Browse publications by year: 2024

  1. Nagaraj B, Sivasubramanian A, Musthafa SA, Muhammad S, Anilkumar AK, Munuswamy-Ramanujam G, et al.
    Free Radic Biol Med, 2024 Nov 20;225:925-932.
    PMID: 39393554 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2024.10.275
    3-deoxycaryoptinol (Clerodin) is a clerodane diterpene isolated from the leaves of Clerodendrum infortunatum. The present research investigates the anticancer therapeutic efficacy of clerodin in human monocytic leukemic (THP-1) cells for the first time. In vitro assay using THP-1 cells showed the cytotoxic ability of clerodin. Further, Annexin-V(FITC)/PI and intracellular ROS (DCFDA) assays carried out using flow cytometry, and confocal laser scanning microscopy confirmed the apoptotic potential of clerodin. Moreover, the Western blot was used to detect mitochondrial apoptosis of THP-1 cells. RT-PCR, ELISA, and Western blot analysis clearly indicated that clerodin significantly increased the expression of pro-apoptotic marker caspase-3 in THP-1 cells. clerodin also selectively targeted the G2/M phase of THP-1 cells, a key feature for anticancer molecules. Importantly, the clerodin did not exhibit cytotoxicity against human peripheral blood cells. These properties of clerodin make it a potential chemotherapeutic agent that can selectively induce apoptosis in leukemia-like cancer cells.
    MeSH terms: Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/pharmacology; Humans; Up-Regulation/drug effects; Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism; Clerodendrum/chemistry; Cell Proliferation/drug effects
  2. Khoo PY, Lam C, Tang SF, Perera S, Cheng TC, Md Din N
    Ophthalmic Res, 2024;67(1):635-643.
    PMID: 39427647 DOI: 10.1159/000542081
    INTRODUCTION: This study investigated the intraocular pressure (IOP) fluctuation as assessed by the water drinking test (WDT) in open-angle glaucoma (OAG) patients after combined cataract surgery with iStent implantation.

    METHODS: This was a prospective non-randomized comparative study. Eyes with OAG and cataracts that were planned for either combined phacoemulsification and iStent implantation (iStent+CS) or phacoemulsification alone (CS) were recruited. The iStent inject (Model G2-M-IS) or iStent injectW (Model G2-W) trabecular micro-bypass stent (Glaukos Corporation, San Clemente, CA, USA) was implanted in the iStent+CS group. WDT was performed before and 3 months after surgery. WDT-IOP parameters including peak IOP, IOP fluctuation, and area under the curve (AUC) were compared between the two groups.

    RESULTS: There were 20 eyes in the iStent+CS group and 16 eyes in the CS group. Both groups had similar pre-operative baseline IOP (15.6 ± 3.7 mm Hg vs. 15.8 ± 1.8 mm Hg in the iStent+CS and CS group, respectively, p = 0.883). The iStent+CS group experienced greater numerical reduction in peak IOP (2.6 ± 1.9 mm Hg vs. 1.9 ± 2.4 mm Hg; p = 0.355), IOP fluctuation (1.7 ± 2.2 mm Hg vs. 0.8 ± 2.5 mm Hg; p = 0.289), and AUC (54.8 ± 103.6 mm Hg × minute vs. 25.3 ± 79.0 mm Hg × minute; p = 0.355) than the CS group. There was more reduction in the number of anti-glaucoma medications in the iStent+CS group (1.4 ± 1.2) than the CS group (0.3 ± 0.9; p = 0.005).

    CONCLUSION: Both combined phacoemulsification with iStent inject implantation and phacoemulsification alone reduced peak IOP, IOP fluctuation, and AUC, and none of these parameters showed statistically significant difference. Greater reduction in anti-glaucoma medications was seen in the combined group.

    MeSH terms: Aged; Drinking/physiology; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Prospective Studies; Tonometry, Ocular; Visual Acuity; Stents; Phacoemulsification*; Glaucoma Drainage Implants
  3. Ahmed Taha B, Addie AJ, Saeed AQ, Haider AJ, Chaudhary V, Arsad N
    Neuroscience, 2024 Dec 06;562:106-124.
    PMID: 39490518 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2024.10.046
    Neuroprobes that use nanostructured photonic interfaces are capable of multimodal sensing, stimulation, and imaging with unprecedented spatio-temporal resolution. In addition to electrical recording, optogenetic modulation, high-resolution optical imaging, and molecular sensing, these advanced probes combine nanophotonic waveguides, optical transducers, nanostructured electrodes, and biochemical sensors. The potential of this technology lies in unraveling the mysteries of neural coding principles, mapping functional connectivity in complex brain circuits, and developing new therapeutic interventions for neurological disorders. Nevertheless, achieving the full potential of nanostructured photonic neural probes requires overcoming challenges such as ensuring long-term biocompatibility, integrating nanoscale components at high density, and developing robust data-analysis pipelines. In this review, we summarize and discuss the role of photonics in neural probes, trends in electrode diameter for neural interface technologies, nanophotonic technologies using nanostructured materials, advances in nanofabrication photonics interface engineering, and challenges and opportunities. Finally, interdisciplinary efforts are required to unlock the transformative potential of next-generation neuroscience therapies.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Humans; Nanotechnology/methods; Nanostructures*; Optics and Photonics/instrumentation; Optics and Photonics/methods; Optogenetics/instrumentation; Optogenetics/methods
  4. Castro-Calvo J, Beltrán-Martínez P, Ballester-Arnal R, Nagy L, Koós M, Kraus SW, et al.
    J Sex Res, 2024 Nov 19.
    PMID: 39560207 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2024.2417023
    Sexual desire is a complex construct with important implications for sexual functioning and well-being. In this research, we translated the Sexual Desire Inventory (SDI-2), a widely used scale for assessing sexual (desire), into 25 languages from English and used data from the International Sex Survey (ISS) to (a) investigate its psychometric properties (i.e. factorial structure, reliability, validity, and measurement invariance) and (b) explore the expression of sexual desire across different countries, genders, and sexual orientations. A total of 82,243 participants from 42 countries completed the SDI-2, along with other sexuality-related scales. Confirmatory factor analysis supported a three-factor solution for the SDI-2 (CFI = .980; RMSEA = .060), encompassing the domains of "Partner-related," "Attractive-person-related," and "Solitary" sexual desire. The reliability of the total score and subscales were excellent. Likewise, correlations with other sexuality-related variables were positive yet weak-to-moderate in effect size. Measurement invariance tests supported its use across countries, languages, genders, and sexual orientations. Analysis of SDI-2 scores according to these variables supported its ability to capture group-based differences in sexual desire. In sum, the SDI-2 constitutes a psychometrically robust measure for the assessment of sexual desire in non-clinical samples with utility in large-scale cross-cultural studies.
  5. Cardosa MS
    Pain, 2024 Nov 01;165(11S):S39-S49.
    PMID: 39560414 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003369
    The burden of pain in low- and middle income countries (LMICs) is high and expected to rise further with their ageing populations. Multidisciplinary pain management approaches based on the biopsychosocial model of pain have been shown to be effective in reducing pain-related distress and disability, but these approaches are still lacking in many LMICs due to various factors, including low levels of awareness about the role of multidisciplinary pain clinics, lack of prioritisation for pain services, and lack of healthcare professionals trained in pain management. The International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) has several educational programs to promote multidisciplinary pain management in LMICs, in the form of education grants, pain fellowships, pain camps and, most recently, the development of a Multidisciplinary Pain Centre Toolkit. This article describes the various educational programs, focusing on Southeast Asia, that demonstrate how targeted educational programs which include skills training, follow-up and mentorship, can translate into the formation of new multidisciplinary pain management services in settings with limited resources.
    MeSH terms: Developing Countries*; Humans; Pain
  6. Gu X, Hassan NC, Sulaiman T, Wei Z, Dong J
    PLoS One, 2024;19(11):e0313405.
    PMID: 39561125 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0313405
    Internet access for adolescents is becoming more prevalent around the world. Although video game playing has been verified to be negatively related to adolescent academic achievement, the mechanisms underlying this relationship are also unknown. Using a nationally representative sample of adolescents from the China Education Panel Survey (2014-2015), this study aims to explore the parallel mediation roles of self-educational expectation and learning attitude in the link between video game playing and academic achievement, and whether the direct and indirect effects are moderated by parent-child relationship. The results indicate that video game playing in adolescents is both directly and indirectly related to their academic achievement, and self-educational expectation and learning attitude partially mediate this association. Moreover, the results reveal that parent-child relationship moderates the direct association between video game playing and academic achievement as well as the indirect association of video game playing on academic achievement via self-educational expectation, respectively. By showing empirical evidence for the usefulness of social cognitive theory to adolescents' academics in the Internet Age, our research provides a supplement to existing literature.
    MeSH terms: Adolescent; China; Female; Humans; Learning; Male; Parent-Child Relations; Surveys and Questionnaires
  7. Ho KL, Yong PH, Wang CW, Lim SH, Kuppusamy UR, Arumugam B, et al.
    Bioorg Chem, 2024 Dec;153:107969.
    PMID: 39561439 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107969
    This study aims to elucidate the anti-inflammatory mechanism of Peperomia pellucida (L.) Kunth in human retinal pigment epithelial cell line (ARPE-19) as stimulated by high glucose (34 mM and 68 mM), and advanced glycation end product (AGE) under different glucose (17 mM, 34 mM and 68 mM) environments via the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) signalling pathways. The cytotoxicity of P. pellucida in ARPE-19 cells was evaluated with 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay. The genes and proteins expression of nine pro-inflammatory, angiogenic and antioxidant markers, including glutathione peroxidase (GPx), interleukin 8, matrix metalloproteinase 2, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, NF-κB, PPAR-γ, receptor for AGE (RAGE), soluble RAGE (sRAGE), and vascular endothelial growth factor in P. pellucida-treated ARPE-19 cells were compared to non-treated control via real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot. Both P. pellucida methanolic extract (1.5 mg/mL and 3 mg/mL) and ethyl acetate fraction (4 mg/mL) were non-toxic to ARPE-19 cells and demonstrated cytoprotective effect against the high glucose (34 mM) and AGE (17 mM glucose)-induced cellular stress. High glucose and AGE activated the pro-inflammatory signalling in ARPE-19 cells, as evidenced by the increased NF-κB p65 phosphorylation, up-regulation of pro-inflammatory and angiogenic mediators (p<0.05) but reduced GPx, PPAR-γ and sRAGE protein expression. Both P. pellucida methanolic extract (3 mg/mL) and ethyl acetate fraction (4 mg/mL) suppressed (p<0.05) the pro-inflammatory and angiogenic markers expression under high glucose and AGE environment. The main phytochemicals identified in P. pellucida were dillapiole, 2,4,5-trimethoxystyrene, 9-octadecenoic acid, and pheophorbide A-methyl ester which displayed relatively strong binding affinity towards NF-κB p65 and PPAR-γ proteins in molecular docking analysis. This study has demonstrated that P. pellucida is a potential alternative anti-inflammatory source for managing diabetic retinopathy via NF-κB and PPAR-γ signalling.
    MeSH terms: Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology; Anti-Inflammatory Agents/chemistry; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal/pharmacology; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal/chemistry; Cell Line; Cell Survival/drug effects; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Humans; Structure-Activity Relationship; Molecular Structure; Peperomia/chemistry; Molecular Docking Simulation*
  8. Onwe JC, Ullah E, Ansari MA, Sahoo M, Dhayal KS
    J Environ Manage, 2024 Dec;372:123297.
    PMID: 39561453 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.123297
    Considering how crucial environmental quality is to development, production often takes precedence over the development process when certain macroeconomic policies are being implemented. This phenomenon has been the subject of several studies conducted in various regions and nations. In this context, the recent article explores the nonlinear effects of industrial output, renewable energy, technological innovations, energy efficiency, and urbanization on CO2 emissions in the top ten industrialized countries. It recommends contradictory policy approaches due to its reported conflicting outcomes, opening up new research directions. To this end, the study relies on advanced econometric tools such as panel QARDL (Quantile Autoregressive Distributed Lag) and the nonparametric quantile Granger causality (NPQGC) test to attain robust results. The findings suggest that industrial output and urbanization significantly deteriorate environmental quality by increasing CO2 emissions across various time horizons. However, renewable energy, technological innovations, and energy efficiency have a significant influence towards enhancing environmental quality. Notably, industrialization and urbanization become environmentally friendly when energy efficiency is integrated with these variables. Additionally, the NPQGC test supports the main results by confirming the Granger causality between the modelled series. Based on the outcomes, the study suggests that the integration of energy efficiency with industrialization and urbanization can significantly contribute to achieving a sustainable environment.
    MeSH terms: Industrial Development*; Carbon Dioxide/analysis; Industry; Technology; Urbanization*; Renewable Energy
  9. Saqib A, Hussain I, Mefteh-Wali S
    J Environ Manage, 2024 Dec;372:123303.
    PMID: 39561456 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.123303
    This study examines how stock market returns in emerging BRICS economies respond to growing physical and transition climate risks. To capture the physical climate risk, we use the frequency of natural disasters, the number of people affected by natural disasters, temperature anomaly, and precipitation anomaly. For transition risk, we included two climate-policy uncertainty measures. First, we conduct a panel-level analysis using a cross-sectionally augmented autoregressive distributed lag model. Second, for country-level analysis, we applied the augmented autoregressive distributed lag model to the monthly dataset from January-2000 to March-2023. The empirical results show that an increase in transition climate risk causes a significant and negative shock to stock returns, both in the short- and long-term in the panel and across each BRICS country. Second, we find that physical climate risk indicators have a significant and negative impact on stock returns in China, India, and South Africa, but not in Brazil or Russia. We conclude that the impact of physical climate risk on stock returns is country-specific, and that the impact of transition climate risk is widespread. These findings provide important insights for investors, regulators, hedgers, portfolio managers, and policymakers regarding policy formulation and future investment strategies.
    MeSH terms: Brazil; China; Humans; India; Investments*; Russia; South Africa; Climate Change*
  10. Kathirasan DRAL, Normizan SN'B, Salleh NABM, Poh-Yen K
    Bioorg Med Chem, 2024 Dec 15;116:118000.
    PMID: 39561584 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2024.118000
    Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) plays a vital role in the innate immune response, but its overactivation has been associated with several diseases, such as aggressive progression of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). As a result, inhibiting TLR4 has emerged as a potential therapeutic strategy for this challenging breast cancer subtype. This review summarizes recent advancements in the development of small-molecule TLR4 antagonists to suppress TNBC growth, metastasis, and chemotherapy resistance. We also examine their potential in managing cancer-related complications and propose future directions for their application in TNBC therapy.
    MeSH terms: Female; Humans; Molecular Structure; Disease Progression; Cell Proliferation/drug effects
  11. Muhamad SN, Mohd Shabri NSA, Cotter JD, Bolton A, How V, Lim FL, et al.
    Rev Environ Health, 2024 Nov 21.
    PMID: 39562285 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2024-0101
    INTRODUCTION: Climate change is raising global temperatures, leading to more extreme heat events, even in temperate climates like Aotearoa|New Zealand (A|NZ). The impact of rising temperatures and the adequacy of planning measures remain underexplored. This paper highlights A|NZ's anticipated heat-health challenges by analyzing vulnerable populations and assessing current response systems, thereby reinforcing the need for system-level redress, mitigation and adaptation.

    CONTENT: A scoping review examined the impact of heat and existing mitigation and adaptation responses for vulnerable populations in temperate regions, with a focus on A|NZ. Additionally, temperature trend analysis was conducted for current and projected trends using Climate CHIP for six major heat-affected cities in A|NZ to assess the recognition of heat as a societal concern.

    SUMMARY AND OUTLOOK: The review identified mitigation and adaptation strategies for existing vulnerable groups and discovered other potential vulnerable groups in A|NZ, including Indigenous people (Māori), Pacific communities, low-income groups, migrants, and visitors. Temperature trends show an increasing pattern, suggesting heightened future heat-related impacts on these populations. This review reveals A|NZ's growing vulnerability to rising temperatures, particularly among high-risk groups, and calls for stronger mitigation and adaptation strategies to address future heat-health risks.

  12. Pannerchelvan S, Muhamad FN, Wasoh H, Mohamed MS, Wong FWF, Mohamad R, et al.
    Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins, 2024 Dec;16(6):1907-1924.
    PMID: 38085437 DOI: 10.1007/s12602-023-10200-4
    Whole-cell immobilisation technology involving ℽ-aminobutyric acid GABA biosynthesis using lactic acid bacteria (LAB) has been extensively studied owing to its numerous benefits over free-living bacteria, including enhanced productivity, improved cell viability, ability to prevent cell lysis and protect cells against bacteriophages and other stressful conditions. Therefore, a novel LAB biocatalyst was developed using various fruit and fruit waste, immobilising a potential probiotic strain, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum B7, via an adsorption method to improve GABA and cell viability. Apple and watermelon rind have been known to be the ideal natural supports for L. plantarum B7 owing to higher GABA and lactic acid production and improved cell viability among the other natural supports tested and selected to be used in repeated batch fermentation (RBF) to improve GABA production and cell viability. In general, immobilisation of L. plantarum B7 on natural support has better GABA and lactic acid production with improved cell viability via RBF compared to free cells. Watermelon rind-supported cells and apple-supported cells could produce nine and eight successful GABA cycles, respectively, within RBF, whereas free cells could only produce up to four cycles. When using watermelon rind-supported cells and apple-supported cells in RBF, the GABA titer may be raised by up to 6.7 (218.480 ± 0.280 g/L) and 6 (195.439 ± 0.042 g/L) times, respectively, in comparison to GABA synthesis by free cells in single batch fermentation (32.65 ± 0.029 g/L). Additionally, natural support immobilised L. plantarum B7 could retain half of its cell viability even after the 12th cycle of RBF, while no cell was observed in control.
    MeSH terms: Fermentation*; Lactic Acid/biosynthesis; Lactic Acid/metabolism; Probiotics/metabolism; Malus; Citrullus/microbiology; Microbial Viability
  13. Chin KW, Khoo SC, Paul RPM, Luang-In V, Lam SD, Ma NL
    Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins, 2024 Dec;16(6):2085-2101.
    PMID: 38896220 DOI: 10.1007/s12602-024-10299-z
    Cancer remains a global problem, with millions of new cases diagnosed yearly and countless lives lost. The financial burden of cancer therapy, along with worries about the long-term safety of existing medicines, necessitates the investigation of alternative approaches to cancer prevention. Probiotics generate chemopreventive compounds such as bacteriocins, short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), which have demonstrated the ability to impede cancer cell proliferation, induce apoptosis, and bolster the expression of pro-apoptotic genes. On the other hand, prebiotics, classified as non-digestible food ingredients, promote the proliferation of probiotics within the colon, thereby ensuring sustained functionality of the gut microbiota. Consequently, the synergistic effect of combining prebiotics with probiotics, known as the synbiotic effect, in dietary interventions holds promise for potentially mitigating cancer risk and augmenting preventive measures. The utilization of gut microbiota in cancer treatment has shown promise in alleviating adverse health effects. This review explored the potential and the role of probiotics and synbiotics in enhancing health and contributing to cancer prevention efforts. In this review, the applications of functional probiotics and synbiotics, the mechanisms of action of probiotics in cancer, and the relationship of probiotics with various drugs were discussed, shedding light on the potential of probiotics and synbiotics to alleviate the burdens of cancer treatment.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Humans; Prebiotics/administration & dosage
  14. Natnan ME, Low CF, Chong CM, Jasmany MSM, Baharum SN
    Fish Physiol Biochem, 2024 Dec;50(6):2327-2342.
    PMID: 39102011 DOI: 10.1007/s10695-024-01389-4
    This study focuses in investigating the fatty acid contents of surviving infected hybrid grouper fed with oleic acid immunostimulant. After a 6-week feeding trial, Epinephelus fuscoguttatus × Epinephelus lanceolatus fingerlings were infected with Vibrio vulnificus. One week after bacterial challenge, fish oil was extracted from body tissue of surviving infected fingerlings using the Soxhlet extraction method. The extracted samples were then sent for GC-MS analysis. The raw GC-MS data were analyzed using software programs and databases (i.e., MetaboAnalyst, SIMCA-P, NIST Library, and KEGG). A total of 39 metabolites were putatively identified, with 18 metabolites derived from the fatty acid group. Our further analysis revealed that most metabolites were highly abundant in the oleic acid dietary samples, including oleic acid (4.56%), 5,8,11-eicosatrienoic acid (3.45%), n-hexadecenoic acid (3.34%), cis-erucic acid (2.76%), and 9-octadecenoic acid (2.5%). Worthy of note, we observed a greater abundance of α-linoleic acid (15.57%) in the control diet samples than in the oleic acid diet samples (14.59%) with no significant difference in their results. The results obtained from this study revealed that surviving infected hybrid grouper expressed more immune-related fatty acids due to the effect of oleic acid immunostimulant. Therefore, in this study, we propose oleic acid as a potential immunostimulant in enhancing fish immunity in aquaculture industry.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Bass*; Fatty Acids/metabolism; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry/veterinary; Dietary Supplements; Vibrio vulnificus
  15. Chan K, Ghani DAM, Teoh J, Brodie A, Gan C, Foley C, et al.
    Urol Oncol, 2024 Dec;42(12):421-428.
    PMID: 39299895 DOI: 10.1016/j.urolonc.2024.08.019
    Conventionally, transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy (TRUS-Bx) was the main technique used for the diagnosis of prostate cancer since it was first described in 1989 [1]. However, the PROMIS trial showed that this random, nontargeted approach could miss up to 18% of clinically significant cancer (csPCa) [2]. Furthermore, risk of sepsis post TRUS-Bx can be as high as 2.4% [3]. Understanding the demerits of TR-biopsy have led to the introduction of transperineal prostate biopsy (TP-Bx). The incorporation of mpMRI revolutionized prostate cancer diagnostics, allowing visualization of areas likely to harbor csPCa whilst permitting some men to avoid an immediate biopsy. Furthermore, the advent of prostate specific membrane antigen-positron emission tomography (PSMA-PET) is highly promising, because of its role in primary diagnosis of prostate cancer and its higher diagnostic accuracy over conventional imaging in detecting nodal and metastatic lesions. Our narrative review provides an overview on prostate biopsy techniques and an update on prostate imaging, with particular focus on PSMA-PET.
    MeSH terms: Humans; Male; Positron-Emission Tomography/methods; Image-Guided Biopsy/methods
  16. Abdul Kari Z, Sukri SAM, Téllez-Isaías G, Bottje WG, Khoo MI, Guru A, et al.
    Fish Physiol Biochem, 2024 Dec;50(6):2563-2582.
    PMID: 39298109 DOI: 10.1007/s10695-024-01403-9
    Intensive aquaculture causes a decline in the health status of fish, resulting in an increased disease incidence. To counteract this, feed additives have been utilized to improve the growth performance and health of aquaculture species. This work specifically investigates the impact of powdered Ficus deltoidea (FD) on various parameters related to growth, blood parameters, liver and intestine morphology, body proximate analysis, digestive enzymes, antioxidant capacity, and disease resistance to motile Aeromonad Septicemia (MAS) caused by Aeromonas hydrophila infection in African catfish, Clarias gariepinus. Four formulated diets were prepared: T1 (0% FD), T2 (0.5% FD), T3 (0.75% FD), and T4 (1% FD). After 8 weeks, the African catfish's growth performance fed with the T2 diet exhibited a substantial improvement (p < 0.05), along with a remarkably lower (p < 0.05) feed conversion ratio (FCR) when compared to the other treatment groups. Blood parameter analysis revealed notably higher (p < 0.05) levels of white blood cell (WBC), lymphocytosis (LYM), hemoglobin (HGB), albumin (ALB), globulin (GLOB), as well as total protein (TP) in the T2 diet group. While all treatment groups displayed normal intestinal morphology, liver deterioration was observed in groups supplemented with higher FD. The T2 diet group recorded the highest villus length, width, and crypt depth. Protease and lipase levels were also notably improved in the T2 diet group compared to other treatment groups. Additionally, catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were remarkably elevated in all FD diet groups than in the control group. The expression of immune-related genes, including transforming growth factor beta 1, heat shock protein 90, nuclear factor kappa-B gene, and lysozyme G, was upregulated in all treatments. Overall, the results of this study indicate that incorporating dietary FD at 0.5% concentration in the diet of African catfish may enhance their productivity in intensive farming.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Fish Diseases/microbiology; Liver/metabolism; Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections/veterinary; Aeromonas hydrophila/physiology; Dietary Supplements; Ficus*
  17. Zheng R, Lai X, Fang C, Lin H, Huang Y, Zheng J, et al.
    Mar Environ Res, 2024 Nov;202:106758.
    PMID: 39305860 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2024.106758
    Global warming may affect the health of marine species. However, the collected information on quantitative assessment of response in fish under elevated temperature is poorly defined. The present study aimed to quantitatively evaluate the effects of the hybrid grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus ♀ × Epinephelus lanceolatus ♂) under elevated temperature (33 °C and 36 °C, ET1 and ET2) stress for 14 days. As endpoints, we examined changes in body growth, hemato-immunological parameters, liver oxidative stress markers, as well as changes of the stomach digestive enzymes. Compared to the control, the body weight was significantly decreased in ET2 group for 14 d exposure, and a remarkable change of differential leukocyte counts of the fish was observed in ET1 group at 3 d and in ET2 group at 14 d. The respiratory burst activity of the hybrid grouper leukocytes markedly decreased in the treatment groups after 14-d exposure. Overall, the antioxidant enzyme activities and transcriptional levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) were markedly inhibited in the liver for 3-d and 14-d exposure. The expression levels of nf-κb mRNA were significantly inhibited while the expression levels of atp2b1 mRNA were significantly induced after 14-d exposure. The activities of pepsin and lipase in the stomach were significantly reduced. In addition, an innovative hazard classification system (ET-HCS) was developed to quantitatively characterize the stress response of the fish following elevated temperature treatments. The stress level of ET2 group for 14-d exposure was ranked as level IV (high stress), and the other treatments were ranked as level II (low stress). Taken together, the findings of this study further extend our understanding of quantitative assessment of response in fish under high-temperature stress, which provides valuable information for improving countermeasures of mariculture industry.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Catalase/metabolism; Hot Temperature/adverse effects; Stress, Physiological; Superoxide Dismutase/metabolism; Temperature; Oxidative Stress; Global Warming
  18. Valente KD, Reilly C, Carvalho RM, Smith ML, Mula M, Wirrell EC, et al.
    Epilepsia, 2024 Nov;65(11):3155-3185.
    PMID: 39320421 DOI: 10.1111/epi.18116
    The Psychiatric Pediatric Issues Task Force of the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) aimed to develop recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of anxiety and depression in children and adolescents with epilepsy. The Task Force conducted a systematic review and identified two studies that assessed the accuracy of four screening measures for depression and anxiety symptoms compared with a psychiatric interview. Nine studies met the eligibility criteria for treatment of anxiety and depressive disorders or symptoms. The risk of bias and certainty of evidence were assessed. The evidence generated by this review followed by consensus where evidence was missing generated 47 recommendations. Those with a high level of agreement (≥80%) are summarized. Diagnosis: (1) Universal screening for anxiety and depression is recommended. Closer surveillance is recommended for children after 12 years, at higher risk (e.g., suicide-related behavior), with subthreshold symptoms, and experiencing seizure worsening or therapeutic modifications. (2) Multiple sources of ascertainment and a formal screening are recommended. Clinical interviews are recommended whenever possible. The healthcare provider must always explain that symptom recognition is essential to optimize treatment outcomes and reduce morbidity. (3) Questioning about the relationship between symptoms of anxiety or depression with seizure worsening/control and behavioral adverse effects of antiseizure medications is recommended. Treatment: (1) An individualized treatment plan is recommended. (2) For mild depression, active monitoring must be considered. (3) Referral to a mental health care provider must be considered for moderate to severe depression and anxiety. (4) Clinical care pathways must be developed. (5) Psychosocial interventions must be tailored and age-appropriate. (6) Healthcare providers must monitor children with epilepsy who are prescribed antidepressants, considering symptoms and functioning that may not improve simultaneously. (7) Caregiver education is essential to ensure treatment adherence. (8) A shared-care model involving all healthcare providers is recommended for children and adolescents with epilepsy and mental health disorders. We identified clinical decisions in the management of depression and anxiety that lack solid evidence and provide consensus-based guidance to address the care of children and adolescents with epilepsy.
    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Child; Depression/diagnosis; Depression/therapy; Humans; Advisory Committees; Consensus
  19. Habib A, Idrus H, Malik NAA, Nor AM, Nasohah SM, Moey LH, et al.
    Clin Biochem, 2024 Dec;133-134:110828.
    PMID: 39322052 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2024.110828
    BACKGROUND: Hyperhomocysteinemia can be due to various abnormalities of the complex interaction of methionine, folate and vitamin B12. It has been known to be a cardiovascular risk factor. This study aims to review the clinical presentation, underlying causes and clinical outcome in paediatric patients diagnosed with significant hyperhomocysteinemia in Malaysia.

    DESIGN AND METHODS: Data were obtained from the medical records and the laboratory information system. Paediatric patients with significant hyperhomocysteinemia were identified from a selective high-risk screening of 96,721 patients, performed between 2010 and 2022. Inclusion criteria for the study were paediatric patients with significant hyperhomocysteinemia (>40 µmol/L).

    RESULTS: Sixteen patients were identified. The average total homocysteine (tHcy) and methionine were 269 µmol/L and 499 µmol/L in cystathionine β-synthase deficiency (CBS), 127 µmol/L and 29 µmol/L in patients with remethylation defects and 390 µmol/L and 4 µmol/L in congenital B12 deficiency. We found c.609G>A as the most prevalent mutation in MMACHC gene and possible novel mutations for CBS (c.402del, c.1333C>T and c.1031T>G) and MTHFR genes (c.266T>A and c.1249del). Further subclassification revealed CBS was 5/16 patients (31 %), remethylation defects was 9/16 (56 %) and congenital B12 deficiency was 2/16 (13 %). All patients received standard treatment and regular monitoring of the main biomarkers. The average age at the time of diagnosis were 9.2 years (CBS) and 1.2 years (remethylation defects). Congenital B12 deficiency had slight delay in milestones, remethylation defects had mild to moderate learning disabilities, CBS had variable degree of intellectual disability, delayed milestones, ophthalmological abnormalities, and thrombosis at an early adolescent/adulthood.

    CONCLUSIONS: The majority of significant hyperhomocysteinemia in Malaysian children was due to remethylation defects. Screening for hyperhomocysteinemia in Malaysian children is recommended for earlier treatment and improved clinical outcome.

    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Homocysteine/blood; Homocystinuria/blood; Homocystinuria/diagnosis; Homocystinuria/genetics; Homocystinuria/epidemiology; Humans; Infant; Malaysia/epidemiology; Male; Mutation; Oxidoreductases; Vitamin B 12/blood; Vitamin B 12 Deficiency/diagnosis; Vitamin B 12 Deficiency/genetics; Vitamin B 12 Deficiency/epidemiology; Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (NADPH2)/deficiency; Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (NADPH2)/genetics
  20. Asmani AZA, Zainuddin AFF, Azmi Murad NA, Mohd Darwis NH, Suhaimi NS, Zaini E, et al.
    Pathol Res Pract, 2024 Nov;263:155627.
    PMID: 39357185 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2024.155627
    Antibody-based treatment was first used in 1891 for the treatment of diphtheria. Since then, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have been developed to treat many diseases such as cancer and act as vaccines. However, murine-derived therapeutic mAbs were found to be highly immunogenic, and caused anti-drug antibodies (ADAs) reaction, reducing their efficacy and causing severe infusion reactions. Fully human, humanised, and chimeric antibodies were then introduced for better therapeutic efficacy. With the introduction of immune response associated with mAbs immunogenicity. This review explores the immunogenicity of mAbs, its mechanism, contributing factors, and its impact on therapeutic efficacy. It also discusses immunogenicity assessment for preclinical studies and strategies for minimising immunogenicity for effective therapeutic treatment in various diseases. Finally, predicting immunogenicity in drug development is essential for selecting top drug candidates. A lot of methods can be implemented by the researchers and developers to reduce the development of ADAs while simultaneously minimising the immunogenicity reaction of mAbs.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Humans
External Links