Displaying publications 101 - 120 of 217 in total

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  1. Yahya N, Manan HA
    Support Care Cancer, 2021 Jun;29(6):3035-3047.
    PMID: 33040284 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-020-05808-z
    BACKGROUND: Proton therapy (PT), frequently utilised to treat paediatric brain tumour (PBT) patients, eliminates exit dose and minimises dose to healthy tissues that theoretically can mitigate treatment-related effects including cognitive deficits. As clinical outcome data are emerging, we aimed to systematically review current evidence of cognitive changes following PT of PBT.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: We searched PubMed and Scopus electronic databases to identify eligible reports on cognitive changes following PT of PBT according to PRISMA guidelines. Reports were extracted for information on demographics and cognitive outcomes. Then, they were systematically reviewed based on three themes: (1) comparison with photon therapy, (2) comparison with baseline cognitive measures, to population normative mean or radiotherapy-naïve PBT patients and (3) effects of dose distribution to cognition.

    RESULTS: Thirteen reports (median size (range): 70 (12-144)) were included. Four reports compared the cognitive outcome between PBT patients treated with proton to photon therapy and nine compared with baseline/normative mean/radiotherapy naïve from which two reported the effects of dose distribution. Reports found significantly poorer cognitive outcome among patients treated with photon therapy compared with proton therapy especially in general cognition and working memory. Craniospinal irradiation (CSI) was consistently associated with poorer cognitive outcome while focal therapy was associated with minor cognitive change/difference. In limited reports available, higher doses to the hippocampus and temporal lobes were implicated to larger cognitive change.

    CONCLUSION: Available evidence suggests that PT causes less cognitive deficits compared with photon therapy. Children who underwent focal therapy with proton were consistently shown to have low risk of cognitive deficit suggesting the need for future studies to separate them from CSI. Evidence on the effect of dose distribution to cognition in PT is yet to mature.

    Matched MeSH terms: PubMed
  2. Rosli R, Dali AF, Abd Aziz N, Abdullah AH, Ming LC, Manan MM
    Front Pharmacol, 2017;8:27.
    PMID: 28228724 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00027
    Despite limited evidence on safety and efficacy of drug use in neonates, drugs are extensively used in this age group. However, the availability of information on drug consumption in neonates, especially inpatient neonates, is limited. This paper systematically reviews published studies on drug utilization in hospitalized neonates. A systematic literature review was carried out to identify observational studies published from inception of databases used till August 2016. Four search engines, namely Medline, CINAHL, Embase, and PubMed, were used. Publications written in English that described drug utilization in neonatal wards were selected. Assessment of the data was based on the category of the study design, the objective of study and the method used in reporting drug consumption. A total of 20 drug utilization studies were identified, 12 of which focused on all drug classes, while the other eight evaluated antimicrobials. Studies were reported in Europe (n = 7), the United States (n = 6), India (n = 5), Brazil (n = 1), and Iran (n = 1). Substantial variance with regard to study types (study design and methods), data source, and sample size were found among the selected studies. Of the studies included, 45% were cross-sectional or retrospective, 40% were prospective studies, and the remaining 15% were point prevalence surveys. More than 70% of the studies were descriptive studies, describing drug consumption patterns. Fifteen per cent of the descriptive studies evaluated changes in drug utilization patterns in neonates. Volume of units was the most prevalent method used for reporting all drug categories. The ATC/DDD system for reporting drug use was only seen in studies evaluating antimicrobials. The most commonly reported drugs across all studies are anti-infectives for systemic use, followed by drugs for the cardiovascular system, the nervous system and the respiratory system. Ampicillin and gentamicin were the most prescribed antimicrobials in hospitalized neonates. The present review reveals that neonates are exposed to a high number of drugs and various methods are used to report drug consumption in this age group. The best measure of drug consumption to quantify prevalence of drug use in neonates remains to be identified and additional research in this area is warranted.
    Matched MeSH terms: PubMed
  3. Nur Hazirah Mohd Azlan, Rabiatul Basria S.M.N. Mydin, Manganting, Ernest
    MyJurnal
    With the increasing clinical use of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nano-TiO2), a better understanding of their safety in the human use is critical. The present study aims to review the potential application of nano-TiO2 as targeted cancer therapy based on their toxicity risk which highly dependent on their physio-chemical properties. Methods: This review was performed based on PRISMA-P protocol that begin with literature searching on the selected databases; PubMed, Springer Link, Science Direct and general search engine; Google Scholar from 2013 to 2018. Studies retrieved by the pre-determined keywords (titanium dioxide nanoparticles, toxicity, genotoxicity, cytotoxicity, targeted cancer therapy) that assessed toxicity risk of nano-TiO2 in cancer therapeutics were included. Results: The search retrieved 252 articles. Assessment of eligibility by application of inclusion criteria yielded 14 articles. Nano-TiO2 induced cytotoxicity and genotoxicity in dose and time-dependent manner killing the cancerous cells. All studies used primary particles size < 100 nm with mean of 39.38 and standard deviation of 30.47 which is lower than the mean denoting diameter distribution from selected studies are concentrated from the mean. Conclusion: This review suggest that TiO2 nanoparticles can be considered as an ideal candidate for drug-delivery vehicle for targeted cancer therapy by specifically tailored their physio-chemical properties of this nanoparticles according to desired target site and functions to ensure its optimal efficacy.
    Matched MeSH terms: PubMed
  4. Abdulrahman SA, Ganasegeran K, Rampal L, Martins OF
    AIDS Rev, 2019;21(1):28-39.
    PMID: 30899114 DOI: 10.24875/AIDSRev.19000037
    Successful HIV treatment is contingent on sustained high levels of treatment adherence. Several barriers to optimal adherence have been documented. In this article, we first review the global burden of non-adherence among HIV/AIDS positive individuals on a public health scale. Second, we synthesized available evidence from different study designs and stratified across the European, African, and Asian literature to determine the factors influencing adherence to scheduled clinic appointments and medication non-adherence. Third, we discuss common measurement techniques that quantify the magnitude of non-adherence, their relative advantages and limitations in current practice. From January to May 2018, we reviewed guidelines, standard operating procedures, journal articles, and book chapters on treatment adherence among HIV patients receiving adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) globally. We searched PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews with the search terms "adherence," "adherence behavior," "medication adherence," and "HIV patients," or "HIV/AIDS," and "Antiretroviral Therapy" or "ART" or "ARVs" or "highly active ART " from 2000 to 2017. We also identified articles through searches of authors' files and previous research on HIV. We included only papers published in English in this review. We then generated a final list of reference on the basis of originality and the broad scope of this review. We found rich literature evidence of research findings and best practice recommendations on the importance of adherence in HIV/AIDS management, a general understanding of factors associated with non-adherence and approaches to investigating non-adherence behavior among different populations. We observed significant contextual differences exist with regard to barriers and burden of non-adherence among these populations.
    Matched MeSH terms: PubMed
  5. Karobari MI, Parveen A, Mirza MB, Makandar SD, Nik Abdul Ghani NR, Noorani TY, et al.
    Int J Dent, 2021;2021:6682189.
    PMID: 33679981 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6682189
    Introduction: While there are many root morphology classification systems with their own distinct advantages, there are many shortcomings that come along with each system.

    Objectives: The aim of this review was to compare the various root and root canal morphology classifications, their advantages, limitations, and clinical and research implications. Data Sources and Selection. An extensive literature search was conducted on PubMed and Scopus to identify the published data on root and root canal classification systems published until 1 May 2020 using keywords, root canal classification system, classification systems for root canals, and root morphology. The related literature was reviewed and then summarized. Data Synthesis. Several studies have analysed and detailed root and root canal classifications and further added new subsystems, works of Weine et al. (1969) and Vertucci et al. (1974). Besides, Sert and Bayirli (2004) added supplementary types to Vertucci's classification system. A new classification was most recently introduced by Ahmed et al. (2017) involving the use of codes for tooth numbering, number of roots, and canal configuration.

    Conclusions: Weine et al. classified only single-rooted teeth, without considering multirooted teeth and complex configurations. Vertucci's classification included complex configurations, with Sert and Bayirli adding further complex supplemental types. Ahmed et al.'s classification simplifies classifying root and canal morphology while overcoming the limitations of several previous classification systems making it beneficial for implementation in dental schools.

    Matched MeSH terms: PubMed
  6. Klimova B, Valis M, Kuca K, Masopust J
    BMC Health Serv Res, 2019 Nov 01;19(1):781.
    PMID: 31676005 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-019-4641-9
    BACKGROUND: Present demographic trends show a considerable rise in elderly populations with aging disorders, such as dementia. The current article focused on the exploitation of e-learning as an informal support for caregivers of people with dementia and considered its benefits and limitations to provide proper and relevant care for this target group of people as well as maintain the quality of life of their caregivers.

    METHODS: The methodology of this study is based on a literature review of accessible peer-review articles from three recognized databases: Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed. The findings of the selected studies were compared and evaluated.

    RESULTS: The findings showed that e-learning educational programs/courses helped caregivers feel more confident about dementia care, reduced their perceived stress and enhanced their feelings of empathy, understanding and concern.

    CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study reveal that the exploitation of e-learning as a support tool, especially for informal caregivers, in the management of dementia may be a promising method, but its implementation requires professional training of informal caregivers in the use of this technology. More evidence-based studies are needed on this topic.

    Matched MeSH terms: PubMed
  7. Moheet IA, Luddin N, Rahman IA, Kannan TP, Nik Abd Ghani NR, Masudi SM
    Eur J Dent, 2019 Jul;13(3):470-477.
    PMID: 31280484 DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-1693524
    The aim of this article is to provide a brief insight regarding the recent studies and their recommendations related to the modifications to glass ionomer cement (GIC) powder in order to improve their properties. An electronic search of publications was made from the year 2000 to 2018. The databases included in the current study were EBSCOhost, PubMed, and ScienceDirect. The inclusion criteria for the current study include publication with abstract or full-text articles, original research, reviews or systematic reviews, in vitro, and in vivo studies that were written in English language. Among these only articles published in peer-reviewed journals were included. Articles published in other languages, with no available abstract and related to other nondentistry fields, were excluded. A detailed review of the recent materials used as a filler phase in GIC powder has revealed that not all modifications produce beneficial results. Recent work has demonstrated that modification of GIC powder with nano-particles has many beneficial effects on the properties of the material. This is due to the increase in surface area and surface energy, along with better particle distribution of the nano-particle. Therefore, more focus should be given on nano-particle having greater chemical affinity for GIC matrix as well as the tooth structure that will enhance the physicochemical properties of GIC.
    Matched MeSH terms: PubMed
  8. Michal Christina Steven
    Borneo Epidemiology Journal, 2020;1(2):104-115.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction:Plasmodium knowlesi(P.knowlesi) is a zoonotic malaria parasite, transmitted between non-factors” or “individual factors” or “ecological factors” and “P.knowlesi” and “human” including human primate hosts by the Anopheles (An.) mosquitos, and causing spill-over infections in humans where the parasite, vector, host, and human converge
    Methods:The search was done electronically toexplore for appropriate papers viaPubMed, and Science Direct for articles published up to March 2020, containing the words “factors associated” or “environmental synonyms and Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) terms. A total of 27 articles from PubMed Databases and 18 articles from Science Direct were selected to be assessed for eligibility. Out of it, a total of 13 articles were selected to be analysed.
    Results:Host factors such as sex and age, as well as occupation as individual factors, while environmental factors such as rainfall and geographic elevation have some association with P.knowlesiinfection in humans. This zoonotic malaria poses unique challenges that will need to be addressed if all forms of malaria are to be eliminated based on the sustainable development goal (SDG)
    Conclusion:This article highlights the importance of disease ecologies such as climate and landscape and human-environment interactions such as the land use patterns, such as agriculture or infrastructure activities) to reduce the further increase of cases and mortality globally due to P.knowlesiinfection. This review focuses mainly on the host and environmental factors that influence P.knowlesiMalaria Infection in Humans
    Matched MeSH terms: PubMed
  9. Eleazu C, Omar N, Lim OZ, Yeoh BS, Nik Hussain NH, Mohamed M
    Front Physiol, 2019;10:787.
    PMID: 31293451 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00787
    Obesity, a chronic multifaceted disease, predisposes its patients to increased risk of metabolic disorders such as: diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, dyslipidemia, etc. Recent studies reported it to be amongst the leading causes of deaths in the world. Although several treatment options for obesity abound, many of them have not been able to successfully reverse the existing obesity and metabolic dysregulation. This has therefore warranted the need for either alternative therapies or diversification of the treatment approach for obesity and its comorbidity. When the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) interacts with its ligand, RAGE-ligand activates an inflammatory signaling cascade, that leads to the activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and transcription of inflammatory cytokines. This action has been associated with the development of obesity and its mediated metabolic dysregulation. In view of the increasing prevalence of obesity globally and the potential threat it places on life expectancy, this article reviewed the promising potentials of targeting endogenous secretory receptor for advanced glycation end products/soluble receptors for advanced glycation end products signaling as a treatment approach for obesity. We carried out a literature search in several electronic data bases such as: Pubmed, Pubmed Central, Google, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Medline from 1980 to 2019 to acquire the status of information concerning this. The article suggests the need for the development of an esRAGE/sRAGE targeted pharmacotherapy as a treatment approach for obesity and its comorbidity.
    Matched MeSH terms: PubMed
  10. Zin SRM, Kassim NM, Alshawsh MA, Hashim NE, Mohamed Z
    Biomed Pharmacother, 2017 Jul;91:611-620.
    PMID: 28486192 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.05.011
    Anastatica hierochuntica L. (A. hierochuntica) is a desert plant consumed by people across the globe to treat various medical conditions. This review is aimed at providing a summary of the scientific findings on biological activities of A. hierochuntica and suggests areas in which further research is needed. This systematic review was synthesized from the literature obtained from the following databases; PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, Ovid Medline, Scopus, Google Scholar and WorldCat. Previous studies have indicated that the methanolic and aqueous extracts of this plant have antioxidant, antifungal and antimicrobial activities. It was shown to have the ability to activate phagocytes and to possess microbicidal activity, thereby causing increased resistance to infection. Both methanolic and aqueous extracts of this plant were also demonstrated to have a hypoglycaemic property, whilst the methanolic extract significantly exhibited hypolipidaemic effects in diabetic rats. Moreover, the methanolic extract of A. hierochuntica has been suggested to have hepatoprotective properties. This is supported by its ability to significantly decrease transaminase and alkaline phosphatase activities in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Besides, this desert plant exhibited anti-inflammatory, anti-melanogenic and gastroprotective activities. Even though A. hierochuntica is widely used, studies on this plant are still scarce, thus its reputed biological activities and medical benefits require critical evaluation. Before A. hierochuntica can be used clinically, further studies need to be conducted to increase our understanding of the effects of this plant, its constituents, and possible mechanisms of action.
    Matched MeSH terms: PubMed
  11. Kazeminia M, Abdi A, Shohaimi S, Jalali R, Vaisi-Raygani A, Salari N, et al.
    Head Face Med, 2020 Oct 06;16(1):22.
    PMID: 33023617 DOI: 10.1186/s13005-020-00237-z
    BACKGROUND: Early childhood caries (ECC) is a type of dental caries in the teeth of infants and children that is represented as one of the most prevalent dental problems in this period. Various studies have reported different types of prevalence of dental caries in primary and permanent teeth in children worldwide. However, there has been no comprehensive study to summarize the results of these studies in general, so this study aimed to determine the prevalence of dental caries in primary and permanent teeth in children in different continents of the world during a systematic review and meta-analysis.

    METHODS: In this review study, articles were extracted by searching in the national and international databases of SID, MagIran, IranMedex, IranDoc, Cochrane, Embase, ScienceDirect, Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science (ISI) between 1995 and December 2019. Random effects model was used for analysis and heterogeneity of studies was evaluated by using the I2 index. Data were analyzed by using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (Version 2) software.

    FINDINGS: In this study, a total of 164 articles (81 articles on the prevalence of dental caries in primary teeth and 83 articles on the prevalence of dental caries in permanent teeth) were entered the meta-analysis. The prevalence of dental caries in primary teeth in children in the world with a sample size of 80,405 was 46.2% (95% CI: 41.6-50.8%), and the prevalence of dental caries in permanent teeth in children in the world with a sample size of 1,454,871 was 53.8% (95% CI: 50-57.5%). Regarding the heterogeneity on the basis of meta-regression analysis, there was a significant difference in the prevalence of dental caries in primary and permanent teeth in children in different continents of the world. With increasing the sample size and the year of study, dental caries in primary teeth increased and in permanent teeth decreased.

    CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that the prevalence of primary and permanent dental caries in children in the world was found to be high. Therefore, appropriate strategies should be implemented to improve the aforementioned situation and to troubleshoot and monitor at all levels by providing feedback to hospitals.

    Matched MeSH terms: PubMed
  12. Kazeminia M, Abdi A, Vaisi-Raygani A, Jalali R, Shohaimi S, Daneshkhah A, et al.
    PMID: 33224252 DOI: 10.1155/2020/4384350
    Background: Labor pain is one of the most severe pains, which most of women experience. By using novel supportive methods, the labor pain can be reduced, which makes this event pleasant and delightful. Several original studies have been conducted in regard to the effect of lavender on reducing labor pain, whose results are controversial. One of the applications of meta-analysis studies is to respond to these hypotheses and remove controversies; therefore, this study aimed to determine the effect of lavender on labor pain in Iran by using meta-analysis.

    Methods: In this study, to find published articles electronically from 2006 to 2019, the published articles in national and international databases of SID, MagIran, IranMedex, IranDoc, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, Embase, ScienceDirect, Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science (ISI) were used. Heterogenic index between studies was determined by Cochrane test (Q)c and I2. Due to heterogeneity, the random effects model was used to estimate standardize difference of the mean score of lavender test in order to assess the labor pain between intervention and control group.

    Results: In this meta-analysis and systematic review, finally 13 eligible articles met the inclusion criteria of the study. The sample size from original studies enrolled in the meta-analysis entered in the intervention group was 794 individuals and in the control group was 795 individuals. Mean score for pain in the control group was 7.2 ± 0.42 and in the intervention group was 5.4 ± 0.58 and this difference was statistically significant (p ≤ 0.001).

    Conclusion: The results of this study showed that lavender can reduce labor pain, which can be considered by health policy makers and gynecologists.

    Matched MeSH terms: PubMed
  13. Mohammad Farris Iman Leong Abdullah, Mohd Afifuddin Mohamad
    MyJurnal
    This narrative review present and critically appraise the evidence of psychosocial interventions in enhancing post- traumatic growth (PTG) and spirituality in cancer patients and survivors. A comprehensive search of published En- glish language literatures which include both quantitative and qualitative studies was conducted via Google Scholar, PubMed, Medline, PsycINFO, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Scopus and Web of Science up to September 2018. Out of an initial 17,000 articles, 10 studies were finally included in the review. There were three randomized controlled trials, two non-randomized comparison trials, three time series/pre and post-intervention designs, one mixed design study and one qualitative study which demonstrated psychosocial interventions enhanced PTG and spirituality in cancer patients and survivors. We concluded mindfulness-based interventions may be promising to enhance PTG and spirituality in cancer patients and survivors. On the contrary, evidence for psycho-spiritual therapy, cancer sup- port group, health behavioural change intervention and individual psychotherapy were lacking and poor.
    Matched MeSH terms: PubMed
  14. Muhammad Lutfi Mohamed Halim, Nora Azirah Mohd Zayi, Mohd Yusof Mohamad, Mohd Hafiz Arzmi
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Oral cancer is the sixth most common malignancy in the world. It is a major concern in Southeast Asia primarily due to betel quid chewing, smoking, and alcohol consumption. In Malaysia, oral cancer related cases accounts for 1.55% of the cause of deaths. Despite recent advances in cancer diagnoses and therapies, the survival rate of oral cancer patients only reached 50% in the last few decades. Tissue engineering (TE) principles may pro-vide new technology platforms to study mechanisms of angiogenesis and tumour cell growth as well as potentially tumour cell spreading in cancer research. The use of biomaterial, appropriate cell source and proper signalling mol-ecules are vital components of TE. Collagen biomaterial are widely used scaffold or membrane in oral application. Nevertheless, no review has been performed on the its usage for the study of oral cancer. This study aimed to sys-tematically review the use of collagen scaffold in oral cancer application. Methods: Research articles were searched using Scopus, Pubmed and Web of Science (WOS) databases. The keywords were limited to “collagen membrane OR collagen scaffold” AND “oral cancer”. Results: Initial search yielded 61 papers (Scopus:37, Pubmed: 12, WOS: 12). Further scrutinization of the papers based on the inclusion criteria resulted total of 3 papers. Two of the papers used collagen membrane for regeneration of oral mucosal defect and increment of alveolar ridge height post-surgery. The remaining paper utilize collagen biomaterial as scaffold for the culture of adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) cells. All papers reported significant role of collagen biomaterial in terms of tissue formation, healing scaffold and cellular proliferation. Conclusion: Collagen utilization as biomaterial offers potential use for regeneration of oral related structures as well providing useful model for therapeutics anti-cancer research.
    Matched MeSH terms: PubMed
  15. Farrah Farzana Abdullah, Mohd Rahman Omar
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Malaysia has been nominated among the top four well-established healthcare system in the world. However, with the status of a developing country, there are still lacking in offering healthcare services and aware-ness among poverty. The objective of this review is to look into the factors hindering healthcare coverage in poverty. Methods: These literature reviews were carried out by using the electronic databases included, Google Scholars, Medline, PUBMED and EBSCOhost. Results: In current economic status, poverty status needs to be revised as the cost of living has markedly increased especially in the urban. Many factors affect the health status, which include the issues in term of rising health expenditure, demography-geography and imbalance workload distribution. Less expo-sure to health and wellness and geographical-demographic profile are the main reasons for the lack of self-awareness in assessing health services. Various actions had been taken by the stakeholders to improve health statuses such as telehealth, referral system and integration between agencies. Suggestion to improve the existing plan with the atten-tion given especially in the rural area which composed of multi-ethnicity and demography-geographical distribution. In Islam, Prophet Muhammad PBUH promotes health through his eating habits, physical activities include prayer and sports, proper sleep habit and through fasting. Conclusion: Poor and lack of awareness of healthcare services and health ownership have been the main reason for low health-seeking in poverty. Factors such as rising health expenditure, demography-geography factors and lack of facilities provided and unbalance workload distribution in the public-private sector contribute to the issue of concern.
    Matched MeSH terms: PubMed
  16. Mohd Shafik Abd Majid, Fadzrul Hafiz Johani, Wan Rosmawati Wan Ismail, Diyana Mohd Mokhtar, Qistina Mohd Ghazali, Norfazilah Ahmad, et al.
    Int J Public Health Res, 2018;8(2):1005-1024.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction Strongyloides stercoralis is an intestinal helminth that infects humans
    through contact with soil containing the larvae.
    Methods A systematic search was performed for relevant titles, abstract and keywords
    in database from Cochrane Library, PLOS One, PubMed and several other
    sources in October 2017 based on PICO strategy. Out of 511 papers that were
    evaluated for possible inclusion, final assessment for eligibility has yielded a
    total of 17 papers to be included which were found suitable for analysis
    covering period from 2012 till 2016.
    Results A major challenge of giving an overview of prevalence data for S. stercoralis
    lies in the low sensitivity of diagnostic method used which resulted in very
    low prevalence in certain countries. Cambodia and Laos presented with high
    prevalence ranging from 17.4% to 45.9% by using high sensitivity of
    diagnostic methods. The current prevalence situation of S. stercoralis in
    Southeast Asia still have wide gaps remains due to several reasons.
    Conclusions The information we have today only scratches the surface which cannot truly
    reflect the true burden of S. stercoralis in Southeast Asia The main risk factor
    is personal hygiene practices especially amongst males.
    Matched MeSH terms: PubMed
  17. Pei Zam H, Emilia Z, Karmegam K, Mohd Sapuan S
    This study aims to review existing studies on the relations between indoor dampness and mould in different public occupied buildings with the risk of adverse health effects among both children and adults. This study specifically focused on the dampness-related problems from countries with tropical climate. A systematic literature search of ScienceDirect, PubMed, Google Scholar and Wiley Online Library from 2000 through December 2015 was conducted. Furthermore, the reference lists of recent reviews and of relevant articles were identified in our search. Crosssectional, case-control, and cohort studies in children or adults were selected according to a priori criteria. The search yielded a total of 18 studies on damp buildings, dampness and mould in buildings and indoor mould. Dampness and mould exposure in buildings is a risk factors for respiratory symptoms, wheeze, cough, bronchitis, rhinitis, eczema and upper respiratory tract infection as well as general symptoms such as headache and tiredness. Evident strongly suggested increased asthma development and exacerbation of current or ever diagnosis of asthma in children. Based on the results of the review, indoor dampness and mould problems in buildings are associated with substantial and increases in prevalence of a variety of respiratory and asthma-related health outcomes.
    Matched MeSH terms: PubMed
  18. Khaw SM, Li SC, Mohd Tahir NA
    J Asthma, 2021 Feb 08.
    PMID: 33435775 DOI: 10.1080/02770903.2021.1875483
    Objective: This systematic review aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of medication adherence-improving interventions in patients with asthma.Data source: Search engines including PubMed, Scopus and EBSCOhost were used to locate relevant studies from the inception of the databases to 19 October 2018. Drummond's checklist was used to appraise the quality of the economic evaluation.Study selection: Economic studies evaluating the cost-effectiveness of medication adherence enhancing interventions for asthmatic patients were selected. Relevant information including study characteristics, quality assessment, health outcomes and costs of intervention were narratively summarized. The primary outcome of interest was cost-effectiveness (CE) values and the secondary outcomes were costs, medication adherence and clinical consequences.Results: Twenty studies including 11 randomized controlled trials, 6 comparative studies and 3 modeled studies using Markov models were included in the review. Among these, 15 studies evaluated an educational intervention with 13 showing cost-effectiveness in improving health outcomes. The CE of an internet-based intervention showed similar results between groups, while 3 studies of simplified drug regimens and adding a technology-based training program achieved the desirable cost-effectiveness outcome.Conclusion: Overall, our results would support that all of the identified medication adherence-enhancing interventions were cost-effective considering the increased adherence rate, improved clinical effectiveness and the reduced costs of asthma care. However, it was not possible to identify the most cost-effective intervention. More economic studies with sound methodological conduct will be needed to provide stronger evidence in deciding the best approach to improve medication adherence.
    Matched MeSH terms: PubMed
  19. Abraham Chin Zefong, Mohammad Saffree Jeffree, Mohd Yusof Ibrahim
    MyJurnal
    Introduction:Obesity prevalence in Malaysian adults aged 18 and above has more than tripled over the past 20 years with 4.5% in 1996 to 17.7% in 2015. The alarming trend of the obesity epidemic in Malaysia requires im-mediate revision of public health policies. Thus this review was conducted to determine the effectiveness of latest weight reduction strategies. Methods: Literature search was conducted as guided by PICO Framework and using online databases PubMed on 22 June 2018. A total of 2,203 articles were found and screened. A total of 26 articles were reviewed. Results: Most weight loss achieved is through surgical intervention with weight reduction of 20.8 kg compared to 8.5 kg reduction in control group (95% CI, p < 0.001). Non-invasive procedures that produced greatest weight reduction include diet modification strategy consisting of isocaloric diet with large breakfast (700 kcal) which produced weight reduction of 8.7 ± 1.4 kg compared to large dinner (700 kcal) 3.6 ± 1.5 kg (95% CI, p < 0.0001, and special diet of adding 3g/day cumin supplementation into normal diet which produced weight reduction of 6.2 kg compared to 4.19 kg reduction in control group (95% CI, p < 0.05. Conclusion: In this review, most weight loss is achieved through surgical intervention. All patients should receive lifestyle therapy and additional consideration should be given for pharmacotherapy and bariatric surgery when indicated.
    Matched MeSH terms: PubMed
  20. 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
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