Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 105 in total

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  1. Fulltext Application of Markov chain in the PageRank algorithm
    Ravi Kumar, P., Alex Goh, K.L., Ashutosh, K.S.
    Pertanika Journal of Science & Technology, 2013;21(2):541-554.
    MyJurnal
    Link analysis algorithms for Web search engines determine the importance and relevance of Web pages. Among the link analysis algorithms, PageRank is the state of the art ranking mechanism that is used in Google search engine today. The PageRank algorithm is modeled as the behavior of a randomized Web surfer; this model can be seen as Markov chain to predict the behavior of a system that travels from one state to another state considering only the current condition. However, this model has the dangling node or hanging node problem because these nodes cannot be presented in a Markov chain model. This paper focuses on the application of Markov chain on PageRank algorithm and discussed a few methods to handle the dangling node problem. The Experiment is done running on WEBSPAM-UK2007 to show the rank results of the dangling nodes.
  2. AML1 protein interacts with influenza A virus neuraminidase and upregulates IFN-β response in infected mammalian cells
    Gaur P, Kumar P, Sharma A, Lal SK
    Lett Appl Microbiol, 2020 Apr;70(4):252-258.
    PMID: 31990997 DOI: 10.1111/lam.13279
    Neuraminidase (NA) is an integral membrane protein of influenza A virus (IAV) and primarily aids in the release of progeny virions, following the intracellular viral replication cycle. In an attempt to discover new functions of NA, we conducted a classical yeast two-hybrid screen and found acute myeloid leukaemia marker 1 (AML1) as a novel interacting partner of IAV-NA. The interaction was further validated by co-immunoprecipitation in IAV-infected cells and in an in vitro coupled transcription/translation system. Interestingly, we found an increase in the expression of AML1 upon IAV infection in a dose-dependent manner. As expected, we also observed an increase in the IFN-β levels, the first line of defence against viral infections. Subsequently, when AML1 was downregulated using siRNA, the IFN-β levels were found to be remarkably reduced. Our study also shows that AML1 is induced upon IAV infection and results in the induction of IFN-β. Thus, AML1 is proposed to be an important player in IFN induction and has a role in an antiviral response against IAV infection. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Influenza epidemics and pandemics are constant threats to human health. Development of antiviral therapeutics has focused on important and major IAV proteins as targets. However, the rate at which this virus mutates makes the task challenging. Thus, next-generation approaches aim at host cellular proteins that aid the virus in its replication. This study reports a new host-virus interaction, of acute myeloid leukaemia marker 1 (AML1) with influenza A neuraminidase (IAV-NA). We have found that this interaction has a direct effect on the upregulation of host IFN-β response. Further studies may lead to a greater understanding of this new innate defence pathway in infected cells.
  3. Fulltext An impact of content delivery, equity, support and self-efficacy on student's learning during the COVID-19
    Kumar P, Kumar N, Ting H
    Curr Psychol, 2023;42(3):2460-2470.
    PMID: 34253947 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-021-02053-3
    Due to the outbreak of Covid-19, the colleges and universities across the world have shifted to online classes in place of face-to-face classes. In the wake of this outbreak, the present study focuses on analyzing the impact of sudden shift to online classes, on the undergraduate and postgraduate student's overall learning. The PLS-SEM results concluded that the content delivery has been the most significant construct to impact both self-efficacy and overall learning. The self-efficacy partially mediates the support and equity relationship with the overall learning. The student with greater self-efficacy will have better overall learning from this e-synchronous teaching methodology. However, content delivery has a stronger role in impacting the overall learning even if there is absence of self-efficacy, thus concluding no mediation.
  4. Fulltext Diverse classification systems for maxillectomy defects: Simplifying or complicating the treatment plan?
    Aggarwal H, Eachempati P, Kumar P
    Indian J Plast Surg, 2015 5 21;48(1):98.
    PMID: 25991901 DOI: 10.4103/0970-0358.155284
  5. Photogrammetric analysis of eyebrow and upper eyelid dimensions in South Indians and Malaysian South Indians
    Packiriswamy V, Kumar P, Bashour M
    Aesthet Surg J, 2013 Sep 1;33(7):975-82.
    PMID: 24018869 DOI: 10.1177/1090820X13503472
    The eyebrow and eyelid are important sexually dimorphic and ethnic features of the face. In cosmetic surgery, maintenance of these landmarks is important to obtaining satisfactory results.
  6. Flavonoid quercetin protects against swimming stress-induced changes in oxidative biomarkers in the hypothalamus of rats
    Haleagrahara N, Radhakrishnan A, Lee N, Kumar P
    Eur J Pharmacol, 2009 Oct 25;621(1-3):46-52.
    PMID: 19744476 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2009.08.030
    Quercetin is a bioflavonoid abundant in onions, apples, tea and red wine and one of the most studied flavonoids. Dietary quercetin intake is suggested to be health promoting, but this assumption is mainly based on mechanistic studies performed in vitro. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of quercetin on stress-induced changes in oxidative biomarkers in the hypothalamus of rats. Adult male Sprague Dawley rats were subjected to forced swimming stress for 45 min daily for 14 days. Effect of quercetin at three different doses (10, 20 and 30 mg/kg body weight) on serum corticosterone and oxidative biomarkers (lipid hydroperoxides, antioxidant enzymes and total antioxidants) was estimated. Swimming stress significantly increased the serum corticosterone and lipid hydroperoxide levels. A significant decrease in total antioxidant levels and super oxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase levels was seen in the hypothalamus after stress and treatment with quercetin significantly increased these oxidative parameters and there was a significant decrease in lipid hydroperoxide levels. These data demonstrate that forced swimming stress produced a severe oxidative damage in the hypothalamus and treatment with quercetin markedly attenuated these stress-induced changes. Antioxidant action of quercetin may be beneficial for the prevention and treatment of stress-induced oxidative damage in the brain.
  7. Fulltext Identification of facial shape by applying golden ratio to the facial measurements: an interracial study in malaysian population
    Packiriswamy V, Kumar P, Rao M
    N Am J Med Sci, 2012 Dec;4(12):624-9.
    PMID: 23272303 DOI: 10.4103/1947-2714.104312
    The "golden ratio" is considered as a universal facial aesthetical standard. Researcher's opinion that deviation from golden ratio can result in development of facial abnormalities.
  8. A review on effective removal of emerging contaminants from aquatic systems: Current trends and scope for further research
    Rathi BS, Kumar PS, Show PL
    J Hazard Mater, 2021 05 05;409:124413.
    PMID: 33183841 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.124413
    Wastewater is water that has already been contaminated by domestic, industrial and commercial activity that needs to be treated before it could be discharged into some other water bodies to avoid even more groundwater contamination supplies. It consists of various contaminants like heavy metals, organic pollutants, inorganic pollutants and Emerging contaminants. Research has been doing on all types of contaminates more than a decade, but this emerging contaminants is the contaminants which arises mostly from pharmaceuticals, personal care products, hormones and fertilizer industries. The majority of emerging contaminants did not have standardized guidelines, but may have adverse effects on human and marine organisms, even at smaller concentrations. Typically, extremely low doses of emerging contaminants are found in the marine environment and cause a potential risk to the aquatic animals living there. When contaminants emerge in the marine world, they are potentially toxic and pose many risks to the health of both man and livestock. The aim of this article is to review the Emerging contaminate sources, detection methods and treatment methods. The purpose of this study is to consider the adsorption as a beneficial treatment of emerging contaminants also advanced and cost effective emerging contaminates treatment methods.
  9. Anthropometric and Anthroposcopic Analysis of Periorbital Features in Malaysian Population: An Inter-racial Study
    Packiriswamy V, Kumar P, Bashour M
    Facial Plast Surg, 2018 Aug;34(4):400-406.
    PMID: 29723879 DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1648224
    In oculoplastic operations, knowledge of the dimensions of periorbital features based on age, gender, and race is essential for achieving better aesthetic result. This article seeks to determine the racial and gender differences of periorbital features among Malaysian Malay (MM), Malaysian Indian (MI), and Malaysian Chinese (MI) subjects. Evaluation of periorbital features was done on photographs of 200 MM, 200 MI, and 200 MC subjects, aged 18 to 26 years. The measured values were evaluated by an independent t-test. A significant difference was found between MM and MI in all measurements except interbrow distance in males, eyebrow thickness in females, and apex to lateral limbus distance in both sexes. Between MI and MC the difference was insignificant for interbrow distance in male groups, apex to lateral limbus distance in females, and palpebral fissure inclination and eyebrow apex angle in both sexes. Between MM and MC, significant differences were found for eyebrow thickness and medial canthus tilt in female group. Male groups showed significant difference for apex to lateral limbus and lateral canthus distance and eyebrow apex angle. Eyebrow height, palpebral fissure width, and intercanthal distance were significantly different in both sexes. Sexual dimorphism was found for all measurements in MI, but MM and MC showed insignificant difference for eyebrow apex angle. Four types of epicanthus were observed in MM and MC and three types in MI. Eyebrow apex between lateral limbus and lateral canthus was the most common position in all racial groups. Significant racial and gender differences exist for certain periorbital measurements. The knowledge of these differences is expected to influence the surgical outcome.
  10. The utility and cultural specificity of cognitive-based interventions in preventing cognitive decline among healthy older adults in Asia: A systematic review
    Vasantha Kumar P, Subramaniam P, Che Din N
    Asian J Psychiatr, 2021 Jun;60:102646.
    PMID: 33873045 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2021.102646
    BACKGROUND: The effects of aging and its associated cognitive decline is particularly acute in Asia given the exponential growth of older adults as a proportion of the population as a whole. Many structured cognitive interventions have been proposed to prevent the cognitive decline typically seen in older age, but their utility as a viable means of achieving these goals is questionable.

    OBJECTIVES: To summarize and synthesize evidence on the utility and methodological quality of cognitive-based interventions on cognitive performance and associated secondary outcomes among healthy older adults in Asia, as well as novel, culture-specific components of cognitive interventions across the region.

    DATA SOURCES: The PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, and ScienceDirect databases were searched through May 2020.

    ELIGIBILITY: Studies including individuals aged 60 years and above, who had no previous history of physical and/or mental illness. Few restrictions placed on intervention design, duration and mode of delivery, provided that participants were randomized to study conditions, and intervention included components addressing at least one cognitive domain.

    RESULTS: A total of 17 studies from six countries met the eligibility criteria and were included in the final review. Evidence from those studies indicated that cognitive interventions may be most effective when the design and aims were directed towards improvement in specific cognitive domains, but evidence regarding long-term effectiveness in preventing progression to clinical-level cognitive deficits is still unclear. Several studies highlighted culture-specific activities as components of their interventions, though these will need to be further outlined and standardized clearly in future research.

  11. Fulltext Are spiritual, ethical, and eating qualities of poultry meat influenced by current and frequency during electrical water bath stunning?
    Hayat MN, Kumar P, Sazili AQ
    Poult Sci, 2023 Sep;102(9):102838.
    PMID: 37392488 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2023.102838
    With the continuous rise of Muslim and Jewish populations and their increasing preference for ritually slaughtered poultry meat, the industry is forced to redefine its existing product-centric quality standard toward a new consumer-centric dimension of quality. The new dimension is mainly attributed to ensuring animal welfare and ethical treatment (ethical quality), spiritual quality (such as halal status, cleanliness), and eating quality standards set by religion. To meet consumer quality requirements while maintaining high production performance, the industry has incorporated newer technologies that are compatible with religious regulations such as stunning methods like electrical water bath stunning. However, the introduction of new techniques such as electrical water bath stunning has been met with mixed reactions. Some religious scholars have banned the use of any stunning methods in religious slaughter, as halal status is believed to be compromised in cases where birds have been stunned to death before slaughter. Nevertheless, some studies have shown the positive side of the electrical water bath stunning procedure in terms of preserving eating, ethical, and spiritual quality. Therefore, the present study aims to critically analyze the application of various aspects of electrical water bath stunning such as current intensity and frequency on various quality attributes, namely, ethical, spiritual, and eating quality of poultry meat.
  12. Gut microbiota of healthy Asians and their discriminative features revealed by metagenomics approach
    Taha SFM, Bhassu S, Omar H, Raju CS, Rajamanikam A, Govind SKP, et al.
    3 Biotech, 2023 Aug;13(8):275.
    PMID: 37457869 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-023-03671-3
    This study is conducted to identify the microbial architecture and its functional capacity in the Asian population via the whole metagenomics approach. A brief comparison of the Asian countries namely Malaysia, India, China, and Thailand, was conducted, giving a total of 916 taxa under observation. Results show a close representation of the taxonomic diversity in the gut microbiota of Malaysia, India, and China, where Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria were more predominant compared to other phyla. Mainly due to the multi-racial population in Malaysia, which also consists of Malays, Indian, and Chinese, the population tend to share similar dietary preferences, culture, and lifestyle, which are major influences that shapes the structure of the gut microbiota. Moreover, Thailand showed a more distinct diversity in the gut microbiota which was highly dominated by Firmicutes. Meanwhile, functional profiles show 1034 gene families that are common between the four countries. The Malaysia samples are having the most unique gene families with a total of 67,517 gene families, and 51 unique KEGG Orthologs, mainly dominated by the metabolic pathways, followed by microbial metabolism in diverse environments. In conclusion, this study provides some general overview on the structure of the Asian gut microbiota, with some additional highlights on the Malaysian population.

    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-023-03671-3.

  13. Population genetic structure of the tropical moss Acanthorrhynchium papillatum as measured with microsatellite markers
    Leonardía AA, Tan BC, Kumar PP
    Plant Biol (Stuttg), 2013 Mar;15(2):384-94.
    PMID: 22882300 DOI: 10.1111/j.1438-8677.2012.00640.x
    Mosses and other bryophytes are vital components of forests, because they sustain a tremendous diversity of invertebrates and influence significant ecological functions. There have been few studies on moss population diversity in Southeast Asia, despite the escalating deforestation in this region of rich biodiversity. The genetic diversity of the tropical moss Acanthorrhynchium papillatum (Harv.) Fleisch., collected from forested areas in Singapore and Peninsular Malaysia, was elucidated using eight microsatellite markers developed for this species. Significant levels of allelic and haplotypic diversity were observed among clumps of the moss. Differences in allelic richness and genotypic diversity among the populations were higher in less disturbed forests compared to the more disturbed areas, suggesting that genetic diversity is affected by habitat quality. Genetic diversity levels within the clumps studied were low, indicating that vegetative reproduction was more important within clumps than sexual reproduction. However, multilocus genotypes of samples within the clumps studied were not all alike, providing evidence of microsatellite mutation or of occasional sexuality. Despite the isolation of populations, A. papillatum can introduce genetic variability by mutation among vegetatively propagated individuals. This study provides baseline information on the genetic diversity of A. papillatum tropical rain forests.
  14. Different Intraorbital Implant Situations and Ocular Prosthetic Rehabilitation
    Aggarwal H, Kumar P, Eachempati P, Alvi HA
    J Prosthodont, 2016 Dec;25(8):687-693.
    PMID: 26447725 DOI: 10.1111/jopr.12369
    Enucleation is the removal of the entire globe of the eye and a portion of the optic nerve, while evisceration involves the removal of the contents of the globe leaving the sclera, extraocular muscles, and optic nerve. Following enucleation or evisceration, intraorbital implants are routinely placed to enhance the prosthetic outcome in addition to restoring the lost orbital volume. Current practice employs intraorbital implants made of nonporous silicone, hydroxyapatite, or porous polyethylene. Intraorbital implant selection and placement, being a highly demanding procedure in terms of knowledge, skill, and expertise, may be associated with a multiplicity of technical and surgical errors. Complications are usually minimal with these implants, but they do occur. The literature reveals many articles related to intraorbital implants, their benefits, and complications; however, the literature regarding the effect of various intraorbital implant situations on the subsequent prosthetic rehabilitation is markedly scarce. Moreover, the need for interdisciplinary surgical and prosthetic interventions required for successful rehabilitation in cases of compromised implant situations has been underemphasized. Hence, this review aimed to evaluate the effect of different intraorbital implant situations on ocular rehabilitation and the required interdisciplinary surgical and prosthetic treatment approach for rehabilitation of enucleated/eviscerated sockets with compromised implant situations, to provide a critical appraisal, and to present a simplified management strategy.
  15. Brain biometals and Alzheimer's disease - boon or bane?
    Prakash A, Dhaliwal GK, Kumar P, Majeed AB
    Int J Neurosci, 2017 Feb;127(2):99-108.
    PMID: 27044501
    Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia. Several hypotheses have been put forward to explain the basis of disease onset and progression. A complicated array of molecular events has been implicated in the pathogenesis of AD. It is attributed to a variety of pathological conditions that share similar critical processes, such as oxidative stress, proteinaceous aggregations, mitochondrial dysfunctions and energy failure. There is increasing evidence suggesting that metal homeostasis is dysregulated in the pathology of AD. Biometals play an important role in the normal body functioning but AD may be mediated or triggered by disproportion of metal ions leading to changes in critical biological systems and initiating a cascade of events finally leading to neurodegeneration and cell death. The link is multifactorial, and although the source of the shift in oxidative homeostasis is still unclear, current evidence points to changes in the balance of redox transition metals, especially iron, copper (Cu) and other trace metals. Their levels in the brain are found to be elevated in AD. In other neurodegenerative disorders, Cu, zinc, aluminum and manganese are involved. This paper is a review of recent advances of the role of metals in the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of AD and related neurodegenerative diseases.
  16. Modulation of LOX and COX pathways via inhibition of amyloidogenesis contributes to mitoprotection against β-amyloid oligomer-induced toxicity in an animal model of Alzheimer's disease in rats
    Kalra J, Kumar P, Majeed AB, Prakash A
    Pharmacol. Biochem. Behav., 2016 Jul-Aug;146-147:1-12.
    PMID: 27106205 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2016.04.002
    Several lines of evidence indicate that beta amyloid (β-A) production, neurofibrillary tangles and neuroinflammation are interrelated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). AD is associated with enhanced β-A production and accumulation resulting in neuroinflammation probably via activation of lipoxygenase (LOX) and cyclooxygenase (COX) pathways. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the role of LOX and COX inhibitors (zafirlukast and valdecoxib) in amyloidogenesis in β-A1-42 oligomer induced experimental AD in rats. The behavioral activities were assessed using actophotometer, novel object recognition test (ORT), Morris water maze (MWM) followed by biochemical assessments, determination of proinflammatory cytokines and mediators (TNF-α, IL-1β and PGE2), β-A1-42 levels and histopathological analysis. ICV administration of β-A1-42 oligomer produced significant impairment in memory consolidation. In addition to this significant increase in mito-oxidative stress, neuroinflammatory markers, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) toxicity, β-A1-42 level, neuronal cell death and neuroinflammation are more profound in β-A1-42 oligomer treated AD rats. Administration of zafirlukast (15 and 30mg/kg), and valdecoxib (5 and 10mg/kg) significantly improved the behavioral performances and showed significant reversal of mito-oxidative damage declining the neuroinflammation in β-A1-42 oligomer treated rats. Furthermore, more profound effects were observed at the sub-therapeutic dose combination of zafirlukast (15mg/kg) and valdecoxib (5mg/kg). The results of the present study indicate that protective effects of zafirlukast and valdecoxib are achieved through the blockade of release of LOX and COX metabolites therefore, representing a new therapeutic target for treating AD and other neurodegenerative disorders.
  17. Cost-effective, expedient, and time-saving surface texturing technique for facial prostheses
    Aggarwal H, Kumar P, Eachempati P, Krishanappa SK
    J Prosthet Dent, 2015 Sep;114(3):456-7.
    PMID: 26047802 DOI: 10.1016/j.prosdent.2015.04.010
    This article describes a cost-effective, expedient, and time-saving technique for surface texturing a facial prosthesis with fine sand mixed in resin adhesive glue.
  18. Cerebroprotective effects of RAS inhibitors: Beyond their cardio-renal actions
    Kalra J, Prakash A, Kumar P, Majeed AB
    J Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone Syst, 2015 Sep;16(3):459-68.
    PMID: 25944853 DOI: 10.1177/1470320315583582
    Work on the brain renin-angiotensin system has been explored by various researchers and has led to elucidation of its basic physiologies and behavior, including its role in reabsorption and uptake of body fluid, blood pressure maintenance with angiotensin II being its prominent effector. Currently, this system has been implicated for its newly established effects, which are far beyond its cardio-renal effects accounting for maintenance of cerebral blood flow and cerebroprotection, seizure, in the etiology of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and bipolar disorder. In this review, we have discussed the distribution of angiotensin receptor subtypes in the central nervous system (CNS) together with enzymatic pathways leading to active angiotensin ligands and its interaction with angiotensin receptor 2 (AT2) and Mas receptors. Secondly, the use of angiotensin analogues (angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and AT1 and/or AT2 receptor blockers) in the treatment and management of the CNS disorders mentioned above has been discussed.
  19. A preliminary evaluation of the efficacy and safety of Cogent db (an ayurvedic drug) in the glycemic control of patients with type 2-diabetes
    Shekhar KC, Achike FI, Kaur G, Kumar P, Hashim R
    J Altern Complement Med, 2002 Aug;8(4):445-57.
    PMID: 12230905
    A nonrandomized, non-placebo-controlled clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of Cogent db (an herbal preparation; Cybele Herbal Laboratories [PVT] Ltd. Kochi, Kerala State, India) as an adjuvant in the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes was carried out during a 3-month period.
  20. A new record of the genus Orientalicesa Koçak Kemal, 2010 (Hymenoptera: Vespidae: Eumeninae) from Vietnam
    Nguyen LTP, BozdoĞan H, Kumar PG, Carpenter JM
    Zootaxa, 2018 Dec 20;4532(4):594-596.
    PMID: 30647350 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4532.4.9
    The genus Orientalicesa has six species, and all of them have been recorded in the Oriental region (including Indonesia, Malaysia, Phillippines, Laos, China). In this paper, the genus Orientalicesa is newly recorded from Vietnam, represented by one species O. confasciatus Tan and Carpenter. This species was mistakenly redescribed as Stenodyneriellus rangpocus Kumar, Carpenter Kishore, 2017. A new synonym of O. confasciatus is proposed, and that species is a new record for India.
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