Browse publications by year: 2025

  1. Zulkifli A, Nam HY, Ng WM, Yasin NF, Kamarul T
    Tissue Cell, 2025 Feb 27;95:102828.
    PMID: 40086111 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2025.102828
    Tendon injuries represent a significant challenge to treat owing to their limited intrinsic reparative capacity. The use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) offers promising alternative therapeutic option to augments tendon repair. It is hypothesised that the activation of hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α), could facilitate the tendon repair process by promoting the proliferation and tenogenic differentiation of MSCs. To demonstrate this, a study was conducted incorporating the use of Roxadustat, a specific hypoxia mimetic mediator and cyclic uniaxial stretching at a frequency of 1 Hz and 8 % strain on adipose derived-mesenchymal stromal cells (ADMSCs).

    METHODS: Cellular morphology, proliferation rate, tenogenic protein and gene expression levels from 8 different treatment groups were compared. These groups include untreated ADMSCs (Control), Roxadustat pre-conditioned ADMSCs (ROX), ADMSCs subjected CAY10585 treatment only (CAY), Roxadustat pre-conditioned ADMSCs with CAY10585 inhibition (ROX+CAY), ADMSCs subjected to uniaxial stretching only (S), Roxadustat pre-conditioned ADMSCs with uniaxial stretching (ROX+S), ADMSCs subjected CAY10585 with uniaxial stretching (CAY+S) and primary tenocytes (Tenocytes).

    RESULTS: ROX+S group exhibited the highest expression of HIF-1α and demonstrated a significant up-regulation of collagen I and III expressions, increasing by 4.9 and 5.6-fold compared to ROX group, respectively. There is a significant increase of SCX, TNC, TNMD, COLI and COLIII expression in this combination treatment group; (SCX= 9.9, TNC= 12.6, TNMD= 7.0, COLI= 8.0 and COLIII= 10.0-fold). Conversely, the expression of the markers markedly reduced with HIF-1α inhibitor CAY10585. However, uniaxial stretching effectively counteracted the inhibitory effects of CAY10585 in the CAY+ S group, resulting in a 3.9-fold increase in SCX expression compared to CAY treatment alone.

    CONCLUSION: HIF-1α accumulation promotes superior tenogenic differentiation of ADMSCs, suggesting that the combination of Roxadustat and cyclic uniaxial stretching may be a potential therapeutic mediator in tendon repair strategies.

  2. Shabil M, Gaidhane AM, Vadia N, Menon SV, Chennakesavulu K, Panigrahi R, et al.
    Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol, 2025 Apr 17;308:214-221.
    PMID: 40086257 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2025.03.012
    BACKGROUND: Maternal hypertensive disorders (HDP) remain a major contributor to maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly in South Asia, where healthcare disparities persist.

    OBJECTIVE: This study aims to analyze trends in maternal hypertensive disorders across South Asia from 1990 to 2021, leveraging data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study to evaluate the effectiveness of healthcare interventions and provide actionable recommendations.

    METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis using GBD 2021 data for Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Pakistan. Health trends such as prevalence, incidence, and maternal mortality ratios (MMR) were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Join point regression. This approach allowed us to identify significant changes and trends over the studied period.

    RESULTS: The study revealed significant declines in the prevalence and MMR associated with maternal hypertensive disorders across the region. Notable reductions were observed in Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal, while Pakistan showed minimal improvement, indicating ongoing healthcare challenges. The analysis underscores substantial regional disparities, particularly in Pakistan, which reported higher prevalence rates and MMR across all age groups.

    CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that targeted healthcare interventions can effectively reduce the burden of maternal hypertensive disorders in South Asia. However, persistent disparities in Pakistan highlight the need for region-specific strategies to address gaps in healthcare access and quality. Strengthening healthcare policies and improving intervention coverage could further mitigate the burden of HDP in South Asia.

    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Asia/epidemiology; Asia, Western/epidemiology; Bangladesh/epidemiology; Bhutan/epidemiology; Female; Humans; Maternal Mortality/trends; Middle Aged; Pregnancy; Retrospective Studies; Incidence; Prevalence; Young Adult; Global Burden of Disease/trends
  3. Routabi P, Mehrabi M, Adibi H, Mehrabi M, Khodarahmi R
    J Nutr Biochem, 2025 Mar 12.
    PMID: 40086674 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2025.109897
    Natural polyphenol compounds such as curcumin can inhibit carbohydrate-hydrolyzing enzymes, which may offer an alternative to expensive and potentially side-effect-inducing α-glucosidase inhibitors like acarbose. Hence, this study carried out the synthesis of curcumin aldopentose derivatives, examining their capacity to inhibit the α-glucosidase and α-amylase enzymes with the aim to alleviate hyperglycemia. Initially, the aldopentose derivatives from curcumin were synthesized and confirmed by spectroscopic methods such as MS, 13CNMR, 1HNMR, and FTIR. Afterward, we investigated the inhibitory effects of all derivatives on the α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes spectroscopically and determined their inhibition mechanism. We assessed the antioxidant activity and the stability of the synthetic derivatives in the simulated intestinal environment. Finally, we measured the postprandial blood glucose level after administering saturated starch in vivo. The modified compounds showed improved inhibitory effects compared to curcumin alone, with compound C3 demonstrating particularly strong enzyme inhibition. However, when compared with acarbose, a known commercial antidiabetic drug, the synthetic compounds showed lower inhibitory activity against both enzymes, resulting in fewer side effects related to undigested polysaccharides in the gut. Molecular docking studies show introducing a pentose moiety to the curcumin backbone enhanced docking affinities toward both enzymes and subsequently altered the associated IC50 and Ki values. Overall, compound C3 has the potential to be an inhibitor of carbohydrate-degrading enzymes and can effectively reduce glucose absorption in vivo. Given its antioxidant capabilities and reasonable stability, the compound in question shows promises as a potent derivative for the development of new anti-hyperglycemic drugs in future research endeavours.
  4. Kolekar KA, Kumbhar PS, Vishwas S, Dua K, Singh SK
    Drug Discov Today, 2025 Mar 12.
    PMID: 40086788 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2025.104330
    Over the past decade, dissolving microneedles (DMNs) have emerged as a promising approach for drug delivery to the brain. They are tiny devices designed to penetrate biological barriers, offering a painless method for localized and controlled drug delivery. They are suitable for delivering drugs that are susceptible to degradation when delivered orally. Recently, drug-loaded DMNs have been explored for treating neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). DMNs can deliver drugs efficiently to the brain via the intranasal, transdermal, and intracranial routes. In this review, we discuss the use of DMNs for delivering drugs to the brain, recent technological advances, clinical status, and current challenges related to their translation.
  5. Wan Ahmed WA, Che Rahim MJ, Abdul Hamid MF
    BMJ Case Rep, 2025 Mar 14;18(3).
    PMID: 40086834 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2024-263279
    Lung ultrasonography is an essential tool in the management of pleural infection. We report the usage of lung point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) using a handheld ultrasound system (HHUS), which changed the immediate management of a complex pleural effusion.A middle-aged diabetic patient presented with fever, dyspnoea and left-sided pleuritic chest pain, suggestive of left pleural infection. Lung POCUS using a HHUS showed a multiloculated pleural effusion with no connections between the locules, and this was confirmed later with CT, along with left empyema necessitans. An upfront video-assisted thoracoscopy was done instead of catheter drainage and intrapleural enzyme therapy. Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus was grown from the drained pus. The patient was subsequently discharged with prolonged antibiotic treatment.Lung POCUS by a trained physician is useful in deciding the immediate management of pleural infection. Modern HHUS provides a practical and reliable method for identifying and characterising pleural effusion.
    MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents/administration & dosage; Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use; Drainage/methods; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Staphylococcus aureus/isolation & purification; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Empyema, Pleural/microbiology; Empyema, Pleural/therapy; Point-of-Care Systems*; Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted
  6. Hussain N, Li Y, Li N, Hussain A, Hussain M, Su M, et al.
    Food Res Int, 2025 Apr;207:116107.
    PMID: 40086966 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2025.116107
    Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is an emerging swift and nondestructive detecting method, offering a unique structural signature of analytes down to ultrasensitive levels. Herein, we present a novel SERS-based core-shell nanostructure with optimized silver shell thicknesses, capped with 2-mercaptoethylamine (2-MCE), to simultaneously detect multiple agrochemical residues in fruit samples. Compared to unmodified Au@AgNPs, the modified Au@Ag@2-MCENPs integrated with SERS exhibited improved sensitivity and stability, exhibiting a strong relationship between the SERS intensities and pesticide concentrations in the fruit samples, with LODs of 0.006 and 0.008 ppm for thiacloprid and 0.007 and 0.009 ppm for oxamyl in pear and apple fruit samples, respectively. Moreover, the method showed satisfactory recoveries ranging from 80 % to 106.5 % for thiacloprid and 81.8 % to 110.2 % for oxamyl in both fruit samples. Furthermore, this method presented rapid and simultaneous detection capabilities, significantly reducing analysis time compared to traditional methods, making it suitable for detecting other toxic chemical residues in agricultural products.
    MeSH terms: Sulfhydryl Compounds/analysis; Sulfhydryl Compounds/chemistry; Thiazines; Pyrus/chemistry; Limit of Detection
  7. Li JL, Yu JH, Li WZ, Deng DJ, Xin Y, Reaney MJT, et al.
    Food Res Int, 2025 Apr;207:116082.
    PMID: 40086973 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2025.116082
    The study presents a novel purification method tailored for a range of linusorbs with comparable polarity, leveraging flash chromatography, a rapid and convenient technique, for large-scale purification of linusorbs. A two-step approach employing silica-phenylhexyl strategy was first used for linusorb (LO, also known as cyclolinopeptide) preparation, yielding fractions of cyclolinopeptide A, E, O with purity exceeding 90 % for each 850 mg linusorbs load. Additionally, other eight fractions containing various LOs exhibited average purities ranging from 60 % to 83 %. Comparative assessment of antioxidant capacity of individual LOs elucidated the role of specific amino acid residues. Met residues initially contributed to LOs' antioxidant effects but declined due to oxidation of Met to MetO. Meanwhile, Trp residues exhibited stronger antioxidant capacity, enhancing the capacity of LOs lacking Met. Furthermore, the Phe-Phe structure was identified as contributing to the antioxidant effect of linusorbs. This study not only provides an efficient and scalable method for the purification of LOs but also offers insights into their antioxidant mechanisms.
    MeSH terms: Amino Acids/analysis; Amino Acids/isolation & purification; Amino Acids/chemistry; Oxidation-Reduction; Plant Extracts/chemistry
  8. Abdelrehim A, Bin Sulaiman E, Sofian H, Salleh NM
    J Prosthet Dent, 2025 Mar 13.
    PMID: 40087115 DOI: 10.1016/j.prosdent.2025.02.017
    STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The precision and accuracy of intraoral scanners for complete arch implant scanning is questionable as it is affected by the absence of anatomic features, the presence of large homogenous areas, and the lack of clear reference points, all of which create inherent errors in the image stitching process by the scanner software program.

    PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to test a newly designed scan-aid apparatus for evaluating the effect of geometric heterogeneity and additional reference points on the time efficiency and scanning precision of complete arch implant scanning.

    MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 60 scans (20 per group) were performed using an intraoral scanner in 3 different clinical simulations: 2 parallel implants, 4 parallel implants, and 4 implants; 2 anterior implants in parallel axial orientation; and 2 distal implants with a 30-degree posterior inclination. The scanning procedure was alternated between scanning with the scan-aid apparatus (test groups; 4IP+, 4IA+, 2IP+) and without (control groups; 4IP-, 4IA-, 2IP-). A 3-dimensional (3D) inspection software program was used to assess scan precision. Test group scans were compared with a reference scan for repeatability, with and without the scan-aid apparatus. One scan per group was the reference; the others were superimposed by using a best-fit algorithm. The 3D standard deviations were recorded for repeatability analysis. To assess time efficiency, the total scanning time, actual scanning time, and time lost were measured. A paired t test was used to compare means between the groups (α=.05).

    RESULTS: Precision was significantly higher in the test groups using the scan-aid apparatus than in the control groups (P

  9. Begum T, Arzmi MH, Khatib A, Uddin ABMH, Aisyah Abdullah M, Rullah K, et al.
    Nat Prod Res, 2025 Mar;39(6):1636-1652.
    PMID: 38923960 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2024.2371564
    Mitragyna speciosa Korth (kratom) is a tropical indigenous tree of Southeast Asia. It is commonly consumed by the people due to its various pharmacological properties. The leaves of this plant are traditionally used for the treatment of several diseases including pain, fever, cough, anxiety, depression, obesity, diarrhoea, wound healing, diabetes, hypertension as well as for the prevention of cancer and improvement of sexual performance. Phytochemical investigations have confirmed the presence of more than forty alkaloids along with the presence of other bioactive secondary metabolites. Among the alkaloids isolated, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine along with their derivatives have been widely evaluated and reported to possess various pharmacological effects. Hence, the aim of this review is to shed light on the traditional uses of kratom and the scientific studies to justify the folkloric claims and active principles responsible for the various medicinal effects associated with the leaves of this plant. This review highlights the potential benefits and toxicities associated with M. speciosa leaves along with the phytochemistry. Moreover, the existing gaps in the field of M. speciosa study have been identified along with the future directions to further avail the benefits of this plant species.
    MeSH terms: Humans; Plant Extracts/pharmacology; Plant Extracts/chemistry; Ethnobotany*; Secologanin Tryptamine Alkaloids/pharmacology; Secologanin Tryptamine Alkaloids/chemistry
  10. Chen M, Wang L, Zhou X, Chen G, Xu Z, Yan R, et al.
    Pest Manag Sci, 2025 Apr;81(4):2248-2256.
    PMID: 39740097 DOI: 10.1002/ps.8625
    BACKGROUND: Aedes aegypti is a primary urban vector of dengue, yellow fever, Zika and chikungunya worldwide. Pyrethroid insecticides are the most effective insecticides for controlling Ae. aegypti. However, pyrethroid resistance has developed due to the long-term overuse of the insecticides, and many knockdown resistance (kdr) mutations have been identified in the resistant populations. A1007G, an alanine to glycine substitution, was found in resistant Ae. aegypti from Vietnam and Malaysia, which has always co-existed with F1534C and V1016G. However, the role of A1007G in pyrethroid resistance and the linkage of A1007G and F1534C or V1016G remain unknown.

    RESULTS: In this study, we examined the effects of mutations on the sodium channel gating properties and pyrethroid sensitivity in Xenopus oocytes. We found mutations A1007G, A1007G + F1534C and A1007G + V1016G + F1534C shifted the voltage dependence of activation in the depolarizing direction. Mutations A1007G + F1534C and A1007G + V1016G + F1534C shifted the voltage dependence of inactivation in the depolarizing direction. Both mutations A1007G and F1534C reduced the channel sensitivity to two Type I pyrethroids, permethrin and bifenthrin, and synergistic effects were observed between mutations A1007G and F1534C. However, none of the mutations, A1007G, F1534C and A1007G + F1534C affected the channel sensitivity to two Type II pyrethroids, deltamethrin and cypermethrin. Furthermore, triple mutations A1007G + V1016G + F1534C significantly reduced the channel sensitivity to both Type I and Type II pyrethroids.

    CONCLUSION: We identified A1007G had a distinct effect on sodium channel sensitivity to Type I, but not to Type II pyrethroids, also A1007G exhibited synergistic effects with F1534C to Type I pyrethroids, which will provide a fundamental insight into the distinct molecular interactions between insect sodium channel and Type I or Type II pyrethroids. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

    MeSH terms: Alanine/genetics; Alanine/pharmacology; Animals; Glycine/analogs & derivatives; Glycine/pharmacology; Mutation; Oocytes/drug effects; Sodium Channels/genetics; Sodium Channels/metabolism; Amino Acid Substitution
  11. Adako OP, Adeusi OC, Alaba PA
    PMID: 40079459 DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2025.2477678
    This article addresses the gaps in current research regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to educate children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The proposed metrics are specifically designed to evaluate the progress of learning in AI-assisted education, considering the unique needs of this demographic. The review highlights the potential of long-term impact studies to determine the lasting effects of AI on social skills, emotional development, and overall academic achievement. The ethical considerations surrounding AI intervention in autistic education are thoroughly examined. By combining diverse methodologies utilized in existing studies, a comprehensive analysis of the challenges is presented, along with interdisciplinary approaches for improvement that can serve as a roadmap for future research. The manuscript provides innovative perspectives, bridges existing gaps, and advocates for the ethical and effective integration of AI tools in educating children with ASD.
  12. Kumar G, Gan HM, Hudson AO, Savka MA
    PMID: 40079580 DOI: 10.1128/mra.01157-24
    We report the whole-genome sequences of five culturable bacterial endophytes isolated from German hardneck garlic sap (Allium sativum L.). Three isolates were classified under the genus Sphingomonas, while the others were identified as Staphylococcus warneri and Frigoribacterium faeni. This data set will be helpful in enhancing garlic cultivation practices.
  13. Othman MY, Emmanuel J, Pamungkas KO, Sutthatarn P, Nguyen TT, Moreno A, et al.
    Pediatr Blood Cancer, 2025 Mar 13.
    PMID: 40079682 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.31599
    PURPOSE: To profile the surgical management of pediatric renal tumors rendered in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) of the Asia Pacific region, which are not currently affiliated to any pediatric renal tumor cooperative group.

    METHODS: An online survey was conducted among surgeons and urologists identified through the St. Jude Global Online Community Asia Pacific Pediatric Surgical Collaborations Group and participants of the St. Jude-VIVA Pediatric Surgical Oncology Symposium 2024.

    RESULTS: Ninety-six of 99 respondents provided replies, together representing 11 countries and 51 institutions. The majority (n = 90, 93.8%) were pediatric surgeons, with 26.7% having had subspecialty training in urology or oncology; 60% had experience managing Wilms tumors for more than 5 years, though 64% performed less than three nephrectomies per year. A chemotherapy-first approach was specified by 31% of institutions, but employed by 40% of respondents in actual practice. Of those who practiced a chemotherapy-first approach, 44.8% did so without an initial biopsy. Notably, 38% of respondents and 55% of institutions did not adhere to a consistent protocol. Lymph node biopsy practices varied widely, with only 40.6% sampling routinely and 56.3% had ever experienced a tumor rupture during nephrectomy. Most (90%) perceived that Wilms tumors comprised 90% of all renal tumors in Asian children-contrary to known demographic data.

    CONCLUSION: There is substantial variation in the upfront surgical management of renal tumors in Asia Pacific LMICs. Considering the unique epidemiology of renal tumors in Asians and limited surgical capabilities, there is a great need for regional collaboration to better standardize the initial surgical management approach.

  14. Soni M, Khatib MN, Balaraman AK, Roopashree R, Kaur M, Srivastava M, et al.
    J Epidemiol Glob Health, 2025 Mar 13;15(1):43.
    PMID: 40080234 DOI: 10.1007/s44197-025-00359-0
    BACKGROUND: Neonatal disorders represent a significant public health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where they account for 79% of global neonatal mortality. South Asia, comprising countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan, bears a disproportionately high burden, contributing to 38% of the world's neonatal deaths. Despite notable progress, South Asia remains off track in meeting the Sustainable development goals (SDG). This study aims to assess the current burden, trends in neonatal disorders, and forecast mortality rates across South Asian countries, providing insights to guide investment priorities and improve neonatal outcomes.

    METHODS: Data for this study were sourced from the Global burden of disease (GBD) 2021 study, which utilizes a Bayesian meta-regression model to estimate mortality, prevalence, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). Spatial maps depicting the age-standardized prevalence rate and age-standardized mortality rate for neonatal disorders in South Asia were generated using QGIS software. Mortality forecasts for the period 2022-2031, attributed to various neonatal disorders, were produced employing the Auto-Regressive Integrated Moving Average model in R software. Additionally, an analysis of overall neonatal mortality trends from 1980 to 2021 was conducted, supplemented by a heat map that compares DALYs attributable to various neonatal disorders across South Asian countries in 2021.

    RESULTS: Between 1980 and 2021, South Asia experienced a substantial decline in neonatal mortality rates, with India and Bangladesh leading the progress. Mortality decreased by 40%, while DALYs fell by 35%, despite a 15% increase in the prevalence. The prevalence of neonatal encephalopathy due to birth asphyxia and trauma surged by 355%, yet its mortality dropped by 31%. Pakistan recorded the highest neonatal mortality and disease burden, particularly for hemolytic disease and other neonatal jaundice and neonatal encephalopathy due to birth asphyxia and trauma. In India and Bangladesh, neonatal preterm birth and neonatal sepsis and other neonatal infections contributed most to mortality. Neonatal encephalopathy due to birth asphyxia and trauma accounted for the highest DALYs. Forecasts predict continued reductions in neonatal mortality across South Asia, except in Pakistan, where persistently high rates are expected till 2031.

    CONCLUSION: For South Asian countries to meet the SDG target for neonatal mortality by 2030, intensified and continuous efforts are required. These efforts should focus on identifying high-risk pregnancies and improving the quality of care during childbirth to address the root causes and reduce preventable neonatal deaths.

    MeSH terms: Asia/epidemiology; Bayes Theorem; Female; Forecasting; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Health Status Disparities
  15. Syed Hussin SAD, Chen XW, Al-Talib H, Chua AL, Azimi Z, Wang SM
    PLoS One, 2025;20(3):e0318805.
    PMID: 40080476 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0318805
    BACKGROUND: Encephalitis is the most common infectious disease of the central nervous system and is associated with high morbidity, mortality, and disability. Therefore, rapid and accurate diagnosis is crucial to provide patients with timely and appropriate therapeutic intervention. In this study, a comprehensive systematic review with meta-analysis will be conducted to summarize the available data and evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the detection of viral encephalitis.

    METHODS: We will search PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science (WoS), Scopus and Cochrane Library databases for studies evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of multiplex PCR for the diagnosis of encephalitis caused by viruses from January 2014 to December 2024. Observational study designs with full text will be exported and included. Risk of bias will be assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2) tool. Analyses will be performed using the "mada" package of R software (R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria), and the Summary Receiver Operating Characteristic (SROC) will be calculated using the "midas" package of STATA version 15.0 (Stata Corp., College Station, TX, USA). Certainty of evidence will be performed using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) software.

    RESULTS: The results will provide clinical evidence for the diagnostic accuracy of the multiplex PCR assay for the detection of viruses that cause encephalitis, including sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), positive likelihood ratio (LR+), and negative likelihood ratio (LR-). Finally, we intent to submit this systematic review and meta-analysis to a peer-reviewed journal for publication.

    CONCLUSION: This systematic review aims to provide current evidence for multiplex PCR assay for the diagnosis of viruses causing encephalitis. Importantly, this study focuses on the use of multiplex PCR for viral diagnosis and helps clinicians and patients to better understand its role in the diagnosis of CNS diseases.

    SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration number: CRD42023485942.

    MeSH terms: Humans; Sensitivity and Specificity; Viruses/genetics; Viruses/isolation & purification; Meta-Analysis as Topic*; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods
  16. Kuhnhäuser BG, Bates CD, Dransfield J, Geri C, Henderson A, Julia S, et al.
    Science, 2025 Mar 14;387(6739):1204-1209.
    PMID: 40080567 DOI: 10.1126/science.adp3437
    Distributed across two continents and thousands of islands, the Asian tropics are among the most species-rich areas on Earth. The origins of this diversity, however, remain poorly understood. Here, we reveal and classify contributions of individual tropical Asian regions to their overall diversity by leveraging species-level phylogenomic data and new fossils from the most species-rich Asian palm lineage, the rattans and relatives (Arecaceae, Calamoideae). Radiators (Borneo) generate and distribute diversity, incubators (Indochina, New Guinea, and Sulawesi) produce diversity in isolation, corridors (Java, Maluku, Sumatra, and the Thai-Malay Peninsula) connect neighboring regions, and accumulators (Australia, India, Palawan, and the Philippines) acquire diversity generated elsewhere. These contrasting contributions can be explained by differences in region size and isolation, elucidating how the unique island-dominated geography of the Asian tropics drives their outstanding biodiversity.
    MeSH terms: Asia; Biological Evolution; Fossils; Geography; Phylogeny*; Tropical Climate; Biodiversity*; Islands*; Rainforest*
  17. Azlin SUNK, Muhammad Husairy NF, Fraser C, Zahli NIU, Akmal MN, Salleh A
    J Comp Pathol, 2025 Mar 12;218:19-25.
    PMID: 40081130 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2025.02.003
    The spectacled caiman (Caiman crocodilus) is a common crocodilian species used for exhibition in zoos and for luxury leather and meat production. We investigated unusual mortality among juvenile spectacled caimans in a zoo in Malaysia over a 2-year period. Clinical signs included inappetence, poor body condition, dehydration and ocular lesions. Necropsy findings included integumentary, respiratory and renal abnormalities. Histopathological analyses revealed necrotic plugs and intracytoplasmic eosinophilic inclusion bodies in epidermal keratinocytes, granulomatous lesions in the lungs and liver and gout crystals in the kidneys. Acid-fast, beaded, rod-shaped bacteria were identified in the granulomatous lesions using Ziehl-Neelsen staining. Microbiological investigations identified Pseudomonas aeruginosa as the predominant pathogen, while mycobacteriosis was also detected and poxvirus infection was suspected. However, due to the lack of suitable samples, molecular diagnosis was challenging. These findings emphasize the multifactorial nature of disease in captive spectacled caimans and the need for enhanced management strategies to mitigate health risks and preserve population viability.
  18. Idrus SNW, Salleh WMNHW, Salihu AS, Arzmi MH, Cespedes-Acuña CL
    PMID: 40082080 DOI: 10.1515/znc-2024-0227
    This study aimed to investigate the chemical composition, and anticholinesterase and anti-tyrosinase activities of the essential oil extracted from the leaves of Piper frustratum Boerl., growing in Malaysia. Nineteen chemical components were identified using gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC-FID) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), accounting for 99.6 % of the essential oil. The identified major components include β-caryophyllene (12.6 %), β-asarone (10.7 %), myristicin (10.4 %), α-copaene (9.6 %), methyl eugenol (7.2 %), and β-cubebene (6.5 %). Anticholinesterase activity was assessed using the Ellman's method, while anti-tyrosinase activity was evaluated against mushroom tyrosinase. The essential oil demonstrated moderate inhibitory activity against acetylcholinesterase (IC50 value of 84.2 μg/mL), butyrylcholinesterase (IC50 value of 98.5 μg/mL), and tyrosinase (IC50 value of 95.4 μg/mL) enzymes. This study is the first to report the chemical composition and bioactivities of the essential oil obtained from P. frustratum, which may have implications on the characterization, pharmaceutical, and therapeutic applications of Piper essential oils.
  19. Bhalla G, Tanoto P, Vipin A, Chen XYJ, Leow YJ, Chen C, et al.
    J Prev Alzheimers Dis, 2025 Mar 12.
    PMID: 40082179 DOI: 10.1016/j.tjpad.2025.100110
    Global aging populations are facing increased prevalence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) - the preclinical stage of dementia characterized by single/multi-domain neurocognitive decline that does not impair an individual's normal daily functioning. Asian populations are at increased risk of developing MCI and dementia, and many cases go undetected in Southeast Asia (SEA), resulting in increased burden on patients, caregivers and national healthcare systems. There is an urgent need for efficient and scalable diagnostic and management strategies across SEA. Our findings illustrate that current strategies are limited by insufficient resources and a lack of awareness, particularly in developing SEA nations. Strategies for improving the MCI landscape in SEA include increasing widespread community awareness and cognitive health screenings for individuals with a history of vascular risk factors, validation of traditional cognitive screening tests in the respective countries, greater access to blood-biomarker testing, and the development and validation of novel digitized diagnostics.
  20. Abd Mutalib N, Yusof J, Ahmad Saman MS, Sheikh Abdul Kadir SH
    BMC Pregnancy Childbirth, 2025 Mar 13;25(1):279.
    PMID: 40082864 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-025-07366-w
    Polyfluoroalkyl and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent organic pollutants and exposure have been suggested with the risk of developing preeclampsia. Yet, evidence on the associations of PFAS with preeclampsia is still conflicting. Thus, the current study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the epidemiological evidence linking maternal PFAS exposure to preeclampsia. This research methodology involved searching three electronic databases for epidemiological studies, and then conducting a meta-analysis using a random-effects model to analyse the heterogeneity between the studies. The quality and strength of evidence for each exposure-outcome pair was also evaluated, as well as the risk of bias. The search identified 10 potentially eligible studies related to maternal PFAS blood level with preeclampsia, which 7 were ultimately selected. Meta-analysis demonstrated evidence of association between combined PFAS compounds in pregnant mother with preeclampsia with zero heterogeneity (I2=0.0%, Q= 3.09, df= 6, p=0.798). Preeclampsia was found to have moderate association with maternal perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) exposure (Test for overall effect: z=2.2, p=0.03; Test for heterogeneity: I2=0.0%, Q= 3.49, df= 6, p=0.745) as well as maternal perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) exposure (Test for overall effect: z=2.5, p=0.01; Test for heterogeneity: I2=0.0%, Q= 3.70, df= 6, p=0.718). This study showed significant associations between PFOA and PFOS exposure with the risk of preeclampsia. However, in-depth investigation is imperative to elucidate the impact of the different concentration and types of PFAS on preeclampsia risk.
    MeSH terms: Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Alkanesulfonic Acids/blood
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