Displaying publications 61 - 80 of 289 in total

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  1. Prognostic role of Oct4, CD44 and c-Myc in radio-chemo-resistant oral cancer patients and their tumourigenic potential in immunodeficient mice
    Sawant S, Gokulan R, Dongre H, Vaidya M, Chaukar D, Prabhash K, et al.
    Clin Oral Investig, 2016 Jan;20(1):43-56.
    PMID: 25914047 DOI: 10.1007/s00784-015-1476-6
    In the present study, we have investigated the prognostic value of known stem cell-associated molecules such as Oct4, CD44 and c-Myc in patients with oral SCC who had received post-surgery radio- and/or chemotherapy.
  2. Marine debris in Malaysia: A review on the pollution intensity and mitigating measures
    Fauziah SH, Rizman-Idid M, Cheah W, Loh KH, Sharma S, M R N, et al.
    Mar Pollut Bull, 2021 Jun;167:112258.
    PMID: 33839567 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112258
    The launch of Roadmap towards Zero Single-use Plastics in 2018 demands baseline data on the management of marine debris in Malaysia. In 2021, Malaysia is placed 28th top plastic polluter in the world with plastic consumption at 56 kg/capita/year, therefore data on mismanaged plastic is imperative. This paper reviews the abundance and distribution of marine debris in selected Malaysian beaches over the last decade (2010-2020) and discusses issue on its management. Plastic debris on beaches in Malaysia, was reported to range from 64 items/m2, to as high as 1930 items/m2, contributing 30-45% of total waste collected. Plastics film was the most dominant, mainly originated from packaging materials. Therefore, appropriate action including improved marine waste management system is crucial to tackle the problem, together with effective governance mechanisms. Various suggestions were proposed based on the statistical-environmental data to reduce the occurrence of marine debris in the country.
  3. Prolonged QT predicts prognosis in COVID-19
    Akhtar Z, Gallagher MM, Yap YG, Leung LWM, Elbatran AI, Madden B, et al.
    Pacing Clin Electrophysiol, 2021 05;44(5):875-882.
    PMID: 33792080 DOI: 10.1111/pace.14232
    BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) causes severe illness and multi-organ dysfunction. An abnormal electrocardiogram is associated with poor outcome, and QT prolongation during the illness has been linked to pharmacological effects. This study sought to investigate the effects of the COVID-19 illness on the corrected QT interval (QTc).

    METHOD: For 293 consecutive patients admitted to our hospital via the emergency department for COVID-19 between 01/03/20 -18/05/20, demographic data, laboratory findings, admission electrocardiograph and clinical observations were compared in those who survived and those who died within 6 weeks. Hospital records were reviewed for prior electrocardiograms for comparison with those recorded on presentation with COVID-19.

    RESULTS: Patients who died were older than survivors (82 vs 69.8 years, p 455 ms (males) and >465 ms (females) (p = 0.028, HR 1.49 [1.04-2.13]), as predictors of mortality. QTc prolongation beyond these dichotomy limits was associated with increased mortality risk (p = 0.0027, HR 1.78 [1.2-2.6]).

    CONCLUSION: QTc prolongation occurs in COVID-19 illness and is associated with poor outcome.

  4. Phytosterols as a natural anticancer agent: Current status and future perspective
    Shahzad N, Khan W, Md S, Ali A, Saluja SS, Sharma S, et al.
    Biomed Pharmacother, 2017 Apr;88:786-794.
    PMID: 28157655 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.01.068
    Phytosterols are naturally occurring compounds in plants, structurally similar to cholesterol. The human diet is quite abundant in sitosterol and campesterol. Phytosterols are known to have various bioactive properties including reducing intestinal cholesterol absorption which alleviates blood LDL-cholesterol and cardiovascular problems. It is indicated that phytosterol rich diets may reduce cancer risk by 20%. Phytosterols may also affect host systems, enabling antitumor responses by improving immune response recognition of cancer, affecting the hormone dependent endocrine tumor growth, and by sterol biosynthesis modulation. Moreover, phytosterols have also exhibited properties that directly inhibit tumor growth, including reduced cell cycle progression, apoptosis induction, and tumor metastasis inhibition. The objective of this review is to summarize the current knowledge on occurrences, chemistry, pharmacokinetics and potential anticancer properties of phytosterols in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, anticancer effects of phytosterols have strongly been suggested and support their dietary inclusion to prevent and treat cancers.
  5. Fulltext Comparative Analysis of Erosive Wear Behaviour of Epoxy, Polyester and Vinyl Esters Based Thermosetting Polymer Composites for Human Prosthetic Applications Using Taguchi Design
    Khare JM, Dahiya S, Gangil B, Ranakoti L, Sharma S, Huzaifah MRM, et al.
    Polymers (Basel), 2021 Oct 19;13(20).
    PMID: 34685366 DOI: 10.3390/polym13203607
    In polymer composites, synthetic fibers are primarily used as a chief reinforcing material, with a wide range of applications, and are therefore essential to study. In the present work, we carried out the erosive wear of natural and synthetic fiber-based polymer composites. Glass fiber with jute and Grewia optiva fiber was reinforced in three different polymer resins: epoxy, vinyl ester and polyester. The hand lay-up method was used for the fabrication of composites. L16 orthogonal array of Taguchi method used to identify the most significant parameters (impact velocity, fiber content, and impingement angle) in the analysis of erosive wear. ANOVA analysis revealed that the most influential parameter was in the erosive wear analysis was impact velocity followed by fiber content and impingement angle. It was also observed that polyester-based composites exhibited the highest erosive wear followed by vinyl ester-based composites, and epoxy-based composites showed the lowest erosive wear. From the present study, it may be attributed that the low hardness of the polyester resulting in low resistance against the impact of erodent particles. The SEM analysis furthermore illustrates the mechanism took place during the wear examination of all three types of composites at highest fiber loading. A thorough assessment uncovers brittle fractures in certain regions, implying that a marginal amount of impact forces was also acting on the fabricated samples. The developed fiber-reinforced polymer sandwich composite materials possess excellent biocompatibility, desirable promising properties for prosthetic, orthopaedic, and bone-fracture implant uses.
  6. Fulltext Critical Review of Natural Fiber Reinforced Hybrid Composites: Processing, Properties, Applications and Cost
    Suriani MJ, Ilyas RA, Zuhri MYM, Khalina A, Sultan MTH, Sapuan SM, et al.
    Polymers (Basel), 2021 Oct 13;13(20).
    PMID: 34685272 DOI: 10.3390/polym13203514
    Increasing scientific interest has occurred concerning the utilization of natural fiber-enhanced hybrid composites that incorporate one or more types of natural enhancement. Annual natural fiber production is estimated to be 1,783,965 × 103 tons/year. Extensive studies have been conducted in the domains of natural/synthetic as well as natural/natural hybrid composites. As synthetic fibers have better rigidity and strength than natural fibers, natural/synthetic hybrid composites have superior qualities via hybridization compared to natural composites in fibers. In general, natural fiber compounds have lower characteristics, limiting the use of natural composites reinforced by fiber. Significant effort was spent in enhancing the mechanical characteristics of this group of materials to increase their strengths and applications, especially via the hybridization process, by manipulating the characteristics of fiber-reinforced composite materials. Current studies concentrate on enhancing the understanding of natural fiber-matrix adhesion, enhancing processing methods, and natural fiber compatibility. The optimal and resilient conceptions have also been addressed due to the inherently more significant variabilities. Moreover, much research has tackled natural fiber reinforced hybrid composite costs. In addition, this review article aims to offer a review of the variables that lead to the mechanical and structural failure of natural fiber reinforced polymer composites, as well as an overview of the details and costings of the composites.
  7. Fulltext Improvements in the Engineering Properties of Cementitious Composites Using Nano-Sized Cement and Nano-Sized Additives
    Rahman I, Singh P, Dev N, Arif M, Yusufi FNK, Azam A, et al.
    Materials (Basel), 2022 Nov 15;15(22).
    PMID: 36431551 DOI: 10.3390/ma15228066
    The findings of an extensive experimental research study on the usage of nano-sized cement powder and other additives combined to form cement-fine-aggregate matrices are discussed in this work. In the laboratory, dry and wet methods were used to create nano-sized cements. The influence of these nano-sized cements, nano-silica fumes, and nano-fly ash in different proportions was studied to the evaluate the engineering properties of the cement-fine-aggregate matrices concerning normal-sized, commercially available cement. The composites produced with modified cement-fine-aggregate matrices were subjected to microscopic-scale analyses using a petrographic microscope, a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), and a Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM). These studies unravelled the placement and behaviour of additives in controlling the engineering properties of the mix. The test results indicated that nano-cement and nano-sized particles improved the engineering properties of the hardened cement matrix. The wet-ground nano-cement showed the best result, 40 MPa 28th-day compressive strength, without mixing any additive compared with ordinary and dry-ground cements. The mix containing 50:50 normal and wet-ground cement exhibited 37.20 MPa 28th-day compressive strength. All other mixes with nano-sized dry cement, silica fume, and fly ash with different permutations and combinations gave better results than the normal-cement-fine-aggregate mix. The petrographic studies and the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) analyses further validated the above findings. Statistical analyses and techniques such as correlation and stepwise multiple regression analysis were conducted to compose a predictive equation to calculate the 28th-day compressive strength. In addition to these methods, a repeated measures Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was also implemented to analyse the statistically significant differences among three differently timed strength readings.
  8. Fulltext Circulating purification of cutting fluid: an overview
    Wu X, Li C, Zhou Z, Nie X, Chen Y, Zhang Y, et al.
    Int J Adv Manuf Technol, 2021;117(9-10):2565-2600.
    PMID: 34465936 DOI: 10.1007/s00170-021-07854-1
    Cutting fluid has cooling and lubricating properties and is an important part of the field of metal machining. Owing to harmful additives, base oils with poor biodegradability, defects in processing methods, and unreasonable emissions of waste cutting fluids, cutting fluids have serious pollution problems, which pose challenges to global carbon emissions laws and regulations. However, the current research on cutting fluid and its circulating purification technique lacks systematic review papers to provide scientific technical guidance for actual production. In this study, the key scientific issues in the research achievements of eco-friendly cutting fluid and waste fluid treatment are clarified. First, the preparation and mechanism of organic additives are summarized, and the influence of the physical and chemical properties of vegetable base oils on lubricating properties is analyzed. Then, the process characteristics of cutting fluid reduction supply methods are systematically evaluated. Second, the treatment of oil mist and miscellaneous oil, the removal mechanism and approach of microorganisms, and the design principles of integrated recycling equipment are outlined. The conclusion is concluded that the synergistic effect of organic additives, biodegradable vegetable base oils and recycling purification effectively reduces the environmental pollution of cutting fluids. Finally, in view of the limitations of the cutting fluid and its circulating purification technique, the prospects of amino acid additive development, self-adapting jet parameter supply system, matching mechanism between processing conditions and cutting fluid are put forward, which provides the basis and support for the engineering application and development of cutting fluid and its circulating purification.
  9. Fulltext Nano based drug delivery systems: recent developments and future prospects
    Patra JK, Das G, Fraceto LF, Campos EVR, Rodriguez-Torres MDP, Acosta-Torres LS, et al.
    J Nanobiotechnology, 2018 Sep 19;16(1):71.
    PMID: 30231877 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-018-0392-8
    Nanomedicine and nano delivery systems are a relatively new but rapidly developing science where materials in the nanoscale range are employed to serve as means of diagnostic tools or to deliver therapeutic agents to specific targeted sites in a controlled manner. Nanotechnology offers multiple benefits in treating chronic human diseases by site-specific, and target-oriented delivery of precise medicines. Recently, there are a number of outstanding applications of the nanomedicine (chemotherapeutic agents, biological agents, immunotherapeutic agents etc.) in the treatment of various diseases. The current review, presents an updated summary of recent advances in the field of nanomedicines and nano based drug delivery systems through comprehensive scrutiny of the discovery and application of nanomaterials in improving both the efficacy of novel and old drugs (e.g., natural products) and selective diagnosis through disease marker molecules. The opportunities and challenges of nanomedicines in drug delivery from synthetic/natural sources to their clinical applications are also discussed. In addition, we have included information regarding the trends and perspectives in nanomedicine area.
  10. Dendrimers as nanoscale vectors: Unlocking the bars of cancer therapy
    Dey AD, Bigham A, Esmaeili Y, Ashrafizadeh M, Moghaddam FD, Tan SC, et al.
    Semin Cancer Biol, 2022 11;86(Pt 2):396-419.
    PMID: 35700939 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.06.003
    Chemotherapy is the first choice in the treatment of cancer and is always preferred to other approaches such as radiation and surgery, but it has never met the need of patients for a safe and effective drug. Therefore, new advances in cancer treatment are now needed to reduce the side effects and burdens associated with chemotherapy for cancer patients. Targeted treatment using nanotechnology are now being actively explored as they could effectively deliver therapeutic agents to tumor cells without affecting normal cells. Dendrimers are promising nanocarriers with distinct physiochemical properties that have received considerable attention in cancer therapy studies, which is partly due to the numerous functional groups on their surface. In this review, we discuss the progress of different types of dendrimers as delivery systems in cancer therapy, focusing on the challenges, opportunities, and functionalities of the polymeric molecules. The paper also reviews the various role of dendrimers in their entry into cells via endocytosis, as well as the molecular and inflammatory pathways in cancer. In addition, various dendrimers-based drug delivery (e.g., pH-responsive, enzyme-responsive, redox-responsive, thermo-responsive, etc.) and lipid-, amino acid-, polymer- and nanoparticle-based modifications for gene delivery, as well as co-delivery of drugs and genes in cancer therapy with dendrimers, are presented. Finally, biosafety concerns and issues hindering the transition of dendrimers from research to the clinic are discussed to shed light on their clinical applications.
  11. Nutraceuticals and COVID-19: A mechanistic approach toward attenuating the disease complications
    Paudel KR, Patel V, Vishwas S, Gupta S, Sharma S, Chan Y, et al.
    J Food Biochem, 2022 Dec;46(12):e14445.
    PMID: 36239436 DOI: 10.1111/jfbc.14445
    Nutraceuticals have emerged as potential compounds to attenuate the COVID-19 complications. Precisely, these food additives strengthen the overall COVID treatment and enhance the immunity of a person. Such compounds have been used at a large scale, in almost every household due to their better affordability and easy access. Therefore, current research is focused on developing newer advanced formulations from potential drug candidates including nutraceuticals with desirable properties viz, affordability, ease of availability, ease of administration, stability under room temperature, and potentially longer shelf-lives. As such, various nutraceutical-based products such as compounds could be promising agents for effectively managing COVID-19 symptoms and complications. Most importantly, regular consumption of such nutraceuticals has been shown to boost the immune system and prevent viral infections. Nutraceuticals such as vitamins, amino acids, flavonoids like curcumin, and probiotics have been studied for their role in the prevention of COVID-19 symptoms such as fever, pain, malaise, and dry cough. In this review, we have critically reviewed the potential of various nutraceutical-based therapeutics for the management of COVID-19. We searched the information relevant to our topic from search engines such as PubMed and Scopus using COVID-19, nutraceuticals, probiotics, and vitamins as a keyword. Any scientific literature published in a language other than English was excluded. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Nutraceuticals possess both nutritional values and medicinal properties. They can aid in the prevention and treatment of diseases, as well as promote physical health and the immune system, normalizing body functions, and improving longevity. Recently, nutraceuticals such as probiotics, vitamins, polyunsaturated fatty acids, trace minerals, and medicinal plants have attracted considerable attention and are widely regarded as potential alternatives to current therapeutic options for the effective management of various diseases, including COVID-19.
  12. Context and priorities for health systems strengthening for pain and disability in low- and middle-income countries: a secondary qualitative study and content analysis of health policies
    Briggs AM, Jordan JE, Sharma S, Young JJ, Chua J, Foster HE, et al.
    Health Policy Plan, 2023 Feb 13;38(2):129-149.
    PMID: 35876078 DOI: 10.1093/heapol/czac061
    Musculoskeletal (MSK) health impairments contribute substantially to the pain and disability burden in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), yet health systems strengthening (HSS) responses are nascent in these settings. We aimed to explore the contemporary context, framed as challenges and opportunities, for improving population-level prevention and management of MSK health in LMICs using secondary qualitative data from a previous study exploring HSS priorities for MSK health globally and (2) to contextualize these findings through a primary analysis of health policies for integrated management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in select LMICs. Part 1: 12 transcripts of interviews with LMIC-based key informants (KIs) were inductively analysed. Part 2: systematic content analysis of health policies for integrated care of NCDs where KIs were resident (Argentina, Bangladesh, Brazil, Ethiopia, India, Kenya, Malaysia, Philippines and South Africa). A thematic framework of LMIC-relevant challenges and opportunities was empirically derived and organized around five meta-themes: (1) MSK health is a low priority; (2) social determinants adversely affect MSK health; (3) healthcare system issues de-prioritize MSK health; (4) economic constraints restrict system capacity to direct and mobilize resources to MSK health; and (5) build research capacity. Twelve policy documents were included, describing explicit foci on cardiovascular disease (100%), diabetes (100%), respiratory conditions (100%) and cancer (89%); none explicitly focused on MSK health. Policy strategies were coded into three categories: (1) general principles for people-centred NCD care, (2) service delivery and (3) system strengthening. Four policies described strategies to address MSK health in some way, mostly related to injury care. Priorities and opportunities for HSS for MSK health identified by KIs aligned with broader strategies targeting NCDs identified in the policies. MSK health is not currently prioritized in NCD health policies among selected LMICs. However, opportunities to address the MSK-attributed disability burden exist through integrating MSK-specific HSS initiatives with initiatives targeting NCDs generally and injury and trauma care.
  13. Fulltext Evidence-based traditional medicine for transforming global health and well-being
    Patwardhan B, Wieland LS, Aginam O, Chuthaputti A, Ghelman R, Ghods R, et al.
    Complement Ther Med, 2023 Oct;77:102970.
    PMID: 37591416 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2023.102970
  14. Fulltext Use of Industrial Wastes as Sustainable Nutrient Sources for Bacterial Cellulose (BC) Production: Mechanism, Advances, and Future Perspectives
    Kadier A, Ilyas RA, Huzaifah MRM, Harihastuti N, Sapuan SM, Harussani MM, et al.
    Polymers (Basel), 2021 Sep 30;13(19).
    PMID: 34641185 DOI: 10.3390/polym13193365
    A novel nanomaterial, bacterial cellulose (BC), has become noteworthy recently due to its better physicochemical properties and biodegradability, which are desirable for various applications. Since cost is a significant limitation in the production of cellulose, current efforts are focused on the use of industrial waste as a cost-effective substrate for the synthesis of BC or microbial cellulose. The utilization of industrial wastes and byproduct streams as fermentation media could improve the cost-competitiveness of BC production. This paper examines the feasibility of using typical wastes generated by industry sectors as sources of nutrients (carbon and nitrogen) for the commercial-scale production of BC. Numerous preliminary findings in the literature data have revealed the potential to yield a high concentration of BC from various industrial wastes. These findings indicated the need to optimize culture conditions, aiming for improved large-scale production of BC from waste streams.
  15. Fulltext Evidence-based traditional medicine for transforming global health and well-being
    Patwardhan B, Wieland LS, Aginam O, Chuthaputti A, Ghelman R, Ghods R, et al.
    J Ayurveda Integr Med, 2023;14(4):100790.
    PMID: 37562183 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaim.2023.100790
  16. Evidence-Based Traditional Medicine for Transforming Global Health and Well-Being
    Patwardhan B, Wieland LS, Aginam O, Chuthaputti A, Ghelman R, Ghods R, et al.
    J Integr Complement Med, 2023 Sep;29(9):527-530.
    PMID: 37713586 DOI: 10.1089/jicm.2023.29121.editorial
  17. Fulltext Polymer Composites Filled with Metal Derivatives: A Review of Flame Retardants
    Ilyas RA, Sapuan SM, Asyraf MRM, Dayana DAZN, Amelia JJN, Rani MSA, et al.
    Polymers (Basel), 2021 May 23;13(11).
    PMID: 34070960 DOI: 10.3390/polym13111701
    Polymer composites filled with metal derivatives have been widely used in recent years, particularly as flame retardants, due to their superior characteristics, including high thermal behavior, low environmental degradation, and good fire resistance. The hybridization of metal and polymer composites produces various favorable properties, making them ideal materials for various advanced applications. The fire resistance performance of polymer composites can be enhanced by increasing the combustion capability of composite materials through the inclusion of metallic fireproof materials to protect the composites. The final properties of the metal-filled thermoplastic composites depend on several factors, including pore shape and distribution and morphology of metal particles. For example, fire safety equipment uses polyester thermoplastic and antimony sources with halogenated additives. The use of metals as additives in composites has captured the attention of researchers worldwide due to safety concern in consideration of people's life and public properties. This review establishes the state-of-art flame resistance properties of metals/polymer composites for numerous industrial applications.
  18. Fulltext Evidence-based traditional medicine for transforming global health and well-being
    Patwardhan B, Wieland LS, Aginam O, Chuthaputti A, Ghelman R, Ghods R, et al.
    Ayu, 2022;43(3):71-74.
    PMID: 38075187 DOI: 10.4103/ayu.ayu_218_23
  19. Fulltext Natural Fiber-Reinforced Polycaprolactone Green and Hybrid Biocomposites for Various Advanced Applications
    Ilyas RA, Zuhri MYM, Norrrahim MNF, Misenan MSM, Jenol MA, Samsudin SA, et al.
    Polymers (Basel), 2022 Jan 03;14(1).
    PMID: 35012203 DOI: 10.3390/polym14010182
    Recent developments within the topic of biomaterials has taken hold of researchers due to the mounting concern of current environmental pollution as well as scarcity resources. Amongst all compatible biomaterials, polycaprolactone (PCL) is deemed to be a great potential biomaterial, especially to the tissue engineering sector, due to its advantages, including its biocompatibility and low bioactivity exhibition. The commercialization of PCL is deemed as infant technology despite of all its advantages. This contributed to the disadvantages of PCL, including expensive, toxic, and complex. Therefore, the shift towards the utilization of PCL as an alternative biomaterial in the development of biocomposites has been exponentially increased in recent years. PCL-based biocomposites are unique and versatile technology equipped with several importance features. In addition, the understanding on the properties of PCL and its blend is vital as it is influenced by the application of biocomposites. The superior characteristics of PCL-based green and hybrid biocomposites has expanded their applications, such as in the biomedical field, as well as in tissue engineering and medical implants. Thus, this review is aimed to critically discuss the characteristics of PCL-based biocomposites, which cover each mechanical and thermal properties and their importance towards several applications. The emergence of nanomaterials as reinforcement agent in PCL-based biocomposites was also a tackled issue within this review. On the whole, recent developments of PCL as a potential biomaterial in recent applications is reviewed.
  20. Fulltext Evidence-based traditional medicine for transforming global health & wellbeing
    Patwardhan B, Wieland LS, Aginam O, Chuthaputti A, Ghelman R, Ghods R, et al.
    Indian J Med Res, 2023 Aug;158(2):101-105.
    PMID: 37675685 DOI: 10.4103/ijmr.ijmr_1574_23
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