Novel and potent MICA/B antibody is therapeutically effective in mutant lung cancer models.

Background: Concurrent (STK11, KL) mutant non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) do not respond well to current immune checkpoint blockade therapies, however targeting major histocompatibility complex class I-related chain A or B (MICA/B), could pose an alternative therapeutic strategy through activation of natural killer (NK) cells.

Methods: Expression of NK cell activating ligands in NSCLC cell line and patient data were analyzed. Cell surface expression of MICA/B in NSCLC cell lines was determined through flow cytometry while ligand shedding in both patient blood and cell lines was determined through ELISA.

Brain 18FDG-PET pattern in cognitively impaired elderly patients with bipolar disorder.

Background: Patients with bipolar disorder (BD) are at increased risk of dementia. The underlying mechanisms are debated. FDG-PET elucidates glucose metabolic reductions due to altered neuronal activity in the cerebral cortex, allowing detection and identification of neurodegenerative processes.

Compliance to international guidelines and rational use of antibiotics in urinary tract infections in a country without national guidance: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common bacterial infections, and appropriate antimicrobial therapy with agents that minimise resistance is crucial. Despite international concern, adherence to guidelines is still suboptimal. This study aims to determine the effect of the absence of national guidelines and the rate of conformity to international guidelines among physicians in antibiotic (ATB) prescriptions for the treatment of UTIs in adults and detect the factors that are associated with a higher rate of non-compliance.

A comparative perception and impact of pictorial warnings on cigarette packaging among Malaysian smokers and non-smokers.

Introduction: In 2003, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended that pictorial warnings on tobacco products be used to educate consumers on the negative health impacts associated with tobacco use. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of pictorial warnings on cigarette packaging among smokers and non-smokers.

Methods: A cross-sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire was conducted in Kuala Lumpur.

Synthesis of new coumarin derivatives and assessment of their antimicrobial efficacy.

Aim: Developing new antimicrobial agents in response to the urgent challenge of antimicrobial resistance.

Methods: Synthesis of the targeted coumarins, elucidation of their structures using spectroscopic tools, and investigation of their antimicrobial activity.

Results: Coumarin-pyrazole with CF in the 3-position of the pyrazole ring displayed the lowest minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and the minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) with values of 1.