The Antiviral Effects of Heat-Killed Strain Plasma Against Dengue, Chikungunya, and Zika Viruses in Humans by Upregulating the IFN-α Signaling Pathway.

The growing risk of contracting viral infections due to high-density populations and ecological disruptions, such as climate change and increased population mobility, has highlighted the necessity for effective antiviral treatment and preventive measures against Dengue virus (DENV), Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), and Zika virus (ZIKV). Recently, there has been increasing attention on the use of probiotics as a potential antiviral option to reduce virus infections. The present study aimed to assess the immunomodulatory effects of heat-killed strain plasma (LC-Plasma) on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and its subsequent antiviral response against DENV, CHIKV, and ZIKV.

The immunomodulatory effects of classical psychedelics: A systematic review of preclinical studies.

Emerging evidence suggests that classical psychedelics possess immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties; however, these effects are yet to be well-established. This systematic review aims to provide a timely and comprehensive overview of the immunomodulatory effects of classical psychedelics in preclinical studies. A systematic search was conducted on six databases, including CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsychINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science.

The PROgnostic ModEl for chronic lung disease (PRO-MEL): development and temporal validation.

Background: Patients with chronic lung diseases (CLDs), defined as progressive and life-limiting respiratory conditions, experience a heavy symptom burden as the conditions become more advanced, but palliative referral rates are low and late. Prognostic tools can help clinicians identify CLD patients at high risk of deterioration for needs assessments and referral to palliative care. As current prognostic tools may not generalize well across all CLD conditions, we aim to develop and validate a general model to predict one-year mortality in patients presenting with any CLD.

Risk Factors for All-Cause Mortality in Patients Diagnosed with Advanced Heart Failure: A Scoping Review.

Identifying the evolving needs of patients with advanced heart failure (AdHF) and triaging those at high risk of death can facilitate timely referrals to palliative care and advance patient-centered individualized care. There are limited models specific for patients with end-stage HF. We aim to identify risk factors associated with up to three-year all-cause mortality (ACM) and describe prognostic models developed or validated in AdHF populations.

Enhancing the solubility and potency of tetrahydrocurcumin as an anti-cancer agent using a β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex approach.

Curcuminoids originating from turmeric roots are renowned for their diverse pharmacological applications, particularly as a natural anticancer agent. Unfortunately, harnessing the full potential of curcumin derivatives in cancer therapy has been impeded by its inherent limitations, specifically instabilities owing to poor solubility, leading to low systemic bioavailability under normal physiological circumstances. To circumvent this, a novel organic-based drug delivery system employing physically adsorbed β-cyclodextrin (βCD) as an excipient was developed in this study.

Baicalein analogues as prospective SARS-CoV-2 main protease (M) inhibitors: A dataset of molecular docking-based virtual screening hits.

The global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic originating from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has exerted profound damage to millions of lives. Baicalein is a flavonoid that has gotten a lot of attention as a possible SARS-CoV-2 main protease (M) inhibitor because it can fight off many different viruses. We prepared and screened three sets of databases, each containing 2563 baicalein analogues, against M using molecular docking simulation.

14-3-3 Family of Proteins: Biological Implications, Molecular Interactions, and Potential Intervention in Cancer, Virus and Neurodegeneration Disorders.

The 14-3-3 family of proteins are highly conserved acidic eukaryotic proteins (25-32 kDa) abundantly present in the body. Through numerous binding partners, the 14-3-3 is responsible for many essential cellular pathways, such as cell cycle regulation and gene transcription control. Hence, its dysregulation has been linked to the onset of critical illnesses such as cancers, neurodegenerative diseases and viral infections.

SD3 as a Microbial Chassis for the Heterologous Production of Secondary Metabolites.

We present the newly isolated SD3 strain as a promising microbial chassis for heterologous production of secondary metabolites. SD3 exhibits several advantageous traits as a microbial chassis, including genetic tractability, rapid growth, susceptibility to antibiotics, and metabolic capability supporting secondary metabolism. Genomic and transcriptomic sequencing unveiled the primary metabolic capabilities and secondary biosynthetic pathways of SD3, including a previously unknown pathway responsible for the biosynthesis of streptazone B1.

Achieving self-sufficiency in skin allograft: A Singapore experience.

Aim: This paper describes how Singapore achieved skin allograft self-sufficiency in 2017 by adopting 5 key strategies in 2012.

Background: Singapore General Hospital (SGH) established its own allograft recovery programme in 1998 but was still dependent on overseas allograft procurement.

Key Strategies: RESULTS: The allograft recovery programme expanded from 4 to all 20 institutions.

Seroprevalence of dengue and chikungunya viruses among urban refugees in Klang Valley, Malaysia.

Background: Mosquito-borne diseases pose a significant global public health threat, with Malaysia's Klang Valley experiencing numerous outbreaks in densely populated urban areas.

Methods: This study aimed to estimate the seroprevalence of anti-dengue and anti-chikungunya antibodies among urban refugees in the Klang Valley, Malaysia, and identify associated risk factors.

Results: High seroprevalence of anti-dengue immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM (60.

Overview of anti-viral effects of probiotics via immune cells in pre-, mid- and post-SARS-CoV2 era.

The COVID-19 outbreak has caused significant global changes and increased public awareness of SARS-CoV-2. Substantial progress in developing vaccines, enhancing sanitation practices, and implementing various measures to combat the virus, including the utilization of probiotics has been made. This comprehensive review examined the medical impact of clinically proven probiotics on infectious diseases, considering three crucial time periods: before (pre-), during (mid-), and after (post-) COVID-19 pandemic era.

The convergent evolution of influenza A virus: Implications, therapeutic strategies and what we need to know.

Influenza virus infection, more commonly known as the 'cold flu', is an etiological agent that gives rise to recurrent annual flu and many pandemics. Dated back to the 1918- Spanish Flu, the influenza infection has caused the loss of many human lives and significantly impacted the economy and daily lives. Influenza virus can be classified into four different genera: influenza A-D, with the former two, influenza A and B, relevant to humans.

Predictors of unplanned hospital readmission after non-cardiac surgery in Singapore: a 2-year retrospective review.

Introduction: Unplanned hospital readmissions after surgery contribute significantly to healthcare costs and potential complications. Identifying predictors of readmission is inherently complex and involves an intricate interplay between medical factors, healthcare system factors and sociocultural factors. Therefore, the aim of this study was to elucidate the predictors of readmissions in an Asian surgical patient population.

Cannabinoids: Emerging sleep modulator.

Sleep is an essential biological phase of our daily life cycle and is necessary for maintaining homeostasis, alertness, metabolism, cognition, and other key functions across the animal kingdom. Dysfunctional sleep leads to deleterious effects on health, mood, and cognition, including memory deficits and an increased risk of diabetes, stroke, and neurological disorders. Sleep is regulated by several brain neuronal circuits, neuromodulators, and neurotransmitters, where cannabinoids have been increasingly found to play a part in its modulation.

Predictors for adverse events following intravesical botulinum toxin injections in men.

Introduction: Intravesical botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) has been long established as treatment for overactive bladder and neurogenic bladder dysfunction. However, most published data are reported among a female cohort. Adverse events such as intermittent self-catheterization (ISC) and urinary tract infections (UTIs) play a large role in discontinuation of therapy.

COVID-19 Therapeutic Potential of Natural Products.

Despite the fact that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) treatment and management are now considerably regulated, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is still one of the leading causes of death in 2022. The availability of COVID-19 vaccines, FDA-approved antivirals, and monoclonal antibodies in low-income countries still poses an issue to be addressed. Natural products, particularly traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) and medicinal plant extracts (or their active component), have challenged the dominance of drug repurposing and synthetic compound libraries in COVID-19 therapeutics.

Association between COVID-19 vaccination and 28-day all-cause mortality in SARS-CoV-2-infected older people living in residential aged care facilities.

This retrospective cross-sectional study reviewed the association between COVID-19 vaccination and the 28-day all-cause mortality amongst SARS-CoV-2-infected older people living in residential aged care facilities. A lower mortality rate was observed in fully vaccinated residents compared with not fully vaccinated residents. Further research is required to investigate the optimal timing of vaccination boosters and vaccine efficacy as variants evolve.

First dorsal interosseous muscle reconstruction: a systematic review of its attachments.

Purpose: The first dorsal interosseous (FDI) muscle, when impaired due to traumatic injuries or degenerative conditions, can be reanimated in various ways to restore pinch grip. These reconstructive techniques are planned based on a precise anatomical understanding of the FDI muscle. However, a review of the existing literature has brought to light controversy regarding its insertions.

Predicting mortality in patients diagnosed with advanced dementia presenting at an acute care hospital: the PROgnostic Model for Advanced DEmentia (PRO-MADE).

Background: Challenges in prognosticating patients diagnosed with advanced dementia (AD) hinders timely referrals to palliative care. We aim to develop and validate a prognostic model to predict one-year all-cause mortality (ACM) in patients with AD presenting at an acute care hospital.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study utilised administrative and clinical data from Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH).

Evolution of SARS-CoV-2 Variants: Implications on Immune Escape, Vaccination, Therapeutic and Diagnostic Strategies.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 is associated with a lower fatality rate than its SARS and MERS counterparts. However, the rapid evolution of SARS-CoV-2 has given rise to multiple variants with varying pathogenicity and transmissibility, such as the Delta and Omicron variants. Individuals with advanced age or underlying comorbidities, including hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, are at a higher risk of increased disease severity.

Pyro-layered heterostructured nanosheet membrane for hydrogen separation.

Engineering different two-dimensional materials into heterostructured membranes with unique physiochemical properties and molecular sieving channels offers an effective way to design membranes for fast and selective gas molecule transport. Here we develop a simple and versatile pyro-layering approach to fabricate heterostructured membranes from boron nitride nanosheets as the main scaffold and graphene nanosheets derived from a chitosan precursor as the filler. The rearrangement of the graphene nanosheets adjoining the boron nitride nanosheets during the pyro-layering treatment forms precise in-plane slit-like nanochannels and a plane-to-plane spacing of ~3.