ATXN2 polyglutamine intermediate repeats length expansions in Malaysian patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Intermediate CAG repeats from 29 to 33 in the ATXN2 gene contributes to the risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in European and Asian populations. In this study, 148 ALS patients of multiethnic descent: Chinese (56.1%), Malay (24.

From 2D kaolinite to 3D amorphous cement.

Kaolinite is a single 2D layer of kaolin or metakaolin (MK), common clays that can be characterized as layered 3D materials. We show that because of its chemical composition, kaolinite can be converted into an amorphous 3D material by chemical means. This dimensional transformation is possible due to the large surface to volume ratio and chemical reactivity of kaolinite.

Exploring the link between sex hormone-binding globulin levels and prostate cancer risk: a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) plays a critical role in regulating androgen bioavailability and has been hypothesized to influence prostate cancer risk, though existing evidence is inconsistent. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the association between SHBG levels and prostate cancer risk.

Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science for studies published up to December 1, 2024.

Top of Basilar Artery Occlusion Thromboembolism in Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC) Treated with Intravenous Thrombolysis and Mechanical Thrombectomy.

Introduction This case report illustrates the complexities of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) and its thromboembolic complications resulting in top-of-basilar artery syndrome. We discuss the case of a 37-year-old male with ARVC who presented with acute onset of dizziness, imbalance, and vomiting, leading to the diagnosis of a top-of-basilar artery occlusion which was successfully treated. Case presentation This case highlights the diagnostic and acute treatment challenges in basilar artery occlusion (BAO) due to its non-specific symptoms and emphasizes the critical role of CT angiography in detecting occlusive thrombi for timely intervention.

Effect of Dietary Supplementation with Lutein, Zeaxanthin, and Elderberries on Dry Eye Disease (DED) and Immunity: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background/objectives: Dry eye disease (DED) significantly impairs quality of life, affecting physical, social, and psychological well-being, as well as reducing workplace productivity. While lutein and zeaxanthin supplements have been shown to improve ocular health, existing research often overlooks the efficacy of lower dosages and shorter durations of supplementation. This study investigated the effects of combined supplementation with lutein, zeaxanthin, and elderberries in 110 voluntary participants through a randomized controlled trial.

Characteristics and outcomes of patients with repeat rapid response team activations in a tertiary centre in Singapore.

Introduction: Rapid response teams (RRTs) are prevalent in healthcare institutions worldwide. Repeated activations are associated with increased morbidity and higher resource utilisation, and represent a heterogeneous population that may benefit from early identification. To date, there are no published data on repeat RRT activations in Singapore.

Cyclin O controls entry into the cell-cycle variant required for multiciliated cell differentiation.

Multiciliated cells (MCCs) ensure fluid circulation in various organs. Their differentiation is marked by the amplification of cilia-nucleating centrioles, driven by a genuine cell-cycle variant, which is characterized by wave-like expression of canonical and non-canonical cyclins such as Cyclin O (CCNO). Patients with CCNO mutations exhibit a subtype of primary ciliary dyskinesia called reduced generation of motile cilia (RGMC).

Temporal dynamics of soil microbial C and N cycles with GHG fluxes in the transition from tropical peatland forest to oil palm plantation.

Tropical peatlands significantly influence local and global carbon and nitrogen cycles, yet they face growing pressure from anthropogenic activities. Land use changes, such as peatland forests conversion to oil palm plantations, affect the soil microbiome and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. However, the temporal dynamics of microbial community changes and their role as GHG indicators are not well understood.

Multiple Abnormal Cutaneous Findings in a Patient With Hypomelanosis of Ito Undergoing General Anesthesia.

Hypomelanosis of Ito (HI), a neurocutaneous syndrome, is characterized by skin depigmentation and skeletal, muscular, central nervous system, cardiac, and renal manifestations. A wide variety of cutaneous manifestations besides depigmentation have been reported. Herein we describe a 23-year-old woman with HI whose extracutaneous symptoms included severe mental and motor impairment, convulsions, and deformity of the orofacial region.

Development and validation of the renal dosing questionnaire (RDQ-13) for pharmacists.

Pharmacists, as an integral part of the healthcare team, can play a crucial role in preventing drug-related problems in patients with chronic kidney disease that arise due to inappropriate doses. This study aimed to develop and validate a new tool, the renal dosing questionnaire (RDQ-13), for pharmacists working across hospital, community, and retail pharmacy settings. A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2023 among pharmacists working in different settings.

Digital monitoring of medication safety in children: an investigation of ADR signalling techniques in Malaysia.

Background: Digital solutions can help monitor medication safety in children who are often excluded in clinical trials. The lack of reliable safety data often leads to either under- or over-dose of medications during clinical management which make them either not responding well to treatment or susceptible to adverse drug reactions (ADRs).

Aim: This study investigated ADR signalling techniques to detect serious ADRs in Malaysian children aged from birth to 12 years old using an electronic ADRs' database.

Novel Benzimidazole-Endowed Chalcones as α-Glucosidase and α-Amylase Inhibitors: An Insight into Structural and Computational Studies.

In search of novel antidiabetic agents, we synthesized a new series of chalcones with benzimidazole scaffolds by an efficient 'one-pot' nitro reductive cyclization method and evaluated their α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibition studies. The 'one-pot' nitro reductive cyclization method offered a simple route for the preparation of benzimidazoles with excellent yield and higher purity compared to the other conventional acid- or base-catalyzed cyclization methods. H, C NMR, IR, and mass spectrum data were used to characterize the compounds.

Ocular Myasthenia gravis: determining the predictive factors of secondary generalisation.

Introduction: Myasthenia gravis (MG) can be classified according to clinical features into ocular MG (OMG) and generalised MG (GMG). However, OMG carries the risk of conversion to GMG. In this study, we aimed to determine the predictive factors for the secondary generalisation of OMG patients.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Features for Distinguishing High-Grade From Low-Grade Soft Tissue Sarcoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Soft tissue sarcomas are malignant tumors characterized by heterogeneity and are associated with a high mortality rate. Histopathological grading is considered a pivotal factor in prognostication and treatment planning. While core needle biopsy exhibits high accuracy in determining tumor histology, it fails in some cases, potentially misclassifying high-grade tumors as low-grade.

Managing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus via the Regulation of Gut Microbiota: A Chinese Medicine Perspective.

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and inadequate insulin production. Given the increased frequency of T2DM and the health issues it can cause, there is an increasing need to develop alternative T2DM management strategies. One such approach is Chinese Medicine (CM), a complementary therapy widely used in T2DM treatment.

Telerehabilitation using a 2-D planar arm rehabilitation robot for hemiparetic stroke: a feasibility study of clinic-to-home exergaming therapy.

Background: We evaluated the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of a 2D-planar robot for minimally supervised home-based upper-limb therapy for post-stroke hemiparesis.

Methods: The H-Man, end effector robot, combined with web-based software application for remote tele-monitoring were evaluated at homes of participants. Inclusion criteria were: strokes > 28 days, Fugl-Meyer Motor Assessment (FMA) > 10-60/66, presence of a carer and absence of medical contraindications.

Comparing dual oral agents plus insulin vs. Triple oral agents in uncontrolled type II diabetes: A pilot study.

Introduction: Type II Diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients often do not achieve glycemic control with oral hypoglycemic agents (OHAs). There are two main approaches to address this challenge: transitioning to a triple OHA regimen, or adding Insulin to the existing dual OHA regimen.

Aim: This study aimed to compare the efficacy of adding Insulin to dual OHAs (Sitagliptin + Metformin) against adding a third OHA to Sitagliptin + Metformin in achieving glycemic control among patients with uncontrolled T2DM.

General practitioner professional identity formation: Much needed, (still) oft forgotten.

Background: Professional identity formation (PIF) as a general practitioner (GP) enhances the experience of meaning at work, reduces burnout, promotes patient-centred decision making and strengthens advocacy for the unique role of family medicine within the healthcare system. Unfortunately, there is insufficient emphasis on PIF in GP residency programs; it often remains a hidden curriculum. External factors limiting GP trainees' exposure to their own general practice community of practice further impede PIF.

Advancements and Challenges in Antenna Design and Rectifying Circuits for Radio Frequency Energy Harvesting.

The proliferation of smart devices increases the demand for energy-efficient, battery-free technologies essential for sustaining IoT devices in Industry 4.0 and 5G networks, which require zero maintenance and sustainable operation. Integrating radio frequency (RF) energy harvesting with IoT and 5G technologies enables real-time data acquisition, reduces maintenance costs, and enhances productivity, supporting a carbon-free future.

Ultrasound-assisted enzymatic synthesis of cinnamyl acetate by immobilized lipase on ordered mesoporous silicon with CFD simulation and molecular docking analysis.

Flavor esters are used in food and cosmetic industries, but sustainable production remains a big challenging. This study proposed the ultrasound-assisted biosynthesis of cinnamyl acetate using self-made immobilized lipase CSL@OMS-C, with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and molecular simulations revealing the hydrodynamic properties and lipase-catalytic mechanisms. The results demonstrate that ultrasonication-intensified enzymatic reaction facilitated 96.

Influence of phytoplankton, bacteria and viruses on nutrient supply in tropical waters.

Diel investigations of water environments are one means to holistically understand the dynamics and functional roles of phytoplankton, bacteria and viruses in these ecosystems. They have the potential to substantially impact carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) biogeochemistry through their respective roles. This study characterizes the phytoplankton, bacteria and virus communities and the elemental composition of various C, N and P nutrients flow over three diel cycles in tropical urban lake.

Estimation of Plasma Concentration of L-Carnosine and its Correlation with Core Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder Children: A Pilot Clinical Trial.

Background: Literature indicates that L-carnosine may be deficient in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) children. The aim of the present study was to estimate the level of L-carnosine in plasma and correlate it with the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC) and Childhood Autism Rating Scale 2nd Edition, Standard Version (CARS2-ST) scores. To measure L-carnosine level, a bio-analytical method was developed using reverse phase high- liquid chromatography and validated as per International Conference on Harmonization guidelines.