Displaying publications 161 - 180 of 527 in total

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  1. Garba J, Samsuri AW, Othman R, Ahmad Hamdani MS
    Environ Monit Assess, 2018 Oct 27;190(11):676.
    PMID: 30368595 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-018-7034-3
    This study investigates adsorption-desorption and the leaching potential of glyphosate and aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) in control and amended-addition of cow dung or rice husk ash-acidic Malaysian soil with high oxide mineral content. The addition of cow dung or rice husk ash increased the adsorptive removal of AMPA. The isotherm data of glyphosate and AMPA best fitted the Freundlich model. The constant Kf for glyphosate was high in the control soil (544.873 mg g-1) followed by soil with cow dung (482.451 mg g-1) then soil with rice husk ash (418.539 mg g-1). However, for AMPA, soil with cow dung was high (166.636 mg g-1) followed by soil with rice husk ash (137.570 mg g-1) then the control soil (48.446 mg g-1). The 1/n values for both glyphosate and AMPA adsorptions were
  2. Khor V, Arunasalam A, Azli S, Khairul-Asri MG, Fahmy O
    Urology, 2020 07;141:179-180.
    PMID: 32339556 DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2020.04.070
  3. Phang CW, Karsani SA, Abd Malek SN
    Pharmacogn Mag, 2017 Jul;13(Suppl 2):S321-S328.
    PMID: 28808400 DOI: 10.4103/0973-1296.210180
    Chalcones have been shown to exhibit anti-cancer properties by targeting multiple molecular pathways. It was, therefore, of interest to investigate flavokawain C (FKC), a naturally occurring chalcone, which can be isolated from Kava (Piper methysticum Forst) root extract. The aim of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effect of FKC on the growth of HT-29 cells and its underlying mechanism of action. Cell viability of HT-29 cells was assessed by Sulforhodamine B assay after FKC treatment. Induction of apoptosis was examined by established morphological and biochemical assays. ROS generation was determined by dichlorofluorescein fluorescence staining, and superoxide dismutase activity was measured using the spectrophotometric method. Western blotting was used to examine the changes in the protein levels. FKC markedly decreased the cell viability of HT-29 cells and the cells showed dramatic changes in cellular and nuclear morphologies with typical apoptotic features. The induction of apoptosis correlated well with the externalization of phosphatidylserine, DNA fragmentation, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, activation of caspases, and PARP cleavage. This was associated with an increase in reactive oxygen species and a decrease in SOD activity. The protein levels of XIAP, c-IAP1, and c-IAP2 were downregulated, whereas the GADD153 was upregulated after FKC treatment. FKC induced cell cycle arrest at the G1 and G2/M phases via upregulation of p21 and p27 in a p53-independent manner. Our results provide evidence that FKC has the potential to be developed into chemotherapeutic drug for the treatment of colon adenocarcinoma.

    SUMMARY: Flavokawain C inhibited the growth of HT-29 human colon adenocarcinoma cellsFlavokawain C induced apoptosis in HT-29 cells, associated with an increase in reactive oxygen species and a decrease in SOD activityFlavokawain C induced cell cycle arrest at the G1 and G2/M phases via upregulation of p21 and p27 in HT-29 cellsHT-29 cells treated with flavokawain C caused downregulation of XIAP, c-IAP1, and c-IAP2, and upregulation of GADD153. Abbreviations used: FKC: Flavokawain C; SRB: Sulforhodamine B; ROS: Reactive oxygen species; SOD: Superoxide dismutase; PARP: Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase; ER: Endoplasmic reticulum; IAPs: Inhibitor of apoptosis proteins; TUNEL: Transferase dUTP nick end labeling; Annexin V-FITC: Annexin V conjugated with fluorescein isothicyanate.

  4. Fong HY, Abd Malek SN, Yee HS, Karsani SA
    Pharmacogn Mag, 2017 Oct-Dec;13(52):607-612.
    PMID: 29200721 DOI: 10.4103/pm.pm_53_17
    Background: Cervical cancer has become one of the most common cancers in women and currently available treatment options for cervical cancer are very limited. Naturally occurring chalcones and its derivatives have been studied extensively as a potential anticancer agent in different types of cancer and helichrysetin is naturally occurring chalcone that possess potent antiproliferative activity toward human cancer cells.

    Materials and Methods: Inhibitory activity of helichrysetin was evaluated at different concentrations. Ability of helichrysetin to induce apoptosis and its relation with c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)-mediated mechanism of apoptosis was assessed using flow cytometry and Western blotting.

    Results: Helichrysetin inhibited Ca Ski cells at half maximal inhibitory concentration 30.62 ± 0.38 μM. This compound has the ability to induce DNA damage, mitochondrial membrane disruption, and loss of cell membrane integrity. We have shown that apoptosis was induced through the activation of JNK-mediated apoptosis by DNA damage in the cells then triggering p53-downstream apoptotic pathway with increased expression of pro-apoptotic proteins, Bax and caspase 3, and suppression of Bcl-2 anti-apoptotic protein. DNA damage in the cells also caused phosphorylation of protein ataxia-telangiectasia mutated, an activator of DNA damage response.

    Conclusion: We conclude that helichrysetin can inhibit Ca Ski cells through DNA damage-induced JNK-mediated apoptotic pathway highlighting the potential of this compound as anticancer agent for cervical cancer.

    SUMMARY: Helichrysetin induced DNA damage in Ca Ski cellsDNA damage caused JNK-mediated phosphorylation of p53 resulting in p53-mediated apoptosisHelichrysetin is a potential DNA damage inducing agent through JNK activation to kill human cervical carcinoma cells. Abbreviations used: ATM: Ataxia-telangiectasia mutated, DAPI: 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole, DMSO: Dimethyl sulfoxide, FITC: Fluorescein isothiocyanate, IC50: Half maximal inhibitory concentration, JC1-5,5',6,6'-Tetrachloro: 1',3,3'-tetraethylbenzimidazolylcarbocyanine, iodide, JNK: c-Jun N-terminal kinase, MMP: Mitochondrial membrane potential, PBS: Phosphate-buffered saline, SRB: Sulforhodamine B, TUNEL: Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick labeling.
  5. Kamalaldin N', Jaafar M, Zubairi SI, Yahaya BH
    Adv Exp Med Biol, 2019;1084:1-15.
    PMID: 29299875 DOI: 10.1007/5584_2017_130
    The use of bioceramics, especially the combination of hydroxyapatite (HA) and β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP), as a three-dimensional scaffold in bone engineering is essential because together these elements constitute 60% of the bone content. Different ratios of HA and β-TCP were previously tested for their ability to produce suitable bioceramic scaffolds, which must be able to withstand high mechanical load. In this study, two ratios of HA/TCP (20:80 and 70:30) were used to create pellets, which then were evaluated in vitro to identify any adverse effects of using the material in bone grafting. Diametral tensile strength (DTS) and density testing was conducted to assess the mechanical strength and porosity of the pellets. The pellets then were tested for their toxicity to normal human fibroblast cells. In the toxicity assay, cells were incubated with the pellets for 3 days. At the end of the experiment, cell morphological changes were assessed, and the absorbance was read using PrestoBlue Cell Viability Reagent™. An inversely proportional relationship between DTS and porosity percentage was detected. Fibroblasts showed normal cell morphology in both treatments, which suggests that the HA/TCP pellets were not toxic. In the osteoblast cell attachment assay, cells were able to attach to the surface of both ratios, but cells were also able to penetrate inside the scaffold of the 70:30 pellets. This finding suggests that the 70:30 ratio had better osteoconduction properties than the 20:80 ratio.
  6. Ali MM, Ali ML, Islam MS, Rahman MZ
    Water Sci Technol, 2018 Mar;77(5-6):1418-1430.
    PMID: 29528329 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2018.016
    This study was conducted to assess the levels of toxic metals like arsenic (As), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) in water and sediments of the Pasur River in Bangladesh. The ranges of Cr, As, Cd, Pb in water were 25.76-77.39, 2.76-16.73, 0.42-2.98 and 12.69-42.67 μg/L and in sediments were 20.67-83.70, 3.15-19.97, 0.39-3.17 and 7.34-55.32 mg/kg. The level of studied metals in water samples exceeded the safe limits of drinking water, indicating that water from this river is not safe for drinking and cooking. Certain indices, including pollution load index (PLI) and contamination factor (Cif) were used to assess the ecological risk. The PLI indicated progressive deterioration of sediments by the studied metals. Potential ecological risks of metals in sediment indicated low to considerable risk. However, the Cif values of Cd ranged from 0.86 to 8.37 revealed that the examined sediments were strongly impacted by Cd. Considering the severity of potential ecological risk (PER) for single metal (Eir), the descending order of contaminants was Cd > Pb > As > Cr. According the results, some treatment scheme must formulate and implement by the researchers and related management organizations to save the Pasur River from metals contamination.
  7. Mat Nor ZM, Yusoff SBM, Abdul Rahim FA
    J Taibah Univ Med Sci, 2017 Aug;12(4):343-348.
    PMID: 31435261 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtumed.2017.01.003
    OBJECTIVE: Mentoring programmes are important elements of the personal and professional development of medical students. Mentors must focus on the real issues that students face during the mentoring process. This study explores the need for mentoring programmes for first-year medical students at the Universiti Sains, Malaysia (USM).

    METHODS: A qualitative case study was conducted with medical students who were in the early phases of their training. Purposive sampling was employed to select the study participants. Data collection was carried out using semi-structured interviews. The interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim, and they were later analysed using NVivo 10 software and employing open coding, axial coding and selective coding techniques. Nine medical students participated in the study. To ensure trustworthiness of the data, member checks, an audit trail, the Cohen kappa index, and peer checking were utilized.

    RESULTS: Based on thematic analysis, four themes and seven categories were identified. Themes include soft skills, an academic overview, social skills and motivation from mentors. Categories include time management, study skills, communication skills, social adjustment, social activities, moral support and personal support.

    CONCLUSION: Results indicate that mentoring is essential to medical students in developing their identity and professional maturity. The effectiveness of the mentoring programme is supported by several factors that, as a whole, lead to the development of a professional graduate.

  8. Yahya MFZR, Alias Z, Karsani SA
    Folia Microbiol (Praha), 2018 Jan;63(1):23-30.
    PMID: 28540585 DOI: 10.1007/s12223-017-0532-9
    Biofilms are complex microbial communities that tend to attach to either biotic or abiotic surface. Enclosed in a self-produced extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) matrix, the biofilms often cause persistent infections. The objective of this study was to investigate the antibiofilm activity of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and afatinib against Gram-negative pathogens. Test microorganisms used in this study were Escherichia coli ATCC 1299, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 10145, and Salmonella typhimurium ATCC 14028. Biofilms were developed in 96-well microplate at 37°C for 24 h. Following removal of non-adherent cells, analysis of biofilm viability, biofilm biomass, and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) matrix were performed using resazurin assay, crystal violet assay, and attenuated total reflectance fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, respectively. Bradford protein assay was conducted to determine the total amount of EPS proteins. The results demonstrated that both 32% DMSO alone and its combination with 3.2 μg/mL afatinib were effective in killing biofilm cells and reducing biofilm biomass. IR spectral variations of EPS matrix of biofilms in the range between 1700 and 900 cm-1 were also observed. Reduction in EPS proteins verified the chemical modifications of EPS matrix. In conclusion, 32% DMSO alone and its combination with 3.2 μg/mL afatinib showed remarkable antibiofilm activities against Gram-negative pathogens. It was suggested that the biofilm inhibition was mediated by the chemical modification of EPS matrix.
  9. Balachandran K, Ramli R, Karsani SA, Abdul Rahman M
    Int J Mol Sci, 2023 May 11;24(10).
    PMID: 37239981 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108635
    This study aimed to identify potential molecular mechanisms and therapeutic targets for bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ), a rare but serious side effect of bisphosphonate therapy. This study analyzed a microarray dataset (GSE7116) of multiple myeloma patients with BRONJ (n = 11) and controls (n = 10), and performed gene ontology, a pathway enrichment analysis, and a protein-protein interaction network analysis. A total of 1481 differentially expressed genes were identified, including 381 upregulated and 1100 downregulated genes, with enriched functions and pathways related to apoptosis, RNA splicing, signaling pathways, and lipid metabolism. Seven hub genes (FN1, TNF, JUN, STAT3, ACTB, GAPDH, and PTPRC) were also identified using the cytoHubba plugin in Cytoscape. This study further screened small-molecule drugs using CMap and verified the results using molecular docking methods. This study identified 3-(5-(4-(Cyclopentyloxy)-2-hydroxybenzoyl)-2-((3-hydroxybenzo[d]isoxazol-6-yl) methoxy) phenyl) propanoic acid as a potential drug treatment and prognostic marker for BRONJ. The findings of this study provide reliable molecular insight for biomarker validation and potential drug development for the screening, diagnosis, and treatment of BRONJ. Further research is needed to validate these findings and develop an effective biomarker for BRONJ.
  10. Shafiei M, Ansari MNM, Razak SIA, Khan MUA
    Polymers (Basel), 2021 Jul 30;13(15).
    PMID: 34372132 DOI: 10.3390/polym13152529
    Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine are generally concerned with reconstructing cells, tissues, or organs to restore typical biological characteristics. Liposomes are round vesicles with a hydrophilic center and bilayers of amphiphiles which are the most influential family of nanomedicine. Liposomes have extensive research, engineering, and medicine uses, particularly in a drug delivery system, genes, and vaccines for treatments. Exosomes are extracellular vesicles (EVs) that carry various biomolecular cargos such as miRNA, mRNA, DNA, and proteins. As exosomal cargo changes with adjustments in parent cells and position, research of exosomal cargo constituents provides a rare chance for sicknesses prognosis and care. Exosomes have a more substantial degree of bioactivity and immunogenicity than liposomes as they are distinctly chiefly formed by cells, which improves their steadiness in the bloodstream, and enhances their absorption potential and medicinal effectiveness in vitro and in vivo. In this review, the crucial challenges of exosome and liposome science and their functions in disease improvement and therapeutic applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine strategies are prominently highlighted.
  11. Lam WS, Lam WH, Jaaman SH, Lee PF
    Entropy (Basel), 2023 Apr 07;25(4).
    PMID: 37190420 DOI: 10.3390/e25040632
    Granger causality provides a framework that uses predictability to identify causation between time series variables. This is important to policymakers for effective policy management and recommendations. Granger causality is recognized as the primary advance on the causation problem. The objective of this paper is to conduct a bibliometric analysis of Granger causality publications indexed in the Web of Science database. Harzing's Publish or Perish and VOSviewer were used for performance analysis and science mapping. The first paper indexed was published in 1981 and there has been an upward trend in the annual publication of Granger causality studies which are shifting towards the areas of environmental science, energy, and economics. Most of the publications are articles and proceeding papers under the areas of business economics, environmental science ecology, and neurosciences/neurology. China has the highest number of publications while the United States has the highest number of citations. England has the highest citation impact. This paper also constructed country co-authorship, co-analysis of cited references, cited sources, and cited authors, keyword co-occurrence, and keyword overlay visualization maps.
  12. Cheng KJ, Mohamed EHM, Syafruddin SE, Ibrahim ZA
    J Cell Commun Signal, 2023 Mar;17(1):189-208.
    PMID: 35534784 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-022-00681-3
    Pathogenic infections have significant roles in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer (CRC). These infections induce the secretion of various damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) including interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1α) and high mobility group box-1 (HMGB1). Despite their implication in CRC pathogenesis, the mechanism(s) that modulate the secretion of IL-1α and HMGB1, along with their roles in promoting CRC tumourigenesis remain poorly understood. To understand the secretory mechanism, HT-29 and SW480 cells were stimulated with infectious mimetics; polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid [Poly(I:C)], lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and pro-inflammatory stimuli; tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). IL-1α and HMGB1 secretion levels upon stimulation were determined via ELISA. Mechanism(s) mediating IL-1α and HMGB1 secretion in CRC cells were characterized using pharmacological inhibitors and CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing targeting relevant pathways. Recombinant IL-1α and HMGB1 were utilized to determine their impact in modulating pro-tumourigenic properties of CRC cells. Pharmacological inhibition showed that Poly(I:C)-induced IL-1α secretion was mediated through endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and RIPK1 signalling pathway. The secretion of HMGB1 was RIPK1-dependent but independent of ER stress. RIPK1-targeted CRC cell pools exhibited decreased cell viability upon Poly(I:C) stimulation, suggesting a potential role of RIPK1 in CRC cells survival. IL-1α has both growth-promoting capabilities and stimulates the production of pro-metastatic mediators, while HMGB1 only exhibits the latter; with its redox status having influence. We demonstrated a potential role of RIPK1-dependent signalling pathway in mediating the secretion of IL-1α and HMGB1 in CRC cells, which in turn enhances CRC tumorigenesis. RIPK1, IL-1α and HMGB1 may serve as potential therapeutic targets to mitigate CRC progression.
  13. Lam WH, Lam WS, Jaaman SH, Lee PF
    Entropy (Basel), 2022 Sep 25;24(10).
    PMID: 37420379 DOI: 10.3390/e24101359
    Statistical information theory is a method for quantifying the amount of stochastic uncertainty in a system. This theory originated in communication theory. The application of information theoretic approaches has been extended to different fields. This paper aims to perform a bibliometric analysis of information theoretic publications listed on the Scopus database. The data of 3701 documents were extracted from the Scopus database. The software used for analysis includes Harzing's Publish or Perish and VOSviewer. Results including publication growth, subject areas, geographical contributions, country co-authorship, most cited publications, keyword co-occurrence analysis, and citation metrics are presented in this paper. Publication growth has been steady since 2003. The United States has the highest number of publications and received more than half of the total citations from all 3701 publications. Most of the publications are in computer science, engineering, and mathematics. The United States, the United Kingdom, and China have the highest collaboration across countries. The focus on information theoretic is slowly shifting from mathematical models to technology-driven applications such as machine learning and robotics. This study highlights the trends and developments of information theoretic publications, which helps researchers to understand the state of the art of information theoretic approaches for future contributions in this research domain.
  14. Mohd Yasin SB, Terry JS, Taylor AC
    RSC Adv, 2023 Sep 08;13(39):27461-27475.
    PMID: 37711376 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra04151d
    Thermoplastic olefin (TPO) is the principal material for automotive instrument panels and is prone to fracture especially under heavy airbag deployment, which can prevent the airbag deploying properly. Thus, polyolefin elastomer (POE) was introduced to improve impact properties and fracture resistance. Fundamental methods to characterise TPO with the addition of POE are proposed. The influence of POE content on the mechanical properties was examined. With increasing POE content, the storage modulus and glass transition temperature values decreased, and the damping increased due to the POE increasing the polymer chain mobility. The tensile modulus, ultimate tensile strength and yield stress decreased with increasing POE content, while the ductility of the blends significantly increased. Furthermore, the POE reduced hardness and increased energy absorption during impact. In the fracture analysis, the addition of POE content increased the fracture resistance by increasing the crack energy and decreasing the resistance to crack initiation. Fractographic analysis showed how stretched microfibrils in the blends increase the fracture resistance. These results gave a significant indication of the utility of the elastomer in improving some mechanical properties and impact toughness of the interior automotive material to resist an undesired failure or over-fracture in airbag deployment.
  15. Guraya SS, Harkin DW, Yusoff MSB, Guraya SY
    Front Med (Lausanne), 2023;10:1230620.
    PMID: 37928467 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1230620
    In order to ensure a strong research design, literature stresses the adoption of a research paradigm that is consistent with the researcher's beliefs about the nature of reality. In this article we provide an overview of research paradigm choices in relation to the creation of a Medical Education e-Professionalism (MEeP) framework discussing the research design, research methods, data collection and analysis to enhance the transparency of our previously published research. The MEeP framework was conceived to help Health Care Professionals (HCPs) safeguard the construct of professionalism in the digital context. This entire process was heavily informed by wider readings and deliberations of published literature on e-professionalism. Although the MEeP framework research journey has been published, the paradigms approach was not discussed in any detail. Considering that one of the duties of medical educator is to balance the service and science by bringing the theoretical underpinnings of one's research to public attention and scrutiny so as to nullify the notion of 'weak' research. We were compelled to unfold this paradigm story of the MEeP framework in a detailed manner. In an effort to make our research both robust and effective, this study portrays a philosophical approach to guide future research designs and methodological choices by detailing our rationale for pragmatism as a choice of paradigm.
  16. Lam WS, Lam WH, Lee PF, Jaaman SH
    Heliyon, 2023 Dec;9(12):e23011.
    PMID: 38076099 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23011
    Biophotonics procures wide practicability in life sciences and medicines. The contribution of biophotonics is well recognized in various Nobel Prizes. Therefore, this paper aims to conduct a bibliometric analysis of biophotonics publications. The scientific database used is the Web of Science database. Harzing's Publish or Perish and VOSviewer are the bibliometric tools used in this analysis. This study found an increasing trend in the number of publications in recent years as the number of publications peaked at 347 publications in 2020. Most of the documents are articles (3361 publications) and proceeding papers (1632 publications). The top three subject areas are Optics (3206 publications), Engineering (1706 publications) and Radiology, Nuclear Medicine, and Medical Imaging (1346 publications). The United States has the highest number of publications (2041 publications) and citation impact (38.07 citations per publication; h-index: 125). The top three publication titles are Proceedings of SPIE (920 publications), Journal of Biomedical Optics (599 publications), and Proceedings of the Society of Photo Optical Instrumentation Engineers SPIE (245 publications). The potential areas for future research include to overcome the optical penetration depth issue and to develop publicly available biosensors for the detection of common diseases.
  17. Hartman H, Nurdin D, Akbar S, Cahyanto A, Setiawan AS
    Int J Paediatr Dent, 2024 Jan 31.
    PMID: 38297447 DOI: 10.1111/ipd.13164
    BACKGROUND: Artificial intelligence (AI) based on deep learning (DL) algorithms has shown promise in enhancing the speed and accuracy of dental anomaly detection in paediatric dentistry.

    AIM: This systematic review aimed to investigate the performance of AI systems in identifying dental anomalies in paediatric dentistry and compare it with human performance.

    DESIGN: A systematic search of Scopus, PubMed and Google Scholar was conducted from 2012 to 2022. Inclusion criteria were based on problem/patient/population, intervention/indicator, comparison and outcome scheme and specific keywords related to AI, DL, paediatric dentistry, dental anomalies, supernumerary and mesiodens. Six of 3918 initial pool articles were included, assessing nine DL sub-systems that used panoramic radiographs or cone-beam computed tomography. Article quality was assessed using QUADAS-2.

    RESULTS: Artificial intelligence systems based on DL algorithms showed promising potential in enhancing the speed and accuracy of dental anomaly detection, with an average of 85.38% accuracy and 86.61% sensitivity. Human performance, however, outperformed AI systems, achieving 95% accuracy and 99% sensitivity. Limitations included a limited number of articles and data heterogeneity.

    CONCLUSION: The potential of AI systems employing DL algorithms is highlighted in detecting dental anomalies in paediatric dentistry. Further research is needed to address limitations, explore additional anomalies and establish the broader applicability of AI in paediatric dentistry.

  18. Chen AH, Rafiuddin MSM, Ahmad A, Rosli SA
    Oman J Ophthalmol, 2024;17(1):11-18.
    PMID: 38524335 DOI: 10.4103/ojo.ojo_48_23
    Variation of multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG) data presentation in existing scientific publications is a challenge for eye care practitioners to apply the scientific information for evidence-based practice in patient management. This review offers an overview of the mfERG data presentation types. Eight types of data presentation in the form of a table, scatter plot, line graph, bar graph/box plot, single waveform/a group of waveforms, trace array topography, three-dimensional topography, and two-dimensional topography are identified. The table format is used to provide the exact values. Line graphs, scatter, and box plots offer information about the relationship of mfERG values. Waveforms are helpful for comparison between groups or conditions. Topographies outline the retinal, especially the specific localized retinal abnormalities. An infographic of fundamental mfERG electrical response with definitions and clinical indications is provided to bridge the gap between researchers and clinicians to facilitate efficient clinical application.
  19. Syafruddin SE, Ling S, Low TY, Mohtar MA
    Biomolecules, 2021 Mar 31;11(4).
    PMID: 33807297 DOI: 10.3390/biom11040523
    Cells encounter a myriad of endogenous and exogenous stresses that could perturb cellular physiological processes. Therefore, cells are equipped with several adaptive and stress-response machinery to overcome and survive these insults. One such machinery is the heat shock response (HSR) program that is governed by the heat shock factors (HSFs) family in response towards elevated temperature, free radicals, oxidants, and heavy metals. HSF4 is a member of this HSFs family that could exist in two predominant isoforms, either the transcriptional repressor HSFa or transcriptional activator HSF4b. HSF4 is constitutively active due to the lack of oligomerization negative regulator domain. HSF4 has been demonstrated to play roles in several physiological processes and not only limited to regulating the classical heat shock- or stress-responsive transcriptional programs. In this review, we will revisit and delineate the recent updates on HSF4 molecular properties. We also comprehensively discuss the roles of HSF4 in health and diseases, particularly in lens cell development, cataract formation, and cancer pathogenesis. Finally, we will posit the potential direction of HSF4 future research that could enhance our knowledge on HSF4 molecular networks as well as physiological and pathophysiological functions.
  20. Yusoff MSB, Hadie SNH, Yasin MAM
    BMC Med Educ, 2021 May 22;21(1):293.
    PMID: 34022865 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-021-02733-5
    BACKGROUND: Stress and burnout commonly threaten the mental health of medical students in Malaysia and elsewhere. This study aimed to explore the interrelations of psychological distress, emotional intelligence, personality traits, academic stress, and burnout among medical students.

    METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 241 medical students. Validated questionnaires were administered to measure burnout, psychological distress, emotional intelligence, personality traits, and academic stress, respectively. A structural equation modelling analysis was performed by AMOS.

    RESULTS: The results suggested a structural model with good fit indices, in which psychological distress and academic stress were noted to have direct and indirect effects on burnout. The burnout levels significantly increased with the rise of psychological distress and academic stress. Neuroticism was only found to have significant indirect effects on burnout, whereby burnout increased when neuroticism increased. Emotional intelligence had a significant direct effect on lowering burnout with the incremental increase of emotional intelligence, but it was significantly reduced by psychological distress and neuroticism.

    CONCLUSION: This study showed significant effects that psychological distress, emotional intelligence, academic stress, and neuroticism have on burnout. Academic stress and neuroticism significantly increased psychological distress, leading to an increased burnout level, while emotional intelligence had a significant direct effect on reducing burnout; however, this relationship was compromised by psychological distress and neuroticism, leading to increased burnout. Several practical recommendations for medical educators, medical students, and medical schools are discussed.

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