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  1. The art of fixing a ticking time bomb: Combined phacoemulsification and amniotic membrane transplantation
    Tang AC, Teh SS, Yong GY, Tan ZH, Yong XR
    Taiwan J Ophthalmol, 2024;14(2):275-278.
    PMID: 39027080 DOI: 10.4103/tjo.TJO-D-23-00009
    Bleb leakage is a notorious complication of glaucoma filtration surgery which increases the risk of sight-threatening conditions. A 25-year-old female with severe bilateral juvenile open-angle glaucoma was treated for blebitis and exogenous endophthalmitis secondary to chronic bleb leak after undergoing XEN implantation, followed by multiple rounds of bleb needling, and augmented trabeculectomy. In the right eye, visual acuity was hand movement with cataract, intraocular pressure was 6 mmHg and the bleb was large, highly elevated from 10 to 1 o'clock, avascular, thin wall, and cystic with leaking points. Combined surgery of low-setting phacoemulsification and amniotic membrane transplantation without excising and manipulating the bleb was performed in the same setting. At postoperative 1 month, 6 months, and 1 year, her right vision had improved to 6/24, and the intraocular pressure was 12-14 mmHg, and the bleb leakage had resolved. This successful treatment was accomplished by maintaining the bleb's viability, preventing additional injury, and promoting wound healing.
  2. Assessment of solar geoengineering impact on precipitation and temperature extremes in the Muda River Basin, Malaysia using CMIP6 SSP and GeoMIP6 G6 simulations
    Tan ML, Tew YL, Liew J, Bala G, Tye MR, Chang CK, et al.
    Sci Total Environ, 2024 Jul 15.
    PMID: 39019269 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174817
    The concept of solar geoengineering remains a topic of debate, yet it may be an effective way for cooling the Earth's temperature. Nevertheless, the impact of solar geoengineering on regional or local climate patterns is an active area of research. This study aims to evaluate the impact of solar geoengineering on precipitation and temperature extremes of the Muda River Basin (MRB), a very important agricultural basin situated in the northern Peninsular Malaysia. The analysis utilized the multi-model ensemble mean generated by four models that contributed to the Geoengineering Model Intercomparison Project (GeoMIP6). These models were configured to simulate the solar irradiance reduction (G6solar) and stratospheric sulfate aerosols (G6sulfur) strategies as well as the moderate (SSP245) and high emission (SSP585) experiments. Prior to the computation of extreme indices, a linear scaling approach was employed to bias correct the daily precipitation, maximum and minimum temperatures. The findings show that the G6solar and G6sulfur experiments, particularly the latter, could be effective in holding the increases in both annual and monthly mean precipitation totals and temperature extremes close to the increases projected under SSP245. For example, both G6solar and G6sulfur experiments project increases of temperature over the basin of 2 °C at the end of the 21st century as compared to 3.5 °C under SSP585. The G6solar and G6sulfur experiments also demonstrate some reliability in modulating the increases in precipitation extreme indices associated with flooding to match those under SSP245. However, the G6sulfur experiment may exacerbate dry conditions in the basin, as monthly precipitation is projected to decrease during the dry months from January to May and consecutives dry days are expected to increase, particularly during the 2045-2064 and 2065-2084 periods. Increases dry spells could indirectly affect agricultural and freshwater supplies, and pose considerable challenges to farmers.
  3. Non-targeted mass spectrometry and feature-based molecular networking for determination of branched fatty acid esters of hydroxy fatty acids in milk
    Zhu S, He Y, Lei JN, Gong JJ, Tan CP, Liu YF, et al.
    Anal Bioanal Chem, 2024 Jul;416(18):4111-4122.
    PMID: 38772972 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-024-05335-4
    Branched fatty acid esters of hydroxy fatty acids (FAHFAs) represent trace lipids with significant natural biological functions. While exogenous FAHFAs have been extensively studied, research on FAHFAs in milk remains limited, constraining our grasp of their nutritional roles. This study introduces a non-targeted mass spectrometry approach combined with chemical networking of spectral fragmentation patterns to uncover FAHFAs. Through meticulous sample handling and comparisons of various data acquisition and processing modes, we validate the method's superiority, identifying twice as many FAHFAs compared to alternative techniques. This validated method was then applied to different milk samples, revealing 45 chemical signals associated with known and potential FAHFAs, alongside findings of 66 ceramide/hexosylceramide (Cer/HexCer), 48 phosphatidyl ethanolamine/lyso phosphatidyl ethanolamine (PE/LPE), 21 phosphatidylcholine/lysophosphatidylcholine (PC/LPC), 16 phosphatidylinositol (PI), 7 phosphatidylserine (PS), and 11 sphingomyelin (SM) compounds. This study expands our understanding of the FAHFA family in milk and provides a fast and convenient method for identifying FAHFAs.
  4. Cancer Antibody Engineering: Comparison of Mammalian, Yeast, Bacterial, Plants, Cell-free and Hybridoma Expression Systems
    Ng MG, Tan HY, Ng PY, Koh RY, Voon KGL, Chye SM
    Curr Pharm Biotechnol, 2024 Jul 12.
    PMID: 39005118 DOI: 10.2174/0113892010307146240626080746
    BACKGROUND: Cancer is a significant issue worldwide. Generally, commercially available treatments, such as surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, are associated with undesirable complications. Hence, immunotherapy serves as a crucial alternative to those treatment options.

    OBJECTIVE: This modality is aimed to boost the immune system through the application of engineered antibodies, which can be produced using recombinant DNA technology.

    RESULTS: The discussion of the technologies leads to an introduction of the single-chain variable fragment (scFv). Thereafter, the advantages, disadvantages, and challenges associated with different expression systems, such as mammalian cells, yeast cells, bacterial cells, plant cells, and phage display were discussed comprehensively.

    CONCLUSION: Furthermore, conventional approaches such as hybridoma and modern approaches such as cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) and simple colony assays are included. In short, this article has compiled evidence relating to each display system and may serve as a reference for those who aim to explore antibody engineering using one of the methods listed in this article.

  5. 5-Aza-adenine Derivatives for Crop-Protection: Multicomponent Synthesis, Experimental and Theoretical Structural Analysis
    Tan LY, Lim FPL, Wong S, Chuah LH, Frontera A, Tiekink ERT, et al.
    Chempluschem, 2024 Jun 26.
    PMID: 38924361 DOI: 10.1002/cplu.202400127
    A microwave-assisted synthesis of 7-amino-1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a][1,3,5]triazine-2-propanamides was developed using a three-component, catalyst-free reaction of cyanamide and trimethyl orthoformate with 3-(5-amino-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)propanamides (3). The reaction tolerated structurally diverse substrates and proceeded chemo- and regio-selectively, affording the target compounds in high purity in 5-10 minutes. The convenient chromatography-free isolation and purification of the products add practicality to this method. The structural features of the prepared compounds were investigated using dynamic NMR spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography and computational chemistry calculations. X-ray crystallography performed on a representative compound, 3-(7-amino-1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a][1,3,5]triazin-2-yl)-N-(4-benzyl)propanamide (4 l), showed the overall molecular conformation to adopt the shape of the letter C. Notable localisation of π-electron density is found within the 1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a][1,3,5]triazine system; a relatively short C-NH2 bond is consistent with restricted rotation about this bond. This study also presents a detailed analysis of the molecular interactions in 4 l using DFT and QTAIM methods with a focus on the hydrogen-bonding and π-stacking interactions that influence the molecular packing of 4 l. The findings reveal the significant roles of N-H⋅O, N-H⋅N and C-H⋅N interactions, along with electrostatically enhanced π⋅π contacts. A broad screening for insecticidal, fungicidal and herbicidal properties identified several compounds with potent herbicidal activity against Matricaria inodora.
  6. Classification of optic neuritis in Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders (NMOSD) on MRI using CNN with transfer learning and manipulation of pre-processing on augmentation
    Feng Y, Chow LS, Gowdh NM, Ramli N, Tan LK, Abdullah S
    Biomed Phys Eng Express, 2024 Aug 14.
    PMID: 39142299 DOI: 10.1088/2057-1976/ad6f17
    Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), also known as Devic disease, is an autoimmune central nervous system disorder in humans that commonly causes inflammatory demyelination in the optic nerves and spinal cord. Inflammation in the optic nerves is termed optic neuritis (ON). ON is a common clinical presentation; however, it is not necessarily present in all NMOSD patients. ON in NMOSD can be relapsing and result in severe vision loss. To the best of our knowledge, no study utilises deep learning to classify ON changes on MRI among patients with NMOSD. Therefore, this study aims to deploy eight state-of-the-art CNN models (Inception-v3, Inception-ResNet-v2, ResNet-101, Xception, ShuffleNet, DenseNet-201, MobileNet-v2, and EfficientNet-B0) with transfer learning to classify NMOSD patients with and without chronic ON using optic nerve magnetic resonance imaging. This study also investigated the effects of data augmentation before and after dataset splitting on cropped and whole images. Both quantitative and qualitative assessments (with Grad-Cam) were used to evaluate the performances of the CNN models. The Inception-v3 was identified as the best CNN model for classifying ON among NMOSD patients, with accuracy of 99.5%, sensitivity of 98.9%, specificity of 93.0%, precision of 100%, NPV of 99.0%, and F1-score of 99.4%. This study also demonstrated that the application of augmentation after dataset splitting could avoid information leaking into the testing datasets, hence producing more realistic and reliable results.
  7. Fulltext Adaptation of a fluoroquinolone-sensitive Shigella sonnei to norfloxacin exposure
    Wong BC, Law SKK, Md Zoqratt MZH, Ayub Q, Tan HS
    R Soc Open Sci, 2024 Jun;11(6):232025.
    PMID: 39100177 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.232025
    Shigella causes shigellosis that requires antibiotic treatment in severe cases. Sublethal antibiotic concentrations can promote resistance, but their effect on antibiotic-sensitive bacteria before resistance development is unclear. This study investigated the effects of sublethal norfloxacin (NOR) challenges on a NOR-sensitive strain, Shigella sonnei UKMCC1015. Firstly, the whole genome of S. sonnei UKMCC1015 was assembled, and 45 antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes were identified. Interestingly, transcriptomic analysis showed that low NOR levels do not change either the expression of the AMR genes or NOR targets such as gyrA. Instead, multiple ribosomal protein genes were downregulated, which could be attributed to decreased ribosomal protein promoter activity, modulated by elevated guanosine pentaphosphate and tetraphosphate (ppGpp) levels. This alarmone is involved in the bacterial stringent response during environmental stress, and it is mainly produced from the ppGpp synthetase (relA). Additionally, we observed that a relA overexpression (prolonged period of elevated ppGpp levels) may negatively affect the NOR tolerance of the bacteria. In conclusion, this study revealed that a NOR-sensitive strain responds differently to sublethal NOR than commonly reported in resistant strains.
  8. A proposed Rapid Upper Limb Assessment for Pianists (RULA-p)
    Wong ZW, Othman JAB, Abdullah Sani MN, Tan TS
    Work, 2025 Jan;80(1):274-284.
    PMID: 39150842 DOI: 10.3233/WOR-240143
    BACKGROUND: Pianists often suffer from postural related problems due to prolonged sitting and awkward postures. Despite the fact that postural related problems are common among pianists, there is only one study found by the authors, which applied RULA to assess pianists' postures, without any modification to the original RULA worksheet. None of the other existing literature has applied this postural assessment tool to assess the pianists' overall posture. There is no existing Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) checklist that exactly fits into the context of piano playing, at least not without some modifications.

    OBJECTIVE: To propose a Rapid Upper Limb Assessment for Pianists (RULA-p) for postural assessment, which will allow pianists to identify awkward postures (if any) during piano playing, thus, achieving healthful playing for injury prevention.

    METHOD: This study modified (i) the muscle use score; and (ii) the force/load score, from the existing RULA as a rapid assessment for pianists' posture.

    RESULTS: We proposed the modified RULA for pianists (RULA-p) in the worksheet format.

    CONCLUSION: Overall, this study is intended to further expand the existing literature on the early prevention of pianists' PRMDs.

  9. Growth differentiation factor 5(GDF5)-induced mesenchymal stromal cells enhances tendon healing
    Tan SL, Chan CK, Ahmad TS, Teo SH, Ng WM, Selvaratnam L, et al.
    Tissue Eng Part C Methods, 2024 Aug 20.
    PMID: 39162995 DOI: 10.1089/ten.TEC.2024.0230
    Mesenchymal stromal cell(MSCs) has immense potential for use in musculoskeletal tissue regeneration, however, there is still a paucity of evidence on the effect of tenogenic MSCs(TMSC) in tendon healing in vivo. This study aimed to determine the effects of GDF5-induced rbMSCs in infraspinatus tendon healing in a New Zealand White rabbit model. In this study, bone marrow-derived rbMSCs were isolated, and 100 ng/ml GDF5 was used to induce tenogenic differentiation in rbMSC. The effects of GDF5 on rbMSC in vitro were assessed by total collagen assay, gene expression analysis and immunofluorescence staining of tenogenic markers; native tenocytes isolated from rabbit tendon were used as a positive control. In in vivo, a window defect was created on the infraspinatus tendons bilaterally. After three weeks, the rabbits(n=18) were randomly divided into 6 groups and repaired with various interventions: (i)surgical suture; (ii)fibrin glue; (iii)suture and fibrin glue; (iv)suture, fibrin glue and tenocytes(rbTenocyte); (v)suture, fibrin glue and MSCs as well as, (vi)suture, fibrin glue and TMSC. All animals were euthanized at 6 weeks postoperative. The in vitro GDF5-induced rbMSCs (or TMSC) showed increased total collagen expression; augmented scleraxis(SCX) and type-I Collagen(COL-I) mRNA gene expression levels. Immunofluorescence showed similar expression inGDF5-induced rbMSC to that of rbTenocyte. In vivo histological analysis showed progressive tendon healing in TMSC treated group; cells with elongated nuclei aligned parallel to the collagen fibers and the collagen fibers were in more organized orientation, along with macroscopic evidence of tendon callus formation. Significant differences were observed in cell treated groups compared to the non-cell treated groups. Histological scoring showed a significantly enhanced tendon healing in TMSC and MSC treated groups compared to rbTenocyte group. The SCX mRNA expression levels, at 6 weeks following repair, were significantly up-regulated in the TMSC group. Immunofluorescence showed COL-I bundles aligned in parallel orientation; this was further confirmed in AFM imaging. SCX, TNC and TNMD were detected in the TMSC group. In conclusion, GDF5 induces tenogenic differentiation in rbMSCs, and TMSC enhances tendon healing in vivo compared to conventional suture repair.
  10. Fulltext Genotype Shift of Malaysian Porcine Circovirus 2 (PCV2) from PCV2b to PCV2d within a Decade
    Tan CY, Thanawongnuwech R, Arshad SS, Hassan L, Fong MWC, Ooi PT
    Animals (Basel), 2022 Jul 21;12(14).
    PMID: 35883396 DOI: 10.3390/ani12141849
    This paper aims to update the molecular status of porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2) in Malaysia. Firstly, the molecular detection rate of PCV2 in farm and sampled pig population were reported to be 83.78% (31/37 farms) and 83.54% (66/79 pigs) positive for PCV2, respectively. PCV2 was detected across all age groups, from fetuses, porkers to sows. Co-detection of PCV2 and PCV3 antigens was also reported at a rate of 28.77% (21/73). Secondly, PCV2 antigen was also detected in Malaysian abattoir lung samples: 18 out of 19 (94.74%) samples originating from clinically healthy finishers were tested positive. Further, this is the first study to confirm the circulation of PCV2 in the wild boar population roaming Peninsular Malaysia, where 28 out of 28 (100%) wild boar lung samples were found positive. One decade earlier, only genotype PCV2b was reported in Malaysia. This most recent update revealed that genotypes PCV2a, PCV2b and PCV2d were present, with PCV2d being the predominant circulating genotype. PCV2 cap gene nucleotide sequences in this study were found to be under negative selection pressure, with an estimated substitution rate of 1.102 × 10-3 substitutions/site/year (ssy).
  11. Factors Influencing Mental Well-being Among Older Malaysians
    Apalasamy YD, Awang H, Mansor N, Othman A, Jani R, Nik Osman NNA, et al.
    Asia Pac J Public Health, 2024 Nov;36(8):705-710.
    PMID: 39212135 DOI: 10.1177/10105395241275232
    Older adults are at greater risk of mental health issues. This study examined the factors influencing mental well-being among 2230 Malaysian older adults, using data from the 2018 to 2019 Malaysia Ageing and Retirement Survey. The World Health Organization-Five Well-Being Index (WHO-5) was used to assess mental well-being, and linear regression analysis identified the significant factors. Women had lower mental well-being scores than men (P = .012, β = -0.016). Chinese (P = .024, β = -0.020), Indian (P < .001, β = -0.043), and other ethnicities (P < .001, β = -0.031) reported lower scores than Malays. The factors associated with better well-being were secondary (P = .001, β = 0.032) and tertiary education (P < .001, β = 0.063), and good (P < .001, β = 0.081) and moderate (P < .001, β = 0.038) health status. Diseases-limiting activities were associated with poor well-being (P < .001, β = -0.030). Support from family (P < .001, β = 0.062) and friends (P < .001, β = 0.032), social activity participation (P < .001, β = 0.026), and functional ability (P < .001, β = 0.043) were significant positive factors. There is a need for targeted interventions to enhance mental health among Malaysian older adults.
  12. Fulltext Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine and Adherence to Medication Therapy Among Stroke Patients: A Meta-analysis and Systematic Review
    Rajahthurai SD, Farrukh MJ, Makmor-Bakry M, Tan HJ, Fatokun O, Mohd Saffian S, et al.
    Front Pharmacol, 2022;13:870641.
    PMID: 35721127 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.870641
    Purpose: To identify the use patterns of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and its impact on medication adherence among patients with stroke. Method: A systematic search through Science Direct, Google Scholar, and PubMed was performed to identify potential studies up to June 2021.The primary outcome was CAM use, and the secondary outcome was medication adherence among patients with stroke. Articles included in the review met the following criteria: 1) patients with stroke ≥18 years old on prescribed medications, and 2) medication adherence reported status. Meta-analyses were conducted to estimate the pooled prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine and adherence in stroke patients using a random-effects model. Results: A total of 1,330 studies were screened, of which 22 were included in the final analysis. The type of studies included were cross-sectional surveys, cohort studies, retrospective studies and prospective survey. The pooled prevalence of CAM usage was at 38% (29-48% CI) and medication non-adherence among stroke patients was at 29% (20-48% CI). The most common reason for inadequate stroke therapy and higher dependence on CAM was the patients' lack of knowledge and the regimen complexity of the medication. Other factors for medication non-adherence were forgetfulness, side effects, cost, and lack of doctor-patient communication. Conclusion: A low prevalence of CAM usage and non-adherence to medications was observed among patients with stroke. Studies investigating the association between CAM usage and medication adherence among patients with stroke are scarce and future researches are needed to explore the influence of CAM use on stroke medication adherence.
  13. Fulltext Management of Atopic Dermatitis Via Oral and Topical Administration of Herbs in Murine Model: A Systematic Review
    Mohd Kasim VNK, Noble SM, Liew KY, Tan JW, Israf DA, Tham CL
    Front Pharmacol, 2022;13:785782.
    PMID: 35685636 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.785782
    Over the past few decades, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) using herbs, or their active constituents have garnered substantial attention in the management of a chronic and relapsing inflammatory skin disorder called atopic dermatitis (AD), particularly in attenuating disease recurrence and maintaining long-term remission. In Eastern Asian countries including China, Korea and Taiwan, herbal medicine available in both topical and oral preparation plays a significant role in treating skin diseases like AD as they possibly confer high anti-inflammatory properties and immunomodulatory functions. Conventional murine models of AD have been employed in drug discovery to provide scientific evidence for conclusive and specific pharmacological effects elicited by the use of traditional herbs and their active constituents. Coupled with the goal to develop safe and effective novel therapeutic agents for AD, this systematic review consists of a summary of 103 articles on both orally and topically administered herbs and their active constituents in the murine model, whereby articles were screened and selected via a specialized framework known as PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparator and Outcome). The objectives of this review paper were to identify the efficacy of oral and topical administered herbs along with their active constituents in alleviating AD and the underlying mechanism of actions, as well as the animal models and choice of inducer agents used in these studies. The main outcome on the efficacy of the majority of the herbs and their active constituents illustrated suppression of Th2 response as well as improvements in the severity of AD lesions, suppression of Immunoglobulin E (IgE) concentration and mast cell infiltration. The majority of these studies used BALB/c mice followed by NC/Nga mice (commonly used gender-male; commonly used age group - 6-8 weeks). The most used agent in inducing AD was 2, 4-Dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB), and the average induction period for both oral and topical administered herbs and their active constituents in AD experiments lasted between 3 and 4 weeks. In light of these findings, this review paper could potentially assist researchers in exploring the potential candidate herbs and their active constituents using murine model for the amelioration of AD.
  14. Research progress of the Otubains subfamily in hepatocellular carcinoma
    Wu Y, Mohd Sani SB, Peng K, Lin T, Tan C, Huang X, et al.
    Biomed Pharmacother, 2024 Aug 28;179:117348.
    PMID: 39208669 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117348
    In cancer research, oncogenesis can be affected by modulating the deubiquitination pathway. Ubiquitination regulates proteins post-translationally in variety of physiological processes. The Otubain Subfamily includes OTUB1 (ovarian tumor-associated proteinase B1) and OTUB2(ovarian tumor-associated proteinase B2). They are deubiquitinating enzymes, which are research hotspots in tumor immunotherapy, with their implications extending across the spectrum of tumor development. Understanding their important role in tumorigenesis, includ-ing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is crucial. HCC has alarming global incidence rates and mortality statistics, ranking among the top five prevalent cancers in Malaysia1. Numerous studies have consistently indicated significant expression of OTUB1 and OTUB2 in HCC cells. In addition, OTUB1 has important biological functions in cancer, suggesting its important role in tumorigenesis. However, the mechanism underlying the action of OTUB1 and OTUB2 in liver cancer remains inadequately explored. Therefore, Otubain Subfamily, as potential molecular target, holds promise for advancing HCC treatments. However, further clinical studies are required to verify its efficacy and application prospects.
  15. Fulltext Enhancing sonothrombolysis outcomes with dual-frequency ultrasound: Insights from an in silico microbubble dynamics study
    Tan ZQ, Ooi EH, Chiew YS, Foo JJ, Ng YK, Ooi ET
    Comput Biol Med, 2024 Oct;181:109061.
    PMID: 39186904 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2024.109061
    Sonothrombolysis is a technique that employs the ultrasound waves to break down the clot. Recent studies have demonstrated significant improvement in the treatment efficacy when combining two ultrasound waves of different frequencies. Nevertheless, the findings remain conflicted on the ideal frequency pairing that leads to an optimal treatment outcome. Existing experimental studies are constrained by the limited range of frequencies that can be investigated, while numerical studies are typically confined to spherical microbubble dynamics, thereby restricting the scope of the analysis. To overcome this, the present study investigated the microbubble dynamics caused by the different combinations of ultrasound frequencies. This was carried out using computational modelling as it enables the visualisation of the microbubble behaviour, which is difficult in experimental studies due to the opacity of blood. The results showed that the pairings of two ultrasound waves with low frequencies generally produced stronger cavitation and higher flow-induced shear stress on the clot surface. However, one should avoid the frequency pairings that are integer multipliers of each other, i.e., frequency ratio of 1/3, 1/2 and 2, as they led to resultant wave with low pressure amplitude that weakened the cavitation. At 0.5 + 0.85 MHz, the microbubble caused the highest shear stress of 60.5 kPa, due to its large translational distance towards the clot. Although the pressure threshold for inertial cavitation was reduced using dual-frequency ultrasound, the impact of the high-speed jet can only be realised when the microbubble travelled close to the clot. The results obtained from the present study provide groundwork for deeper understanding on the microbubble dynamics during dual-frequency sonothrombolysis, which is of paramount importance for its optimisations and the subsequent clinical translation.
  16. Enzymatic preparation of diacylglycerols: lipase screening, immobilization, characterization and glycerolysis performance
    Xie R, Peng X, Lee YY, Xie P, Tan CP, Wang Y, et al.
    J Sci Food Agric, 2025 Jan 30;105(2):816-828.
    PMID: 39258418 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.13872
    BACKGROUNDS: Glycerolysis, with its advantages of readily available raw materials, simple operation, and mild reaction conditions, is a primary method for producing diacylglycerol (DAG). However, enzymatic glycerolysis faces challenges such as high enzyme costs, low reuse efficiency, and poor stability. The study aims to develop a cost-effective immobilized enzyme by covalently binding lipase to pre-activated carriers through the selection of suitable lipases, carriers, and activating agents. The optimization is intended to improve the glycerolysis reaction for efficient DAG production.

    RESULTS: Lipase CN-TL (from Thermomyces lanuginosus) was selected through glycerolysis reaction and molecular docking to catalyze the glycerolysis reaction. Optimizing the immobilization method by covalently binding CN-TL to poly(ethylene glycol) diglycidyl ether (PEGDGE)-preactivated resin LX-201A resulted in the preparation of the immobilized enzyme TL-PEGDGE-LX. The immobilized enzyme retained over 90% of its initial activity after five consecutive reactions, demonstrating excellent reusability. The DAG content in the product remained at 84.8% of its initial level, further highlighting the enzyme's potential for reusability and its promising applications in the food and oil industries.

    CONCLUSIONS: The immobilized lipase TL-PEGDGE-LX, created by covalently immobilizing lipase CN-TL on PEGDGE-preactivated carriers, demonstrated broad applicability and excellent reusability. This approach offers an economical and convenient immobilization strategy for the enzymatic glycerolysis production of DAG. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

  17. A systematic literature review on cybercrime legislation
    Khan S, Saleh T, Dorasamy M, Khan N, Tan Swee Leng O, Gale Vergara R
    F1000Res, 2022;11:971.
    PMID: 39258289 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.123098.1
    Background: Cybercrime is a fast-growing digital crime and legislation falling behind with the fast-moving advancement of technology. One important factor projected by literature in combating cybercrime is legislation. In order to combat cybercrime, the role of cybercrime legislation is a challenge that has not been clearly studied before. This paper thus aims to recapitulate the literature on cybercrime legislation in combating cybercrime. The literature in this context emphasises on existing studies relating to cybercrime legislation and addressing the importance of adequate and efficient responses in place in order to combat cybercrime efficiently. Methods: This paper finds an extensive literature review using the "Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis" method based on legislation to combat cybercrime and explains a systematic analysis of the legislation in most advanced countries in both technology and legal framework. The study was done by selecting keywords, validated by the experts to discover research trends of cybercrime legislation. A search was then run across seven academic databases, including the ACM Digital Library, Emerald, Hein Online, ProQuest, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Westlaw Asia. Initially, five hundred and forty-eight articles were retrieved and out of which seventy-two studies met the inclusion criteria and were fully reviewed. Results: The findings of the study revealed that comprehensive cybercrime legislation plays a vital role in combating cybercrime and cybercrime legislation should be strengthened, enhanced, and made up to date with the rapid advancement of technology in order to address the rising number of cybercrime. Discussion: This systematic review is timely and highlights future research directions to improve a comprehensive legal framework to combat the rising of cybercrime effectively. To fill the research gap, the findings also have fundamental practical implications for the policy makers, in enacting an up to date cybercrime legislation by highlighting the role of legislation in combating cybercrime.
  18. Prevalence of occult cervical lymph nodes metastasis in CN0 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC)
    Zainal FR, Abdul Rahman ZA, Daniel Lim KH, Chan SS, Tan CC
    J Stomatol Oral Maxillofac Surg, 2025 Mar;126(2):102070.
    PMID: 39255915 DOI: 10.1016/j.jormas.2024.102070
    Occult metastasis is not easily detected clinically or radiographically. Various methods have been applied for neck control for clinically N0 via elective neck dissection (END), wait and watch (W&W) and sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB). The main aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of occult cervical lymph nodes metastasis in cN0 in oral squamous cell carcinoma, to investigate and compare the disease-free state and overall survival rate between occult metastasis and the non-occult group that presented at the oral and maxillofacial surgery clinic, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Malaya. This is a retrospective study involving 48 patients with complete data from 2008 to 2019. Data collected includes socio-demographic and clinicopathologic factors. Descriptive analysis was performed and Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to compare disease-free status and overall survival period between occult and non-occult metastases groups. The prevalence of occult metastasis in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) was low at 8.3 % but it became 100 % on OSCC tongue. The main tumor site for occult metastasis originated from the oral tongue with T2 size. Non-occult group had better overall survival rate comparing to occult metastasis group and the advanced group. Therefore, END is recommended particularly for N0 OSCC tongue.
  19. Effectiveness of internet-based self-help interventions for depression in adolescents and young adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis
    Ma Q, Shi Y, Zhao W, Zhang H, Tan D, Ji C, et al.
    BMC Psychiatry, 2024 Sep 06;24(1):604.
    PMID: 39243081 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-024-06046-x
    OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of Internet-based self-help interventions in treating depression in adolescents and young adults.

    METHODS: A systematic search was conducted across six databases, including PubMed, to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that satisfied the specified inclusion and exclusion criteria. The intervention measure consisted of Internet-based self-help interventions.

    RESULTS: A total of 23 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in this analysis. Meta-analysis indicated that Internet-based self-help therapies significantly reduced depression scores in adolescents and young adults. (OR = -0.68, 95%CI [-0.88, -0.47], P 

  20. Fulltext Post COVID-19 organizing pneumonia treated with mycophenolate mofetil
    Tan HX, Wong CK, Yik WF, Lam YF, Lachmanan KR
    Respirol Case Rep, 2022 Nov;10(11):e01042.
    PMID: 36204457 DOI: 10.1002/rcr2.1042
    Organizing pneumonia (OP) promptly responds to corticosteroids. However, a minority of patients demonstrate corticosteroid resistance or relapse on corticosteroid tapering. We describe post COVID-19 OP patients with clinically inadequate response to corticosteroids but that improved after the addition of Mycophenolate Mofetil (MMF). Case 1: A gentleman was diagnosed with post COVID-19 OP but had suboptimal clinico-physiologic-radiologic response and steroid toxicity during outpatient reviews. MMF was initiated resulting in marked clinical response and quick weaning from corticosteroids. Case 2: A gentleman with post COVID-19 OP relapsed during tapering of steroids. Clarithromycin and MMF were added to his regimen, which improved his clinico-physiologic parameters and allowed corticosteroid tapering. Unfortunately, he developed MMF-related colitis needing therapy cessation. Currently, no studies have reported on MMF utilization in difficult post COVID-19 OP patients. Nevertheless, we believe, similar as in non-COVID OPs, MMF or other immunomodulators, potentially have a role in treating difficult or steroid-resistant OPs.
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