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Unravelling the promotional roles of MoS2 in enhancing photo-activity of ZnCdS for photo-treatment of wastewater containing tetracycline (TC)

Ng KH, Hamza M, Lai SY, Imanuella N, Tan LS, Liu CL, et al.

Environ Res, 2025 Mar 19;275:121402.
PMID: 40118320 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2025.121402

MoS2 is frequently reported as an effective photocatalytic promoter; however, its explicit roles in improving photo-activity are rarely discussed. In this regard, current study aims to unravel the promotional roles of MoS2, specifically to ZnCdS in degrading tetracycline (TC) under visible light irradiation. ZnCdS/MoS2 derived from photo-deposition approach manifested a large interface with ZnCdS-encapsulating-MoS2 architecture. Alongside MoS2-deposition, the photocatalytically-inert oxide phases of ZnCdS were concurrently eliminated, enabling better photo-responsiveness to visible light. This comes with the closure of energy gap of ZnCdS (evidenced experimentally and theoretically); however, did not weaken its reductive capability due to its unaltered conduction band position. On the other hand, though the valence band of ZnCdS would slightly elevate with MoS2-embedment, its oxidative power is still adequate for direct oxidation of TC. This, therefore, explains TC removal which predominantly assisted by photo-holes and •OH radical (produced from O2-reductive pathway). Electronically-speaking, MoS2 embedment helps in lowering the impedance of ZnCdS, facilitating charges separation while lengthening their lifetimes in photoreaction. Meanwhile, MoS2-modification could also improve TC adsorption onto ZnCdS; this helps in improving utilization of photo-charges while facilitate TC degradation. These benefitting attributes of MoS2, therefore, permitted 458% activity improvements to ZnCdS, realizing 40.93 × 10-5 ppm min-1 TC removal under visible light.
Fulltext Sex Differences in Outcomes of Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-Cell Therapy

Tan JY, Yeo YH, Kin HWK, Ang QX, Chisti MM, Ezekwudo D, et al.

Cancer Med, 2025 Mar;14(6):e70831.
PMID: 40129265 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.70831

BACKGROUND: Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has arisen as a revolutionary treatment for hematologic malignancies. Our study aimed to evaluate how sex differences affect outcomes and complications following CAR T-cell therapy.
METHODS: Utilizing the Nationwide Readmissions Database (2018-2020), we identified patients and divided them into male and female groups. Hospital outcomes and complications were compared among these two groups after propensity score matching to match groups based on comorbidities, producing two comparable cohorts.
RESULTS: We analyzed 2928 patients (1832 males, 62.6%, mean age 60.3 ± 13.7 years; 1096 females, 37.4%, mean age 59.1 ± 13.8 years). After propensity score matching (1:1ratio), 1092 males and females were compared. There were no significant sex differences in early mortality (adjusted odd ratios (aOR): 1.04 [95% CI 0.69-1.57]), 30-day readmissions (aOR: 1.05 [95% CI 0.86-1.30]), or nonhome discharge (aOR: 0.89 [95% CI 0.60-1.31]). Females had higher odds of leukopenia (aOR: 1.26 [95% CI 1.06-1.50]) but lower odds of acute kidney injury (aOR: 0.68 [95% CI 0.52-0.88]).
CONCLUSIONS: No sex differences were found in hospital outcomes, including early mortality, 30-day readmission, and nonhome discharge after CAR T-cell therapy.
Fulltext The Cancer Burden in Sarawak, Malaysia: Sarawak Cancer Report

Tan SSN, Tiong LL, Wong KY, Wahab MB, Fong AYY, Ooi CH

Health Sci Rep, 2025 Mar;8(3):e70290.
PMID: 40103743 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.70290

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Malaysia, like many developing countries, is undergoing epidemiologic transition where non-communicable diseases, including cancer, are emerging as a prevalent health burden. Sarawak is the largest state in Malaysia, located on the island of Borneo. Compiling region-specific cancer statistics is crucial for future planning and implementation of effective cancer management strategies.
METHODS: This study utilized cancer data reported to the Sarawak State Health Department with a cancer notification form. Data was obtained from the State cancer database. Incidence, Age-Standardized Rate, frequency, cumulative rate, and lifetime risk were calculated. The population included Sarawak residents only who were defined as Malaysian citizens as well as permanent residents living in Sarawak at the time of diagnosis.
RESULTS: Between years 2011-2015, there were a total of 10,320 cancer cases (47.3% male). The incidence rate was approximately 16.6 persons per 100,000 population per year. An increasing trend was observed in cancer incidence with increasing age. Ethnic distribution reported the highest incidence among the Chinese (male cases:36.2% and female cases:36.4%), followed by the Iban (male cases:26.9% and female cases:24.5%), and Malay (male cases:18.3% and female cases:22.0%). The three most common cancers in male were colorectal (15.4%), nasopharyngeal (14.8%), and trachea, bronchus, lung (14.0%) cancer. In females, the first three common cancers were breast (27.9%), cervix uteri (11.6%), and colorectal (9.8%). There were wide disparities among common cancers across genders, different age groups and ethnic groups.
CONCLUSION: The lifetime risk of a Sarawakian to develop cancer by age 75 is 1 in 11 in females and 1 in 10 in males. This present study provided a framework for the status and trend of cancer in Sarawak. These findings will provide additional information to guide strategy and resource planning in improving cancer care in Sarawak.
Fulltext Routine vaginal examination to assess labor progress at 8 compared to 4 h after early amniotomy following Foley balloon ripening in the labor induction of nulliparas: A randomized trial

Nashreen CM, Hamdan M, Hong J, Kamarudin M, Saaid R, Tan PC

Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand, 2024 Dec;103(12):2475-2484.
PMID: 39356052 DOI: 10.1111/aogs.14975

INTRODUCTION: Our objective was to compare the performance of the first vaginal examination at 8 vs 4 h after amniotomy following Foley ripening in nulliparous labor induction.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was conducted from June 2021 to January 2022. 210 nulliparas at term for labor induction were randomized: 105 each to first vaginal examination at 8 or 4 h after Foley balloon ripening and amniotomy. Titrated oxytocin infusion was routinely commenced after amniotomy to expedite labor. Primary outcomes were the amniotomy-to-delivery interval (non-inferiority hypothesis) and maternal satisfaction with their allocated labor care (superiority hypothesis) within 24 h after delivery. Analyses performed using t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Chi-squared test as appropriate.
RESULTS: The amniotomy-to-delivery interval was mean ± standard deviation 8.7 ± 3.4 vs 8.4 ± 3.7, mean difference 0.4 (97.5% CI: -0.7 to 1.5) hours, p = 0.442 within the pre-specified 2-hour non-inferiority margin, and maternal satisfaction score with allocated labor care was median [interquartile range] 8[7.5-10] vs 8[7.0-10], p = 0.248 for 8 vs 4 h arms, respectively. The amniotomy to first vaginal examination intervals was 5.9 ± 2.3 vs 3.6 ± 1.0 h, p
Fulltext Selective laser melting of titanium matrix composites: An in-depth analysis of materials, microstructures, defects, and mechanical properties

Fang J, Tan YC, Tai VC, Janasekaran S, Kee CC, Wang D, et al.

Heliyon, 2024 Nov 30;10(22):e40200.
PMID: 39641018 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e40200

This paper provides an in-depth review of the advancements and challenges associated with Titanium Matrix Composites (TMCs) in Selective Laser Melting (SLM). Material selection, SLM processing parameters, and their influence on the microstructure and properties of TMCs are discussed. The relationship between processing parameters, material characteristics, and the development of defects such as balling, porosity, and cracking is examined. Critical factors influencing the evolution of microstructure and defect formation in TMCs processed by SLM are highlighted. Strengthening mechanisms such as dislocation movements, grain refinement, the Orowan process, and load-bearing capacity are analyzed, and their roles in enhancing hardness, tensile strength, corrosion resistance, and wear resistance are explored. It is indicated by key findings that less than 5 % reinforcement content by volume can significantly enhance mechanical properties, achieving maximum hardness values of approximately 1000 HV and tensile strength close to 1500 MPa. However, this improvement is accompanied by a notable decrease in elongation. The importance of optimizing SLM parameters such as laser power, scan speed, hatch distance, layer thickness, and particle contents to minimize defects and enhance material performance is underscored. Existing research gaps in defect management and material distribution are identified. Future research directions on improving TMCs performance through advanced SLM techniques are suggested.
Advancements in microbial-mediated radioactive waste bioremediation: A review

Tan JP, Clyde CW, Ng CC, Yeap SK, Yong CY

J Environ Radioact, 2024 Dec;280:107530.
PMID: 39378736 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2024.107530

The global production of radioactive wastes is expected to increase in the coming years as more countries have resorted to adopting nuclear power to decrease their reliance on fossil-fuel-generated energy. Discoveries of remediation methods that can remove radionuclides from radioactive wastes, including those discharged to the environment, are therefore vital to reduce risks-upon-exposure radionuclides posed to humans and wildlife. Among various remediation approaches available, microbe-mediated radionuclide remediation have limited reviews regarding their advances. This review provides an overview of the sources and existing classification of radioactive wastes, followed by a brief introduction to existing radionuclide remediation (physical, chemical, and electrochemical) approaches. Microbe-mediated radionuclide remediation (bacterial, myco-, and phycoremediation) is then extensively discussed. Bacterial remediation involves biological processes like bioreduction, biosorption, and bioprecipitation. Bioreduction involves the reduction of water-soluble, mobile radionuclides to water-insoluble, immobile lower oxidation states by ferric iron-reducing, sulfate-reducing, and certain extremophilic bacteria, and in situ remediation has become possible by adding electron donors to contaminated waters to enrich indigenous iron- and sulfate-reducing bacteria populations. In biosorption, radionuclides are associated with functional groups on the microbial cell surface, followed by getting reduced to immobilized forms or precipitated intracellularly or extracellularly. Myco- and phycoremediation often involve processes like biosorption and bioaccumulation, where the former is influenced by pH and cell concentration. A Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis on microbial remediation is also performed. It is suggested that two research directions: genetic engineering of radiation-resistant microorganisms and co-application of microbe-mediated remediation with other remediation methods could potentially result in the discovery of in situ or ex situ microbe-involving radioactive waste remediation applications with high practicability. Finally, a comparison between the strengths and weaknesses of each approach is provided.
Analytical Capabilities and Future Perspectives of Chemometrics in Omics for Food Microbial Investigation

Sun F, Zhang Y, Tan CP, Gu Y, Liu Y, Xu YJ

Crit Rev Anal Chem, 2025 Feb 13.
PMID: 39945579 DOI: 10.1080/10408347.2025.2463430

Microbiomes significantly impact food flavor, food quality and human health. The development of omics technologies has revolutionized our understanding of the microbiome, the generated complex datasets, as well as their processing and interpretation need to be taken seriously. Currently, chemometrics has shown huge potential in omics data analysis, which is crucial to reveal the functional attributes and mechanisms of microbiomes in food nutrition and safety. However, various chemometric tools have their own characteristics, selecting appropriate technologies and performing multiomics data fusion analysis to improve the precision and reliability of food microbial investigations is still a huge challenge. In this review, we summarized the omics technologies used in food microbiome studies, overviewed the principle and applicability of chemometrics in omics, and discussed the challenges and prospects of chemometrics. The urgent need for chemometrics is to integrate deep learning (DL) and artificial intelligence algorithms to enhance its analytical capabilities and prediction accuracy. We hope this review will provide valuable insights of the integration of multiomics and bioinformatics combined with various chemometric techniques in data analysis for food microbial investigation. In the future, chemometrics combined with modern technologies for multiomics data analysis will further deepen our understanding of food microbiology and improve food safety.
Fulltext Deep learning techniques for automated Alzheimer's and mild cognitive impairment disease using EEG signals: A comprehensive review of the last decade (2013 - 2024)

Acharya M, Deo RC, Tao X, Barua PD, Devi A, Atmakuru A, et al.

Comput Methods Programs Biomed, 2025 Feb;259:108506.
PMID: 39581069 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmpb.2024.108506

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's Disease (AD) are progressive neurological disorders that significantly impair the cognitive functions, memory, and daily activities. They affect millions of individuals worldwide, posing a significant challenge for its diagnosis and management, leading to detrimental impacts on patients' quality of lives and increased burden on caregivers. Hence, early detection of MCI and AD is crucial for timely intervention and effective disease management.
METHODS: This study presents a comprehensive systematic review focusing on the applications of deep learning in detecting MCI and AD using electroencephalogram (EEG) signals. Through a rigorous literature screening process based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, the research has investigated 74 different papers in detail to analyze the different approaches used to detect MCI and AD neurological disorders.
RESULTS: The findings of this study stand out as the first to deal with the classification of dual MCI and AD (MCI+AD) using EEG signals. This unique approach has enabled us to highlight the state-of-the-art high-performing models, specifically focusing on deep learning while examining their strengths and limitations in detecting the MCI, AD, and the MCI+AD comorbidity situations.
CONCLUSION: The present study has not only identified the current limitations in deep learning area for MCI and AD detection but also proposes specific future directions to address these neurological disorders by implement best practice deep learning approaches. Our main goal is to offer insights as references for future research encouraging the development of deep learning techniques in early detection and diagnosis of MCI and AD neurological disorders. By recommending the most effective deep learning tools, we have also provided a benchmark for future research, with clear implications for the practical use of these techniques in healthcare.
Assessing the Predictive Value of the SAMe-TT2R2 Score for Poor Anticoagulation Control in a Diverse Ethnic Population

Mohamed S, Nik Abdul Rahman NN, Tan JY, Selvam T, Zulkifly HH, Cardiology Subspecialty Working Committee

Hosp Pharm, 2024 Nov 29.
PMID: 39619886 DOI: 10.1177/00185787241300293

Introduction: In Asian countries, warfarin is still widely used for stroke prevention in non-valvular atrial fibrillation compared to non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) due to its affordability. A tool such as the SAMe-TT2R2 is needed to determine the probability of achieving and maintaining good anticoagulation control with warfarin therapy. However, it requires validation in the Malaysian cohort. Therefore, the objective of our study is to validate the SAMe-TT2R2 score in predicting poor anticoagulation control in Malaysia. A time in therapeutic range (TTR) 5 best predicts poor anticoagulation control with a sensitivity of 0.49 and a specificity value of 0.68. Conclusion: The SAMe-TT2R2 score, especially when exceeding 5, was associated with a higher likelihood of poor anticoagulation control, emphasizing its relevance in clinical assessment. However, its limited predictive capability, reflected by a C-statistic of 0.548, suggests the need for cautious interpretation and consideration of additional factors in anticoagulation management decisions. Continuous monitoring and personalized strategies are crucial for optimizing outcomes in this population.
Sexuality and gender change efforts in Malaysia - proximal stressors and mental ill-health amongst LGBT+ adults

Tan K, Husni NB, Liow JW, Keng SL, Shamsudin AH, Sulathireh T

Cult Health Sex, 2024 Dec 02.
PMID: 39618348 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2024.2424225

Despite growing international criticism of actions and efforts to change sexual orientation and gender identity, such efforts remain prevalent in Malaysia. Using data from a nationwide community-based survey, this study examined the prevalence of these efforts amongst LGBT+ adults and the association between exposure to them and mental health outcomes. Participants (n = 521) completed an online survey assessing exposure to efforts to change their sexual orientation and/or gender identity, internalised LGBT-phobia, negative future expectations, and several mental health variables. Just under sixty-four percent (n = 333) of participants reported having experienced change efforts, with the most common perpetrators being family members, friends and religious organisations or people. Recent (past year) and past exposure to change efforts (over one year ago) were each associated with significantly higher odds of suicidal ideation, non-suicidal self-injury, and suicide attempts. Participants with recent exposure to change efforts also reported elevated internalised LGBT-phobia and negative future expectations compared to those who lacked such experience. A content analysis of participants' open-ended responses documented the perceived impact of change efforts on proximal stressors and mental health and wellbeing. Recommendations are made for national authorities and healthcare bodies to ban efforts to change sexual orientation and gender identity in Malaysia.
Risk of Sarcopenia, Hospitalization, and Mortality Among Malaysian Older Adults With Knee Pain: Five-Year Follow-up Study

Chiew CL, Mat S, Kamaruzzaman SB, Chin AV, Tan MP

Asia Pac J Public Health, 2025 Jan;37(1):60-68.
PMID: 39473239 DOI: 10.1177/10105395241292173

This study explored the longitudinal relationship between the presence of knee pain and knee osteoarthritis (OA) symptoms with risk of sarcopenia, hospitalization, and mortality. Data from Malaysian Elders Longitudinal Research (MELoR) study was utilized. The presence of knee pain and knee OA symptoms was determined at baseline between 2013 and 2015, whereas sarcopenia was determined in 2019 using SARC-F with telephone interviews. Hospitalization status was identified by asking participants "Have you been admitted to hospital since you enrolled into the MELoR study?" Death Registry data were obtained from the National Registry Department. Data from 577 individuals, mean age (SD) = 68.214 (7.095), range = 54 to 97 years, and 55.5% women at baseline, were included. Knee pain and knee OA symptoms were associated with increased risk of probable sarcopenia at follow-up, odds ratios (95% confidence interval) =2.71 [1.61, 4.58] and 2.73 [1.59, 4.71], respectively, after adjustment for confounders. Knee pain and knee OA symptoms were not associated with hospitalization and mortality. Knee pain and knee OA symptoms were associated with increased risk of probable sarcopenia at five-year follow-up in an urban older population in Kuala Lumpur. Future studies should seek to identify modifiable risk factors for the development of sarcopenia in individuals with knee OA.
Ictal SPECT success rate using a single SPECT session protocol

Lee ZY, Lim KS, Fong SL, Rahmat K, Mon KY, Tan CT

Clin Neurol Neurosurg, 2025 Feb;249:108766.
PMID: 39904105 DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2025.108766

INTRODUCTION: Ictal single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) provides additional information on the localisation of the epileptogenic zone. However, ictal SPECT is labour-intensive and expensive. We have developed a more affordable protocol with a single SPECT radiotracer session during a 48-hour video-EEG monitoring (VEM). This study aimed to determine the success rate of ictal SPECT with a single SPECT session (HMPAO or ECD).
METHODS: This retrospective observational study included all VEM cases performed in the University Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from 1st January 2011 to 30th April 2024, with SPECT as part of the pre-surgical evaluation.
RESULTS: A total of 189 cases were included. The mean age was 33.3 years old (range 9-68), and 105 (55.6 %) were male. The mean baseline seizure frequency before VEM was 21.8 per month. The mean number of seizures recorded during a 48-hour VEM was 10.9. A total of 44 (23.3 %) patients had ictal SPECT with a single SPECT session. Ictal SPECT was significantly associated with a higher number of seizures during 48-hour VEM (31.5 ± 58.7 vs 4.4 ± 6.3, p 
Predictors of in-hospital early mortality following valve-in-valve transcatheter aortic valve replacement

Yeo YH, Lim GK, Mee XC, Ang QX, Tan MC

Cardiovasc Revasc Med, 2025 Feb 01.
PMID: 39919980 DOI: 10.1016/j.carrev.2025.01.013

BACKGROUND: There is an increasing preference of utilizing valve-in-valve transcatheter aortic valve replacement (ViV TAVR) after bioprosthetic valve failure. However, updated large-scale analysis investigating early-mortality after the patients underwent ViV TAVR is limited.
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess in-hospital early mortality and analyze the factors associated with in-hospital early mortality among patients who underwent ViV TAVR.
METHODS: Using the all-payer, nationally representative National Readmission Database, our study included patients aged 18 years or older who had ViV TAVR between 2017 and 2020. We categorized the cohort into two groups depending on the occurrence of in-hospital early mortality (death within 30 days after the procedure). Based on the ICD-10, we identified the trend of in-hospital early mortality after ViV TAVR and further analyzed the significant factors associated with it.
RESULTS: After adjustment, a total of 11,009 patients who had ViV TAVR were included in this study. 329 (3.0 %) had in-hospital early mortality and 10,680 (97.0 %) without. There was a decreasing trend in in-hospital early mortality from 3.3 % in 2017 to 1.0 % in 2020, but it was insignificant (p = 0.71). In multivariable analysis, the independent factors associated with in-hospital early mortality were chronic liver disease (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 3.62; 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 1.96-6.71, p
Anti-Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibodies and Acute Hemorrhagic Encephalomyelitis

Tan SY, Pillai P, Wee JS, Jaya Krishna P, Chia YK, Ooi JCE

Can J Neurol Sci, 2024 Nov 04.
PMID: 39494752 DOI: 10.1017/cjn.2024.339
Podoplanin and its multifaceted roles in mammalian developmental program

Cheok YY, Tan GMY, Chan YT, Abdullah S, Looi CY, Wong WF

Cells Dev, 2024 Dec;180:203943.
PMID: 39111713 DOI: 10.1016/j.cdev.2024.203943

Podoplanin is a vital molecule which plays an integral part in the regulation of development, immunity, and cancer. Expression of Podoplanin is detected at different early developmental stages of mammalian embryo, and it functions to modulate morphogenesis of various organ systems. In experimental animal models of different genetic backgrounds, absence of Podoplanin results in either embryonic lethality or immediate death upon birth, suggesting the importance of the gene in early developmental processes. This review discusses the gene and protein structure of Podoplanin; and elucidates various functions of Podoplanin in different systems, including central nervous system as well as respiratory, lymphatic, and cardiovascular systems.
Fulltext Effect of traffic volumes on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons of particulate matter: A comparative study from urban and rural areas in Malaysia

Al-Battawi S, Latif MT, How V, Thilakavathy K, Hamid HHA, Tan CK, et al.

PLoS One, 2024;19(12):e0315439.
PMID: 39666673 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0315439

Motor vehicles emit most Malaysian PAHs in particulate matter of 2.5 μm (PM2.5-bound PAHs). Although traffic-related air pollution harms healthy people, there is a knowledge gap regarding PAHs' effects on Malaysians. This study examines PM2.5-bound PAH concentrations, distribution, sources, and health risks in Malaysia's high and low-traffic zones. Kuala Lumpur (KL) and Hulu Langat (HL) exhibit Malaysia's high- and low-traffic areas. The high-volume air sampler collected 40 ambient PM2.5 samples at both locations. Solid-phase extraction and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) assessed PAHs. The mean PM2.5-bound PAH concentrations in KL (5.85 ng m-3) were significantly higher than in HL (0.55 ng m-3) (p<0.001). KL has nine times more low-molecular-weight PAHs (LMW-PAHs) (2.63 vs. 0.27 ng m-3) and eleven times more high-molecular-weight PAHs (HMW-PAHs) (3.22 vs. 0.28 ng m-3) than HL. Over 51% of PM2.5 air samples at both sites included HMW-PAHs. Source apportionment tools (Diagnostic ratio, positive matrix factorization, and principal component analysis) showed that fossil fuel combustions (petrol and diesel) produced the greatest PAHs in both locations. Moreover, PAH exposure impinged higher carcinogenic health risks in KL than in HL. In conclusion, traffic and automobile pollution account for the short- and long-term health risks posed by PAHs in both regions.
Fulltext Prevalence and unfavourable outcome of oral frailty in older adult: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Zhu SR, Wei LY, Jia K, Xie YX, Tan ZK, Mo ST, et al.

Front Public Health, 2024;12:1501793.
PMID: 39744374 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1501793

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Oral frailty (OF) refers to a decline in oral function amongst older adult that often occurs alongside declines in cognitive and physical abilities. We conducted a study to determine the prevalence and unfavourable outcomes of OF in the older adult population to provide medical staff with valuable insights into the associated disease burden.
METHODS: From inception to March 2024, we systematically searched six key electronic databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and CINAHL to identify potential studies that reported the prevalence or unfavourable outcomes of OF amongst older adult. Studies that did not have accessible data were excluded. Two researchers worked independently to retrieve the literature, collect data, and evaluate the quality of the included studies. Data analysis was conducted using R Project 4.1.1 and Review Manager 5.3 software.
RESULTS: We identified 28 studies that met the inclusion criteria, including 27,927 older adult. The pooled prevalence of OF amongst older adult was 32% (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.24, 0.41). Subgroup analyses indicated that the setting, sample, design of studies, and assessment instruments influence the prevalence of OF. In addition, OF was associated with a high risk of physical frailty (odds ratio (OR) = 1.67; 95% CI: 1.38, 2.02), malnutrition (OR = 2.27; 95% CI: 1.75, 2.96), low dietary variety (OR = 1.98, 95% CI: 1.15, 3.39), and social withdrawal (OR = 1.42; 95% CI: 1.18, 1.71).
CONCLUSION: This systematic review and meta-analysis revealed that OF is prevalent amongst older adult. OF may affect the prognosis of older adult and thus necessitates comprehensive assessment and management as part of an integrated approach.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=537884.
Exploring the role of Bisphenol A in obesity-driven colorectal cancer progression: network toxicology and multi-organ pathology in animal models

Saad MFS, Abdullah MNH, Lim V, Bahari H, Khoo BY, Tan JJ, et al.

Toxicol Appl Pharmacol, 2025 Feb;495:117227.
PMID: 39788208 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2025.117227

Bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine disruptor, is linked to cancer progression in estrogen-responsive tissues, but its role in promoting colorectal cancer (CRC) progression in the context of obesity remains underexplored. This study examines BPA's influence on CRC in obese Sprague-Dawley rats using network toxicology and experimental models. Computational analysis using the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery identified pathways such as "CRC" and "chemical carcinogenesis-receptor activation", implicating the PI3K-AKT pathway in IL-1 beta upregulation and BPA's role in CRC during obesity. Thirty male rats were grouped (n = 6) as follows: N (normal diet), NC (normal diet + CRC), HC (high-fat diet + CRC), NCB (normal diet + CRC + BPA), and HCB (high-fat diet + CRC + BPA). CRC was induced with 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (40 mg/kg), and BPA (25 mg/kg) was administered for 19 weeks. Although BPA exposure did not affect body weight or biochemical parameters, the HCB group exhibited significant histopathological changes in the colon, including lymphoid hyperplasia, liver damage, and increased IL-1β levels. Furthermore, diet influenced adipocyte size, exacerbating BPA's effects on CRC progression. Findings suggest BPA may worsen CRC progression in obese rats through identified pathways, promoting multi-organ pathology and underscoring the need for stricter regulations, especially for vulnerable populations. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATION: Bisphenol A (BPA), a widespread environmental contaminant, is increasingly linked to serious health issues, including cancer, in susceptible populations. Our study highlights BPA's role in promoting obesity-driven colorectal cancer (CRC) progression, demonstrating its carcinogenic potential in high-risk contexts. These findings emphasize the urgent need for regulatory scrutiny of BPA exposure, particularly in obese individuals, and support the development of safer alternatives. Addressing BPA's impact can contribute to preventive health strategies and inform policies aimed at reducing environmental and public health risks associated with endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
Fulltext What makes a city breastfeeding friendly? A qualitative analysis of interviews with breastfeeding women from Europe and Asia

Tan ML, O'Sullivan EJ, Ho JJ, Omer-Salim A, McAuliffe FM

PLoS One, 2025;20(1):e0317374.
PMID: 39804854 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0317374

BACKGROUND: The warm chain of support is the continuous enabling environment from the mother's first contact with healthcare professionals during early pregnancy, birth and immediate post-partum period, her transition from healthcare facility to home, through to work and the community at large. A breastfeeding-friendly city should be able to support a breastfeeding journey across the warm chain.
OBJECTIVE: To determine breastfeeding women's perspective of an ideal breastfeeding-friendly city.
METHODS: Between September 2021 and January 2022, twenty-two women who were breastfeeding or had ever breastfed in the last 5 years from Ireland and Malaysia were interviewed. A set of selection criteria was applied to ensure representation of a range of the characteristics known to be associated with breastfeeding success: diverse age groups, birth and breastfeeding experiences, culture and socioeconomical background. One-on-one semi-structured online interviews were conducted by the first author. Data were analysed using Braun and Clarke's Thematic Analysis framework.
RESULTS: One overarching theme of breastfeeding at the front and centre of the city, and three major themes were developed: 1. mothers feel supported when breastfeeding is prioritised; 2. when breastfeeding is visible in the environment, it becomes normalized; 3. there is a need to have seamless breastfeeding support across the continuum of the warm chain, and at all levels of society.
CONCLUSIONS: The findings demonstrated the importance of prioritized, and continuous support throughout the breastfeeding journey. The hopes and aspirations of a breastfeeding-friendly city expressed here would be useful for cities to consider when developing or implementing breastfeeding support programmes as well as guide development of indicators of a breastfeeding-friendly city.
An account on the Phaneropterinae (Tettigonioidea: Tettigoniidae) from the highlands of western Sabah

Tan MK, Liu C, Ingrisch S, Japir R, Chung AYC

Zootaxa, 2024 Apr 24;5443(4):451-494.
PMID: 39645901 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5443.4.1

Based on an orthopteran survey in different parts of western Sabah, a total of 24 species from 16 genera are reported here, i.e., three species from one genus of Elimaeini, 14 species from nine genera of Holochlorini and three species from two genera of Mirolliini. Among them, four species of Holochlora new to science are described from Mount Trus Madi: Holochlora bulbosa Tan, Liu & Ingrisch, sp. nov., Holochlora falcata Tan, Liu & Ingrisch, sp. nov., Holochlora bispinosa Tan, Liu & Ingrisch, sp. nov. and Holochlora cratera Tan, Liu & Ingrisch, sp. nov. One new genus of Holochlorini is described from Mount Trus Madi: Pulchrapsyra cyanea Tan, Liu & Ingrisch, gen. et sp. nov. One species of Deflorita (Separita) new to science from Mount Trus Madi is described: Deflorita (Separita) extensa Tan, Liu & Ingrisch, sp. nov.

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