MyMedR

Displaying publications 1641 - 1660 of 55674 in total

Abstract:

Sort:

Diagnosis and classification of optic neuritis

Petzold A, Fraser CL, Abegg M, Alroughani R, Alshowaeir D, Alvarenga R, et al.

Lancet Neurol, 2022 Dec;21(12):1120-1134.
PMID: 36179757 DOI: 10.1016/S1474-4422(22)00200-9

There is no consensus regarding the classification of optic neuritis, and precise diagnostic criteria are not available. This reality means that the diagnosis of disorders that have optic neuritis as the first manifestation can be challenging. Accurate diagnosis of optic neuritis at presentation can facilitate the timely treatment of individuals with multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, or myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease. Epidemiological data show that, cumulatively, optic neuritis is most frequently caused by many conditions other than multiple sclerosis. Worldwide, the cause and management of optic neuritis varies with geographical location, treatment availability, and ethnic background. We have developed diagnostic criteria for optic neuritis and a classification of optic neuritis subgroups. Our diagnostic criteria are based on clinical features that permit a diagnosis of possible optic neuritis; further paraclinical tests, utilising brain, orbital, and retinal imaging, together with antibody and other protein biomarker data, can lead to a diagnosis of definite optic neuritis. Paraclinical tests can also be applied retrospectively on stored samples and historical brain or retinal scans, which will be useful for future validation studies. Our criteria have the potential to reduce the risk of misdiagnosis, provide information on optic neuritis disease course that can guide future treatment trial design, and enable physicians to judge the likelihood of a need for long-term pharmacological management, which might differ according to optic neuritis subgroups.

Matched MeSH terms: Humans
Sugar Consumption Pattern among Cardiometabolic Risk Individuals: A Scoping Review

Chiang WL, Azlan A, Yusof BM

Curr Diabetes Rev, 2023;19(1):e240322202560.
PMID: 35331117 DOI: 10.2174/1573399818666220324095435

BACKGROUND: The global prevalence of noncommunicable diseases has risen rapidly over the past decade. Research has focused on dietary management, particularly dietary sugar, to prevent and treat noncommunicable diseases.
OBJECTIVE: This study undertakes a scoping review of research on the impacts of dietary sugar on cardiometabolic related health outcomes.
METHODS: Ovid Medline, Scopus and Web of Science Core collection databases were used to identify papers published from January 1, 2010 onwards. The included studies had to be cross-sectional or cohort studies, peered review, published in English and in adults, aged 18 years old and above. Articles had to determine the impacts of sugar intake on cardiometabolic related health outcomes. Study quality was measured using the Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-sectional Studies. In addition, a narrative synthesis of extracted information was conducted.
RESULTS: Thirty-one articles were included in this review. All studies had a large sample size, and the exposure measure was clearly defined, valid and applied consistently across all study participants. Exposure was measured using validated questionnaires. All data were statistically analysed and adjusted for critical potential confounding variables. Results showed that dietary sugar intake was significantly associated with metabolic syndrome, blood pressure, blood glucose, blood lipids, and body weight.
CONCLUSION: Dietary sugar intake significantly increased cardiometabolic risks through mechanisms dependent and independent of weight gain. It is essential to create public awareness on the topics of cardiometabolic risk management and dietary sugars intake.

Matched MeSH terms: Humans
Exploring key-stakeholder perceptions on non-communicable disease care during the COVID-19 pandemic in Kenya

Sureshkumar S, Mwangi KJ, Gathecha G, Marcus K, Kohlbrenner B, Issom D, et al.

Pan Afr Med J, 2023;44:153.
PMID: 37455892 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2023.44.153.38616

INTRODUCTION: over one third of total Disability-Adjusted-Life-Years lost in Kenya are due to non-communicable diseases (NCD). In response, the Government declared significant commitment towards improving NCD care. The COVID-19 pandemic increased the burden on the already overstretched health systems in Kenya. The aims of this study are to assess whether health care providers perceived NCD care to be optimal during the pandemic and explore how to improve responses to future emergencies.
METHODS: this cross-sectional online survey included healthcare personnel with non-clinical roles (public health workers and policy-makers) and those delivering health care (doctors and nurses). Respondents were recruited between May and September 2021 by random sampling, completed by snowball sampling.
RESULTS: among 236 participants (42% in clinical, 58% in non-clinical roles) there was an overall consensus between respondents on NCD care being disrupted and compromised during the pandemic in Kenya. Detracted supplies, funding, and technical resources affected the continuity of NCDs' response, despite government efforts. Respondents agreed that the enhanced personnel capacity and competencies to manage COVID-19 patients were positive, but noted a lack of guidance for redirecting care for chronic diseases, and advocated for digital innovation as a solution.
CONCLUSION: this paper explores the perceptions of key stakeholders involved in the management of NCDs in Kenya to improve planning for future emergency responses. Gaps were identified in health system response and preparedness capacity during the pandemic including the perceived need to strengthen NCD services, with solutions offered to guide resilience efforts to protect the health system from disruption.

Matched MeSH terms: Humans
Application of Conductive Hydrogels on Spinal Cord Injury Repair: A Review

Shahemi NH, Mahat MM, Asri NAN, Amir MA, Ab Rahim S, Kasri MA

ACS Biomater Sci Eng, 2023 Jul 10;9(7):4045-4085.
PMID: 37364251 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c00194

Spinal cord injury (SCI) causes severe motor or sensory damage that leads to long-term disabilities due to disruption of electrical conduction in neuronal pathways. Despite current clinical therapies being used to limit the propagation of cell or tissue damage, the need for neuroregenerative therapies remains. Conductive hydrogels have been considered a promising neuroregenerative therapy due to their ability to provide a pro-regenerative microenvironment and flexible structure, which conforms to a complex SCI lesion. Furthermore, their conductivity can be utilized for noninvasive electrical signaling in dictating neuronal cell behavior. However, the ability of hydrogels to guide directional axon growth to reach the distal end for complete nerve reconnection remains a critical challenge. In this Review, we highlight recent advances in conductive hydrogels, including the incorporation of conductive materials, fabrication techniques, and cross-linking interactions. We also discuss important characteristics for designing conductive hydrogels for directional growth and regenerative therapy. We propose insights into electrical conductivity properties in a hydrogel that could be implemented as guidance for directional cell growth for SCI applications. Specifically, we highlight the practical implications of recent findings in the field, including the potential for conductive hydrogels to be used in clinical applications. We conclude that conductive hydrogels are a promising neuroregenerative therapy for SCI and that further research is needed to optimize their design and application.

Matched MeSH terms: Humans
Physiological characteristics and performance of a world-record breaking tower runner

Loh TC, Tee CCL, Pok C, Girard O, Brickley G, James C

J Sports Sci, 2023 Mar;41(5):451-455.
PMID: 37286473 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2023.2221957

This study reports the physiological and performance profiles of a world-class tower runner during a 6-week period surrounding a successful Guinness World Record (WR) attempt, and discusses the efficacy of a tower running specific field test. The world-ranked number 2 tower runner completed four exercise tests [laboratory treadmill assessment (3 weeks before the WR attempt), familiarisation to a specific incremental tower running field test (1 week before), tower running field test (1 week after), and tower running time trial (TT) (3 weeks after)] and the WR attempt within 6-week period. Peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) during the laboratory test, field test, and TT were 73.3, 75.5 and 78.3 mL·kg-1·min-1, respectively. The VO2 corresponding to the second ventilatory threshold was 67.3 mL·kg-1·min-1 (89.1% of VO2peak), identified at stage 4 (tempo; 100 b·min-1), during the field test. The duration of the TT was 10 min 50 s, with an average VO2 of 71.7 mL·kg-1·min-1 (91.6% of VO2peak), HR of 171 b·min-1 (92% of peak HR), vertical speed of 0.47 m·s-1, and cadence was 117 steps·min-1. A world-class tower runner possesses a well-developed aerobic capacity. A specific, field-based test revealed greater VO2peak than a laboratory test, indicating a need for sport-specific testing procedures.

Matched MeSH terms: Humans
Rare Extranodal Manifestation of Rosai-Dorfman Disease Presenting as Nasal Obstruction and its Management

Oui TJ, Zahedi FD, Husain S, Wan Hamizan AK

BMJ Case Rep, 2023 Jul 05;16(7).
PMID: 37407235 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2022-251801

Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD) is a rare and benign lymphoproliferative disorder that commonly presents as painless, bilateral neck swelling. Extranodal presentations are considered rare, but the most common extranodal locations involved include skin, subcutaneous followed by nasal/paranasal sinuses. Although it is a benign condition, it may be mistaken as a malignant lesion and requires a biopsy for diagnostic confirmation. In this study, we report a rare case of RDD with bilateral neck node and nasal/paranasal sinus involvement which initially presented with bilateral nasal obstruction. And, we reviewed the management in this unusual case and discussed the helpful role imaging studies play in the further workup and subsequent follow-up to treatment response.

Matched MeSH terms: Humans
The Generalized Pustular Psoriasis Physician Global Assessment (GPPGA) score: online assessment and validation study of a specific measure of GPP disease activity

Burden AD, Bachelez H, Choon SE, Marrakchi S, Tsai TF, Turki H, et al.

Br J Dermatol, 2023 Jul 07;189(1):138-140.
PMID: 37075220 DOI: 10.1093/bjd/ljad071
Matched MeSH terms: Humans
Metagenomic profile of the bacterial communities associated with Ixodes granulatus (Acari: Ixodidae): a potential vector of tick-borne diseases

Che Lah EF, Ahamad M, Dmitry A, Md-Zain BM, Yaakop S

J Med Entomol, 2023 Jul 12;60(4):753-768.
PMID: 37075471 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjad044

Ixodes granulatus Supino, 1897 (Acari: Ixodida) is one of Malaysia's most common hard ticks and is a potential vector for tick-borne diseases (TBDs). Despite its great public health importance, research on I. granulatus microbial communities remains largely unexplored. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the bacterial communities of on-host I. granulatus collected from three different recreational areas on the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia using high throughput Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). A total of 9 females on-host I. granulatus were subjected to metabarcoding analysis targeting V3-V4 regions of 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) using the Illumina MiSeq platform. This study identified 15 bacterial phyla corresponding to 19 classes, 54 orders, and 90 families from 435 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs), revealing a diverse bacterial community profile. Together with 130 genera assigned, local I. granulatus harbored 4 genera of pathogens, i.e., Rickettsia da Rocha Lima, 1916 (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae) (58.6%), Borrelia Swellengrebel 1907 (Spirochaetales: Borreliaceae) (31.6%), Borreliella Adeolu and Gupta 2015 (Spirochaetales: Borreliaceae) (0.6%), and Ehrlichia Cowdria Moshkovski 1947 (Rickettsiales: Ehrlichiaceae) (39.9%). Some endosymbiont bacteria, such as Coxiella (Philip, 1943) (Legionellales: Coxiellaceae), Wolbachia Hertig 1936 (Rickettsiales: Ehrlichiaceae), and Rickettsiella Philip, 1956 (Legionellales: Coxiellaceae), were also detected at very low abundance. Interestingly, this study reported the co-infection of Borrelia and Ehrlichia for the first time, instilling potential health concerns in the context of co-transmission to humans, especially in areas with a high population of I. granulatus. This study successfully characterized the tick microbiome and provided the first baseline data of I. granulatus bacterial communities in Malaysia. These results support the need for way-forward research on tick-associated bacteria using NGS, focusing on medically important species toward TBD prevention.

Matched MeSH terms: Humans
Influence of exercise intensity and hypoxic exposure on physiological, perceptual and biomechanical responses to treadmill running

Li Tee CC, Chong MC, Sundar V, Chok CL, Md Razali MR, Yeo WK, et al.

Eur J Sport Sci, 2023 Aug;23(8):1581-1590.
PMID: 35912915 DOI: 10.1080/17461391.2022.2109066

Acute physiological, perceptual and biomechanical consequences of manipulating both exercise intensity and hypoxic exposure during treadmill running were determined. On separate days, eleven trained individuals ran for 45 s (separated by 135 s of rest) on an instrumented treadmill at seven running speeds (8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 and 20 km.h-1) in normoxia (NM, FiO2 = 20.9%), moderate hypoxia (MH, FiO2 = 16.1%), high hypoxia (HH, FiO2 = 14.1%) and severe hypoxia (SH, FiO2 = 13.0%). Running mechanics were collected over 20 consecutive steps (i.e. after running ∼25 s), with concurrent assessment of physiological (heart rate and arterial oxygen saturation) and perceptual (overall perceived discomfort, difficulty breathing and leg discomfort) responses. Two-way repeated-measures ANOVA (seven speeds × four conditions) were used. There was a speed × condition interaction for heart rate (p = 0.045, ηp2 = 0.22), with lower values in NM, MH and HH compared to SH at 8 km.h-1 (125 ± 12, 125 ± 11, 128 ± 12 vs 132 ± 10 b.min-1). Overall perceived discomfort (8 and 16 km.h-1; p = 0.019 and p = 0.007, ηp2 = 0.21, respectively) and perceived difficulty breathing (all speeds; p = 0.023, ηp2 = 0.37) were greater in SH compared to MH, whereas leg discomfort was not influenced by hypoxic exposure. Minimal difference was observed in the twelve kinetics/kinematics variables with hypoxia (p > 0.122; ηp2 = 0.19). Running at slower speeds in combination with severe hypoxia elevates physiological and perceptual responses without a corresponding increase in ground reaction forces.Highlights The extent to which manipulating hypoxia severity (between normoxia and severe hypoxia) and running speed (from 8 to 20 km.h-1) influence acute physiological and perceptual responses, as well as kinetic and kinematic adjustments during treadmill running was determined.Running at slower speeds in combination with severe hypoxia elevates heart rate, while this effect was not apparent at faster speeds.Arterial oxygen saturation was increasingly lower as running speed and hypoxic severity increased.Overall perceived discomfort (8 and 16 km.h-1) and perceived difficulty breathing (all speeds) were lower in moderate hypoxia than in severe hypoxia, whereas leg discomfort remained unchanged with hypoxic exposure.

Matched MeSH terms: Humans
Diversity in the clinical presentation of generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP): A series of case vignettes from around the world

Choon SE, Elewski BE, Fujita H, Geng S, van de Kerkhof P, Mburu S, et al.

Exp Dermatol, 2023 Aug;32(8):1284-1295.
PMID: 36999936 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14794

A key principle of clinical studies and case reports is that they should reflect the demographics and epidemiology of the patient population concerned. Here, we have compiled a diverse group of clinical cases of generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) to showcase the differences in GPP presentation in patients worldwide. We attempt to capture the broad spectrum of clinical presentations of GPP and showcase the diversity of the patient population. The patients included in this series are diverse in age, genetic background, skin phototype and medical history. Moreover, they present with a variety of clinical courses of GPP and different degrees of systemic involvement, and experience flares triggered by different inciting factors. The key learnings from this case series may support physicians in identifying and managing patients with this rare and multifaceted disease that can affect patients both physically and psychologically.

Matched MeSH terms: Humans
Case report-Subcorneal pustular dermatosis-A great mimicker of generalized pustular psoriasis

Mohd Affandi A, Baharom ZF

Exp Dermatol, 2023 Aug;32(8):1308-1311.
PMID: 37000973 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14800
Matched MeSH terms: Humans
A Radiomics Study: Classification of Breast Lesions by Textural Features from Mammography Images

Letchumanan N, Wong JHD, Tan LK, Ab Mumin N, Ng WL, Chan WY, et al.

J Digit Imaging, 2023 Aug;36(4):1533-1540.
PMID: 37253893 DOI: 10.1007/s10278-022-00753-1

This study investigates the feasibility of using texture radiomics features extracted from mammography images to distinguish between benign and malignant breast lesions and to classify benign lesions into different categories and determine the best machine learning (ML) model to perform the tasks. Six hundred and twenty-two breast lesions from 200 retrospective patient data were segmented and analysed. Three hundred fifty radiomics features were extracted using the Standardized Environment for Radiomics Analysis (SERA) library, one of the radiomics implementations endorsed by the Image Biomarker Standardisation Initiative (IBSI). The radiomics features and selected patient characteristics were used to train selected machine learning models to classify the breast lesions. A fivefold cross-validation was used to evaluate the performance of the ML models and the top 10 most important features were identified. The random forest (RF) ensemble gave the highest accuracy (89.3%) and positive predictive value (66%) and likelihood ratio of 13.5 in categorising benign and malignant lesions. For the classification of benign lesions, the RF model again gave the highest likelihood ratio of 3.4 compared to the other models. Morphological and textural radiomics features were identified as the top 10 most important features from the random forest models. Patient age was also identified as one of the significant features in the RF model. We concluded that machine learning models trained against texture-based radiomics features and patient features give reasonable performance in differentiating benign versus malignant breast lesions. Our study also demonstrated that the radiomics-based machine learning models were able to emulate the visual assessment of mammography lesions, typically used by radiologists, leading to a better understanding of how the machine learning model arrive at their decision.

Matched MeSH terms: Humans
Fulltext Fabrication and characterization of nanodelivery platform based on chitosan to improve the anticancer outcome of sorafenib in hepatocellular carcinoma

Albalawi F, Hussein MZ, Fakurazi S, Masarudin MJ

Sci Rep, 2023 Jul 27;13(1):12180.
PMID: 37500670 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38054-4

Chitosan nanoparticles (CS NPs) showed promising results in drug, vaccine and gene delivery for the treatment of various diseases. The considerable attention towards CS was owning to its outstanding biological properties, however, the main challenge in the application of CS NPs was faced during their size-controlled synthesis. Herein, ionic gelation reaction between CS and sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP), a widely used and safe CS cross-linker for biomedical application, was exploited. The development of nanodelivery platform, namely Sorafenib-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (SF-CS NPs), was constructed in order to improve SF drug delivery to human Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HepG2) cell lines. The NPs were artificially fabricated using an ionic gelation technique. A number of CS NPs that had been loaded with an SF were prepared using different concentrations of sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP). These concentrations were 2.5, 5, 10, and 20 mg/mL, and they are abbreviated as SF-CS NPs 2.5, SF-CS NPs 5.0, SF-CS NPs 10, and SF-CS NPs 20 respectively. DLS, FTIR, XRD, HRTEM, TGA, and FESEM with EDX and TEM were used for the physiochemical characterisation of SF-CS NPs. Both DLS and HRTEM techniques demonstrated that smaller particles were produced when the TPP content was raised. In a PBS solution with a pH of 4.5, the SF exhibited efficient release from the nanoparticles, demonstrating that the delivery mechanism is effective for tumour cells. The cytotoxicity investigation showed that their anticancer effect against HepG2 cell lines was significantly superior than that of free SF. In addition, the nanodrug demonstrated an absence of any detectable toxicity to normal adult human dermal fibroblast (HDFa) cell lines. This is a step towards developing a more effective anticancer medication delivery system with sustained-release characteristics, which will ultimately improve the way cancer is managed.

Matched MeSH terms: Humans
Economic Evaluation Approaches in the Field of Disaster Health Management

Sohrabizadeh S, Shojaei F, Möckel L, Jahanmehr N, Zandi A, Soori H, et al.

Disaster Med Public Health Prep, 2023 Jul 31;17:e442.
PMID: 37519069 DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2023.102

BACKGROUND: Economic evaluation approaches are needed to establish useful interventions for saving lives, preventing economic damage, and saving recovery costs at the time of disasters. Thus, the present study is aimed to identify the studies that applied economic evaluation approaches/methods for evaluating the economic costs of disasters.
METHODS: A scoping review was conducted to find the eligible studies and perform a comprehensive data analysis.
RESULTS: Based on the findings, cost-effectiveness analysis, economic loss assessment, modeling, or mapping, as well as behavioral economic analysis were used as the economic evaluation approaches/methods.
CONCLUSIONS: Applying economic evaluation approaches to illustrate the economic costs of disasters is highly recommended. Managing competing priorities and optimizing resources allocations to the most cost-effective interventions can be achieved by cost-effectiveness analysis. The results of economic loss assessment can be used as the basis of disaster preparedness and response planning. Economic modeling can be applied to compare different interventions and anticipate socio-economic effects of disasters. A behavioral economic approach can be effective for decision-making in the field of disaster health management. Further research is needed to identify the advantages and limitations of each economic evaluation method/approach in the field of health in disasters. Such research can preferably be designed as the systematic review and meta-analysis.

Matched MeSH terms: Humans
Effects of patient transfer devices on the risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders: a systematic review

Abdul Halim NSS, Ripin ZM, Ridzwan MIZ

Int J Occup Saf Ergon, 2023 Jun;29(2):494-514.
PMID: 35306979 DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2022.2055908

Objectives. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of patient transfer assistive devices in reducing the risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among nurses. Methods. PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were searched to identify studies with a quantitative assessment of the efficacy of patient transfer assistive devices on the incidence and injury claims of WMSDs as compared to the manual lifting of patients. A health impact analysis of the pre-post intervention of assistive device implementation was performed. The percentage of the reduction of forces, incidence of WMSDs, number of missed workdays and injury compensation claims were calculated, pooled and presented as boxplots. Results. A total of 25 studies met the inclusion criteria. The best post-intervention outcomes of assistive devices deployment in the healthcare setting included a reduction in WMSD incidence by 59.8%, missed workdays by 90.0% and workers' compensation claims by 95.0%. Additionally, hand force declined by 71% (p

Matched MeSH terms: Humans
Optic nerve sheath diameter in COVID-19: there's more to it than meets the eye

Magoon R, Suresh V

QJM, 2023 Jul 28;116(7):599-600.
PMID: 36617160 DOI: 10.1093/qjmed/hcad002
Matched MeSH terms: Humans
Prevalence of sleep disturbance in patients with ankylosing spondylitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Salari N, Sadeghi N, Hosseinian-Far A, Hasheminezhad R, Khazaie H, Shohaimi S, et al.

Adv Rheumatol, 2023 Jul 19;63(1):33.
PMID: 37468951 DOI: 10.1186/s42358-023-00315-1

BACKGROUND: Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) patients face several challenges due to the nature of the disease and its physical and psychological complications. Sleep disorders are among the most important concerns. Sleep disorders can aggravate the signs and symptoms of the disease and ultimately reduce the quality of patients' lives. This study uses a systematic review and meta-analysis to pool the reported prevalence of sleep disorders among AS patients.
METHODS: To find related studies, the WoS, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar databases were systematically searched without a lower time limit. Heterogeneity among the identified studies was checked using the I2 index, and the Begg and Mazumdar correlation test examined the existence of published bias. Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (v.2) software was adopted to analyze the data.
RESULTS: In the review of 18 studies with a sample size of 5,840, the overall pooled prevalence of sleep disorders among AS patients based on the random effects method was found to be 53% (95% CI: 44.9-61). The highest and lowest prevalence was in Egypt at 90% and Australia at 19.2%, respectively. Our meta-regression results show that with the increase in 'sample size' and 'year of publication', the overall prevalence of sleep disorders in patients with AS decreases (p

Matched MeSH terms: Humans
Mitigation of 3-monochloropropane 1,2 diol ester and glycidyl ester in refined oil - A review

Yung YL, Lakshmanan S, Kumaresan S, Chu CM, Tham HJ

Food Chem, 2023 Dec 15;429:136913.
PMID: 37506659 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2023.136913

The 3-Monochloropropane-1, 2-diol ester (3-MCPDE) and glycidyl ester (GE) are formed at high processing temperatures with the presence of respective precursors. Both are potentially harmful to humans, causing adverse health impacts including kidney damage, reproductive problems, and increased risk of cancer. The presence of 3-MCPDE and GE in palm oil is of particular concern because of its widespread use by the food industry. There are a variety of methods for reducing 3-MCPDE and GE. For example, water washing eliminates mostly inorganic chlorides that, in turn, reduce the formation of 3-MCPDE. 3-MCPDE has also been reduced by up to 99% using combinations of methods and replacing stripping steam with alcohol-based media. Activated carbon, clay, antioxidants, potassium-based salts, and other post-refining steps have positively lowered GE, ranging from 10 to 99%. Several approaches have been successful in reducing these process contaminants without affecting other quality metrics.

Matched MeSH terms: Humans
Fulltext The COVID-19 vaccine patent: a right without rationale

Althabhawi NM, Kashef Al-Ghetaa AA

Med Humanit, 2023 Mar;49(1):128-133.
PMID: 35523578 DOI: 10.1136/medhum-2022-012386

Since the approval of COVID-19 vaccines, international efforts have intensified on vaccination schemes perceived as the only light at the end of the tunnel. Governments are working tirelessly to scale up the number of vaccinated people, just as vaccine manufacturers are stretching their facilities to meet the increasing demand for doses. The international community is trying to help the poorest countries in the world by improving vaccine supplies and removing obstacles. In this regard, India and South Africa have applied to World Trade Organisation to waive vaccine-related intellectual property rights. The proposal has sparked off academic debates as to its merit. This article addresses the waiver controversy. Following a critical review of both dimensions of the controversy, the article concentrates on the extent to which the waiver application contradicts the theoretical justification of the patent system. It concludes that the concerns raised over the conflict between the waiver proposal and the patent right philosophy are indefensible.

Matched MeSH terms: Humans
Hyaluronic acid-functionalized lipoplexes and polyplexes as emerging nanocarriers for receptor-targeted cancer therapy

Chandra J, Molugulu N, Annadurai S, Wahab S, Karwasra R, Singh S, et al.

Environ Res, 2023 Sep 15;233:116506.
PMID: 37369307 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116506

Cancer is an intricate disease that develops as a response to a combination of hereditary and environmental risk factors, which then result in a variety of changes to the genome. The cluster of differentiation (CD44) is a type of transmembrane glycoprotein that serves as a potential biomarker for cancer stem cells (CSC) and viable targets for therapeutic intervention in the context of cancer therapy. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a linear polysaccharide that exhibits a notable affinity for the CD44 receptor. This characteristic renders it a promising candidate for therapeutic interventions aimed at selectively targeting CD44-positive cancer cells. Treating cancer via non-viral vector-based gene delivery has changed the notion of curing illness through the incorporation of therapeutic genes into the organism. The objective of this review is to provide an overview of various hyaluronic acid-modified lipoplexes and polyplexes as potential drug delivery methods for specific forms of cancer by effectively targeting CD44.

Matched MeSH terms: Humans

Filters

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

External Links