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Ashraf RZ, Ahmad B, Shafique F, Hassan MU, Asim N, Muhammad MW, Khawaja S, Butt S, Akbar N, Sheikh N. Evaluation of economic loss caused by Indian crested porcupine (Hystrix indica) in agricultural land of district Muzaffarabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan. BRAZ J BIOL 2021; 83:e249847. [PMID: 34524374 DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.249847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The Indian crested porcupine (Hystrix indica) is a vertebrate pest of agricultural lands and forest. The study was aimed to report the damage to local crops by the Indian crested porcupine (Hystrix indica) in the Muzaffarabad District. A survey was conducted to identify the porcupine-affected areas and assess the crop damage to the local farmers in district Muzaffarabad Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) from May 2017 to October 2017. Around 19 villages were surveyed, and a sum of 191 semi-structured questionnaires was distributed among farmers. Crop damage was found highest in village Dhanni where a porcupine destroyed 175 Kg/Kanal of the crops. Regarding the total magnitude of crop loss, village Danna and Koomi kot were the most affected areas. More than half (51.8%) of the respondents in the study area suffered the economic loss within the range of 101-200$, and (29.8%) of the people suffered losses in the range of 201-300$ annually. Among all crops, maize (Zea mays) was found to be the most damaged crop ranging between 1-300 Kg annually. In the study area, porcupine also inflicted a lot of damages to some important vegetables, including spinach (Spinacia oleracea), potato (Solanum tuberosum) and onion (Allium cepa). It was estimated that, on average, 511Kg of vegetables are destroyed by porcupine every year in the agricultural land of Muzaffarabad. It was concluded that the Indian crested porcupine has a devastating effect on agriculture which is an important source of income and food for the local community. Developing an effective pest control strategy with the help of the local government and the Wildlife department could help the farmers to overcome this problem.
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Rehman A, Akram AM, Chaudhary A, Sheikh N, Hussain Z, Alsanie WF, Rehman RA, Hameed N, Saleem T, Zafar A, Absar M, Iqbal Z, Alhazmi A, Baeshen HA, Mohammedsaleh ZM, Qamer S, Sayed S, Gaber A. RUNX1 mutation and elevated FLT3 gene expression cooperates to induce inferior prognosis in cytogenetically normal acute myeloid leukemia patients. Saudi J Biol Sci 2021; 28:4845-4851. [PMID: 34466057 PMCID: PMC8381075 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2021.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a bone marrow malignancy having multiple molecular pathways driving its progress. In recent years, the main causes of AML considered all over the world are genetic variations in cancerous cells. The RUNX1 and FLT3 genes are necessary for the normal hematopoiesis and differentiation process of hematopoietic stem cells into mature blood cells, therefore they are the most common targets for point mutations resulting in AML. Methods We screened 32 CN-AML patients for FLT3-ITD (by Allele-specific PCR) and RUNX1 mutations (by Sanger sequencing). The FLT3 mRNA expression was assessed in all AML patients and its subgroups. Results Eight patients (25%) carried RUNX1 mutation (K83E) while three patients (9.37%) were found to have internal tandem duplications in FLT3 gene. The RUNX1 mutation data were correlated with clinical parameters and FLT3 gene expression profile. The RUNX1 mutations were observed to be significantly prevalent in older males. Moreover, RUNX1 and FLT3-mutated patients had lower complete remission rate, event-free survival rate, and lower overall survival rate than patients with wild-type RUNX1 and FLT3 gene. The RUNX1 and FLT3 mutant patients with up-regulated FLT3 gene expression showed even worse prognosis. Bradford Assay showed that protein concentration was down-regulated in RUNX1 and FLT3 mutants in comparison to RUNX1 and FLT3 wild-type groups. Conclusion This study constitutes the first report from Pakistan reporting significant molecular mutation analysis of RUNX1 and FLT3 genes including FLT3 expression evaluation with follow-up. This provides an insight that aforementioned mutations are markers of poor prognosis but the study with a large AML cohort will be useful to further investigate their role in disease biology of AML.
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Hawley JE, Pan S, Kandadi H, Chaimowitz MG, Sheikh N, Drake CG. Analysis of Circulating Immune Biomarkers by Race in Men with Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Treated with Sipuleucel-T. J Natl Cancer Inst 2021; 114:314-317. [PMID: 34302463 PMCID: PMC8826456 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djab145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Among racial subgroups, Black men have the highest prostate cancer–specific death rate, yet they also exhibit prolonged overall survival compared with White men when treated with standard therapies, including sipuleucel-T. Differential immune responses may play a role in these observations. We compared circulating immune markers from 54 men (18 Black and 36 White) with metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer who received sipuleucel-T and were enrolled on an immune monitoring registry. Markers included longitudinal serum cytokine concentrations, humoral responses, and cellular immunity from baseline until 52 weeks after sipuleucel-T administration. Black men had statistically significantly higher median concentrations of TH2-type (interleukin [IL]-4, IL-10, and IL-13) and inflammatory cytokines (IL-2, IL-12, and IL-6) compared with prostate-specific antigen-matched White men both at baseline and 52 weeks after sipuleucel-T (2-sided P < .05). No differences by race were seen in either the antigen-specific T-cell response or the humoral responses to the immunizing antigen PA2024 and select secondary antigens.
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Ahmad Z, Abbasi MH, Ahmad SR, Sheikh N. Molecular classification and comparative phylogeographic study of insectivorous bat species (Pipisitrellus coromandra) from Punjab, Pakistan. BRAZ J BIOL 2021; 82:e240725. [PMID: 34105650 DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.240725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular based identification of bat fauna in Pakistan has been relatively less explored. The current study was therefore planned to report for the first time the molecular classification of insectivorous bats (Pipistrellus coromandra) based on mitochondrion gene (COI) from Punjab, Pakistan. Specimens were collected from five different locations followed by DNA extraction with subsequent gene amplification and sequencing. All samples in the study had shown close identity matches with species (Pipistrellus coromandra) from India and (Pipistrellus tenuis) from Vietnam with percentage identity score of 96.11 and 95.58 respectively except one sequence which only revealed 86.78% identity match on Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) and could only be assigned to genus level Pipistrellus sp. The results indicated negligible intra-population genetic distance among collected samples whereas the comparison with species from other countries had shown high intraspecific (P. coromandra) and interspecific (P. tenuis) mean genetic distances. The current study hence successfully proved the efficiency of COI gene as a molecular marker for species identification and in analyzing the patterns of genetic variation with species from other countries.
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Fatima N, Sheikh N, Satoskar AR, Jha BK, Akhtar T, Tayyeb A, Ashfaq I. Interaction of tacrolimus through hedgehog signaling pathway: An in vitro evaluation using rat hepatocytes. Hum Exp Toxicol 2021; 40:1955-1961. [PMID: 33977768 DOI: 10.1177/09603271211017313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Tacrolimus (TAC) is the drug of choice in immunosuppressive therapy for organ transplantation; however, adverse effects are still a major concern. The current study aims to decipher the short-term exposure of TAC on rat hepatocytes in relation to activation of hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway. Time dependent study was conducted using primary rat hepatocytes treated with TAC (36 µM) for 6, 12, 24 and 48 h. Western blot analysis was performed using cell lysate in order to analyze the regulation of HH pathway proteins including HHIP, SMO, PTCH, IHH, SHH, and GLI transcription factors. The study revealed change in protein expression of HH signaling molecules with activation of HH pathway, due to downregulation of HHIP, and enrichment of HH ligands with activation of SMO and GLI transcription factors. It is therefore, concluded that short term TAC exposure leads to upregulation of HH pathway in liver, which may initially act to repair the liver damage but can worsen the condition in case of prolonged immunosuppressive therapy. This insight could lead to understand association of off target effects of immunosuppressive drugs and occurrence of other liver diseases in transplant patients when it comes to long term immunosuppressive therapy. These findings also illuminate a novel direction that use of HH inhibitor might provide a therapeutic strategy for immune suppression related liver disorders.
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Basu J, Jayakumar S, Miles C, Parry-Williams G, Maclachlan H, Sheikh N, Bulleros P, Fanton Z, Carr-White G, Behr E, O"driscoll J, Sharma S, Tome M, Nikoletou D, Papadakis M. Six-month outcomes of a high intensity exercise programme in young patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: The SAFE-HCM trial. Eur J Prev Cardiol 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/eurjpc/zwab061.344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: Other. Main funding source(s): Cardiac Risk in the Young
Background
Moderate intensity exercise training in older patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) can improve functional capacity, without significant harm. However, younger patients are attracted to high intensity training (HIT) regimes. The SAFE-HCM study demonstrated that an individually tailored, HIT programme in young patients with HCM was feasible, and provided both health and psychological benefits, without an increase in the burden of arrhythmia.
Purpose
To assess whether observed benefits of a HIT programme in young patients with HCM are sustained at 6 months.
Methods
Eighty patients with HCM (45.7y+/-8.6) underwent baseline clinical and psychological assessment. Individuals were randomised to a 12-week HIT programme (n = 40) or usual care (n = 40). Baseline evaluation was repeated at 12 weeks (T12). Feasibility, safety, health and psychological benefits were assessed. At 12-weeks individuals were encouraged to continue with the frequency and intensity of physical activity (PA) achieved at the end of the cardiac rehabilitation programme. Participants in the exercise arm were invited to follow-up at 6 months (T6m).
Results
The majority (83%) of participants completed the 12-week study. At T12 there was no significant difference between groups in the composite arrhythmia safety outcome (p = 0.99). The indices of exercise capacity were significantly improved in the exercise compared to the control group; peak VO2 (+3.7ml/kg/min [CI 1.1,6.3], p = 0.006), VO2/kg at anaerobic threshold (VO2/kgAT) (+2.44ml/kg/min [CI 0.6,4.2], p = 0.009), time to AT (+115s [CI 54.3,175.9], p < 0.001) and exercise time (max ET) (+108s [CI 33.7,182.2], p = 0.005). The exercise group also demonstrated greater reduction in systolic BP (-7.3mmHg [CI -11.7,-2.8], p = 0.002), BMI (-0.8kg/m2 [CI-1.1,-0.4], p < 0.001), anxiety (-2.6 [CI-3.6,-1.6], p= <0.001) and depression (-1.1 [CI -2.0,-0.2], p = 0.015) scores. At T6m patient reported exercise adherence was comparable to baseline PA in 33/34 of the exercise group attending for follow up. Most exercise gains dissipated with the exception of time to AT (p = 0.002), max ET (p = 0.003), VO2/kgAT (p = 0.04) and anxiety score (p < 0.001) (Figure 1). There were no sustained episodes of atrial or ventricular arrhythmias. The incidence of NSVT did not differ between time points (p = 0.09).
Conclusion
A 12-week HIT programme in young patients with HCM offers considerable gains in fitness and psychological outcomes, with no increase in arrhythmic burden. At T6m exercise levels as well as most physiological adaptations and health benefits returned to baseline, as seen in other studies when formal participation in an exercise programme comes to an end. This highlights the importance of the implementation of strategies to encourage ongoing engagement in PA. Potential solutions include identification of barriers to exercise, as well as adoption of novel tele-rehabilation approaches.
Abstract Figure 1 Sustained benefits at T6m
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Sambhwani S, Kandiah A, Rayan F, Wazir A, Sheikh N. 765 Reducing ‘At Risk’ Skin in Neck of Femur Fracture (NOF) Patients – A Quality Improvement Project Standardising Catheterisation and Peri-Operative Care. Br J Surg 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/bjs/znab134.484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction
A service evaluation audit highlighted significant variation in our practice as regards catheterisation in NOF patients. A pilot protocol was developed with real time data monitoring to see if we could improve our patients’ pathway.
Method
The protocol focussed on early catheterisation, monitoring the condition of patients’ skin, documentation around catheter care and removal instructions and surveillance for urinary tract infection rates (UTI)
Results
150 patients were included in the pilot. There was a reduction by more than 50% of patients assessed as having at risk or broken skin. 94.5% of patients were catheterised out of theatres (previously only 4%) saving an average of 14 minutes of theatre time per case. Delays in catheter removal after documented request reduced by 2 days and our UTI rates were relatively unchanged (3.3% compared to 2.7%). Documentation significantly improved. We also noted that overall length of stay was reduced by 2 days.
Conclusions
Standardising our care pathway has improved our patient care and documentation. It has benefitted theatre efficiency and also nursing of fragile skin in 'at risk' patients. Prompting early removal and compliance may have also had a positive impact on overall length of stay. This has been a successful quality improvement project in our department.
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Sambhwani S, Al-Shahwani A, Sheikh N. 759 Maintaining Surgical Education and Team Morale During A Pandemic – Can A Virtual Educational Platform Deliver Effective Engagement and Personal Development of Non-Technical Skills? Br J Surg 2021. [PMCID: PMC8135652 DOI: 10.1093/bjs/znab134.167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Introduction The COVID 19 pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges in healthcare, leading to a dramatic change in service provision and impacting surgical training. We developed a new educational timetable to maintain an ethos of education safely; focusing on providing an opportunity to develop non-technical skills and maintain reflective practice. Method Microsoft Teams was used in our department with two separate streams of weekly education; journal club with focus on developing critical evaluation skills, and a case based in depth discussion forum to develop presentation skills and evidence based management. A questionnaire was sent out after 10 weeks to evaluate the effectiveness and engagement. Results From 53 responses, 72% felt that their engagement in teaching increased with a virtual platform with an overall satisfaction of 88%. Reflective practice increased and 40% felt their non-technical skills improved. Overall, 68% preferred to continue learning virtually and 88% would recommend this to their peers. 92% felt that the platform played a pivotal role in helping maintain team morale during this period. Conclusions There has been good engagement with positive reflection and learning at a time of great change in the NHS benefiting training and non-training doctors. We recommend incorporating virtual platforms to provide education in all surgical departments.
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Khawar MB, Abbasi MH, Hussain S, Riaz M, Rafiq M, Mehmood R, Sheikh N, Amaan HN, Fatima S, Jabeen F, Ahmad Z, Farooq A. Psychological impacts of COVID-19 and satisfaction from online classes: disturbance in daily routine and prevalence of depression, stress, and anxiety among students of Pakistan. Heliyon 2021; 7:e07030. [PMID: 34095563 PMCID: PMC8165417 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study investigated the (i) socio-demographic predictors of psychological distress, (ii) socio-demographic predictors of satisfaction from online classes, and (iii) the relationship between psychological distress and satisfaction from online classes among university students of Pakistan during the COVID-19 pandemic. An online questionnaire-based survey was conducted. A total of 2220 respondents that was enrolled at the University of the Punjab (PU), University of Management and Technology (UMT), and the University of Central Punjab (UCP) were involved in the current study. Data were collected at a 64% response rate and analyzed with SPSS IBM Version 21.0. Results revealed that approximately 41% of the students were facing severe psychological distress while about 65% were found unsatisfied with online classes. Besides, a linear negative relationship between the independent variable, i.e. psychological distress and the dependent variable, i.e. satisfaction from online classes was found. Therefore, to minimize the level of psychological distress and increase students' satisfaction with online classes it is highly recommended to take precautionary measures by the relevant stakeholders.
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Rehman A, Akhtar T, Hameed N, Sheikh N. In vivo assessment of bisphenol A induced histopathological alterations and inflammatory gene expression in lungs of male Wistar rats. Hum Exp Toxicol 2021; 40:538-549. [PMID: 33645299 DOI: 10.1177/0960327120958459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA), an imperative environmental contaminant used in polycarbonate plastics. Due to limited information concerning the effect of BPA on lungs, this study design to assess whether BPA cause alterations in histopathology and trace metal content in lungs of rats. They were divided into five groups with five rats per group. Group I was named as control group. Group L6 and L12 were received BPA (10 mg/kg body weight/day) for 6 weeks and 12 weeks respectively. Group H6 and L12 were given BPA (25 mg/kg body weight/day) for 6 weeks and 12 weeks respectively. Considerable alteration in Cu, Zn and Fe was detected in experimental groups. BPA also caused significant increase in the expression of tumor necrosis factor α that mediate the pulmonary inflammatory response. Comparative study of resolved proteins i.e. 72 KDa (matrix metalloproteinase 2 fragment) and 109 KDa (nucleolin) on SDS-PAGE showed their altered expression in experimental groups. Histopathology of experimental groups revealed altered architecture of lungs. Special staining of BPA treated groups showed significant number of mast cells in alveoli and bronchioles. Prolonged administration of BPA causes deleterious aggravating lung damage even at extremely low dose, so the use of BPA should be prohibited in plastic synthesizing industries.
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Amin A, Sheikh N, Mukhtar M, Saleem T, Akhtar T, Fatima N, Mehmood R. Association of interleukin-17 gene polymorphisms with the onset of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Immunobiology 2020; 226:152045. [PMID: 33387966 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2020.152045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder where multiple cytokines including IL-17A and IL-17F produced by T helper cell 17 (Th17), contribute to its pathogenesis. By initiating inflammatory responses in joints Th17 act as pathogenic driver leading to bone and cartilage destruction in RA patients. Hence, the planned study was aimed to estimate IL-17 gene polymorphism association with RA susceptibility in Pakistani population. The present study included 100 subjects (50 RA patients and 50 healthy controls). Blood samples were taken and DNA was isolated for genotyping purpose. Chi square and Logistic regression analysis was performed to check the association of selected SNPs with RA. For rs2397084 and rs763780 polymorphism T allele acted as significant risk factor as compared to the reference C allele. TT vs. CC comparison in rs2397084 showed that T allele is a risk factor (OR 5.538; 95%Cl 1.757-17.458) in RA susceptibility. In case of rs763780 heterozygous CT (OR 10.80; 95% Cl 3.736-31.218) and homozygous mutant TT (OR 7.50; 95% Cl 2.360-23.831) genotypes proved to be a potential risk for RA patients. The significant differences in allelic and genotypic frequencies were observed for both SNPs. While for rs2275913 significantly varied frequency was observed only for dominant model of inheritance and non significant differences were seen at allelic level. Variation at all these three polymorphic sites substituted mutant amino acids leading to further functional changes in protein structure. Three polymorphic sites rs2275913, rs763780 and rs2397084 positioned on IL-17 gene were significantly strong factors in RA incidence among Pakistani population as they alter normal function of inflammatory cytokine IL-17.
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Hameed W, Sheikh N, Liaqat I, Mukhtar M, Tayyab A, Azam F, Mehmood R. Gene expression of RAGE, HMGB1 and BAX as Genetic markers of diabetic myocardial infarction in population of Pakistan. J BIOL REG HOMEOS AG 2020; 34:2109-2113. [PMID: 33207863 DOI: 10.23812/20-360-l] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Georgiopoulos G, Zampieri M, Molaro S, Chaloupka A, Barra B, Roberts L, Monje-Garcia L, Evans C, Sheikh N, Bastiaenen R, Masci P, Carr-White G, Finocchiaro G, Chiribiri A. Role of myocardial T1 mapping in arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy. Eur Heart J 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/ehjci/ehaa946.0209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
T1 mapping by cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is an accurate tool to assess myocardial extracellular space with wider clinical applications in the aetiological characterization of cardiomyopathies. The aims of the study were to explore a possible role of myocardial T1 mapping in patients with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) and in first-degree relatives at risk and to investigate the possible relationship between left ventricular (LV) involvement at CMR and ECG features.
Methods
Thirty patients with ARVC (47% males, mean age 42±22 years) and 59 first-degree relatives who did not fulfil ARVC diagnostic Task Force criteria, underwent full diagnostic work-up including CMR with native and post-contrast T1 mapping.
Results
The CMR was abnormal in 26 (86%) patients with ARVC. The RV was affected in isolation in 13 (43%) patients. Prior to T1 mapping assessment, 2 (7%) patients exhibited isolated LV involvement and 11 (36%) patients showed features of biventricular disease. Left ventricular involvement was manifested as detectable LV late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) in 12 out of 13 cases. According to pre-specified septal T1 mapping thresholds, 11 (37%) patients showed abnormally high native T1 values. Myocardial T1 mapping was higher than normal in 5 (17%) patients who would have been classified as exhibiting a normal LV by conventional imaging. The proportion of patients with abnormal T1 values was similar in patients with or without LGE. Myocardial T1 mapping was higher than normal in 22 (37%) of the 59 first-degree relatives.
Conclusions
Native and/or post contrast myocardial T1 values are raised in almost half of patients with ARVC and in a similar proportion of unaffected first-degree relatives. T1 mapping offers the potential for early detection of LV involvement in patients with ARVC and in first-degree relatives at risk.
Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding source: None
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Basu J, Poveda Velazquez P, Parry-Williams G, Miles C, Tilby-Jones F, Sheikh N, Malhotra A, Bulleros P, Chis Ster I, O'Driscoll J, Behr E, Sharma S, Tome M, Nikoletu D, Papadakis M. Safety and outcomes of a structured exercise programme in young patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: the SAFE-HCM trial. Eur Heart J 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/ehjci/ehaa946.3094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Contemporary studies in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) suggest that moderate intensity exercise can improve cardiorespiratory fitness without raising significant safety concerns. Although low/moderate intensity exercise may be appropriate for older HCM patients, it is unlikely to attract younger, often asymptomatic patients, who wish to engage in higher intensity regimes.
Purpose
To assess the feasibility, safety and outcomes of an individually tailored, high intensity exercise programme in young patients with HCM.
Methods
In this RCT, 80 patients with HCM, aged 16–60 (mean 45.7, [SD8.6]) underwent baseline testing with ECG, echocardiography, blood testing, exercise testing, 48-hour ECG and psychological assessment. Individuals were randomised to a 12-week supervised exercise programme (HRR increased from 70–85%) (n=40) or usual activity (n=40). Baseline investigations were repeated at 12 weeks.
Feasibility was assessed by a) recruitment, adherence and retention rates; b) staffing ratios and logistics; c) acceptability of the intervention/educational materials. Safety was assessed as a composite of 1) cardiovascular death, 2) cardiac arrest, 3) device therapy, 4) exercise induced syncope, 5) sustained/non-sustained (NS) ventricular tachycardia (VT) or 6) sustained atrial arrhythmias. Secondary outcomes included health and psychological benefits.
Results
67 individuals (82.5%) completed the study. Reasons for refusal included travel, work and family commitments. The majority (64.7%) of exercising individuals progressed to 85%HRR. Resource requirements were similar to other programmes. All individuals felt supported, more confident to exercise, and found educational materials clear and informative.
There was no significant difference between groups for the composite safety outcome. One individual experienced exercise induced syncope due to ventricular standstill (exercise) and another sustained VT (control). Both required device implantation. There was no significant difference between groups in episodes of NSVT (p=0.573) or ectopic burden (p=0.729).
At 12 weeks, exercise group participants demonstrated greater activity levels (+1.1 hours [CI 0.2–2.1], p=0.024). The change in peak aerobic capacity (+255.2ml/min [CI 93.2–417.1], p=0.003), time to anaerobic threshold (AT) (+115s [CI 54.2–176.0], p<0.001), total exercise time (+108.1s [CI 33.1–183.0], p=0.005) and oxygen uptake at AT (+2.44ml/kg/min [CI 0.6–4.2], p=0.009) were all significantly greater in the exercise group. HADS anxiety (p<0.001) and depression (p=0.017) scores demonstrated the greatest reduction in the exercise group.
Conclusions
A high intensity exercise programme is feasible in young patients with HCM, with considerable gains in cardiorespiratory fitness and psychological outcomes. Importantly, arrhythmia burden was not increased in the exercise group. Further research is still required to assess the long-term safety of high intensity exercise in the HCM population.
Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding source: Other. Main funding source(s): Cardiac Risk in the Young
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Saleem T, Sheikh N, Abbasi MH, Javed I, Khawar MB. COVID-19 containment and its unrestrained impact on epilepsy management in resource-limited areas of Pakistan. Epilepsy Behav 2020; 112:107476. [PMID: 33181895 PMCID: PMC7518832 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.107476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The current pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) that led to an unprecedented crisis with significant health, social, and economic repercussions presented more serious concerns for those living with some chronic conditions such as epilepsy. This study was aimed to find out impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on management of epilepsy. A cross-sectional study was conducted through telephone interviews, targeting 213 caregivers of pediatric patients with epilepsy, belonging to underserved areas of Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan. A simple questionnaire was designed to record the responses of participants relevant to the direct and indirect effects of COVID-19 pandemic and their knowledge about possible ways that can be accessed for the management of epilepsy during an ongoing pandemic. The current study, which holds 77% of the respondents from rural areas and 23% from urban settings, showed that partial measures of lockdown taken to stop or slow the spread of COVID-19 resulted in adverse economic and health outcomes in the said population including cancelation of follow-up visits, worsening of seizures, job loss, burden of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) costs, and discontinuation of medicines. Furthermore, knowledge about alternative ways to access health facilities was found very poor among caregivers. Income sources of poor people disrupted by lockdown can lead to unintentional nonadherence to medication, which is a clear picture of inequitable distribution of resources. This study highlights the major issues faced by the caregivers during this ongoing pandemic of COVID-19.
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Sheikh W, Sheikh N. A Model-View-ViewModel (MVVM) Application Framework for Hearing Impairment Diagnosis - Design and Features. 2020 INTERMOUNTAIN ENGINEERING, TECHNOLOGY AND COMPUTING (IETC) 2020. [DOI: 10.1109/ietc47856.2020.9249124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
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Sheikh W, Sheikh N. A Model-View-ViewModel (MVVM) Application Framework for Hearing Impairment Diagnosis - Type Dependency Architecture. 2020 INTERMOUNTAIN ENGINEERING, TECHNOLOGY AND COMPUTING (IETC) 2020. [DOI: 10.1109/ietc47856.2020.9249181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
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Sheikh W, Sheikh N. A Model-View-ViewModel (MVVM) Application Framework for Hearing Impairment Diagnosis - Class Inheritance Architecture. 2020 INTERMOUNTAIN ENGINEERING, TECHNOLOGY AND COMPUTING (IETC) 2020. [DOI: 10.1109/ietc47856.2020.9249215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
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Chowdhury MT, Sheikh N, Haque M, Shakil SS, Tanni AZ. A 16 Years Young Girl with Noonan Syndrome. Mymensingh Med J 2020; 29:1004-1009. [PMID: 33116109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Noonan's syndrome is a developmental disorder characterized by short stature, typical facial dysmorphia, congenital heart defects and skeletal deformity. It may be sporadic or inherited as an autosomal dominant or recessive trait which occurs, one in 1000-2500 live births. We report a case of 16 years young girl presented to the hospital with short stature, Shortness of breath, morphologic features and congenital heart defect of Noonan Syndrome who has no similar history in the family and admitted in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University on 12th August 2018.
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Ghafoor S, Akhtar T, Khawar MB, Sheikh N. Alterations in hepatic trace elements and ferritin expression in high energy diet fed rat model. J BIOL REG HOMEOS AG 2020; 34:1229-1233. [PMID: 32643354 DOI: 10.23812/18-360-l-70] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Sheikh W, Sheikh N. Audiometry: A model-view-viewmodel (MVVM) application framework for hearing impairment diagnosis. JOURNAL OF OPEN SOURCE SOFTWARE 2020. [DOI: 10.21105/joss.02016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
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Hameed N, Abbasi MH, Akhtar T, Sheikh N. Hematotoxicity and testicular injury induced by Bisphenol A in Rattus norvegicus. J BIOL REG HOMEOS AG 2020; 34:1493-1500. [PMID: 32894934 DOI: 10.23812/20-226-l] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
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Afzal M, Ali A, Sheikh N, Rafique S, Idrees M. Peripheral Expression of CXCL10 Gene in Chronic Hepatitis C Patients Treated with Sofosbuvir, Daclatasvir, and Ribavirin. J Interferon Cytokine Res 2020; 40:301-309. [PMID: 32486887 DOI: 10.1089/jir.2019.0185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) causes persistent infection and invades host's innate and adaptive immune systems. During the eradication of this pathogen, the components of immune system may cause bystander damage to host, which might be even worse than the viral pathogenesis. Thus, the therapy should not only eliminate primary virus infection but also improve the inflammatory immune responses. The breakthrough of interferon free direct acting antiviral (DAA) drugs has provided the opportunity to unravel the association of HCV with immune response. This study aimed to examine the expression level of C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10) in the Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of HCV infected patients treated with DAAs + Ribavirin. In this study we analyzed the expression levels of CXCL10 mRNA in the 90 chronic HCV patients using quantitative PCR (qPCR) prior, after, and during therapy with sofosbuvir/ribavirin (SOF+RBV) and sofosbuvir/daclatasvir/ribavirin (SOF+DCV+RBV), and further, the results were analyzed relative to treatment response. Significantly elevated CXCL10 mRNA was seen in naive patients having higher viral load (P = 0.005) and those suffering from hepatocellular carcinoma (P = 0.006). HCV patients had remarkable decline in CXCL10 level after 4, 12, and 24 weeks of therapy with DAAs. An approximate one-fold decrease was observed in patients who attained sustained virological response compared to untreated patients (P < 0.0001). Comparing the 2 regimens, the reduction in peripheral CXCL10 expression was more pronounced in patients undergoing SOF+DCV+RBV therapy. The current study implicitly shows the role of CXCL10 as an indicator of disruption of host-virus equilibrium and consequent pathogenesis of HCV during successful antiviral therapy. Furthermore, the drop in CXCL10 level after HCV viral clearance might reflect the DAA-induced alleviation in the extrahepatic manifestation of this infection.
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Basit F, Akhtar T, Hameed N, Abbasi MH, Sheikh N. Subchronic toxicity of bisphenol A on the architecture of spleen and hepatic trace metals and protein profile of adult male Wistar rats. Hum Exp Toxicol 2020; 39:1355-1363. [PMID: 32394729 DOI: 10.1177/0960327120921440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA) is one of the widely used chemical as a plasticizer and regarded as endocrine disruptor because of its ability to derail body metabolic functions and adverse effect on the vital organs. The present work outlined the subchronic effect of low-dose BPA (10 mg/kg) on histology of spleen, level of hepatic trace metals, and hepatic protein profile of Wistar rats. To conduct the research work, animals were grouped into two categories (n = 5). Group 1 was labelled as the control group and group 2 was taken as an experimental group. Experimental group was exposed to low-dose BPA for 12 weeks. Histopathology of spleen highlighted dilation in splenic sinuses, follicle activation, followed by depopulation in the area of white pulp and red pulp in the experimental group. Iron staining revealed significant hemosiderosis in the experimental group when compared with the control group. Statistically significant decrease was noted in zinc and copper concentrations, while nonsignificant change was observed for magnesium concentration through atomic absorption spectroscopy. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was run for hepatic protein profiling, and as compared to control, elevated levels of different proteins were observed in the experimental group. It can be concluded from the above results that even low dose of BPA causes changes in the major organs of the body. Hence, it is suggested that BPA alternative should be used, so that public health status can be secured.
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Song R, Schrickx H, Balar N, Siddika S, Sheikh N, O’Connor BT. Unveiling the Stress–Strain Behavior of Conjugated Polymer Thin Films for Stretchable Device Applications. Macromolecules 2020. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.9b02573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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