Unveiling the Gut Microbiota of Pig-Tailed Macaque (Macaca nemestrina) in Selected Habitats in Malaysia.

Background: The gut microbiota plays an important role in primates, which may be associated with their habitat. In Malaysia, pig-tailed macaques (Macaca nemestrina) live in different habitat environments and have traditionally been used for coconut plucking for more than a century. There is currently no information regarding the gut microbiota of this macaque in Malaysia.

Pre-Op Hydronephrosis Predicts Outcomes in Patients Receiving Robot-Assisted Radical Cystectomy.

Introduction: Robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) has gained momentum in the management of muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). Predictors of RARC outcomes are not thoroughly studied. We aim to investigate the implications of preoperative hydronephrosis on oncological outcomes.

Characterizing the gastrointestinal microbiome diversity in endangered Malayan Siamang (Symphalangus syndactylus): Insights into group composition, age variability and sex-related patterns.

Background: The gut morphology of Symphalangus syndactylus exhibits an intermediate structure that aligns with its consumption of fruit and ability to supplement its diet with leaves. The Siamang relies on its gut microbiome for energy extraction, immune system development, and the synthesis of micronutrients. Gut microbiome composition may be structured based on several factors such as age, sex, and habitat.

Monopolar versus bipolar transurethral resection of bladder Tumour: post-hoc analysis of a prospective trial.

Introduction: Previously, in a randomised trial we demonstrated bipolar transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) could achieve a higher detrusor sampling rate than monopolar TURBT. We hereby report the long-term oncological outcomes following study intervention.

Methods: This is a post-hoc analysis of a randomized phase III trial comparing monopolar and bipolar TURBT.

Interspecific variation in the diet of and at Genting Highlands, Pahang, Peninsular Malaysia.

Primate communities in the Genting Highlands consist of a single species of Hylobatidae and four species of Cercopithecidae, which are known to exhibit social interaction behaviour. Thus, a study on the diets of (siamang; family Hylobatidae) and (pig-tailed macaque; family Cercopithecidae) was carried out at Genting Highlands, in order to compare the dietary preferences and interspecific competition between the two primate families. A DNA metabarcoding approach was used to analyse diet intake using non-invasive samples based on the trnL region.

Molecular phylogeny confirms the subspecies delineation of the Malayan Siamang () and the Sumatran Siamang () based on the hypervariable region of mitochondrial DNA.

Siamangs () are native to Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra and southern Thailand and their taxonomical classification at subspecies level remains unclear. Morphologically, two subspecies were proposed as early as 1908 by Thomas namely and Thus, this study aims to clarify the Siamang subspecies status, based on mtDNA -loop sequences. Faecal samples were collected from wild Siamang populations at different localities in Peninsular Malaysia.

Copolymers of Gelatin--poly(3-hexylthiophene) for Transient Electronics.

As transient electronics continue to advance, the demand for new materials has given rise to the exploration of conducting polymer (CP)-based electronic materials. The big challenge lies in balancing conductivity while introducing controlled degradable properties into CP-based transient materials. In response to this, we present in this work a concept of using conducting polymers attached to an enzymatically biodegradable biopolymer to create transient polymer electronics materials.

Using whole genome sequencing to characterize isolates at a tertiary center in Melbourne, Australia.

Objective: infection (CDI) is the commonest cause of healthcare-associated diarrhea and undergoes standardized surveillance and mandatory reporting in most Australian states and territories. Historically attributed to nosocomial spread, local and international whole genome sequencing (WGS) data suggest varied sources of acquisition. This study describes genotypes isolated at a tertiary center in Melbourne, Australia, their likely source of acquisition, and common risk factors.

Acetylenic tricyclic bis-(cyano enone) interacts with Cys 374 of actin, a residue necessary for stress fiber formation and cell migration.

The migratory and invasive potential of tumour cells relies on the actin cytoskeleton. We previously demonstrated that the tricyclic compound, TBE-31, inhibits actin polymerization and here we further examine the precise interaction between TBE-31 and actin. We demonstrate that iodoacetamide, a cysteine (Cys) alkylating agent, interferes with the ability of TBE-31 to interact with actin.

 (Thismiaceae): A new mycoheterotrophic species from Genting Highlands in Pahang, Malaysia.

, a distinct mitriform species of the mycoheterotrophic genus , is described and illustrated. It was found at a locality in the upland areas of Genting Highlands, Pahang, Malaysia. This new species is morphologically similar to members of Thismiasect.

Clinical and microbiological characteristics of Staphylococcus lugdunensis.

Purpose Of Review: This review provides an update on recent findings about the clinical and microbiological characteristics of Staphylococcus lugdunensis .

Recent Findings: European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) and Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) differ in their methodology and breakpoints for the detection of penicillin and oxacillin resistance in S. lugdunensis .

Predicting perioperative outcomes of robot-assisted radical cystectomy: Data from the Asian Robot-Assisted Radical Cystectomy Consortium.

Objectives: To report the perioperative outcomes of robot-assisted radical cystectomy and elucidate their risk factors.

Methods: A review of the Asian Robot-Assisted Radical Cystectomy Consortium database from 2007 to 2020 was performed. The perioperative outcomes studied included complication rates, time to solid food intake, estimated blood loss, length of hospital stay, and 30-day readmission rates.

Active video game on children and adolescents' physical activity and weight management: A network meta-analysis.

We synthesized evidence on the effectiveness of active video games (AVGs) versus no AVG-applied comparators on various physical activity (PA) levels and weight management outcomes in children and adolescents. We analyzed the comparative evidence on different sub-categories of AVGs and ranking the best option. An overview of systematic reviews (SRs) and network meta-analysis (NMA) (PROSPERO: CRD42021248499) was employed.

Perioperative Outcomes of Robot-Assisted Radical Cystectomy with Intracorporeal Versus Extracorporeal Urinary Diversion.

Purpose: This study was designed to investigate and compare the perioperative outcomes of intracorporeal urinary diversion (ICUD) versus extracorporeal urinary diversion (ECUD) following robotic-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) in patients with localized bladder cancer from the Asian Robot-Assisted Radical Cystectomy (RARC) Consortium.

Methods: The Asian RARC registry was a multicenter registry involving nine centers in Asia. Consecutive patients who underwent RARC were included.

Evaluation of the VITEK 2 Advanced Expert System performance for predicting resistance mechanisms in Enterobacterales acquired from a hospital-based screening program.

There is limited literature examining the accuracy of the VITEK 2 Advanced Expert System (AES) in characterisation of β-lactamase resistance patterns. We present a prospective single centre study to better ascertain the performance characteristics of this program. The VITEK 2 AES interpretation was compared to established laboratory phenotypic methods.

Consensus statements on the management of metastatic renal cell carcinoma from the Hong Kong Urological Association and the Hong Kong Society of Uro-Oncology 2019.

Background: To establish a set of consensus statements for the management of metastatic renal cell carcinoma, a total of 12 urologists and clinical oncologists from two professional associations in Hong Kong formed an expert consensus panel.

Methods: Through a series of meetings and using the modified Delphi method, the panelists presented recent evidence, discussed clinical experiences, and drafted consensus statements on several areas of focus regarding the management of metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Each statement was eventually voted upon by every panelist based on the practicability of recommendation.

Electroactive Metal Complexes Covalently Attached to Conductive PEDOT Films: A Spectroelectrochemical Study.

The successful covalent attachment, via copper(I)-catalyzed azide alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC), of alkyne-functionalized nickel(II) and copper(II) macrocyclic complexes onto azide (N)-functionalized poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) () films on ITO-coated glass electrodes is reported. To investigate the surface attachment of the selected metal complexes, which are analogues of the cobalt-based complex previously reported to be a molecular catalyst for hydrogen evolution, first, three different PEDOT films were formed by electropolymerization of pure or pure , and last, were formed by co-polymerizing a 1:4 mixture of N-EDOT:EDOT monomers. The successful surface immobilization of the complexes on the latter two azide-functionalized films, by CuAAC, was confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and electrochemistry as well as by UV-vis-NIR and resonance Raman spectroelectrochemistry.

Current evidence for robotic surgery in radical cystectomy.

Robotic-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) has been gaining momentum as an alternative to its conventional open radical cystectomy (ORC) for the management of invasive bladder cancer. Although RARC, in general, demonstrated less blood loss and shorter hospital stay than ORC, whether there is any significant difference in the overall complication rate still requires further investigation. Thus, both RARC and ORC share a similar oncology outcome, with comparable positive surgical margin rates, disease-free survival, and overall survival.

Surgical training for anatomical endoscopic enucleation of the prostate.

Anatomical endoscopic enucleation of the prostate has been proposed as a potentially superior benign prostatic hyperplasia surgery than conventional transurethral resection of prostate. However, the learning curve of the procedure is steep, hence limiting its generalisability worldwide. In order to overcome the learning curve, a proper surgical training is extremely important.

SMURF2 and SMAD7 induce SARA degradation via the proteasome.

TGFβ-dependent signal transduction is facilitated by Smad anchor for receptor activation (SARA) and inhibited by the inhibitory-Smad, Smad7, which recruits the E3 ubiquitin ligase, Smurf2, to catalyze the degradation of TGFβ receptors. Since the signalling and degradation pathways target active receptor complexes, we assessed if SARA and Smurf2/Smad7 interact and if Smad7/Smurf2 would affect SARA steady state levels. We observed that the Smurf2/Smad7 complex induces a decrease of SARA steady state levels in a process that is dependent on the HECT ubiquitin E3 ligase activity of Smurf2 but is independent of SARA associating with TGFβ receptors or Smad2.

The synthetic oleanane triterpenoid CDDO-Me binds and inhibits pyruvate kinase M2.

Background: The M2 isoform of the glycolytic enzyme pyruvate kinase (PKM2) is one of the key components in the Warburg effect, and an important regulator of cancer cell metabolism. Elevated PKM2 expression is a hallmark of numerous tumor types, making it a promising target for cancer therapy.

Methods: Migration of H1299 lung tumor cells treated with synthetic oleanane triterpenoid derivatives CDDO-Me and CDDO-Im was monitored using scratch and transwell assays.

Management of advanced prostate cancer in Hong Kong: Insights from an APCCC-Derived survey.

Aim: The 2017 Advanced Prostate Cancer Consensus Conference (APCCC) convened an international multidisciplinary panel to vote on controversial issues in the management of advanced prostate cancer (APC). We aimed to compare their conclusions with the opinions of local specialists and explore the practicability of international recommendations in the healthcare setting in Hong Kong.

Methods: Urologists and clinical oncologists practicing in Hong Kong were invited to complete a survey based on the original APCCC 2017 questionnaire and recently published trials in APC.