Browse publications by year: 2025

  1. Jamaludin MNI, Tajuddin MFN, Younis T, Thanikanti SB, Khishe M
    Sci Rep, 2025 Jan 03;15(1):650.
    PMID: 39753723 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-84333-z
    The maximum power delivered by a photovoltaic system is greatly influenced by atmospheric conditions such as irradiation and temperature and by surrounding objects like trees, raindrops, tall buildings, animal droppings, and clouds. The partial shading caused by these surrounding objects and the rapidly changing atmospheric parameters make maximum power point tracking (MPPT) challenging. This paper proposes a hybrid MPPT algorithm that combines the benefits of the salp swarm algorithm (SSA) and hill climbing (HC) techniques. As long as the rate of change of irradiance does not exceed a specific limit, the HC mode is applied to track the global maximum power point (GMPP). Once a high rate of change in irradiation is detected, the SSA mode is activated. Moreover, the proposed algorithm employs the concept of boundary conditions to handle fast and slow fluctuating irradiance patterns. A comprehensive comparative evaluation of the proposed hybrid SSA-HC with state-of-the-art MPPT algorithms has been undertaken. Four distinct cases have been examined, including irradiance conditions with varying rates of change and partial shading conditions. The proposed hybrid SSA-HC algorithm has been validated and tested using a developed hardware setup, simulated in MATLAB for solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, and compared with standard SSA and HC. The performance of the tracking capability of this proposed hybrid technique at both steady-state and dynamic conditions under rapid and gradual irradiance changes demonstrates its superiority over recent state-of-the-art algorithms.
  2. He J, Rahman MNBA, Xu M, Jiang M
    Acta Psychol (Amst), 2025 Feb;252:104685.
    PMID: 39754996 DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2024.104685
    PURPOSE: An examination into the effects of maternal variables on children's emotional regulation abilities, as well as the processes that underlie these effects, may improve our ability to effectively promote the development of children's emotional regulation ability. This study looks at how maternal depression influences the relationship between mindful parenting and children's emotional regulation ability. It also investigates the potential moderating effects of the parent-child relationship. The study centers on a group of Chinese families with preschoolers.

    METHODS: A cohort of 556 mothers with preschoolers completed surveys to examine maternal mindful parenting, depression, parent-child relationships, and their children's emotional regulation ability. The inquiry attempted to understand the complex dynamics between the variables under consideration using moderated mediation analysis.

    RESULTS: The findings revealed that higher levels of closeness in the parent-child relationship attenuated the link between maternal mindful parenting and maternal depressive symptoms. Conversely, parent-child relationships with less conflict intensified the connections between maternal mindful parenting and both maternal depression and the emotional regulation ability of preschoolers.

    CONCLUSION: These findings enhance comprehension regarding the interconnectedness of maternal mindful parenting and preschoolers' emotional regulation ability within the Chinese cultural and familial milieu.

    MeSH terms: Adult; Child, Preschool; China; Female; Humans; Male; Mother-Child Relations*; Mothers/psychology; Mindfulness*
  3. Alallam B, Abdulameed HT, Lim V
    Food Chem, 2025 Apr 01;470:142666.
    PMID: 39755036 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.142666
    Sargassum polycystum (S. polycystum) is a brown macroalga with a high phytochemical content, making it a nutritious and bioactive food source. However, information on factors contributing to health benefits, like antioxidants and cytotoxicity, is less explored for Malaysian S. polycystum. In this study, three extracts of S. polycystum were characterized using a combination of analytical techniques. Despite similar carbohydrate content across all extracts, water extract exhibited the highest protein [21.90 ± 1.01 albumin equivalent (μg/mg)] and phenolic [7.73 ± 1.95 gallic acid equivalent (μg/mg)] contents. However, it displayed the lowest antioxidant and anticancer activities [half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of > 2000 μg/mL]. Interestingly, ethanolic extract demonstrated the strongest scavenging activity (IC50 of 397.90 ± 20.43 μg/mL) and selective anticancer activity against MCF7 breast cancer cells (IC50 of 338.63 ± 48.98 μg/mL). Untargeted metabolomic profiling confirmed the differences in the chemical composition of the extracts. Subsequently, correlation and docking analyses were used to identify the potential bioactive compounds within the extracts. The ethanolic extract is a rich source of these bioactive compounds with superior antioxidant and anticancer properties, highlighting the need for further research on its potential utility in the food industry.
    MeSH terms: Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology; Antineoplastic Agents/chemistry; Humans; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; Plant Extracts/pharmacology; Plant Extracts/chemistry; Tandem Mass Spectrometry; Metabolomics*; MCF-7 Cells; Molecular Docking Simulation*
  4. Nakajima R, Masucci GD, Kuba R, Wee HB, Reimer JD
    Mar Pollut Bull, 2025 Jan 03;212:117459.
    PMID: 39755061 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.117459
    The coastline of Okinawa Island, Japan, has been affected by human-made alterations for decades, often from land reclamation and coastal defense construction. Here, we use an Imperial Japanese Army map made between 1919 and 1921 to describe the composition of the Okinawan coastline approximately 100 years ago, and by overlapping this old map with a modern-day map of Okinawa (2018), we identified 131 sites where coastlines showed clear human-made alterations. For these sites, we examined what kinds of ecosystems were lost and what has replaced them. These data show losses of river mouths, tidal areas, rocky shores, natural sandy beaches, inner and outer reefs, and gains of industrial sites, ports, residential areas, agricultural areas, artificial beaches, military complexes, and vacant land. Considering the wide-scale alteration that has already occurred and the ecosystem services that coastal marine ecosystems provide, conservation of remaining natural coastlines of Okinawa Island should be given priority.
  5. Jothee S, Koo ZP, Sheppard MN, Binti Tuan Muda TM
    Cardiovasc Pathol, 2025;75:107714.
    PMID: 39755223 DOI: 10.1016/j.carpath.2024.107714
    Aneurysmal Coronary Artery Disease (ACAD) can occur as localized dilations of a segment of one or more coronary arteries or diffuse ectasia-type dilatations of one or more coronaries. Atherosclerosis remains the most common cause of these aneurysms, with Kawasaki Disease being implicated in the Asian population. We present a case of a 62-year-old Asian woman who dies suddenly with no prior symptoms. and underwent an autopsy. Her heart showed diffuse aneurysmal dilatations of the epicardial coronary arteries, with a giant saccular aneurysm of the left main coronary artery. Histopathology revealed medial degeneration of the aneurysmal wall with no evidence of atheroma or vasculitis. Following a review of the pathological causes of coronary aneurysms, it is likely that the cause of such diffuse dilatations of the coronaries could be previous vasculitis such as Kawasaki disease.
    MeSH terms: Autopsy*; Coronary Artery Disease/pathology; Dilatation, Pathologic; Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Mucocutaneous Lymph Node Syndrome/complications; Mucocutaneous Lymph Node Syndrome/pathology; Death, Sudden, Cardiac/etiology; Death, Sudden, Cardiac/pathology; Fatal Outcome
  6. Ong HM, Ibrahim PAS, Chong CN, Tan CT, Schee JP, Avumegah MS, et al.
    J Infect, 2025 Feb;90(2):106398.
    PMID: 39755279 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2024.106398
    OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the long-term humoral immune response to Nipah virus (NiV) in a cohort of 25 survivors after 25 years of post-infection.

    METHODS: A total of 25 survivors of NiV infection from the 1998 outbreak were recruited for sample collection. The serum IgG antibody response to NiV antigens, specifically nucleocapsid (N), fusion glycoprotein (F) and attachment glycoprotein (G) was evaluated using ELISA. Additionally, the samples were tested for neutralizing antibodies and memory B cell responses.

    RESULTS: Detection rates of anti-NiV-F and anti-NiV-G were 56% and 60%, respectively, among the survivors at a 1:100 dilution, whereas only 20% were specifically reactive to rNiV-N. Notably, all samples that tested positive for NiV-F and NiV-G at this dilution also exhibited neutralizing antibodies, highlighting the specificity of these assays. Live virus neutralization assay showed that 72% of survivors had detectable neutralizing antibodies, with varying titers, indicating long-lasting immune memory. Furthermore, memory B cell responses specific to NiV-F and NiV-G were observed in six randomly selected survivors, suggesting the presence of enduring immunological memory.

    CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the potential of NiV-F and NiV-G as reliable markers for NiV exposure and underscore the need for continuous surveillance and research. Such efforts are crucial for advancing vaccine development and improving preparedness for future NiV outbreaks.

    MeSH terms: Adult; Disease Outbreaks*; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Female; Humans; Immunologic Memory; Malaysia/epidemiology; Male; Middle Aged; Survivors*; Young Adult
  7. Peng Y, Ishak Z
    Sci Rep, 2025 Jan 04;15(1):786.
    PMID: 39755732 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-84947-3
    Given the significant prevalence of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and their detrimental impact on mental health, this study examines the relationship between attachment anxiety, attachment avoidance, and complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) among college students with ACEs, emphasizing the mediating role of self-compassion (SC). A sample of 32,388 students from Kunming, China completed a survey including the Revised Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire (ACEQ-R), the Adult Attachment Scale (AAS), the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ), and the Self-Compassion Scale-Short Form (SCS-SF). Among the participants, 3,896 reported at least one ACE. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) to explore the proposed mediation model. Results revealed that both attachment anxiety and avoidance positively influenced CPTSD symptoms while negatively affecting SC. SC negatively influenced CPTSD symptoms, acting as a significant mediator. The mediating effect of SC was stronger for disturbances in self-organization (DSO) than for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. These findings underscore the importance of fostering SC in interventions aimed at mitigating the influence of attachment anxiety and avoidance on CPTSD among college students with ACEs.
    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; China/epidemiology; Empathy*; Female; Humans; Male; Object Attachment*; Surveys and Questionnaires; Universities; Young Adult
  8. Vimalanathan V, Hasan H, Kunasegaran V, Sarawanan K, Ilangovan M, Sandrasaigaran P
    FEMS Microbiol Lett, 2025 Jan 10;372.
    PMID: 39756377 DOI: 10.1093/femsle/fnae116
    This study aims to evaluate the rice husk (EE-R)- and lemongrass (EE-L)-derived eco-enzymes (EE) as alternatives to chemical-based disinfectants. The EE-R's and EE-L's antimicrobial activity were tested against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella Typhimurium, and Staphylococcus aureus using a broth microdilution method. The antibiofilm activities of EE were determined using crystal violet staining. Lastly, the minimal contact time of EE for effectively reducing biofilm-forming pathogens (<25 CFU/ml) was assessed on various food contact surfaces (wood, glass, plastic, stainless steel, and marble). The results show that EE-R at 25%-50% concentration significantly inhibited P. aeruginosa and S. aureus while reducing the initial biofilm formation by 61% and 58%, respectively. In contrast, EE-L inhibited S. Typhimurium at a concentration of 12.5%-50% and P. aeruginosa at 25%-50%, with a strong preformed biofilm inhibition noticed for S. Typhimurium (70%). For the minimal contact time, EE-R superiorly inhibited P. aeruginosa (60 s) and S. aureus (120 s) on all contact surfaces, while EE-L needed 120 s to reduce P. aeruginosa and S. Typhimurium. These outcomes were comparable to sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl, 2.5%). The study's outcomes implicate the potential application of EE-R and EE-L as surface disinfectants against biofilm-forming bacteria, thus promoting safer food processing practices while minimizing environmental impacts.
    MeSH terms: Food Microbiology*; Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  9. Salazar JJ, Mirza FT, Uzzaman MN, Shunmugam RH, Shazana NZ, Pinnock H, et al.
    Respir Med, 2025 Feb;237:107936.
    PMID: 39756486 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2024.107936
    BACKGROUND: Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) is characterized by dyspnoea, reduced exercise capacity and poor health related quality of life (HRQoL). The evidence to support the benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) on exercise capacity (EC) and HRQoL in this population is still limited. We aimed to determine the effect of the different PR components on exercise capacity and HRQoL in patients with ILD.

    METHODS: We searched five databases (January 1990 to August 2024) using Population: ILD patients; Intervention: PR; Comparison: no PR; Outcomes: exercise capacity (e.g., 6-min walk test [6MWT] and HRQoL (e.g., St George's respiratory questionnaire [SGRQ]); Study type: randomised controlled trials (RCT). We used Cochrane risk-of-bias tool and GRADE to rate the quality of the evidence.

    FINDINGS: We identified 11 RCTs (476 ILD patients; 8 countries). 10 studies provided data for exercise capacity (6MWD) and 7 studies for HRQoL (SGRQ). Both 6MWD and SGRQ improved ≥ their respective mínimum clinically-important difference of 45m and 7 units respectively, in studies where PR programme was i) >8 weeks (n = 5) [6MWD: MD 58m, 95 % CI 37 to 79, p 8 weeks, fully supervised and incorporated HIIT had a better clinical impact on EC and HRQoL.

    MeSH terms: Exercise Therapy/methods; Female; Humans; Male; Quality of Life*; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Walk Test
  10. Lam XJ, Maniam S, Ling KH, Cheah PS
    Neuroscience, 2025 Feb 16;567:86-95.
    PMID: 39756608 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2024.12.061
    Down syndrome (DS), caused by trisomy 21, is characterized by intellectual disability and accelerated aging, with chronic oxidative stress contributing to neurological deficits. REST (Repressor Element-1 Silencing Transcription factor), a crucial regulator of neuronal gene expression implicated in DS neuropathology. This study investigates the neuroprotective potential of lithium, a mood stabilizer with known cognitive-enhancing effects, in restoring levels of REST. Using three pairs of human disomic and trisomic DS induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) isogenic lines, we differentiated neurons and treated them with lithium. Nuclear REST expression and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were quantified. Results showed the significantly lower nuclear REST expression in DS neurons was restored after 24 h of 10 mM lithium carbonate treatment. Notably, lithium treatment selectively reduced ROS levels in DS neurons to near-baseline levels. When challenged with hydrogen peroxide, DS neurons exhibited increased vulnerability to oxidative stress. The lithium treatment also significantly reduced ROS levels in the stressed control neurons. These findings reveal a positive association between lithium treatment, REST restoration, and oxidative stress reduction, suggesting that repurposing lithium could contribute to developing therapeutic strategies for DS neuropathologies. This study provides novel insights into DS molecular mechanisms and highlights the potential of lithium as a targeted intervention for improving neuronal function in DS.
    MeSH terms: Humans; Lithium Carbonate/pharmacology; Neuroprotective Agents/pharmacology
  11. Khajavian M, Ismail S
    Int J Biol Macromol, 2025 Mar;294:139479.
    PMID: 39756729 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.139479
    The polyvinyl alcohol/chitosan (PVA/CS) thin film membrane was modified using a deep eutectic solvent (DES) to enhance its adsorption capability and mechanical strength for the removal of brilliant green (BG) dye. Batch adsorption experiments, machine learning (ML) modeling, and density functional theory (DFT) analyses were performed to evaluate the adsorption of BG using PVA/CS and DES-modified PVA/CS (DES/PVA/CS) membranes. Incorporating DES (5 wt%) into the PVA/CS membrane increased its elongation at break from 8.176 % to 22.817 %. The random forest ML model exhibited superior predictive accuracy (R2 = 0.93) compared to the artificial neural network (R2 = 0.68) for modeling the adsorption process. The adsorption experiments were conducted under optimal operating conditions for PVA/CS (pH 7.5, adsorbent mass 0.06 g, and initial BG concentration 65 mg/L) and DES/PVA/CS (pH 8, adsorbent mass 0.06 g, and initial BG concentration 80 mg/L), achieving maximum adsorption capacities of 23.15 mg/g for PVA/CS and 124.63 mg/g for DES/PVA/CS. DFT calculations showed adsorption energies of -20.76 kcal/mol and -23.13 kcal/mol for BG/PVA/CS and BG/DES/PVA/CS complexes, respectively. DES, a green modifier, significantly enhanced the adsorption capacity, mechanical stability, and functional group diversity of PVA/CS membranes, thereby enabling more efficient dye removal.
    MeSH terms: Machine Learning*; Adsorption; Membranes, Artificial; Water Pollutants, Chemical/chemistry; Water Purification/methods
  12. Wirawan WA, Wulansari A, Sabitah A, Putra MRF, Gapsari F, Sartika D, et al.
    Int J Biol Macromol, 2025 Mar;295:139459.
    PMID: 39756744 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.139459
    The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of Waru bark fiber (WBF) as a reinforcement material for composites. To achieve this aim, WBF was extracted using a conventional process, to ensure its purity, and then characterized for physical, mechanical, chemical, and thermal properties. Microstructure analysis was performed using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) to show uniform and exceptional fiber sheets with naturally woven fiber shapes. A high value of 152.77 MPa was found for fiber's tensile strength in the mechanical test. Following this discussion, the fiber's crystallinity index (CI) was 56.54 %, and the X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) test showed a composition ratio of O = 48.63 % and C = 36.74 %. Thermal analysis using Differential Thermal Analysis-Thermogravimetric Analysis (DTA-TGA) showed that the cellulose fiber could withstand temperatures stability up to 312 °C. Finally, this study offered a sustainable solution to reduce the reliance on synthetic fiber in various industries by suggesting the use of reliable WBF as reinforcement.
    MeSH terms: Cellulose/chemistry; Temperature; Tensile Strength*; Thermogravimetry; Mechanical Phenomena
  13. Sharma N, Khatib MN, Roopashree R, Kaur M, Srivastava M, Barwal A, et al.
    BMC Cardiovasc Disord, 2025 Jan 06;25(1):5.
    PMID: 39757193 DOI: 10.1186/s12872-024-04460-3
    BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most prevalent form of sustained cardiac arrhythmia, with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) increasingly recognized for its potential role in the pathogenesis of AF through mechanisms involving atrial remodeling, inflammation, and fibrosis. This systematic review aims to synthesize available evidence on the association between VEGF and AF, exploring the implications of VEGF as a biomarker and therapeutic target.

    METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive search across PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science until November 10 2024, selecting studies based on pre-defined criteria that involve adults with AF and measurements of VEGF levels. The selected studies included observational and experimental designs, excluding non-English and methodologically insufficient publications. Narrative synthesis was used for summarising the results.

    RESULTS: Eight studies met the inclusion criteria. The studies show a general trend of elevated VEGF levels in AF patients compared to controls, with significant heterogeneity in findings across studies. VEGF subtypes such as VEGF-A and VEGF-D demonstrated stronger associations with AF risk compared to VEGF-C. These variations point to the complex role of VEGF in AF, influencing factors like angiogenesis, endothelial function, and inflammatory responses.

    CONCLUSION: VEGF is potentially a significant contributor to AF pathophysiology, with its levels reflecting disease activity. The variability observed across studies suggests a need for standardized measurement approaches and further investigation into VEGF subtypes. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies to better understand the causal relationships and the potential of VEGF as a therapeutic target and biomarker in AF management.

    CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.

    MeSH terms: Aged; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Prognosis; Up-Regulation; Risk Assessment; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A*
  14. Tan MMC, Hanlon C, Muniz-Terrera G, Benaglia T, Ismail R, Mohan D, et al.
    BMC Med, 2025 Jan 06;23(1):5.
    PMID: 39757194 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-024-03796-z
    BACKGROUND: We aimed to identify specific multimorbidity latent classes among multi-ethnic community-dwelling adults aged ≥ 18 years in Malaysia. We further explored the risk factors associated with these patterns and examined the relationships between the multimorbidity patterns and 11-year all-cause mortality risk, as well as health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

    METHODS: Using data from 18,101 individuals (aged 18-97 years) from the baseline Census 2012, Health Round 2013, and Verbal Autopsies 2012-2023 of the South East Asia Community Observatory (SEACO) health and demographic surveillance system, latent class analysis was performed on 13 chronic health conditions to identify statistically and clinically meaningful groups. Multinomial logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards regression models were conducted to investigate the adjusted association of multimorbidity patterns with the risk factors and mortality, respectively. HRQoL was analyzed by linear contrasts in conjunction with ANCOVA adjusted for baseline confounders.

    RESULTS: Four distinct multimorbidity latent classes were identified: (1) relatively healthy (n = 10,640); (2) cardiometabolic diseases (n = 2428); (3) musculoskeletal, mobility and sensory disorders (n = 2391); and (4) complex multimorbidity (a group with more severe multimorbidity with combined profiles of classes 2 and 3) (n = 699). Significant variations in associations between socio-demographic characteristics and multimorbidity patterns were discovered, including age, sex, ethnicity, education level, marital status, household monthly income and employment status. The complex multimorbidity group had the lowest HRQoL across all domains compared to other groups (p 

    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Chronic Disease/mortality; Chronic Disease/epidemiology; Female; Humans; Malaysia/epidemiology; Male; Middle Aged; Mortality; Prospective Studies; Quality of Life*; Risk Factors; Young Adult
  15. Rehman A, Khan I, Alshehery S, Khan MS
    Sci Rep, 2025 Jan 05;15(1):849.
    PMID: 39757265 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-85242-5
    The current research deals with analytical analysis of Marangoni convection on ethylene glycol base hybrid nanofluid two-dimension flow with viscous dissipation through a porous medium, which have some important application in mechanical, civil, electronics, and chemical engineering. Two types of nanoparticles one is sliver and other is graphene oxide and ethylene glycol is used as base fluid in this research work. The authors applied appropriate transformations to convert a collection of dimension form of nonlinear partial differential equations to dimensionless form of nonlinear ordinary differential equations. The transformed nonlinear ordinary differential equations are solved with the help of an approximate analytical method known as the homotopy analysis method. The effects of various parameters, including nanoparticle volume fraction, porosity parameter, Marangoni convection, and Eckert number, on energy and momentum profiles are analyzed, with the results illustrated using graphs. A physical explanation is provided to simulate and evaluate the behavior of nanofluid structures, such as temperature and velocity, in response to changes in these influencing factors.
  16. Limsrivilai J, Lai AY, Li STH, Abdullah M, Ali RAR, Aniwan S, et al.
    Intest Res, 2025 Jan 06.
    PMID: 39757455 DOI: 10.5217/ir.2024.00085
    Clinical guidelines typically endorse conventional therapies such as 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) as the mainstay of ulcerative colitis management. However, the degree of adoption and application of guideline recommendations by physicians within Asia remains unclear. This study aims to understand the prescribing patterns of 5-ASA and implementation of current guideline recommendations across Asian clinical practice. A physician survey was conducted among inflammatory bowel disease specialists in 8 Asian territories to understand practices and preferences in ulcerative colitis management, focusing on the use of 5-ASA and concordance with guideline recommendations. Survey findings were validated by country experts in diverse healthcare settings. Subgroup analyses stratified data by income levels and treatment reimbursement status. Ninety-eight valid responses were received from inflammatory bowel disease specialists or gastroenterologists among 8 economic entities. Significant differences were found in clinical practices and treatment preferences for ulcerative colitis management among different income-level and government-subsidy groups. Survey results are summarized in 8 findings that illustrate trends in 5-ASA use and guideline implementation across Asian territories. This study emphasizes socioeconomic factors that impact the adoption of guideline recommendations in real-world practice. Our findings indicate an eclectic approach to guideline implementation across Asia, based on resource availability and feasibility of treatment goals.
  17. Wong ZW, New SY
    Small Methods, 2025 Jan 05.
    PMID: 39757735 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202401436
    Hybridization chain reaction (HCR) and DNA-templated silver nanoclusters (AgNCs) have emerged as powerful tools in biosensing. HCR enables cascade amplification through programmable DNA interactions, while DNA-AgNCs serve as transducing units with unique fluorogenic and electrochemical properties. Integrating these components into a hybrid sensor could significantly enhance sensing capabilities across various fields. Nonetheless, limited studies and the lack of systematic guidelines for HCR-AgNCs systems have hindered research progress, despite their potential. This review aims to address this gap by providing a comprehensive overview of HCR-AgNCs biosensors, facilitating further innovation in this field. The working principles, performance factors, and complementary features are discussed. Thereafter, reported HCR-AgNCs studies are assessed, emphasizing their distinct sensing mechanisms (e.g., fluorogenic, electrochemical), applications across various fields, and challenges in adopting the hybrid sensors. Drawing from the experience developing multiple HCR-AgNCs sensors, insights and guidelines for designing and developing HCR-AgNCs systems are provided for future researchers. Finally, prospective directions in HCR-AgNCs research, including multiplex assays and integration with emerging technologies, are explored to guide future advancements. The synergistic combination of HCR and AgNCs as a hybrid biosensor holds promise for addressing pressing challenges in healthcare, environmental monitoring, and beyond, paving the way for next-generation biosensing technologies.
  18. Ferrari D, Siboni S, Sozzi M, Visaggi P, Kristo I, Tolone S, et al.
    PMID: 39757994 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.14987
    INTRODUCTION: High-resolution manometry (HRM) allows assessment of esophagogastric junction (EGJ) disruption. While type 3 EGJ predicts definitive gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), type 2 EGJ is less clearly implicated in GERD pathogenesis. This study aimed to characterize physiologic findings in type 2 EGJ to determine if the HRM-based Milan Score can define GERD within type 2 EGJ.

    METHODS: 535 patients with suspected GERD who underwent HRM and reflux monitoring were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical, HRM, and reflux study data were compared between the EGJ morphology subtypes, with objective GERD defined according to Lyon Consensus 2.0. The Milan Score, a novel metric that integrates ineffective esophageal motility, EGJ-contractile integral, EGJ morphology, and straight leg raise response, was abnormal when ≥ 137 (risk rate 50% for GERD). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to assess the accuracy of the Milan Score to predict objective GERD.

    RESULTS: Type 3 EGJ was associated with the highest rate of objective GERD, followed by type 2 and type 1 EGJ (p 

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