Displaying publications 5601 - 5620 of 8505 in total

Abstract:
Sort:
  1. Bhidayasiri R, Phuenpathom W, Tan AH, Leta V, Phumphid S, Chaudhuri KR, et al.
    Front Aging Neurosci, 2022;14:979826.
    PMID: 36034128 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.979826
    Gastrointestinal (GI) issues are commonly experienced by patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Those that affect the lower GI tract, such as constipation, are the most frequently reported GI problems among patients with PD. Upper GI issues, such as swallowing dysfunction (dysphagia) and delayed gastric emptying (gastroparesis), are also common in PD but are less well recognized by both patients and clinicians and, therefore, often overlooked. These GI issues may also be perceived by the healthcare team as less of a priority than management of PD motor symptoms. However, if left untreated, both dysphagia and gastroparesis can have a significant impact on the quality of life of patients with PD and on the effectiveness on oral PD medications, with negative consequences for motor control. Holistic management of PD should therefore include timely and effective management of upper GI issues by utilizing both non-pharmacological and pharmacological approaches. This dual approach is key as many pharmacological strategies have limited efficacy in this setting, so non-pharmacological approaches are often the best option. Although a multidisciplinary approach to the management of GI issues in PD is ideal, resource constraints may mean this is not always feasible. In 'real-world' practice, neurologists and PD care teams often need to make initial assessments and treatment or referral recommendations for their patients with PD who are experiencing these problems. To provide guidance in these cases, this article reviews the published evidence for diagnostic and therapeutic management of dysphagia and gastroparesis, including recommendations for timely and appropriate referral to GI specialists when needed and guidance on the development of an effective management plan.
  2. Adler PH, Low VL, Tan TK, Takaoka H, Otsuka Y
    Acta Trop, 2024 Sep 09.
    PMID: 39260759 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107399
    As an island about 150 km from the mainland, Taiwan would be expected to have endemic species. About 64% of its 36 species of black flies are considered endemic, more than twice the level of endemicity that has been recorded for all insects on the island. To begin assessing the validity of the high level of endemism for the Simuliidae, we used giant chromosome banding patterns and cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) sequences, against a well-defined morphological backdrop, to evaluate three of Taiwan's black flies, Simulium chungi Takaoka & Huang, S. pingtungense Huang & Takaoka, and S. sakishimaense Takaoka. Molecular data revealed high similarity of populations of S. sakishimaense in Taiwan and at the type locality on Ishigaki Island, Japan, about 180 km to the east. Thus, populations referred to as S. sakishimaense in Taiwan are conspecific with typical S. sakishimaense in Japan, confirming their non-endemicity in Taiwan. Simulium sakishimaense might have reached Ishigaki by island hopping via Taiwan from the Chinese mainland. Chromosomes and the COI gene agree with morphology that S. sakishimaense is a member of the S. multistriatum species group although the chromosomal banding patterns do not indicate that it is distinct from S. fenestratum Edwards on the mainland. Although molecular sequences indicate S. sakishimaense is monophyletic, this taxon falls within the same Operational Taxonomic Unit as nine other members of the S. multistriatum group, including S. fenestratum. Simulium pingtungense, in agreement with morphology, is molecularly distinct from the 10 other analyzed members of the S. striatum species group, tentatively suggesting that it is endemic to Taiwan, pending analysis of samples from mainland China. Simulium chungi in Taiwan is chromosomally and molecularly unique, with larvae resembling those of S. saskishimaense. It is not, however, a member of either the S. multistriatum or S. striatum species groups. For now, the S. chungi species group remains a legitimate taxon consisting of two species. Strengthening the case for endemic taxa in Taiwan awaits analysis of key samples from the Chinese mainland.
  3. Chiu SQ, Wong CC, Chuang AE, Chen CH, Tan CA, Weng PW
    Orthop J Sports Med, 2024 Nov;12(11):23259671241288309.
    PMID: 39525353 DOI: 10.1177/23259671241288309
    BACKGROUND: Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) and high tibial osteotomy (HTO) are treatment options for patients with medial spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee (SONK).

    PURPOSE: To compare the clinical outcomes after UKA and HTO in patients with SONK.

    STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

    METHODS: This retrospective study included 42 patients who had undergone Oxford UKA and 40 patients who had undergone opening-wedge HTO between 2014 and 2020. All patients were diagnosed with isolated medial SONK without subchondral collapse of the femoral condyle and tibial plateau. The patients were preoperatively and postoperatively evaluated using the Lysholm knee scoring system, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, and a numeric rating scale assessing patient satisfaction.

    RESULTS: Patients in the UKA group were significantly older than those in the HTO group (median age, 71.5 years [IQR, 68.0-76.5 years] vs 65.0 years [IQR, 60.0-70.0 years], respectively; P < .001). The median follow-up time was 3.78 years (IQR, 2.45-4.53 years) for the UKA group and 3.87 years (IQR, 2.90-5.60 years) for the HTO group. Significant improvements in functional scores were observed in both the UKA and HTO groups (P < .001 for all), with no significant between-group differences in scores at the final follow-up (≥2 years after surgery). The satisfaction rate was similar (80.95% for UKA and 75.0% for HTO).

    CONCLUSION: According to the study results, significant improvements in clinical outcomes were seen after opening-wedge HTO with microfracture for a younger group of patients with SONK without subchondral collapse, while Oxford UKA had a comparable effect on an older group of patients. Both UKA and HTO were found to be viable surgical approaches for SONK at short- to midterm follow-up.

  4. Mahadi IA, Tan JH, Teh JZ, Mohamad Y, Rizal IA
    J Trauma Inj, 2023 Sep;36(3):286-289.
    PMID: 39381707 DOI: 10.20408/jti.2022.0071
    Torso stab injuries near the cardiac box may present unique challenges due to difficulties in hemorrhage control. For a stab injury to the heart, the repair is straightforwardly performed via median sternotomy. In contrast, injuries to the inferior vena cava are challenging to repair, especially when they are close to the diaphragm, and the bleeding can be torrential. Herein, we describe a case of a self-inflicted stab wound within the "cardiac box." The trajectory of the stab injuries went below the diaphragm and injured the infradiaphragmatic inferior vena cava. Successful emergent repair via the thoraco-laparotomy approach revived the young man. In this report, we revisit and discuss previous large series of patients with this rare vena cava injury.
  5. Song J, He X, Zhang F, Wang W, Chan NW, Shi J, et al.
    PLoS One, 2024;19(10):e0312388.
    PMID: 39453961 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0312388
    With the rapid economic development of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (Xinjiang), energy consumption became the primary source of carbon emissions. The growth trend in energy consumption and coal-dominated energy structure are unlikely to change significantly in the short term, meaning that carbon emissions are expected to continue rising. To clarify the changes in energy-related carbon emissions in Xinjiang over the past 15 years, this paper integrates DMSP/OLS and NPP/VIIRS data to generate long-term nighttime light remote sensing data from 2005 to 2020. The data is used to analyze the distribution characteristics of carbon emissions, spatial autocorrelation, frequency of changes, and the standard deviation ellipse. The results show that: (1) From 2005 to 2020, the total carbon emissions in Xinjiang continued to grow, with noticeable urban additions although the growth rate fluctuated. In spatial distribution, non-carbon emission areas were mainly located in the northwest; low-carbon emission areas mostly small and medium-sized towns; and high-carbon emission areas were concentrated around the provincial capital and urban agglomerations. (2) There were significant regional differences in carbon emissions, with clear spatial clustering of energy consumption. The clustering stabilized, showing distinct "high-high" and "low-low" patterns. (3) Carbon emissions in central urban areas remained stable, while higher frequencies of change were seen in the peripheral areas of provincial capitals and key cities. The center of carbon emissions shifted towards southeast but later showed a trend of moving northwest. (4) Temporal and spatial variations in carbon emissions were closely linked to energy consumption intensity, population size, and economic growth. These findings provided a basis for formulating differentiated carbon emission targets and strategies, optimizing energy structures, and promoting industrial transformation to achieve low-carbon economic development in Xinjiang.
  6. Abdulra'uf LB, Junaid AM, Lawal AR, Ibrahim HB, Tan GH
    Food Chem, 2025 Jan 15;463(Pt 4):141464.
    PMID: 39369599 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.141464
    The use of pesticides has led to environmental pollution and posed a global health risk, since they remain as residues on foods. Beans one of the most widely cultivated crop in Africa, and susceptible to attack by insects both on field and during storage, leading to the application of pesticides to control pests' infestation. However, misuse of these chemicals by farmers on beans has resulted in the rejection of beans exported to European countries, due to the presence of pesticide residues at concentrations higher than the maximum residues levels (MRLs). In this study, the effectiveness of the Association Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) Official Method and the European Committee of Standardization (CEN) Standard Method, were determined using multivariate approach for the analysis of organochlorine pesticide residues in 6 varieties of beans samples. The significance of factors (mass of sample, volume of acetonitrile, mass of magnesium sulphate, sample pH, centrifugation time and speed) affecting the efficiency of extraction was estimated using Plackett-Burman design, while central composite design was used to optimize the significant factors. The following optimum factors were subsequently used for method validation, recovery tests, and real sample analysis: 4 g of sample sludge (1:1 v/v), 10 mL of acetonitrile, 4.45 g of MgSO4, and 5 min of centrifugation at 5000 rpm. The figure of merit of analytical methodology estimated using matrix-matched internal standard calibration method gave linearity ranging from 0.25 to 500 μg/kg, with correlation coefficient (R2) greater than 0.99, the recovery ranged from 75.55 to 110.41 (RSD = 0.70-16.65), with LOD and LOQ of 0.23-1.77 μg/kg and 0.76-5.88 μg/kg, respectively.
  7. Lee KT, Lim EH, Tan CH, Low JH, Wong KL, Guan C, et al.
    ACS Appl Mater Interfaces, 2024 Nov 13;16(45):62914-62924.
    PMID: 39497522 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c12371
    The integration of flexible sensors into human-machine interfaces (HMIs) is in increasing demand for intuitive and effective manipulation. Traditional glove-based HMIs, constrained by nonconformal rigid structures or the need for bulky batteries, face limitations in continuous operation. Addressing this, we introduce yarn-based bend sensors in our smart glove, which are wirelessly powered and harvest energy from a fully textile 5.8 GHz WiFi-band antenna receiver. These sensors exhibit a gauge factor (GF) of 5.60 for strains ranging from 0 to 10%. They show a consistent performance regardless of the straining frequency when being stretched and released at frequencies between 0.1 and 0.7 Hz. This reliability ensures that the sensor output is solely dependent on the yarn's elongation. Accurately detecting finger-bending movements from 0° to 90° in a virtual environment, the sensors enable enhanced degrees of freedom for human finger interaction. When integrated with advanced machine-learning techniques, the system achieves a classification accuracy of 98.75% for object recognition, demonstrating its potential for precise and accurate HMI. Unlike conventional near-field energy transfer methods that rely on magnetic flux and are limited by power loss over distance, our fully textile design effectively harvests microwave energy, showing no voltage deterioration up to 1 m away. This minimalist microwave-powered smart glove represents a significant advancement, offering a viable and practical solution for developing intuitive and reliable HMIs.
  8. Khaw WF, Chan YM, Alias N, Tan L, Nasaruddin NH, Tham SW, et al.
    Asia Pac J Public Health, 2024 Nov;36(8):746-752.
    PMID: 39342425 DOI: 10.1177/10105395241283108
    The relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and health outcomes has garnered significant attention. However, there is a limited amount of research exploring the association between SES and the risk of metabolic syndrome in Malaysian adults. This study aimed to determine the association between SES and risk of hypertension, diabetes and obesity. By using data from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS), SES was derived through principal component analysis involving six variables. Two different SES components were identified and labeled as "social status" and "wealth status." Among the participants, 36% were diagnosed with hypertension, 18% with obesity, and 21% with diabetes. Adults with high wealth and social status showed a significantly increased risk of obesity. Meanwhile, high social status was significantly associated with a reduction in the risk of hypertension and diabetes. A comprehensive understanding of the associations between SES and noncommunicable diseases could facilitate initiatives that promote healthy lifestyle behaviors, thereby enhancing the holistic well-being of Malaysians.
  9. Apalasamy YD, Awang H, Hairi NN, Tan CL, Mohamad M, Zainal Abidin AF
    Asia Pac J Public Health, 2024 Nov;36(8):797-800.
    PMID: 39543957 DOI: 10.1177/10105395241283131
  10. Lo TS, Harun F, Jhang LS, Hsieh WC, Loong Tan Y, Alzabedi A
    PMID: 39541615 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2024.11.009
    OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the outcomes of modified transvaginal mesh (TVM) Surelift in managing advanced pelvic organ prolapse (POP) over a 3-year follow-up period, focusing on surgical success, functional improvement, and sonographic findings.

    METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted on 99 women who underwent Surelift System surgery for advanced POP Stage III and IV between July 2018 to January 2020. Objective evaluation included Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q), multichannel urodynamic (UDS), and introital 2D ultrasonographic measurement. Subjective evaluation uses validated questionnaires of Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-7(IIQ-7), Urogenital Distress Inventory-6(UDI-6), Pelvic Organ Prolapse Distress Inventory 6(POPDI-6), Colorectal Anal Distress Inventory-8(CRADI-8) and Pelvic organ prolapse/ Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ-12). Outcomes were examined at 3 months, yearly and at 3 years postoperative. Secondary outcome included de novo or persistent urodynamic stress incontinence (USI) and surgical complications.

    RESULTS: Eighty-five women were included in the final analysis. At 3 years postoperative, the objective cure rate was 94.1 % and subjective cure rate of 91.8 %. Ultrasonography revealed initial mesh elongation and thickening at first year, resolving by the third year, while the distance between the bladder neck and mesh remained stable. Significant improvement in POP-Q components (Aa,Ba,C,Ap,Bp and TVL of p 

  11. Abduraman MA, Amanah A, Hamid SBS, Abdullah MFIL, Sulaiman SF, Tan ML
    J Pharm Pharmacol, 2025 Feb 03;77(2):321-334.
    PMID: 39541262 DOI: 10.1093/jpp/rgae131
    OBJECTIVES: Kratom preparation containing Mitragyna speciosa Korth plant is frequently used as a recreational drug. Mitragynine, a major alkaloid isolated from M. speciosa, is often detected concurrently with other drugs during forensic analysis, indicating a safety concern. P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is a multidrug transporter. Modulation of P-gp transport activity by drugs or herbal compounds in the brain may lead to drug-herb interactions, resulting in neurotoxicity. We aim to determine the effects of mitragynine on the P-gp regulation and possible neurotoxicity.

    METHODS: The effects of mitragynine on the P-gp regulation were investigated in human brain capillary endothelial cells (hCMEC/D3) using molecular docking and dynamic simulation and an optimized bidirectional transport assay, respectively. Repeated-dose treatment and neurotoxicity assessment were carried out using a blood-brain barrier model and polimerase chain reaction (PCR) array.

    KEY FINDINGS: Mitragynine inhibits the P-gp transport activity via binding onto the nucleotide-binding domain site and forms a stable interaction with the P-gp protein complex. Nontoxic concentrations of mitragynine (<4 μM) and substrate drugs (0.001 μM) in the cells significantly enhanced endothelial cell permeability and elicited signs of neurotoxicity in PC-12 cells.

    CONCLUSIONS: Mitragynine is likely a P-gp inhibitor, hence concurrent administration of kratom products with P-gp substrates may lead to clinically significant interactions and neurotoxicity.

  12. Owen CM, Bacardit J, Tan MP, Saedon NI, Goh CH, Newton JL, et al.
    Exp Physiol, 2025 Feb;110(2):230-247.
    PMID: 39526963 DOI: 10.1113/EP091876
    Gravity, an invisible but constant force , challenges the regulation of blood pressure when transitioning between postures. As physiological reserve diminishes with age, individuals grow more susceptible to such stressors over time, risking inadequate haemodynamic control observed in orthostatic hypotension. This prevalent condition is characterized by drops in blood pressure upon standing; however, the contrary phenomenon of blood pressure rises has recently piqued interest. Expanding on the currently undefined orthostatic hypertension, our study uses continuous non-invasive cardiovascular data to explore the full spectrum of blood pressure profiles and their associated frailty outcomes in community-dwelling older adults. Given the richness of non-invasive beat-to-beat data, artificial intelligence (AI) offers a solution to detect the subtle patterns within it. Applying machine learning to an existing dataset of community-based adults undergoing postural assessment, we identified three distinct clusters (iOHYPO, OHYPO and OHYPER) akin to initial and classic orthostatic hypotension and orthostatic hypertension, respectively. Notably, individuals in our OHYPER cluster exhibited indicators of frailty and sarcopenia, including slower gait speed and impaired balance. In contrast, the iOHYPO cluster, despite transient drops in blood pressure, reported fewer fallers and superior cognitive performance. Surprisingly, those with sustained blood pressure deficits outperformed those with sustained rises, showing greater independence and higher Fried frailty scores. Working towards more refined definitions, our research indicates that AI approaches can yield meaningful blood pressure morphologies from beat-to-beat data. Furthermore, our findings support orthostatic hypertension as a distinct clinical entity, with frailty implications suggesting that it is worthy of further investigation.
  13. Kho BP, Ho HT, Tan SY, Chee FS, Kow FT, Ooi S, et al.
    Int J Pharm Pract, 2024 Nov 14;32(6):507-514.
    PMID: 39270638 DOI: 10.1093/ijpp/riae050
    OBJECTIVES: This research aimed to determine postpartum females' self-reported adherence to and experience with short-term thromboprophylaxis using enoxaparin injection, after counselling by pharmacists. It also sought to assess their knowledge of thromboprophylaxis, injection techniques, and confidence in self-injecting.

    METHODS: This prospective cohort study was conducted at a public tertiary hospital in Malaysia from March to June 2023. Self-injection-naïve postpartum females who were initiated on thromboprophylaxis and counselled by a pharmacist were conveniently sampled. Knowledge regarding thromboprophylaxis, injection readiness, and technique were assessed one day after the counselling session. A telephonic interview was conducted at the end of the 10-day therapy to determine adherence and adverse effects experienced.

    KEY FINDINGS: A total of 259 subjects were successfully followed up, with 87.6% (n = 227) adherent to the therapy. Nonadherence was predominantly due to forgetfulness; four had their treatment withheld due to bleeding. One-third of subjects experienced localised pain and bruising. Subjects answered a median of 5/7 knowledge questions and recalled a median of 8/10 injection steps correctly, with those who read the information leaflet provided after counselling scoring significantly higher (P = .02). The majority declared moderate confidence in their ability to self-inject. Subjects who intended to self-inject (P < .01) and were more confident (P = .02) demonstrated better injection technique.

    CONCLUSIONS: Postpartum females counselled by pharmacists largely adhered to short-term enoxaparin for thromboprophylaxis. The impact of the counselling session may be enhanced by addressing their psychological readiness to self-inject, awareness of adverse effects identification, mitigation, and management, as well as setting reminders to prevent forgetfulness to inject.

  14. Tan JYC, Ng SY, Chan HK, Wong PM, Mohamed Zabidi H, Abu Hassan MR
    J Cardiol, 2024 Dec;84(6):362-365.
    PMID: 38852775 DOI: 10.1016/j.jjcc.2024.06.001
    BACKGROUND: Children with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) resistant Kawasaki disease (KD) are at higher risk of developing coronary artery (CA) aneurysm. Early identification of high-risk patients using a predictive tool would allow for earlier interventions to prevent cardiac complications.

    METHODS: Children with KD who were admitted to five selected hospitals in Malaysia between 2008 and 2018 and received 2 g/kg of IVIG within 10 days from the onset of illness were included. Predictors of IVIG resistance in KD were determined using multiple logistic regression analysis. An optimal cut-off point was set using receiver operative characteristic curve and a final multiple logistic regression analysis was performed entering these cut-off points. A new scoring system was constructed.

    RESULTS: A total of 276 patients were included. IVIG resistance occurred in 9.1 % of them. Total bilirubin [OR 7.37; 95 % CI (2.18, 24.83)], male sex [OR 0.34; 95 % CI (0.10, 1.19)], C-reactive protein (CRP) [OR 0.17; 95 % CI (0.02, 1.38)] and neutrophils [OR 0.25; 95 % CI (0.05, 1.21)] were found to be significant predictors for IVIG resistance. The findings led to the development of a new predictive tool called the Hibiscus score, which scored 1 point each for neutrophils ≥60 %, CRP ≥80 mg/L, and male sex, while total bilirubin ≥9.4 μmol/L scored 2 points. A cut-off point of ≥4 with this prediction score yielded a sensitivity of 78.9 % and specificity of 80.5 %, with area under the curve of 0.835 [95 % CI (0.752, 0.919)]. CA aneurysms occurred in 6.7 % of IVIG responders and 32 % of IVIG-resistant children (p 

  15. Zulkharnain EM, Muhamad Ariffin MH, Tan JA, Zakaria MAA
    Cureus, 2024 Oct;16(10):e71166.
    PMID: 39525210 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.71166
    Giant cell tumour (GCT) is a benign bone tumour characterised by osteoclastic-like multinucleated cells. This tumour predominantly occurs in adults during the third decade of life, commonly in the distal femur, proximal tibia, distal radius, and sacrum. Treatment options include wide local excision with possible adjuvant therapy depending on tumour size and site. We present a case of an 18-year-old lady with no prior medical history complaining of worsening insidious onset localised back pain and preceding numbness of the bilateral lower limbs, diagnosed with a giant cell tumour of the spine (T11).
  16. Chai AWY, Tan YH, Ooi S, Yee PS, Yee SM, Cheong SC
    Heliyon, 2024 Nov 15;10(21):e39677.
    PMID: 39524880 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e39677
    Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is known to be driven by multiple intricated receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) including EGFR, PI3K/AKT and MAPK signaling pathways. However, whilst targeting EGFR with cetuximab has been approved for the treatment of OSCC, other single-agent inhibitors of the RTKs have shown modest effects in improving survival. From the genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 screen on 21 OSCC cell lines, we have identified PTPN11 among the top essential genes in OSCC. PTPN11 encodes for SHP2, a phosphatase that acts as a master signal transducer, downstream of various RTKs. Although PTPN11 overexpression has been reported in OSCC, little is known about its role as an essential gene for OSCC survival and its potential as a therapeutic target. Herein, we confirmed that PTPN11 is an essential gene in OSCC where its deletion significantly impacted cell survival. We evaluated three SHP2 inhibitors on 21 OSCC cell lines and found TNO155 to be significantly associated with CRISPR dependency score. We showed that TNO155 caused dose-dependent suppression on p-ERK and p-MEK, and suppresses the JAK/STAT pathway via downregulating p-JAK1, p-STAT1, p-STAT3. Furthermore, we confirmed that the combination of the mTOR inhibitor, everolimus with TNO155 is synergistic in OSCC. In summary, PTPN11 is a promising therapeutic target in OSCC that can be selectively targeted by SHP2 inhibitor such as TNO155. Our findings on the use of mTOR inhibitor, everolimus to overcome resistance to TNO155 are essential to inform on next phases of clinical trials which is warranted for the treatment of OSCC.
  17. Ang WX, Tan SH, Wong KT, Perera D, Kuppusamy UR, Ong KC
    Trop Biomed, 2024 Sep 01;41(3):241-250.
    PMID: 39548776 DOI: 10.47665/tb.41.3.002
    Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD), a highly contagious viral disease common among infants and young children, is primarily caused by Enterovirus A71 (EV-A71) and Coxsackievirus A16 (CVA16). Nonetheless, emerging enteroviruses, such as CV-A10 and CV-A6, have also caused widespread outbreaks globally, in part due to the absence of effective antiviral therapies, and the high personto-person transmission rate. Person-to-person transmission is usually through fecal-oral or oral-oral routes, and sometimes via droplets. As the oral cavity is a primary site for early virus infection and replication, controlling oral viral shedding can mitigate the risk of transmission through this route. Povidone-iodine (PVP-I), a widely used antiseptic, has shown broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties but antiviral studies against HFMD-causing enteroviruses are limited, especially for CV-A10 and CVA6. Our study demonstrated that a 1% PVP-I solution (final concentration of 0.5%) exhibited virucidal activity against EV-A71, CV-A16, CV-A10, and CV-A6. All seven EV-A71 isolates and five CV-A16 isolates showed a significant virus titer reduction after a 1-minute incubation, while five CV-A10 isolates and two CV-A6 isolates required a 5-minute incubation to achieve this. The virucidal activity was confirmed through the EN14476:2013+A2:2019 virucidal quantitative suspension test, wherein all four viruses were completely inactivated after a 30-minute incubation with PVP-I at 37°C under both clean and dirty conditions. Western blot analysis suggested that PVP-I could affect the VP1 structural proteins of EV-A71. Our results suggest that PVP-I could serve as a potential virucidal agent to reduce the risk of person-to-person transmission of HFMD.
  18. Chen C, Alfredo YY, Lee YY, Tan CP, Wang Y, Qiu C
    Int J Biol Macromol, 2024 Nov;281(Pt 1):136223.
    PMID: 39366617 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.136223
    Diacylglycerol-based nanoparticles are promising bioactive delivery systems. However, limited understanding of their interaction with biological entities restricts their clinical use. This study investigated the protein corona formed on medium and long chain diacylglycerol (MLCD)-based solid lipid nanoparticles (NPs) modified by Polyoxethylene stearate (PEG) and compared to glyceryl tristearate (TG) and cetyl palmitate (CP) nanoparticles. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) formed corona with MLCD NPs through hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonding, contributing to a decrease in α-helix, an increase in β-sheet and a change in the microenvironment of Tyr residues. Owing to higher lipid hydrophilicity, MLCD NPs showed a much lower affinity for BSA than TG and CP NPs, and the binding constant with BSA was increased for larger NPs. PEG modification and the protein corona reduced the uptake of NPs by macrophages but exerted little influence on B16 cell. Among the NPs with different lipid core, the MLCD NPs showed a lower macrophages cell uptake but higher B16 cell uptake, suggesting a longer circulation time in blood but higher cancer cell internalization. This work shed light on the interactions between MLCD NPs and proteins, which is significant for application as nanocarriers with improved biological efficacy.
  19. Yeo YH, San BJ, Ahmad E, Tan MC, Sin YM, Jani M, et al.
    Prev Med, 2025 Jan;190:108179.
    PMID: 39561854 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2024.108179
    OBJECTIVE: Our study aimed to assess the heart failure/cardiomyopathy-related population-level mortality trends among patients with obesity in the United States and disparities across demographics.

    METHODS: We queried the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research database among adults aged ≥25 from 1999 to 2019. Heart failure/cardiomyopathy were listed as the main causes of death, with obesity as a contributing cause. We calculated age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMR) per 100,000 individuals and estimated the average annual percent change (AAPC). We also evaluated the social vulnerability of United States counties (2014-2018).

    RESULTS: There were 29,334 deaths related to heart failure/cardiomyopathy among patients with comorbid obesity. The overall AAMR increased from 0.41 in 1999 to 0.94 in 2019, with an AAPC of 3.78 (95 % CI, 3.41-4.14). The crude mortality rate increase for heart failure/cardiomyopathy was greater in individuals with comorbid obesity than in those without. Males had a higher AAMR than females (0.78 vs 0.55). African Americans also had higher AAMR than Whites (1.35 vs 0.62). The AAMR was higher in rural areas than in urban regions (0.76 vs 0.66). The overall AAMR was higher in counties with social vulnerability index-Quartile 4 (SVI-Q4) (most vulnerable) (1.08) compared to SVI-Q1 (least vulnerable) (0.63) with a risk ratio of 1.71 (95 % CI: 1.61-1.83).

    CONCLUSION: Heart failure/cardiomyopathy mortality in individuals with comorbid obesity was rising. Males, African Americans, and individuals from rural regions had higher AAMR than their counterparts.

  20. Cao X, Hu X, Efrizal E, Hayati I, Yang J, Tan C, et al.
    J Environ Manage, 2024 Dec;372:123379.
    PMID: 39550941 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.123379
    Cadmium (Cd) pollution leads to soil degradation, decreases crop yield and affects human health through the food chain. Iron-modified woody peat (IMP) is an organic passivation material that significantly affects the migration of heavy metals in soil. Nitrification inhibitors are widely used to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This study investigated the effects of the IMP and nitrification inhibitors dicyandiamide (DCD) and 3, 4-dimethylpyrazole phosphate on Cd content and form, crop yield, nitrous oxide (N2O) emission and bacterial communities in soil-lettuce systems. The simultaneous additions of IMP and DCD substantially reduced the soil available Cd content by 22.6 % and significantly promoted the lettuce yield by 42.9 %. Lettuce yield was significantly and negatively correlated with soil available Cd (correlation coefficient = -0.52). The simultaneous applications of IMP and nitrification inhibitors stimulated N2O emission risk by enhancing the soil NH4+-N contents and the relative abundances of Firmicutes, which could also decrease soil bacterial community stabilities. Therefore, tradeoffs among yield, Cd bioavailability, N2O emission and bacterial community stability should be comprehensively considered when evaluating the combined performances of IMP and nitrification inhibitors.
Filters
Contact Us

Please provide feedback to Administrator (afdal@afpm.org.my)

External Links