroids, flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, and cardiac glycosides. The antioxidant activity of the oil was determined by a 2,2,diphenyl-1picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical inhibition essay. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were 10.6 ± 1.32 mg GAE/g and 4.75 ± 0.11 mg QE/g, respectively. DPPH inhibition of 89.5% was achieved at 1000 μg/mL of BASKO, with IC50 = 90.44 μg/mL (83.47-96.67 μg/mL with 95% CI). The antimicrobial potential of the BASKO revealed the inhibition of Escherichia coli (20.3 ± 2.08 mm), Salmonella typhi (19.3 ± 2.51 mm), Klebsiella pneumoniae (16.6 ± 1.52 mm), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (17 ± 2 mm), and Staphylococcus aureus (25 ± 1.01 mm). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value was 250 μL/mL for K. pneumoniae, S. typhi, P. aeruginosa, and S. aureus, whereas 62.5 μL/mL for E. coli. Moreover, BASKO showed antifungal potential against Trichophyton tonsurans (77.3 ± 2.08%), Epidermophyton floccosum (69.6 ± 3.51%), Aspergillus niger (74.3 ± 2.56%), Aspergillus flavus (90 ± 3%), and Mucor mucedo (78.3 ± 2.51%). Antileishmanial activity of oil was evaluated against Leishmania major by MTT assay, and an IC50 value of 89.75 μg/mL was observed. The study revealed that BASKO is a good source of biologically active compounds to be used as functional, therapeutical, and antimicrobial agents in food and pharmaceutical products.
  8. Alamri SA, Alzahrani MM, Alamri AA, Khalifa WW, Alsulami RY, Bardesi J, et al.
    Ann Thorac Med, 2024;19(4):275-283.
    PMID: 39544349 DOI: 10.4103/atm.atm_111_24
    CONTEXT: Early detection of lung cancer through screening can improve outcomes; yet public knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding lung cancer screening in Saudi Arabia are limited.

    AIMS: The aim is to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward lung cancer risk factors and screening, and understand the impact of demographic factors on these variables.

    SETTINGS AND DESIGN: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2023 to March 2024, involving 708 participants.

    METHODS: A validated questionnaire from a previous Malaysian study, translated into Arabic, was distributed to participants.

    STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Descriptive statistics, Shapiro-Wilk test, one-way analysis of variance, Tukey's test, and logistic regression were used.

    RESULTS: Most participants (95.9%) recognized smoking as a major risk factor. Common misconceptions included viewing lung cancer as infectious (84.0%) or affecting only men (14.4%). Nonetheless, 66.4% expressed willingness for future screening. Younger participants (18-40 years) and those with higher education demonstrated better knowledge scores (mean score: 11.33 ± 2.97 for ages 18-40; 11.42 ± 2.88 for those with master's or doctorate degrees), with significant differences based on age (P = 0.007) and education level (P = 0.025). No significant differences were observed based on gender, region of residence, or monthly family income.

    CONCLUSIONS: There is a positive inclination toward lung cancer screening among the Saudi public, but there are significant knowledge gaps, particularly regarding nonsmoking-related risk factors and misconceptions, suggesting a need for enhanced public education and screening programs.

  9. Leong ZCW, Kong JHL, Khor SY, Liew YF
    Cureus, 2024 Oct;16(10):e71535.
    PMID: 39544564 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.71535
    Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) is a serious complication that may affect post-renal transplant recipients. De novo TMA has been linked to the use of transplant immunosuppressive agents, including calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) and mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors (mTORi). We report a case of a 41-year-old female renal transplant recipient who presented with hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and acute allograft dysfunction. Before her presentation, she was on immunosuppression with oral tacrolimus, oral prednisolone, and oral everolimus. Her renal biopsy showed features of TMA, which led to extensive workup to identify the underlying cause. Eventually, everolimus was recognized as the cause of secondary TMA as her hemolytic parameters and renal allograft function recovered following discontinuation of this drug. This case report highlights the association of everolimus with TMA in a post-renal transplant patient. Early recognition and drug withdrawal can prevent allograft loss.
  10. Ong MN, Loo GH, Muthkumaran G, Md Pauzi SH, Ritza Kosai N
    Cureus, 2024 Oct;16(10):e71497.
    PMID: 39544575 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.71497
    Abdominal wall hernia is a common condition seen in the clinical practice of surgery. However, malignant tumors in the hernia sac are rare and there are limited studies on this subject. We report a case of a 77-year-old female who presented with generalized abdominal pain and vomiting. She was treated for an incarcerated incisional hernia and underwent an exploratory laparotomy, which showed a multiseptated incisional hernia sac. Histopathological examination revealed a metastatic endometrial serous carcinoma (ESC). ESC is an aggressive variant associated with poor prognosis, characterized by metastasis and extrauterine spread. Its treatment mainly involves a multidisciplinary approach, including surgical treatment and chemoradiotherapy. This report highlights the importance of considering malignant tumors in the differential diagnosis of hernia sac contents. Raising awareness among healthcare professionals and the general public can aid in the prompt diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and improved outcomes for individuals with such rare presentations.
  11. Alam BF, Yusof A, Ali Shah S, Abdullah JY, Awang Nawi MA
    Cureus, 2024 Oct;16(10):e71496.
    PMID: 39544581 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.71496
    OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the dimensions and differences in distances from several anatomical structures to the mental foramen (MtF) in Pakistani participants using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).

    METHODS: For this cross-sectional study, retrospective CBCT data of Pakistani individuals from both genders were assessed using the Mimics software (Materialise NV, Leuven, Belgium). The participants were selected from the Mahajir and Pukhtoon ethnic groups in Pakistan. The dimensions of the MtF, which included vertical and horizontal diameter and area of foramen, were measured. The distance of the foramen to various anatomical structures was measured, which included the alveolar crest, inferior border of the mandible, and anterior mandible. Data were assessed using SPSS version 28 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Statistical analysis was performed using an independent sample t-test and a paired t-test. P-values greater than 0.05 and 0.001 were considered significant.

    RESULTS: Greater measurements had been recorded for the Pukhtoon ethnicity with respect to the vertical, horizontal, and area of the foramen. In relation to the dimensions, males showed larger measurements than females. MtF's distance to the alveolar crest, inferior border of the mandible, and anterior mandible (p < 0.001) was greater in Pukhtoon ethnicity. Males displayed longer measurements.

    CONCLUSION: CBCT proved to be a highly accurate and useful tool for the analysis of the dimensions and distances from the MtF in both ethnicities. The Pukhtoon ethnicity exhibited overall greater measurements with respect to the dimensions, highlighting a significant difference between the two ethnicities. Analysis of MtF distance to various landmarks resulted in longer measurements being observed in males and Pukhtoon ethnicity.

  12. Zhong Yi K, Selvaratnam V
    Cureus, 2024 Oct;16(10):e71560.
    PMID: 39544611 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.71560
    Femoral impaction bone grafting is a crucial technique in revision hip arthroplasty, addressing bone loss and ensuring implant stability. The choice between cemented and uncemented stems significantly influences the outcomes and long-term success of the procedure. This systematic review aims to compare the clinical outcomes of cemented versus uncemented stems in femoral impaction bone grafting. A comprehensive search of PubMed, MEDLINE Complete, and the Cochrane Library databases was conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies evaluating the outcomes of femoral impaction bone grafting with cemented or uncemented stems were included. The primary outcome measured was the rate of loosening of the femoral component, while secondary outcomes included the incidence of complications such as dislocation, infection, fractures, overall patient mortality, and cardiopulmonary diseases. The literature search yielded 78 articles, with 36 meeting the inclusion criteria. These included one randomized controlled trial, 16 cohort studies (10 retrospective and six prospective), and 15 case series. Most surgeries were revision procedures, with aseptic loosening being the most common indication. For the cemented technique, 1,588 hips were analyzed, with 8.00% experiencing aseptic loosening, 3.53% dislocation, 3.87% infection, 37.33% mortality, 7.57% fractures, and 1.13% cardiopulmonary complications. For the uncemented technique, 464 hips were analyzed, with 1.72% aseptic loosening, 4.74% dislocation, 1.5% infection, 38.47% mortality, 7.76% fractures, and 0.65% cardiopulmonary complications. This systematic review highlights that both cemented and uncemented techniques for femoral impaction bone grafting offer unique benefits and challenges, with the choice depending on patient-specific factors. The uncemented technique, with a lower risk of femoral component loosening, may be better suited for younger, active patients with good bone quality, despite a slightly higher risk of fractures and dislocations. In contrast, the cemented technique, offering immediate stability, is more appropriate for elderly patients with compromised bone quality but carries a higher risk of loosening and cardiopulmonary complications. The decision should be tailored to the patient's clinical profile, including age, bone quality, comorbidities, and the surgeon's expertise.
  13. Ait Bouabdallah I, Adjal F, Zaabar A, Benchikh A, Guerniche D, Ait Ramdane-Terbouche C, et al.
    RSC Adv, 2024 Nov 11;14(49):36423-36436.
    PMID: 39545168 DOI: 10.1039/d4ra06477a
    The search for sustainable, cost-effective and environmentally friendly corrosion inhibitors for hydrochloric acid (HCl) solution in industrial applications has garnered increasing interest in plant extracts and their refined metabolites. In this research, Cleome arabica L. (CA) extract, found in the Algerian Sahara, was considered due to its low cost compared to other studied plants and higher content of active compounds, thereby emerging as a promising candidate and offering the potential to promote a circular economy model. This study assessed the effectiveness of CA extract as a green corrosion inhibitor for AISI 1045 carbon steel in 0.5 M HCl solution and highlighted its potential to advance the field of green corrosion inhibitors. ATR-FTIR and LC-ESI-MS/MS analyses revealed the presence of significant organic compounds, including coumaric acid (74.58%), 4-methoxybenzoic acid (12.53%), and kaempferol (8.05%), which contributed to the corrosion inhibition. The inhibitory effectiveness of the CA extract was evaluated at five concentrations, ranging from 0.125 to 1 g L-1, using weight loss measurements, potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The highest inhibition efficiency (η = 94.45%) was observed at a CA extract concentration of 1 g L-1 after 196 hours of immersion in 0.5 M HCl. Thermodynamic analysis using the Langmuir adsorption isotherm yielded a ΔG ads value of -24.737 kJ mol-1, indicating the spontaneous adsorption of CA molecules onto the AISI 1045 surfaces, forming a protective layer, which was confirmed by SEM/EDX analysis. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations showed a significant correlation with the experimental data, confirming that CA extract is a highly efficient and environmentally friendly corrosion inhibitor.
  14. Pratama DAO, Fernanda A, Raissa R, Permata FS, Nordin ML
    Open Vet J, 2024 Oct;14(10):2678-2686.
    PMID: 39545186 DOI: 10.5455/OVJ.2024.v14.i10.17
    BACKGROUND: Mammary gland carcinoma is a malignant type of cancer that occurs in mammae tissue. Dimethylbenzene (α) anthracene (DMBA) is a carcinogenic agent that causes mammary cancer by damaging cellular DNA. Flavonoids found in the black soybean (Glycine max L. Merr) exhibit anti-carcinogenic effects.

    AIM: This study evaluated the anticarcinogenic effects of black soybean extract.

    METHODS: The activity of flavonoid compounds in black soybean was determined in silico. Five groups of rats, four in each group, were established, consisting of a negative control, a positive control, and three treatment groups. Treatment included black soybean extract administration (i.e., T1 = 200, T2 = 400, and T3 = 800 mg of black soybean extract/kg body weight for 10 days). The observed parameters included the immunohistochemical analysis of Breast Cancer 1(BRCA1) and TNF-α.

    RESULTS: Based on an in silico study, compounds from black soybeans are non-toxic. Functional annotation analysis revealed that most of the target proteins have a role in biological processes associated with cancer development. An in vivo analysis using an animal mammae cancer model indicated that black soybean extracts inhibited mammae cancer progression by attenuating TNF-α and BRCA1 expression.

    CONCLUSION: The most effective dosage of black soybean extract was 200 mg/kg body weight. An increase in BRCA1 and TNF-α expression may be related to the effects of catechin, daidzein, genistein, and glycitein, which are present in black soybeans.

    MeSH terms: Animals; Computer Simulation; Female; Mammary Neoplasms, Animal/chemically induced; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; BRCA1 Protein/genetics; BRCA1 Protein/metabolism; Rats
  15. Saniasiaya J, van der Meer G, Toll EC
    J Laryngol Otol, 2024 Nov 15.
    PMID: 39545317 DOI: 10.1017/S0022215124001038
    OBJECTIVE: Drooling or saliva spillage has been explored widely among children with neurodevelopmental conditions. Yet, the approach to drooling in an otherwise developmentally normal child remains unexplored, as it is regarded as self-limiting. Nonetheless, drooling beyond age 4 in the awake stage should raise concern.

    METHODS: This narrative review aims to shed light on drooling in developmentally normal children, also known as 'healthy droolers', and the available evidence on its management.

    RESULTS: Most notable factors causing saliva spillage include poor oral-motor control and impaired oral sensation. Delayed saliva acquisition may be an early indicator of developmental or intellectual delay. Drooling impairs both the children's and parents' overall quality of life significantly.

    CONCLUSION: Healthy droolers can be managed by simple behavioural therapy and reassurance.

  16. Leow SS, Khoo JS, Lee WK, Hoh CC, Fairus S, Sambanthamurthi R, et al.
    J Appl Genet, 2024 Dec;65(4):867-895.
    PMID: 38890243 DOI: 10.1007/s13353-024-00880-1
    Water-Soluble Palm Fruit Extract (WSPFE) has been shown to confer anti-diabetic effects in the Nile rat (NR) (Arvicanthis niloticus). Liquid and powder WSPFE both deterred diabetes onset in NRs fed a high-carbohydrate (hiCHO) diet, but the liquid form provided better protection. In this study, NRs were fed either a hiCHO diet or the same diet added with liquid or powder WSPFE. Following feeding of the diets for 8 weeks, random blood glucose levels were measured to categorize NRs as either diabetes-resistant or diabetes-susceptible, based on a cut-off value of 75 mg/dL. Livers were then obtained for Illumina HiSeq 4000 paired end RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq) and the data were mapped to the reference genome. Consistent with physiological and biochemical parameters, the gene expression data obtained indicated that WSPFE was associated with protection against diabetes. Among hepatic genes upregulated by WSPFE versus controls, were genes related to insulin-like growth factor binding protein, leptin receptor, and processes of hepatic metabolism maintenance, while those downregulated were related to antigen binding, immunoglobulin receptor, inflammation- and cancer-related processes. WSPFE supplementation thus helped inhibit diabetes progression in NRs by increasing insulin sensitivity and reducing both the inflammatory effects of a hiCHO diet and the related DNA-damage compensatory mechanisms contributing to liver disease progression. In addition, the genetic permissiveness of susceptible NRs to develop diabetes was potentially associated with dysregulated compensatory mechanisms involving insulin signaling and oxidative stress over time. Further studies on other NR organs associated with diabetes and its complications are warranted.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Blood Glucose; Insulin Resistance/genetics; Male; Gene Expression Profiling; Rats; Transcriptome/drug effects
  17. Chakravarthi KK, Nelluri V, Reghunadhan D, Sugavasi R
    Ann Afr Med, 2024 Oct 01;23(4):641-648.
    PMID: 39138967 DOI: 10.4103/aam.aam_73_24
    BACKGROUND: The foramen transversarium is a vital anatomical structure found in the cervical vertebrae of the spine. Typically, it serves as a passageway for important neurovascular structures, including the vertebral artery and vein, as well as the vertebral nerve. However, abnormal calcification or ossification of soft tissues in and around this area can lead to various clinical implications. Understanding the presence and implications of abnormal ossified structures in and around the foramen transversarium is crucial for clinicians involved in the diagnosis and management of cervical spine disorders.

    AIMS: Accordingly, this present study was designed to evaluate the abnormal ossified structures anatomically and radiologically within and around the foramen transversarium.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted on 182 (26 sets of cervical vertebrae) dried human cervical vertebrae obtained from the respective departments of anatomy and on 190 (95 males and 95 females) adult patients who visited the radiology department for neck-related problems such as stiff neck, neck/shoulder pain, dizziness, vertigo, imbalance, visual disturbances, and cognitive impairment.

    RESULTS: Among 182 examined cervical vertebrae, unilateral complete accessory foramen transversarium was found in 23 vertebrae (12.63%), bilateral complete in 19 (10.44%), bilateral incomplete in 6 (3.29%), unilateral complete double in 4 (2.19%), and unilateral complete absence of foramen transversarium in 3 (1.64%). Stenosis due to aberrant osteophytes was noted in 9 vertebrae (4.9%). Out of 190 patients, three males presented with cervical kyphosis, severe spinal canal stenosis, and spinal cord compression due to ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament and osteophyte complexes at C3-C6, with the most significant compression at C5-C6.

    CONCLUSION: A thorough understanding of abnormal ossifications in and around the foramen transversarium is crucial for the management of cervical spine disorders; imaging modalities such as X-ray, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging are crucial for recognizing and intervening in these cases, which is essential to prevent adverse neurological outcomes associated with vertebral artery involvement.

    MeSH terms: Adult; Aged; Calcinosis/pathology; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Ossification, Heterotopic/pathology; Radiography; Neck Pain/etiology
  18. Chakravarthi KK, Reghunadhan D
    Ann Afr Med, 2024 Oct 01;23(4):697-703.
    PMID: 39279176 DOI: 10.4103/aam.aam_89_24
    BACKGROUND: Anatomical and developmental variations of ureters and renal pelvis have been observed frequently during routine human cadaveric dissection and surgical practice; however, their coexistence with accessory or aberrant renal arteries is exceptionally rare. Accordingly, this study was designed to evaluate the prevalence of anatomical and developmental abnormalities of ureters and renal pelvis existing with accessory renal arteries in human cadavers.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was carried out on 50 human cadavers including dissected specimens (25 males and 25 females) the kidneys, renal pelvis, and ureters along with their arteries were exposed and the anomalous abnormalities of the renal pelvis and ureters existing with accessory renal arteries were observed. Photographs of the anomalous and developmental variations were taken for proper documentation.

    RESULTS: Among the 50 cadavers studied, unilateral double ureters were found in 5 cadavers (10%), rare bilateral "S-"shaped loop of ureter with quadruple uretic constrictors in the abdominal segment of the ureter was observed in one female cadaver (2%), accessory or aberrant renal arteries were found in 15 cadavers (30%), hydronephrosis involving the renal pelvis and ureters was observed in 9 cadavers (18%). Interestingly, this prevalence was higher among males (28%) compared to females (8%). Moreover, the occurrence of bilateral hydronephrosis of the kidneys, renal pelvis, and ureters was identified in a single male cadaver, representing 2% of the sample. Notably, the prevalence of double ureter, hydronephrosis accompanied by congenital double and triple accessory renal arteries was documented in nine cadavers, accounting for 18% of the cohort.

    CONCLUSION: Anatomical and developmental variations of the ureters, renal pelvis, and renal vasculature, as well as their relationships to surrounding structures, hold clinical significance due to their impact on various surgical procedures, including kidney transplantation, abdominal aorta reconstruction, interventional radiology, and urologic operations. Therefore, identifying these potential developmental variations is essential for effective surgical management to preserve renal function and ensure optimal patient outcomes.

    MeSH terms: Adult; Aged; Cadaver*; Dissection; Female; Humans; Hydronephrosis; Kidney/abnormalities; Kidney/blood supply; Male; Middle Aged; Prevalence
  19. Islam MS, Al Bakky A, Ahmed S, Islam MT, Antu UB, Saikat MSM, et al.
    Food Chem Toxicol, 2024 Nov;193:115005.
    PMID: 39284411 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2024.115005
    As a cereal crop, maize ranked third place after wheat and rice in terms of land area coverage for its cultivation, and in Bangladesh, it ranked second place after rice in its production. As the substitution of wheat products, maize has been used widely in baking for human consumption and animal fodder. However, maize grown in this soil around the coal-burning power plant may cause heavy metals uptake that poses a risk to humans. The study was conducted at the maize fields in the Ganges delta floodplain soils of Bangladesh to know the concentration of eight heavy metals (Ni, Cr, Cd, Mn, As, Cu, Zn, and Pb) in soil and maize samples using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) and to estimate the risk of heavy metals in maize grains. Mean concentrations of heavy metals (mg/kg) in soil were in decreasing order of Zn (10.12) > Cu (10.02) > Mn (5.48) > Ni (4.95) > Cr (3.72) > As (0.51) > Pb (0.27) > Cd (0.23). The plant tissues showed the descending order of heavy metal concentration as roots > grains > stems > leaves. BCF values for As, Cd, Pb, and Mn in roots were higher than 1.0, indicating considerable accumulation of these elements in maize via roots. Total hazard quotient (ƩTHQ) of heavy metals through maize grain consumption was 3.7E+00 and 3.9E+00 for adults and children, respectively, indicating non-cancer risk to the consumers. Anthropogenic influences contributed to the heavy metals enrichment in the Ganges delta floodplain soils around the thermal plant, and potential risks (non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic) were observed due to the consumption of maize grain cultivated in the study area.
    MeSH terms: Bangladesh; Environmental Monitoring/methods; Food Contamination/analysis; Humans; Power Plants; Soil/chemistry; Risk Assessment
  20. Isaac P, Mutusamy P, Yin LS, Jing Wei Y, Mohd Salleh F, Bin Abu Bakar MAL, et al.
    Microbiol Resour Announc, 2024 Nov 12;13(11):e0029924.
    PMID: 39311881 DOI: 10.1128/mra.00299-24
    We present a complete genome of Serratia marcescens D1_6 isolated from peat swamp forest. The complete genome for the isolate D1_6 was constructed using data from Oxford Nanopore Technologies and Illumina. The genome of D1_6 has a total length of 4,996,151 bp, comprising a chromosome and a plasmid.
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