Displaying publications 2021 - 2040 of 7301 in total

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  1. Atif S, Wahab NA, Ghafoor S, Saeed MQ, Ahmad A
    J Pak Med Assoc, 2021 Mar;71(3):938-942.
    PMID: 34057953 DOI: 10.47391/JPMA.1115
    Biomarkers are anatomical characteristics or naturally occurring measurable molecules indicating physiological or pathological state of an individual. These biomarkers have the potential to detect or predict diseases at an early stage, which is particularly beneficial in timely management of common complications of radiation therapy done in head and neck cancer treatment regime. Xerostomia is one of the most common oral complaints of radiation therapy. Saliva has an abundance of protein biomarkers; however, those related to post-radiation therapy xerostomia need to be explored further. Textural and imaging-based biomarkers are helpful in predicting xerostomia in such patients. This narrative review provides an account of salivary protein and imaging-based biomarkers of radiation therapy-induced xerostomia in head and neck cancer patients.
  2. Chowdhury MR, Moshikur RM, Wakabayashi R, Moniruzzaman M, Goto M
    Int J Pharm, 2021 May 15;601:120582.
    PMID: 33872711 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2021.120582
    Human skin contains numerous antigen-presenting cells that are a potential target for several immune-based therapies, including vaccination and cancer immunotherapy. However, the outermost layer of the skin-the stratum corneum-acts as a major physical barrier against the permeation of antigens that have a molecular weight > 500 Da. In this study, an ionic liquid-assisted delivery system (ILDS) was developed, which enabled the successful transdermal delivery of an antigenic protein, ovalbumin (OVA), with a toll-like receptor agonist, imiquimod, as an adjuvant, to stimulate a specific immune response. Both the ionic liquids and ILDS were completely biocompatible for topical or transdermal application for therapeutic purposes. The skin permeation of the antigenic protein and adjuvant was found to be significantly enhanced because of the incorporation of a surface-active ionic liquid in the ILDS. An in vivo immunization study showed that there was a high level of OVA-specific IgG antibody production because of the enhanced permeation of the antigen and adjuvant across and into the skin. In a preclusive anticancer study, vaccination through ILDS showed stronger tumor-growth inhibition compared to control group. These results indicated that the ILDS could be a promising strategy for transdermal immunization as future therapeutics.
  3. Alvi MA, Li L, Ohiolei JA, Qamar W, Saqib M, Tayyab MH, et al.
    Infect Genet Evol, 2021 Aug;92:104873.
    PMID: 33905888 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2021.104873
    Hydatigera taeniaeformis formerly referred to as Taenia taeniaeformis is a cestode of cats (definitive hosts) and rodents (intermediate hosts). The prevalence of the metacestode larval stage has been reported in rodents in many parts of the world even though the genetic polymorphisms or intraspecies variation is still understudied. Here, we report a prevalence of 22.09% (38/172) from an urban rodent population in Pakistan and a nucleotide diversity (cox1) of 0.00463 among the population. Infection was higher in male (27.85%) and adult (32.29%) rats than female and sub-adult/young rats. Interestingly, The median-joining network and phylogenetic construction comprising isolates from China, Japan, Kenya, Laos, Malaysia, Senegal, the United Arab Emirates, and countries in Europe demonstrated that Pakistani H. taeniaeformis are closer to Asian and African population than those of European origin. The results of the study will add-in preliminary data for H. taeniaeformis and will also contribute to understand the global molecular epidemiology and population structure of H. taeniaeformis.
  4. Hassan R, Aslam Khan MU, Abdullah AM, Abd Razak SI
    Polymers (Basel), 2021 Apr 27;13(9).
    PMID: 33925332 DOI: 10.3390/polym13091409
    Polymeric materials have always established an edge over other classes of materials due to their potential applications in various fields of biomedical engineering. Orthodontics is an emerging field in which polymers have attracted the enormous attention of researchers. In particular, thermoplastic materials have a great future utility in orthodontics, both as aligners and as retainer appliances. In recent years, the use of polycarbonate brackets and base monomers bisphenol A glycerolate dimethacrylate (bis-GMA) has been associated with the potential release of bisphenol A (BPA) in the oral environment. BPA is a toxic compound that acts as an endocrine disruptor that can affect human health. Therefore, there is a continuous search for non-BPA materials with satisfactory mechanical properties and an esthetic appearance as an alternative to polycarbonate brackets and conventional bis-GMA compounds. This study aims to review the recent developments of BPA-free monomers in the application of resin dental composites and adhesives. The most promising polymeric smart materials are also discussed for their relevance to future orthodontic applications.
  5. Saad-Ilyas M, Zehra U, Khan UU, Mohammad I, Muhammad R, Aziz A
    Malays Orthop J, 2021 Mar;15(1):72-78.
    PMID: 33880151 DOI: 10.5704/MOJ.2103.011
    Introduction: The study aimed to target the current practices of the orthopaedic community in outpatient (OPD), emergency (ER) and surgical services (OT) during COVID-19.

    Material and method: This study surveyed 303 orthopaedic surgeons from all over Pakistan. The survey had 30 questions targeting the setup of outpatient, emergency and operation services in orthopaedic departments of different hospitals in Pakistan.

    Result: A total of 302 surgeons were included from 53 cities all over Pakistan. Between 35-48% of the respondents reported lack of availability of standard operating procedures in OPD, ER and in OT. Majority of the respondents noted that their OPD and surgical practice had been affected to some degree and 69% of the surgeons were only doing trauma surgery. This trend was higher in younger consultants of less than 45 years of age (p<0.001). Almost two-third of the surgeons, mostly senior (p=0.03) were using surgical masks as the only protective measure during various practices of OPD, ER and OT, while most of the setups were not assessing patients even for signs and symptoms of COVID. Almost 89% of the orthopaedic community is facing definite to mild stress during this pandemic and this has significantly affected the senior surgeons (p=0.01).

    Conclusion: Our study highlighted that COVID-19 has resulted in marked changes to the practices of the majority of Pakistani orthopaedic surgeons. Despite a sharp upsurge in the number of cases and mortality due to COVID-19, guidelines were still lacking at most of the settings and a substantial percentage of the orthopaedic community were not following adequate safety measures while attending to patients.

  6. Saleem Z, Godman B, Azhar F, Kalungia AC, Fadare J, Opanga S, et al.
    Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther, 2022 Jan;20(1):71-93.
    PMID: 34038294 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2021.1935238
    INTRODUCTION: The emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a threat to public health. In 2015, the World Health Organization (WHO) introduced a global action plan to tackle AMR in the World Health Assembly. Pakistan's national action plan (NAP) for AMR was released in May 2017 by the Ministry of National Health Services. Based on the NAP, strategies have been initiated on a national and provincial scale in Pakistan.

    AREAS COVERED: This narrative review of the five components of the Pakistan NAP has been undertaken to discuss some of the challenges in implementation of the NAP for AMR in Pakistan including different opinions and views of key stakeholders, combined with suggestions on potential ways to reduce the burden of the AMR.

    EXPERT OPINION: Going forward, healthcare authorities should focus on screening and monitoring of all the objectives of the NAP by establishing proper policies as well as promoting antimicrobial stewardship interventions and Infection prevention and control (IPC) practices. Overall, the comprehensive strengthening of the healthcare system is required to adequately implement the NAP, tackle continued inappropriate antimicrobial use and high AMR rates in Pakistan.

  7. Ahmad MI, Khan IA, Ahmad M, Husain A, Jamaludin R
    Syst Pract Action Res, 2021 Nov 20.
    PMID: 34840496 DOI: 10.1007/s11213-021-09585-6
    Every individual is unique and may serve a unique purpose in this life. Education is widely accepted to be the means of transformation of individuals so that they may achieve their unique success or create their own lives. However, not every individual seems to be realizing their true potential. This paper explores the concept of entropy in education system as a force that is usually imagined to oppose realization of potential of an individual during life in this phenomenal world. Alternatively, the same may provide an impetus that is necessary to bring in organization in oneself to realize the hidden potential. A one group Pretest-Posttest quasi-experimental design was used to draw the conclusions on data obtained from participants of workshops in three different modes, viz. face-to-face Pre COVID-19, face-to-face in COVID-19 with SOPs, and online in COVID-19. Realization of an individual's potential was represented as a dependent variable, i.e. transformation in cognition, skills, and attitude while the independent variables taken into account were the meaningful interactions of an individual with peers and advanced learners in a designed environment. It was inferred from the results that transformation in learners' cognition (6-30 %), skills (0-20 %), and attitude (5-32 %) occurred through human discourse, in a community of inquiry.
  8. Wilson YP, Nambiar P, Yaacob H, Asif MK
    Med Leg J, 2021 Dec;89(4):254-259.
    PMID: 34758645 DOI: 10.1177/00258172211052930
    We investigated the development of third molars among Malaysians (including variations between jaws and genders) using Demirjian's method. Dental panoramic radiographs of 1224 subjects aged 8 to 24 years were examined, and the molars were assigned Demirjian et al.'s development grades (A-H). Results indicated that 18.8% had congenitally missing or extracted third molars. Development of molars begins earlier in females (also in the mandible), but by age 9, male children's molar development speeds up with more advanced grades in their middle teens than females. Grade C indicates the subject is a juvenile, while initiation of root development (Grade E), was observed from 13 years on. Grade H can occur in a child aged 18 years who technically is still a juvenile. We compared the development and growth patterns of the third molar from both the maxilla and the mandible.
  9. Wong PY, How SH, Hassan R, Abdul Azih MN
    Aging Med (Milton), 2021 Dec;4(4):345-349.
    PMID: 34964016 DOI: 10.1002/agm2.12179
    Immunotherapy is an effective treatment in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with high PDL-1 expression. Here, we report three such patients with durable response despite limited doses immunotherapy.
  10. Upawi SN, Ahmad MF, Abu MA, Ahmad S
    Midwifery, 2022 Feb;105:103238.
    PMID: 34968819 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2021.103238
    OBJECTIVE: to compare the effect of amniotomy with early vs delayed oxytocin infusion on successful vaginal delivery.

    DESIGN: randomised controlled trial of nulliparous women with spontaneous labour at term.

    SETTING: labour suite of a university teaching hospital in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

    PARTICIPANTS: 240 women were included (120 randomised into two arms).

    INTERVENTIONS: the randomisation sequence was generated using a computer randomisation program in two blocks: oxytocin infused early following amniotomy; and oxytocin infused 2 h after amniotomy.

    MEASUREMENTS AND FINDINGS: labour duration, mode of delivery, oxytocin dosage used, uterine hyperstimulation, postpartum haemorrhage, Apgar score and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit were recorded. No differences in vaginal delivery rate (62.9% vs 70.9%; p = 0.248) and second-stage labour were found between the early and delayed oxytocin infusion groups (21.2 ± 18.3 min vs 25.5 ± 19.9 min; p = 0.220). The mean interval from amniotomy to vaginal delivery was significantly shorter for the early group (5.8 ± 1.7 h vs 7.0 ± 1.9 h; p = 0.001), and more women in the early group delivered during/before the planned review at 4 h after amniotomy (53.6% vs 10.6%; p<0.001). Maximum oxytocin usage was lower in the early group (5.6 ± 4.4 mL/hour vs 6.8 ± 5.3 mL/hour; p = 0.104).

    KEY CONCLUSIONS: early oxytocin augmentation following amniotomy could be employed in low-risk primigravida, given that it is associated with a shorter labour duration without jeopardising maternal or neonatal outcomes.

    IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: low-risk primigravida benefit from early oxytocin infusion following amniotomy, and this can be offered as an additional practice in labour room care.

  11. Yeap WC, Norkhairunnisa Che Mohd Khan, Norfadzilah Jamalludin, Muad MR, Appleton DR, Harikrishna Kulaveerasingam
    Front Plant Sci, 2021;12:773656.
    PMID: 34880893 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.773656
    The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) system has emerged as a powerful tool for the precise editing of plant genomes for crop improvement. Rapid in vitro methods for the determination of guide RNA (gRNA) cleavage efficiency and an efficient DNA delivery system is essential for gene editing. However, we lack an efficient gene-editing system for palm species. In this study, we described the development of a transient oil palm protoplast assay to rapidly evaluate the cleavage efficiency of CRISPR/Cas9 mutagenesis and the generation of stable transformed oil palms using biolistic particle bombardment in immature embryos. Using the phytoene desaturase (EgPDS) gene, we found cleavage frequency of up to 25.49% in electro-transfected protoplast, which enables the production of transgenic oil palm shoots exhibiting chimeric albino phenotypes as a result of DNA insertions, deletions (InDels), and nucleotide substitutions, with a mutation efficiency of 62.5-83.33%. We further validated the mutagenesis efficiency and specificity of the CRISPR/Cas9 system in oil palm by targeting the brassinosteroid-insensitive 1 (EgBRI1) gene, which resulted in nucleotide substitutions in EgBRI1 with premature necrosis phenotype in oil palm transgenic shoots and stunted phenotype resulting from DNA InDels. Taken together, our results showed that effective and efficient editing of genes using the CRISPR/Cas9 system can be achieved in oil palm by optimizing the selection of efficient gRNA and DNA delivery methods. This newly designed strategy will enable new routes for the genetic improvement in oil palm and related species.
  12. Zhao JX, Wang LY, Irfan M, Zhang ZS
    Zootaxa, 2021 Aug 13;5020(3):457-488.
    PMID: 34810991 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5020.3.3
    The cribellate, Asian endemic, spider genus, Taira is further studied, and six new species are recognized and described from China and Eastern Malaysia (Borneo): Taira borneoensis sp. nov. (♀), Taira gyaisiensis sp. nov. (♀), Taira nyagqukaensis sp. nov. (♀), Taira wanzhouensis sp. nov. (♂♀), Taira xuanenensis sp. nov. (♂) and Taira yangi sp. nov. (♂♀). Males of Taira latilabiata Zhang, Zhu Song, 2008 and Taira obtusa Zhang, Zhu Song, 2008 are also described for the first time. Drawings of the copulatory organs of the six new species, and comparative photos of the habitus and copulatory organs of all described species are provided, except for the male palp of the type species, T. flavidorsalis (Yaginuma, 1964). New records of known species and distribution maps are presented.
  13. Karim S, Naeem MA, Meero AA, Rabbani MR
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2023 Mar;30(15):42829-42844.
    PMID: 34826080 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-17459-6
    The current research presents fresh insights on empirically presenting the relationship between ownership structure and corporate sustainable performance of two emerging markets: Malaysia and Pakistan. Moreover, the moderating role of gender diversity is observed on the relationship between ownership structure and corporate sustainable performance. Dynamic estimator, named system generalized method of moments, is used for estimations that control for potential dynamic endogeneity, simultaneity, and reverse causality. Findings reveal that ownership concentration and state ownership are negatively related to economic, social, and environmental indicators of CSP both in Malaysia and Pakistan, whereas directors' ownership is positively associated with all sustainability indicators. Financial institution's ownership showed a positive significant impact on CSP in Malaysia, whereas an insignificant relationship is observed in Pakistan. Meanwhile, the moderating impact of women directors on the relationship between ownership structure and corporate sustainable performance reveals a significant impact in Malaysia and an insignificant impact in Pakistan. Generally, the findings of the study have practical implications for regulatory authorities, securities commissions, and policymakers of Malaysia and Pakistan. Moreover, there is a need to bring reforms into corporate governance structures in Pakistan, where weak economic conditions leave a frail impact of ownership structure on CSP and an insignificant moderating impact of board gender diversity.
  14. Luthfi M, Yuliati, Wijayanti EH, Abdul Razak FB, Irmalia WR
    PMID: 35003556 DOI: 10.4103/1735-3327.330872
    Background: Patients with diabetes mellitus suffer from an additional macrophage dysfunction in the secretion of growth factor, which later decreases transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1). This condition disrupts proliferation and angiogenesis. Extract of okra fruit (Abelmoschus esculentus) contains flavonoid, an active substance which acts as antioxidant, anti-inflammation, and antidiabetes. The purpose of this study is to analyze the difference in TGF-β1 expression in wound-healing process after tooth extraction of diabetic Wistar rats.

    Materials and Methods: This is a laboratory experimental study using pretest and posttest on 24 Wistar rats which are divided into two groups: control group (treated with streptozotocin induction but without administration of okra fruit extract) and treatment group (treated with streptozotocin induction and oral administration of 250 mg/kg okra fruit extract once a day). Extractions of the rats' mandibular left incisors were performed using a pair of modified forceps and an elevator. The tooth sockets were then irrigated using saline solution. Four rats in each group were sacrificed on day 3 (KO1, PO1), 5 (KO2, PO2), and 7 (KO3, PO3). The socket tissues from the rats were then immunohistochemically analyzed. Data were analyzed at level significance of 0.05.

    Results: The average level of TGF-β1 expression in the treatment groups was higher compared to the control group: PO1 (11.59 ± 0.58), PO2 (15.15 ± 1.07), and PO3 (18.75 ± 2.73) as compared to KO1 (5.32 ± 1.69), KO2 (8.47 ± 0.60), and KO3 (9.28 ± 1.16) with P = 0.001.

    Conclusion: The administration of okra fruit extract can increase the level of TGF-β1 in wounds after tooth extraction of diabetic Wistar rats.

  15. Vohra MS, Benchoula K, Serpell CJ, Hwa WE
    Eur J Pharmacol, 2022 Jan 15;915:174611.
    PMID: 34798121 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174611
    Obesity is a major health crisis affecting over a third of the global population. This multifactorial disease is regulated via interoceptive neural circuits in the brain, whose alteration results in excessive body weight. Certain central neuronal populations in the brain are recognised as crucial nodes in energy homeostasis; in particular, the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC) region contains two peptide microcircuits that control energy balance with antagonistic functions: agouti-related peptide/neuropeptide-Y (AgRP/NPY) signals hunger and stimulates food intake; and pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) signals satiety and reduces food intake. These neuronal peptides levels react to energy status and integrate signals from peripheral ghrelin, leptin, and insulin to regulate feeding and energy expenditure. To manage obesity comprehensively, it is crucial to understand cellular and molecular mechanisms of information processing in ARC neurons, since these regulate energy homeostasis. Importantly, a specific strategy focusing on ARC circuits needs to be devised to assist in treating obese patients and maintaining weight loss with minimal or no side effects. The aim of this review is to elucidate the recent developments in the study of AgRP-, NPY- and POMC-producing neurons, specific to their role in controlling metabolism. The impact of ghrelin, leptin, and insulin signalling via action of these neurons is also surveyed, since they also impact energy balance through this route. Lastly, we present key proteins, targeted genes, compounds, drugs, and therapies that actively work via these neurons and could potentially be used as therapeutic targets for treating obesity conditions.
  16. Abbass K, Song H, Khan F, Begum H, Asif M
    PMID: 34797543 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-17438-x
    This study explores the impact of fiscal policy on environmental pollution, employing the vector autoregressive (VAR) model on annual data from 1976 to 2018 in Pakistan. We estimate the effect of total expenditure, total revenue, education expenditures, health expenditures, and other dynamic determinants such as gross domestic product (GDP), private investment, market rate, and crude oil price on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in particular. Further, this study creates impulse response functions to check the fiscal shocks, coordinating with five scenarios of public expenditures, segregated into government revenue, and education and health expenditures. The outcomes indicate that government spending in the public sectors (education and health) had a diminishing effect on CO2 emissions, whereas government revenue that was collected from taxes improved economic growth but at a cost of environmental pollution. In Pakistan, a fiscal policy scenario has been implemented that increases government expenditures to alleviate the effects of CO2 emissions. Therefore, policymakers should provide the right direction for the feasible distribution of resources in every public sector through a powerful structure, which will ultimately reduce the overall level of environmental deficit.
  17. Jiee SF, Jantim A, Mohamed AF, Emiral ME
    J Prev Med Hyg, 2021 Sep;62(3):E605-E612.
    PMID: 34909486 DOI: 10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2021.62.3.2031
    Introduction: COVID-19 pandemic has placed the entire world, including Malaysia in a state of fear. The rising burden on healthcare facilities has put healthcare workers consistently at risk of healthcare-associated infection. We sought to identify determinants of preventive practice against COVID-19 at work among primary healthcare professionals in Sabah, Malaysia.

    Method: This was a cross-sectional study involving healthcare workers of the Penampang and Putatan districts of Sabah, Malaysia. A total of 167 health professionals from primary healthcare settings took part in this study via a self-administered questionnaire from November 2020 until January 2021. Independent t-test and Analysis of Variance were used to determine differences in preventive practice for categorical independent variables. Pearson product-moment correlation was applied to assess the relationship between Job Satisfaction, burnout, and preventive practice. Subsequently, predictors of preventive practice at work among healthcare workers in Sabah were identified through Binomial Logistic Regression.

    Results: The prevalence of good preventive practice among health professionals at work was 71.3%. There was no difference in preventive practice between professions. Almost all participants reported having good personal protective equipment compliance and hand hygiene practice at work. Marital status (AOR = 4.170, 95% CI = 1.787, 9.733; p = 0.001), average sleep hours (AOR = 1.775, 95% CI = 1.144, 2.754; p = 0.01), and pandemic-related burnout (AOR = 0.905, 95% CI = 0.847, 0.967; p = 0.003) were identified as significant predictors of preventive practice at primary healthcare facilities.

    Conclusions: The outcome of this study is beneficial to the healthcare organization. It can serve as a useful guide to tackle issues related to poor preventive practice against COVID-19 at work for health professionals.

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