Browse publications by year: 2024

  1. Tan KL, Haider S, Zois CE, Hu J, Turley H, Leek R, et al.
    Transl Oncol, 2024 Nov;49:102106.
    PMID: 39182365 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2024.102106
    Current prognostic biomarkers fall short in stratifying Oestrogen receptor (ER)-negative breast cancer patients regarding tumour progression risk at diagnosis. The role of AIPL1 in activating its tumour suppressor client protein, NEDD8 Ultimate Buster-1 (NUB1) remains unknown in cancer. Our study demonstrated how downregulated AIPL1 results in the deactivated NUB1 protein under hypoxic conditions. We examined the AIPL1-NUB1 pathwayin vitro using cell lines i.e. MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, RCC4 etc. NUB1 expression was assessed using Oncomine, and cBioPortal was performed to assess NUB1's prognostic significance in human cancers. In the John Radcliffe Hospital cohort (n = 122), immunohistochemistry analysis revealed downregulated AIPL1 (Log2 fold change=-0.28; p < 0.001) and upregulated NUB1 transcripts (Log2 fold change=0.59; p < 0.001) compared to adjacent normal tissues. In severe chronic hypoxia, multimerised AIPL1 localisedin the cytoplasm while NUB1 protein migrated to the nucleus, where the absence of NUB1 nuclear localisation led to cell cycle arrest. Biopsies showed that patients with lower cytoplasmic NUB1 expression (n = 57) had poorer overall survival compared to those with higher cytoplasmic expression (n = 57), HR=1.78; 95 % CI=1.01-3.35, p = 0.048. Low NUB1 protein levels in both normoxic and hypoxic conditions were associated with cell cycle arrest and upregulation ofp21 and p27 in breast cancer cell lines, correlating significantly withpoorer survival outcomes in all breast cancer and ER-negative breast cancer patients.
  2. Hussain A, Ong EBB, Balaram P, Ismail A, Kien PK
    Virulence, 2024 Dec;15(1):2395831.
    PMID: 39185619 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2024.2395831
    Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi (S. Typhi) causes typhoid fever, a systemic infection that affects millions of people worldwide. S. Typhi can invade and survive within host cells, such as intestinal epithelial cells and macrophages, by modulating their immune responses. However, the immunomodulatory capability of S. Typhi in relation to TolC-facilitated efflux pump function remains unclear. The role of TolC, an outer membrane protein that facilitates efflux pump function, in the invasion and immunomodulation of S. Typhi, was studied in human intestinal epithelial cells and macrophages. The tolC deletion mutant of S. Typhi was compared with the wild-type and its complemented strain in terms of their ability to invade epithelial cells, survive and induce cytotoxicity in macrophages, and elicit proinflammatory cytokine production in macrophages. The tolC mutant, which has a defective outer membrane, was impaired in invading epithelial cells compared to the wild-type strain, but the intracellular presence of the tolC mutant exhibited greater cytotoxicity and induced higher levels of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and IL-8) in macrophages compared to the wild-type strain. These effects were reversed by complementing the tolC mutant with a functional tolC gene. Our results suggest that TolC plays a role in S. Typhi to efficiently invade epithelial cells and suppress host immune responses during infection. TolC may be a potential target for the development of novel therapeutics against typhoid fever.
    MeSH terms: Cell Line; Humans; Cytokines/immunology; Cytokines/metabolism; Interleukin-8/metabolism; Microbial Viability; Interleukin-1beta/immunology; Interleukin-1beta/metabolism; Immunomodulation
  3. Tan ZQ, Ooi EH, Chiew YS, Foo JJ, Ng YK, Ooi ET
    Comput Biol Med, 2024 Oct;181:109061.
    PMID: 39186904 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2024.109061
    Sonothrombolysis is a technique that employs the ultrasound waves to break down the clot. Recent studies have demonstrated significant improvement in the treatment efficacy when combining two ultrasound waves of different frequencies. Nevertheless, the findings remain conflicted on the ideal frequency pairing that leads to an optimal treatment outcome. Existing experimental studies are constrained by the limited range of frequencies that can be investigated, while numerical studies are typically confined to spherical microbubble dynamics, thereby restricting the scope of the analysis. To overcome this, the present study investigated the microbubble dynamics caused by the different combinations of ultrasound frequencies. This was carried out using computational modelling as it enables the visualisation of the microbubble behaviour, which is difficult in experimental studies due to the opacity of blood. The results showed that the pairings of two ultrasound waves with low frequencies generally produced stronger cavitation and higher flow-induced shear stress on the clot surface. However, one should avoid the frequency pairings that are integer multipliers of each other, i.e., frequency ratio of 1/3, 1/2 and 2, as they led to resultant wave with low pressure amplitude that weakened the cavitation. At 0.5 + 0.85 MHz, the microbubble caused the highest shear stress of 60.5 kPa, due to its large translational distance towards the clot. Although the pressure threshold for inertial cavitation was reduced using dual-frequency ultrasound, the impact of the high-speed jet can only be realised when the microbubble travelled close to the clot. The results obtained from the present study provide groundwork for deeper understanding on the microbubble dynamics during dual-frequency sonothrombolysis, which is of paramount importance for its optimisations and the subsequent clinical translation.
    MeSH terms: Computer Simulation*; Humans; Models, Cardiovascular; Microbubbles*
  4. Lan NSR, Chih H, Brennan AL, Dwivedi G, Figtree GA, Dinh D, et al.
    PMID: 39248198 DOI: 10.1002/ccd.31205
    BACKGROUND: Among ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients, those with no standard modifiable risk factors (SMuRFs: hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, and smoking) have higher 30-day mortality than those with SMuRFs. Differences in coronary lesion characteristics remain unclear.

    METHODS: Data from STEMI patients aged ≤60 years from the Asia Pacific Evaluation of Cardiovascular Therapies Network (Australia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam) was retrospectively analysed. Exclusion criteria included incomplete SMuRF data, prior myocardial infarction, or prior coronary revascularisation. Lesion type was defined using the American College of Cardiology criteria. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were defined as peri-procedural myocardial infarction, emergency coronary artery bypass surgery, cerebrovascular event, or mortality. Multiple logistic regressions were used.

    RESULTS: Of 4404 patients, 767 (17.4%) were SMuRFless. SMuRFless patients were more frequently younger (median age 51 vs. 53 years; p 

  5. Rizk A, Abdou A, Samy AM, Mahmoud N, Omar S
    J Prosthodont, 2024 Sep 09.
    PMID: 39248202 DOI: 10.1111/jopr.13937
    PURPOSE: To evaluate and compare internal fit and marginal adaptation of conventional lithium disilicate (LDS) glass ceramics and LDS containing virgilite computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD-CAM) blocks before and after aging.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-two epoxy replicated dies from two prepared maxillary right central incisors acrylic typodont were divided into two groups of different preparation designs (n = 36): Group I, incisal butt-joint, and Group P, incisal overlap. Each group was further subdivided into two equal groups according to ceramic material (n = 18): Group E, IPS e.max CAD, and Group T, Tessera advanced lithium disilicate (ALD) CAD-CAM blocks. The replica technique was used to assess the internal fit using a stereomicroscope at 45× magnification. Laminate veneers were cemented to their corresponding epoxy dies, then the vertical marginal gap was evaluated before and after thermal cycling. Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used for marginal fit data and 2-way ANOVA for internal fit measurements (α = 0.05).

    RESULTS: For internal fit, there were no significant differences between tested groups. For vertical marginal gap results, two-way ANOVA showed that only aging had a significant effect on the vertical marginal gap (p 

  6. Nazri NS, Mohd Yusoff NN, Vanoh D
    Nutr Health, 2024 Sep 09.
    PMID: 39248203 DOI: 10.1177/02601060241279572
    BACKGROUND: Low protein intake and physical inactivity are factors that associated with muscle deterioration and poor physical performance among older adults.

    AIM: To assess the association between dietary protein intake and physical fitness tests among older adults with pre-sarcopenia and sarcopenia.

    METHODS: A total of 110 older adults were recruited through a convenience sampling method. Data including sociodemography, anthropometry, body composition, medical history, and dietary protein intake were obtained through the interview-administered method.

    RESULTS: Most of the subjects have low household income (

  7. Zulkifli MF, Masimen MAA, Ridzuan PM, Wan Ismail WI
    Food Funct, 2024 Sep 09.
    PMID: 39248637 DOI: 10.1039/d4fo02013h
    Sleep disorders present significant challenges to public health, necessitating effective and sustainable solutions beyond conventional pharmacological interventions. This study aims to investigate the potential of honey and its compositions as a functional food for addressing sleep disorders. A comprehensive review of existing literature explores honey's intrinsic properties and impact on sleep quality. The findings suggest that honey, with its unique composition and soothing effects, offers a promising avenue for enhancing sleep patterns without relying on pharmaceutical drugs. This study also discusses the possible mechanism of action and the challenges of using honey in this field. While further research is needed to elucidate specific mechanisms and optimal utilisation, integrating honey into holistic sleep management strategies holds promise for improving overall well-being and quality of life.
  8. Chaudhary V, Taha BA, Lucky, Rustagi S, Khosla A, Papakonstantinou P, et al.
    ACS Sens, 2024 Sep 09.
    PMID: 39248694 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.4c01524
    Lung cancer remains a global health concern, demanding the development of noninvasive, prompt, selective, and point-of-care diagnostic tools. Correspondingly, breath analysis using nanobiosensors has emerged as a promising noninvasive nose-on-chip technique for the early detection of lung cancer through monitoring diversified biomarkers such as volatile organic compounds/gases in exhaled breath. This comprehensive review summarizes the state-of-the-art breath-based lung cancer diagnosis employing chemiresistive-module nanobiosensors supported by theoretical findings. It unveils the fundamental mechanisms and biological basis of breath biomarker generation associated with lung cancer, technological advancements, and clinical implementation of nanobiosensor-based breath analysis. It explores the merits, challenges, and potential alternate solutions in implementing these nanobiosensors in clinical settings, including standardization, biocompatibility/toxicity analysis, green and sustainable technologies, life-cycle assessment, and scheming regulatory modalities. It highlights nanobiosensors' role in facilitating precise, real-time, and on-site detection of lung cancer through breath analysis, leading to improved patient outcomes, enhanced clinical management, and remote personalized monitoring. Additionally, integrating these biosensors with artificial intelligence, machine learning, Internet-of-things, bioinformatics, and omics technologies is discussed, providing insights into the prospects of intelligent nose-on-chip lung cancer sniffing nanobiosensors. Overall, this review consolidates knowledge on breathomic biosensor-based lung cancer screening, shedding light on its significance and potential applications in advancing state-of-the-art medical diagnostics to reduce the burden on hospitals and save human lives.
  9. Donald PF, Fernando E, Brown L, Busana M, Butchart SHM, Chng S, et al.
    Conserv Biol, 2024 Oct;38(5):e14350.
    PMID: 39248745 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.14350
    Trade represents a significant threat to many wild species and is often clandestine and poorly monitored. Information on which species are most prevalent in trade and potentially threatened by it therefore remains fragmentary. We used 7 global data sets on birds in trade to identify species or groups of species at particular risk and assessed the extent to which they were congruent in terms of the species recorded in trade. We used the frequency with which species were recorded in the data sets as the basis for a trade prevalence score that was applied to all bird species globally. Literature searches and questionnaire surveys were used to develop a list of species known to be heavily traded to validate the trade prevalence score. The score was modeled to identify significant predictors of trade. Although the data sets sampled different parts of the broad trade spectrum, congruence among them was statistically strong in all comparisons. Furthermore, the frequency with which species were recorded within data sets was positively correlated with their occurrence across data sets, indicating that the trade prevalence score captured information on trade volume. The trade prevalence score discriminated well between species identified from semi-independent assessments as heavily or unsustainably traded and all other species. Globally, 45.1% of all bird species and 36.7% of globally threatened bird species had trade prevalence scores ≥1. Species listed in Appendices I or II of CITES, species with large geographical distributions, and nonpasserines tended to have high trade prevalence scores. Speciose orders with high mean trade prevalence scores included Falconiformes, Psittaciformes, Accipitriformes, Anseriformes, Bucerotiformes, and Strigiformes. Despite their low mean prevalence score, Passeriformes accounted for the highest overall number of traded species of any order but had low representation in CITES appendices. Geographical hotspots where large numbers of traded species co-occur differed among passerines (Southeast Asia and Eurasia) and nonpasserines (central South America, sub-Saharan Africa, and India). This first attempt to quantify and map the relative prevalence in trade of all bird species globally can be used to identify species and groups of species that may be at particular risk of harm from trade and can inform conservation and policy interventions to reduce its adverse impacts.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Animals, Wild; Conservation of Natural Resources*; Endangered Species*
  10. Gomaa FAM, Selim HMRM, Alshahrani MY, Aboshanab KM
    World J Microbiol Biotechnol, 2024 Sep 09;40(10):316.
    PMID: 39249607 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-024-04118-4
    Istamycins (ISMs) are 2-deoxyfortamine-containing aminoglycoside antibiotics (AGAs) produced by Streptomyces tenjimariensis ATCC 31603 with broad-spectrum bactericidal activities against most of the clinically relevant pathogens. Therefore, this study aimed to statistically optimize the environmental conditions affecting ISMs production using the central composite design (CCD). Both the effect of culture media composition and incubation time and agitation rate were studied as one factor at the time (OFAT). The results showed that both the aminoglycoside production medium and the protoplast regeneration medium gave the highest specific productivity. Results also showed that 6 days incubation time and 200 rpm agitation were optimum for their production. A CCD quadratic model of 17 runs was employed to test three key variables: initial pH, incubation temperature, and concentration of calcium carbonate. A significant statistical model was obtained including, an initial pH of 6.38, incubation temperature of 30 ˚C, and 5.3% CaCO3 concentration. This model was verified experimentally in the lab and resulted in a 31-fold increase as compared to the unoptimized conditions and a threefold increase to that generated by using the optimized culture media. To our knowledge, this is the first report about studying environmental conditions affecting ISM production as OFAT and through CCD design of the response surface methodology (RSM) employed for statistical optimization. In conclusion, the CCD design is an effective tool for optimizing ISMs at the shake flask level. However, the optimized conditions generated using the CCD model in this study should be scaled up in a fermenter for industrial production of ISMs by S. tenjimariensis ATCC 31603 considering the studied environmental conditions that significantly influence the production proces.
    MeSH terms: Aminoglycosides/pharmacology; Calcium Carbonate/metabolism; Fermentation*; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Industrial Microbiology; Temperature*; Bioreactors/microbiology
  11. Chai CA, Inoue T, Somani BK, Yuen SKK, Ragoori D, Gadzhiev N, et al.
    Investig Clin Urol, 2024 Sep;65(5):451-458.
    PMID: 39249917 DOI: 10.4111/icu.20240185
    PURPOSE: Traditionally, bilateral urolithiasis treatment involved staged interventions due to safety concerns. Recent studies have shown that same-sitting bilateral retrograde intrarenal surgery (SSB-RIRS) is effective, with acceptable complication rates. However, there's no clear data on the optimum laser for the procedure. This study aimed to assess outcomes of SSB-RIRS comparing thulium fiber laser (TFL) and high-power holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Ho:YAG) laser in a multicenter real-world practice.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis was conducted on patients undergoing SSB-RIRS from January 2015 to June 2022 across 21 centers worldwide. Three months perioperative and postoperative outcomes were recorded, focusing on complications and stone-free rates (SFR).

    RESULTS: A total of 733 patients were included, with 415 in group 1 (Ho:YAG) and 318 in group 2 (TFL). Both groups have similar demographic and stone characteristics. Group 1 had more incidence of symptomatic pain or hematuria (26.5% vs. 10.4%). Operation and lasing times were comparable. The use of baskets was higher in group 1 (47.2% vs. 18.9%, p<0.001). Postoperative complications and length of hospital stay were similar. Group 2 had a higher overall SFR. Multivariate regression analysis indicated that age, presence of stone at the lower pole, and stone diameter were associated with lower odds of being stone-free bilaterally, while TFL was associated with higher odds.

    CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that urologists use both lasers equally for SSB-RIRS. Reintervention rates are low, safety profiles are comparable, and single-stage bilateral SFR may be better in certain cases. Bilateral lower pole and large-volume stones have higher chances of residual fragments.

    MeSH terms: Adult; Aged; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Retrospective Studies; Thulium*; Treatment Outcome; Laser Therapy/adverse effects; Laser Therapy/methods
  12. Li Z, Yang L, Xi Z, Yi W, Zeng X, Ma D, et al.
    PLoS One, 2024;19(9):e0310191.
    PMID: 39250467 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0310191
    Intradialytic hypotension (IDH) is common in hemodialysis patients and can lead to several complications. Risk factors for IDH include demographic characteristics, comorbidities, dialysis procedure factors, and so on. Clinical studies on predictive models for dialysis-induced hypotension have shown inconsistent results. This systematic review aims to evaluate published prediction models for IDH, analyzing their characteristics, predictors, efficacy, and the methodological quality and applicability. The protocol has been prepared using the Preferred Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) guidelines. The systematic review protocol for IDH prediction in hemodialysis patients has been registered with the International Platform of Registered Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocols (INPLASY2023110081, DOI: 10.37766/inplasy2023.11.0081). A comprehensive search across five major databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CNKI, and Wanfang) will be conducted for studies on prediction models of IDH among hemodialysis patients. Two researchers will independently screen literature, extract data, and evaluate the bias risk and applicability of included studies using prediction modelling study tools. This systematic review will provide critical insights into the efficacy and quality of reporting of the IDH model in hemodialysis patients. This will guide clinical staff in selecting the most appropriate IDH prediction model and inform future research endeavors in IDH prediction.
    MeSH terms: Humans; Risk Factors
  13. Werdiningsih M, Ramadhani A, Samnieng P, John J, Adiatman M
    Gerodontology, 2024 Sep 09.
    PMID: 39250676 DOI: 10.1111/ger.12790
    BACKGROUND: With demographic changes in aging populations, dentists require special care protocols to treat older adults with diverse and complex oral health needs and problems. Knowledge, positive attitudes, and sufficient practice experience are essential components for promptly treating older adults. However, many dentists encounter multiple barriers influencing their willingness to provide care for older adults. This study assessed Indonesian dentists' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) in providing oral health care (OHC) for older adults, including their willingness and barriers.

    METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 392 dentists employing an online questionnaire between April and June 2022. The respondents' KAP was categorised utilising a modified Blooms' cut-off point of ≥60%. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, the x2 test, and logistic regression.

    RESULTS: Most dentists demonstrated adequate knowledge (62.2%), a positive attitude (95.4%), sufficient practice experience (91.6%), and a high willingness (98%) to provide OHC services for older adults. However, 91.4% encountered barriers primarily related to interpersonal communication, disease complexity and polypharmacy, and patient functional status. Significant associations were found between dentists' attitudes toward practices and willingness to attend geriatric dentistry training with knowledge.

    CONCLUSION: Implementation of continuing professional development (CPD) in geriatric dentistry, the inclusion of geriatric dentistry into the undergraduate curriculum, and enhancing clinic accessibility for older adults may improve dentists' preparedness and benefit the future provision of OHC for older adults in Indonesia.

  14. Bashir MF, Sharif A, Staniewski MW, Ma B, Zhao W
    J Environ Manage, 2024 Nov;370:122304.
    PMID: 39250852 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.122304
    The integrated economic reforms in recent years have transformed human life, however, the subsequent rise in environmental challenges necessitates sustainable development goals to ensure net-zero transformation. Within the context of modern energy, economic, and environmental transformation, we deliberate how environmental taxes, energy transition, and sustainable environmental innovation impact climate change in 38 OECD economies. Our robust empirical investigation allows us to report that environmental taxation, sustainable environmental technology, and energy transition lower but GDP and trade openness exacerbate ecological challenges. We also divide the dataset in G7 and the rest of the OECD groups to document the varying impact of environmental policies within OECD economies. Our econometric analysis helps us report novel policy frameworks to solve climate challenges under the UN SDG agenda.
    MeSH terms: Conservation of Natural Resources; Humans; Taxes*; Climate Change*; Environmental Policy; Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development
  15. Yoon JW, Kim E, Jeong N, Kang M, Kim HS, Lee S, et al.
    Asian J Psychiatr, 2024 Aug 30;101:104197.
    PMID: 39250855 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2024.104197
    Lithium and mood stabilizers are considered effective augmentation agents of antidepressants for treatment-resistant depression. Thus, this study aimed to estimate the network structure of depression symptom criteria among unipolar depression patients with mood stabilizers, using data from the Research on Asian Psychotropic Prescription Patterns for mood stabilizers (REAP-MS). We estimated a network of the 9 depression symptom criteria among 411 unipolar depression patients in Asia. Each of the depression symptom criteria was considered to be a dichotomous categorical variable. Suicidality (suicidal ideation or attempt) was the most centrally situated within the network of depression symptoms, followed by depressed mood, loss of energy, anhedonia and weight loss or gain. Contrastingly, concentration problem was the least interconnected. The depression symptom criteria were organized into 4 clusters by the community detection method. The findings suggest that suicidality may be one of the significant therapeutic target symptoms in unipolar depression patients with mood stabilizers.
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