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  1. Bajaj V, Anshuman R, Verma N, Singh MP, Tandon A
    Malays Orthop J, 2018 Nov;12(3):14-18.
    PMID: 30555641 DOI: 10.5704/MOJ.1811.003
    Introduction: Correlation of Pirani score and foot bimalleolar (FBM) angle has been used in few studies but correlation of FBM angle with ultrasonography has never been evaluated so they are being correlated in assessing the severity of clubfoot in neonates treated by Ponseti method. Material and Methods: Thirty-two feet with congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV) deformity in neonates were prospectively treated by the Ponseti method. FBM angle and ultrasound parameters were measured three times i.e. at the time of initial presentation, at four weeks of treatment and at completion of treatment. The feet were divided according to the Pirani score in groups: one (0-2.0), two (2.5-4) and three (4.5-6). Correlation between FBM angle and ultrasound parameters were evaluated using Pearson correlation/regression. Results: Correlation between FBM angle and ultrasound parameters were statistically significant (p-value < 0.05). Conclusion: Ultrasound has the potential to accurately depict the pathoanatomy in clubfoot. FBM angle and ultrasound are objective methods to assess the severity of clubfoot. FBM angle and ultrasonography correlated in severity of deformity and correction achieved along the course of treatment.
  2. Singh AK, Rai SN, Maurya A, Mishra G, Awasthi R, Shakya A, et al.
    PMID: 34211570 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5578574
    Since primitive times, herbs have been extensively used in conventional remedies for boosting cognitive impairment and age-associated memory loss. It is mentioned that medicinal plants have a variety of dynamic components, and they have become a prominent choice for synthetic medications for the care of cognitive and associated disorders. Herbal remedies have played a major role in the progression of medicine, and many advanced drugs have already been developed. Many studies have endorsed practicing herbal remedies with phytoconstituents, for healing Alzheimer's disease (AD). All the information in this article was collated from selected research papers from online scientific databases, such as PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. The aim of this article is to convey the potential of herbal remedies for the prospect management of Alzheimer's and related diseases. Herbal remedies may be useful in the discovery and advancement of drugs, thus extending new leads for neurodegenerative diseases such as AD. Nanocarriers play a significant role in delivering herbal medicaments to a specific target. Therefore, many drugs have been described for the management of age-linked complaints such as dementia, AD, and the like. Several phytochemicals are capable of managing AD, but their therapeutic claims are restricted due to their lower solubility and metabolism. These limitations of natural therapeutics can be overcome by using a targeted nanocarrier system. This article will provide the primitive remedies as well as the development of herbal remedies for AD management.
  3. Rohilla S, Gaidhane S, Balaraman AK, Padmapriya G, Kaur I, Lal M, et al.
    J Infect Dis, 2025 Feb 06.
    PMID: 39913333 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiaf066
    BACKGROUND: Recent outbreaks of monkeypox (Mpox) have raised concerns about its complications, including ophthalmic manifestations such as conjunctivitis, keratitis, and potential vision impairment. The lack of comprehensive data on these ocular complications hinders the development of effective clinical guidelines. This review aim to synthesize existing evidence on the prevalence and characteristics of Mpox-related ocular complications.

    METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus, covering studies up to September 8, 2024. Studies focusing on conjunctivitis, keratitis, eye lesions, visual impairment, and other ophthalmic outcomes in Mpox cases were included. Meta-analyses were performed using a random-effects model to estimate pooled prevalence rates, with heterogeneity assessed using the I² statistic. Sensitivity analyses and publication bias assessments were also conducted.

    RESULTS: A total of 25 studies were included, with 22 contributing to the meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of conjunctivitis in Mpox cases was 8.9% (95% CI: 4.4%-17.1%), keratitis 3.4% (95% CI: 1.4%-7.7%), eye lesions 3.4% (95% CI: 1.4%-7.7%), and visual impairment 4.3% (95% CI: 0.8%-20.6%). Other ocular manifestations had a pooled prevalence of 12.4% (95% CI: 0.6%-76.9%). Significant heterogeneity was observed, particularly for conjunctivitis and other ocular manifestations, suggesting variability in presentation.

    CONCLUSION: Conjunctivitis is the most common ophthalmic complication of Mpox, followed by notable rates for keratitis, eye lesions, and visual impairment. These findings emphasize the need for early recognition, routine ocular exams, and effective management of Mpox-related eye complications. Further high-quality research is necessary to better understand and address these ocular complications.

  4. Malvi A, Khatib MN, Balaraman AK, Roopashree R, Kaur M, Srivastava M, et al.
    BMC Pulm Med, 2025 Jan 29;25(1):48.
    PMID: 39881272 DOI: 10.1186/s12890-025-03516-0
    BACKGROUND: Cannabis is the third most widely used psychoactive substance globally, and its consumption has been increasing, particularly with the growing trend of legalization for medicinal and recreational use. Recent studies have raised concerns about the potential impact of cannabis on respiratory health, specifically the risk of asthma, a significant public health concern. This systematic review aimed to consolidate research on the association between cannabis use and the risk of asthma.

    METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science, covering studies published up to September 30, 2024. We included peer-reviewed observational studies evaluating the link between cannabis consumption and the risk of asthma diagnosis. Data synthesis employed a random-effects meta-analysis to account for heterogeneity. R statistical software (version 4.4) was used for statistical analyses.

    RESULTS: The search yielded 8 relevant studies after screening 1,887 records. The pooled odds ratio (OR) for the association between cannabis consumption and the risk of asthma diagnosis was 1.31, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.19-1.44, indicating greater odds of having asthma compared to non-users. Moderate heterogeneity was observed (I² = 46%), and sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of the findings.

    CONCLUSION: This systematic review and meta-analysis identifies a significant association between cannabis use and greater odds of having asthma. These findings emphasize the importance of raising awareness about the potential respiratory risks associated with cannabis use. Future research should prioritize identifying moderating factors, such as the frequency and mode of cannabis consumption, to enhance understanding of this association and provide a stronger evidence base for potential public health interventions.

    CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.

  5. Shabil M, Khatib MN, Ballal S, Bansal P, Tomar BS, Ashraf A, et al.
    J Med Virol, 2024 Dec;96(12):e70122.
    PMID: 39707867 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.70122
    Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, has re-emerged as a significant global health concern, particularly during the widespread outbreak of 2022. As an orthopoxvirus related to the eradicated smallpox virus, mpox has been primarily managed with smallpox vaccines and treatments, including the antiviral agent Tecovirimat. This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Tecovirimat in treating mpox, focusing on its use during the 2022 outbreak, especially among high-risk populations, including men who have sex with men and people living with HIV. We conducted a comprehensive search across databases, such as Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science, up to August 30, 2024. The selection involved a two-stage review process utilizing the Nested Knowledge platform, which helped streamline the screening and data extraction. We included studies that focused on the clinical efficacy and safety of Tecovirimat in human patients with confirmed mpox infections. Our analysis mainly synthesized data narratively due to the heterogeneity of study designs and outcomes. Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria, providing data on 1031 mpox cases. The preliminary analysis of the PALM 007 RCT indicated that tecovirimat did not significantly outperform placebo in lesion resolution for all patients. Lesions healed faster than expected, regardless of tecovirimat or placebo treatment. A lower mortality rate of 1.7% among those enrolled in the PALM 007 RCT was observed, compared to the general mpox mortality rate of 3.6% or higher in the DRC. Observational studies revealed that early administration of Tecovirimat, especially within the first week of symptom onset, significantly improves symptom resolution, reduces the severity of the disease, and decreases the likelihood of hospitalization and complications in observational studies. However, the impact on viral clearance was inconsistent, and some studies suggested limited efficacy in severely immunocompromised patients. Regarding safety, Tecovirimat was generally well-tolerated as indicated by the RCT; however, mild adverse effects such as fatigue, headache, and nausea were commonly reported among observational studies. Serious adverse events were rare but included elevated liver enzymes and psychiatric symptoms, particularly in patients with pre-existing conditions. Tecovirimat demonstrates some potential benefits in treating mpox, particularly when administered early. The PALM 007 RCT failed to meet the efficacy point. Tecovirimat is generally well-tolerated with a favorable safety profile, although monitoring is advisable for those with existing liver or renal conditions. Despite promising results, further large-scale randomized controlled trials are needed to fully ascertain the drug's effectiveness across diverse populations and to explore its impact on viral clearance and transmission dynamics.
  6. Sharma N, Khatib MN, Balaraman AK, Roopashree R, Kaur M, Srivastava M, et al.
    Int Urol Nephrol, 2025 Apr;57(4):1039-1049.
    PMID: 39495435 DOI: 10.1007/s11255-024-04266-4
    BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer is one of the most prevalent malignancies among men globally. Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), primarily used for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) management, have been investigated for their potential effects on cancer risks. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the association between GLP-1 RA use and risk reduction of prostate cancer.

    METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science up to July 30, 2024. Studies that met the inclusion criteria randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, case-control studies, and observational studies assessing the incidence of prostate cancer in GLP-1 RA-treated patients were included. The quality of studies was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Meta-analysis was performed using a random effects model.

    RESULTS: A total of five studies were included, analyzing data from diverse international contexts. The included studies showed a reduced risk of prostate cancer with both adjusted and unadjusted effect estimates with GLP-1 RAs. The meta-analysis revealed an RR of 0.72 (95% CI: 0.610 to 0.832), indicating a statistically significant 28% reduction in prostate cancer risk associated with GLP-1 RA use compared to placebo or other antidiabetic drugs. Moderate heterogeneity was observed (I2 = 51%). Sensitivity analysis confirmed the results.

    CONCLUSION: The findings suggest a significant protective association between GLP-1 RA use and reduced prostate cancer risk in men, particularly those with T2DM. This supports the potential of GLP-1 RAs not only in diabetes management but also as a strategy to mitigate cancer risk. Further research is required to confirm these findings and explore the underlying mechanisms, considering different dosages, durations of therapy, and patient subgroups based on demographic and metabolic characteristics.

  7. Lingamaiah D, Bushi G, Gaidhane S, Balaraman AK, Padmapriya G, Kaur I, et al.
    BMC Geriatr, 2025 Mar 15;25(1):179.
    PMID: 40089681 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-025-05722-1
    BACKGROUND: Falls represent a significant health concern among the older adults, particularly geriatric cancer patients, due to their increased susceptibility from both age-related and cancer treatment-related factors. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to synthesize global data on the prevalence and risk of falls in this population to inform targeted fall prevention strategies.

    METHODS: Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, we conducted a comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science up to October 2024. Articles were screened using Nested Knowledge software by two independent reviewers. Eligible studies included those involving geriatric cancer patients aged 60 years or older reporting on fall prevalence. Quality assessment was performed using a modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, and meta-analysis was conducted using random-effects models with R software.

    RESULTS: From 1,365 identified studies, 86 met the inclusion criteria, encompassing 180,974 participants. The pooled prevalence of falls was 24% (95% CI, 20%-28%), with substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 100%). Country- and cancer-type-specific analyses revealed variability in fall prevalence, with breast cancer patients showing the highest prevalence. The comparative risk analysis did not show a statistically significant difference in fall risk between cancer patients and non-cancer controls.

    CONCLUSION: Falls are a prevalent and concerning issue among geriatric cancer patients, with substantial variability influenced by cancer type and study design. Personalized fall prevention strategies tailored to cancer-specific risk factors are essential. Further research is warranted to explore the complex interplay of cancer treatments, frailty, and fall risk in this vulnerable population.

  8. Satapathy P, Khatib MN, Balaraman AK, R R, Kaur M, Srivastava M, et al.
    Public Health Pract (Oxf), 2025 Jun;9:100565.
    PMID: 40115446 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhip.2024.100565
    OBJECTIVES: Integrating digital technology into daily life has made video games a primary form of entertainment for adolescents worldwide. Despite their benefits, excessive gaming has emerged as a significant public health issue, recognized as a gaming disorder by the World Health Organization in the ICD-11. This study aims to assess the prevalence of gaming disorders among adolescents through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

    STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

    METHODS: A search was conducted across multiple databases until February 15, 2024. Observational studies that assessed the prevalence of gaming disorder were included. Nested Knowledge software was used for screening and data extraction. The quality assessment was performed using the Joanna Briggs Institute tool. Meta-analysis using a random effect model was used to synthesize prevalence rates. Statistical analyses were performed in R software version 4.3.

    RESULTS: The meta-analysis included 84 studies covering a diverse geographical scope totaling 641,763 individuals. The pooled prevalence of gaming disorder was 8.6 % (95 % CI: 6.9 %-10.8 %), (I2 = 100 %). Subgroup analysis revealed varying prevalence rates by country, with China reporting the highest rate at 11.7 % (95 % CI: 8.6 %-15.7 %). Meta-regression analysis highlighted an increasing trend in the prevalence of gaming disorder over the years, underscoring the growing impact of digital technologies.

    CONCLUSION: A significant prevalence of gaming disorder among adolescents is observed. With an increasing trend, fostering healthy gaming habits, enhancing awareness, and implementing effective intervention programs are crucial. This emphasizes the importance of global efforts in combating the growing challenge of gaming disorder among adolescents.

  9. Bushi G, Gaidhane S, Balaraman AK, Padmapriya G, Kaur I, Lal M, et al.
    J Geriatr Oncol, 2025 Apr;16(3):102202.
    PMID: 39955892 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgo.2025.102202
    INTRODUCTION: Falls are a significant health concern among older adults, particularly those with cancer, due to aging-related frailty, treatment-related adverse effects, and comorbidities. Existing reviews have highlighted the burden of falls in this population; however, the absence of a comprehensive meta-analysis to synthesize pooled results from relevant studies has limited the generalizability of their findings. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the global prevalence of falls among older adults with cancer and provide evidence to guide prevention efforts.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases was conducted through October 2024, following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Studies reporting fall prevalence in patients with cancer aged 65 years or older were included. Pooled prevalence estimates were calculated using a random-effects meta-analysis.

    RESULTS: Seventy-six studies, including 177,212 participants, met the inclusion criteria. The pooled prevalence of falls was 24 % (95 % confidence interval [CI], 20; 28), with significant heterogeneity (I2 = 100 %). Fall prevalence increased with follow-up duration: short-term 12 % (95 % CI, 5.2; 28.4), medium-term 23 % (95 % CI, 18.9; 29.5), and long-term 54 % (95 % CI, 14.9; 89.1) studies (p = 0.13). Older adults with breast cancer had the highest prevalence of falls at 31 % (95 % CI, 17; 48), while patients with colorectal cancer had the lowest at 15 % (95 % CI, 1; 78) (P ≤0.001). Fall prevalence ranged from 19 % in Australia to 24 % in North America (p = 0.89).

    DISCUSSION: Falls are frequent among older adults with cancer, with prevalence varying by cancer type, geographic region, and follow-up duration.

  10. Horgan D, Hamdi Y, Lal JA, Nyawira T, Meyer S, Kondji D, et al.
    Healthcare (Basel), 2023 Feb 02;11(3).
    PMID: 36767006 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11030431
    Radical new possibilities of improved treatment of cancer are on offer from an advanced medical technology already demonstrating its significance: next-generation sequencing (NGS). This refined testing provides unprecedentedly precise diagnoses and permits the use of focused and highly personalized treatments. However, across regions globally, many cancer patients will continue to be denied the benefits of NGS as long as some of the yawning gaps in its implementation remain unattended. The challenges at the regional and national levels are linked because putting the solutions into effect is highly dependent on cooperation between regional- and national-level cooperation, which could be hindered by shortfalls in interpretation or understanding. The aim of the paper was to define and explore the necessary conditions for NGS and make recommendations for effective implementation based on extensive exchanges with policy makers and stakeholders. As a result, the European Alliance for Personalised Medicine (EAPM) developed a maturity framework structured around demand-side and supply-side issues to enable interested stakeholders in different countries to self-evaluate according to a common matrix. A questionnaire was designed to identify the current status of NGS implementation, and it was submitted to different experts in different institutions globally. This revealed significant variability in the different aspects of NGS uptake. Within different regions globally, to ensure those conditions are right, this can be improved by linking efforts made at the national level, where patients have needs and where care is delivered, and at the global level, where major policy initiatives in the health field are underway or in preparation, many of which offer direct or indirect pathways for building those conditions. In addition, in a period when consensus is still incomplete and catching up is needed at a political level to ensure rational allocation of resources-even within individual countries-to enable the best ways to make the necessary provisions for NGS, a key recommendation is to examine where closer links between national and regional actions could complement, support, and mutually reinforce efforts to improve the situation for patients.
  11. Horgan D, Hamdi Y, Lal JA, Nyawira T, Meyer S, Kondji D, et al.
    Diagnosis (Berl), 2023 May 01;10(2):140-157.
    PMID: 36548810 DOI: 10.1515/dx-2022-0115
    OBJECTIVES: The introduction of Personalised Medicine (PM) into healthcare systems could benefit from a clearer understanding of the distinct national and regional frameworks around the world. Recent engagement by international regulators on maximising the use of real-world evidence (RWE) has highlighted the scope for improving the exploitation of the treasure-trove of health data that is currently largely neglected in many countries. The European Alliance for Personalised Medicine (EAPM) led an international study aimed at identifying the current status of conditions.

    METHODS: A literature review examined how far such frameworks exist, with a view to identifying conducive factors - and crucial gaps. This extensive review of key factors across 22 countries and 5 regions revealed a wide variety of attitudes, approaches, provisions and conditions, and permitted the construction of a comprehensive overview of the current status of PM. Based on seven key pillars identified from the literature review and expert panels, the data was quantified, and on the basis of further analysis, an index was developed to allow comparison country by country and region by region.

    RESULTS: The results show that United States of America is leading according to overall outcome whereas Kenya scored the least in the overall outcome.

    CONCLUSIONS: Still, common approaches exist that could help accelerate take-up of opportunities even in the less prosperous parts of the world.

  12. Padhi BK, Khatib MN, Ballal S, Bansal P, Bhopte K, Gaidhane AM, et al.
    BMC Public Health, 2024 Nov 22;24(1):3251.
    PMID: 39578775 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-20693-5
    BACKGROUND: People living with HIV (PLWH) are more vulnerable to infectious and non-infectious comorbidities due to chronic inflammation and immune dysfunction. Air pollution is a major global health risk, contributing to millions of deaths annually, primarily from cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. However, the link between air pollution and mortality risk in PLWH is underexplored. This systematic review assesses the association between exposure to pollutants such as particulate matter (PM), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), ozone (O3), and carbon monoxide (CO) and mortality risk in PLWH.

    METHODS: A systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase was conducted for studies published up to August 2024. Eligibility criteria included cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional studies assessing air pollution exposure and mortality in PLWH. Nested-Knowledge software was used for screening and data extraction. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was applied for quality assessment. A narrative approach and tabular summarization were used for data synthesis and presentation.

    RESULTS: Nine studies, mostly from China, demonstrated a significant association between long-term exposure to PM1, PM2.5, and PM10 and increased risks of AIDS-related and all-cause mortality in PLWH. Hazard ratios for mortality increased by 2.38-5.13% per unit increase in PM concentrations, with older adults (> 60), females, and those with lower CD4 counts (

  13. Horgan D, Mia R, Erhabor T, Hamdi Y, Dandara C, Lal JA, et al.
    Healthcare (Basel), 2022 Oct 25;10(11).
    PMID: 36360466 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10112125
    Tackling cancer is a major challenge right on the global level. Europe is only the tip of an iceberg of cancer around the world. Prosperous developed countries share the same problems besetting Europe-and the countries and regions with fewer resources and less propitious conditions are in many cases struggling often heroically against a growing tide of disease. This paper offers a view on these geographically wider, but essentially similar, challenges, and on the prospects for and barriers to better results in this ceaseless battle. A series of panels have been organized by the European Alliance for Personalised Medicine (EAPM) to identify different aspects of cancer care around the globe. There is significant diversity in key issues such as NGS, RWE, molecular diagnostics, and reimbursement in different regions. In all, it leads to disparities in access and diagnostics, patients' engagement, and efforts for a better understanding of cancer.
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