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  1. Fulltext Synthesis and α-Glucosidase Inhibition Activity of 2-[3-(Benzoyl/4-bromobenzoyl)-4-hydroxy-1,1-dioxido-2H-benzo[e][1,2]thiazin-2-yl]-N-arylacetamides: An In Silico and Biochemical Approach
    Saddique FA, Aslam S, Ahmad M, Ashfaq UA, Muddassar M, Sultan S, et al.
    Molecules, 2021 May 20;26(10).
    PMID: 34065194 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26103043
    Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disorder and has affected a large number of people worldwide. Insufficient insulin production causes an increase in blood glucose level that results in DM. To lower the blood glucose level, various drugs are employed that block the activity of the α-glucosidase enzyme, which is considered responsible for the breakdown of polysaccharides into monosaccharides leading to an increase in the intestinal blood glucose level. We have synthesized novel 2-(3-(benzoyl/4-bromobenzoyl)-4-hydroxy-1,1-dioxido-2H-benzo[e][1,2]thiazin-2-yl)-N-arylacetamides and have screened them for their in silico and in vitro α-glucosidase inhibition activity. The derivatives 11c, 12a, 12d, 12e, and 12g emerged as potent inhibitors of the α-glucosidase enzyme. These compounds exhibited good docking scores and excellent binding interactions with the selected residues (Asp203, Asp542, Asp327, His600, Arg526) during in silico screening. Similarly, these compounds also showed good in vitro α-glucosidase inhibitions with IC50 values of 30.65, 18.25, 20.76, 35.14, and 24.24 μM, respectively, which were better than the standard drug, acarbose (IC50 = 58.8 μM). Furthermore, a good agreement was observed between in silico and in vitro modes of study.
  2. Fulltext Role of imaging in managing lateral trocar site incisional hernia after abdominoperineal resection
    Aimanan K, Mohd Nor MR, Ling W, Che Ghazali K, Ahmad Hamidi AJ, Hayati F, et al.
    Radiol Case Rep, 2021 Nov;16(11):3457-3460.
    PMID: 34527123 DOI: 10.1016/j.radcr.2021.08.031
    Trocar site incisional hernia (TSIH) is an unpleasant complication of laparoscopic surgery. A 70-year-old male with low rectal carcinoma underwent a laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection after completion of neoadjuvant radiotherapy. The postoperative recovery was smooth; however, he developed abdominal distension and pain over the previous drain site after removal on day 3. In view of diagnostic ambiguity, an imaging tool was requested as an adjunct to further management. Computed tomography of the abdomen showed small bowel obstruction secondary to herniated ileal loops passing through the right iliac fossa anterior abdominal wall defect at the previous drainage site. An exploration was made and the rectus defect was closed using a non-absorbable suture.
  3. Fulltext Metabolic Profile of Scytalidium parasiticum-Ganoderma boninense Co-Cultures Revealed the Alkaloids, Flavonoids and Fatty Acids that Contribute to Anti-Ganoderma Activity
    Ahmad R, Lim CK, Marzuki NF, Goh YK, Azizan KA, Goh YK, et al.
    Molecules, 2020 Dec 16;25(24).
    PMID: 33339375 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25245965
    In solving the issue of basal stem rot diseases caused by Ganoderma, an investigation of Scytalidium parasiticum as a biological control agent that suppresses Ganoderma infection has gained our interest, as it is more environmentally friendly. Recently, the fungal co-cultivation has emerged as a promising method to discover novel antimicrobial metabolites. In this study, an established technique of co-culturing Scytalidium parasiticum and Ganoderma boninense was applied to produce and induce metabolites that have antifungal activity against G. boninense. The crude extract from the co-culture media was applied to a High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) preparative column to isolate the bioactive compounds, which were tested against G. boninense. The fractions that showed inhibition against G. boninense were sent for a Liquid Chromatography-Time of Flight-Mass Spectrometry (LC-TOF-MS) analysis to further identify the compounds that were responsible for the microbicidal activity. Interestingly, we found that eudistomin I, naringenin 7-O-beta-D-glucoside and penipanoid A, which were present in different abundances in all the active fractions, except in the control, could be the antimicrobial metabolites. In addition, the abundance of fatty acids, such as oleic acid and stearamide in the active fraction, also enhanced the antimicrobial activity. This comprehensive metabolomics study could be used as the basis for isolating biocontrol compounds to be applied in oil palm fields to combat a Ganoderma infection.
  4. Fulltext Zika virus infection and its emerging trends in Southeast Asia
    Salehuddin AR, Haslan H, Mamikutty N, Zaidun NH, Azmi MF, Senin MM, et al.
    Asian Pac J Trop Med, 2017 Mar;10(3):211-219.
    PMID: 28442104 DOI: 10.1016/j.apjtm.2017.03.002
    Zika virus is a mosquito-borne flavivirus that represents a public health emergency at the ongoing epidemic. Previously, this rare virus was limited to sporadic cases in Africa and Asia until its emergence in Brazil, South America in 2015, where it rapidly spread throughout the world. Recently, a high number of cases were reported in Singapore and other Southeast Asia countries. A combination of factors explains the current Zika virus outbreak although it is highly likely that the changes in the climate and high frequency of travelling contribute to the spread of Aedes vector carrying the Zika virus mainly to the tropical climate countries such as the Southeast Asia. The Zika virus is known to cause mild clinical symptoms similar to those of dengue and chikungunya and transmitted by different species of Aedes mosquitoes. However, neurological complications such as Guillain-Barré syndrome in adults, and congenital anomalies, including microcephaly in babies born to infected mothers, raised a serious concern. Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine available for Zika virus infection. Therefore, international public health response is primarily focused on preventing infection, particularly in pregnant women, and on providing up-to-date recommendations to reduce the risk of non-vector transmission of Zika virus.
  5. Fulltext Activities of Daily Living and Determinant Factors among Older Adult Subjects with Lower Body Fracture after Discharge from Hospital: A Prospective Study
    Ibrahim NI, Ahmad MS, Zulfarina MS, Zaris SNASM, Mohamed IN, Mohamed N, et al.
    Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2018 05 16;15(5).
    PMID: 29772744 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15051002
    Fracture is a type of musculoskeletal injury that contributes to an inability to perform daily activities. The objective of this study was to evaluate activities of daily living (ADL) of older adult patients with lower body fracture and to determine factors influencing ADL. Patient's ADL was assessed at pre-fracture, ward admission and post-discharge phases using the Katz ADL questionnaire. There were 129 subjects at pre-fracture and ward phases and 89 subjects at discharge phase. There were four independent variables; age, gender, type of fracture and ability to walk before fracture. Logistic regression models showed that 'age' and 'ability to walk before fracture' were the determinant factors of dependent for 'bathing', 'dressing' and 'toileting'. The 'ability to walk before fracture' was the determinant factor of dependent for 'transferring'. 'Age' and 'gender' were the determinant factors of dependent for 'continence', while 'age' was the determinant factor of dependent for 'feeding'. The ADL score changes were significant across the phases with a reduction in ADL score in the ward admission phase and partial increment during the post-discharge phase. There were improvements in the health outcomes of subjects aged more than 50 years old after 3 months of being discharged from the hospital. In conclusion, age, being female, having a hip fracture and using a walking aid before fracture were the determinants identified in this study.
  6. Autolysis of bovine skin, its endogenous proteases, protease inhibitors and their effects on quality characteristics of extracted gelatin
    Ahmad T, Ismail A, Ahmad SA, Khalil KA, Kee LT, Awad EA, et al.
    Food Chem, 2018 Nov 01;265:1-8.
    PMID: 29884359 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2018.05.046
    The autolysis of pretreated bovine skin (PBS) (treated with 0.1 M NaOH and 1% HCl), its endogenous proteases, inhibitors and their effects on quality attributes of gelatin were examined. PBS was subjected to different temperatures (20-90 °C) and pH (2-9) and treated with different protease inhibitors. Maximum autolytic activity of PBS was observed at 40 °C and pH 5. Ethylene-bis (oxyethylenenitrilo) tetraacetic acid (EGTA) was the most effective in impeding the degradation of γ-, β- and α- chains of PBS protein indicating that metallocollagenases were the predominant endogenous proteases in bovine skin. Gelatin was extracted in the absence (GAE) and presence (GPE) of EGTA, and EGTA with papain enzyme (GPEP). GPEP had a higher yield and lower gel strength than GEA and GPE. Metallocollagenases partook in the degradation of gelatin thereby affecting its functional properties. Pretreating PBS with or without EGTA, and papain influenced the quality attributes of gelatin.
  7. Fulltext Demethylbelamcandaquinone B (Dmcq B) Is the Active Compound of Marantodes pumilum var. alata (Blume) Kuntze with Osteoanabolic Activities
    Ahmad Hairi H, Jamal JA, Aladdin NA, Husain K, Mohd Sofi NS, Mohamed N, et al.
    Molecules, 2018 Jul 11;23(7).
    PMID: 29997309 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23071686
    Phytoestrogens have attracted considerable attention for their potential in the prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Recently, a phytoestrogen-rich herbal plant, Marantodes pumilum var. alata (Blume) Kuntze was reported to protect against bone loss in ovariectomized rat. However, the bioactive compound responsible for these effects and the underlying mechanism were not known. Through bioassay-guided isolation, demethylbelamcandaquinone B (Dmcq B) was isolated and identified from Marantodes pumilum var. alata leaf extract. In terms of its bone anabolic effects, Dmcq B was at par with 17β-estradiol (E2), in promoting the proliferation, differentiation and mineralization of osteoblast cells. Dmcq-B increased early differentiation markers, collagen content and enzymatic ALP activity. It was demonstrated to regulate BMP2 signaling pathway which further activated the transcription factor, osterix. Subsequently, Dmcq B was able to increase the osteocalcin expression which promoted matrix mineralization as evidenced by the increase in calcium deposition. Dmcq B also reduced the protein level of receptor activator of NF-κβ ligand (RANKL) and promoted osteoprotegerin (OPG) protein expression by osteoblast cells, therefore hastening bone formation rate by decreasing RANKL/OPG ratio. Moreover, Dmcq B was able to increase ER expression, postulating its phytoestrogen property. As the conclusion, Dmcq B is the active compound isolated from Marantodes pumilum var. alata leaves, regulating osteoanabolic activities potentially through the BMP2 and ER signaling pathways.
  8. Fulltext Outcomes of STEMI patients with chronic kidney disease treated with percutaneous coronary intervention: the Malaysian National Cardiovascular Disease Database - Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (NCVD-PCI) registry data from 2007 to 2014
    Ismail MD, Jalalonmuhali M, Azhari Z, Mariapun J, Lee ZV, Zainal Abidin I, et al.
    BMC Cardiovasc Disord, 2018 09 24;18(1):184.
    PMID: 30249197 DOI: 10.1186/s12872-018-0919-9
    BACKGROUND: Patients with renal impairment often left out from most major clinical trials assessing the optimal treatment for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Large body of evidence from various cardiovascular registries reflecting more 'real-world' experience might contribute to the knowledge on how best to treat this special cohort. We aim to analyze the outcomes of Malaysian STEMI patients with renal impairment treated with coronary angioplasty.

    METHODS: Utilizing the Malaysian National Cardiovascular Disease Database-Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (NCVD-PCI) registry data from 2007 to 2014, STEMI patients treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were stratified into presence (GFR 

  9. Fulltext Neuroprotective Strategies for Neurological Disorders by Natural Products: An update
    Rehman MU, Wali AF, Ahmad A, Shakeel S, Rasool S, Ali R, et al.
    Curr Neuropharmacol, 2019;17(3):247-267.
    PMID: 30207234 DOI: 10.2174/1570159X16666180911124605
    Nature has bestowed mankind with surplus resources (natural products) on land and water. Natural products have a significant role in the prevention of disease and boosting of health in humans and animals. These natural products have been experimentally documented to possess various biological properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic activities. In vitro and in vivo studies have further established the usefulness of natural products in various preclinical models of neurodegenerative disorders. Natural products include phytoconstituents, like polyphenolic antioxidants, found in herbs, fruits, nuts, vegetables and also in marine and freshwater flora. These phytoconstituents may potentially suppress neurodegeneration and improve memory as well as cognitive functions of the brain. Also, they are known to play a pivotal role in the prevention and cure of different neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease and other neuronal disorders. The large-scale neuro-pharmacological activities of natural products have been documented due to the result of either the inhibition of inflammatory processes, or the up-regulation of various cell survival proteins or a combination of both. Due to the scarcity of human studies on neuroprotective effects of natural products, this review focuses on the various established activities of natural products in in vitro and in vivo preclinical models, and their potential neuro-therapeutic applications using the available knowledge in the literature.
  10. Fulltext Analgesic Effect of 5-(3,4-Dihydroxyphenyl)-3-hydroxy-1-(2-hydroxyphenyl)penta-2,4-dien-1-one in Experimental Animal Models of Nociception
    Kamarudin N, Hisamuddin N, Ong HM, Ahmad Azmi AF, Leong SW, Abas F, et al.
    Molecules, 2018 Aug 21;23(9).
    PMID: 30134576 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23092099
    Curcuminoids derived from turmeric rhizome have been reported to exhibit antinociceptive, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. We evaluated the peripheral and central antinociceptive activities of 5-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-hydroxy-1-(2-hydroxyphenyl)penta-2,4-dien-1-one (DHHPD), a novel synthetic curcuminoid analogue at 0.1, 0.3, 1 and 3 mg/kg (intraperitoneal), through chemical and thermal models of nociception. The effects of DHHPD on the vanilloid and glutamatergic systems were evaluated through the capsaicin- and glutamate-induced paw licking tests. Results showed that DHHPD significantly (p < 0.05) attenuated the writhing response produced by the 0.8% acetic acid injection. In addition, 1 and 3 mg/kg of DHHPD significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the licking time spent by each mouse in both phases of the 2.5% formalin test and increased the response latency of mice on the hot-plate. However, the effect produced in the latter was not reversed by naloxone, a non-selective opioid receptor antagonist. Despite this, DHHPD decreased the licking latency of mice in the capsaicin- and glutamate-induced paw licking tests in a dose response manner. In conclusion, DHHPD showed excellent peripheral and central antinociceptive activities possibly by attenuation of the synthesis and/or release of pro-inflammatory mediators in addition to modulation of the vanilloid and glutamatergic systems without an apparent effect on the opioidergic system.
  11. Microfluidic dielectrophoretic cell manipulation towards stable cell contact assemblies
    Md Ali MA, Kayani ABA, Yeo LY, Chrimes AF, Ahmad MZ, Ostrikov KK, et al.
    Biomed Microdevices, 2018 11 06;20(4):95.
    PMID: 30402766 DOI: 10.1007/s10544-018-0341-1
    Cell contact formation, which is the process by which cells are brought into close proximity is an important biotechnological process in cell and molecular biology. Such manipulation is achieved by various means, among which dielectrophoresis (DEP) is widely used due to its simplicity. Here, we show the advantages in the judicious choice of the DEP microelectrode configuration in terms of limiting undesirable effects of dielectric heating on the cells, which could lead to their inactivation or death, as well as the possibility for cell clustering, which is particularly advantageous over the linear cell chain arrangement typically achieved to date with DEP. This study comprises of experimental work as well as mathematical modeling using COMSOL. In particular, we establish the parameters in a capillary-based microfluidic system giving rise to these optimum cell-cell contact configurations, together with the possibility for facilitating other cell manipulations such as spinning and rotation, thus providing useful protocols for application into microfluidic bioparticle manipulation systems for diagnostics, therapeutics or for furthering research in cellular bioelectricity and intercellular interactions.
  12. Fulltext Development, validation and translation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automated external defibrillator training and placement bilingual questionnaire
    Chew KS, Liaw SY, Ahmad Zahedi AZ, Wong SSL, Singmamae N, Kaushal DN, et al.
    BMC Res Notes, 2019 Oct 21;12(1):670.
    PMID: 31639035 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-019-4698-x
    OBJECTIVES: This paper describes the development and translation of a questionnaire purported to measure (1) the perception of the placement strategy of automated external defibrillator, (2) the perception on the importance of bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automated external defibrillator (3) the perception on the confidence and willingness to apply these two lifesaving interventions as well as (4) the fears and concerns in applying these two interventions. For construct validation, exploratory factor analysis was performed using principal axis factoring and promax oblique rotation and confirmatory factor analysis performed using partial least square.

    RESULTS: Five factors with eigenvalue > 1 were identified. Pattern matrix analysis showed that all items were loaded into the factors with factor loading > 0.4. One item was subsequently removed as Cronbach's alpha > 0.9 which indicates redundancy. Confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated acceptable factor loadings except for one item which was subsequently removed. Internal consistency and discriminant validity was deemed acceptable with no significant cross-loading.

  13. Comparison of cystatin C and creatinine-based estimated glomerular filtration rate equations among elderly chronic kidney disease patients attending a tertiary care hospital: A prospective cross-sectional study

    Khan I, Khan AH, Adnan AS, Naqvi AA, Rehman AU, Ahmad N, et al.
    Clin. Nephrol., 2020 May;93(5):217-226.
    PMID: 32101516 DOI: 10.5414/CN109573
    BACKGROUND: Serum creatinine has been solely used in clinical practice to identify chronic kidney disease (CKD) staging in the elderly population. Serum cystatin C is believed to more accurately define the CKD staging and is also ratified as an endogenous biomarker by Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) guidelines.

    MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 300 elderly Malay participants (age ≥ 65 years) with CKD, attending the Hospital University Sains Malaysia were included in the study. Demographic data and history were also recorded. Serum creatinine was assayed by Chemistry Analyzer Model Architect-C8000 (Jaffe method). While serum cystatin C was examined by Human cystatin C ELISA kit (Sigma-Aldrich) using Thermo Scientific Varioskan Flash ELISA reader.

    RESULTS: Out of 300 study participants, 169 (56.3%) were females. Mean age of patients was 67.6 ± 6.7 years. 64 male (64.6%) and 35 female (35.4%) patients were between 70 and 79 years. When estimated by MDRD equation, the prevalence of CKD stage 3 (defined as eGFR = 30 - 59 mL/min/1.73m2) was 27.7%, while based on CKD-EPIcr, CKD-EPIcys, and CKD-EPIcr-cys equations, it was 28%, 36.3%, and 36.3%, respectively. The prevalence of CKD stage 4 (defined as eGFR = 15 - 29 mL/min/1.73m2) when estimated by MDRD was 37.6%, whereas based on CKD-EPIcr, CKD-EPIcys, and CKD-EPIcr-cys equations, it was 36.3%, 46.4%, and 46.4%, respectively. CKD stage 5 (defined as eGFR < 15 mL/min/1.73m2) when estimated by the MDRD equation was 34.7%. While based on CKD-EPIcr, CKD-EPIcys, and CKD-EPIcr-cys equations, the prevalence of CKD stage 5 was 35.7%, 17.3%, and 17.3%, respectively.

    CONCLUSION: The staging of CKD is different between the creatinine- and cystatin C-based equations. Creatinine-based equations classify patients as having CKD stage 5 twice as often as cystatin C-based equations.

  14. Synthesis, X-ray crystal and monoamine oxidase inhibitory activity of 4,6-dihydrobenzo[c]pyrano[2,3-e][1,2]thiazine 5,5-dioxides: In vitro studies and docking analysis
    Ahmad S, Jalil S, Zaib S, Aslam S, Ahmad M, Rasul A, et al.
    Eur J Pharm Sci, 2019 Apr 01;131:9-22.
    PMID: 30735822 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2019.02.007
    We report the synthesis and biological evaluation of two new series of 2-amino-6-benzyl-4-phenyl-4,6-dihydrobenzo[c]pyrano[2,3-e][1,2]thiazine-3‑carbonitrile 5,5-dioxides and 2-amino-6-methyl-4-phenyl-4,6-dihydrobenzo[c]pyrano[2,3-e][1,2]thiazine-3‑carbonitrile 5,5-dioxides. The synthetic methodology involves a multistep reaction starting with methyl anthranilate which was coupled with methane sulfonyl chloride. The product of the reaction was subjected to N-benzylation and N-methylation reactions followed by ring closure with sodium hydride resulting in the formation of respective 2,1-benzothiazine 2,2-dioxides. These 2,1-benzothiazine precursors were subjected to multicomponent reaction with malononitrile and substituted benzaldehydes for the synthesis of two new series of pyranobenzothiazines (6a-r and 7a-r). The synthesized compounds were screened as selective inhibitors of monoamine oxidase A and monoamine oxidase B. The in vitro results suggested that compound 6d and 7q are the selective inhibitors of monoamine oxidase A, however, the selective and potent inhibitors of monoamine oxidase B included compounds 6h and 7r. Moreover, some dual inhibitors were noticed like 7l having more inhibitory activity towards both the isozymes. Moreover, the binding modes of the selective and potent inhibitors of monoamine oxidase A and B were investigated by molecular docking analysis. The results suggested that the synthetic derivatives may be potential towards the monoamine oxidase isozymes.
  15. Box-Behnken supported development and validation of robust HPTLC method: an application in estimation of punarnavine in leaf, stem, and their callus of Boerhavia diffusa Linn
    Ahmad W, Husain I, Ahmad N, Amir M, Sarafroz M, Ansari MA, et al.
    3 Biotech, 2020 Apr;10(4):165.
    PMID: 32206499 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-020-2154-1
    Boerhavia diffusa (BD) Linn. (Nyctaginaceae) is one of the most commonly used herbs in the Indian traditional system of medicine for the urinary disorders. The aim of the current investigation was to carry out initiation, development, and maintenance of BD callus cultures and quantitative estimation of punarnavine in plant and callus extracts. Leaves and stem of BD were used as explant for the tissue culture studies using Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal medium. MS Media comprising 2,4-Dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D) (1 ppm) and 2,4-D (1 ppm) + Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) (1.0 ppm) were found to yield friable callus from leaf explant; similarly, 2,4-D (0.3 ppm) + IAA (0.75 ppm) + Kinetin (0.3 ppm) and 2,4-D (0.5 ppm) + Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) (1.5 ppm) + Kinetin (0.3 ppm) were found to yield friable callus from the stem explant. High-performance thin-layer chromatography method was been developed for the quantitative estimation of punarnavine (Rf = 0.73) using mobile phase containing toluene: ethyl acetate: formic acid in the ratio (7.0:2.5:0.7, v/v/v) at 262 nm. The validated method was found linear (r2 = 0.9971) in a wide range (100-1000 ng spot-1), precise, accurate, and robust. The values of limit of detection, LOD = 30.3 ng spot-1, and limit of quantification, LOQ = 100.0 ng spot-1. The robustness of the method was proved by applying the Box-Behnken design (BBD). The developed method found appropriate for the quality control of medicinal plants containing punarnavine as a constituent.
  16. Structural probing of HapR to identify potent phytochemicals to control Vibrio cholera through integrated computational approaches
    Tahir Ul Qamar M, Ahmad S, Khan A, Mirza MU, Ahmad S, Abro A, et al.
    Comput Biol Med, 2021 11;138:104929.
    PMID: 34655900 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2021.104929
    Cholera is a severe small intestine bacterial disease caused by consumption of water and food contaminated with Vibrio cholera. The disease causes watery diarrhea leading to severe dehydration and even death if left untreated. In the past few decades, V. cholerae has emerged as multidrug-resistant enteric pathogen due to its rapid ability to adapt in detrimental environmental conditions. This research study aimed to design inhibitors of a master virulence gene expression regulator, HapR. HapR is critical in regulating the expression of several set of V. cholera virulence genes, quorum-sensing circuits and biofilm formation. A blind docking strategy was employed to infer the natural binding tendency of diverse phytochemicals extracted from medicinal plants by exposing the whole HapR structure to the screening library. Scoring function criteria was applied to prioritize molecules with strong binding affinity (binding energy 
  17. Hirudotherapy in Wound Healing
    Nair HKR, Ahmad NW, Lee HL, Ahmad N, Othamn S, Mokhtar NSHM, et al.
    Int J Low Extrem Wounds, 2022 Dec;21(4):425-431.
    PMID: 32815407 DOI: 10.1177/1534734620948299
    Leeches are hermaphrodite, bloodsucking parasitic worms usually found in places with fresh water. Leech therapy existed 3000 years, and it is being used at a different scope. Several species of leeches have been used in medicine, and the most common species used is Hirudo medicinalis. Leeches suck the excess blood, reduce the swelling in the tissues, and promote healing by allowing fresh oxygenated blood to reach the area until normal circulation can be restored. Pain relief from leech therapy is rapid, effective, and long-lasting in many conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and duration of healing utilizing sterile medicinal leeches, Hirudinaria manillensis, in the management of pain and wound healing. Leech was taken out from its sterile tube by using a pair of non-tooth sterile plastic forceps and gloved hands. Each leech was left in place for as long as it was feeding. Leeches were removed only after they became detached from the patient. The specimen jars containing the used leeches were sealed in either a biohazard bag or in a small yellow clinical waste bin liner securely fastened with a cable tie. The leech was killed by using 70% alcohol prior to disposal into a yellow hazard bin, which undergoes incineration. All 3 patients had improvements in their condition, especially in terms of reduction in the pain and improvement in their sense of balance. All the wounds healed well. Therefore, leech therapy is effective in reducing pain and increasing perfusion to allow the wounds to heal quickly. However, a more robust trial is needed to show significance as the sample size is small.
  18. Fulltext Beneficial Health Effects of Glucosinolates-Derived Isothiocyanates on Cardiovascular and Neurodegenerative Diseases
    Kamal RM, Abdull Razis AF, Mohd Sukri NS, Perimal EK, Ahmad H, Patrick R, et al.
    Molecules, 2022 Jan 19;27(3).
    PMID: 35163897 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27030624
    Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are illnesses that affect the nervous system and heart, all of which are vital to the human body. To maintain health of the human body, vegetable diets serve as a preventive approach and particularly Brassica vegetables have been associated with lower risks of chronic diseases, especially NDDs and CVDs. Interestingly, glucosinolates (GLs) and isothiocyanates (ITCs) are phytochemicals that are mostly found in the Cruciferae family and they have been largely documented as antioxidants contributing to both cardio- and neuroprotective effects. The hydrolytic breakdown of GLs into ITCs such as sulforaphane (SFN), phenylethyl ITC (PEITC), moringin (MG), erucin (ER), and allyl ITC (AITC) has been recognized to exert significant effects with regards to cardio- and neuroprotection. From past in vivo and/or in vitro studies, those phytochemicals have displayed the ability to mitigate the adverse effects of reactive oxidation species (ROS), inflammation, and apoptosis, which are the primary causes of CVDs and NDDs. This review focuses on the protective effects of those GL-derived ITCs, featuring their beneficial effects and the mechanisms behind those effects in CVDs and NDDs.
  19. Missing the point: Quality-driven healthcare institutions may mistakenly disregard their role in nursing and medical education
    Ahmad AM, Al-Marzouqi A, Dias JM, Saifan AR, Md Kassim N, Mohamad MN, et al.
    Nurs Forum, 2022 Jan;57(1):211-214.
    PMID: 34478171 DOI: 10.1111/nuf.12647
    Aligned with international standards, the UAE Government and many other developing countries in the region (GCC and MENA) have started to implement strict quality improvement initiatives to develop their healthcare systems. Most of these initiatives are geared toward meeting patient satisfaction and avoiding circumstances or events that would dissatisfy patients. It is also used to measure healthcare institution performance, assess efficiency and determine their funding and reimbursement. With this emphasis on quality, it is also important for healthcare organizations to fulfill their other functions. Among the most important is performing their teaching role to prepare future healthcare professionals, and attracting and retaining healthcare professionals. These roles are also a paramount for a quality, sustained healthcare system. However, clinical educators and managers reflect on how these roles seem to be frequently missed or at least compromised while applying the quality assurance measures in the region developing countries. This reflective paper discusses this concern and suggests possible strategies that may help overcome this challenge and thus contributing to the achievement of the quality goal of the service in a more comprehensive and sustainable manner. The similarities between the UAE healthcare system and neighboring Gulf Cooperation Council and the Middle East/North African countries mean these challenges and solutions may resonate with these countries and support the implementation of effective health services in these countries as well.
  20. Risk analysis of factors in clinical anxiety among undergraduate and postgraduate students in dentistry
    Ahmad P, Chaudhary FA, Asif JA, AlSagob EI, Alkahtany MF, Almadi KH, et al.
    Work, 2022;71(1):177-186.
    PMID: 34924411 DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205093
    BACKGROUND: When anxiety is persistent among dental students, the consequence could be poor academic performance, ill health, lack of empathy, and exhaustion.

    OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the level of anxiety along with anxiety-provoking factors among clinical dental students.

    METHODS: This study included dental undergraduate and postgraduate clinical students from a public university. A modified version of the self-administered Moss and McManus questionnaire, which consisted of 50 items, was utilized to evaluate the levels of anxiety. The results were analyzed using SPSS® version 24. The significance level was set at p 

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