Publications by authors named "Leong W"

Genetic medicines, including CRISPR/Cas technologies, extend tremendous promise for addressing unmet medical need in inherited retinal disorders and other indications; however, there remain challenges for the development of therapeutics. Herein, we evaluate genome editing by engineered Cas9 ribonucleoproteins (eRNP) in vivo via subretinal administration using mouse and pig animal models. Subretinal administration of adenine base editor and double strand break-inducing Cas9 nuclease eRNPs mediate genome editing in both species.

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Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is an established technique for lung cancer staging and the diagnosis of mediastinal diseases. Recently, the paradigm of EBUS guided mediastinal sampling with conventional cytology has shifted over to histology specimens through the use of cryobiopsy. This case series explores the novel technique, key enablers, and potential advantages of endoscopic ultrasound with bronchoscope-guided transesophageal cryobiopsy (EUS-B-TEC).

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A structure-activity relationship study on triosmium clusters of the general formula Os(μ-H)(μ-SCHX)(CO) (, where X = -, - or -NH; -, - or - OH; p-H, -Br, -NO, -COOH or -CHCOOH) show that their antiproliferative activity is through the cluster core, and the nature and position of the phenyl ring substituent X shows a significant impact on the activity. Clusters with an electron-withdrawing group are more reactive but are thus quickly consumed through reaction with serum, while those with an electron-donating group persists sufficiently to enter the cells and result in higher antiproliferative activity. Interestingly, -substituted clusters and those with lipophilicity >6.

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Background: Food allergies, particularly peanut (PN) allergies, are a growing concern, with fatal anaphylaxis incidents often reported. While palforzia is the sole FDA-approved drug for managing PN allergies, it is not universally effective.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the potential of Gynostemma pentaphyllum saponins (GpS) as a novel therapeutic agent for PN allergy through modulation of gut microbiota, addressing the limitations of current treatments.

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The escalating crisis of marine plastic waste pose threats to the marine ecosystems. Statistics revealed that a staggering 8 MMT of plastic inundates the marine atmosphere annually. This review delves into a pivotal aspect of this issue, examining the release of additives like brominated flame retardants, phthalates, and bisphenol A from plastic into the environment.

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Article Synopsis
  • Macao's first COVID-19 case was reported in January 2020, leading to a recruitment effort for healthcare workers (HCWs) in private sectors by August 2021 due to escalating community transmission and concerns for personal and public health.
  • The study aimed to investigate the impact of the pandemic on sleep quality and psychological well-being of HCWs in Macao, using various assessment tools from December 2020 to January 2022.
  • Results showed that around 32% experienced sleep disorders and over 50% faced depression, with no significant change between two surveys, indicating a consistent negative impact of COVID-19 on HCWs' mental health and sleep quality.
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The human nervous system inspires the next generation of sensory and communication systems for robotics, human-machine interfaces (HMIs), biomedical applications, and artificial intelligence. Neuromorphic approaches address processing challenges; however, the vast number of sensors and their large-scale distribution complicate analog data manipulation. Conventional digital multiplexers are limited by complex circuit architecture and high supply voltage.

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The emulation of tactile sensory nerves to achieve advanced sensory functions in robotics with artificial intelligence is of great interest. However, such devices remain bulky and lack reliable competence to functionalize further synaptic devices with proprioceptive feedback. Here, we report an artificial organic afferent nerve with low operating bias (-0.

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Increasing demand for bio-interfaced human-machine interfaces propels the development of organic neuromorphic electronics with small form factors leveraging both ionic and electronic processes. Ion-based organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) showing anti-ambipolarity (OFF-ON-OFF states) reduce the complexity and size of bio-realistic Hodgkin-Huxley(HH) spiking circuits and logic circuits. However, limited stable anti-ambipolar organic materials prevent the design of integrated, tunable, and multifunctional neuromorphic and logic-based systems.

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The development of soft and flexible devices for collection of bioelectrical signals is gaining momentum for wearable and implantable applications. Among these devices, organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) stand out due to their low operating voltage and large signal amplification capable of transducing weak biological signals. While liquid electrolytes have demonstrated efficacy in OECTs, they limit its operating temperature and pose challenges for electronic packaging due to potential leakage.

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Article Synopsis
  • - The study focuses on how proper regulation of communication between cells is essential for the differentiation of cells in plants, particularly in *Arabidopsis thaliana*.
  • - Researchers analyzed gene expression in surrounding somatic and germline cells and found that β-1,3-glucan, a polysaccharide, plays a significant role in cell insulation and signaling through channels called plasmodesmata.
  • - The presence of β-1,3-glucanase in the female germline disrupted this insulation, allowing for changes that affected gene expression and ultimately halted germline development, indicating its crucial role in successful female gamete formation.
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Background And Objectives: Endovascular therapy (EVT) for stroke has emerged as an important therapy for selected stroke patients, and shorter times to clot removal improve functional outcomes. EVT requires the close coordination of multiple departments and poses unique challenges to care coordination in large hospitals. We present the results of our quality improvement project that aimed to improve our door-to-groin puncture (DTP) times for patients who undergo EVT after direct presentation to our emergency department.

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Introductions: Radical radiotherapy (RT) is the cornerstone of Head and Neck (H&N) cancer treatment, but it often leads to fatigue due to irradiation of brain structures, impacting patient quality of life.

Objective: This study aimed to systematically investigate the dose correlates of fatigue after H&N RT in brain structures.

Methods: The systematic review included studies that examined the correlation between fatigue outcomes in H&N cancer patients undergoing RT at different time intervals and brain structures.

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Background: Visualization of cancer during breast conserving surgery (BCS) remains challenging; the BCS reoperation rate is reported to be 20-70% of patients. An urgent clinical need exists for real-time intraoperative visualization of breast carcinomas during BCS. We previously demonstrated the ability of a prototype imaging device to identify breast carcinoma in excised surgical specimens following 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) administration.

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Brain organoids hold great potential for modeling human brain development and pathogenesis. They recapitulate certain aspects of the transcriptional trajectory, cellular diversity, tissue architecture and functions of the developing brain. In this review, we explore the engineering strategies to control the molecular-, cellular- and tissue-level inputs to achieve high-fidelity brain organoids.

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Pilon fractures are complex injuries that can be difficult to treat and lead to severe complications if not managed appropriately. A thorough examination for polytraumatic injuries, neurovascular status, and skin condition should be done. A variety of approaches can be chosen based on fracture pattern, including staging, incisional approach, and no-touch technique.

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Background: The strategy for preventing colorectal cancer is screening by colonoscopy, which offers a direct way for detection and removal of adenomatous polyps (APs). American College of Gastroenterology guidelines recommend that people aged ≥ 45 years should undergo colonoscopy; however, how to deal with people aged ≤ 45 years is still unknown.

Aim: To compare the prevalence of APs and high-grade neoplasia between the left and right colon in patients ≤ 45 years.

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Organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) are one of the promising building blocks to realize next-generation bioelectronics. To date, however, the performance and signal processing capabilities of these devices remain limited by their stability and speed. Herein, the authors demonstrate stable and fast n-type organic electrochemical transistors based on a side-chain-free ladder polymer, poly(benzimidazoanthradiisoquinolinedione).

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The current study had conducted the life cycle analysis (LCA) to assess the environmental impact of microalgal wastewater treatment via an integrated membrane bioreactor. The functional unit selected for this analysis was 1 kg of treated microalgal wastewater with contaminants eliminated by ultrafiltration membrane fabricated from recycled polyethylene terephthalate waste. Meanwhile, the applied system boundary in this study was distinguished based on two scenarios, namely, cradle-to-gate encompassed wastewater treatment only and cradle-to-cradle which included the reutilization of treated wastewater to cultivate microalgae again.

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Two-mode squeezed states, which are entangled states with bipartite quantum correlations in continuous-variable systems, are crucial in quantum information processing and metrology. Recently, continuous-variable quantum computing with the vibrational modes of trapped atoms has emerged with significant progress, featuring a high degree of control in hybridizing with spin qubits. Creating two-mode squeezed states in such a platform could enable applications that are only viable with photons.

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