MyMedR

Displaying publications 2561 - 2580 of 6724 in total

Abstract:

Sort:

Fulltext Modeling the effect of delay strategy on transmission dynamics of HIV/AIDS disease

Raza A, Ahmadian A, Rafiq M, Salahshour S, Naveed M, Ferrara M, et al.

Adv Differ Equ, 2020;2020(1):663.
PMID: 33250928 DOI: 10.1186/s13662-020-03116-8

In this manuscript, we investigate a nonlinear delayed model to study the dynamics of human-immunodeficiency-virus in the population. For analysis, we find the equilibria of a susceptible-infectious-immune system with a delay term. The well-established tools such as the Routh-Hurwitz criterion, Volterra-Lyapunov function, and Lasalle invariance principle are presented to investigate the stability of the model. The reproduction number and sensitivity of parameters are investigated. If the delay tactics are decreased, then the disease is endemic. On the other hand, if the delay tactics are increased then the disease is controlled in the population. The effect of the delay tactics with subpopulations is investigated. More precisely, all parameters are dependent on delay terms. In the end, to give the strength to a theoretical analysis of the model, a computer simulation is presented.
Fulltext Evaluation of automated volumetric breast density software in comparison with visual assessments in an Asian population: A retrospective observational study

Rahmat K, Ab Mumin N, Ramli Hamid MT, Fadzli F, Ng WL, Muhammad Gowdh NF

Medicine (Baltimore), 2020 Sep 25;99(39):e22405.
PMID: 32991467 DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000022405

This study aims to compare Quantra, as an automated volumetric breast density (Vbd) tool, with visual assessment according to ACR BI-RADS density categories and to determine its potential usage in clinical practice.Five hundred randomly selected screening and diagnostic mammograms were included in this retrospective study. Three radiologists independently assigned qualitative ACR BI-RADS density categories to the mammograms. Quantra automatically calculates the volumetric density data into the system. The readers were blinded to the Quantra and other readers assessment. Inter-reader agreement and agreement between Quantra and each reader were tested. Region under the curve (ROC) analysis was performed to obtain the cut-off value to separate dense from a non-dense breast. Results with P value
Fulltext Effectiveness of strip footing with geogrid reinforcement for different types of soils in Mosul, Iraq

Hasan NI, Mohd Taib A, Muhammad NS, Mat Yazid MR, Mutalib AA, Abang Hasbollah DZ

PLoS One, 2020;15(12):e0243293.
PMID: 33332375 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0243293

The main cause of problematic soil failure under a certain load is due to low bearing capacity and excessive settlement. With a growing interest in employing shallow foundation to support heavy structures, it is important to study the soil improvement techniques. The technique of using geosynthetic reinforcement is commonly applied over the last few decades. This paper aims to determine the effect of using geogrid Tensar BX1500 on the bearing capacity and settlement of strip footing for different types of soils, namely Al-Hamedat, Ba'shiqah, and Al-Rashidia in Mosul, Iraq. The analysis of reinforced and unreinforced soil foundations was conducted numerically and analytically. A series of conditions were tested by varying the number (N) and the width (b) of the geogrid layers. The results showed that the geogrid could improve the footing's bearing capacity and reduce settlement. The soil of the Al-Rashidia site was sandy and indicated better improvement than the other two sites' soils (clayey soils). The optimum geogrid width (b) was five times the footing width (B), while no optimum geogrid number (N) was obtained. Finally, the numerical results of the ultimate bearing capacity were compared with the analytical results, and the comparison showed good agreement between both the analyses and the optimum range published in the literature. The significant findings reveal that the geogrid reinforcement may induce improvement to the soil foundation, however, not directly subject to the width and number of the geogrid alone. The varying soil properties and footing size also contribute to both BCR and SRR values supported by the improvement factor calculations. Hence, the output complemented the benefit of applying reinforced soil foundations effectively.
The economic burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Europe: results from a systematic review of the literature

Rehman AU, Hassali MAA, Muhammad SA, Harun SN, Shah S, Abbas S

Eur J Health Econ, 2020 Mar;21(2):181-194.
PMID: 31564007 DOI: 10.1007/s10198-019-01119-1

OBJECTIVES: To find the economic burden of COPD and to identify the key cost drivers in the management of COPD patients across different European countries.
BACKGROUND: COPD is a major cause of mortality and morbidity and is associated with considerable economic burden on the individual and society. It limits the daily activities and working ability of the patients.
METHODOLOGY: We conducted a systematic search of PUBMED, SCIENCE DIRECT, Cochrane CENTRAL, SCOPUS, Google Scholar and SAGE Premier Databases to find scientific research articles evaluating the cost of COPD management from patient and societal perspective.
RESULTS: Estimated per patient per year direct cost in Norway, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Sweden, Greece, Belgium, and Serbia was €10,701, €9580, €7847, €7448, €7045, €2896, €1963, and €2047, respectively. Annual per patient cost of work productivity loss was highest in Germany as €5735 and lowest in Greece as €998. It was estimated as €4824, €2033 and €1298 in Bulgaria, Denmark and Sweden, respectively. Several factors found associated with increasing cost of COPD management that include but not limited to late diagnosis, severity of disease, frequency of exacerbation, hospital readmissions, non-adherence to the therapy and exposure to COPD risk factors.
CONCLUSION: Minimizing the COPD exacerbations and controlling the worsening of symptoms may potentially reduce the cost of COPD management at any stage.
Fulltext Molecular Characterization of Microbiota Associated With Sperm of Malaysian Mahseer Tor tambroides

Koh ICC, Badrul Nizam BH, Muhammad Abduh Y, Abol Munafi AB, Iehata S

Evol Bioinform Online, 2019;15:1176934319850821.
PMID: 31217688 DOI: 10.1177/1176934319850821

Malaysian Mahseer (Tor tambroides) is considered as a good prospect for aquaculture in Malaysia. However, knowledge about Malaysian Mahseer-associated sperm microbiota is still limited, although some studies reported that sperm-related bacteria are a factor in the decline of sperm quality, as sperm may become the carrier of pathogenic bacteria to the egg. The goal of this study was to evaluate the sperm microbiota associated with Malaysian Mahseer from 3 different locations (Universiti Malaysia Terengganu [UMT], Ajil, and Pahang) using polymerase chain reaction denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) fingerprinting and to compare location differences by cluster analysis. Our results showed that the UMT sample had different sperm microbiota composition and a different trend in its relationship with sperm quality. Correlation analysis showed a relationship between bacterial diversity and sperm quality. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that sperm microbiota was composed of diverse phyla, including Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria. Interestingly, bacteria such as Salinisphaera sp., Pelomonas sp., and Staphylococcus spp. were detected in all the locations, suggesting that these bacteria are indigenous bacterial members of the Malaysian Mahseer sperm microbiota, although their function is still unclear.
Uncertainty estimation approach in catalytic fast pyrolysis of rice husk: Thermal degradation, kinetic and thermodynamic parameters study

Loy ACM, Yusup S, How BS, Yiin CL, Chin BLF, Muhammad M, et al.

Bioresour Technol, 2019 Dec;294:122089.
PMID: 31526932 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2019.122089

The aim of this study was to understand the influence of catalyst in thermal degradation behavior of rice husk (RH) in catalytic fast pyrolysis (CFP) process. An iso-conversional Kissinger kinetic model was introduced into this study to understand the activation energy (EA), pre-exponential value (A), Enthalpy (ΔH), Entropy (ΔS) and Gibb's energy (ΔG) of non-catalytic fast pyrolysis (NCFP) and CFP of RH. The study revealed that the addition of natural zeolite catalyst enhanced the rate of devolatilization and decomposition of RH associated with lowest EA value (153.10 kJ/mol) compared to other NCFP and CFP using nickel catalyst. Lastly, an uncertainty estimation was applied on the best fit non-linear regression model (MNLR) to identify the explanatory variables. The finding showed that it had the highest probability to obtain 73.8-74.0% mass loss in CFP of rice husk using natural zeolite catalyst.
Selective Laryngeal Examination: Sensitivity of Endocrine Surgeons in Screening Voice Abnormality

Al-Yahya SN, Muhammad R, Suhaimi SNA, Azman M, Mohamed AS, Baki MM

J Voice, 2020 Sep;34(5):811.e13-811.e20.
PMID: 30612893 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2018.12.003

OBJECTIVES: Selective laryngeal examination for patients undergoing thyroidectomy is recommended for patients with voice alterations, history of prior cervical or chest surgery, and patients with proven or suspected thyroid malignancy. The study objective is to measure the sensitivity of surgeons in detecting voice abnormalities in patients undergoing thyroidectomy, parathyroidectomy complicated with laryngeal nerve paralysis, or patients with known vocal cords palsy (VCP) due to other neck surgeries.
DESIGN AND SETTING: Descriptive cross-sectional study in a tertiary center.
PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: The subjects are 274 audio files of voices of patients undergoing thyroid, parathyroid surgeries, and known VCP due to other neck surgeries. Voice assessments were done by three endocrine surgeons (A, B, and C) with 20, 12, and 4 years of surgical experience.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Sensitivity and specificity of surgeon documented voice assessment in patients with underlying VCP. Subjects' acoustic analysis and Voice Handicap Index (VHI-10) were analyzed.
RESULTS: Raters A, B, and C have sensitivity of 63.6%, 78.8%, and 66.7%, respectively. Inter-rater reliability shows substantial agreement (ƙ = 0.67). VHI-10 has sensitivity of 75.8% and strong correlation of 0.707 (p value <0.001) to VCP. Subjects with VCP have notably higher jitter, shimmer, and noise-to-harmonic ratio compared to normal subjects with sensitivity of 74.2%, 71.2%, and 72.7%, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS: The results for surgeons documented voice assessment did not reach the desired sensitivity for a screening tool for patients with underlying VCP. Other tools such as VHI-10 and acoustic analysis may not be used as standalone tools in screening patients with underlying VCP. Routine preoperative laryngeal examination may be recommended for all patients undergoing thyroid, parathyroid, or other surgeries that places the laryngeal nerves at risk.
Comparative anti-osteoporotic properties of the leaves and roots of Marantodes pumilum var. alata in postmenopausal rat model

Giaze TR, Shuid AN, Soelaiman IN, Muhammad N, Jamal JA, Fauzi MB, et al.

J Tradit Complement Med, 2019 Oct;9(4):393-400.
PMID: 31453136 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2019.01.002

Background: Marantodes pumilum var. alata (MPva), popularly known as Kacip Fatimah, is widely used to maintain female reproductive health, facilitate post-partum recovery and manage symptoms of menopause and osteoporosis in South-East Asia. This study aims to further evaluate the osteoprotective potential of MPva in view of reports of its bone-protective properties in postmenopausal condition.
Methods: Thirty female Sprague-Dawley rats were sorted into 5 groups (n = 6) namely: MPv (leaf treatment); MPr (root treatment); ERT (estrogen treatment); OVXC (untreated ovariectomized control) and Sham (untreated sham-operated control). All rats (except the Sham) were ovariectomized to induce a state of estrogen deficiency that simulates menopause. Two weeks after ovariectomy, the rats were treated for 8 weeks with oral gavages of estrogen and plant extracts. The ERT group received 64.5 μg/kg/day dose of estrogen while MPv and MPr groups received 20 mg/kg/day dose of leaf and root extracts, respectively. At the end of treatment, left femora were excised from euthanized rats and investigated for changes in bone micro-architecture, mineral density, and biomechanical properties.
Results: Bone volume fraction, degree of anisotropy and structure-model-index of bone were significantly improved (p 
Fulltext A Comprehensive Review on Chemical and Pharmacological Potential of Viola betonicifolia: A Plant with Multiple Benefits

Rizwan K, Khan SA, Ahmad I, Rasool N, Ibrahim M, Zubair M, et al.

Molecules, 2019 Aug 29;24(17).
PMID: 31470508 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24173138

Viola betonicifolia (Violaceae) is commonly recognized as "Banafsha" and widely distributed throughout the globe. This plant is of great interest because of its traditional, pharmacological uses. This review mainly emphases on morphology, nutritional composition, and several therapeutic uses, along with pharmacological properties of different parts of this multipurpose plant. Different vegetative parts of this plant (roots, leaves, petioles, and flowers) contained a good profile of essential micro- and macronutrients and are rich source of fat, protein, carbohydrates, and vitamin C. The plant is well known for its pharmacological properties, e.g., antioxidant, antihelminthic, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and has been reported in the treatment of various neurological diseases. This plant is of high economic value. The plant has potential role in cosmetic industry. This review suggests that V. betonicifolia is a promising source of pharmaceutical agents. This plant is also of significance as ornamental plant, however further studies needed to explore its phytoconstituents and their pharmacological potential. Furthermore, clinical studies are needed to use this plant for benefits of human beings.
Fulltext Curcumin Attenuates Lead-Induced Cerebellar Toxicity in Rats via Chelating Activity and Inhibition of Oxidative Stress

Abubakar K, Muhammad Mailafiya M, Danmaigoro A, Musa Chiroma S, Abdul Rahim EB, Abu Bakar Zakaria MZ

Biomolecules, 2019 09 06;9(9).
PMID: 31489882 DOI: 10.3390/biom9090453

Lead (Pb) is a toxic, environmental heavy metal that induces serious clinical defects in all organs, with the nervous system being its primary target. Curcumin is the main active constituent of turmeric rhizome (Curcuma longa) with strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study is aimed at evaluating the therapeutic potentials of curcumin on Pb-induced neurotoxicity. Thirty-six male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned into five groups with 12 rats in the control (normal saline) and 6 rats in each of groups, i.e., the lead-treated group (LTG) (50 mg/kg lead acetate for four weeks), recovery group (RC) (50 mg/kg lead acetate for four weeks), treatment group 1 (Cur100) (50 mg/kg lead acetate for four weeks, followed by 100 mg/kg curcumin for four weeks) and treatment group 2 (Cur200) (50 mg/kg lead acetate for four weeks, followed by 200 mg/kg curcumin for four weeks). All experimental groups received oral treatment via orogastric tube on alternate days. Motor function was assessed using a horizontal bar method. The cerebellar concentration of Pb was evaluated using ICP-MS technique. Pb-administered rats showed a significant decrease in motor scores and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) activity with increased Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. In addition, a marked increase in cerebellar Pb concentration and alterations in the histological architecture of the cerebellar cortex layers were recorded. However, treatment with curcumin improved the motor score, reduced Pb concentration in the cerebellum, and ameliorated the markers of oxidative stress, as well as restored the histological architecture of the cerebellum. The results of this study suggest that curcumin attenuates Pb-induced neurotoxicity via inhibition of oxidative stress and chelating activity.
Increased burden of disease and role of health economics: Asia-pacific region

Shah S, Abbas G, Hanif M, Anees-Ur-Rehman, Zaman M, Riaz N, et al.

Expert Rev Pharmacoecon Outcomes Res, 2019 Oct;19(5):517-528.
PMID: 31401898 DOI: 10.1080/14737167.2019.1650643

Background: Health-care systems in Asian countries are diverse. The economic evaluation provides information on how to make efficient use of the resources available to obtain the maximum benefits. In Asia, diseases such as cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), diabetes mellitus (DM), tuberculosis (TB) and epilepsy generate a heavy economic burden. The objective of this article is to provide a review of the economic burden of health to patients in Asian countries. Areas covered: All data were collected from already published research article and review papers. The databases searched were Science Direct, PubMed, MEDLINE and Google scholar. We found a total of 4456 articles on health economics. After reviewing the title, only 876 relevant articles were considered. Only 92 (n = 92) articles were considered on the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria. Expert opinion: Available data give evidence that diseases are linked to the low socio-economic status of the Asian population. The cost per capita is high in Asian countries due to insufficient health-care facilities. The cost per capita in Asian countries ranges from $23 (Pakistan) to $1775 (Taiwan). The per capita cost of Malaysia, China, Singapore, and Thailand is $27 $83, $75, and $27, respectively.
Fulltext The 'CASTLE' tumour: An extremely rare presentation of a thyroid malignancy. A case report

Dualim DM, Loo GH, Suhaimi SNA, Md Latar NH, Muhammad R, Abd Shukor N

Ann Med Surg (Lond), 2019 Aug;44:57-61.
PMID: 31312445 DOI: 10.1016/j.amsu.2019.06.013

Thyroid carcinoma showing thymic-like differentiation (CASTLE) is a rare malignancy of the thyroid gland, and it accounts for 0.1-0.15% of all thyroid cancers. As the name suggests, it has a histological and immunophenotypic resemblance to thymic carcinoma. Preoperative diagnosis of CASTLE can be difficult as its clinical manifestations, and histological characteristic resembles other aggressive and advanced thyroid carcinomas. It is essential to distinguish CASTLE from other aggressive neoplasms as the former has a more favourable prognosis. Immunohistochemical staining with CD5 can help to differentiate thyroid CASTLE from other aggressive thyroid neoplasms. Due to the rarity of this disease, there is no clear definitive treatment strategy. Surgical resection of CASTLE is usually attempted initially. Nodal involvement and extrathyroidal extension are shown to be the main prognostic factors that influenced the survival of patients. Therefore, complete resection of the tumour is vital to reduce local recurrence rates and to improve the chance of long-term survival. Radiotherapy (RT) for CASTLE is an effective treatment. Curative surgery followed by adjuvant RT should be considered in cases with extrathyroidal extension and nodal metastases. With RT, shrinkage of the tumour and reduction of local recurrence rate is possible. With that in mind, we present a case of CASTLE who presented with airway compression symptoms three years after thyroid surgery. He subsequently underwent tumour debulking surgery and a tracheostomy. The patient refused adjuvant chemoradiotherapy, and during our serial follow-up, he is well and symptom-free.
Diffuse hepatic haemangiomatosis: A case report and review of literature

Rao R, Naidu J, Muhammad Nawawi KN, Wong ZQ, Ngiu CS, Mohammed F, et al.

Med J Malaysia, 2018 12;73(6):436-438.
PMID: 30647226

Hepatic haemangioma is a solitary liver lesion and prevalent among the female patients. We report a case of diffuse hepatic haemangiomatosis in a 62-year-old man, who was referred for an incidental finding of multiple liver nodules. History and physical examinations were unremarkable. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the liver were performed and showed multiple haemangiomatosis. In view of the rarity of this condition in men, a liver biopsy was done and confirmed haemangiomas. Available published literature on diffuse hepatic haemangiomatosis was reviewed.
Fulltext In Silico Analyses and Cytotoxicity Study of Asiaticoside and Asiatic Acid from Malaysian Plant as Potential mTOR Inhibitors

Zulkipli NN, Zakaria R, Long I, Abdullah SF, Muhammad EF, Wahab HA, et al.

Molecules, 2020 Sep 02;25(17).
PMID: 32887218 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25173991

Natural products remain a popular alternative treatment for many ailments in various countries. This study aimed to screen for potential mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors from Malaysian natural substance, using the Natural Product Discovery database, and to determine the IC50 of the selected mTOR inhibitors against UMB1949 cell line. The crystallographic structure of the molecular target (mTOR) was obtained from Protein Data Bank, with Protein Data Bank (PDB) ID: 4DRI. Everolimus, an mTOR inhibitor, was used as a standard compound for the comparative analysis. Computational docking approach was performed, using AutoDock Vina (screening) and AutoDock 4.2.6 (analysis). Based on our analysis, asiaticoside and its derivative, asiatic acid, both from Centella asiatica, revealed optimum-binding affinities with mTOR that were comparable to our standard compound. The effect of asiaticoside and asiatic acid on mTOR inhibition was validated with UMB1949 cell line, and their IC50 values were 300 and 60 µM, respectively, compared to everolimus (29.5 µM). Interestingly, this is the first study of asiaticoside and asiatic acid against tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) disease model by targeting mTOR. These results, coupled with our in silico findings, should prompt further studies, to clarify the mode of action, safety, and efficacy of these compounds as mTOR inhibitors.
Fulltext Workforce Mobilization From the National Institutes of Health for the Ministry of Health Malaysia: A COVID-19 Pandemic Response

Muhammad Nur Amir AR, Binti Amer Nordin A, Lim YC, Binti Ahmad Shauki NI, Binti Ibrahim NH

Front Public Health, 2021;9:574135.
PMID: 33643985 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.574135

The COVID-19 pandemic that emerged in 2019 has inflicted numerous clinical and public health challenges worldwide. It was declared a public health emergency by the World Health Organization and activated response teams at almost all Malaysian healthcare facilities. Upon activation of the National Crisis Preparedness and Response Center in January 2020, the National Institutes of Health Malaysia established a COVID-19 operation room at the facility level to address the rise in COVID-19 infection cases each day. The National Institutes of Health COVID-19 operation room committee formed a workforce mobilization team for an effective and efficient mobilization system to fulfill requests received for human resource aid within the Ministry of Health Malaysia facilities. Selected personnel would be screened for health and availability before mobilization letters and logistics arrangements if necessary. The workforce from the National Institutes of Health, consisting of various job positions, were mobilized every week, with each deployment cycle lasting 2 weeks. A total of 128 personnel from the six institutes under the National Institutes of Health were mobilized: tasks included fever screening, active case detection, health management at quarantine centers, and management of dead bodies. A well-organized data management system with a centralized online system integration could allow more rapid deployment and answer some of the key questions in managing a similar pandemic in the future. With improving infected COVID-19 cases throughout the country, the National Institutes of Health COVID-19 operation room was effectively closed on June 15, 2020, following approval from the Deputy Director-General of Health.
Fulltext Phytochemical and In Vitro Genotoxicity Studies of Standardized Ficus deltoidea var. kunstleri Aqueous Extract

Muhammad H, Omar MH, Rasid ENI, Suhaimi SN, Mohkiar FH, Siu LM, et al.

Plants (Basel), 2021 Feb 11;10(2).
PMID: 33670296 DOI: 10.3390/plants10020343

The present study was carried out to assess the genotoxicity potential of Ficus deltoidea var. kunstleri aqueous extract (FDAE) using standard in vitro assays. The DNA damage of V79B cells was measured using the alkaline comet assay treated at 0.1 mg/mL (IC10) and 0.3 mg/mL (IC25) of FDAE together with positive and negative controls. For in vitro micronucleus assay, the V79B cells were treated with FDAE at five different concentrations (5, 2.5, 1.25, 0.625, and 0.3125 mg/mL) with and without S9 mixture. The bacteria reverse mutation assay of FDAE was performed on Salmonella typhimurium strains TA98, 100, 1535, 1537, and Escherichia coli strain WP2uvrA using pre-incubation method in the presence or in the absence of an extrinsic metabolic system (S9 mixture). FDAE at 0.1 and 0.3 mg/mL significantly increased DNA damage in both comet tail and tail moment (p < 0.05). No significant changes were detected in the number of micronucleated cell when compared to control. Tested at the doses up to 5000 µg/plate, the FDAE did not increase the number of revertant colonies for all strains. In conclusion, further investigation needs to be conducted in animal model to confirm the non-genotoxicity activities of FDAE.
Assessing the impact of transition from nonrenewable to renewable energy consumption on economic growth-environmental nexus from developing Asian economies

Mohsin M, Kamran HW, Atif Nawaz M, Sajjad Hussain M, Dahri AS

J Environ Manage, 2021 Apr 15;284:111999.
PMID: 33556829 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.111999

Greenhouse gasses have adverse effects on global warming and air pollution and need to be optimized by minimizing the contributing factors. This work analyzes the effects of economic growth and energy resources (renewable and nonrenewable) on the emissions of greenhouse gasses (GHG). A 2000-2016 panel data from 25 developing Asian countries is analyzed through a robust Random Effect (RE) approach and Hausman Taylor Regression (HTR). Findings show a positive correlation between economic growth and energy consumption, while a 1% increase in renewable energy consumption results in a 0.193% decrease in carbon emissions. Economic growth and renewable energy are positively correlated in both the short and long term, which implies a valid feedback hypothesis. The findings indicate the significant contribution of nonrenewable energy resources to greenhouse gas emissions and the positive impact of renewable resources on greenhouse gas emissions' control. Furthermore, this study highlights the potential of developing Asian economies to preserve the environment through more robust regional environmental policies and renewable energy resources. In light of this study's findings, policymakers in Asian developing economies should develop policies on Renewable Energy infrastructure (RE) to improve GDP and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Blood-Brain Barrier Permeability of Asiaticoside, Madecassoside and Asiatic Acid in Porcine Brain Endothelial Cell Model

Hanapi NA, Mohamad Arshad AS, Abdullah JM, Tengku Muhammad TS, Yusof SR

J Pharm Sci, 2021 02;110(2):698-706.
PMID: 32949562 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2020.09.015

Neurotherapeutic potentials of Centella asiatica and its reputation to boost memory, prevent cognitive deficits and improve brain functions are widely acknowledged. The plant's bioactive compounds, i.e. asiaticoside, madecassoside and asiatic acid were reported to have central nervous system (CNS) actions, particularly in protecting the brain against neurodegenerative disorders. Hence, it is important for these compounds to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to be clinically effective therapeutics. This study aimed to explore the capability of asiaticoside, madecassoside and asiatic acid to cross the BBB using in vitro BBB model from primary porcine brain endothelial cells (PBECs). Our findings showed that asiaticoside, madecassoside and asiatic acid are highly BBB permeable with apparent permeability (Papp) of 70.61 ± 6.60, 53.31 ± 12.55 and 50.94 ± 10.91 × 10-6 cm/s respectively. No evidence of cytotoxicity and tight junction disruption of the PBECs were observed in the presence of these compounds. Asiatic acid showed cytoprotective effect towards the PBECs against oxidative stress. This study reported for the first time that Centella asiatica compounds demonstrated high capability to cross the BBB, comparable to central nervous system drugs, and therefore warrant further development as therapeutics for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
Identification of genes involved in the regulation of 14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide-induced toxicity in T-47D mammary cells

Tan ML, Tan HK, Oon CE, Kuroyanagi M, Muhammad TS

Food Chem Toxicol, 2012 Feb;50(2):431-44.
PMID: 22101062 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2011.11.001

14-Deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide is one of the principle compounds of the medicinal plant, Andrographis paniculata Nees. This study explored the mechanisms of 14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide-induced toxicity and non-apoptotic cell death in T-47D breast carcinoma cells. Gene expression analysis revealed that 14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide exerted its cytotoxic effects by regulating genes that inhibit the cell cycle or promote cell cycle arrest. This compound regulated genes that are known to reduce/inhibit cell proliferation, induce growth arrest and suppress cell growth. The growth suppression activities of this compound were demonstrated by a downregulation of several genes normally found to be over-expressed in cancers. Microscopic analysis revealed positive monodansylcadaverine (MDC) staining at 8h, indicating possible autophagosomes. TEM analysis revealed that the treated cells were highly vacuolated, thereby suggesting that 14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide may cause autophagic morphology in these cells. This morphology may be correlated with the concurrent expression of genes known to affect lysosomal activity, ion transport, protein degradation and vesicle transport. Interestingly, some apoptotic-like bodies were found, and these bodies contained multiple large vacuoles, suggesting that this compound is capable of eliciting a combination of apoptotic and autophagic-like morphological characteristics.
The economic burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in the USA, Europe, and Asia: results from a systematic review of the literature

Anees Ur Rehman, Ahmad Hassali MA, Muhammad SA, Shah S, Abbas S, Hyder Ali IAB, et al.

Expert Rev Pharmacoecon Outcomes Res, 2020 Dec;20(6):661-672.
PMID: 31596632 DOI: 10.1080/14737167.2020.1678385

Background: Lack of information about economic burden of COPD is a major cause of lack of attention to this chronic condition from governments and policymakers. Objective: To find the economic burden of COPD in Asia, USA and Europe, and to identify the key cost driving factors in management of COPD patients. Methodology: Relevant studies assessing the cost of COPD from patient perspective or societal perspective were retrieved by thoroughly searching PUBMED, SCIENCE DIRECT, GOOGLE SCHOLAR, SCOPUS, and SAGE Premier Databases. Results: In the USA annual per patient direct medical cost and hospitalization cost were reported as $10,367 and $6852, respectively. In Asia annual per patient direct medical cost in Iran, Korea and Singapore was reported as $1544, $3077, and $2335, respectively. However, annual per patient hospitalization cost in Iran, Korea, Singapore, India, China, and Turkey was reported as $865, $1371, $1868, $296, $1477 and $1031, respectively. In Europe annual per patient direct medical cost was reported as $11,787, $10,552, $8644, $8203, $7760, $3190, $1889, $2162, and $2254 in Norway, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Sweden, Greece, Spain, Belgium, and Serbia, respectively. Conclusion: Limiting the disease to early stage and preventing exacerbations may reduce the cost of management of COPD.

Filters

Please provide feedback to Administrator (afdal@afpm.org.my)

External Links