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Development of expressed sequence tag resources for Vanda Mimi Palmer and data mining for EST-SSR

Teh SL, Chan WS, Abdullah JO, Namasivayam P

Mol Biol Rep, 2011 Aug;38(6):3903-9.
PMID: 21116862 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-010-0506-3

Vanda Mimi Palmer (VMP) is a highly sought as fragrant-orchid hybrid in Malaysia. It is economically important in cosmetic and beauty industries and also a famous potted ornamental plant. To date, no work on fragrance-related genes of vandaceous orchids has been reported from other research groups although the analysis of floral fragrance or volatiles have been extensively studied. An expressed sequence tag (EST) resource was developed for VMP principally to mine any potential fragrance-related expressed sequence tag-simple sequence repeat (EST-SSR) for future development as markers in the identification of fragrant vandaceous orchids endemic to Malaysia. Clustering, annotation and assembling of the ESTs identified 1,196 unigenes which defined 966 singletons and 230 contigs. The VMP dbEST was functionally classified by gene ontology (GO) into three groups: molecular functions (51.2%), cellular components (16.4%) and biological processes (24.6%) while the remaining 7.8% showed no hits with GO identifier. A total of 112 EST-SSR (9.4%) was mined on which at least five units of di-, tri-, tetra-, penta-, or hexa-nucleotide repeats were predicted. The di-nucleotide motif repeats appeared to be the most frequent repeats among the detected SSRs with the AT/TA types as the most abundant among the dimerics, while AAG/TTC, AGA/TCT-type were the most frequent trimerics. The mined EST-SSR is believed to be useful in the development of EST-SSR markers that is applicable in the screening and characterization of fragrance-related transcripts in closely related species.
Eight-and-a-Half Syndrome Secondary to Acute Brainstem Infarction

Muhammad H, Chan WS, Jaafar J, Wan Hitam WH

Cureus, 2024 Jul;16(7):e65138.
PMID: 39171063 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.65138

Eight-and-a-half syndrome is a rare neuro-ophthalmologic condition, which is characterized by ipsilateral horizontal gaze palsy, internuclear ophthalmoplegia (INO), and ipsilateral lower motor neuron facial palsy. We report a case of eight-and-a-half syndrome secondary to acute brainstem infarction. A 55-year-old gentleman with underlying diabetes mellitus and hypertension presented with a sudden onset of double vision in the right lateral gaze for one day. On examination, there was a limitation in the left eye horizontal eye movement with limited right eye adduction. Further neurological examination revealed left lower motor neuron facial nerve palsy. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain showed an acute infarct involving the left side of the thalamus extending to the left side of the midbrain, pons, and medulla. He was diagnosed with eight-and-a-half syndrome secondary to acute brainstem infarction. The patient was referred to the neuromedical team, where he was treated with anti-platelet medications. He showed gradual improvement on follow-up and had complete resolution of ophthalmoplegia after three months. There was only minimal residual facial nerve weakness. Eight-and-a-half syndrome has a localizing value to the dorsal tegmentum of the pons. It requires thorough neurological examination and imaging studies for accurate diagnosis and management. This case highlights the potential for a significant recovery in patients with eight-and-a-half syndrome when timely and appropriate treatment is administered.
Clinical presentations and predictors of mortality for leptospirosis - A study from suburban area in Malaysia

Fann RJ, Vidya RR, Chong HE, Indralingam V, Christopher Chan WS

Med J Malaysia, 2020 01;75(1):52-56.
PMID: 32008021

INTRODUCTION: Malaysia is endemic for leptospirosis with increasing incidence recorded over the years. Perak has recorded one of the highest incidence and mortality of leptospirosis since 2004.
METHODS: This is a retrospective study of confirmed leptospirosis cases in Larut, Matang and Selama (LMS) district in Perak reported in 2016. The demographic, clinical presentation, laboratory result and clinical outcomes data were analysed and presented.
RESULTS: Forty-two patients with confirmed diagnosis of leptospirosis were included into the study. Majority of patients were males and Malays. The case fatality rate was 14.3%. Patients with leptospirosis present with variable clinical presentations and are commonly seen with coinfection. Patients 70-year-old and older, have clinical presentations suggestive of organ dysfunction and require intensive care are associated with higher mortality.
CONCLUSION: Leptospirosis is endemic in LMS district of Perak with high incidence and case fatality rate. The clinical presentation of leptospirosis is variable. Co-infection of leptospirosis with other acute febrile illness is common. Patients presenting with symptoms and signs of organ dysfunctions or require intensive care are associated with an increased odds of death.
Brassinosteroid insensitive 1-associated kinase 1 (OsI-BAK1) is associated with grain filling and leaf development in rice

Khew CY, Teo CJ, Chan WS, Wong HL, Namasivayam P, Ho CL

J Plant Physiol, 2015 Jun 15;182:23-32.
PMID: 26037695 DOI: 10.1016/j.jplph.2015.05.003

Brassinosteroid Insensitive 1 (BRI1)-Associated Kinase I (BAK1) has been reported to interact with BRI1 for brassinosteroid (BR) perception and signal transduction that regulate plant growth and development. The aim of this study is to investigate the functions of a rice OsBAK1 homologue, designated as OsI-BAK1, which is highly expressed after heading. Silencing of OsI-BAK1 in rice plants produced a high number of undeveloped green and unfilled grains compared to the untransformed plants. Histological analyses demonstrated that embryos were either absent or retarded in their development in these unfilled rice grains of OsI-BAK1 RNAi plants. Down regulation of OsI-BAK1 caused a reduction in cell number and enlargement in leaf bulliform cells. Furthermore, transgenic rice plants overexpressing OsI-BAK1 were demonstrated to have corrugated and twisted leaves probably due to increased cell number that caused abnormal bulliform cell structure which were enlarged and plugged deep into leaf epidermis. The current findings suggest that OsI-BAK1 may play an important role in the developmental processes of rice grain filling and leaf cell including the bulliform cells.
Fulltext 2019 revised algorithm for the management of knee osteoarthritis: the Southeast Asian viewpoint

Yeap SS, Tanavalee A, Perez EC, Tan MP, Reyes BHM, Lee JK, et al.

Aging Clin Exp Res, 2021 May;33(5):1149-1156.
PMID: 33774784 DOI: 10.1007/s40520-021-01834-x

BACKGROUND: Since 2014, the European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases (ESCEO) algorithm for the management of knee osteoarthritis (OA) is available worldwide.
AIM: Based on this document, a Southeast Asia Working Group (SEAWG) wished to see how the new ESCEO algorithm developed in 2019 was perceived by Southeast Asian experts and how it was integrated into their clinical practice.
METHODS: A SEAWG was set up between members of the international ESCEO task force and a group of Southeast Asian experts.
RESULTS: Non-pharmacological management should always be combined with pharmacological management. In step 1, symptomatic slow-acting drugs for osteoarthritis are the main background therapy, for which high-quality evidence is available only for the formulations of patented crystalline glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate. In step 2, oral NSAIDs are a useful option, considering the cardiovascular/renal/gastrointestinal profiles of the individual patient. Intra-articular hyaluronic acid and corticosteroids are a possible alternative to oral NSAIDs, but limited evidence is available. If steps 1 and 2 do not give adequate relief of symptoms, tramadol can be used, but its safety is debated. In general, the indications of the ESCEO algorithm are important in Southeast Asian countries, but the reimbursement criteria of local health systems are an important aspect for adherence to the ESCEO algorithm.
CONCLUSION: This guidance provides evidence-based and easy-to-follow advice on how to establish a treatment algorithm in knee OA, for practical implementation in clinical practice in Southeast Asian countries.
Fulltext Asia-Pacific consensus on long-term and sequential therapy for osteoporosis

Tai TW, Chen HY, Shih CA, Huang CF, McCloskey E, Lee JK, et al.

Osteoporos Sarcopenia, 2024 Mar;10(1):3-10.
PMID: 38690538 DOI: 10.1016/j.afos.2024.02.001

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to present the Asia-Pacific consensus on long-term and sequential therapy for osteoporosis, offering evidence-based recommendations for the effective management of this chronic condition. The primary focus is on achieving optimal fracture prevention through a comprehensive, individualized approach.
METHODS: A panel of experts convened to develop consensus statements by synthesizing the current literature and leveraging clinical expertise. The review encompassed long-term anti-osteoporosis medication goals, first-line treatments for individuals at very high fracture risk, and the strategic integration of anabolic and antiresorptive agents in sequential therapy approaches.
RESULTS: The panelists reached a consensus on 12 statements. Key recommendations included advocating for anabolic agents as the first-line treatment for individuals at very high fracture risk and transitioning to antiresorptive agents following the completion of anabolic therapy. Anabolic therapy remains an option for individuals experiencing new fractures or persistent high fracture risk despite antiresorptive treatment. In cases of inadequate response, the consensus recommended considering a switch to more potent medications. The consensus also addressed the management of medication-related complications, proposing alternatives instead of discontinuation of treatment.
CONCLUSIONS: This consensus provides a comprehensive, cost-effective strategy for fracture prevention with an emphasis on shared decision-making and the incorporation of country-specific case management systems, such as fracture liaison services. It serves as a valuable guide for healthcare professionals in the Asia-Pacific region, contributing to the ongoing evolution of osteoporosis management.