Introduction: Medicinal plant use among indigenous people in Malaysia is commonly influenced by cultural beliefs, accessibility to traditional plants, and modern medicine availability. This study explores the usage, knowledge, and perceptions of medicinal plants among the Bateq people in Taman Negara National Park, Pahang. Materials and methods: A qualitative study conducted in June 2022 interviewed 12 adult Orang Asli from the Bateq tribe in Kuala Sat, Taman Negara. The qualitative study using face-to-face semi-structured interviews was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Universiti Teknologi MARA and explored medicinal plant knowledge and usage among the participants. Thematic content analysis was employed for data analysis. Results: All participants, aged 18-60, utilized medicinal plants for various health purposes, including chronic diseases and general health maintenance. Older individuals possessed more traditional knowledge, acquired from their elders. Accessibility to medicinal plants in the local environment was emphasized. Despite diverse applications, challenges in obtaining plants in remote areas and the convenience of modern medicine contributed to a decline in traditional plant use. Perceptions varied, with some favoring traditional plants, while others expressed skepticism. Conclusion: This study offers insights into medicinal plant use, knowledge, and perceptions among the Bateq community in Taman Negara National Park, Pahang. It emphasizes the importance of preserving traditional knowledge, understanding diverse perceptions, and promoting collaboration between traditional and modern healthcare systems. The findings contribute to a broader understanding of healthcare practices among indigenous communities in Malaysia

Introduction: Sinomenine, derived from Sinomenium acutum, has been reported as a potential treatment for morphine addiction but its mechanisms are poorly understood. Hence this study was conducted to investigate the potential mechanisms underlying sinomenine effects on morphine addiction. Materials and methods: Potential protein targets for sinomenine were predicted using SwissTarget Prediction and PharmMapper while morphine addiction targets were collected from DisGeNet and GeneCards databases. Protein-protein interaction was examined using GeneMANIA web server while Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis were conducted using ShinyGO online tool. Topological network analysis was performed using Cytoscape to measure the degree centrality, betweenness centrality and closeness centrality values while molecular docking analysis was done using AutoDock Vina to determine the binding energies and interactions. Results: A total of 15 sinomenine targets were identified to be involved. Among the identified targets, 37.94% shared protein domains and 19.64% displayed physical interactions. Relevant biological processes, molecular functions, cellular components and signalling pathways were identified involving G-protein coupled opioid receptor signalling pathways and activities, integral component of presynaptic membrane and mitophagy. Molecular docking suggested that the substituted aromatic ring of sinomenine plays important roles in the binding to the protein targets. The top five most significant protein targets were identified based on the binding energies and degree centrality values, namely OPRD1, OPRK1, NOS1, OPRM1 and SRC. Conclusion: Sinomenine interacted with various protein targets and pathways which can potentially treat morphine addiction mainly via opioid receptors and their signalling pathways

Wound healing is a complex process that includes haemostasis and inflammation, followed by a proliferation period and repair and finally remodelling. Ocular surgeries, particularly in glaucoma cases, aim at minimal fibrosis to preserve the function of trabeculectomy as an alternative pathway for aqueous drainage. Hence, it is important to find an agent to modulate the wound healing process. This review presents compilation of wound modulation agents that have been tested in vitro, in vivo, or clinically on patients undergoing ocular surgeries, particularly for glaucoma. We identified agents into four groups, mostly for glaucoma filtration operations: anti-metabolites, anti-growth factors, mechanical barriers and rho kinases. The effect of these agents is highlighted in this review. In conclusion, despite recognized drawbacks of antimetabolites, they are still regarded as the gold standard and the most efficient treatment as anti-scarring agents use in ocular surgeries. More studies are needed to inquire agents that efficient yet has minimal adverse effects both in short and long term.

For centuries, deer antler velvet (DAV) has been a staple in traditional medicine due to its numerous health benefits, including immune stimulation, anti-ageing, wound healing, and anti-osteoporosis properties. Researchers attribute the therapeutic advantages of DAV to various compounds in its extract, ranging from growth hormones to minerals and amino acids. Recently, there has been renewed interest in these natural products for their potential use in treating chronic diseases such as bone health and development, bacterial infections, and sports supplementation to increase athletic performance. The available literature supports that DAV significantly affects bone development, chondrogenesis, and antimicrobial properties, making it a valuable resource in medical and dental settings. This review aims to provide an in-depth overview of the potential applications of DAV in modern medicine and dentistry.

Lysosomal dysfunction plays an important role in neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s disease (PD) and possibly Parkinson-plus syndromes such as progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). This role is exemplified by the involvement of variants in the GBA1 gene, which results in a deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme glucocerebrosidase and is the most frequently identified genetic factor underlying PD worldwide. Pathogenic variants in the SMPD1 gene are a recessive cause of Niemann–Pick disease types A and B. Here, we provide the first report on an association between a loss-of-function variant in the SMPD1 gene present in a heterozygous state (p.Pro332Arg/p.P332R, which is known to result in reduced lysosomal acid sphingomyelinase activity), with PSP-Richardson syndrome in three unrelated patients of Chinese ancestry.

Background: Alternative and complementary medicines are widely used to treat migraine headaches. This review aimed to determine the effectiveness of essential oils as an alternative treatment approach. Methods: A structured search was conducted to identify randomized trials comparing essential oils with a placebo for migraine headaches, using databases (MEDLINE and CENTRAL) to search for articles published between 1966 and 2021. We included trials involving adult males and females diagnosed with migraine headaches according to the International Headache Society. The outcomes included number of attacks, headache severity, associated symptoms, number of days of limited activity, headache duration, use of analgesics, and adverse effects. Seven trials were included with a total of 558 participants. Results: No difference was observed in the number of migraine headache attacks compared to placebo (mean difference [MD], -1.34; 95% confidence interval [CI], -3.31 to 0.64; I2=94%; P=0.190; four trials, 242 participants; moderate- quality evidence). There was no difference in this outcome between the essential oils treated group and the placebo (MD, -0.38; 95% CI, -1.76 to 0.99; I2 statistics=86%; P=0.580; five trials, 240 participants; moderate-quality evidence). Conclusion We found no significant difference between the use of essential oils and placebo in managing migraine headaches.

Background: Stingless bee propolis is a popular traditional folk medicine and has been employed since ancient times. This study aimed to evaluate the antinociceptive activities of the chemical constituents of aqueous propolis extract (APE) collected by Trigona thoracica in a nociceptive model in mice. Methods: The identification of chemical constituents of APE was performed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Ninety-six male Swiss mice were administered APE (400 mg/kg, 1,000 mg/kg, and 2,000 mg/kg) before developing nociceptive pain models. Then, the antinociceptive properties of each APE dose were evaluated in acetic acid-induced abdominal constriction, hot plate test, and formalin-induced paw licking test. Administration of normal saline, acetylsalicylic acid (ASA, 100 mg/kg, orally), and morphine (5 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) were used for the experiments. Results: HPLC revealed that the APE from Trigona thoracica contained p-coumaric acid (R2 = 0.999) and caffeic acid (R2 = 0.998). Although all APE dosages showed inhibition of acetic acid-induced abdominal constriction, only 2,000 mg/kg was comparable to the result of ASA (68.7% vs. 73.3%, respectively). In the hot plate test, only 2,000 mg/ kg of APE increased the latency time significantly compared to the control. In the formalin test, the durations of paw licking were significantly reduced at early and late phases in all APE groups with a decrease from 45.1% to 53.3%. Conclusions APE from Trigona thoracica, containing p-coumaric acid and caffeic acid, exhibited antinociceptive effects, which supports its potential use in targeting the prevention or reversal of central and peripheral sensitization that may produce clinical pain conditions.

Background: Poor disease management and irregular vector control could predispose sheltered animals to disease such as feline Bartonella infection, a vector-borne zoonotic disease primarily caused by Bartonella henselae. Objectives: This study investigated the status of Bartonella infection in cats from eight (n = 8) shelters by molecular and serological approaches, profiling the CD4:CD8 ratio and the risk factors associated with Bartonella infection in shelter cats. Methods: Bartonella deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was detected through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting 16S-23S rRNA internal transcribed spacer gene, followed by DNA sequencing. Bartonella IgM and IgG antibody titre, CD4 and CD8 profiles were detected using indirect immunofluorescence assay and flow cytometric analysis, respectively. Results: B. henselae was detected through PCR and sequencing in 1.0% (1/101) oral swab and 2.0% (1/50) cat fleas, while another 3/50 cat fleas carried B. clarridgeiae. Only 18/101 cats were seronegative against B. henselae, whereas 30.7% (31/101) cats were positive for both IgM and IgG, 8% (18/101) cats had IgM, and 33.7% (34/101) cats had IgG antibody only. None of the eight shelters sampled had Bartonella antibody-free cats. Although abnormal CD4:CD8 ratio was observed in 48/83 seropositive cats, flea infestation was the only significant risk factor observed in this study. Conclusions The present study provides the first comparison on the Bartonella spp. antigen, antibody status and CD4:CD8 ratio among shelter cats. The high B. henselae seropositivity among shelter cats presumably due to significant flea infestation triggers an alarm of whether the infection could go undetectable and its potential transmission to humans.

KMT2B-linked dystonia (DYT-KMT2B) is a childhood-onset dystonia syndrome typically beginning in the lower limbs and progressing caudocranially to affect the upper limbs with eventual prominent craniocervical involvement. Despite its recent recognition, it now appears to be one of the more common monogenic causes of dystonia syndromes. Here, we present an atypical case of DYT-KMT2B with oromandibular dystonia as the presenting feature, which remained restricted to this region three decades after symptom onset. This appears to be the first reported case of DYT-KMT2B from Southeast Asia and provides further supporting evidence for the pathogenic impact of the KMT2B c.6210_6213delTGAG variant.

This study aims to determine the prevalence of dental anomalies and MSX1 gene 799G>T polymorphism and its association with non-syndromic cleft lip with or without palate (NSCLP) attending Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia. Clinical and radiological assessments on 37 NSCL±P patients and 80 non-cleft children were done to detect dental anomalies. The buccal cells were collected and polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) was used to identify polymorphism. NSCL±P was higher among males (54%) and mostly unilateral cleft lip and palate (51.3%). The prevalence of dental anomalies in morphology in NSCL±P was 18.9% (95% CI: 5.7%, 32.2%) and non-cleft was 6.3% (95% CI: 0.8%, 11.7%). Hypodontia in NSCLP was 75% (95% CI: 61.2%, 90.2%) and non-cleft was 7.5% (95% CI: 1.6%, 13.4%). There was a significant association between NSCLP and anomalies in morphology (P= 0.04; OR=3.5)) and number (P< 0.01; OR= 40). There was an absence of rare 799G>T polymorphism in all NSCL±P and non-cleft children indicating that all samples contain common 799G polymorphism. In conclusion, the prevalence of dental anomalies in morphology and number was significantly higher in NSCL±P compared to non-cleft children. However, it was not significantly associated with MSX1 799G>T polymorphism.