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1. Plasmodium cynomolgi: potential emergence of new zoonotic malaria in Southeast Asia

   Jeyaprakasam NK, Phang WK, Shahari S, Vythilingam I

   Parasit Vectors, 2025 Apr 23;18(1):151.

   PMID: 40270022 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-025-06784-1

   Abstract

   The reported cases of Plasmodium cynomolgi in Southeast Asia pose a significant public health concern. Sporadic reports of human Plasmodium cynomolgi infections have increased in the past few years, raising attention regarding its potential impact on human populations. Further compounding this issue are the morphological similarities between P. cynomolgi and the human malaria parasite Plasmodium vivax, which may lead to misdiagnosis and underreporting of P. cynomolgi infections. Both in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that P. cynomolgi can effectively invade human reticulocytes using mechanisms like those employed by P. vivax, underscoring its capacity to infect human hosts if given the opportunity. These studies collectively highlight the parasite's potential to establish infections in humans and emphasize the need for molecular diagnostic tools to accurately detect P. cynomolgi. Additionally, challenges in accurate diagnosis and surveillance systems may underestimate the true extent of their impact, making it imperative for healthcare authorities to bolster monitoring efforts and deploy targeted interventions. Strengthening surveillance, improving diagnostic capabilities, and developing targeted vector control strategies are crucial to mitigating the risk of P. cynomolgi becoming a major zoonotic disease like its counterpart, Plasmodium knowlesi. Thus, this review aims to highlight the current understanding of P. cynomolgi infections in human, vector, and macaque hosts based on collated data from previous studies while underscoring the urgent need for enhanced surveillance, accurate diagnostic tools, and effective vector control strategies to mitigate its potential as a significant zoonotic threat in Southeast Asia.

   MeSH terms: Animals; Asia, Southeastern/epidemiology; Humans
2. Promoting planetary health and well-being for all: harnessing indigenous knowledges for health with traditional, complementary and integrative health systems

   Seifert G, Boujnah H, Ghods R, Wieland S, Aginam O, Chuthaputti A, et al.

   Front Med (Lausanne), 2025;12:1543687.

   PMID: 40265177 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2025.1543687

   Abstract

   The concept of well-being extends beyond individual health practices to encompass a burgeoning industry focusing on healthy lifestyles and products. This trend reflects a global paradigm shift toward prioritizing the holistic well-being of individuals and the planet within socioeconomic policies. This shift underscores the integration of social, economic, and environmental considerations into policy frameworks, signaling a concerted effort toward a more sustainable and health-conscious future. The article highlights the crucial role of Indigenous Knowledges for Health (IKH) and Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Health/Medicine (TCIH) systems in contributing to the interconnectedness between human well-being and the health of our planet through innovation, health promotion, and fair, equitable and sustainable benefit sharing. Various contemporary global problems stem from ways of thinking that prioritize the short-term economic interests of individuals or specific groups over the well-being of Peoples and the planet as a whole. In contrast, IKH and TCIH systems often inherently adopt a holistic, sustainable worldview where individual, community, and Planetary Health and well-being are intertwined, providing transformative solutions and models toward integrative health. By incorporating IKH and TCIH systems into contemporary development models, health, and medicine, we can promote health equity, improve well-being, and create a sustainable future for Peoples and the planet.
3. Detecting homologous recombination deficiency for breast cancer through integrative analysis of genomic data

   Zhu R, Eason K, Chin SF, Edwards PAW, Manzano Garcia R, Moulange R, et al.

   Mol Oncol, 2025 Apr 22.

   PMID: 40260608 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.70041

   Abstract

   Homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) leads to genomic instability, and patients with HRD can benefit from HRD-targeting therapies. Previous studies have primarily focused on identifying HRD biomarkers using data from a single technology. Here we integrated features from different genomic data types, including total copy number (CN), allele-specific copy number (ASCN) and single nucleotide variants (SNV). Using a semi-supervised method, we developed HRD classifiers from 1404 breast tumours across two datasets based on their BRCA1/2 status, demonstrating improved HRD identification when aggregating different data types. Notably, HRD-positive tumours in ER-negative disease showed improved survival post-adjuvant chemotherapy, while HRD status strongly correlated with neoadjuvant treatment response. Furthermore, our analysis of cell lines highlighted a sensitivity to PARP inhibitors, particularly rucaparib, among predicted HRD-positive lines. Exploring somatic mutations outside BRCA1/2, we confirmed variants in several genes associated with HRD. Our method for HRD classification can adapt to different data types or resolutions and can be used in various scenarios to help refine patient selection for HRD-targeting therapies that might lead to better clinical outcomes.
4. The Power of Antibodies: Advancing Biomarker-Based Disease Detection and Surveillance

   Ng WK, Thanusha G, Chong PP, Chuah C

   Immunol Invest, 2025 Apr 21.

   PMID: 40256875 DOI: 10.1080/08820139.2025.2492246

   Abstract

   BACKGROUND: Antibodies have long served as fundamental tools in disease diagnosis and surveillance. Their utility as biomarkers has expanded beyond infectious diseases to encompass a wide range of health conditions.

   OBJECTIVES: This review aims to explore recent advancements in antibody biomarker discovery and their applications in diagnosing and monitoring diverse health conditions. It also examines the role of antibody surveillance in public health and epidemiological studies.

   METHODS: A comprehensive analysis of recent literature was conducted, focusing on studies that identify and characterize disease-specific antibodies. Particular attention was given to their relevance in autoimmune diseases, infections, cancers, and neurological disorders.

   CONTENT: The review highlights disease-specific antibody biomarkers and their clinical significance. It also discusses the utility and challenges of antibody-based surveillance in assessing disease prevalence, tracking immunity trends, and supporting One Health strategies.

   CONCLUSIONS: Recent advancements in antibody biomarker discovery demonstrate significant potential in improving early diagnosis, personalized treatment, and population-level health management. Antibody surveillance continues to play a pivotal role in guiding public health responses and understanding disease dynamics.
5. PVTE system performance improvement via numerical optimization of heat sink design and fluid working conditions

   Azirul A, Ibrahim A, Nazri NS, Jarimi H, Mohd Zainuri MAA, Syafiq U

   Sci Rep, 2025 Apr 19;15(1):13586.

   PMID: 40253444 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-97461-x

   Abstract

   In recent times, there has been increasing interest to address climate change by implementing renewable energy to enhance the energy sector as soon as possible. However, solar radiation turns into heat reducing the photovoltaic (PV) panel efficiency. The waste heat from PV panels can be utilized by thermoelectric (TE) to convert into electricity and enhance PV panel efficiency. In this study, the 3D CFD and thermal-electric numerical model was developed for thermal and electrical analysis of different heat sink designs and materials for a thermoelectric generator (TEG) to be used in a (PV) system. Heat sink was installed on the cold side of the Photovoltaic-Thermoelectric (PVTE) system to dissipate the heat from the PV panels, where varying flow inlets and convection coefficient parameters for dissipating the heat on the cold side of the PVTE system were investigated. The simulated TEG power generation with different heat sink designs, heat sink materials, convection coefficients (h) and flow inlets (v) were compared. The results showed that the TEG with pin fin heat sink design (H3) made from aluminium (Al) generated the highest power generations than the other designs. The results also showed the power generation significantly increases until saturation point around 2.01 m s- 1 for the flow inlet and also increases when the convection coefficient increases above 20 (W/m2) °C.
6. The relative importance of peace of mind, grit, and classroom environment in predicting willingness to communicate among learners in multi-ethnic regions: a latent dominance analysis

   Yin K, Zhou L

   BMC Psychol, 2025 Apr 18;13(1):401.

   PMID: 40251638 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-025-02676-2

   Abstract

   From a holistic perspective of positive psychology, there is a dearth of knowledge regarding how its three underlying factors (i.e., positive subjective experience, positive individual traits, and positive collective institutions) co-shape learners' willingness to communicate (WTC), a critical facilitator of foreign language learning achievement. This research gap is particularly evident for learners in multi-ethnic regions who have been underrepresented in foreign language education in China. This issue may constrain our understanding of the contributions of positive psychology to the field of applied linguistics, since the role of positive psychological factors in influencing WTC may be distinct across diverse ethnic populations. Besides, the relative importance of these three factors in predicting WTC has yet to be investigated in latent models. Given that different pedagogical approaches may engender disparate perceptions and attitudes among learners, it is of the utmost importance to ascertain which factor should be prioritized in classroom psychological interventions, as well as in teacher training programs. To address these gaps, this study addressed the joint effect of positive subjective experience (foreign language peace of mind, FLPOM), positive individual trait (language-specific grit), and positive collective institution (classroom environment) on WTC using structural modeling analysis. Furthermore, the study employed latent dominance analysis to ascertain the relative importance of these three factors in promoting WTC. The sample consisted of 643 multi-ethnic foreign language students from five provinces in Western China. The findings suggested that FLPOM, grit, and classroom environment collectively stimulate learners' WTC. Notably, FLPOM, a factor that has not previously been examined in relation to in-class or face-to-face WTC, emerged as the most statistically significant predictor of WTC. Therefore, it is imperative that foreign language practitioners and learners recognize the significance of FLPOM in language learning and teaching in Chinese multi-ethnic regions.

   MeSH terms: Adult; China/ethnology; Communication*; Female; Humans; Learning*; Male; Schools; Multilingualism*
7. In "reference" to an evolving problem in academia!

   Choudhary N, Magoon R, Suresh V

   J Anaesthesiol Clin Pharmacol, 2025;41(2):378.

   PMID: 40248798 DOI: 10.4103/joacp.joacp_1_24
8. Avacopan-induced liver injury: an uncommon but emerging concern?

   Sern J, Ravintharan K, Adeeb F

   Clin Exp Rheumatol, 2025 Apr 09.

   PMID: 40242917 DOI: 10.55563/clinexprheumatol/o74k69
9. Assessing ergonomic risks: REBA analysis of food delivery riders in Eastern Peninsular Malaysia

   Daud A, Mohd Basri IS, Ahmad E, Mohd Hairon S, Nordin R, Azmir NA, et al.

   Int J Occup Med Environ Health, 2025 Apr 14.

   PMID: 40237063 DOI: 10.13075/ijomeh.1896.02558

   Abstract

   OBJECTIVES: Rapid urbanization has intensified the demand for human labor, including in sectors like food delivery, where workers are prone to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). This study aimed to assess the ergonomic risks among food delivery riders in Eastern Peninsular Malaysia using the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) method.

   MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 191 food delivery riders in September 2021 - March 2022. The REBA method, a paper-and-pen observational tool, was utilized to evaluate the postural risks associated with WMSDs. Data on demographics and working conditions were collected through interviews and observations. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize REBA scores, with mean scores compared between motorcycle types using t-tests.

   RESULTS: The mean final REBA score was 5, indicating a medium risk for developing WMSDs. Scores of 4, 5, and 6 were observed in 36.1%, 31.4%, and 31.9% of riders, respectively. Riders using scooters generally had lower REBA scores than those using sedan motorcycles.

   CONCLUSIONS: The study highlighted a medium risk of WMSDs among food delivery riders. Ergonomic interventions, particularly in motorcycle design, are necessary to mitigate these risks and improve occupational safety and health. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2025;38(2).
10. Screening of medicinal phytocompounds with structure-based approaches to target key hotspot residues in tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1: augmenting sensitivity of cancer cells to topoisomerase I inhibitors

    Suleman M, Khan A, Khan SU, Alissa M, Alghamdi SA, Alghamdi A, et al.

    J Biomol Struct Dyn, 2025 Apr 15.

    PMID: 40231415 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2025.2490061

    Abstract

    One of cancer's well-known hallmarks is DNA damage, yet it's intriguing that DNA damage has been explored as a therapeutic strategy against cancer. Tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1, involved in DNA repair from topoisomerase I inhibitors, a chemotherapy class for cancer treatment. Inhibiting TDP1 can increase unresolved Top1 cleavage complexes in cancer cells, inducing DNA damage and cell death. TDP1's catalytic activity depends on His263 and His493 residues. Using molecular simulation, structure-based drug design, and free energy calculation, we identified potential drugs against TDP1. A multi-step screening of medicinal plant compound databases (North Africa, East Africa, Northeast Africa, and South Africa) identified the top four candidates. Docking scores for top hits 1-4 were -7.76, -7.37, -7.35, and -7.24 kcal/mol. Top hit 3 exhibited the highest potency, forming a strong bonding network with both His263 and His493 residues. All-atoms simulations showed consistent dynamics for top hits 1-4, indicating stability and potential for efficient interaction with interface residues. Minimal fluctuations in residue flexibility suggest these compounds can stabilize internal flexibility upon binding. The binding free energies of -35.11, -36.70, -31.38, and -23.85 kcal/mol were calculated for the top hit 1-4 complexes. Furthermore, the chosen compounds demonstrate outstanding ADMET characteristics, such as excellent water solubility, effective gastrointestinal absorption, and the absence of hepatotoxicity. Cytotoxicity analysis revealed top hit 2 higher probability of activity against 24 cancer cell lines. Our findings suggest that these compounds (top hits 1-4) hold promise for innovative drug therapies, suitable for both in vivo and in vitro experiments.