1.Cognitive Rehabilitation of Brain Tumor Survivors:A Systematic Review
Rabeet TARIQ ; Hafiza Fatima AZIZ ; Shahier PARACHA ; Nida ZAHID ; Timothy J. AINGER ; Farhan A. MIRZA ; Syed Ather ENAM
Brain Tumor Research and Treatment 2025;13(1):1-16
Background:
Cognitive decline is commonly seen in brain tumor (BT) patients and is associatedwith a worsened prognosis. Cognitive rehabilitation (CR) for cancer-related cognitive dysfunction has been widely studied for non-central nervous system cancers; however, recent emerging research has commenced documenting CR strategies for BT patients and survivors. Our objective was to review the current literature on various CR modalities in patients and BT survivors.
Methods:
The review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. The studieson CR were searched across 3 databases using a predefined search strategy. After removing duplicates, performing initial and full-text screenings, and applying inclusion criteria, relevant articles were selected. The demographic details, CR technique, cognitive tasks/tests administered, cognitive functions assessed, follow-up time, and outcomes of the intervention were assessed.
Results:
A total of 15 studies were included in the review. Neuropsychologist-guided trainingsessions to improve memory, attention, and executive functioning are effective in improving the mentioned domains. Younger and more educated patients benefited the most. Holistic mnemonic training and neurofeedback were not shown to affect overall cognitive functioning. Computer-based training programs showed improvements in executive functions of pediatric BT survivors, however, feasibility studies showed conflicting results. Aerobic exercises improved executive functions and decreased symptoms of the tumor. Both yoga and combined aerobic and strength training improved overall cognitive functioning. Active video gaming may improve motor and process skills; however, no effect was seen on cognitive functioning.
Conclusion
Neuropsychologic training, computer-based programs, and physical exercise havebeen found effective in improving or preventing decline in cognitive functions of BT patients. Given the limited trials and methodological variations, a standardized CR program cannot be established at present. Ongoing trials are expected to provide valuable data in the near future.
2.Cognitive Rehabilitation of Brain Tumor Survivors:A Systematic Review
Rabeet TARIQ ; Hafiza Fatima AZIZ ; Shahier PARACHA ; Nida ZAHID ; Timothy J. AINGER ; Farhan A. MIRZA ; Syed Ather ENAM
Brain Tumor Research and Treatment 2025;13(1):1-16
Background:
Cognitive decline is commonly seen in brain tumor (BT) patients and is associatedwith a worsened prognosis. Cognitive rehabilitation (CR) for cancer-related cognitive dysfunction has been widely studied for non-central nervous system cancers; however, recent emerging research has commenced documenting CR strategies for BT patients and survivors. Our objective was to review the current literature on various CR modalities in patients and BT survivors.
Methods:
The review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. The studieson CR were searched across 3 databases using a predefined search strategy. After removing duplicates, performing initial and full-text screenings, and applying inclusion criteria, relevant articles were selected. The demographic details, CR technique, cognitive tasks/tests administered, cognitive functions assessed, follow-up time, and outcomes of the intervention were assessed.
Results:
A total of 15 studies were included in the review. Neuropsychologist-guided trainingsessions to improve memory, attention, and executive functioning are effective in improving the mentioned domains. Younger and more educated patients benefited the most. Holistic mnemonic training and neurofeedback were not shown to affect overall cognitive functioning. Computer-based training programs showed improvements in executive functions of pediatric BT survivors, however, feasibility studies showed conflicting results. Aerobic exercises improved executive functions and decreased symptoms of the tumor. Both yoga and combined aerobic and strength training improved overall cognitive functioning. Active video gaming may improve motor and process skills; however, no effect was seen on cognitive functioning.
Conclusion
Neuropsychologic training, computer-based programs, and physical exercise havebeen found effective in improving or preventing decline in cognitive functions of BT patients. Given the limited trials and methodological variations, a standardized CR program cannot be established at present. Ongoing trials are expected to provide valuable data in the near future.
3.Cognitive Rehabilitation of Brain Tumor Survivors:A Systematic Review
Rabeet TARIQ ; Hafiza Fatima AZIZ ; Shahier PARACHA ; Nida ZAHID ; Timothy J. AINGER ; Farhan A. MIRZA ; Syed Ather ENAM
Brain Tumor Research and Treatment 2025;13(1):1-16
Background:
Cognitive decline is commonly seen in brain tumor (BT) patients and is associatedwith a worsened prognosis. Cognitive rehabilitation (CR) for cancer-related cognitive dysfunction has been widely studied for non-central nervous system cancers; however, recent emerging research has commenced documenting CR strategies for BT patients and survivors. Our objective was to review the current literature on various CR modalities in patients and BT survivors.
Methods:
The review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. The studieson CR were searched across 3 databases using a predefined search strategy. After removing duplicates, performing initial and full-text screenings, and applying inclusion criteria, relevant articles were selected. The demographic details, CR technique, cognitive tasks/tests administered, cognitive functions assessed, follow-up time, and outcomes of the intervention were assessed.
Results:
A total of 15 studies were included in the review. Neuropsychologist-guided trainingsessions to improve memory, attention, and executive functioning are effective in improving the mentioned domains. Younger and more educated patients benefited the most. Holistic mnemonic training and neurofeedback were not shown to affect overall cognitive functioning. Computer-based training programs showed improvements in executive functions of pediatric BT survivors, however, feasibility studies showed conflicting results. Aerobic exercises improved executive functions and decreased symptoms of the tumor. Both yoga and combined aerobic and strength training improved overall cognitive functioning. Active video gaming may improve motor and process skills; however, no effect was seen on cognitive functioning.
Conclusion
Neuropsychologic training, computer-based programs, and physical exercise havebeen found effective in improving or preventing decline in cognitive functions of BT patients. Given the limited trials and methodological variations, a standardized CR program cannot be established at present. Ongoing trials are expected to provide valuable data in the near future.
4.Adenotonsillectomy for Paediatric Sleep Disordered Breathing – Post Surgery Placement and Outcome
Nor Hafiza Qualickuz Zanan ; Nor Hafiza Qualickuz Zanan ; Rufinah Teo ; Rufinah Teo ; Bee See Goh ; Bee See Goh
Journal of Surgical Academia 2025;15(1):1-7
Adenotonsillectomy for Paediatric Sleep Disordered Breathing – Post Surgery Placement and Outcome
Adenotonsillectomy (AT) is the treatment of choice for children with sleep disordered breathing (SDB) caused by adenotonsillar hypertrophy. However, there is an increased risk of post operative complications among those with identified risk factors. Therefore, they are electively admitted to critical care wards after surgery. Unfortunately, due to limited resources and availability of beds in critical care wards, the cancellation rate for AT can be significant at some hospitals. It is becoming more difficult to satisfy the heightened demand for close monitoring post AT due to the increasing number of obese children and surge of SDB cases. Delaying surgery may indirectly worsen the child’s co-morbidities. Thus, it is vital to have a flowchart for post AT placement, which can be practical to many centres facing similar logistics concerns. This retrospective chart review done over 6 months included all paediatric patients who had AT for SDB at our centre. The objectives of this review were to identify factors contributing to elective admission to the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU)/paediatric high dependency unit (PHDU) following AT among patients with paediatric SDB, recognize association between obesity and PICU/PHDU admission as well as find the association between severity of allergic rhinitis with outcome post AT. We aim to have a flow chart for preoperative planning of post-surgery nursing placement among patients with SDB who are managed with AT at this centre. Obese patients without significant co-morbidities can be nursed in the general ward, the real admission rate to PHDU/PICU is lesser compared to that was planned pre-operatively and children with moderate- severe AR tend to have residual snoring post AT. A flow chart for preoperative planning of post-surgery nursing placement among patients with SDB can help to reduce unnecessary booking and admission to critical care wards, decreasing the waiting time for AT and backlog of cases at public hospitals.
5.Solitary Skull Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis Presenting With a Pus Draining Fistula: An Unusual Presentation and Review of Literature
Hafiza Hifza BASHIR ; Hafiza Fatima AZIZ ; Faizan SAEED ; Muhammad Ehsan BARI ; Nasir UDDIN
Brain Tumor Research and Treatment 2024;12(2):109-114
Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare condition in adults, especially when it is limited to a single area of the skull, known as solitary calvarial involvement. In this case report, we present a unique instance of LCH affecting the parietal bone with a pus-draining fistula. This is a rare and unusual presentation at this location, which has been scarcely reported in medical literature. A 30-year-old woman with no prior comorbidity presented with complaints of headache that persisted for a year. She also had swelling on her scalp and a yellowish discharge for 3 weeks, but no neurological problems were observed. Radiology revealed thinning of the calvaria, with ragged margins along the inner table, multiple focal erosions, and involvement of overlying soft tissue and bony sequestrum. The patient underwent biparietal craniotomy and excision of the lesion. The histopathology report showed LCH. After 8 months of follow-up, there was no recurrence. The management of solitary calvarial involvement by LCH with masquerading presentation as a scalp infection can be achieved through complete excision of the lesions, resulting in a favorable outcome.
6. Glinus lotoides ethanolic extract alleviates LPS-induced anxiety and depression-like behavior by modulating antioxidant and inflammatory biomarkers in rats
Ambreen AWAN ; Wafa MAJEED ; Bilal ASLAM ; Hafiza KANWAL ; Sobia FIAZ ; Faraza JAVED ; Asra IFTIKHAR ; Wafa MAJEED
Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine 2022;12(2):78-86
Objective: To explore the protective role of Glinus lotoides ethanolic extract in a depression model through modulating oxidant/antioxidant enzyme system and inflammatory status. Methods: Phytochemical constituents of Glinus lotoides ethanolic extract were evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively along with HPLC. Rats were divided into six groups. The normal control and the intoxicated groups received normal saline, and the standard group received imipramine, while the remaining groups received 100, 300, and 500 mg/kg Glinus lotoides ethanolic extract. All groups received treatments for 14 d. Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) were then administered i.p. (0.83 mg/kg) to all groups except the normal control group. After 24 h, anxiety and depression-like behaviors were evaluated by performing behavioral analysis (open field, tail suspension, forced swim, sucrose preference test), and determining total oxidant status, total antioxidant capacity, catalase, and biochemical parameters [malondialdehyde, glutathione, superoxide dismutase, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interleukin (IL)-6]. Results: Phytochemical studies confirmed the presence of phenols and flavonoids and HPLC analysis showed the presence of gallic acid, quercetin, chlorogenic, and caffeic acid. Total oxidant status was significantly decreased, while total antioxidant capacity was significantly increased in the Glinus lotoides ethanolic extract treated groups. Moreover, Glinus lotoides ethanolic extract diminished malondialdehyde, IL-6, and TNF-alpha levels, while increasing superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione activities. Conclusions: Glinus lotoides ethanolic crude extract shows significant antidepressant activity by modulating oxidative and biochemical parameters that supports its folkloric use in traditional systems of medicine.
7.Enhancement of Phenolics and Antioxidant Activity via Heat Assisted Extraction From Moringa oleifera Using Response Surface Methodology and Its Potential Bioactive Constituents
Ammar Akram Kamarudin ; Norazalina Saad ; Nor Hafiza Sayuti ; Nor Asma Ab. Razak ; Norhaizan Mohd. Esa
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2020;16(No.2):83-90
Introduction: Moringa oleifera Lam. is a miracle tree that has been widely utilised in folklore medicine due to its immense amount of phenolic constituents that could treat various ailments. Different techniques have been implemented to extract the phenolic but the parameters may not be optimised to further enhance the amount of phenolic extracted. Thus, the work aimed to enhance phenolic content and antioxidant activity of M. oleifera through RSM methodology, which is rapid and convenience. Methods: At first, antioxidant activity of different parts of M. oleifera (leaves, stem, pod and seed) were investigated. The plant part with the highest antioxidant activity was selected for the optimisation of extraction condition using RSM. In RSM, temperature (XA), extraction time (XB) and solid-liquid ratio (XC) were employed to study the effects on yield, total phenolics, flavonoids and antioxidant activity. Then, the optimum extraction condition obtained via RSM was utilised in LC-MS and HPLC analysis to determine the potential bioactive constituents. Results: The leaves of M. oleifera displayed the highest antioxidant activity as compared to other plant parts. The optimum extraction condition obtained for the leaves extract was: temperature (XA): 82°C, extraction time (XB): 48 min and solid-liquid ratio (XC): 1:30 g/mL (w/v). Meanwhile, LC-MS revealed the presence of gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, quercetin, kaempferol and 3-O-glucoside kaempferol. HPLC analysis detected six compounds; gallic acid, epicatechin gallate, chlorogenic acid, myricetin, quercetin and kaempferol. Conclusion: The optimisation are promising to improve yield and antioxidant activity in M. oleifera as compared to non-conventional extractions.
8.Optimized Aqueous Extraction Conditions for Maximal Phenolics, Flavonoids and Antioxidant Capacity from Artocarpus heterophyllus (Jackfruit) Leaves by Response Surface Methodology (RSM)
Nor Hafiza Sayuti ; &lsquo ; Ammar Akram Kamarudin ; Nor Asma Ab. Razak ; Norazalina Saad ; Mohd Sabri Pak Dek ; Norhaizan Mohd Esa
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2020;16(No.2):135-144
Introduction: There are numerous studies on the therapeutic properties of Artocarpus heterophyllus. However, studies on the aqueous extraction of A. heterophyllus leaves are limited. This present study was conducted to optimize the extraction conditions of A. heterophyllus leaves to yield the highest phenolic, flavonoids and antioxidant contents. Methods: Response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to obtain a higher phenolic extraction parameter(s) of A. heterophyllus leaves using Central Composite Design (CCD). The antioxidant activity was then determined via ABTS (2,29-azinobis (3 ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) and DPPH (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) assay and analysis of the individual phenolics was performed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results: The optimum extraction conditions with higher phenolics content and antioxidant activity was achieved at 81°C, 100 min and 40 mL/g sample with a good desirability value of 0.87. Under these optimized parameters, total phenolics and flavonoids were 174.48 ± 4.05 mg GAE/g sample and 21.44 ± 0.05 mg RE/g sample, respectively. Meanwhile, antioxidant activity via ABTS and DPPH assays were 90.88% ± 0.09 and 87.22% ± 0.62, respectively. Finally, under optimal extraction conditions revealed 4 compounds identified as chlorogenic acid, quercetin, rutin and kaempferol. Conclusion: The optimisation are promising to improve phenolic yield and antioxidant activity in A. heterophyllus leaves. It also proved that A. heterophyllus leaves can be used as an alternative natural antioxidant especially in medicinal applications since all identified compound possess significant biological activities for human health.
9.Detection of α-thalassaemia in neonates on cord blood and dried blood spot samples by capillary electrophoresis
Hafiza Alauddin ; Mustafa Langa ; Malisa Mohd Yusoff ; Raja Zahratul Azma Raja Sabudin ; Mpath, Azlin Ithnin ; Noor Hamidah Hussin
The Malaysian Journal of Pathology 2017;39(1):17-23
Haemoglobin Bart’s (Hb Bart’s) level is associated with α-thalassaemia traits in neonates,
enabling early diagnosis of α-thalassaemia. The study aimed to detect and quantify the Hb Bart’s
using Cord Blood (CB) and CE Neonat Fast Hb (NF) progammes on fresh and dried blood spot
(DBS) specimen respectively by capillary electrophoresis (CE). Methods: Capillarys Hemoglobin
(E) Kit (for CB) and Capillarys Neonat Hb Kit (for NF) were used to detect and quantify Hb Bart’s
by CE in fresh cord blood and dried blood spot (DBS) specimens respectively. High performance
liquid chromatography (HPLC) using the β-Thal Short Programme was also performed concurrently
with CE analysis. Confirmation was obtained by multiplex ARMS Gap PCR. Results: This study
was performed on 600 neonates. 32/600 (5.3%) samples showed presence of Hb Bart’s peak using
the NF programme while 33/600 (5.5%) were positive with CB programme and HPLC methods.
The range of Hb Bart’s using NF programme and CB programme were (0.5–4.1%) and (0.5-7.1%),
respectively. Molecular analysis confirmed all positive samples possessed α-thalassaemia genetic
mutations, with 23/33 cases being αα/--SEA, four -α3.7/-α3.7, two αα/-α3.7 and three αα/ααCS. Fifty Hb
Bart’s negative samples were randomly tested for α-genotypes, three were also found to be positive
for α-globin gene mutations. Thus, resulting in sensitivity of 91.7% and 88.9% and specificity of
100% for the Capillarys Cord Blood programme and Capillarys Neonat Fast programme respectively.
Conclusion: Both CE programmes using fresh or dried cord blood were useful as a screening tool
for α-thalassaemia in newborns. All methods show the same specificity (100%) with variable, but
acceptable sensitivities in the detection of Hb Bart.
10. Measurement of total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of aerial parts of medicinal plant Coronopus didymus
Hafiza NOREEN ; Muhammad FARMAN ; Nabil SEMMAR ; James S.O. MCCULLAGH
Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine 2017;10(8):792-801
Objective To evaluate the total phenolic content and compare the antioxidant activity of various solvent extracts and fractions from the aerial parts of Coronopus didymus through various assays. Methods Total phenolic content was determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu assay and the in vitro antioxidant activity of a number of different extracts was investigated in a dose-dependent manner with three different methods: the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. A flavone was isolated from the most active ethanolic extract with high antioxidant activity using size exclusion chromatography. IC


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail