This study reported SARS-CoV-2 whole genome sequencing results from June 2021 to January 2022 from seven genome sequencing centers in Malaysia as part of the national surveillance program. COVID-19 samples that tested positive by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and with cycle threshold values <30 were obtained throughout Malaysia. Sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 complete genomes was performed using Illumina, Oxford Nanopore, or Ion Torrent platforms. A total of 6163 SARS-CoV-2 complete genome sequences were generated over the surveillance period. All sequences were submitted to the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data database. From June 2021 to January 2022, Malaysia experienced the fourth wave of COVID-19 dominated by the Delta variant of concern, including the original B.1.617.2 lineage and descendant AY lineages. The B.1.617.2 lineage was identified as the early dominant circulating strain throughout the country but over time, was displaced by AY.59 and AY.79 lineages in Peninsular (west) Malaysia, and the AY.23 lineage in east Malaysia. In December 2021, pilgrims returning from Saudi Arabia facilitated the introduction and spread of the BA.1 lineage (Omicron variant of concern) in the country. The changing trends of circulating SARS-CoV-2 lineages were identified, with differences observed between west and east Malaysia. This initiative highlighted the importance of leveraging research expertise in the country to facilitate pandemic response and preparedness.

Summary: Preterm birth occurs in 10% of pregnancies and is a major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. The majority of cases of early preterm labour are associated with infection/inflammation, which places the fetal central nervous system at risk. Targeting immune activation is therefore an appealing therapeutic strategy for the prevention of preterm labour and neonatal brain injury. The expression of many labour‐associated and inflammatory‐response genes is controlled by the transcription factors nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) and activator protein‐1 (AP‐1), which makes them therapeutic targets of interest. Sulfasalazine (SASP) has been shown to inhibit NF‐κB and reduce lipopolysaccharide‐induced cytokine concentrations in fetal membrane explants and reduce the rate of Escherichia coli‐induced preterm labour in mice. Its effects upon AP‐1 in the context of pregnancy are unknown. In this study the effect of SASP on interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) ‐induced NF‐κB and AP‐1 activity, cytokine production and cyclo‐oxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) expression was examined in amniocytes and myocytes. A supra‐therapeutic concentration (5 mm) was required to inhibit IL‐1β‐induced NF‐κB (P < 0·0001) in amniocytes and IL‐1β‐induced NF‐κB (P < 0·01), AP‐1 (P < 0·01) and COX‐2 (P < 0·05) in myocytes. Despite inhibiting IL‐1β‐induced cytokines, a basal increase in IL‐6 (P < 0·01), IL‐8 (P < 0·0001) and tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) (P < 0·001) was seen with 5 mm SASP in amniocytes, and significant cytotoxic effects were seen in myocytes. The therapeutic concentration of 0·015 mm had no inhibitory effects on pro‐inflammatory mediators, but led to an augmented response to IL‐1β‐induced IL‐6 (P < 0·01), IL‐8 (P < 0·05) and TNF‐α (P < 0·05) in amniocytes and IL‐8 (P < 0·05) in myocytes. SASP is therefore an unlikely therapeutic candidate for the prevention of inflammation‐induced preterm labour.

Infertility could be associated with a few factors including problems with physical and mental health, hormonal imbalances, lifestyles, and genetic factors. Given that there is a concern about the rise of infertility globally, increased focus has been given to its treatment for the last several decades. Traditional assisted reproductive technology (ART) has been the prime option for many years in solving various cases of infertility; however, it contains significant risks and does not solve the fundamental problem of infertility such as genetic disorders. Attention toward the utilization of MSCs has been widely regarded as a promising option in the development of stem-cell-based infertility treatments. This narrative review briefly presents the challenges in the current ART treatment of infertility and the various potential applications of autologous MSCs in the treatment of these reproductive diseases.

Background: Dental caries is a multifactorial disease that results from interactions of susceptible host, cariogenic microorganisms, and fermentable carbohydrate sources. Our study explored oral microbiome shifts in children before and after dental treatment. Methods: Initial saliva samples were collected from caries free, moderate caries, and severe caries children based on the decayed, missing, and filled teeth index (DMFT/dmft) index. After three months of dental treatment, second saliva samples were gathered from the moderate and severe caries groups. The microbiota was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene-based high-throughput sequencing. Results: Most children with caries were between seven and eight years of age (40%), from middle-income group families (61%), highly educated parents (18% secondary level and 75% tertiary level) with good oral hygiene practices. There was a significant increase in alpha-diversity post-dental intervention. Firmicutes, Bacteroidota, and Proteobacteria were abundant across all samples. Post-treatment, Actinobacteria, and Firmicutes significantly decreased (p < 0.05) while Fusobacteria, Proteobacteria, Spirochaetota, and Synergistota significantly increased (p < 0.05). At genus level, a decreased trend was seen in Streptococcus, Prevotella_7, and Rothia and an increased trend was seen in Fusobacterium, Neisseria, Haemophilus, and Leptotrichia, but was not statistically significant. Conclusions: This study on Malaysian children highlights that dental caries are influenced by factors like age, socioeconomic status, and diet, with oral microbiome diversity increasing post-treatment, though some harmful bacteria persist, indicating a need for targeted oral health education and further research on probiotics’ role in caries prevention.

Rhombencephalitis refers to inflammation of the brainstem and cerebellum, and can be caused by infections, autoimmune disorders or paraneoplastic syndromes. The most common infective cause is the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. Listeria monocytogenes is the predominant species to cause human listeriosis, and is commonly due to the ingestion of contaminated foods. Symptoms include a mild gastroenteritis, fever (often with extreme temperature variations), headache, and myalgia. In more severe cases, invasive disease may lead to bacteraemia and neurolisteriosis. Pregnant women are more susceptible to listeriosis, which is believed to be due to pregnancy-related immune modulation. Maternal-neonatal infection with adverse pregnancy outcomes include neonatal listeriosis, spontaneous miscarriage and intrauterine fetal demise. Diagnosis may be challenging due to initial nonspecific symptoms and low sensitivity and specificity of confirmatory diagnostic laboratory tests. Here, we describe a case of rhombencephalitis in pregnancy, attributed to Listeria, and review the clinical features, diagnosis and multidisciplinary management. Lastly, we describe the immunological response to Listeria monocytogenes and show in vitro pro-inflammatory effects of Listeria monocytogenes on peripheral blood mononuclear cells and placental explants.

Background: The increasing popularity of fruit juices as part of perceived healthy dietary choices has raised concerns regarding their erosive effects on dental enamel. While prior in vitro studies have largely relied on commercial fruit drinks and non-human enamel samples, this study adopts a more ecologically valid approach by using fresh local fruit juices and extracted human teeth to evaluate enamel erosion. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the consumption patterns, oral hygiene behaviours, and awareness of the erosive potential of fruit juices among Malaysian adults and to evaluate the erosive effects of freshly squeezed local fruit juices on human dental enamel under simulated oral conditions. Methods: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey (n = 189) was conducted among dental clinic attendees to assess fruit juice intake habits, oral health practices, and awareness levels. In parallel, an in vitro study was performed using 40 extracted premolar teeth immersed in lime juice, pineapple juice, citric acid (positive control), or distilled water (negative control) over a 10-day period. Enamel volume loss, surface roughness, and microhardness were analysed pre- and post-immersion. Results: Fruit juice consumption was highly prevalent, with lime (57.7%) being the most commonly consumed, followed by watermelon (53.0%), star fruit (15.9%), and pineapple (15.4%). The majority of respondents preferred sweetened juices (75.7%) and demonstrated only moderate oral hygiene, with just 53.4% reporting brushing their teeth twice daily. Awareness of the dental effects of acidic beverages was limited. In vitro results confirmed that both lime and pineapple juices significantly reduced enamel microhardness and increased surface roughness (p < 0.0001), with lime juice causing the greatest enamel volume loss due to its higher acidity. Conclusions: These findings highlight the need for public health strategies that raise awareness on the implications of dietary acids and promote protective oral health behaviours. Dental practitioners should incorporate dietary counselling in routine care, particularly for populations at higher risk.