Review Articles

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http://hdl.handle.net/2003/35676

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J. G. Hengstler
Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors
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B. C. Behera, Pune, India
T. Chen, Stanford, CA/USA
E. Corsini, Milan, Italy
P. Diel, Cologne, Germany
C. Esser, Duesseldorf, Germany
P. B. Farmer, Leicester/UK
S. Hammad, South Valley/Egypt
P. Jennings, Innsbruck, Austria
M. Lotti, Bonn, Germany / Padova, Italy
P. Micke, Uppsala, Sweden
A. N. Misra, Ranchi, Jharkhand State, India
B. Ponugoti, Pennsylvania, PA/USA
C. Pope, Stillwater, OK/USA
K. Renganathan, Johnstown, PA/USA
S. D. Ray, Fort Wayne, IN/USA
M. Schwarz, Tuebingen, Germany
J. Timmer, Freiburg, Germany
H. van Steeg, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
A. Winterpacht, Erlangen, Germany
Y. Zhou, New Haven, CT/USA

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Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors
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Now showing 1 - 11 of 11

Consolidation radiotherapy for advanced-stage aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma
(2017-11-21) Yap, Ernie; Law, Zhe Kang; Aslan Abdullah, Nik Muhd; Abdul Wahid, S. Fadilah
Patients with advanced aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL) are usually treated with rituximab in combination with chemotherapy. However, disease relapse rates are high. Radiotherapy (RT) has been shown to be efficacious in treating early-stage NHL but its role in advanced stage diseases is unclear. We performed a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing chemotherapy with RT to chemotherapy alone in patients with newly diagnosed advanced aggressive NHL. We searched online databases and pooled similar outcome estimates. For time-to-event outcomes, we estimated hazard ratios (HR) for overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) using the fixed-effect model. Two RCTs involving 254 patients met inclusion criteria. The trials were single-centre RCTs with follow-up period of five and ten years. Both trials were conducted in the pre-rituximab era. Patients treated with consolidation RT had better OS (HR for mortality 0.61; 95 % CI 0.38 to 0.97) and EFS (HR for mortality 0.67; 95 % CI 0.46 to 0.98) compared to those who received no RT. There was an apparent benefit of RT on local control (OR 0.09; 95 % CI 0.04 to 0.20); although this was estimated as a dichotomous rather than time-to-event outcome. Limited evidence shows benefits of consolidation RT in advanced aggressive NHL. However, we were not able to estimate the effect size with confidence due to small number of trials and sample size. We cannot recommend routine consolidation RT in advanced aggressive NHL. More RCTs with the inclusion of rituximab and PET-CT monitoring are needed.
The relation between rice consumption, arsenic contamination, and prevalence of diabetes in South Asia
(2017-10-09) Hassan, Fatima Ismail; Niaz, Kamal; Khan, Fazlullah; Maqbool, Faheem; Abdollahi, Mohammad
Rice is the major staple food for about two billion people living in Asia. It has been reported to contain considerable amount of inorganic arsenic which is toxic to pancreatic beta cells and disrupt glucose homeostasis. Articles and conference papers published between 1992 and 2017, indexed in Scopus, PubMed, EMBASE, Google, and Google scholar were used. Arsenic exposure has been associated with increased blood glucose and insulin levels, or decreased sensitization of insulin cells to glucose uptake. Several studies have shown the association between inorganic arsenic exposure and incidence of diabetes mellitus. Considerable amounts of arsenic have been reported in different types of rice which may be affected by cultivation methods, processing, and country of production. Use of certain microbes, fertilizers, and enzymes may reduce arsenic uptake or accumulation in rice, which may reduce its risk of toxicity. Combined exposure to contaminated rice, other foods and drinking water may increase the risk of diabetes in these countries. Maximum tolerated daily intake of arsenic contaminated rice (2.1 μg/day kg body weight) has been set by WHO, which may be exceeded depending on its content in rice and amount consumed. Hence, increased prevalence of diabetes in South Asia may be related to the consumption of arsenic contaminated rice depending on its content in the rice and daily amount consumed. In this review, we have focused on the possible relation between rice consumption, arsenic contamination, and prevalence of diabetes in South Asia.
The impact of stress on body function
(2017-07-21) Yaribeygi, Habib; Panahi, Yunes; Sahraei, Hedayat; Johnston, Thomas P.; Sahebkar, Amirhossein
Any intrinsic or extrinsic stimulus that evokes a biological response is known as stress. The compensatory responses to these stresses are known as stress responses. Based on the type, timing and severity of the applied stimulus, stress can exert various actions on the body ranging from alterations in homeostasis to life-threatening effects and death. In many cases, the pathophysiological complications of disease arise from stress and the subjects exposed to stress, e.g. those that work or live in stressful environments, have a higher likelihood of many disorders. Stress can be either a triggering or aggravating factor for many diseases and pathological conditions. In this study, we have reviewed some of the major effects of stress on the primary physiological systems of humans.
Physical activity and beta-amyloid pathology in Alzheimer's disease
(2017-06-28) Ebrahimi, Khadije; Majdi, Alireza; Baghaiee, Behrouz; Hosseini, Seyed Hojjat; Sadigh-Eteghad, Saeed
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common type of dementia worldwide. Since curative treatment has not been established for AD yet and due to heavy financial and psychological costs of patients’ care, special attention has been paid to preventive interventions such as physical activity. Evidence shows that physical activity has protective effects on cognitive function and memory in AD patients. Several pathologic factors are involved in AD-associated cognitive impairment some of which are preventable by physical activity. Also, various experimental and clinical studies are in progress to prove exercise role in the beta-amyloid (Aβ) pathology as a most prevailing hypothesis explaining AD pathogenesis. This study aims to review the role of physical activity in Aβ-related pathophysiology in AD.
Endo-cannabinoids system and the toxicity of cannabinoids with a biotechnological approach
(2017-05-15) Niaz, Kamal; Khan, Fazlullah; Maqbool, Faheem; Momtaz, Saeideh; Ismail Hassan, Fatima; Nobakht-Haghighi, Navid; Rahimifard, Mahban; Abdollahi, Mohammad
Cannabinoids have shown diverse and critical effects on the body systems, which alter the physiological functions. Synthetic cannabinoids are comparatively innovative misuse drugs with respect to their nature of synthesis. Synthetic cannabinoids therapy in healthy, chain smokers, and alcoholic individuals cause damage to the immune and nervous system, eventually leading to intoxication throughout the body. Relevant studies were retrieved using major electronic databases such as PubMed, EMBASE, Medline, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The extensive use of Cannabis Sativa L. (C. Sativa) and its derivatives/analogues such as the nonpsychoactive dimethyl heptyl homolog (CBG-DMH), and tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) amongst juveniles and adults have been enhanced in recent years. Cannabinoids play a crucial role in the induction of respiratory, reproductive, immune and carcinogenic effects; however, potential data about mutagenic and developmental effects are still insufficient. The possible toxicity associated with the prolong use of cannabinoids acts as a tumor promoter in animal models and humans. Particular synthetic cannabinoids and analogues have low affinity for CB1 or CB2 receptors, while some synthetic members like Δ9-THC have high affinity towards these receptors. Cannabinoids and their derivatives have a direct or indirect association with acute and long-term toxicity. To reduce/attenuate cannabinoids toxicity, pharmaceutical biotechnology and cloning methods have opened a new window to develop cannabinoids encoding the gene tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) synthase. Plant revolution and regeneration hindered genetic engineering in C. Sativa. The genetic culture suspension of C. Sativa can be transmuted by the use of Agrobacterium tumefaciens to overcome its toxicity. The main aim of the present review was to collect evidence of the endo-cannabinoid system (ECS), cannabinoids toxicity, and the potential biotechnological approach of cannabinoids synthesis.
Ischemic preconditioning modulates ROS to confer protection in liver ischemia and reperfusion
(2017-04-07) Bystrom, Phillip; Foley, Nicole; Toledo-Pereyra, Luis; Quesnelle, Kelly
Ischemia reperfusion (IR) injury is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in liver transplantation. When oxygen is reintroduced to the liver graft it initiates a cascade of molecular reactions leading to the release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and pro-inflammatory cytokines. These soluble mediators propagate a sterile immune response to cause significant tissue damage. Ischemic preconditioning (IPC) is one method that reduces hepatocellular injury by altering the immune response and inhibiting the production of ROS. Studies quantifying the effects of IPC in humans have demonstrated an improved liver enzyme panel in patients receiving grafts pretreated with IPC as compared to patients receiving the standard of care. In our review, we explore current literature in the field in order to describe the mechanism through which IPC regulates the production of ROS and improves IR injury.
The role of magnesium sulfate in the intensive care unit
(2017-04-05) Panahi, Yunes; Mojtahedzadeh, Mojtaba; Najafi, Atabak; Ghaini, Mohammad Reza; Abdollahi, Mohammad; Sharifzadeh, Mohammad; Ahmadi, Arezoo; Rajaee, Seyyed Mahdi; Sahebkar, Amirhossein
Magnesium (Mg) has been developed as a drug with various clinical uses. Mg is a key cation in physiological processes, and the homeostasis of this cation is crucial for the normal function of body organs. Magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) is a mineral pharmaceutical preparation of magnesium that is used as a neuroprotective agent. One rationale for the frequent use of MgSO4 in critical care is the high incidence of hypomagnesaemia in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Correction of hypomagnesaemia along with the neuroprotective properties of MgSO4 has generated a wide application for MgSO4 in ICU.
Gentamicin nephrotoxicity in animals: current knowledge and future perspectives
(2017-03-24) Randjelović, Pavle; Veljković, Slavimir; Stojiljković, Nenad; Sokolović, Dušan; Ilić, Ivan
Due to high relative blood flow the kidney is prone to drug-induced damage. Aminoglycoside type antibiotic gentamicin is one of the leading cause of drug-induced nephrotoxicity. In recent years gentamicin nephrotoxicity is significantly reduced by shifting to once daily dosage as well as by eliminating known risk factors. Application of gentamicin is still related to serious side effects which are reported more often compared to other antibiotics. Because gentamicin is still heavily used and is highly efficient in treating infections, it is important to find mechanisms to reduce its nephrotoxicity. This aim can only be achieved through better understanding of kidney metabolism of gentamicin. This problem has been extensively researched in the last 20 years. The experimental results have provided evidence for almost complete understanding of mechanisms responsible for gentamicin nephrotoxicity. We now have well described morphological, biochemical and functional changes in kidney due to gentamicin application. During the years, this model has become so popular that now it is used as an experimental model for nephrotoxicity per se. This situation can mislead an ordinary reader of scientific literature that we know everything about it and there is nothing new to discover here. But quite opposite is true. The precise and complete mechanism of gentamicin nephrotoxicity is still point of speculation and an unfinished story. With emerge of new and versatile technics in biomedicine we have an opportunity to reexamine old beliefs and discover new facts. This review focuses on current knowledge in this area and gives some future perspectives.
Distribution of polymorphic variants of CYP2A6 and their involvement in nicotine addiction
(2017-03-06) López-Flores, Luis A.; Pérez-Rubio, Gloria; Falfán-Valencia, Ramcés
Tobacco consumption has become a major public health issue, which has motivated studies to identify and understand the biological processes involved in the smoking behavior for prevention and smoking cessation treatments. CYP2A6 has been identified as the main gene that codifies the enzyme that metabolizes nicotine. Many alleles have been identified after the discovery of CYP2A6, suggesting a wide interethnic variability and a diverse smoking behavior of the allele carrying individuals. The main purpose of this review is to update and highlight the effects of the CYP2A6 gene variability related to tobacco consumption reported from diverse human populations. The review further aims to consider CYP2A6 in future studies as a possible genetic marker for the prevention and treatment of nicotine addiction. Therefore, we analyzed several population studies and their importance at addressing and characterizing a population using specific parameters. Our efforts may contribute to a personalized system for detecting, preventing and treating populations at a higher risk of smoking to avoid diseases related to tobacco consumption.
Foundation and methodologies in computer-aided diagnosis systems for breast cancer detection
(2017-02-20) Jalalian, Afsaneh; Mashohor, Syamsiah; Mahmud, Rozi; Karasfi, Babak; Saripan, M. Iqbal B.; Ramli, Abdul Rahman B.
Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer that affects women all over the world. Early detection and treatment of breast cancer could decline the mortality rate. Some issues such as technical reasons, which related to imaging quality and human error, increase misdiagnosis of breast cancer by radiologists. Computer-aided detection systems (CADs) are developed to overcome these restrictions and have been studied in many imaging modalities for breast cancer detection in recent years. The CAD systems improve radiologists’ performance in finding and discriminating between the normal and abnormal tissues. These procedures are performed only as a double reader but the absolute decisions are still made by the radiologist. In this study, the recent CAD systems for breast cancer detection on different modalities such as mammography, ultrasound, MRI, and biopsy histopathological images are introduced. The foundation of CAD systems generally consist of four stages: Pre-processing, Segmentation, Feature extraction, and Classification. The approaches which applied to design different stages of CAD system are summarised. Advantages and disadvantages of different segmentation, feature extraction and classification techniques are listed. In addition, the impact of imbalanced datasets in classification outcomes and appropriate methods to solve these issues are discussed. As well as, performance evaluation metrics for various stages of breast cancer detection CAD systems are reviewed.
Foundation and methodologies in computer-aided diagnosis systems for breast cancer detection
(2017-02-10) Jalalian, Afsaneh; Mashohor, Syamsiah; Mahmud, Rozi; Karasfi, Babak; Saripan, M. Iqbal B.; Ramli, Abdul Rahman B.
Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer that affects women all over the world. Early detection and treatment of breast cancer could decline the mortality rate. Some issues such as technical reasons, which related to imaging quality and human error, increase misdiagnosis of breast cancer by radiologists. Computer-aided detection systems (CADs) are developed to overcome these restrictions and have been studied in many imaging modalities for breast cancer detection in recent years. The CAD systems improve radiologists’ performance in finding and discriminat- ing between the normal and abnormal tissues. These procedures are performed only as a double reader but the absolute decisions are still made by the radiologist. In this study, the recent CAD systems for breast cancer detec- tion on different modalities such as mammography, ultrasound, MRI, and biopsy histopathological images are introduced. The foundation of CAD systems generally consist of four stages: Pre-processing, Segmentation, Fea- ture extraction, and Classification. The approaches which applied to design different stages of CAD system are summarised. Advantages and disadvantages of different segmentation, feature extraction and classification tech- niques are listed. In addition, the impact of imbalanced datasets in classification outcomes and appropriate methods to solve these issues are discussed. As well as, performance evaluation metrics for various stages of breast cancer detection CAD systems are reviewed.

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