Publications by authors named "Ahmad Shahzad"

Increasing evidence suggests the involvement of metabolic alterations in neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), and highlights the significance of the peripheral metabolome, influenced by genetic factors and modifiable environmental exposures, for brain health. In this study, we examined 1,387 metabolites in plasma samples from 1,082 dementia-free middle-aged participants of the population-based Rotterdam Study. We assessed the relation of metabolites with general cognition (G-factor) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) markers using linear regression and estimated the variance of these metabolites explained by genes, gut microbiome, lifestyle factors, common clinical comorbidities, and medication using gradient boosting decision tree analysis.

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This systematic review evaluates the impact of trauma care and emergency preparedness training programs on prehospital primary survey effectiveness. A comprehensive search strategy was employed across multiple databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and the Cumulated Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), focusing on studies involving healthcare professionals such as paramedics, nurses, and emergency medical technicians (EMTs). The review included randomized controlled trials (RCTs), clinical trials, and cohort studies that assessed various training modalities like virtual reality (VR) simulations, case-based learning (CBL), and hands-on workshops.

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  • A study was conducted to investigate the X-chromosome's role in Alzheimer's Disease (AD), which had been overlooked in previous genome-wide association studies.
  • The research included 115,841 AD cases and 613,671 controls, considering different X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) states in females.
  • While no strong genetic risk factors for AD were found on the X-chromosome, seven significant loci were identified, suggesting areas for future research.
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Autoimmune encephalitis (AE) is a rare yet critical neurological disorder characterized by inflammation of the brain, typically triggered by an abnormal immune response. The early detection and diagnosis of AE are crucial for effective treatment and improved patient outcomes. However, the diagnostic process is often complicated by the diverse clinical presentations of AE, which can mimic other neurological and psychiatric conditions.

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  • Estimation of plant community composition, aboveground biomass, and carbon stock is essential for understanding and managing forest ecosystems, especially in the context of restoration efforts.
  • This study, conducted in Sri Lanka over six years, compared community-based forest restoration (CBFR) with state-managed forests by sampling 180 plots and assessing tree diversity, biomass, and carbon storage.
  • Results indicated that while state-managed restoration blocks generally had higher biomass and carbon density, certain community-managed areas showed significant potential, suggesting that involving local communities can enhance forest restoration outcomes.
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  • Neurofilament light chain (NfL) levels serve as a key biomarker for neuro-axonal damage in neurodegenerative disorders, and understanding the genetics behind these levels can reveal important molecular mechanisms.
  • A meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies identified significant genetic loci associated with blood NfL levels in both European and African American populations, highlighting two key regions.
  • The study also indicated that a higher polygenic risk score for NfL correlates with increased levels of other neurodegenerative biomarkers and suggests lower kidney function may lead to elevated NfL levels in the blood.
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Understanding the genetic basis of neuro-related proteins is essential for dissecting the molecular basis of human behavioural traits and the disease aetiology of neuropsychiatric disorders. Here the SCALLOP Consortium conducted a genome-wide association meta-analysis of over 12,000 individuals for 184 neuro-related proteins in human plasma. The analysis identified 125 cis-regulatory protein quantitative trait loci (cis-pQTL) and 164 trans-pQTL.

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Background: Isoprostanes and prostaglandins are biomarkers for oxidative stress and inflammation. Their role in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathophysiology is yet unknown. In the current study, we aim to identify the association of isoprostanes and prostaglandins with the Amyloid, Tau, Neurodegeneration (ATN) biomarkers (Aβ-42, p-tau, and t-tau) of AD pathophysiology in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) subjects.

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• IE of PFO devices is rare but devastating and necessitates surgical removal. • Guidelines specify antibiotics for dental work, but epidural abscesses cause IE too. • Incomplete NE of PFO devices is an independent risk factor for IE.

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Microbial detection and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance are critical components of public health efforts to combat infectious diseases and preserve the efficacy of antimicrobial agents. While foundational in microbial identification, traditional cultural methods are often laborious, time-consuming, and limited in their ability to detect AMR markers. In response to these challenges, innovative paradigms have emerged, leveraging advances in molecular biology, genomics, proteomics, nanotechnology, and bioinformatics.

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Trimethylamine -oxide (TMAO) is a circulating microbiome-derived metabolite implicated in the development of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease (CVD). We investigated whether plasma levels of TMAO, its precursors (betaine, carnitine, deoxycarnitine, choline), and TMAO-to-precursor ratios are associated with clinical outcomes, including CVD and mortality. This was followed by an in-depth analysis of their genetic, gut microbial, and dietary determinants.

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Soil salinity is a significant challenge in agriculture, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions such as Pakistan, leading to soil degradation and reduced crop yields. The present study assessed the impact of different salinity levels (0, 25, and 50 mmol NaCl) and biochar treatments (control, wheat-straw biochar, rice-husk biochar, and sawdust biochar applied @ 1% w/w) on the germination and growth performance of wheat. Two experiments: a germination study and a pot experiment (grown up to maturity), were performed.

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Background: The gut-derived metabolite Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) and its precursors - betaine, carnitine, choline, and deoxycarnitine - have been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, but their relation to cognition, neuroimaging markers, and dementia remains uncertain.

Methods: In the population-based Rotterdam Study, we used multivariable regression models to study the associations between plasma TMAO, its precursors, and cognition in 3,143 participants. Subsequently, we examined their link to structural brain MRI markers in 2,047 participants, with a partial validation in the Leiden Longevity Study (n = 318).

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  • Sugarcane is increasingly important as a bioenergy resource and sugar source, but its production is threatened by climate change and rising global demand.
  • Genome editing techniques, particularly CRISPR/Cas, are being employed to enhance crop resilience and yields, including in sugarcane, by modifying its DNA.
  • The review discusses recent advancements in genome editing, highlighting the benefits and challenges of these techniques, as well as their regulatory and ethical considerations worldwide.
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This case report describes the emergent scenario of a 41-year-old primipara at 31.2 weeks of gestation, presenting with abdominal and back pain in the context of a dichorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy complicated by hydrops fetalis. The patient, with a history of hypertension, hyperthyroidism, and a cervical stitch in place, underwent an emergency lower segment cesarean section.

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Aims: Cisplatin (cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II), CP) is a platinum-based anticancer drug widely used in the treatment of solid malignancies. However, its side effects, particularly nephrotoxicity, are limiting factors in its clinic use. Rosmarinic acid (RA), a natural antioxidant compound, is reported to attenuate oxidative stress and associated pathophysiological outcomes.

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The immune response-gut microbiota interaction is implicated in various human diseases, including cancer. Identifying the link between the gut microbiota and systemic inflammatory markers and their association with cancer will be important for our understanding of cancer etiology. The current study was performed on 8090 participants from the population-based Rotterdam study.

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Background: Investigation of circulating metabolites associated with kidney function and chronic kidney disease (CKD) risk could enhance our understanding of underlying pathways and identify new biomarkers for kidney function.

Methods: We selected participants from the population-based Rotterdam Study with data on circulating metabolites and estimated glomerular filtration rate based on serum creatinine (eGFRcreat) available at the same time point. Data on eGFR based on serum cystatin C (eGFRcys) and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) were also included.

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Protein aggregation is invariably associated with the inflammation as a factor in Alzheimer's disease (AD). We investigated the interaction between downstream factors of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress pathway and inflammation, with implications in cognitive impairment in AD. Amyloid-β (Aβ) was administered by bilateral intracerebroventricular (icv) injection in the brain of adult male Wistar rats to experimentally develop AD.

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MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression and different immune-related pathways. There is a great interest in identifying miRNAs involved in immune cell development and function to elucidate the biological mechanisms underlying the immune system, its regulation, and disease. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association of circulating miRNAs with blood cell compositions and blood-based immune markers.

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Objective: The present study aimed to assess the thyroid outcomes six-months after radioactive Iodine-131 therapy (RIT) among hyperthyroid patients and identify the factors associated with them.

Methods: This retrospective observational study was conducted at the department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Northwest General Hospital & Research Centre during 2013 to 2019. For the study purpose, the thyroid outcomes of 153 hyperthyroid patients were studied retrospectively for six months after RIT.

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Research on the sustainable development goals (SDGs) has brought attention to the significance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) due to their substantial contributions to economic growth. However, SMEs still need to develop integrated frameworks to assess the implications of sustainable operations while managing scarce resources. In this study, we investigate how top managers of SMEs utilize leadership competencies to balance and allocate resources for SDGs in a turbulent environment.

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  • - The study investigated the link between a type 1 diabetes (T1D) polygenic score and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes (T2D) using large datasets from the CHARGE consortium and MGB Biobank.
  • - Researchers found no significant association between the T1D polygenic score and T2D prevalence in both biobanks, although a specific human leukocyte antigen score showed a slight association with T2D in one cohort.
  • - While the T1D score had a weak association with insulin use among T2D cases in one dataset, the overall results suggest that a common variant score for T1D does not reliably predict T2D risk, highlighting the need for further studies
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  • The study examines trends and causes of 30-day readmissions in patients with cardiac amyloidosis, highlighting their impact on patient health and healthcare resources.
  • A total of 3,374 patients were analyzed from the National Readmission Database, revealing a 19.6% readmission rate, with common causes being heart conditions and kidney issues.
  • The findings indicate that young age and hospital size are key predictors of readmissions, which lead to increased mortality, longer hospital stays, and significant costs to the healthcare system.
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Context: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is used in the United States to treat benign thyroid nodules; however, experience with treating cervical recurrence/persistence of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is limited.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy RFA for the treatment of cervical recurrence/persistence of PTC in the United States.

Methods: This is a retrospective, multicenter study of 8 patients who underwent RFA of 11 cervical metastatic PTC lesions between July 2020 and December 2021.

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