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Fulltext The Effects of Leg Length Discrepancy on Stability and Kinematics-Kinetics Deviations: A Systematic Review

Azizan NA, Basaruddin KS, Salleh AF

Appl Bionics Biomech, 2018;2018:5156348.
PMID: 30116295 DOI: 10.1155/2018/5156348

Various studies have examined body posture stability, including postural sway and associated biomechanical parameters, to assess the severity effects of leg length discrepancy (LLD). However, various viewpoints have been articulated on the results of these studies because of certain drawbacks in the comprehensive analysis of the effect of variations in LLD magnitude. Therefore, this systematic review was performed to help focus on the current findings to help identify which biomechanical parameters are most relevant, commonly used, and able to distinguish and/or have specific clinical relevance to the effect of variations in LLD magnitude during static (standing) and dynamic (walking) conditions. Several electronic databases containing studies from the year 1983 to 2016 (Scopus, ScienceDirect, PubMed, PMC, and ProQuest) were obtained in our literature search. The search process yielded 22 published articles that fulfilled our criteria. We found most of the published data that we analyzed to be inconsistent, and very little data was obtained on the correlation between LLD severity and changes in body posture stability during standing and walking. However, the results of the present review study are in line with previous observational studies, which describe asymmetry in the lower limbs corresponding to biomechanical parameters such as gait kinematics, kinetics, and other parameters described during static (standing) postural balance. In future investigations, we believe that it might be useful to use and exploit other balance-related factors that may potentially influence body posture stability.

Matched MeSH terms: PubMed
Fulltext Honey as an antioxidant therapy to reduce cognitive ageing

Azman KF, Zakaria R

Iran J Basic Med Sci, 2019 Dec;22(12):1368-1377.
PMID: 32133053 DOI: 10.22038/IJBMS.2019.14027

This paper reviews the potential role of honey as a therapeutic antioxidant to reduce oxidative stress and improve cognitive ageing. All articles indexed to PubMed Central (PMC) were searched using the following key words: honey, antioxidant, memory and ageing. Honey is a natural insect-derived product with therapeutic, medicinal and nutritional values. Antioxidant properties of honey quench biologically-circulating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and counter oxidative stress while restoring the cellular antioxidant defense system. Antioxidant properties of honey may complement its nootropic effects to reduce cognitive ageing.

Matched MeSH terms: PubMed
Fulltext The efficacy of art therapy on mental health outcomes among breast cancer patients: the current state of evidence based on randomised controlled trials

Azmawati M.N., Boekhtiar B., Zawiah M., Siti Aisah M., Chiew W.L., Dalila R.

International Medical Journal Malaysia, 2018;17(2):71-82.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. Psychosocial distress, in the forms of depression and anxiety, regularly accompanies breast cancer diagnosis and throughout its treatment. Hence, it is important to objectively assess the therapy options that may help this distress. One of the most flexible psychotherapy modalities is the art therapy as it may be incorporated in many settings. The purpose of this systematic review is to determine the efficacy of art therapy (via creative paintings) on the mental health outcomes of female breast cancer patients. Material and Methods: Related articles were identified from Medline (OvidSP), ScienceDirect, Pubmed, EbscoHost-Academic Search Premier and Wiley Online Library. Screenings were performed based on the criteria that the study must be a randomised control trial (RCT) that investigated the effect of art therapy in breast cancer. Data were extracted using standardised forms, followed by evaluation of quality of reporting using CONSORT Guidelines. Results: Six RCTs were identified. Based on the heuristic synthesis of data extraction results, none of the studies can be considered as studies with acceptable quality, although four of them showed promising results. Conclusion: There is inconclusive evidence of the efficacy of art therapy (via creative paintings) for the improvement of mental health outcomes among female breast cancer patients.

Matched MeSH terms: PubMed
Fulltext Burden of stroke in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: A soaring epidemic

Basri R, Issrani R, Hua Gan S, Prabhu N, Khursheed Alam M

Saudi Pharm J, 2021 Mar;29(3):264-268.
PMID: 33981175 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2021.02.002

Stroke is a key cerebrovascular disease that is related to high morbidity and mortality in the globe. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is not an exception where stroke is fast developing into a serious challenge due to the high mortality rate. Additionally, stroke presents a tremendous economic burden and has a devastating effect on the quality of lives of individuals. The number of stroke cases are increasing yearly, thus posing a major challenge to the health care system. Therefore, it is crucial to implement primary and secondary prevention strategies in the KSA. Nevertheless, as compared with developed countries, information on the prevalence, socio-demographic properties and prevention of stroke remains scarce that could be attributed to the shortage of research conducted in this specified region. The review is written to address the various aspects of stroke in the KSA, based on current literatures search using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases, to identify studies published since inception to Dec 2020.

Matched MeSH terms: PubMed
Fulltext Molecular and Biochemical Pathways of Catalpol in Alleviating Diabetes Mellitus and Its Complications

Bhattamisra SK, Koh HM, Lim SY, Choudhury H, Pandey M

Biomolecules, 2021 02 20;11(2).
PMID: 33672590 DOI: 10.3390/biom11020323

Catalpol isolated from Rehmannia glutinosa is a potent antioxidant and investigated against many disorders. This review appraises the key molecular pathways of catalpol against diabetes mellitus and its complications. Multiple search engines including Google Scholar, PubMed, and Science Direct were used to retrieve publications containing the keywords "Catalpol", "Type 1 diabetes mellitus", "Type 2 diabetes mellitus", and "diabetic complications". Catalpol promotes IRS-1/PI3K/AKT/GLUT2 activity and suppresses Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) and Glucose 6-phosphatase (G6Pase) expression in the liver. Catalpol induces myogenesis by increasing MyoD/MyoG/MHC expression and improves mitochondria function through the AMPK/PGC-1α/PPAR-γ and TFAM signaling in skeletal muscles. Catalpol downregulates the pro-inflammatory markers and upregulates the anti-inflammatory markers in adipose tissues. Catalpol exerts antioxidant properties through increasing superoxide dismutase (sod), catalase (cat), and glutathione peroxidase (gsh-px) activity in the pancreas and liver. Catalpol has been shown to have anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptosis, and anti-fibrosis properties that in turn bring beneficial effects in diabetic complications. Its nephroprotective effect is related to the modulation of the AGE/RAGE/NF-κB and TGF-β/smad2/3 pathways. Catalpol produces a neuroprotective effect by increasing the expression of protein Kinase-C (PKC) and Cav-1. Furthermore, catalpol exhibits a cardioprotective effect through the apelin/APJ and ROS/NF-κB/Neat1 pathway. Catalpol stimulates proliferation and differentiation of osteoblast cells in high glucose condition. Lastly, catalpol shows its potential in preventing neurodegeneration in the retina with NF-κB downregulation. Overall, catalpol exhibits numerous beneficial effects on diabetes mellitus and diabetic complications.

Matched MeSH terms: PubMed
Fulltext Passive Fit in Screw Retained Multi-unit Implant Prosthesis Understanding and Achieving: A Review of the Literature

Buzayan MM, Yunus NB

J Indian Prosthodont Soc, 2014 Mar;14(1):16-23.
PMID: 24604993 DOI: 10.1007/s13191-013-0343-x

One of the considerable challenges for screw-retained multi-unit implant prosthesis is achieving a passive fit of the prosthesis' superstructure to the implants. This passive fit is supposed to be one of the most vital requirements for the maintenance of the osseointegration. On the other hand, the misfit of the implant supported superstructure may lead to unfavourable complications, which can be mechanical or biological in nature. The manifestations of these complications may range from fracture of various components in the implant system, pain, marginal bone loss, and even loss of osseointegration. Thus, minimizing the misfit and optimizing the passive fit should be a prerequisite for implant survival and success. The purpose of this article is to present and summarize some aspects of the passive fit achieving and improving methods. The literature review was performed through Science Direct, Pubmed, and Google database. They were searched in English using the following combinations of keywords: passive fit, implant misfit and framework misfit. Articles were selected on the basis of whether they had sufficient information related to framework misfit's related factors, passive fit and its achievement techniques, marginal bone changes relation with the misfit, implant impression techniques and splinting concept. The related references were selected in order to emphasize the importance of the passive fit achievement and the misfit minimizing. Despite the fact that the literature presents considerable information regarding the framework's misfit, there was not consistency in literature on a specified number or even a range to be the acceptable level of misfit. On the other hand, a review of the literature revealed that the complete passive fit still remains a tricky goal to be achieved by the prosthodontist.

Matched MeSH terms: PubMed
Fulltext Successful pregnancy "during" pedicled transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap for breast reconstruction with normal vaginal delivery

Chai SC, Umayaal S, Saad AZ

Indian J Plast Surg, 2015 5 21;48(1):81-4.
PMID: 25991893 DOI: 10.4103/0970-0358.155276

A transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap is a popular choice for breast reconstruction. Pregnancies in women following a TRAM flap present concerns regarding both safety and the integrity of the abdominal wall. We report a case of a patient who was pregnant during immediate breast reconstruction with pedicled TRAM flap and had a successful spontaneous vaginal delivery. We also conducted a literature review using PubMed on pregnancy post TRAM flap, type of reconstruction, timing of pregnancy after TRAM flap, complication, and mode of delivery, which are summarised in this report. We concluded that patients may have safe pregnancies and normal deliveries following TRAM flap breast reconstruction regardless of the time frame of pregnancy after the procedure. Therefore, TRAM flaps can continue to be a reconstruction option, even in women of childbearing age.

Matched MeSH terms: PubMed
Fulltext Effects of Non-statin Lipid-Modifying Agents on Cardiovascular Morbidity and Mortality Among Statin-Treated Patients: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

Chaiyasothi T, Nathisuwan S, Dilokthornsakul P, Vathesatogkit P, Thakkinstian A, Reid C, et al.

Front Pharmacol, 2019;10:547.
PMID: 31191304 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00547

Background: Currently, there is a lack of information on the comparative efficacy and safety of non-statin lipid-lowering agents (NST) in cardiovascular (CV) disease risk reduction when added to background statin therapy (ST). This study determine the relative treatment effects of NST on fatal and non-fatal CV events among statin-treated patients. Methods: A network meta-analysis based on a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing non-statin lipid-modifying agents among statin-treated patients was performed. PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and Clinicaltrial.gov were searched up to April 10, 2018. The primary outcomes were CV and all-cause mortalities. Secondary CV outcomes were coronary heart disease (CHD) death, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI), any stroke, and coronary revascularization. Risks of discontinuations were secondary safety outcomes. Results: Sixty-seven RCTs including 259,429 participants with eight interventions were analyzed. No intervention had significant effects on the primary outcomes (CV mortality and all-cause mortality). For secondary endpoints, proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitor (PCSK) plus statin (PCSK/ST) significantly reduced the risk of non-fatal MI (RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.72-0.93, p = 0.003), stroke (RR 0.74, 95% CI 0.65-0.85, p < 0.001), coronary revascularization (RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.75-0.94, p = 0.003) compared to ST. Combinations of ST and all NST except PCSK and ezetimibe showed higher rate of discontinuation due to adverse events compared to ST. Conclusions: None of NST significantly reduced CV or all-cause death when added to ST. PCSKs and to a lesser extent, ezetimibe may help reduce cardiovascular events with acceptable tolerability profile among broad range of patients.

Matched MeSH terms: PubMed
Fulltext A review of knowledge, belief and practice regarding osteoporosis among adolescents and young adults

Chan CY, Mohamed N, Ima-Nirwana S, Chin KY

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2018 08 12;15(8).
PMID: 30103534 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15081727

Osteoporosis is a major public health problem affecting millions of people worldwide. Increasing knowledge, correcting health belief and promoting osteoprotective practices are effective measures for building and maintaining strong bone throughout ones' life-span. This review aims to summarize the contemporary evidence on the knowledge, beliefs and practice of adolescents and young adults on bone health. We performed literature searches using the PubMed and Scopus databases to identify original studies from 2008 to May 2018 using the search terms "(knowledge OR beliefs OR attitude OR practice OR behaviours OR physical activity OR exercise OR diet OR nutrition) AND (young OR youth OR adolescents OR children OR young adults OR students OR teenager) AND (osteoporosis OR bone health)". Of the 3206 articles found, 34 met the inclusion criteria. Studies showed that most adolescents and young adults had poor knowledge and expressed disinterest in osteoporosis. They believed that other diseases were more serious than osteoporosis, contributing to low perceived susceptibility and seriousness towards this disease. Popular media emerged as a platform to obtain information regarding osteoporosis. The lack of knowledge and misconceptions about osteoporosis led to poor osteoprotective practices. As a conclusion, the current evidence revealed a lack of awareness about osteoporosis among adolescents and young adults. Educational interventions may be useful to improve the awareness of osteoporosis among this population.

Matched MeSH terms: PubMed
Fulltext Prevalence of Drug-Related Problems and Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use in Malaysia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 37,249 Older Adults

Chang CT, Ang JY, Islam MA, Chan HK, Cheah WK, Gan SH

Pharmaceuticals (Basel), 2021 Feb 25;14(3).
PMID: 33669084 DOI: 10.3390/ph14030187

Drug-related problems (DRPs) in the elderly include polypharmacy, potentially inappropriate medications, nonadherence, and drug-related falls. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, the prevalence of DRPs and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use among the Malaysian elderly was estimated. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases were searched to identify studies published since their inception up to 24 August 2020. A random-effects model was used to generate the pooled prevalence of DRPs along with its corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). The heterogeneity of the results was estimated using the I2 statistics, and Cochran's Q test and sensitivity analyses were performed to confirm the robustness of the results. We identified 526 studies, 23 of which were included in the meta-analysis. (n = 29,342). The pooled prevalence of DRPs among Malaysian elderly was as follows: (1) polypharmacy: 49.5% [95% CI: 20.5-78.6], (2) potentially inappropriate medications: 28.9% [95% CI: 25.4-32.3], (3) nonadherence to medications: 60.6% [95% CI: 50.2-70.9], and (4) medication-related falls 39.3% [95% CI: 0.0-80.8]. Approximately one in two Malaysian elderly used CAM. The prevalence of polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate medications among the Malaysian elderly population was high, calling for measures and evidence-based guidelines to ensure the safe medication use.

Matched MeSH terms: PubMed
Fulltext Politics of disease control in Africa and the critical role of global health diplomacy: A systematic review

Chattu VK, Knight WA, Adisesh A, Yaya S, Reddy KS, Di Ruggiero E, et al.

Health Promot Perspect, 2021;11(1):20-31.
PMID: 33758752 DOI: 10.34172/hpp.2021.04

Background: Africa is facing the triple burden of communicable diseases, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and nutritional disorders. Multilateral institutions, bilateral arrangements, and philanthropies have historically privileged economic development over health concerns. That focus has resulted in weak health systems and inadequate preparedness when there are outbreaks of diseases. This review aims to understand the politics of disease control in Africa and global health diplomacy's (GHD's) critical role. Methods: A literature review was done in Medline/PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, and Google scholar search engines. Keywords included MeSH and common terms related to the topics: "Politics," "disease control," "epidemics/ endemics," and "global health diplomacy" in the "African" context. The resources also included reports of World Health Organization, United Nations and resolutions of the World Health Assembly (WHA). Results: African countries continue to struggle in their attempts to build health systems for disease control that are robust enough to tackle the frequent epidemics that plague the continent. The politics of disease control requires the crafting of cooperative partnerships to accommodate the divergent interests of multiple actors. Recent outbreaks of COVID-19 and Ebola had a significant impact on African economies. It is extremely important to prioritize health in the African development agendas. The African Union (AU) should leverage the momentum of the rise of GHD to (i) navigate the politics of global health governance in an interconnected world(ii) develop robust preparedness and disease response strategies to tackle emerging and reemerging disease epidemics in the region (iii) address the linkages between health and broader human security issues driven by climate change-induced food, water, and other insecurities (iv) mobilize resources and capacities to train health officials in the craft of diplomacy. Conclusion: The AU, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), and African Centres for Disease Control should harmonize their plans and strategies and align them towards a common goal that integrates health in African development agendas. The AU must innovatively harness the practice and tools of GHD towards developing the necessary partnerships with relevant actors in the global health arena to achieve the health targets of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Matched MeSH terms: PubMed
Fulltext Potential medicinal benefits of Cosmos caudatus (Ulam Raja): A scoping review

Cheng SH, Barakatun-Nisak MY, Anthony J, Ismail A

J Res Med Sci, 2015 Oct;20(10):1000-6.
PMID: 26929767 DOI: 10.4103/1735-1995.172796

Cosmos caudatus is widely used as a traditional medicine in Southeast Asia. C. caudatus has been reported as a rich source of bioactive compounds such as ascorbic acid, quercetin, and chlorogenic acid. Studies have shown that C. caudatus exhibits high anti-oxidant capacity and various medicinal properties, including anti-diabetic activity, anti-hypertensive properties, anti-inflammatory responses, bone-protective effect, and anti-microbial activity. This review aims to present the potential medicinal benefits of C. caudatus from the available scientific literature. We searched PubMed and ScienceDirect database for articles published from 1995 to January 2015. Overall, 15 articles related to C. caudatus and its medicinal benefits are reviewed. All these studies demonstrated that C. caudatus is effective, having demonstrated its anti-diabetic, anti-hypertensive, anti-inflammatory, bone-protective, anti-microbial, and anti-fungal activity in both in vitro and animal studies. None of the studies showed any negative effect of C. caudatus related to medicinal use. Currently available evidence suggests that C. caudatus has beneficial effects such as reducing blood glucose, reducing blood pressure, promoting healthy bone formation, and demonstrating anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. However, human clinical trial is warranted.

Matched MeSH terms: PubMed
Fulltext Effect of QMix irrigant in removal of smear layer in root canal system: a systematic review of in vitro studies

Chia MSY, Parolia A, Lim BSH, Jayaraman J, Porto ICCM

Restor Dent Endod, 2020 Aug;45(3):e28.
PMID: 32839709 DOI: 10.5395/rde.2020.45.e28

Objectives: To evaluate the outcome of in vitro studies comparing the effectiveness of QMix irrigant in removing the smear layer in the root canal system compared with other irrigants.
Materials and Methods: The research question was developed by using Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome and Study design framework. Literature search was performed using 3 electronic databases PubMed, Scopus, and EBSCOhost until October 2019. Two reviewers were independently involved in the selection of the articles and data extraction process. Risk of bias of the studies was independently appraised using revised Cochrane Risk of Bias tool (RoB 2.0) based on 5 domains.
Results: Thirteen studies fulfilled the selection criteria. The overall risk of bias was moderate. QMix was found to have better smear layer removal ability than mixture of tetracycline isonomer, an acid and a detergent (MTAD), sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), and phytic acid. The efficacy was less effective than 7% maleic acid and 10% citric acid. No conclusive results could be drawn between QMix and 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid due to conflicting results. QMix was more effective when used for 3 minutes than 1 minute.
Conclusions: QMix has better smear layer removal ability compared to MTAD, NaOCl, Tubulicid Plus, and Phytic acid. In order to remove the smear layer more effectively with QMix, it is recommended to use it for a longer duration.

Matched MeSH terms: PubMed
Fulltext Modern medical devices and hospital decision making: a review of ethical and social considerations during the manufacture and the use of advanced medical devices

Choudhury, Shudipta

JUMMEC, 2019;22(1):1-7.
MyJurnal

Background: The adoption of technologically advanced medical devices assisted healthcare providers to
examine and treat diseases. However, technological advancements could increase the threats to safety,
security, and reliability of the devices from complications associated with manufacturing, functionality, and
the clinical application of the devices.

Aim: To examine the safety threats, cost implication, and bioethical standards of the manufacturing processes
and the functionality of advanced medical devices.

Subject and Methods: The study was a narrative review through a qualitative research methodology. The
secondary data was gathered from online databases including ProQuest, ResearchGate, CINAHL/EBSCOhost,
PubMed, and ScienceDirect, from books, journals, conference proceedings, and other web publications
between 2007 and 2017.

Results:There were safety hazards from human errors in the interpretation and the use of the advanced medical
devices. Equipment imperfections and poor processes of maintenance and procurement affected the effective
functionality of these medical devices. Healthcare expenditure was high, Social and bioethical considerations,
users’ complaints and post-market surveillance were essential in ensuring the safety of the devices and the
maintenance of quality life for the users.

Conclusion: Safety hazards and cost implications of the use of technologically advanced medical devices were
significantly high Social and bioethical standards in the manufacturing of medical devices contributed towards
the production of safer devices.

Matched MeSH terms: PubMed
Fulltext Development of conceptual framework to understand factors associated with return to work among cancer survivors: a systematic review

Chow SL, Ting AS, Su TT

Iran J Public Health, 2014 Apr;43(4):391-405.
PMID: 28435811

This systematic review was conducted to develop a conceptual framework that addresses various factors associated with return to work among cancer survivors. Databases Medline, EMBASE, ProQuest, PubMed and ScienceDirect were systematically searched using medical subject headings [MeSH] for studies published in English from 1990 to 2013. Studies that described adult cancer patients' self-reported data or patients' point of view on factors associated with return to work or employment status following cancer diagnosis were included. Articles selection was conducted in three steps: selection based on title and abstract, retrieval of full text and additions of articles from reference lists and recommendations from experts. Disagreement in data extraction was solved by consultation of third reviewer. Out of twenty seven articles, breast cancer was the most studied type of cancer (30%) while colorectal cancer was studied independently in two articles (7.4%). Conceptual framework on return to work identifies factors under environmental, personal, work demand, work ability, health status and financial factors. Extensive search of scientific databases over last 24 years and the development of the conceptual frame-work are the strength of this review. Conceptual framework reveals the various factors including non-medical factors associated with return to work upon cancer diagnosis. It serves as a reminder to the policy makers to focus on modifiable factors as potential areas for intervention to assist cancer survivors return to work, especially those with little financial assistance and health insurance.

Matched MeSH terms: PubMed
Assessing evidence of inequalities in access to medication for diabetic populations in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review

Christiani Y, Dhippayom T, Chaiyakunapruk N

Glob Health Action, 2016 Dec;9(1):32505.
PMID: 28795917 DOI: 10.3402/gha.v9.32505

Background Inequalities in access to medications among people diagnosed with diabetes in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is a public health concern since untreated diabetes can lead to severe complications and premature death. Objective To assess evidence of inequalities in access to medication for diabetes in adult populations of people with diagnosed diabetes in LMICs. Design We conducted a systematic review of the literature using the PRISMA-Equity guidelines. A search of five databases - PubMed, Cochrane, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and EMBASE - was conducted from inception to November 2015. Using deductive content analysis, information extracted from the selected articles was analysed according to the PRISMA-Equity guidelines, based on exposure variables (place of residence, race/ethnicity, occupation, gender, religion, education, socio-economic status, social capital, and others). Results Fifteen articles (seven quantitative and eight qualitative studies) are included in this review. There were inconsistent findings between studies conducted in different countries and regions although financial and geographic barriers generally contributed to inequalities in access to diabetes medications. The poor, those with relatively low education, and people living in remote areas had less access to diabetes medications. Furthermore, we found that the level of government political commitment through primary health care and in the provision of essential medicines was an important factor in promoting access to medications. Conclusions The review indicates that inequalities exist in accessing medication among diabetic populations, although this was not evident in all LMICs. Further research is needed to assess the social determinants of health and medication access for people with diabetes in LMICs.

Matched MeSH terms: PubMed
Fulltext A Systematic Review of the Protective Actions of Cat's Whiskers (Misai Kucing) on the Central Nervous System

Chung YS, Choo BKM, Ahmed PK, Othman I, Shaikh MF

Front Pharmacol, 2020;11:692.
PMID: 32477146 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00692

Orthosiphon stamineus (OS) or Orthosiphon aristatus var. aristatus (OAA) is commonly known as cat's whiskers or "misai kucing". It is an herbaceous shrub that is popular in many different traditional and complementary medicinal systems. Its popularity has been justified by the plethora of studies that have shown that the secondary metabolites of the plant has effects that range from anti-inflammatory and gastroprotective to anorexic and antihypertensive. As such, OS could also be a potential treatment for Central Nervous System (CNS) disorders. However, a cohesive synthesis of the protective actions of OS was lacking. This systematic review was therefore commenced to elaborate on the various protective mechanisms of OS in the CNS. The PRISMA model was used and five databases (Google Scholar, SCOPUS, SpringerLink, ScienceDirect, and PubMed) were searched with relevant keywords to finally identify four articles that met the inclusion criteria. The articles described the protective effects of OS extracts on Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, learning and memory, oxidative stress, and neurotoxicity. All the articles found were experimental or preclinical studies on animal models or in vitro systems. The reported activities demonstrated that OS could be a potential neuroprotective agent and might improve CNS conditions like neurodegeneration, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress.

Matched MeSH terms: PubMed
Fulltext A review on the assessment of the efficacy of common treatments in polycystic ovarian syndrome on prevention of diabetes mellitus

Dashti S, Latiff LA, Zulkefli NABM, Baharom AB, Minhat HS, Hamid HA, et al.

J Family Reprod Health, 2017 Jun;11(2):56-66.
PMID: 29282412

Objective: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition amongst women of reproductive age that can result in increased mortality and morbidity in women due to increased risk of diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the effectiveness of common treatments of PCOS on the predictors of diabetes in non-diabetic PCOS women. Materials and methods: An extensive search was performed on the publications in three medical databases including pubmed, scopus and google scholar from 1995 till 2017. The articles were screened based on their quality and included in this systematic review. A total of 25 articles including cohort, randomised controlled trial, review and meta-analysis were included in the review. Results: This systematic review revealed that the effect of lifestyle modification might be low in PCOS subjects due to high drop-out rate while the benefits of this intervention including weight and fat reduction may not be achieved by medical interventions. Metformin treatment may result in improvements in insulin sensitivity while its weight reduction effect is still not documented in PCOS subjects. Thiazolidendiones might be tolerated by the PCOS subjects and may result in similar effects as metformin but this effect should be documented by further studies. Conclusion: Combination of lifestyle modification with metformin or thiazolidinedions might improve the outcome of the prevention strategies. On the other hand this study revealed a different response to treatments in non-obese compared with obese PCOS subjects.

Matched MeSH terms: PubMed
Dietary Carbohydrate Promotes Cell Survival in Cancer Via the Up-Regulation of Fat Mass and Obesity-Associated Gene Expression Level

Doaei S, Gholamalizadeh M, Akbari ME, Akbari S, Feradova H, Rahimzadeh G, et al.

Malays J Med Sci, 2019 Mar;26(2):8-17.
PMID: 31447604 DOI: 10.21315/mjms2019.26.2.2

Cancer cells are mainly dependent on glycolysis for their growth and survival. Dietary carbohydrates play a critical role in the growth and proliferation of cancer and a low-carbohydrate diet may help slow down the growth of tumours. However, the exact mechanisms behind this effect are unclear. This review study aimed to investigate the effect of fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene in the association between dietary carbohydrates and cancer. This study was carried out using keywords such as polymorphism and/or cancer and/or dietary carbohydrate and/or FTO gene. PubMed and Science Direct databases were used to collect all related articles published from 1990 to 2018. Recent studies showed that the level of FTO gene expression in cancer cells is dramatically increased and may play a role in the growth of these cells through the regulation of the cellular metabolic pathways, including the phosphoinositide 3-kinases/protein kinaseB (PI3K/AKT) signaling pathway. Dietary carbohydrate may influence the FTO gene expression by eliminating the inhibitory effect of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) on the FTO gene expression. This review summarised what has been recently discovered about the effects of dietary carbohydrate on cancer cells and tried to determine the mediating role of the FTO gene in these effects.

Matched MeSH terms: PubMed
Fulltext The Role of Speckle Tracking Echocardiography in the Evaluation of Common Inherited Cardiomyopathies in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review

Dorobantu DM, Wadey CA, Amir NH, Stuart AG, Williams CA, Pieles GE

Diagnostics (Basel), 2021 Apr 01;11(4).
PMID: 33915862 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11040635

Speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) has gained importance in the evaluation of adult inherited cardiomyopathies, but its utility in children is not well characterized. We conducted a systematic review to evaluate the role of STE in pediatric inherited cardiomyopathies. PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus, CENTRAL and CINAHL databases were searched up to May 2020, for terms related to inherited cardiomyopathies and STE. Included were dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), left ventricular non-compaction (LVNC) and arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM). A total of 14 cohorts were identified, of which six were in DCM, four in HCM, three in LVNC and one in ACM. The most commonly reported STE measurements were left ventricular longitudinal strain (Sl), circumferential strain (Sc), radial strain (Sr) and rotation/torsion/twist. Sl, Sc and were abnormal in all DCM and LVNC cohorts, but not in all HCM. Apical rotation and twist/torsion were increased in HCM, and decreased in LVNC. Abnormal STE parameters were reported even in cohorts with normal non-STE systolic/diastolic measurements. STE in childhood cardiomyopathies can detect early changes which may not be associated with changes in cardiac function detectable by non-STE methods. Longitudinal and circumferential strain should be introduced in the cardiomyopathy echocardiography protocol, reflecting current practice in adults.

Matched MeSH terms: PubMed

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