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Qazi SU, Qamar U, Maqsood MT, Gul R, Ansari SA, Imtiaz Z, Noor A, Suheb MZK, Zaheer Z, Andleeb A, Naseem M, Akram MS, Ali M, Barmanwalla A, Tareen R, Zaheer I. Correction to: Efficacy of Allopurinol in Improving Endothelial Dysfunction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. High Blood Press Cardiovasc Prev 2024; 31:97. [PMID: 38133796 DOI: 10.1007/s40292-023-00619-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Shurjeel Uddin Qazi
- Department of Medicine, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan.
| | - Usama Qamar
- Department of Medicine, King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
| | | | - Rabbia Gul
- Department of Medicine, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Saad Ali Ansari
- Department of Medicine, Riverside School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Zeeshan Imtiaz
- Department of Medicine, King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Amatul Noor
- Department of Medicine, King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
| | | | - Zaofashan Zaheer
- Department of Medicine, King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Adeela Andleeb
- Department of Medicine, Allama Iqbal Medical College, Allama Shabbir Ahmed Usmani Road, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Masooma Naseem
- Department of Medicine, Ziauddin Medical University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | | | - Mubarak Ali
- Department of Medicine, King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Alina Barmanwalla
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Cape Cod Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rutab Tareen
- Department of Medicine, CMH Multan Institute of Medical Sciences, Naseem Hayath Road, Cantt Area, Multan, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Irfa Zaheer
- Department of Medicine, King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
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Qazi SU, Qamar U, Maqsood MT, Gul R, Ansari SA, Imtiaz Z, Noor A, Suheb MZK, Zaheer Z, Andleeb A, Naseem M, Akram MS, Ali M, Barmanwalla A, Tareen R, Zaheer I. Efficacy of Allopurinol in Improving Endothelial Dysfunction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. High Blood Press Cardiovasc Prev 2023; 30:539-550. [PMID: 38070035 DOI: 10.1007/s40292-023-00615-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Endothelial dysfunction has been implicated in various cardiovascular disorders as the initial pathology. Allopurinol has been shown to improve endothelial dysfunction in patients with gout, but its effect on cardiovascular patients is unclear. AIMS We aim to assess allopurinol efficacy in improving endothelial dysfunction overall and in different disease states including but not limited to heart failure, chronic kidney disease, ischemic heart disease METHODS: We conducted a literature search of PubMed, Cochrane's Central Library, and Scopus until December 2022, including randomized controlled trials and double-arm observational studies. The primary outcome measure was endothelial function assessed by change in flow mediated dilation (FMD) RESULTS: Our meta-analysis included 22 studies with a total of 1472 patients. Our pooled analysis shows that allopurinol significantly improved FMD (WMD = 1.46%, 95% CI [0.70, 2.22], p < 0.01) compared to control. However, there was no significant difference between allopurinol and control for endothelial-independent vasodilation measured by forearm blood flow (WMD = 0.10%, 95% CI [- 0.89, 0.69], p = 0.80). Subgroup analysis indicated that the effect of allopurinol on FMD was more significant in diabetic and congestive heart failure patients. CONCLUSION While allopurinol may improve endothelial function in various patient populations, further high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to determine its efficacy in preventing cardiovascular disease exacerbation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shurjeel Uddin Qazi
- Department of Medicine, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan.
| | - Usama Qamar
- Department of Medicine, King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
| | | | - Rabbia Gul
- Department of Medicine, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Saad Ali Ansari
- Department of Medicine, Riverside School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Zeeshan Imtiaz
- Department of Medicine, King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Amatul Noor
- Department of Medicine, King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
| | | | - Zaofashan Zaheer
- Department of Medicine, King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Adeela Andleeb
- Department of Medicine, Allama Iqbal Medical College, Allama Shabbir Ahmed Usmani Road, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Masooma Naseem
- Department of Medicine, Ziauddin Medical University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | | | - Mubarak Ali
- Department of Medicine, King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Alina Barmanwalla
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Cape Cod Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rutab Tareen
- Department of Medicine, CMH Multan Institute of Medical Sciences, Naseem Hayath Road, Cantt Area, Multan, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Irfa Zaheer
- Department of Medicine, King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
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Tabassum S, Kalsoom T, Zaheer Z, Naeem A, Afifi A, Ohadi L. Reflections on the surge in malaria cases after unprecedented flooding in Pakistan-A commentary. Health Sci Rep 2023; 6:e1620. [PMID: 37822844 PMCID: PMC10563404 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.1620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Malaria is a parasitic infection primarily caused by four main species of the genus Plasmodium, that is, Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium ovale, Plasmodium vivax, and Plasmodium malariae. It is transmitted through the bite of the female Anopheles mosquito. It holds the status of one of the leading causes of death in the developing world. Malaria is endemic to Pakistan, and the country experienced the worst floods in its history from April to October 2022. The stagnant flood water served as a breeding ground for mosquitoes, culminating in an alarming spike in malaria cases. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of cases reported till August 2022 was more than in the whole year of 2021. There was more than a twofold rise in cumulative cases in 62 high-burden Pakistani Districts in August 2022 as compared to August 2021. Aims This commentary aims to bring this emerging issue to notice and highlight the most effective probable measures to help eliminate and prevent the hazards the current outbreak poses. Results Rapid planning and execution are needed to ensure the most efficient and rapid elimination of malaria. To educate the general public, the national government must start public awareness efforts in electronic, print, and social media and deploy solar-powered mobile healthcare units to far-flung areas. Prophylactic and postexposure treatments should be planned because larvicidal preventive measures are less practical in flood-affected vicinities. Conclusion The most effective preventive strategy is drug prophylaxis, followed by insecticide-treated nets, indoor residual spraying, and untreated nets. Scientists should intensify their investigations for effective medications to alleviate the malaria burden in Pakistan.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Aroma Naeem
- King Edward Medical UniversityLahorePakistan
| | - Ahmed Afifi
- Benha University Faculty of MedicineBanhaEgypt
| | - Laya Ohadi
- Shahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
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Naeem A, Zaheer Z, Tabassum S, Nazir A, Naeem F. Diseases caused by floods with a spotlight on the present situation of unprecedented floods in Pakistan: a short communication. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2023; 85:3209-3212. [PMID: 37363450 PMCID: PMC10289694 DOI: 10.1097/ms9.0000000000000404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Few natural calamities surpass floods in their destructive capabilities. The recent floods in Pakistan were declared the world's deadliest since the South Asian floods of 2020 and were, by far, the most destructive floods in the country's history. They have resulted in significant loss of life and property and have served as the harbingers of cutaneous and noncutaneous diseases. These floods have dealt a critical blow to the country's already struggling healthcare system, which lacks resources for the prompt mobilization of medical personnel and resources to the flood-hit areas. Having lost their houses, the flood victims are wholly exposed to the elements. Lack of access to a clean water supply has predisposed them to a myriad of diseases. We believe that the consolidation of efforts by the national and international community will put an end to the plight of these flood victims. Our article highlights the significant diseases associated with floods, the challenges faced by the flood victims, and recommendations on how their situation can be improved.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Shehroze Tabassum
- Corresponding author. Address: King Edward Medical University, Nila Gumbad Chawk, Lahore 54000, Punjab, Pakistan. Tel.: +92 333 1783344 E-mail: (S. Tabassum)
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Qasim S, Zaheer Z, Jawad MY, Shad MU. Neurobiological Correlates of Psilocybin Response in Depression. Prim Care Companion CNS Disord 2023; 25. [PMID: 37230065 DOI: 10.4088/pcc.22r03419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: To synthesize the neurobiological basis of brain-resetting effects of psilocybin and identify neuroimaging correlates of psilocybin response in depressed patients. Data Sources: MEDLINE(R), Embase, APA PsycINFO, Cochrane, and CINAHL were systematically searched on June 3, 2022, with no date restrictions using the following string: (psilocybin) AND (psychedelics) AND (MRI) OR (fMRI)) OR (PET)) OR (SPECT)) OR (imaging)) OR (neuroimaging)). Study Selection: After duplicates were removed from 946 studies, 391 studies remained, of which 8 qualified for full-text analysis, but only 5 fulfilled the eligibility criteria of randomized, double-blind, or open-label neuroimaging study with psilocybin treatment in depressed patients. Data Extraction: The Covidence platform was used for deduplication and bias assessment. The a priori data points included concomitant psychological intervention, modality of neuroimaging technique, changes in depression scores, brain functional changes, and association between functional and psilocybin response. Assessment bias was assessed with the standard risk of bias tool for randomized controlled trials and the tool for risk of bias in nonrandomized studies of interventions. Results: Four studies were open-label, and one was a combined open-label and randomized controlled trial using functional magnetic resonance imaging. Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy was administered in 3 studies, 1 in refractory and 2 in nonrefractory patients. The remaining 2 studies were in refractory patients. The transient increase in psilocybin-induced global connectivity in major neural tracts and specific areas of brain activation was associated with antidepressant response. Conclusions: Transient functional brain changes with psilocybin therapy resemble the "brain reset" phenomenon and may serve as the putative predictors of psilocybin antidepressant response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saleha Qasim
- King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan
- Corresponding author: Saleha Qasim, MBBS, 1400 Bayou Shore Dr, Apt 207, Galveston, TX 77551
| | | | | | - Mujeeb U Shad
- University of Nevada Las Vegas, Nevada
- Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine, Las Vegas, Nevada
- The Valley Health System, Las Vegas, Nevada
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Jawad MY, Fatima M, Hassan U, Zaheer Z, Ayyan M, Ehsan M, Khan MHA, Qadeer A, Gull AR, Asif MT, Shad MU. Can antidepressant use be associated with emotional blunting in a subset of patients with depression? A scoping review of available literature. Hum Psychopharmacol 2023:e2871. [PMID: 37184083 DOI: 10.1002/hup.2871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite frequent recognition of emotional blunting in the published literature, either as a primary symptom of depression or as an adverse effect of antidepressants, there is no systematic synthesis on this topic to our knowledge. We undertook this scoping review to assess the prevalence, clinical features, implicated causes and management of emotional blunting, outlining the phenomenological and clinical gaps in research. METHOD A systematic search was done until March 15, 2022, to include all original studies (i.e., interventional trials, cohort & cross-sectional studies, case reports, and case series). All reviewed data were delineated to answer pertinent clinical, phenomenological, and management questions related to the phenomenon of emotional blunting. RESULTS A total of 25 original studies were included in our scoping review. Emotional blunting was described as a persistent diminution in both positive and negative feelings in depressed patients, who could subjectively differentiate it from their acute symptoms. However, the literature lacked the distinction between emotional blunting as a primary symptom of depression or an adverse effect of antidepressants. Common clinical strategies to manage antidepressant-induced emotional blunting included dose reduction or switching to a different antidepressant. CONCLUSION Emotional blunting was a significant patient-reported concern with antidepressants. Future research should clarify phenomenological and neurobiological constructs underlying emotional blunting to improve diagnostic and management skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Youshay Jawad
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Umer Hassan
- King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | | | | | | | | | - Ahsan Qadeer
- King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | | | | | - Mujeeb U Shad
- University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
- Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
- The Valley Health System, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
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Sangshetti JN, Khan FAK, Kute CS, Zaheer Z, Ahmed RZ. One-pot three-component synthesis of 3-(α-aminobenzyl)-4-hydroxycoumarin derivatives using nanocrystalline TiO2 as reusable catalyst. Russ J Org Chem 2015. [DOI: 10.1134/s107042801501011x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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