Browse publications by year: 2025

  1. Permal N, Nagi F, Marsadek M, Ramasamy AK, Boopalan N, Balakrishna GKAL
    ISA Trans, 2025 Mar;158:477-487.
    PMID: 39848905 DOI: 10.1016/j.isatra.2025.01.004
    As global interest grows in renewable energy sources, the impact of combined Electric Vehicle (EV) and PhotoVoltaic (PV) penetration on the power grid stability requires renewed attention, to incorporate new technologies to maintain the power quality under operational constraints. Energy-saving techniques such as Conservation Voltage Reduction (CVR) allow the power utilities to transmit voltage at a lower operation limit, increasing the generation margin to absorb the peak load demands. Increased reverse PV penetration results in grid overvoltage while EV charging absorbs the reactive power causing grid instability. Both overvoltage and loss of reactive power in the grid can be reduced by using CVR and reactive power injection techniques. A power electronic secondary var controller (SVC) can dynamically inject reactive power into selected grid buses. This work compares the voltage stability of an IEEE 33 bus system operating with and without CVR. The simulation studies analyzed the effects of EV penetration level, and PV hosting capacity with SVC compensation paired with and without conservation voltage reduction technique. The analysis results demonstrate that tandem usage of CVR and SVC maintains the grid voltage under operational limits, meets load and EV demand, and increases power efficiency and PV penetration.
  2. Chang L, Nordin N, Zhao S, Gu X, Zhao Y
    Sci Rep, 2025 Jan 23;15(1):2913.
    PMID: 39848985 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-85729-1
    Prefabricated buildings have a series of advantages such as high efficiency, energy savings, and environmental protection, and are being strongly promoted by the Chinese government. However, due to the late start of prefabricated buildings in China, the installation process of prefabricated components is relatively complex, leading to difficulties in quality and safety control. A novel evaluation methodology integrating the technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) with prospect theory and interval-valued Pythagorean fuzzy numbers (IVPFNs) is proposed. Fully considering the subjective value perceptions of decision-makers when faced with losses and gains, a risk evaluation model is established based on different types of decision-makers. This model is then compared with the weight correction coefficient model from a balanced perspective to prevent bias caused by over-reliance on decision-makers' subjective preferences. This study establishes an assessment index system for assembly construction risk, considering personnel, materials, machinery, management, and technology factors. By merging prospect theory with the TOPSIS method, the application of Pythagorean fuzzy numbers is refined, enhancing the group decision-making process for evaluating risks in prefabricated construction projects. On the other hand, the prospect theory approach can focus on the actual psychological state of managers during decision-making, addressing the research gap concerning the impact of managers' psychological states on the evaluation process. The study identifies critical risk factors and suggests specific risk management strategies to improve the risk mitigation capabilities of construction entities, offering a structured approach to enhancing the efficiency and safety of prefabricated construction projects.
  3. Shaberi HSA, Kappassov A, Matas-Gil A, Endres RG
    Sci Rep, 2025 Jan 23;15(1):2948.
    PMID: 39849094 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-86854-7
    Many cellular patterns exhibit a reaction-diffusion component, suggesting that Turing instability may contribute to pattern formation. However, biological gene-regulatory pathways are more complex than simple Turing activator-inhibitor models and generally do not require fine-tuning of parameters as dictated by the Turing conditions. To address these issues, we employ random matrix theory to analyze the Jacobian matrices of larger networks with robust statistical properties. Our analysis reveals that Turing patterns are more likely to occur by chance than previously thought and that the most robust Turing networks have an optimal size, consisting of only a handful of molecular species, thus significantly increasing their identifiability in biological systems. Broadly speaking, this optimal size emerges from a trade-off between the highest stability in small networks and the greatest instability with diffusion in large networks. Furthermore, we find that with multiple immobile nodes, differential diffusion ceases to be important for Turing patterns. Our findings may inform future synthetic biology approaches and provide insights into bridging the gap to complex developmental pathways.
    MeSH terms: Algorithms; Models, Biological; Gene Regulatory Networks*
  4. Askarizadeh MM, Gholamhosseini L, Khajouei R, Homayee S, Askarizadeh F, Ahmadian L
    BMC Med Inform Decis Mak, 2025 Jan 23;25(1):37.
    PMID: 39849432 DOI: 10.1186/s12911-024-02817-4
    BACKGROUND: Healthcare providers (HCP) face various stressful conditions in hospitals that result in the development of anxiety disorders. However, due to heavy workloads, they often miss the opportunity for self-care. Any effort to diminish this problem improves the quality of Healthcare providers and enhances patient safety. various applications have been developed to empower Healthcare providers and reduce their anxiety, but these applications do not meet all their individual and professional needs. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of mobile-based self-care applications on reducing anxiety in healthcare providers.

    METHODS: In this study, keywords such as anxiety, self-care, healthcare providers, and mobile health were used to search PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for papers published in the recent ten years (2014-2024). We used the PRISMA diagram to report the results. Ten out of 2515 retrieved articles that addressed the effect of mobile-based self-care applications on Healthcare providers' anxiety were included for analysis. Data were extracted using a data collection form designed based on the research objective. We used this form to collect data including the author's name, publication year, country, study type, intervention duration, study objectives, platform used, Modules presented in technologies, Methods of reducing anxiety, questionnaire details, and Effectiveness assessment. Data collected from the studies were analyzed by SPSS-21 using frequency and percentage.

    RESULTS: Based on the results, studies were conducted in nine different countries, and the intervention duration and strategies for reducing anxiety using self-care applications ranged from two weeks to four months. The impact of mobile health applications, their content, and intervention strategies on reducing anxiety were positive. The anxiety-reduction strategies were varied among applications. Anxiety reduction strategies in this study included mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral therapy, physical activities, breathing exercises, dietary regimes, and nature exploration through virtual reality. Cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness constituted the most frequently applied reduction techniques across the studies to reduce anxiety in Healthcare providers.Furthermore, the findings revealed the effectiveness of interventions in reducing other mental disorders such as anxiety, stress, depression, drug abuse, and psychotropic drug use of Healthcare providers.

    CONCLUSION: The use of mobile health applications with practical strategies is effective in reducing anxiety and can also reduce other anxiety disorders in Healthcare professional.

    MeSH terms: Health Personnel*; Humans; Self Care*; Telemedicine; Mobile Applications*
  5. Yuan Q, Deng N, Soh KG
    BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil, 2025 Jan 23;17(1):12.
    PMID: 39849510 DOI: 10.1186/s13102-025-01059-9
    BACKGROUND: Plyometric training (PT) was explored as an effective intervention for enhancing muscle strength and power. However, its specific impact on these attributes in martial arts athletes had not been systematically evaluated. Therefore, the objective of this meta-analysis was to provide a quantitative assessment of the impact of PT on muscle strength and power in martial arts athletes. Additionally, it aimed to investigate potential moderators that could influence this relationship.

    METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted across several databases, including SPORTDiscus, PubMed, CNKI, Scopus, and Web of Science Core Collection. Studies were included if they were controlled trials that examined the effects of PT on measures of muscle strength and/or muscle power in martial arts athletes. Effect sizes (ESs) were calculated using a random-effects model based on weighted and averaged standardized mean differences. Moderator analyses were performed for variables related to age and training. The ROB2 and ROBINS-I tools were used to assess the methodological quality of the included studies. Publication bias was evaluated using funnel plots and the extended Egger's test.

    RESULTS: The analysis included fifteen studies with a total of 499 participants aged 12 to 24 years. The findings indicated that PT had a small-to-moderate effect on muscle strength (ES = 0.62; 95% CI = 0.38 to 0.87, p 

  6. Hornok S, Kontschán J, Keve G, Takács N, Van Nguyen D, Ho KNP, et al.
    Parasit Vectors, 2025 Jan 23;18(1):21.
    PMID: 39849649 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06641-7
    BACKGROUND: Vietnam and its region are regarded as an ixodid tick biodiversity hotspot for at least two genera: Haemaphysalis and Dermacentor. To contribute to our knowledge on the tick fauna of this country, ticks from these two genera as well as an Ixodes species were analyzed morphologically and their molecular-phylogenetic relationships were examined in taxonomic and geographical contexts.

    METHODS: For this study, seven Haemaphysalis sp. ticks were removed from dogs and collected from the vegetation. These showed morphological differences from congeneric species known to occur in Vietnam. In addition, three Ixodes sp. ticks were collected from pygmy slow lorises (Xanthonycticebus pygmaeus), and a Dermacentor female had been previously collected from the vegetation. After DNA extraction, these were molecularly or phylogenetically analyzed based on the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (cox1) and 16S rRNA genes.

    RESULTS: The three species were morphologically identified as (i) Ixodes granulatus, which had nearly or exactly 100% sequence identities to conspecific ticks reported from large (approximately 2000 km) geographical distances but was more different (having lower, only 94.2% cox1 and 96.7% 16S rRNA sequence identity) from samples collected within 1000 km of Vietnam in Southern China and Malaysia, respectively; (ii) Haemaphysalis bispinosa, which showed 100% sequence identity to samples reported within both narrow and broad geographical ranges; and (iii) a new species, Dermacentor pseudotamokensis Hornok sp. nov., described here morphologically and shown to be phylogenetically a sister species to Dermacentor tamokensis.

    CONCLUSIONS: Haemaphysalis bispinosa shows genetic homogeneity in the whole of South and Southeast Asia, probably owing to its frequent association with domestic ruminants and dogs (i.e. frequently transported hosts). However, I. granulatus, the Asian rodent tick, has a mixed geographical pattern of haplotypes, probably because it may associate with either synanthropic or wild-living rodents as primary hosts. This tick species is recorded here, for the first time to our knowledge, as parasitizing lorises in Vietnam and its region. Based on phylogenetic analyses, D. pseudotamokensis Hornok sp. nov., recognized and described here for the first time, was almost certainly misidentified previously as Dermacentor steini, drawing attention to the need to barcode all Dermacentor spp. in Southern Asia.

    MeSH terms: Animals; Electron Transport Complex IV/genetics; Dog Diseases/parasitology; Dogs; Female; Lorisidae/anatomy & histology; Lorisidae/classification; Lorisidae/genetics; Lorisidae/parasitology; Male; Phylogeny*; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics; Tick Infestations/parasitology; Tick Infestations/veterinary; Vietnam; Sequence Analysis, DNA; Ixodes/anatomy & histology; Ixodes/classification; Ixodes/genetics
  7. Siddiquy M, Al-Maqtari QA, Ghamry M, Golshany H, Othman N, Mahdi AA, et al.
    Food Res Int, 2025 Feb;201:115564.
    PMID: 39849713 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2024.115564
    This research is designed to enhance the physio-chemical properties, constancy, and antioxidant activities of water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions containing chia seed oil (CSO) by utilizing mung bean protein isolate (MBPI)-peach gum (PG) conjugates, which were created through the Maillard reaction (MR), as the emulsifying agents. The emulsions were prepared using MBPI-PG produced through the Maillard reaction (EMRP) at concentrations of 0.5 %, 1 %, and 1.5 %. Another set of emulsions, serving as control samples, was prepared using MBPI-PG without the MR (EC) at the same concentrations. The EMRP samples demonstrated optimum characteristics during storage over 30 days at 25 °C, particularly at 1 % concentration, including the droplet size (176.37 nm), PDI (0.3), zeta potential (-47.52 Mv), quantity of absorbed protein (63.48 %), creaming index (22.99 %), and viscosity compared to EC. The emulsions prepared with MRP exhibited significantly lower POV (1.45 mM/kg oil) and TBARS (59.17 mM/kg oil) formation rates than EC. The EMRP1% formulation displayed the lowest release of antioxidant compounds among all formulations, suggesting low release control during storage. Molecular docking results confirmed that adding EMRP1% to the CSO emulsion significantly improved its quality and stability. This emulsifier could hold significant promise for future advancements in the food industry.
    MeSH terms: Particle Size; Viscosity; Maillard Reaction*; Plant Gums/chemistry; Vigna/chemistry
  8. Liu M, Mo Y, Dong Z, Yang H, Lin B, Li Y, et al.
    Food Res Int, 2025 Feb;201:115642.
    PMID: 39849782 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2024.115642
    Specific spoilage organisms (SSOs) are the key factors affecting the deterioration of large yellow croaker. This study investigated the antibacterial activity and mechanism of Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) against Shewanella putrefaciens. The effects of different concentrations of ZnO-NPs (0.5, 1, 2 mg/mL) combined with seawater slurry ice preservation on storage quality and microbial community of large yellow croaker were further investigated. The results showed that ZnO-NPs had a strong antibacterial effect on Shewanella putrefaciens, which destroyed the integrity of the cell membrane, resulting in nucleic acid leakage and increased electrical conductivity. In addition, ZnO-NPs could effectively inhibit the proliferation of microorganisms, slow down the rate of lipid oxidation, delay the rise of pH value and total volatile basic nitrogen, and maintain the color of fish. Among them, 2 mg/mL ZnO-NPs treatment showed the best preservation effect on large yellow croaker. High-throughput sequencing results showed that Pseudoalteromonas and Shewanella became the dominant spoilage bacteria with the extension of storage time. ZnO-NPs significantly reduced the relative abundance of dominant spoilage bacteria and changed the microbial composition of fish. Inhibition of the growth of SSOs was important for delaying spoilage and prolonging the shelf-life of large yellow croaker. Therefore, ZnO-NPs combined with seawater slurry ice preservation could be used as a new storage method, which provides a new idea for food quality and safety control.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Food Microbiology; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Nanoparticles; Metal Nanoparticles/chemistry; Food Storage
  9. Goh LH, Manoharan M, Goh KL
    JGH Open, 2025 Jan;9(1):e70102.
    PMID: 39850090 DOI: 10.1002/jgh3.70102
    Primary intestinal lymphangiectasia (PIL) is a rare protein-losing gastroenteropathy characterized by diffuse or localized ectasia of the enteric lymphatics, which can be accompanied by lymphatic abnormalities in other parts of the body. This condition results in hypoalbuminemia, hypogammaglobulinemia, and lymphopenia due to the abnormal leakage of lymphatic fluid into the gastrointestinal tract. As there are no specific serological or radiological tests available, the gold standard for diagnosing intestinal lymphangiectasia is endoscopic examination with histopathological examination of intestinal biopsy specimens. We present a rare case of primary intestinal lymphangiectasia in a 62-year-old Chinese woman who presented with a six-month history of lethargy, persistent diarrhea, and progressive weight loss. Gastroscopy and colonoscopy were performed, and biopsies revealed dilated intestinal lymphatics with broadened villi in the small intestine. Secondary causes of intestinal lymphangiectasia were ruled out, confirming the diagnosis of PIL. The patient was treated with a high-protein, low-fat diet supplemented with medium-chain triglycerides, resulting in significant clinical improvement.
  10. Fauzi NA, Munian K, Mahyudin NAA, Norazlimi NA
    Biodivers Data J, 2025;13:e141250.
    PMID: 39850267 DOI: 10.3897/BDJ.13.e141250
    Mangroves and mudflats are essential intertidal habitats that support benthic communities, providing critical feeding grounds for waterbirds. However, the degradation of these habitats due to coastal reclamation poses significant threats to prey availability and waterbird populations along the South est Johor Coast. While most avian research in Johor focuses on forest birds, studies on coastal waterbirds, particularly their feeding ecology, remain scarce. Understanding the feeding ecology of waterbirds is crucial for strengthening conservation efforts in vulnerable intertidal habitats. This study investigated the feeding behaviour and diet composition of waterbirds along the South West Johor Coast, Malaysia. Fieldwork was conducted in three coastal mudflats from November 2020 to May 2021, employing the direct observation technique. A total of 576 hours of observation were recorded, averaging 2 hours and 19 minutes per focal observation. Of 17 waterbird species recorded, only 11 species were included in the analysis based on sufficient data. The results revealed that waterbirds primarily consumed fish, molluscs, worms, crabs and unidentified prey, with fish comprising 25% of their overall diet. Feeding behaviour varied significantly by morphology traits, with larger waterbirds demonstrating higher feeding efficiency. Despite lower feeding rates and shorter feeding durations, larger species had a greater percentage of successful feeding attempts, indicating their superior ability to meet energy requirements. These findings provide crucial baseline data for understanding waterbird feeding ecology and highlight the importance of conserving the intertidal habitats. This research contributes to the development of targeted conservation strategies for waterbirds in the Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) of the South West Johor Coast, Malaysia, an area increasingly at risk from habitat degradation.
  11. Yeo BS, Lee WX, Mahmud R, Tan GC, Wahid MIA, Cheah YK
    World J Oncol, 2025 Feb;16(1):1-15.
    PMID: 39850528 DOI: 10.14740/wjon1955
    The investigation of microRNAs (miRNAs) for the purpose of identifying biomarkers and new treatments for breast cancer has been gaining traction from scientists in recent years. Of all the miRNAs, miR-155 has been reportedly involved in breast cancer development as it regulates various cellular processes such as glucose uptake, proliferation, metastasis, and migration. Various efforts have been done towards researching miR-155 as a biomarker in breast cancer; however, the results were varied. The objective of the current systematic review is to compile and summarize information regarding miR-155 as a potential diagnostic biomarker for breast cancer. All eligible studies were found from SCOPUS and PubMed databases. Out of the 376 potential eligible records, only 26 original articles were selected for further assessment according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. The expressions of miR-155 in serum, plasma, biopsy, urine, nipple aspirate fluid, serum exosomes, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells were recorded and analyzed. Besides that, the expression of miR-155 was also correlated to clinicopathological features in breast cancer patients. The area under the curve (AUC) values from receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis used to evaluate diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of miR-155 as a diagnostic biomarker were also recorded. The limitations such as the small sampling size, the unemployment of internal controls for quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and inconsistency of sensitivity as well as specificity values of miR-155 as a biomarker have been discussed. The present study proposed that miR-155 is a good diagnostic biomarker for breast cancer; however, further clinical research is required to assess the validity of miR-155 as a potential biomarker to translate the research outcomes into clinical practice.
  12. Alyas S, Hussain R, Ababneh BF, Ong SC, Babar ZU
    Explor Res Clin Soc Pharm, 2025 Mar;17:100558.
    PMID: 39850827 DOI: 10.1016/j.rcsop.2024.100558
    BACKGROUND: Asthma self-management is an effective approach that empowers patients with asthma to control their condition and reduce its impact on their daily lives.

    OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aims to synthesize evidence regarding the knowledge, perceptions, facilitators, and barriers related to asthma self-management among patients.

    METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted across five databases (PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar) using specific key terms. Studies that reported knowledge, perceptions, facilitators and barriers towards asthma self-management were included. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed to report this review. All the data from included studies were analyzed through narrative synthesis approach.

    RESULTS: A total of 17 studies were included in this review. The findings indicated that most patients had inadequate knowledge of asthma self-management, particularly regarding asthma fundamentals, and inhaler techniques. Patients' cultural beliefs, and perceived social stigma influenced their self-management practices. Facilitators of asthma self-management included strong partnerships with healthcare providers, social support, access to medication, and having a written asthma action plan. Conversely, poor communication with healthcare professionals, travel, smoking, and workplace challenges were identified as barriers.

    CONCLUSION: There is a pressing need for education and training programs to enhance understanding of the disease, and inhaler technique in patients with asthma. Healthcare professionals should create tailored asthma action plans according to patients' beliefs and needs. Moreover, healthcare policies should be developed to promote facilitators and address barriers, to ensure effective asthma management.

  13. Lee OW, Gao D, Peng T, Wunderlich J, Mao D, Balasubramanian G, et al.
    Trends Hear, 2025;29:23312165241311721.
    PMID: 39850978 DOI: 10.1177/23312165241311721
    This study used functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to measure aspects of the speech discrimination ability of sleeping infants. We examined the morphology of the fNIRS response to three different speech contrasts, namely "Tea/Ba," "Bee/Ba," and "Ga/Ba." Sixteen infants aged between 3 and 13 months old were included in this study and their fNIRS data were recorded during natural sleep. The stimuli were presented using a nonsilence baseline paradigm, where repeated standard stimuli were presented between the novel stimuli blocks without any silence periods. The morphology of fNIRS responses varied between speech contrasts. The data were fit with a model in which the responses were the sum of two independent and concurrent response mechanisms that were derived from previously published fNIRS detection responses. These independent components were an oxyhemoglobin (HbO)-positive early-latency response and an HbO-negative late latency response, hypothesized to be related to an auditory canonical response and a brain arousal response, respectively. The goodness of fit of the model with the data was high with median goodness of fit of 81%. The data showed that both response components had later latency when the left ear was the test ear (p 
    MeSH terms: Age Factors; Brain/physiology; Discrimination (Psychology)/physiology; Female; Humans; Infant; Male; Oxyhemoglobins/metabolism; Predictive Value of Tests; Reaction Time
  14. Step K, Eltaraifee E, Elsayed I, Rasaholiarison N, Okubadejo N, Walker R, et al.
    Mov Disord, 2025 Jan;40(1):51-56.
    PMID: 39482233 DOI: 10.1002/mds.30051
  15. Armstrong D, Hungin AP, Kahrilas PJ, Sifrim D, Moayyedi P, Vaezi MF, et al.
    Aliment Pharmacol Ther, 2025 Feb;61(4):636-650.
    PMID: 39740235 DOI: 10.1111/apt.18420
    BACKGROUND: Many patients diagnosed with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have persistent symptoms despite proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy.

    AIMS: The aim of this consensus is to provide evidence-based statements to guide clinicians caring for patients with refractory reflux-like symptoms (rRLS) or refractory GERD.

    METHODS: This consensus was developed by the International Working Group for the Classification of Oesophagitis. The steering committee developed specific PICO questions pertaining to the management of PPI rRLS. Methodologists conducted systematic reviews of the literature. The quality of evidence and strength of recommendations were rated using the GRADE approach.

    RESULTS: Consensus was reached on 13 of 17 statements on diagnosis and management. For rRLS, suggested diagnostic strategies included endoscopy, ambulatory reflux testing and oesophageal manometry. The group did not reach consensus on the role of oesophageal biopsies or the use of reflux-symptom association in patients undergoing reflux testing. The group suggested against increasing the PPI dose in patients who had received 8 weeks of a twice-daily PPI. Adjunctive alginate or antacid therapy was suggested. There was no consensus on the role of adjunctive prokinetics. There was little role for adjunctive transient lower oesophageal sphincter relaxation (TLESR) inhibitors or bile acid sequestrants. Endoscopic or surgical anti-reflux procedures should not be performed in patients with rRLS in the absence of objectively confirmed GERD.

    CONCLUSIONS: The management of rRLS should be personalised, based on shared decision-making regarding the role of diagnostic testing to confirm or rule out GERD as a basis for treatment optimisation. Anti-reflux procedures should not be performed without objective confirmation of GERD.

    MeSH terms: Antacids/therapeutic use; Humans; Manometry/methods; Evidence-Based Medicine; Consensus*
  16. Chan A, Chan D, Ng DQ, Zheng HF, Tan QM, Tan CJ, et al.
    Integr Cancer Ther, 2025;24:15347354251314514.
    PMID: 39840742 DOI: 10.1177/15347354251314514
    INTRODUCTION: As pharmacological strategies remain limited for relieving fatigue and associated cognitive symptoms, integrative modalities such as traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) could be explored as therapeutic strategies in cancer survivors. Here, we evaluate and report the efficacy and safety of a TCM concoction, modified Xiang Bei Yang Rong Tang (XBYRT), on quality of life (QOL), cancer-related fatigue (CRF), and cognitive symptoms, compared to placebo.

    METHODS: In a single-centered, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled pilot trial conducted from 2019 to 2022, fatigued cancer survivors ≥21 years old were recruited to receive the XBYRT intervention or placebo (5% diluted) once daily for the duration of 8 weeks. Patient-reported outcomes for QOL, CRF, cognition, blood samples for biomarker testing, and adverse events were collected at baseline (T0), 4 weeks (T1), 8 weeks (T2), and 10 weeks (T3) after baseline. Linear regression was performed to evaluate differences between groups at T2 and T3.

    RESULTS: A total of 1502 patients were screened, with 672 patients considered eligible. Of the eligible, 15 XBYRT and 13 placebo subjects with similar mean ages (58.5 vs 58.4) were recruited. Both groups were predominantly Chinese (93% vs 62%), breast cancer patients (87% vs 62%), and diagnosed with stage 2 cancer (60% vs 46%). Although no significant difference was found in QOL between groups, the XBYRT group exhibited improved emotional fatigue at T3 (P = .045) and higher BDNF levels at T2 (P = .047) and T3 (P = .029). After baseline adjustment, XBYRT was associated with better perceived cognitive impairment at T2 (P = .011) and T3 (P = .017), as well as overall perceived cognitive function at T3 (P = .028). XBYRT is well tolerated, with grade 3 adverse events reported in three XBYRT (20%) and two placebo (15%) subjects.

    CONCLUSION: In this pilot study, XBYRT as an integrative therapy is safe and generates encouraging improvements in cognitive and fatigue symptoms. Difficulties with recruitment limited the generalizability of trial findings, thus findings should be verified through a larger, multi-centered trial.

    MeSH terms: Adult; Aged; Cognition/drug effects; Cognition/physiology; Double-Blind Method; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Neoplasms/complications; Neoplasms/drug therapy; Neoplasms/psychology; Pilot Projects; Quality of Life*
  17. Mustafa NF, Cheng KK, Razali SA, Wahab HA, Salin NH, Zakaria II, et al.
    Mol Divers, 2025 Apr;29(2):1175-1187.
    PMID: 39841317 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-024-10899-5
    Dengue is one of the most prevalent viruses transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Currently, no specific medication is available to treat dengue diseases. The NS2B-NS3 protease is vital during post-translational processing, which is a key target in this study. Due to methoxy group substitution, methoxyflavones are more bioavailable and metabolically stable than hydroxylated flavones. To date, research on the anti-dengue activity of methoxyflavones is limited. Hence, this work aims to determine the inhibitory activity of methoxyflavones against the dengue NS2B-NS3. Methoxyflavones derivatives were screened using molecular docking. The result showed a strong binding interaction of compound 1 and compound 2 with NS2B-NS3 protease. Both compounds exhibited comparable binding energy as the reference compound, quercetin, with values lower than - 8.1 kcal/mol. Molecular dynamics simulation using GROMACS revealed the stability and stiffness of the complexes over a 100 ns time scale. In addition, an in vitro assay for NS2B-NS3 protease inhibition revealed inhibitory effects of compounds 1 and 2 with IC50 values of 316.80 µM and 463.30 µM, respectively. The ADMET analyses showed favorable pharmacokinetics profiles that comply with Lipinski's Rule of Five. Collectively, our findings suggest that compounds 1 and 2 inhibit dengue NS2B-NS3 activity. These findings hold promise of methoxyflavones as starting compounds for potential dengue treatment, highlighting the need for further investigation.
    MeSH terms: Computer Simulation; Dengue/drug therapy; Protease Inhibitors/pharmacology; Protease Inhibitors/chemistry; Serine Endopeptidases/metabolism; Serine Endopeptidases/chemistry; Structure-Activity Relationship; Molecular Dynamics Simulation*; Molecular Docking Simulation*
  18. Fan X, Soh KG, Mun CY, Soh KL
    Aging Clin Exp Res, 2025 Jan 22;37(1):32.
    PMID: 39841325 DOI: 10.1007/s40520-024-02894-5
    BACKGROUND: Tai Chi (TC) is widely acknowledged for its positive impact on improving motor function in older adults. Nevertheless, limited research has directly compared the effects of different TC styles on older adults with functional impairments.

    OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the impact of different TC styles on motor function in older adults with functional impairments.

    METHOD: We searched five databases-PubMed, Scopus, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Web of Science, and Wiley Online Library-including studies published up to September 2024. The selection of literature adhered to PRISMA guidelines, with quality assessment independently carried out by two researchers.

    RESULTS: Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria for this review. The analysis revealed that TC interventions for functionally impaired older adults primarily employed Yang-style, Sun-style, Chen-style, and simplified-style TC. The populations studied included individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), nonspecific low back pain (NS-LBP), preclinical disabilities, chronic diseases, poor balance, osteoarthritis (OA), Parkinson's disease (PD), sarcopenia, and those at risk of falls. The findings indicated that motor function in functionally impaired older adults were closely linked to balance, gait, mobility, strength, and fall rates. Among the various TC styles, Yang-style was the most frequently utilised intervention.

    CONCLUSION: This review examined four types of TC interventions and found strong evidence supporting the effectiveness of Yang-style TC in improving motor function in older adults with functional impairments. Additionally, five assessment methods-Single-Leg Stance (SL), Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT), Chair Stand Test (CST), and Fall Efficacy Scale (FES)-were identified as suitable for evaluating this population. Based on the findings, it is recommended that individuals with functional impairments engage in Yang-style 24-movement TC, with an intervention duration of 12 weeks, practicing two to five times a week for 60 min each session.

    MeSH terms: Accidental Falls/prevention & control; Aged; Gait/physiology; Humans
  19. Yusoff NA, Abd Hamid Z, Taib IS, Abdul Razak SR, Budin SB
    Adv Exp Med Biol, 2025 Jan 23.
    PMID: 39841383 DOI: 10.1007/5584_2024_846
    Epigenetic regulation in hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) research has emerged as a transformative molecular approach that enhances understanding of hematopoiesis and hematological disorders. This chapter investigates the intricate epigenetic mechanisms that control HSCs function, including deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) methylation, histone modifications, and chromatin remodeling. It also explores the role of non-coding ribonucleic acid (RNAs) as epigenetic regulators, highlighting how changes in gene expression can occur without alterations to the DNA sequence. Epigenetic mechanisms play a pivotal in regulating HSC self-renewal and differentiation, processes essential for maintaining a balanced hematopoietic system in which lineage-specific hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) pool is sustained. Recent advancements in epigenetic mapping and sequencing technologies have illuminated the dynamic epigenetic landscapes that characterize HSCs and their progeny. Numerous studies have revealed that dysregulation of epigenetic pathways is a hallmark of various hematological malignancies, including leukemias, lymphomas, and myelodysplastic syndromes. This review highlights key findings that demonstrate the impact of epigenetic abnormalities on the disruption of HSPC niches and the progression of oncogenesis in hematological malignancies. Furthermore, this chapter explores the therapeutic potential of targeting epigenetic modifications that are critical in formation and progression of hematologic malignancies. It also discusses the latest developments in epigenetic therapies, including the use of DNA methyltransferase inhibitors, histone deacetylase inhibitors, and emerging drugs targeting other epigenetic regulators. These therapies represent a promising strategy for resetting aberrant epigenetic states, potentially restoring normal hematopoiesis. Conclusively, this chapter offers a thorough overview of the current landscape and future directions of epigenetic research related to the maintenance of the HSPC niches. The insights presented here aim to contribute significantly to the field, offering a reference point for molecular approaches that enhance our understanding of hematopoiesis and its associated hematological malignancies.
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