Displaying publications 6561 - 6580 of 7301 in total

Abstract:
Sort:
  1. Oncogenic effects of WNT5A in Epstein-Barr virus‑associated nasopharyngeal carcinoma
    Yap LF, Ahmad M, Zabidi MM, Chu TL, Chai SJ, Lee HM, et al.
    Int J Oncol, 2014 May;44(5):1774-80.
    PMID: 24626628 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2014.2342
    The molecular events that drive the progression of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) are still to be elucidated. Here, we report for the first time the pathogenic significance of an NPC-associated gene, wingless-type MMTV integration site family, member 5A (WNT5A) and the contribution of EBV to its expression. WNT5A is a representative Wnt protein that activates non-canonical Wnt signalling. With regard to its role in carcinogenesis, there is conflicting evidence as to whether WNT5A has a tumour-promoting or tumour-suppressive role. We show that WNT5A is upregulated in primary NPC tissue samples. We also demonstrate that WNT5A expression was dramatically increased in NPC cell lines expressing the EBV-encoded LMP2A gene, suggesting that this EBV-encoded latent gene is responsible for upregulating WNT5A in NPC. In addition, in vitro WNT5A overexpression promotes the proliferation, migration and invasion of NPC cells. Our results not only reveal pro-tumorigenic effects of WNT5A in NPC but also suggest that WNT5A could be an important therapeutic target in patients with EBV-associated disease.
  2. Fulltext Crystal structure elucidation and anticancer studies of (-)-pseudosemiglabrin: a flavanone isolated from the aerial parts of Tephrosia apollinea
    Ahmed Hassan LE, Khadeer Ahamed MB, Abdul Majid AS, Iqbal MA, Al Suede FS, Haque RA, et al.
    PLoS One, 2014;9(6):e90806.
    PMID: 24608571 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0090806
    Tephrosia apollinea is a perennial shrublet widely distributed in Africa and is known to have medicinal properties. The current study describes the bio-assay (cytotoxicity) guided isolation of (-)-pseudosemiglabrin from the aerial parts of T. apollinea. The structural and stereochemical features have been described using spectral and x-ray crystallographic techniques. The cytotoxicity of isolated compound was evaluated against nine cancer cell lines. In addition, human fibroblast was used as a model cell line for normal cells. The results showed that (-)-pseudosemiglabrin exhibited dose-dependent antiproliferative effect on most of the tested cancer cell lines. Selectively, the compound showed significant inhibitory effect on the proliferation of leukemia, prostate and breast cancer cell lines. Further studies revealed that, the compound exhibited proapoptotic phenomenon of cytotoxicity. Interestingly, the compound did not display toxicity against the normal human fibroblast. It can be concluded that (-)-pseudosemiglabrin is worthy for further investigation as a potential chemotherapeutic agent.
  3. Fulltext Induction of selective cytotoxicity and apoptosis in human T4-lymphoblastoid cell line (CEMss) by boesenbergin a isolated from boesenbergia rotunda rhizomes involves mitochondrial pathway, activation of caspase 3 and G2/M phase cell cycle arrest
    Ng KB, Bustamam A, Sukari MA, Abdelwahab SI, Mohan S, Buckle MJ, et al.
    BMC Complement Altern Med, 2013;13:41.
    PMID: 23432947 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6882-13-41
    Boesenbergia rotunda (Roxb.) Schlecht (family zingiberaceae) is a rhizomatous herb that is distributed from north-eastern India to south-east Asia, especially in Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia. Previous research has shown that the crude extract of this plant has cytotoxic properties. The current study examines the cytotoxic properties of boesenbergin A isolated from Boesenbergia rotunda.
  4. Characterization of Afp1, an antifreeze protein from the psychrophilic yeast Glaciozyma antarctica PI12
    Hashim NH, Bharudin I, Nguong DL, Higa S, Bakar FD, Nathan S, et al.
    Extremophiles, 2013 Jan;17(1):63-73.
    PMID: 23132550 DOI: 10.1007/s00792-012-0494-4
    The psychrophilic yeast Glaciozyma antarctica demonstrated high antifreeze activity in its culture filtrate. The culture filtrate exhibited both thermal hysteresis (TH) and ice recrystallization inhibition (RI) properties. The TH of 0.1 °C was comparable to that previously reported for bacteria and fungi. A genome sequence survey of the G. antarctica genome identified a novel antifreeze protein gene. The cDNA encoded a 177 amino acid protein with 30 % similarity to a fungal antifreeze protein from Typhula ishikariensis. The expression levels of AFP1 were quantified via real time-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and the highest expression levels were detected within 6 h of growth at -12 °C. The cDNA of the antifreeze protein was cloned into an Escherichia coli expression system. Expression of recombinant Afp1 in E. coli resulted in the formation of inclusion bodies that were subsequently denatured by treatment with urea and allowed to refold in vitro. Activity assays of the recombinant Afp1 confirmed the antifreeze protein properties with a high TH value of 0.08 °C.
  5. Cultivation of aerobic granular sludge for rubber wastewater treatment
    Rosman NH, Nor Anuar A, Othman I, Harun H, Sulong Abdul Razak MZ, Elias SH, et al.
    Bioresour Technol, 2013 Feb;129:620-3.
    PMID: 23317554 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2012.12.113
    Aerobic granular sludge (AGS) was successfully cultivated at 27±1 °C and pH 7.0±1 during the treatment of rubber wastewater using a sequential batch reactor system mode with complete cycle time of 3 h. Results showed aerobic granular sludge had an excellent settling ability and exhibited exceptional performance in the organics and nutrients removal from rubber wastewater. Regular, dense and fast settling granule (average diameter, 1.5 mm; settling velocity, 33 m h(-1); and sludge volume index, 22.3 mL g(-1)) were developed in a single reactor. In addition, 96.5% COD removal efficiency was observed in the system at the end of the granulation period, while its ammonia and total nitrogen removal efficiencies were up to 94.7% and 89.4%, respectively. The study demonstrated the capabilities of AGS development in a single, high and slender column type-bioreactor for the treatment of rubber wastewater.
  6. Catalysis by Glomerella cingulata cutinase requires conformational cycling between the active and inactive states of its catalytic triad
    Nyon MP, Rice DW, Berrisford JM, Hounslow AM, Moir AJ, Huang H, et al.
    J Mol Biol, 2009 Jan 9;385(1):226-35.
    PMID: 18983850 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2008.10.050
    Cutinase belongs to a group of enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of esters and triglycerides. Structural studies on the enzyme from Fusarium solani have revealed the presence of a classic catalytic triad that has been implicated in the enzyme's mechanism. We have solved the crystal structure of Glomerella cingulata cutinase in the absence and in the presence of the inhibitors E600 (diethyl p-nitrophenyl phosphate) and PETFP (3-phenethylthio-1,1,1-trifluoropropan-2-one) to resolutions between 2.6 and 1.9 A. Analysis of these structures reveals that the catalytic triad (Ser136, Asp191, and His204) adopts an unusual configuration with the putative essential histidine His204 swung out of the active site into a position where it is unable to participate in catalysis, with the imidazole ring 11 A away from its expected position. Solution-state NMR experiments are consistent with the disrupted configuration of the triad observed crystallographically. H204N, a site-directed mutant, was shown to be catalytically inactive, confirming the importance of this residue in the enzyme mechanism. These findings suggest that, during its catalytic cycle, cutinase undergoes a significant conformational rearrangement converting the loop bearing the histidine from an inactive conformation, in which the histidine of the triad is solvent exposed, to an active conformation, in which the triad assumes a classic configuration.
  7. Fulltext Antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of Murdannia bracteata methanol extract
    Yam MF, Ang LF, Lim CP, Ameer OZ, Salman IM, Ahmad M, et al.
    J Acupunct Meridian Stud, 2010 Sep;3(3):197-202.
    PMID: 20869021 DOI: 10.1016/S2005-2901(10)60036-2
    Murdannia bracteata (C. B. Clarke) is a local plant that is widely used in Malaysia as a traditional remedy for various diseases of the kidney and liver, including inflammation and cancer. In the present study, we investigated the antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities of M. bracteata methanol extract (MB). 2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity, lipid peroxidation inhibition and trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity of MB were determined. The hepatoprotective activity of MB was studied using a CCl(4)-induced liver toxicity model in rats. The hepatoprotective effect was assessed by monitoring the plasma malondialdehyde level and serum alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase activities. Histopathological changes of hepatic tissue were also investigated. The results indicated that MB possessed potential antioxidant, lipid peroxidation inhibition and free radical scavenging activities. Pretreatment of rats with MB (500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg per os) before induction of CCl(4)-induced hepatotoxicity showed a dose-dependent reduction in the necrotic changes in hepatic tissue. The increases in plasma malondialdehyde level, serum alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase activities were also significantly inhibited by MB. The total phenolic content of MB determined using Folin-Ciocalteu assay was found to be 10%. The results of the present study indicated that the hepatoprotective effect of MB is most likely due to its antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties.
  8. Fulltext Antinociceptive activity of a synthetic curcuminoid analogue, 2,6-bis-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidene)cyclohexanone, on nociception-induced models in mice
    Ming-Tatt L, Khalivulla SI, Akhtar MN, Mohamad AS, Perimal EK, Khalid MH, et al.
    Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol, 2012 Mar;110(3):275-82.
    PMID: 21967232 DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-7843.2011.00804.x
    This study investigated the potential antinociceptive efficacy of a novel synthetic curcuminoid analogue, 2,6-bis-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidene)cyclohexanone (BHMC), using chemical- and thermal-induced nociception test models in mice. BHMC (0.03, 0.1, 0.3 and 1.0 mg/kg) administered via intraperitoneal route (i.p.) produced significant dose-related inhibition in the acetic acid-induced abdominal constriction test in mice with an ID(50) of 0.15 (0.13-0.18) mg/kg. It was also demonstrated that BHMC produced significant inhibition in both neurogenic (first phase) and inflammatory phases (second phase) of the formalin-induced paw licking test with an ID(50) of 0.35 (0.27-0.46) mg/kg and 0.07 (0.06-0.08) mg/kg, respectively. Similarly, BHMC also exerted significant increase in the response latency period in the hot-plate test. Moreover, the antinociceptive effect of the BHMC in the formalin-induced paw licking test and the hot-plate test was antagonized by pre-treatment with the non-selective opioid receptor antagonist, naloxone. Together, these results indicate that the compound acts both centrally and peripherally. In addition, administration of BHMC exhibited significant inhibition of the neurogenic nociception induced by intraplantar injections of glutamate and capsaicin with ID(50) of 0.66 (0.41-1.07) mg/kg and 0.42 (0.38-0.51) mg/kg, respectively. Finally, it was also shown that BHMC-induced antinociception was devoid of toxic effects and its antinociceptive effect was associated with neither muscle relaxant nor sedative action. In conclusion, BHMC at all doses investigated did not cause any toxic and sedative effects and produced pronounced central and peripheral antinociceptive activities. The central antinociceptive activity of BHMC was possibly mediated through activation of the opioid system as well as inhibition of the glutamatergic system and TRPV1 receptors, while the peripheral antinociceptive activity was perhaps mediated through inhibition of various inflammatory mediators.
  9. Fulltext Possible participation of nitric oxide/cyclic guanosine monophosphate/protein kinase C/ATP-sensitive K(+) channels pathway in the systemic antinociception of flavokawin B
    Mohamad AS, Akhtar MN, Khalivulla SI, Perimal EK, Khalid MH, Ong HM, et al.
    Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol, 2011 Jun;108(6):400-5.
    PMID: 21214864 DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-7843.2010.00670.x
    The possible mechanisms of action in the antinociceptive activity induced by systemic administration (intraperitoneal, i.p.) of flavokawin B (FKB) were analysed using chemical models of nociception in mice. It was demonstrated that i.p. administration of FKB to the mice at 0.3, 1.0, 3.0 and 10 mg/kg produced significant dose-related reduction in the number of abdominal constrictions. The antinociception induced by FKB in the acetic acid test was significantly attenuated by i.p. pre-treatment of mice with L-arginine, the substrate for nitric oxide synthase or glibenclamide, the ATP-sensitive K(+) channel inhibitor, but was enhanced by methylene blue, the non-specific guanylyl cyclase inhibitor. FKB also produced dose-dependent inhibition of licking response caused by intraplantar injection of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, a protein kinase C activator (PKC). Together, these data indicate that the NO/cyclic guanosine monophosphate/PKC/ATP-sensitive K(+) channel pathway possibly participated in the antinociceptive action induced by FKB.
  10. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis using PAX8- and PPARG-specific probes reveals the presence of PAX8-PPARG translocation and 3p25 aneusomy in follicular thyroid neoplasms
    Chia WK, Sharifah NA, Reena RM, Zubaidah Z, Clarence-Ko CH, Rohaizak M, et al.
    Cancer Genet. Cytogenet., 2010 Jan 1;196(1):7-13.
    PMID: 19963130 DOI: 10.1016/j.cancergencyto.2009.08.001
    At the present time, the differentiation between follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) and adenoma can be made only postoperatively and is based on the presence of capsular or vascular invasion. The ability to differentiate preoperatively between the malignant and benign forms of follicular thyroid tumors assumes greater importance in any clinical setting. The PAX8-PPARG translocation has been reported to occur in the majority of FTC. In this study, a group of 60 follicular thyroid neoplasms [18 FTC, 1 Hurthle cell carcinoma (HCC), 24 follicular thyroid adenomas (FTA), 5 Hurthle cell adenomas (HCA), and 12 follicular variants of papillary thyroid carcinomas (FV-PTC)] were analyzed to determine the prevalence of the PAX8-PPARG translocation by fluorescence in situ hybridization. The PAX8-PPARG translocation was detected in 2/18 FTC (11.1%). In addition, 2/18 (11.1%) FTC and 1/5 (20%) HCA showed 3p25 aneusomy only. The frequency of the translocation detected in the study was lower compared to the earlier studies conducted in Western countries. This might be attributed to the ethnic background and geographic location. Detection of either the PAX8-PPARG translocation or the 3p25 aneusomy in FTC indicates that these are independent genetic events. It is hereby concluded that 3p25 aneusomy or PAX8-PPARG translocation may play an important role in the molecular pathogenesis of follicular thyroid tumors.
  11. Fulltext Myospila pudica pudica (Stein, 1915) (Diptera: Muscidae) in peninsular Malaysia and its occurrence on a monkey carrion
    Zuha RM, Kurahashi H, Chin HC, Osman K, Rashid RA, Hassan RA, et al.
    Trop Biomed, 2009 Aug;26(2):216-8.
    PMID: 19901908
    Myospila pudica pudica (Stein, 1915) (Diptera: Muscidae) was recorded for the first time in Malaysia during a forensic entomological study conducted at a forested area of Forensic Science Simulation Site, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Selangor. This species can be differentiated from other species of its genus by having R1 setulose on dorsal surface and R4+5 more or less setulose dorsally and ventrally. The legs, including tarsi, are testaceous yellow and palpi blackish. Lateral and ventral surface of scutellum bare below the level of bristles and the third antennal segment is brownish yellow. Other features including the diverging of inner margin of lower squama from scutellum margin. This is also the first report on the occurence of M. pudica pudica (Stein, 1915) on animal carcass.
  12. Cardamonin, inhibits pro-inflammatory mediators in activated RAW 264.7 cells and whole blood
    Ahmad S, Israf DA, Lajis NH, Shaari K, Mohamed H, Wahab AA, et al.
    Eur J Pharmacol, 2006 May 24;538(1-3):188-94.
    PMID: 16650843
    Some chalcones, such as hydroxychalcones have been reported previously to inhibit major pro-inflammatory mediators such as nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and reactive oxygen species production by suppressing inducible enzyme expression via inhibition of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway and nuclear translocation of critical transcription factors. In this report, the effects of cardamonin (2',4'-dihydroxy-6'-methoxychalcone), a chalcone that we have previously isolated from Alpinia rafflesiana, was evaluated upon two cellular systems that are repeatedly used in the analysis of anti-inflammatory bioactive compounds namely RAW 264.7 cells and whole blood. Cardamonin inhibited NO and PGE(2) production from lipopolysaccharide- and interferon-gamma-induced RAW cells and whole blood with IC(50) values of 11.4 microM and 26.8 microM, respectively. Analysis of thromboxane B(2) (TxB(2)) secretion from whole blood either stimulated via the COX-1 or COX-2 pathway revealed that cardamonin inhibits the generation of TxB(2) via both pathways with IC(50) values of 2.9 and 1.1 microM, respectively. Analysis of IC(50) ratios determined that cardamonin was more COX-2 selective in its inhibition of TxB(2) with a ratio of 0.39. Cardamonin also inhibited the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species and secretion of TNF-alpha from RAW 264.7 cells in a dose responsive manner with IC(50) values of 12.8 microM and 4.6 microM, respectively. However, cardamonin was a moderate inhibitor of lipoxygenase activity when tested in an enzymatic assay system, in which not a single concentration tested was able to cause an inhibition of more than 50%. Our results suggest that cardamonin acts upon major pro-inflammatory mediators in a similar fashion as described by previous work on other closely related synthetic hydroxychalcones and strengthens the conclusion of the importance of the methoxyl moiety substitution on the 4' or 6' locations of the A benzene ring.
  13. Fulltext HPLC and anti-inflammatory studies of the flavonoid rich chloroform extract fraction of Orthosiphon stamineus leaves
    Yam MF, Lim V, Salman IM, Ameer OZ, Ang LF, Rosidah N, et al.
    Molecules, 2010 Jun 21;15(6):4452-66.
    PMID: 20657453 DOI: 10.3390/molecules15064452
    The aim of the present study was to verify the anti-inflammatory activity of Orthosiphon stamineus leaf extracts and to identify the active compound(s) contributing to its anti-inflammatory activity using a developed HPLC method. Active chloroform extract of O. stamineus was fractionated into three fractions using a dry flash column chromatography method. These three fractions were investigated for anti-peritoneal capillary permeability, in vitro nitric oxide scavenging activity, anti-inflammatory and nitric oxide (NO) inhibition using carrageenan-induced hind paw edema method. The flavonoid rich chloroform extract fraction (CF2) [containing sinensetin (2.86% w/w), eupatorin (5.05% w/w) and 3'-hydroxy-5,6,7,4'-tetramethoxyflavone (1.101% w/w)], significantly reduced rat hind paw edema, NO and decreased dye leakage to peritoneal cavity at p < 0.05. IC(50) of in vitro NO scavenging of CF2 was 0.3 mg/mL. These results suggest that the anti-inflammatory properties of these CF2 may possibly be due to the presence of flavonoid compounds capable of affecting the NO pathway.
  14. Fulltext Zerumbone-induced antinociception: involvement of the L-arginine-nitric oxide-cGMP -PKC-K+ ATP channel pathways
    Perimal EK, Akhtar MN, Mohamad AS, Khalid MH, Ming OH, Khalid S, et al.
    Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol, 2011 Mar;108(3):155-62.
    PMID: 20955360 DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-7843.2010.00635.x
    This study investigated the antinociceptive effects of zerumbone in chemical behavioural models of nociception in mice. Zerumbone given through intraperitoneal route (i.p.) produced dose-related antinociception when assessed on acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing test in mice. In addition, the i.p. administration of zerumbone exhibited significant inhibition of the neurogenic pain induced by intraplantar (i.pl.) injection of capsaicin and bradykinin. Likewise, zerumbone given by i.p. route reduced the nociception produced by i.pl. injection of glutamate and phorbol myristate acetate (PMA). The antinociception caused by zerumbone in the acetic acid test was significantly attenuated by i.p. pre-treatment of mice with l-arginine (nitric oxide precursor) and glibenclamide (ATP-sensitive K(+) channel inhibitor). However, the antinociception of zerumbone was enhanced by methylene blue (non-specific gyanylyl cyclase inhibitor). Together, these results indicate that zerumbone produces pronounced antinociception against chemical models of nociception in mice. It also strongly suggests that the l-arginine-nitric oxide-cGMP-PKC-K(+) ATP channel pathways, the TRPV1 and kinin B2 receptors play an important role in the zerumbone-induced antinociception.
  15. Antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic properties of an aqueous extract of Dicranopteris linearis leaves in experimental animal models
    Zakaria ZA, Ghani ZD, Nor RN, Gopalan HK, Sulaiman MR, Jais AM, et al.
    J Nat Med, 2008 Apr;62(2):179-87.
    PMID: 18404320 DOI: 10.1007/s11418-007-0224-x
    This study was performed out to establish the antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic properties of an aqueous extract of Dicranopteris linearis leaves in experimental animals. The antinociceptive activity was measured using the abdominal constriction, hot plate, and formalin tests. The anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activities were measured using the carrageenan-induced paw edema and brewer's yeast-induced pyrexia tests, respectively. The extract, obtained after 72 h soaking of the air-dried leaves in distilled water and then prepared in the doses of 13.2, 66.0, 132.0, and 660.0 mg/kg, was administered subcutaneously 30 min before subjecting the animals to the assays mentioned above. Generally, the extract, at all doses used, was found to have significant (P < 0.05) concentration-independent antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and anti-pyretic activity. In conclusion, the aqueous extract of D. linearis has antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic activity, supporting previous claims of its traditional use by the Malays to treat various ailments, particularly fever.
  16. The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Optimizing Diagnosis and Treatment Plans for Rare Genetic Disorders
    Abdallah S, Sharifa M, I Kh Almadhoun MK, Khawar MM, Shaikh U, Balabel KM, et al.
    Cureus, 2023 Oct;15(10):e46860.
    PMID: 37954711 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.46860
    Rare genetic disorders (RDs), characterized by their low prevalence and diagnostic complexities, present significant challenges to healthcare systems. This article explores the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in addressing these challenges. It emphasizes the need for accurate and early diagnosis of RDs, often hindered by genetic and clinical heterogeneity. This article discusses how AI and ML are reshaping healthcare, providing examples of their effectiveness in disease diagnosis, prognosis, image analysis, and drug repurposing. It highlights AI's ability to efficiently analyze extensive datasets and expedite diagnosis, showcasing case studies like Face2Gene. Furthermore, the article explores how AI tailors treatment plans for RDs, leveraging ML and deep learning (DL) to create personalized therapeutic regimens. It emphasizes AI's role in drug discovery, including the identification of potential candidates for rare disease treatments. Challenges and limitations related to AI in healthcare, including ethical, legal, technical, and human aspects, are addressed. This article underscores the importance of data ethics, privacy, and algorithmic fairness, as well as the need for standardized evaluation techniques and transparency in AI research. It highlights second-generation AI systems that prioritize patient-centric care, efficient patient recruitment for clinical trials, and the significance of high-quality data. The integration of AI with telemedicine, the growth of health databases, and the potential for personalized therapeutic recommendations are identified as promising directions for the field. In summary, this article provides a comprehensive exploration of how AI and ML are revolutionizing the diagnosis and treatment of RDs, addressing challenges while considering ethical implications in this rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.
  17. Fulltext The effect of pre-endoscopy maltodextrin beverage on gastric residual volume and patient's well-being: a randomised controlled trial
    Zulkifli MF, Md Hashim MN, Zahari Z, Wong MP, Syed Abd Aziz SH, Yahya MM, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2023 Nov 16;13(1):20078.
    PMID: 37973795 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47357-5
    Prolonged fasting prior to oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGDS) could be noxious to patients' well-being. Strict fasting protocol has been used prior to OGDS with the concern of reduced visibility or suboptimal endoscopic assessment. Maltodextrin beverages were also commonly used as the pre-operative carbohydrate loading in enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol. Our study aimed to look for the effects of maltodextrin beverage 2 h before OGDS on gastric residual volume and patient's well-being scores. This was a single-blinded, stratified randomised controlled trial, comparing control group (A, received 400 ml of plain water) and carbohydrate loading group (B, received 400 ml of Carborie). The primary objectives were to measure the gastric residual volume (GRV) and patient's well-being scores using visual analogue scale (VAS) scores for hunger, thirst, anxiety, tiredness and general discomfort. Of 80 randomised patients, 78 completed the study (38 received plain water and 40 Carborie). The median (IQR) GRV was not significantly different between group A and B (5.0 ml (20) vs 4.0 ml (19), p = 0.777). Both groups showed significant reduction in VAS scores in all five parameters (p ≤ 0.001). There were no complications attributed to endoscopy in either group. Pre-endoscopy maltodextrin beverage is as safe as clear water with improved patient's well-being in both groups.Clinical Trial Registration: NCT05106933.
  18. Fulltext 30-Day Readmission Rate of Patients with COPD and Its Associated Factors: A Retrospective Cohort Study from a Tertiary Care Hospital
    Kee YS, Wong CK, Abdul Aziz MA, Zakaria MI, Mohd Shaarif F, Ng KS, et al.
    Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis, 2023;18:2623-2631.
    PMID: 38022826 DOI: 10.2147/COPD.S429108
    PURPOSE: Readmission of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been used as a measure of performance for COPD care. This study aimed to determine the rate of readmission of COPD in tertiary care hospital in Malaysia and its associated factors.

    PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Malaysia from 1st January to 21st May 2019. Seventy admissions for COPD exacerbation involving 58 patients were analyzed.

    RESULTS: The majority of the patients were male (89.8%), had a mean age of 71.95 ± 7.24 years and a median smoking history of 40 (IQR = 25) pack-years, 84.5% were in GOLD group D and 91.4% had a mMRC grading of 2 or greater. Approximately 60.3% had upper or lower respiratory tract infection as the cause of exacerbation; one in five patients had uncompensated hypercapnic respiratory failure at presentation, and 27.6% needed mechanical ventilatory support. Approximately 43.1% of patients had a history of exacerbation that required hospitalisation in the past year. The mean blood eosinophil concentration was 0.38 ± 0.46 x109 cells/L. The 30-day readmission rate was 20.3%, revisit rate to the emergency room within 30 days after discharge was 3.4%, and in-hospital mortality rate was 1.7%. Among all characteristics, a higher baseline mMRC grade (p = 0.038) and history of exacerbation in the past 1 year (p < 0.001) were statistically associated with 30-day readmission.

    CONCLUSION: The 30-day readmission rate for COPD exacerbation in a Malaysian tertiary hospital is similar to the rates in high-income countries. Exacerbation in the previous year and a higher baseline mMRC grading were significant risk factors for 30-day readmission in patients with COPD. Strategies of COPD management should concentrate on improvement of symptoms control by optimisation of pharmacotherapy, and early initiation of pulmonary rehabilitation, and structured integrated care programs to reduce readmission rates.

  19. Fulltext The effect of N95 designs on respirator fit and its associations with gender and facial dimensions
    Khairul Hasni NA, Ismail R, Muhamad Robat R, Mohamad N, Suib FA, Pahrol MA, et al.
    PLoS One, 2023;18(11):e0288105.
    PMID: 38019763 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288105
    This study examined the association of various brands of NIOSH-certified N95 filtering face-piece respirators (FFR) fit with facial dimensions and gender. One hundred and thirty-five participants (77 females and 58 males) were recruited from the previous facial anthropometry study among Malaysians in 2020. Quantitative respirator fit testing of six FFR were performed using the TSI Portacount Pro+ 8038 which comprised of four exercises (bending over, talking, up-down head movement, and side to side head movement). An overall fit factor (FF) of ≥ 100 was considered a pass for each FFR. Analysis was done using T-test, Pearson's correlations, and generalised linear regression. The passing rates for the six FFR were 36.3% (Cup B), 50.4% (Trifold A), 54.1% (Duckbill A), 57.0% (Cup A), 74.1% (Trifold B), and 83.7% (Duckbill B). Both Duckbill B and Trifold B had the highest passing rates for both genders. However, certain FFR models (Cup B, Trifold A, Trifold B, and Duckbill A) fit better for participants with large facial size who were mostly males, while others (Cup A and Duckbill B) specifically fit better for those with small facial size, who were mostly females. This study showed significant positive effect of nose protrusion, nasal root and subnasale-sellion and the negative effect of menton-sellion, bigonial breadth and nose breadth on fit factors of various FFR. The results of this study emphasized the importance of choosing and designing FFR based on local anthropometry data, with careful consideration on the dimensions that affect the respirator fit. Since N95 are commonly used in the healthcare settings to prevent airborne transmission, the practice of respirator fit testing and selecting N95 with high passing rates for healthcare workers need to be emphasized.
  20. Fulltext Electroacupuncture ameliorates chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depression-like behavior and cognitive impairment through suppressing oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in rats
    Tong T, Hao C, Shen J, Liu S, Yan S, Aslam MS, et al.
    Brain Res Bull, 2024 Jan;206:110838.
    PMID: 38123022 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2023.110838
    BACKGROUND: Depression is associated with lowered mood, anxiety, anhedonia, cognitive impairments, and even suicidal tendencies in severe cases. Yet few studies have directed acupuncture's mechanism toward enhancing axonal repair correlated with synaptic plasticity and anti-inflammatory effects related to oxidative stress in the hippocampus.

    METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into control group (CON), chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) group, CUMS + electroacupuncture group (EA), and CUMS + fluoxetine group (FLX) (n = 10/group). Rats were given a 28-day treatment at the Shangxing (GV23) and Fengfu (GV16) acupoints with electroacupuncture or fluoxetine (2.1 mg/kg).

    RESULTS: Rats exposed to CUMS induced depression-like behaviors and spatial learning-memory impairment, changed the ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (IBA-1), Vglut1, myelin basic protein (MBP), and postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) level of hippocampal, increased the Nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), atypical squamous cell (ASC), Caspase level and hippocampal reactive oxygen species (ROS), and prompted the activation of Epha4-mediated signaling and an inflammatory response. Conversely, electroacupuncture administration reduced these changes and prevented depression-like behaviors and cognitive impairment. Electroacupuncture also promoted hippocampal expression of Sirtuin1(SIRT1), Nuclear factor erythroid 2-like (Nrf2), Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1); reduced the expression of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-18 (IL-18), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α); and prevented neural damage, particularly the synaptic myelin sheath, and neuroinflammation by regulating Eph receptor A4 (EphA4) in the hippocampal.

    CONCLUSION: These results indicate that electroacupuncture prevents depression-like behaviors with cognitive impairment and synaptic and neuronal damage, probably by reducing EphA4, which mediates ROS hyperfunction and the inflammatory response.

Related Terms
Filters
Contact Us

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

External Links