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  1. Ping Pang NT, Masiran R, Tan KA, Kassim A
    Perspect Psychiatr Care, 2020 Jul;56(3):649-656.
    PMID: 32017137 DOI: 10.1111/ppc.12481
    PURPOSE: Psychological mindedness (PM) can partly explain depressive symptoms in caregivers of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This cross-sectional study examines PM in mediating the relationship between dysfunctional coping styles and depressive symptoms.

    DESIGN AND METHODS: One hundred fifty-five adult ASD caregivers completed the Malay version of Brief COPE, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and the Balanced Index of PM.

    FINDINGS: Direct paths between dysfunctional coping style and depressive symptoms, between insight and depressive symptoms, and between dysfunctional coping style and all PM variables (insight and interest) were obtained. Multiple regression analyses revealed that insight, but not interest, significantly mediates the relationship between dysfunctional coping and depressive symptoms.

    PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: PM can be enhanced via psychological interventions.

  2. Tew WY, Tan CS, Asmawi MZ, Yam MF
    Eur J Pharmacol, 2020 Aug 05;880:173123.
    PMID: 32335091 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.173123
    Morin (3,5,7,2',4'-pentahydroxyflavone) is a yellow coloured natural flavonoid found in plants of the Moraceae family. This favonoid is easily sources from readily available fruits, vegetables and eve certain beverages. Among the sources that was identified, it is clear that morin is most abundantly found in almond, old fustic, Indian guava, and Osage orange. Multiple studies have suggested that morin has multiple therapeutic actions and possess potential to be a functional potent drug. Previous studies demonstrated that morin is capable of resolving deoxycorticosterone acetate-salt-induced hypertension and possess strong vasorelaxant properties. However, the exact mechanisms remains unknown. Therefore, this study is designed to investigate the in vitro mechanism of morin-induced vasorelaxant effects. The underlying mechanisms of morin's vasorelaxant activities were evaluated on thoracic aortic rings isolated from Sprague-Dawley rats. Results from the study demonstrated morin causing vasodilatory reaction in phenylephrine and potassium chloride pre-contracted endothelium-intact aortic rings with the effect being significantly affected in endothelium-denuded aortic rings. Pre-incubation of the aortic rings with ODQ (selective cGMP-independent sGC inhibitor), indomethacin (nonselective COX inhibitor), L-NAME (endothelial nitric oxide inhibitor), propranolol (β2-adrenegic receptors blocker), and atropine (muscarinic receptors blocker) significantly reduced the vasorelaxant effect of morin. It was also found to be able to reduce the intracellular calcium level by blocking VOCC and calcium intake from the extracellular environment and the intracellular release of calcium from the sarcoplasmic reticulum. The present study showed that the vasorelaxant effect of morin potentially involves the NO/sGC, muscarinic receptors, β2-adrenegic receptors, and calcium channels.
  3. Ong CC, Yusoff K, Yap CK, Tan SG
    J Genet, 2009 Aug;88(2):153-63.
    PMID: 19700853
    A total of 19 polymorphic microsatellite loci were used to analyse levels of genetic variation for 10 populations of Perna viridis L. collected from all over peninsular Malaysia. The populations involved in this study included Pulau Aman in Penang, Tanjung Rhu in Kedah, Bagan Tiang in Perak, Pulau Ketam in Selangor, Muar, Parit Jawa, Pantai Lido and Kampung Pasir Puteh in Johore, and Kuala Pontian and Nenasi in Pahang state. The number of alleles per locus ranged from two to seven, with an average of 3.1. Heterozygote deficiencies were observed across all the 10 populations. Characterization of the populations revealed that local populations of P. viridis in peninsular Malaysia were genetically similar enough to be used as a biomonitoring agent for heavy metal contamination in the Straits of Malacca. Cluster analysis grouped the P. viridis populations according to their geographical distributions with the exception of Parit Jawa. The analysis also revealed that P. viridis from the northern parts of peninsular Malaysia were found to be the most distant populations among the populations of mussels investigated and P. viridis from the eastern part of peninsular Malaysia were closer to the central and southern populations than to the northern populations.
  4. Pheh KS, Tan KA, Ibrahim N, Sidik SM
    PMID: 33573341 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18031257
    Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a common neurodevelopmental disorder, often persists into adulthood. In Malaysia, the prevalence rate of hyperactivity symptoms is highest among Chinese Malaysians. There are limited evidence-based treatment options targeting the core symptoms of ADHD, as well as executive functioning. In addition, conventional psychotherapeutic approaches for adults with ADHD have been found to be highly labor-intensive. The present study will evaluate the effectiveness of an online mindfulness-based intervention to reduce inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity and improve executive functioning among Chinese Malaysian college emerging adults with ADHD. Informed by established literature, we will design an 8-week online mindfulness-based intervention (i.e., iMBI). We will conduct a two-arm randomized controlled trial comparing an iMBI plus treatment-as-usual group (n = 54) and an enhanced treatment-as-usual control group (n = 54). Outcome measures of inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity, and executive functioning will be collected at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and 1-month post-intervention. The findings of the present study will not only demonstrate the implementation of iMBI as a new treatment modality but also inform practitioners on the effectiveness of iMBI in reducing the burden of adults living with ADHD.
  5. Li X, Tan CP, Liu YF, Xu YJ
    J Agric Food Chem, 2020 Dec 16;68(50):14728-14738.
    PMID: 33289375 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.0c07378
    The intestine is an important digestive organ of the human body, and its barrier is the guardian of the body from the external environment. The impairment of the intestinal barrier is believed to be an important determinant in various foodborne diseases. Food hazards can lead to the occurrence of many foodborne diseases represented by inflammation. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms of the impact of the food hazards on intestinal barriers is essential for promoting human health. This review examined the relationship between food hazards and the intestinal barrier in three aspects: apoptosis, imbalance of gut microbiota, and pro-inflammatory cytokines. The mechanism of dysfunctional gut microbiota caused by food hazards was also discussed. This review discusses the interaction among food hazards, intestinal barrier, and foodborne diseases and, thus, offers a new thought to deal with foodborne disease.
  6. Law DS, Tan CE, Tong SF
    Sex Reprod Health Matters, 2019 Dec;27(1):1571316.
    PMID: 31533560 DOI: 10.1080/09688080.2019.1571316
    Family planning is extremely important for women with diabetes due to the various health risks and other social impacts of pregnancy in this population. Unfortunately, contraceptive use among women with diabetes remains low. This study explored the reasons influencing the decision to use contraception among East Malaysian (Sarawakian) women with diabetes. This was an exploratory qualitative study conducted at an urban public health clinic in Sarawak. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 12 women with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were audio recorded and transcribed and then subjected to interpretive thematic analysis. Five themes appear to influence the decision to use contraception: likelihood of becoming pregnant, desired family size, personal health risks associated with getting pregnant, social implications of getting pregnant, and opinions of significant others. Among Sarawakian women with diabetes, the decision to use contraception was influenced by more than just health-related factors. Contraception counselling for this group of women should factor in their health beliefs, personal values, and social factors. Community involvement and peer support are potential strategies to improve contraception use.
  7. Lim XY, Teh BP, Tan TYC
    Front Pharmacol, 2021;12:611408.
    PMID: 33841143 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.611408
    Currently, the search to identify treatments and vaccines for novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) are ongoing. Desperation within the community, especially among the middle-and low-income groups acutely affected by the economic impact of forced lockdowns, has driven increased interest in exploring alternative choices of medicinal plant-based therapeutics. This is evident with the rise in unsubstantiated efficacy claims of these interventions circulating on social media. Based on enquiries received, our team of researchers was given the chance to produce evidence summaries evaluating the potential of complementary interventions in COVID-19 management. Here, we present and discuss the findings of four selected medicinal plants (Nigella sativa, Vernonia amygdalina, Azadirachta indica, Eurycoma longifolia), with reported antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects that might be interesting for further investigation. Our findings showed that only A. indica reported positive antiviral evidence specific to the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) based on preliminary in silico data while all four medicinal plants demonstrated differential anti-inflammatory or immunomodulatory effects. The definitive roles of these medicinal plants in cytokine storms and post-infection complications remains to be further investigated. Quality control and standardisation of medicinal plant-based products also needs to be emphasized. However, given the unprecedented challenges faced, ethnopharmacological research should be given a fair amount of consideration for contribution in this pandemic.
  8. Arellano G, Medina NG, Tan S, Mohamad M, Davies SJ
    New Phytol, 2019 01;221(1):169-179.
    PMID: 30067290 DOI: 10.1111/nph.15381
    What causes individual tree death in tropical forests remains a major gap in our understanding of the biology of tropical trees and leads to significant uncertainty in predicting global carbon cycle dynamics. We measured individual characteristics (diameter at breast height, wood density, growth rate, crown illumination and crown form) and environmental conditions (soil fertility and habitat suitability) for 26 425 trees ≥ 10 cm diameter at breast height belonging to 416 species in a 52-ha plot in Lambir Hills National Park, Malaysia. We used structural equation models to investigate the relationships among the different factors and tree mortality. Crown form (a proxy for mechanical damage and other stresses) and prior growth were the two most important factors related to mortality. The effect of all variables on mortality (except habitat suitability) was substantially greater than expected by chance. Tree death is the result of interactions between factors, including direct and indirect effects. Crown form/damage and prior growth mediated most of the effect of tree size, wood density, fertility and habitat suitability on mortality. Large-scale assessment of crown form or status may result in improved prediction of individual tree death at the landscape scale.
  9. Tan HY, Sanudin SH, Lum SG, Wong EHC
    Int J Surg Case Rep, 2021 Apr;81:105723.
    PMID: 33713999 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2021.105723
    BACKGROUND: Hypopharyngeal carcinoma can involve thyroid gland due to their close proximity. However, an initial presentation as a thyroid abscess is rare in this malignancy. To our knowledge, this is the second reported case in the English literature.

    CASE PRESENTATION: We described a 45-year-old female who presented with dysphagia, hoarseness and anterior neck swelling. The initial CT scan revealed a right thyroid abscess which was incised and drained with no malignancy found in the biopsy of the thyroid tissue. Patient presented one month later with worsening dysphagia, weight loss and a fungating anterior neck mass. Further investigation revealed a locally advanced hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma extending to the right thyroid, upper oesophagus, prevertebral muscles and bilateral cervical lymph nodes (T4bN2cM0). Unfortunately, the patient passed away prior to initiation of treatment.

    CONCLUSION: Clinicians should have raised index of suspicion of a possible underlying hypopharyngeal carcinoma in patients presenting with thyroid abscess and proceed to further investigations in order to ensure early diagnosis and treatment of the malignancy.

  10. Ong LC, Chung FF, Tan YF, Leong CO
    Arch Toxicol, 2016 Jan;90(1):103-18.
    PMID: 25273022 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-014-1376-6
    Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are an important class of nanomaterials, which have numerous novel properties that make them useful in technology and industry. Generally, there are two types of CNTs: single-walled nanotubes (SWNTs) and multi-walled nanotubes. SWNTs, in particular, possess unique electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties, allowing for a wide range of applications in various fields, including the electronic, computer, aerospace, and biomedical industries. However, the use of SWNTs has come under scrutiny, not only due to their peculiar nanotoxicological profile, but also due to the forecasted increase in SWNT production in the near future. As such, the risk of human exposure is likely to be increased substantially. Yet, our understanding of the toxicological risk of SWNTs in human biology remains limited. This review seeks to examine representative data on the nanotoxicity of SWNTs by first considering how SWNTs are absorbed, distributed, accumulated and excreted in a biological system, and how SWNTs induce organ-specific toxicity in the body. The contradictory findings of numerous studies with regards to the potential hazards of SWNT exposure are discussed in this review. The possible mechanisms and molecular pathways associated with SWNT nanotoxicity in target organs and specific cell types are presented. We hope that this review will stimulate further research into the fundamental aspects of CNTs, especially the biological interactions which arise due to the unique intrinsic characteristics of CNTs.
  11. Qin Y, O Santos H, Khani V, Tan SC, Zhi Y
    Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis, 2020 08 28;30(9):1465-1475.
    PMID: 32675010 DOI: 10.1016/j.numecd.2020.05.015
    BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation has gained attention in individuals with adrenal insufficiency, and as a tool for increasing androgens and estrogens whereby is proposed to improve the accretion of muscle and bone mass. However, DHEA supplementation has demonstrated negative effects on the lipid profile and, thus, we aimed to analyze the body of evidence in this regard.

    METHODS AND RESULTS: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was performed employing in Scopus, PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Embase and Google Scholar, then including relevant articles that addressed the effects of DHEA supplementation on the lipid profile, up to February 2020. Combined findings were generated from 23 eligible articles. Hence, total cholesterol (TC) (weighted mean difference (WMD): -3.5 mg/dl, 95% confidence interval (CI): -8.5 to 1.6)), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) (WMD: 0.34 mg/dl, 95% CI: -3 to 3.7) and triglycerides (TG) levels (WMD: -2.85 mg/dl, 95% CI: -9.3 to 3.6) did not alter in DHEA group compared to the control, but HDL-C levels significantly reduced in DHEA group (WMD: -3.1 mg/dl, 95% CI: -4.9 to -1.3). In addition, a significant reduction in HDL-C values was observed in studies comprising women (WMD: -5.1 mg/dl, 95% CI: -7.2 to -3) but not in males (WMD: 0.13 mg/dl, 95% CI: -1.4 to 1.7).

    CONCLUSIONS: Overall, supplementation with DHEA did not change circulating values of TC, LDL-C and TG, whereas it may decrease HDL-C levels. Further long-term RCTs are required to investigate the effects of DHEA particularly on major adverse cardiac events.

  12. Tan B, Philipp M, Hill S, Che Muhamed AM, Mündel T
    Front Physiol, 2020;11:585667.
    PMID: 33132918 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.585667
    Chronic pain - pain that persists for more than 3 months - is a global health problem and is associated with tremendous social and economic cost. Yet, current pain treatments are often ineffective, as pain is complex and influenced by numerous factors. Hypohydration was recently shown to increase ratings of pain in men, but studies in this area are limited (n = 3). Moreover, whether hypohydration also affects pain in women has not been examined. In women, changes in the concentrations of reproductive hormones across menstrual phases may affect pain, as well as the regulation of body water. This indicates potential interactions between the menstrual phase and hypohydration on pain, but this hypothesis has yet to be tested. This review examined the literature concerning the effects of the menstrual phase and hypohydration on pain, to explore how these factors may interact to influence pain. Future research investigating the combined effects of hypohydration and menstrual phase on pain is warranted, as the findings could have important implications for the treatment of pain in women, interpretation of previous research and the design of future studies.
  13. Sarmukh S, Putera MP, Tan KL, Chew LG
    Urol Case Rep, 2021 Mar;35:101515.
    PMID: 33318942 DOI: 10.1016/j.eucr.2020.101515
    Renal artery pseudoaneurysm (RAP) is an uncommon vascular lesion. Early detection and treatment of renal artery pseudoaneurysm is important because it can rupture and lead to life-threatening hemorrhage. Recent advances in endovascular interventions can prevent potentially challenging open surgery. We describe a case 66 year old patient who presented with a painful abdominal lumbar mass. CT scan show a giant renal artery pseudoaneurysm. We discuss management of giant renal artery pseudoaneurysm, both open surgery and endovascular surgery. Endovascular arterial embolization and stent techniques is feasible. However, open surgical treatment remains to be most effective and radical method in emergency setting.
  14. Tan SK, Leung WK, Tang ATH, Zwahlen RA
    J Craniomaxillofac Surg, 2020 Dec;48(12):1106-1111.
    PMID: 33041190 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcms.2020.09.012
    PURPOSE: To assess and compare the changes in satisfaction with facial appearance and psycho-social well-being in dento-skeletal class II and III patients after orthognathic surgery with the FACE-Q among Hong Kong Chinese.

    METHODS: The questionnaires for thirteen orthognathic-relevant FACE-Q scales, translated into Cantonese and validated, were administered to Hong Kong Chinese patients before and after orthognathic surgery in the short- and long-term, respectively. The assessed scales were categorized into four main domains: satisfaction with facial appearance, quality of life, patient's experience of care, and adverse effects.

    RESULTS: Generally, highly significant (p 

  15. Sonthanasamy RSA, Sulaiman NMN, Tan LL, Lazim AM
    PMID: 30954801 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2019.03.108
    Carbon dots (C-dots) were used to study the binding mechanisms with serum protein, bovine serum albumin (BSA) by using two notable binding systems known as non-covalent and covalent interaction. Interaction between C-dots and BSA were estimated by Stern-Volmer equation and Double Log Regression Model (DLRM). According to the fluorescent intensity, quenching of model carrier protein by C-dots was due to dynamic quenching for non-covalent and static quenching for covalent binding. The binding site constant, KA and number of binding site, for covalent interaction is 1754.7L/mol and n≈1 (0.6922) were determined by DLRM on fluorescence quenching results. The blue shift of the fluorescence spectrum, from 450nm to 421nm (non-covalent) and 430nm (covalent) and suggested that both the microenvironment of C-dots and protein changed in relation to the protein concentration. The fluorescence intensity results show that protein structure has a significant role in Protein-C-dots interactions and type of binding influence physicochemical properties of C-dots differently. Understanding to this bio interface is important to utilize both quantum dots and biomolecules for biomedical field. It can be a useful guideline to design further applications in biomedical and bioimaging.
  16. Tan KX, Danquah MK, Pan S, Yon LS
    J Pharm Sci, 2019 09;108(9):2934-2941.
    PMID: 31002808 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2019.03.037
    Efficient delivery of adequate active ingredients to targeted malignant cells is critical, attributing to recurrent biophysical and biochemical challenges associated with conventional pharmaceutical delivery systems. These challenges include drug leakage, low targeting capability, high systemic cytotoxicity, and poor pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Targeted delivery system is a promising development to deliver sufficient amounts of drug molecules to target cells in a controlled release pattern mode. Aptameric ligands possess unique affinity targeting capabilities which can be exploited in the design of high pay-load drug formulations to navigate active molecules to the malignant sites. This study focuses on the development of a copolymeric and multifunctional drug-loaded aptamer-conjugated poly(lactide-co-glycolic acid)-polyethylenimine (PLGA-PEI) (DPAP) delivery system, via a layer-by-layer synthesis method, using a water-in-oil-in-water double emulsion approach. The binding characteristics, targeting capability, biophysical properties, encapsulation efficiency, and drug release profile of the DPAP system were investigated under varying conditions of ionic strength, polymer composition and molecular weight (MW), and degree of PEGylation of the synthetic core. Experimental results showed increased drug release rate with increasing buffer ionic strength. DPAP particulate system obtained the highest drug release of 50% at day 9 at 1 M NaCl ionic strength. DPAP formulation, using PLGA 65:35 and PEI MW of ∼800 Da, demonstrated an encapsulation efficiency of 78.93%, and a loading capacity of 0.1605 mg bovine serum albumin per mg PLGA. DPAP (PLGA 65:35, PEI MW∼25 kDa) formulation showed a high release rate with a biphasic release profile. Experimental data depicted a lower targeting power and reduced drug release rate for the PEGylated DPAP formulations. The outcomes from the present study lay the foundation to optimize the performance of DPAP system as an effective synthetic drug carrier for targeted delivery.
  17. Tan CY, Razali SNO, Goh KJ, Shahrizaila N
    J Peripher Nerv Syst, 2019 06;24(2):168-173.
    PMID: 31001904 DOI: 10.1111/jns.12320
    Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an acute immune-mediated neuropathy that has variable disease course and outcome. The Erasmus GBS outcome score (EGOS), modified EGOS (mEGOS), and Erasmus GBS respiratory insufficiency score (EGRIS) are prognostic models designed to predict the functional outcome of GBS patients at 6 months (EGOS and mEGOS) and the need for mechanical ventilation within a week of admission (EGRIS). The models were primarily developed in the Dutch GBS population, and thus the usefulness of these models in other GBS cohorts is less clear. In the current study, we aimed to validate mEGOS, EGOS, and EGRIS in Malaysian GBS patients. A total of 107 patients with GBS and its variants were consecutively recruited. Patients with GBS and Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS) were analysed separately. In the GBS cohort, high mEGOS and EGOS scores were significantly correlated with poor outcome at 6 months (mEGOS on admission: r = .381, P = .005; mEGOS at day 7 of admission: r = .507, P 
  18. Tan YT, Ngoh GC, Chua ASM
    Bioresour Technol, 2019 Jun;281:359-366.
    PMID: 30831515 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2019.02.010
    In this study, acidic deep eutectic solvents (DES) synthesized from various organic carboxylic acid hydrogen bond donors were applied to lignocellulosic oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) pretreatment. The influence of functional group types on acid and their molar ratios with hydrogen bond acceptor on lignin extraction were evaluated. The result showed presence of hydroxyl group and short alkyl chain enhanced biomass fractionation and lignin extraction. Choline chloride:lactic acid (CC-LA) with the ratio of 1:15 and choline chloride:formic acid (CC-FA) with 1:2 ratio extracted more than 60 wt% of lignin. CC-LA DES-extracted lignin (DEEL) exhibited comparable reactivity with technical and commercial lignin based on its phenolic hydroxyl content (3.33-3.72 mmol/glignin). Also, the DES-pretreated EFB comprised of enriched glucan content after biopolymer fractionation. Both DES-pretreated EFB and DEEL can be potential feedstock for subsequent conversion processes. This study presented DES as an effective and facile pretreatment method for reactive lignin extraction.
  19. Tan GC, Sallapan S, Haworth K, Finlay J, Boue DR, Pierson CR
    Malays J Pathol, 2019 Apr;41(1):71-73.
    PMID: 31025642
    INTRODUCTION: Intratumoral calcification is a feature that is more often observed in pineal parenchymal tumour than germinoma. We describe a 13-year-old male with pineal region germinoma demonstrating extensive intratumoral calcification.

    CASE REPORT: He presented with worsening headache that was associated with fatigue, nausea and vomiting. Radiologic examination revealed a multilobular mass in the pineal region with internal calcifications. Biopsy showed a pure germinoma with unusually extensive calcification.

    DISCUSSION: Although a diagnosis may be suggested with a careful evaluation of imaging, there is no pathognomonic pattern. Thus, histologic verification is necessary for most pineal region masses.

  20. Tan XE, Neoh HM, Cui L, Hiramatsu K, Jamal R
    Can J Microbiol, 2019 Aug;65(8):623-628.
    PMID: 31063703 DOI: 10.1139/cjm-2019-0048
    In this study, vancomycin-intermediate Staphylococcus aureus (VISA) cells carrying vraS and (or) graR mutations were shown to be more resistant to oxidative stress. Caenorhabditis elegans infected with these strains in turn demonstrated lower survival. Altered regulation in oxidative stress response and virulence appear to be physiological adaptations associated with the VISA phenotype in the Mu50 lineage.
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