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  1. Kee PE, Phang SM, Lan JC, Tan JS, Khoo KS, Chang JS, et al.
    Mol Biotechnol, 2026 Sep;68(9):3554-3571.
    PMID: 37938536 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-023-00940-7
    Seaweeds are photosynthetic marine macroalgae known for their rapid biomass growth and their significant contributions to global food and feed production. Seaweeds play a crucial role in mitigating various environmental issues, including greenhouse gases, ocean acidification, hypoxia, and eutrophication. Tropical seaweeds are typically found in tropical and subtropical coastal zones with warmer water temperatures and abundant sunlight. These tropical seaweeds are rich sources of proteins, vitamins, minerals, fibers, polysaccharides, and bioactive compounds, contributing to their health-promoting properties and their diverse applications across a range of industries. The productivity, cultivability, nutritional quality, and edibility of tropical seaweeds have been well-documented. This review article begins with an introduction to the growth conditions of selected tropical seaweeds. Subsequently, the multifunctional properties of tropical seaweeds including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, anti-coagulant, anti-carcinogenic and anti-proliferative, anti-viral, therapeutic and preventive properties were comprehensively evaluated. The potential application of tropical seaweeds as functional foods and feeds, as well as their contributions to sustainable cosmetics, bioenergy, and biofertilizer production were also highlighted. This review serves as a valuable resource for researchers involved in seaweed farming as it provides current knowledge and insights into the cultivation and utilization of seaweeds.
  2. Ng ZJ, Goh CF, Mokhtar AMA, Ramli RNB, Lee CK, Tan JS
    Drug Deliv Transl Res, 2025 Oct;15(10):3607-3625.
    PMID: 40057628 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-025-01823-x
    Dental caries, driven predominantly by Streptococcus mutans, remains a significant global challenge. Conventional treatments often fall short due to antimicrobial resistance and limited efficacy. Enterocin CC2, a potent bacteriocin, offers a promising alternative but is hindered by stability and delivery challenges. This study pioneers the development of a cutting-edge microemulsion designed to enhance the stability, bioavailability, and antimicrobial potency of enterocin CC2 against S. mutans. A comprehensive screening of 124 formulations was conducted, evaluating thermodynamic stability, cytotoxicity, and antioxidant potential. The optimized formulation underwent rigorous analysis for physicochemical properties, antimicrobial activity, and long-term stability under varied storage conditions. The innovative microemulsion formulation, incorporating 0.5 mg/mL enterocin CC2, 0.5% surfactant blend (Tween 80 + PEG 400, 1:1), and 0.5% oil, demonstrated micro-sized droplets (88.50-92.10 nm), exceptional thermodynamic stability, and robust antimicrobial efficacy. Remarkably, it reduced the time to eradicate S. mutans UKMCC 1019 from 8 h (unformulated) to 5 h, outperforming 0.2% w/v chlorhexidine and 0.5 mg/mL nisin. Stability tests confirmed consistent performance in pH, viscosity, and antimicrobial activity for up to six weeks across various temperatures, with no detectable cytotoxicity. This study introduces a groundbreaking microemulsion formulation that redefines antimicrobial therapy for S. mutans. By leveraging the enhanced stability and rapid action of enterocin CC2, this innovation offers a transformative approach to oral health management, paving the way for next-generation antimicrobial solutions.
  3. Wo SW, Mumfahir RH, Tan CY, Phillips L, Yong MH
    PLoS One, 2026;21(5):e0349335.
    PMID: 42154782 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0349335
    The Empathy Quotient (EQ) is one of the most frequently used scales to measure empathy in adults and has been translated into many languages. However, there is still much debate on its dimensionality from its initial inception. Further, we know very little regarding EQ's measurement invariance to ensure that the instrument EQ measures the same construct consistently across different groups (e.g., gender, language type) and having meaningful comparisons without bias. In this study, we validated a Malay version of the Empathy Quotient (M-EQ), a self-report questionnaire among Malaysian adults and examined its measurement invariance across gender and language type. We recruited 586 participants aged between 18-53 years (Mage = 23.98, SD = 5.89) to complete the M-EQ. Our confirmatory factor analysis results showed that the M-EQ had two factors (emotional empathy, cognitive empathy) with 23 items retained. The internal consistency and test-retest reliability of the M-EQ was acceptable. Measurement invariance testing indicated that the two‑factor structure was broadly comparable across gender and language groups, with configural and metric invariance supported, although some indices suggested cautious interpretation. Compared to males, females scored higher than males on total M-EQ and both subscales. Taken together, the findings support a psychometrically sound 23‑item version of the EQ in Malay-speaking adults with evidence for internal structural validity, which may be useful for research and applied contexts where brief and culturally appropriate measures of empathy are required. Overall, our findings contribute to ongoing debates on the dimensionality of the EQ, with more research needed to establish convergent and criterion‑related validity of the M‑EQ.
  4. Vinnie-Siow WY, Tan TK, Sam SS, Teoh BT, Lim YA, Low VL
    Vet Res Commun, 2025 Dec 16;50(1):74.
    PMID: 41400797 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-025-10987-3
    Canine and human dirofilariosis, caused primarily by Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens, represents a significant veterinary and public health concern with distinct epidemiological patterns across geographic regions. This review synthesizes data from 60 canine studies and 72 publications on zoonotic human filariasis (all published between 2021 and 2025) to analyze the global burden and interspecies zoonotic transmission risks. In dogs, D. immitis shows hyperendemic areas in tropical Americas (Colombia: 60.1%) but lower rates in temperate zones (USA: 0.8%), while Europe exhibits a north-south divergence with D. immitis dominant in southern regions (Portugal: 51.6%) and D. repens emerging in eastern areas (Slovakia: 60% co-infections). Asia presents complex epidemiology with Sri Lanka reporting 89.3% D. repens prevalence and India documenting Dirofilaria hongkongensis infections (25.0-25.3%). Human cases mirror this geographic distribution, with 56.9% concentrated in Europe and 40.2% in Asia, primarily presenting as subcutaneous nodules or ocular manifestations. Molecular methods reveal greater sensitivity than microscopy in both species, underscoring microscopy’s limitations for prevalence studies; nevertheless, serological antigen tests remain the more reliable diagnostic approach for canine D. immitis. The findings underscore the urgent need for integrated One Health surveillance, climate-adaptive control strategies targeting zoonotic hotspots, and standardized diagnostic protocols to address these increasingly widespread parasitic infections. This comprehensive analysis provides critical insights for developing targeted interventions against dirofilariasis across human and veterinary medicine.
  5. Wong RHY, Tan GW, Chandirasegaran S, Chiu CK, Chan CYW, Kwan MK
    Eur Spine J, 2026 Nov 05.
    PMID: 42983049 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-026-10478-2
    PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to analyze the distribution of curve patterns in adult idiopathic scoliosis (AdIS) patients according to the AdIS classification by Lin et al. We also aim to identify the prevalence of atypical curve patterns that are not represented within the existing framework and propose a laterality modifier as an extension of the AdIS classification.

    METHODS: Adult idiopathic scoliosis patients aged above 18 years who underwent posterior spinal fusion (PSF) between 2023 and 2025 were retrospectively reviewed. Radiographic parameters were measured using pre-operative whole spine radiographs. Curves were classified according to AdIS classification by Lin et. al. Reversed curve patterns not represented by the current AdIS classification were recorded as atypical-laterality variants with an added laterality modifier, denoted "R" (reversed). Descriptive statistical analysis was performed.

    RESULTS: A total of 215 patients were included. The existing AdIS classification successfully classified 92.6% of patients, whereas 7.4% exhibited atypical-laterality curve patterns. AdIS type 1 curves were the most prevalent (34.7%), followed by type 2 (17.6%) and type 6 (15.1%). The majority of curves demonstrated non-structural lumbosacral modifiers (89.4%) and preserved global alignment (98.0%). Among the atypical-laterality cases, AdIS 6-R and 5-R curves were the most numerically frequent subtypes, accounting for five (31.3%) and four (25.0%) cases respectively.

    CONCLUSION: The AdIS classification demonstrated excellent applicability, successfully classifying 92.6% of patients in our study cohort. Atypical-laterality patterns were identified in 16 patients (7.4%), with AdIS 6-R being the commonest pattern encountered.

  6. Selvam R, Yap MKK, Giacomazzi R, Sousa SF, Tan HS
    FEBS J, 2026 Nov;293(21):6349-6373.
    PMID: 42053421 DOI: 10.1111/febs.70560
    The rise of multidrug-resistant infections, particularly those caused by Gram-negative pathogens like Pseudomonas aeruginosa with its highly impermeable outer membrane (OM), poses a critical threat to global health. Here, we provide the first direct experimental evidence, through permeability assays (N-phenyl-1-naphthylamine uptake) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), that DNA aptamers (Apt 60 and Apt 173) targeting the essential OM protein, BamA, can physically destabilize the P. aeruginosa OM. These aptamers were selected using a hybrid non-SELEX approach and determined by molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) based structural refinement to interact with BamA's lateral gate, specifically extracellular loop 6. Ultimately, they were able to induce significant OM permeabilization and morphological damage, including membrane blebbing. While previous research with other BamA-targeting aptamers suggested an impact on membrane integrity, the direct mechanism of destabilization and its visual confirmation were not previously elucidated. Consequently, Apt 60 and Apt 173 sensitize P. aeruginosa to Azithromycin, enhancing its efficacy at sub-inhibitory concentrations. This synergistic combination significantly improves host survival in a Galleria mellonella infection model without detectable aptamer-induced toxicity. These findings unveil a novel aptamer-driven OM disruption strategy to overcome low-permeability resistance in P. aeruginosa, marking a new mode of action for nucleic acid antimicrobials.
  7. Chan CYW, Chandren JR, Tan EYW, Chandirasegaran S, Chiu CK, Kwan MK
    Global Spine J, 2026 Nov 04.
    PMID: 42981483 DOI: 10.1177/21925682261505373
    Study designRetrospective study.ObjectiveTo analyze the flexibility of severe scoliosis with cobb angle ≥90o, comparing between the supine traction radiograph versus the physician supervised supine side bending film.Methods72 severe idiopathic scoliosis patients between 2015 to 2023 in a single academic institution who underwent single-staged posterior spinal fusion with curves more than ≥90o with available anteroposterior, traction and side bending radiographs were recruited.Results58 patients had severe curves in the main thoracic (MT) region, with mean preoperative Cobb angle of 107.3±16.6° and postoperative Cobb angle of 51.2±15.5°. 18 patients had severe curves at thoracolumbar/lumbar (TL/L) region, with mean preoperative Cobb angle of 99.8±8.2° and postoperative Cobb angle of 45.2±12.8°. The correction rates for MT and TL/L curve is 52.7±11.1° and 55.0±11.1° respectively. No significant differences were observed between sidebending (SB) and traction radiographs in assessing MT curve flexibility (34.7±12.4% vs. 34.5±11.8%, respectively; p=0.907) or in the corresponding correction indices (1.7±0.5 vs. 1.7±0.9, respectively; p=0.461). However, TL/L curves had a significant difference in flexibility comparing SB (46.0±12.6%) and traction radiographs (42.0±11.5%) (p=0.008) and comparing the side bending correction index (SBCI) (1.2±0.2) and traction correction index (TCI) (1.4±0.3) (p=0.010). The SBCI for TL/L curve was closer to 1, indicating that the Cobb angle on SB radiographs for TL/L curves could more accurately predict the postoperative Cobb angle.ConclusionIn severe TL/L curves, physician-supervised supine side bending (PSSB) radiographs may provide a more accurate assessment of curve flexibility, as reflected by a correction index closer to 1. These findings suggest that PSSB radiographs may be a useful radiographic assessment for evaluating TL/L curve flexibility and guide preoperative planning in patients with severe idiopathic scoliosis.
  8. Tan JJ, Pok SL, Wong PL, Ramli ARH, Yahya F
    J Int Med Res, 2026 Sep;54(9):3000605261491008.
    PMID: 42802168 DOI: 10.1177/03000605261491008
    ObjectiveAdvanced therapies have revolutionized the treatment landscape for rheumatoid arthritis. However, concerns exist regarding the risk of serious infections among patients receiving these therapies. This study aimed to determine the incidence of serious infections and identify predictive factors associated with serious infections in patients with rheumatoid arthritis receiving advanced therapies.MethodsThis single-center retrospective cohort study reviewed patients with rheumatoid arthritis who attended the rheumatology clinic and/or ward at Universiti Malaya Medical Centre between January 2006 and December 2023. Patient demographic and clinical data, as well as data on treatment with advanced therapies, were collected. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify predictors of serious infections.ResultsOf the 423 patients with rheumatoid arthritis identified, 87% were female. The mean age was 61.0 (SD: 13.8) years, and 80 (18.9%) received at least one advanced therapy. Sixteen (20%) patients developed serious infections, with a total of 23 serious infection episodes reported. The overall incidence rate of serious infections was 3.75 per 100 patient-years. Respiratory infections were the most common (52.2%), and tumor necrosis factor inhibitors had the highest incidence rate (4.25/100 patient-years) among the various classes of advanced therapies. Diabetes mellitus (odds ratio = 4.508, 95% confidence interval: 1.246-16.316; p = 0.022) and lung disease (odds ratio = 4.554, 95% confidence interval: 1.056-19.637; p = 0.042) were independent predictors of serious infections.ConclusionSerious infections may develop among patients with rheumatoid arthritis receiving advanced therapy, with lung disease and diabetes mellitus identified as independent risk factors. This study may help improve clinicians' awareness of the real-world risks associated with initiating advanced therapy. Future studies with a larger sample size are warranted to expand upon these findings.
  9. Tan AH, Chong CW, Song SL, Teh CSJ, Yap IKS, Loke MF, et al.
    Mov Disord, 2018 01;33(1):174-176.
    PMID: 29083071 DOI: 10.1002/mds.27203
  10. Thanikachalam PV, Ramamurthy S, Wong ZW, Koo BJ, Wong JY, Abdullah MF, et al.
    Drug Discov Today, 2018 Mar;23(3):460-480.
    PMID: 29107764 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2017.10.020
    MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, noncoding RNAs regulating gene expression at the post-translational level. miRNA-based therapeutic agents are important because of the functionality of miRNAs in regulating lipid and glucose metabolism and their role in the pathogenesis of metabolic disorders such as diabetes and obesity, where dysregulation leads to disease; they are also important in angiogenesis. miRNAs additionally serve as biomarkers in the diagnosis, prognosis and risk assessment of disease and in monitoring the response to treatment. Here, we provide a brief overview of progress in miRNA-based therapeutics in the preclinical and clinical setting and highlight the novel outcomes and opportunities in the diagnosis and treatment of metabolic conditions. In addition, we present the role of miRNAs in stem cell therapy which could have great potential in regenerative medicine.
  11. Yap HY, Muria-Gonzalez MJ, Kong BH, Stubbs KA, Tan CS, Ng ST, et al.
    Microb Cell Fact, 2017 Jun 12;16(1):103.
    PMID: 28606152 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-017-0713-x
    BACKGROUND: Genome mining facilitated by heterologous systems is an emerging approach to access the chemical diversity encoded in basidiomycete genomes. In this study, three sesquiterpene synthase genes, GME3634, GME3638, and GME9210, which were highly expressed in the sclerotium of the medicinal mushroom Lignosus rhinocerotis, were cloned and heterologously expressed in a yeast system.

    RESULTS: Metabolite profile analysis of the yeast culture extracts by GC-MS showed the production of several sesquiterpene alcohols (C15H26O), including cadinols and germacrene D-4-ol as major products. Other detected sesquiterpenes include selina-6-en-4-ol, β-elemene, β-cubebene, and cedrene. Two purified major compounds namely (+)-torreyol and α-cadinol synthesised by GME3638 and GME3634 respectively, are stereoisomers and their chemical structures were confirmed by 1H and 13C NMR. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that GME3638 and GME3634 are a pair of orthologues, and are grouped together with terpene synthases that synthesise cadinenes and related sesquiterpenes. (+)-Torreyol and α-cadinol were tested against a panel of human cancer cell lines and the latter was found to exhibit selective potent cytotoxicity in breast adenocarcinoma cells (MCF7) with IC50 value of 3.5 ± 0.58 μg/ml while α-cadinol is less active (IC50 = 18.0 ± 3.27 μg/ml).

    CONCLUSIONS: This demonstrates that yeast-based genome mining, guided by transcriptomics, is a promising approach for uncovering bioactive compounds from medicinal mushrooms.

  12. Kew Y, Tan CY, Ng CJ, Thang SS, Tan LH, Khoo YK, et al.
    Rheumatol Int, 2017 Apr;37(4):633-639.
    PMID: 28013358 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-016-3633-x
    The prevalence of neuropathic low back pain differs in different ethnic populations. The aims of the study are to determine its frequency and associations in a multi-ethnic cohort of Asian low back pain patients. This was a cross-sectional study of low back patients seen at the University of Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Neuropathic low back pain patients were identified using the painDETECT questionnaire and compared with non-neuropathic (unclear or nociceptive) low back pain patients, in terms of socio-demographic and clinical factors, pain severity (numerical pain rating scale, NPRS), disability (Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire, RMDQ), as well as anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, HADS). Of 210 patients, 26 (12.4%) have neuropathic low back pain. Neuropathic pain is associated with non-Chinese ethnicity, higher body mass index and pain radiation below the knee. Patients with neuropathic pain have significantly higher NPRS and RMDQ scores, and there are more subjects with anxiety on HADS. However, there are no differences between the groups in age, gender, pain duration or underlying diagnosis of low back pain. The prevalence of neuropathic low back pain in a multi-ethnic Malaysian cohort is lower than previously reported in other populations with possible differences between ethnic groups. It is associated with greater pain severity, disability and anxiety.
    Study site: Spine Clinic, University of Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  13. Lee BKB, Gan CP, Chang JK, Tan JL, Fadlullah MZ, Abdul Rahman ZA, et al.
    J Dent Res, 2018 07;97(8):909-916.
    PMID: 29512401 DOI: 10.1177/0022034518759038
    Head and neck cancer (HNC)-derived cell lines represent fundamental models for studying the biological mechanisms underlying cancer development and precision therapies. However, mining the genomic information of HNC cells from available databases requires knowledge on bioinformatics and computational skill sets. Here, we developed a user-friendly web resource for exploring, visualizing, and analyzing genomics information of commonly used HNC cell lines. We populated the current version of GENIPAC with 44 HNC cell lines from 3 studies: ORL Series, OPC-22, and H Series. Specifically, the mRNA expressions for all the 3 studies were derived with RNA-seq. The copy number alterations analysis of ORL Series was performed on the Genome Wide Human Cytoscan HD array, while copy number alterations for OPC-22 were derived from whole exome sequencing. Mutations from ORL Series and H Series were derived from RNA-seq information, while OPC-22 was based on whole exome sequencing. All genomic information was preprocessed with customized scripts and underwent data validation and correction through data set validator tools provided by cBioPortal. The clinical and genomic information of 44 HNC cell lines are easily assessable in GENIPAC. The functional utility of GENIPAC was demonstrated with some of the genomic alterations that are commonly reported in HNC, such as TP53, EGFR, CCND1, and PIK3CA. We showed that these genomic alterations as reported in The Cancer Genome Atlas database were recapitulated in the HNC cell lines in GENIPAC. Importantly, genomic alterations within pathways could be simultaneously visualized. We developed GENIPAC to create access to genomic information on HNC cell lines. This cancer omics initiative will help the research community to accelerate better understanding of HNC and the development of new precision therapeutic options for HNC treatment. GENIPAC is freely available at http://genipac.cancerresearch.my/ .
  14. Paramasivam SS, Chinna K, Singh AKK, Ratnasingam J, Ibrahim L, Lim LL, et al.
    Diabet Med, 2018 08;35(8):1118-1129.
    PMID: 29663517 DOI: 10.1111/dme.13649
    AIMS: To determine if therapeutic, retrospective continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) improves HbA1c with less hypoglycaemia in women with insulin-treated gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

    METHODS: This prospective, randomized controlled, open-label trial evaluated 50 women with insulin-treated GDM randomized to either retrospective CGM (6-day sensor) at 28, 32 and 36 weeks' gestation (Group 1, CGM, n = 25) or usual antenatal care without CGM (Group 2, control, n = 25). All women performed seven-point capillary blood glucose (CBG) profiles at least 3 days per week and recorded hypoglycaemic events (symptomatic and asymptomatic CBG

  15. A Rahaman SN, Mat Yusop J, Mohamed-Hussein ZA, Aizat WM, Ho KL, Teh AH, et al.
    PeerJ, 2018;6:e5377.
    PMID: 30280012 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.5377
    Proteins of the DUF866 superfamily are exclusively found in eukaryotic cells. A member of the DUF866 superfamily, C1ORF123, is a human protein found in the open reading frame 123 of chromosome 1. The physiological role of C1ORF123 is yet to be determined. The only available protein structure of the DUF866 family shares just 26% sequence similarity and does not contain a zinc binding motif. Here, we present the crystal structure of the recombinant human C1ORF123 protein (rC1ORF123). The structure has a 2-fold internal symmetry dividing the monomeric protein into two mirrored halves that comprise of distinct electrostatic potential. The N-terminal half of rC1ORF123 includes a zinc-binding domain interacting with a zinc ion near to a potential ligand binding cavity. Functional studies of human C1ORF123 and its homologue in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe (SpEss1) point to a role of DUF866 protein in mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation.
  16. Tan HT, Hagner S, Ruchti F, Radzikowska U, Tan G, Altunbulakli C, et al.
    Allergy, 2019 02;74(2):294-307.
    PMID: 30267575 DOI: 10.1111/all.13619
    BACKGROUND: Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease with marked clinical and pathophysiological heterogeneity. Specific pathways are thought to be involved in the pathomechanisms of different inflammatory phenotypes of asthma; however, direct in vivo comparison has not been performed.

    METHODS: We developed mouse models representing three different phenotypes of allergic airway inflammation-eosinophilic, mixed, and neutrophilic asthma via different methods of house dust mite sensitization and challenge. Transcriptomic analysis of the lungs, followed by the RT-PCR, western blot, and confocal microscopy, was performed. Primary human bronchial epithelial cells cultured in air-liquid interface were used to study the mechanisms revealed in the in vivo models.

    RESULTS: By whole-genome transcriptome profiling of the lung, we found that airway tight junction (TJ), mucin, and inflammasome-related genes are differentially expressed in these distinct phenotypes. Further analysis of proteins from these families revealed that Zo-1 and Cldn18 were downregulated in all phenotypes, while increased Cldn4 expression was characteristic for neutrophilic airway inflammation. Mucins Clca1 (Gob5) and Muc5ac were upregulated in eosinophilic and even more in neutrophilic phenotype. Increased expression of inflammasome-related molecules such as Nlrp3, Nlrc4, Casp-1, and IL-1β was characteristic for neutrophilic asthma. In addition, we showed that inflammasome/Th17/neutrophilic axis cytokine-IL-1β-may transiently impair epithelial barrier function, while IL-1β and IL-17 increase mucin expressions in primary human bronchial epithelial cells.

    CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that differential expression of TJ, mucin, and inflammasome-related molecules in distinct inflammatory phenotypes of asthma may be linked to pathophysiology and might reflect the differences observed in the clinic.

  17. Lee ECS, Elhassan SAM, Lim GPL, Kok WH, Tan SW, Leong EN, et al.
    Biomed Pharmacother, 2019 Mar;111:198-208.
    PMID: 30583227 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.12.052
    For many years, circular ribonucleic acids (circRNAs) have been counted as aberrant splicing by-products. Advanced bioinformatics analysis and deep sequencing techniques have allowed researchers to discover more interesting facts about circRNAs. Intriguing evidence has shed light on the functions of circRNAs in many tissues. Furthermore, emerging reports showed that circRNAs are found abundantly in saliva and blood samples, suggesting that circRNAs are potential clinical biomarkers for human embryonic development, diseases progression and prognosis, in addition to its role in organogenesis and pathogenesis. The implementation of circRNAs in human developmental stages and diseases would be a tremendous discovery in the science and medical field. Therefore, circRNAs have been studied for its biological function as well as its implication in various human diseases. The aim of this review is to highlight the importance of circRNAs in cardiac, respiratory, nervous, endocrine and digestive systems. In addition, the role and impact of circRNAs in, cardiogenesis, neurogenesis and cancer have been discussed.
  18. Lock C, Kwok J, Kumar S, Ahmad-Annuar A, Narayanan V, Ng ASL, et al.
    PMID: 30687707 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2018.00357
    Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is a syndrome comprising gait disturbance, cognitive decline and urinary incontinence that is an unique model of reversible brain injury, but it presents as a challenging spectrum of disease cohorts. Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI), with its ability to interrogate structural white matter patterns at a microarchitectural level, is a potentially useful tool for the confirmation and characterization of disease cohorts at the clinical-research interface. However, obstacles to its widespread use involve the need for consistent DTI analysis and interpretation tools across collaborator sites. We present the use of DTI profiles, a simplistic methodology to interpret white matter injury patterns based on the morphology of diffusivity parameters. We examined 13 patients with complex NPH, i.e., patients with NPH and overlay from multiple comorbidities, including vascular risk burden and neurodegenerative disease, undergoing extended CSF drainage, clinical assessments, and multi-modal MR imaging. Following appropriate exclusions, we compared the morphology of DTI profiles in such complex NPH patients (n = 12, comprising 4 responders and 8 non-responders) to exemplar DTI profiles from a cohort of classic NPH patients (n = 16) demonstrating responsiveness of white matter injury to ventriculo-peritoneal shunting. In the cohort of complex NPH patients, mean age was 71.3 ± 7.6 years (10 males, 2 females) with a mean MMSE score of 21.1. There were 5 age-matched healthy controls, mean age was 73.4 ± 7.2 years (1 male, 4 females) and mean MMSE score was 26.8. In the exemplar cohort of classic NPH patients, mean age was 74.7 ± 5.9 years (10 males, 6 females) and mean MMSE score was 24.1. There were 9 age-matched healthy controls, mean age was 69.4 ± 9.7 years (4 males, 5 females) and mean MMSE score was 28.6. We found that, despite the challenges of acquiring DTI metrics from differing scanners across collaborator sites and NPH patients presenting as differing cohorts along the spectrum of disease, DTI profiles for responsiveness to interventions were comparable. Distinct DTI characteristics were demonstrated for complex NPH responders vs. non-responders. The morphology of DTI profiles for complex NPH responders mimicked DTI patterns found in predominantly shunt-responsive patients undergoing intervention for classic NPH. However, DTI profiles for complex NPH non-responders was suggestive of atrophy. Our findings suggest that it is possible to use DTI profiles to provide a methodology for rapid description of differing cohorts of disease at the clinical-research interface. By describing DTI measures morphologically, it was possible to consistently compare white matter injury patterns across international collaborator datasets.
  19. Tan SY, Mei Wong JL, Sim YJ, Wong SS, Mohamed Elhassan SA, Tan SH, et al.
    Diabetes Metab Syndr, 2018 10 10;13(1):364-372.
    PMID: 30641727 DOI: 10.1016/j.dsx.2018.10.008
    Type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus is a serious and lifelong condition commonly characterised by abnormally elevated blood glucose levels due to a failure in insulin production or a decrease in insulin sensitivity and function. Over the years, prevalence of diabetes has increased globally and it is classified as one of the leading cause of high mortality and morbidity rate. Furthermore, diabetes confers a huge economic burden due to its management costs as well as its complications are skyrocketing. The conventional medications in diabetes treatment focusing on insulin secretion and insulin sensitisation cause unwanted side effects to patients and lead to incompliance as well as treatment failure. Besides insulin and oral hypoglycaemic agents, other treatments such as gene therapy and induced β-cells regeneration have not been widely introduced to manage diabetes. Therefore, this review aims to deliver an overview of the current conventional medications in diabetes, discovery of newer pharmacological drugs and gene therapy as a potential intervention of diabetes in the future.
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