Characterization of tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 2 (TRAF2) in red-spotted grouper (Epinephelus akaara): In vivo and in vitro investigation of its role in the regulation of antiviral immunity and cell death.

Tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 2 (TRAF2) is a key adaptor molecule in tumor necrosis factor receptor signaling complexes, facilitating downstream immune-related signaling cascades. This study aimed to elucidate its function in teleost fish by characterizing the TRAF2 homolog of the red-spotted grouper (Epinephelus akaara, EaTraf2). The open reading frame of EaTraf2 encodes a putative protein of 520 amino acids, containing several characteristic domains of TRAF2.

Molecular depiction and functional delineation of E3 ubiquitin ligase MARCH5 in yellowtail clownfish (Amphiprion clarkii).

Membrane-associated Ring-CH 5 (MARCH5) is a mitochondrial E3 ubiquitin ligase playing a key role in the regulation of mitochondrial dynamics. In mammals, MARCH5 negatively regulates mitochondrial antiviral signaling (MAVS) protein aggregation during viral infection and hampers downstream type I interferon signaling to prevent excessive immune activation. However, its precise functional role in the teleost immune system remains unclear.

Levodopa Equivalent Daily Dosage: Geographical Variations and Real-Life Modules in Parkinson's Disease.

Background: The Levodopa Equivalent Daily Dosage (LEDD) calculation algorithms help in capturing and harmonization of Parkinson's Disease (PD) therapies. Analyzing these updates is essential for validating their effectiveness.

Objective: To assess updated LEDD conversion factors in capturing the newer therapies in PD and therapy modules in different geographical cohorts.

A comprehensive study on the multifunctional properties of galectin-4 in red-lip mullet (Planiliza haematocheilus): Insights into molecular interactions, antimicrobial defense, and cell proliferation.

Galectin-4 belongs to the galactoside-binding protein family and is a type of tandem repeat galectin. Despite previous studies indicating its importance in fish immunology, a comprehensive investigation is necessary to fully understand its role in immunomodulatory functions and cellular dynamics. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the immunomodulatory functions of galectin-4 with a particular focus on its antimicrobial and cellular proliferative properties.

Consensus statement on Singapore integrated 24-hour activity guide for early childhood.

Introduction: Early childhood is a critical period for growth and development. Adopting healthy lifestyle behaviours during this period forms the foundation for future well-being and offers the best protection against non-communicable diseases. Singapore studies have shown that many young children are not achieving the recommendations on physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep.

A metallothionein from disk abalone (Haliotis discus discus): Insights into its functional roles in immune response, metal tolerance, and oxidative stress.

Metallothioneins (MTs) are cysteine-rich metal-binding proteins whose expression is induced by exposure to essential and non-essential metals, making them potential biological markers for assessing metal pollution in various biomonitoring programs. However, the functional properties of these proteins are yet to be comprehensively characterized in most marine invertebrates. In this study, we identified and characterized an MT homolog from the disk abalone (Haliotis discus discus), referred to as disk abalone MT (AbMT).

Involvement of tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) in NF-κB activation and antiviral immunity: Molecular and functional characterization of TRAF6 in red-spotted grouper (Epinephelus akaara).

Tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) is a member of the TRAF family of adaptor proteins involved in the signal transduction pathways of both TNF receptor and interleukin-1 receptor/Toll-like receptor superfamilies. In this study, red-spotted grouper (Epinephelus akaara) TRAF6 (EaTraf6) was identified and characterized. The open reading frame of EaTraf6, 1713 bp in length, encodes a putative protein of 570 amino acids and has a predicted molecular weight and theoretical isoelectric point of 64.

Diagnostic outcome of pro bono neurogenetic diagnostic service in Sri Lanka: A wealth creation.

The inherited disease community in Sri Lanka has been widely neglected. This article aimed to present accumulated knowledge in establishing a pro bono cost-effective national, island-wide, free-of-charge molecular diagnostic service, suggesting a model for other developing countries. The project provided 637 molecular diagnostic tests and reports free of charge to a nation with limited resources.

Galectin 9 restricts viral replication in teleost via autophagy-antiviral pathway and polarizes M2 macrophages for anti-inflammatory response: New insights into functional properties of fish Galectin-9 from Planiliza haematocheilus.

Galectin 9 (Gal9) is a tandem repeat type ß-galactoside-binding galectin that mediates various cellular biochemical and immunological functions. Many studies have investigated the functional properties of Gal9 in mammals; however, knowledge of fish Gal9 is limited to antibacterial studies. In this context, our aim was to clone Gal9 from Planiliza haematocheilus (PhGal9) and investigate its structural and functional characteristics.

Neurological disorders associated with COVID-19 in Sri Lanka.

Background: Neurological manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 infection have been reported from many countries around the world, including the South Asian region. This surveillance study aimed to describe the spectrum of neurological disorders associated with COVID-19 in Sri Lanka.

Methods: COVID-19 patients manifesting neurological disorders one week prior and up to six weeks after infection were recruited from all the neurology centres of the government hospitals in Sri Lanka from May 2021 - May 2022.

Biomechanical Effects of Prophylactic Knee Bracing on Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Risk: A Systematic Review.

Objective: Prophylactic knee braces (PKBs) are widely used by athletes in pivoting and landing sports and have the potential to influence knee movement and alignment, thus modulating anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury risk. This systematic review analyses current evidence on the biomechanical effects that PKBs have in the prevention of ACL injuries.

Data Sources: The review was conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines.

Adaptation and Validation of a Sinhala version of the Radbound Oral Motor Inventory (ROMP) for Parkinson's disease.

Background: The Radboud Oral Motor Inventory for Parkinson's disease (ROMP) is a patient-rated assessment measuring patients' perceptions of speech, swallowing, and saliva control among patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease (IPD).

Objective: The present study was carried out to adapt and validate the Sinhala version of the ROMP questionnaire in a Sinhala-speaking patient cohort diagnosed with IPD.

Materials And Methods: The study population consisted of patients diagnosed with IPD attending a tertiary care neurology clinic at the National Hospital of Sri Lanka.

Median and ulnar nerve injuries in cyclists: A narrative review.

Unlabelled: Cycling is popular internationally as a mode of transport and sport. Cyclists often report sensory and motor changes in the hands during rides. In the past, assessment of these symptoms was based on clinical history, physical examination and neurophysiology.

Modulation of fish immune response by interferon regulatory factor 4 in redlip mullet (Liza haematocheilus): Delineation through expression profiling, antiviral assay, and macrophage polarization analysis.

Interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) is a crucial member of IRF family, which acts as an imperative transcription factor in the development and maturation of multiple lineages of blood cells and also plays a pivotal role in host defense against microbial infections. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the detailed structural and functional aspects of a redlip mullet IRF4 homolog (LhIRF4). The LhIRF4 open reading frame consists of 1347 base pairs encoding 449 amino acids, with the DNA-binding domain sharing significant homology with that of other vertebrate IRF4 homologs.

A copper-zinc-superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD) from redlip mullet, Liza haematocheila: Insights to its structural characteristics, immune responses, antioxidant activity, and potent antibacterial properties.

Copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD) is a nuclear-encoded metalloenzyme responsible for scavenging harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this study, the CuZnSOD homolog from redlip mullet (Liza haematochelia) (MuCuZnSOD) was structurally and functionally characterized to evaluate its antioxidant capacity, antibacterial properties, and protective level in various pathogenic stress conditions. Structural characteristics of MuCuZnSOD were evaluated using different bioinformatics tools.

Ultrasound-Guided Lumbar Spine Injection for Axial and Radicular Pain: A Single Institution Early Experience.

Study Design: Clinical audit via retrospective review of a database.

Purpose: To report an early experience using ultrasound-guided lumbar spinal injection for axial and radicular pain in an Asian multiethnic cohort.

Overview Of Literature: Ultrasound-guided spine injection therapy is a comparatively new technique in the management of axial and radicular pain from degenerative lumbar spinal conditions, which may be a reasonable alternative to conventional fluoroscopic or computed tomography-guided injection.

What We Fail to See in Neuro-Genetic Diseases: A Bird's Eye View from the Developing World.

Background: Progressive neurological genetic diseases are not rare. They cause psychosocial damages to its victims. This article focuses on common psychosocial issues faced by those from the developing world.

Can the Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire Be Used as a Screening Tool Among a Potentially High-Risk Population in Singapore?

 Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) causes significant morbidity with delayed diagnosis or management. The Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) is validated for monitoring CTS following diagnosis; however, it has not been trialed in a screening capacity. The study aimed to determine whether it can be utilized when screening a focused population in Singapore.

A Systematic Review and Qualitative Analysis of Concussion Knowledge amongst Sports Coaches and Match Officials.

Sport-related concussion (SRC) is a public health issue of increasing concern. Sports coaches and match officials are important stakeholders in facilitating early recognition, immediate management and appropriate return-to-play following SRC. This systematic review analyses the current evidence on SRC knowledge amongst sports coaches and match officials.

Role of rockfish (Sebastes schlegelii) glutaredoxin 1 in innate immunity, and alleviation of cellular oxidative stress: Insights into localization, molecular characteristics, transcription, and function.

Glutaredoxins are a group of heat stable oxidoreductases ubiquitously found in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. They are widely known for GSH (glutathione)-dependent protein disulfide reduction and cellular redox homeostasis. This study was performed to identify and characterize rockfish (Sebastes schlegelii) glutaredoxin 1 (SsGrx1) at molecular, transcriptional, and functional levels.