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Wong JCQ, Lau CSL, Tan SH, Tan BC, Ng CSH, Lim SM, Wong G, Sim KLD. P-66 Contribution factors of end-of-life care options for patients in south east asian cohort. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2015. [DOI: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2015-000978.196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Lim SM, Tan SH, Ng CSH, Lau CSL, Wong JCQ, Tan BC, Wong G, Sim KLD. P-2 Advance care planning (ACP): The national heart centre singapore (NHCS) experience. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2015. [DOI: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2015-000978.132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Ng C, Tan SH, Lim SM, Lau CSL, Wong JCQ, Tan BC, Wong G, Sim KLD. P-56 An evaluation of the satisfaction level and change in knowledge level towards advance care planning (ACP) among heart failure patients using a pre and post survey. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2015. [DOI: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2015-000978.186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Tan SH, Yam AWY, Lawton LN, Wong RWJ, Young RA, Look AT, Sanda T. TRIB2 reinforces the oncogenic transcriptional program controlled by the TAL1 complex in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Leukemia 2015. [PMID: 26202930 DOI: 10.1038/leu.2015.195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Tan BS, Tiong KH, Choo HL, Chung FFL, Hii LW, Tan SH, Yap IKS, Pani S, Khor NTW, Wong SF, Rosli R, Cheong SK, Leong CO. Mutant p53-R273H mediates cancer cell survival and anoikis resistance through AKT-dependent suppression of BCL2-modifying factor (BMF). Cell Death Dis 2015; 6:e1826. [PMID: 26181206 PMCID: PMC4650736 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2015.191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2015] [Revised: 05/25/2015] [Accepted: 06/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
p53 is the most frequently mutated tumor-suppressor gene in human cancers. Unlike other tumor-suppressor genes, p53 mutations mainly occur as missense mutations within the DNA-binding domain, leading to the expression of full-length mutant p53 protein. Mutant p53 proteins not only lose their tumor-suppressor function, but may also gain new oncogenic functions and promote tumorigenesis. Here, we showed that silencing of endogenous p53-R273H contact mutant, but not p53-R175H conformational mutant, reduced AKT phosphorylation, induced BCL2-modifying factor (BMF) expression, sensitized BIM dissociation from BCL-XL and induced mitochondria-dependent apoptosis in cancer cells. Importantly, cancer cells harboring endogenous p53-R273H mutant were also found to be inherently resistant to anoikis and lack BMF induction following culture in suspension. Underlying these activities is the ability of p53-R273H mutant to suppress BMF expression that is dependent on constitutively active PI3K/AKT signaling. Collectively, these findings suggest that p53-R273H can specifically drive AKT signaling and suppress BMF expression, resulting in enhanced cell survivability and anoikis resistance. These findings open the possibility that blocking of PI3K/AKT will have therapeutic benefit in mutant p53-R273H expressing cancers.
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Seghers AC, Goh BK, Tan SH, Tang BYM. Simplified noncultured autologous cell grafting for the treatment of chronic nonhealing ulcers: the six-well plate technique. Clin Exp Dermatol 2015; 39:620-3. [PMID: 24934915 DOI: 10.1111/ced.12352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Chronic recalcitrant ulcers are associated with severe morbidity, and there are few effective treatment options available. Living skin substitutes are an important form of adjuvant therapy to enhance healing of such wounds. We investigated a novel, simplified, noncultured, autologous, cell grafting procedure, using a six-well plate technique, to treat chronic recalcitrant wounds. This was a prospective pilot study that involved harvesting an ultrathin split-skin graft from the gluteal region, which was washed, separated and prepared in six different wells to obtain an autologous mixture of keratinocytes, melanocytes and fibroblasts; this was subsequently applied directly to the wound using a hyaluronic acid (HA) matrix. Eight patients with a total of 14 ulcers were recruited. The primary endpoint assessed was the percentage of re-epithelialization of the ulcers. Secondary endpoints included quality of life and wound bed indices. At baseline, the median wound surface area was 7.4 cm(2) (mean 17.6 ± 23.6 cm(2) , range 0.5-80.0 cm(2) ) with a median duration of 18 months (mean 70.2 ± 95.9, range 3-216 months). The median wound surface area was reduced by 74.3%, from 7.4-1.9 cm(2) , at the final visit. Overall, 28.3% of the ulcers achieved complete healing, and 71.3% of the ulcers had reduction in wound size. Post-graft, there was also improvement in secondary wound bed parameters and all quality of life domains of the Cardiff Wound Impact Schedule. These results suggest that this noncultured autologous six-well technique might be beneficial for treating recalcitrant ulcers.
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Cai SCS, Allen JC, Lim YL, Chua SH, Tan SH, Tang MBY. Mortality of bullous pemphigoid in Singapore: risk factors and causes of death in 359 patients seen at the National Skin Centre. Br J Dermatol 2014; 170:1319-26. [PMID: 24372558 DOI: 10.1111/bjd.12806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is the most common autoimmune-mediated subepidermal blistering skin disease and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVES To determine the 3-year mortality rate, risk factors and causes of death in patients with BP in Singapore, compared with the general population. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all newly diagnosed patients with BP seen at the National Skin Centre from 1 April 2004 to 31 December 2009. Demographic and clinical data on comorbidities and treatment were recorded. Mortality information was obtained from the National Registry of Diseases. RESULTS In total 359 patients were included in our study. The 1-, 2-, 3-year mortality rates were 26·7%, 38·4% and 45·7%, respectively. The 3-year standardized mortality risk for patients with BP was 2·74 (95% confidence interval 2·34-3·19) times higher than for the age- and sex-matched general population. Parkinson disease, heart failure and chronic renal disease were associated with increased mortality, while combination treatment with low-to-moderate-dose corticoste-roids and immunomodulatory agents such as doxycycline and/or nicotinamide was associated with lower mortality. Overall, infections were the most common cause of death (59·8%), with the main causes of death being pneumonia (42·7%), cardiovascular disease (14·6%) and stroke (11·6%). CONCLUSIONS This study confirms an increased 3-year mortality rate for patients with BP in Singapore. Risk factors for increased mortality include medical comorbidities, especially neurological, cardiac and renal diseases. Treatment with combination therapy, including the use of low-to-moderate-dose corticosteroid, appeared to decrease mortality risk in patients with BP.
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Gsponer JR, Braun M, Scheble VJ, Zellweger T, Bachmann A, Perner S, Vlajnic T, Srivastava M, Tan SH, Dobi A, Sesterhenn IA, Srivastava S, Bubendorf L, Ruiz C. ERG rearrangement and protein expression in the progression to castration-resistant prostate cancer. Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis 2014; 17:126-31. [PMID: 24469092 DOI: 10.1038/pcan.2013.62] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2013] [Revised: 12/02/2013] [Accepted: 12/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Approximately half of the prostate carcinomas are characterized by a chromosomal rearrangement fusing the androgen-regulated gene TMPRSS2 to the oncogenic ETS transcription factor ERG. Aim of this study was to comprehensively analyze the role and impact of the ERG rearrangement and protein expression on the progression to castration-resistant (CR) disease. METHODS We used a tissue microarray (TMA) constructed from 114 hormone naive (HN) and 117 CR PCs. We analyzed the ERG rearrangement status by fluorescence in situ hybridization and the expression profiles of ERG, androgen receptor (AR) and the proliferation marker Ki67 by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Nearly half of the PC tissue specimens (HN: 38%, CR: 46%) harbored a TMPRSS2-ERG gene fusion. HN PCs with positive translocation status showed increased tumor cell proliferation (P<0.05). As expected, TMPRSS2-ERG gene fusion was strongly associated with increased ERG protein expression in HN and CR PCs (both P<0.0001). Remarkably, the study revealed a subgroup (26%) of CR PCs with ERG rearrangement but without any detectable ERG protein expression. This subgroup showed significantly lower levels of AR protein expression and androgen-regulated serum PSA (both P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS In this study, we identified a subgroup of ERG-rearranged CR PCs without detectable ERG protein expression. Our results suggest that this subgroup could represent CR PCs with a dispensed AR pathway. These tumors might represent a thus far unrecognized subset of patients with AR-independent CR PC who may not benefit from conventional therapy directed against the AR pathway.
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Tan SH, Low MEY. The Mediterranean and Eastern Atlantic species of Spinolambrus Tan & Ng, 2007: S. macrochelos (Herbst, 1790), S. notialis (Manning & Holthuis, 1981), and S. verrucosus (Studer, 1883), with a note on the identity of Lambrus spinosissimus Osório, 1923 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura: Parthenopidae). Zootaxa 2014; 3753:96-100. [PMID: 24872282 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3753.1.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2014] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Phelan PL, Silk PJ, Northcott CJ, Tan SH, Baker TC. Chemical identification and behavioral characterization of male wing pheromone ofEphestia elutella (Pyralidae). J Chem Ecol 2013; 12:135-46. [PMID: 24306403 DOI: 10.1007/bf01045597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/1985] [Accepted: 05/31/1985] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Behavioral and chemical evidence is presented for the identity of the male wing pheromone ofEphestia elutella (Hübner) and the role of this pheromone in courtship success is evaluated. Males with the forewing removed experienced a mating success rate less than half of that of either intact males or males that had only the wing gland area remaining of their forewings. GC-MS analysis and microchemical reactions indicated the presence of (E)-phytol and a series of saturated γ-lactones in a methylene chloride extract of the wings. Using an assay of female courtship behavioral response, (E)-phytol was found to evoke an intermediate level of response in females when presented alone, while the complete array of insect-derived γ-lactones produced no significant response. The combination of either γ-decalactone or γ-undecalactone with (E)-phytol in a 1∶2 ratio, however, elicited a female response equivalent to that produced by the unfractionated wing extract.
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Sim DKL, Tan SH, Tan BC, Neo CL, Wong G. ADVANCE CARE PLANNING FOR PATIENTS WITH HEART FAILURE IN A MULTIETHNIC SOUTH EAST ASIAN COHORT. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2013. [DOI: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2013-000491.85] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Liang M, Oon HH, Lim YL, Tan SH. A rare postmastectomy vascular rash. Clin Exp Dermatol 2012; 37:578-80. [PMID: 22712864 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2230.2011.04221.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Tan SW, Ng SW, Tan SH, Teoh LC. Arthroscopic debridement of intercarpal ligament and triangular fibrocartilage complex tears. Singapore Med J 2012; 53:188-191. [PMID: 22434293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Wrist arthroscopy has evolved since its inception to become an essential diagnostic and therapeutic tool for the management of various wrist disorders. Our study aimed to examine the outcomes of arthroscopic debridement in the treatment of scapholunate (SL), lunotriquetral (LT) and triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tears. METHODS We conducted a retrospective review of 68 consecutive wrist arthroscopies performed at our institution between January 2000 and July 2005. All the patients complained of wrist pain, which often interfered with their daily activities, work or sports. A standard arthroscopic technique was employed in all. Any intercarpal ligament or TFCC tears found were debrided. RESULTS There were 42 patients with TFCC tears, 58 with SL tears and 49 with LT tears. At a mean follow-up time of 16.6 months, 85.3% of the patients reported an improvement in symptoms and 27.9% had improved range of motion. Grip strength improved by 11.8%. All except two patients returned to their original activities. Outcome following arthroscopic debridement was determined using the Mayo Modified Wrist Score. Based on the postoperative wrist scores of 47 patients, 24 were rated excellent, 17 good, four fair and two poor. By comparing the pre- and postoperative wrist scores of 31 patients, we were able to demonstrate significant improvement in patients who underwent wrist arthroscopies. CONCLUSION Our study demonstrated that there is a definite role for arthroscopic debridement in the management of SL, LT and TFCC tears.
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Goh SH, Pan Y, You GF, Chan YH, Ran H, Herrman T, Heller T, Lim VSK, Mai ZH, Lam J, Chua CM, Chua WP, Tan SH. Effectiveness of frequency mapping on 28 nm device broken scan chain failures. THE REVIEW OF SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS 2012; 83:023702. [PMID: 22380094 DOI: 10.1063/1.3680584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Frequency mapping methodology is an effective diagnostic tool for detection of manufacturing defects in scan chains. It analyses reflected laser modulations from toggling scan cells to localize defective scan path or scan cell. In this paper, we demonstrate experimentally that the use of solid immersion lens technology to enhance signal and spatial resolution is not a prerequisite for this technique up till 28 nm technology node. We present case studies to show the effectiveness of frequency mapping for detecting systematic and random broken scan chain failures on a 28 nm technology node test chip. We achieved 81% success rate in this methodology.
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Gan EY, Tang MBY, Tan SH. Lymphomatoid papulosis: is a second lymphoma commoner among East Asians? Clin Exp Dermatol 2011; 37:118-21. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2230.2011.04124.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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Tan EH, Goh C, Lim WT, Soo KC, Khoo ML, Tan T, Tan DSW, Ang MK, Ng QS, Tan PH, Lim A, Hwang J, Teng YHF, Lim TH, Tan SH, Baskaran N, Hui KM. Gefitinib, cisplatin, and concurrent radiotherapy for locally advanced head and neck cancer: EGFR FISH, protein expression, and mutational status are not predictive biomarkers. Ann Oncol 2011; 23:1010-6. [PMID: 21768327 DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdr327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gefitinib was demonstrated to be synergistic with cisplatin and radiotherapy (RT) in in vitro studies. Biomarkers predictive of response to gefitinib in squamous cell head and neck cancer is still lacking. METHODS Thirty-one patients with locally advanced and easily accessible primary tumor sites for biopsies were recruited. Gefitinib was started 3 weeks before the start of cisplatin/concurrent radiotherapy (CTRT) and continued during the CTRT phase and thereafter for 4 months as consolidation phase. Two baselines and a repeat tumor sample were taken after 2 weeks of gefitinib alone to study its impact on tumor gene expression. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) protein expression, FISH and mutational status, and matrix metallopeptidase 11 (MMP11) protein expression were correlated with response and survival outcome. RESULTS The overall response rate to gefitinib alone was 9.7%. The survival outcome is as follows: median disease free 1.3 years, median survival time 2.4 years, 3-year disease free 42.9%, and 3-year overall survival 48.4%. EGFR FISH, protein expression, and mutational status did not predict for response nor survival outcome of patients. Although MMP11 overexpression did not predict for response, it predicted significantly for a poorer survival outcome. CONCLUSIONS Gefitinib can be combined safely with cisplatin/RT. More studies are needed to uncover predictive biomarkers of benefit to gefitinib.
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Tai WMD, Tan SH, Ng QS, Chau N, Lim WT, Tan E, Tan DS, Ang M. Optimising management approaches for locally advanced oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LAOPSCC): A retrospective review of prognostic factors and outcomes in an Asian tertiary institution. J Clin Oncol 2011. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2011.29.15_suppl.e16022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Tham CK, See S, Tan SH, Ng WH, Lim KHC, Thomas J, Chua ET. Concurrent temozolomide and radiation as the initial treatment for anaplastic glioma. J Clin Oncol 2011. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2011.29.15_suppl.2051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Chuah BYS, Putti T, Salto-Tellez M, Charlton A, Iau P, Buhari SA, Wong CI, Tan SH, Wong ALA, Chan CW, Goh BC, Lee SC. Serial changes in the expression of breast cancer-related proteins in response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Ann Oncol 2011; 22:1748-54. [PMID: 21355070 DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdq755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumour expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), erythroblastic leukaemia viral oncogene homologue-2 (ErbB2), Ki-67 and p53 in breast cancer are associated with poorer outcomes. We investigated in vivo changes of these proteins with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS Four core biopsies were taken from 100 breast cancer patients at baseline, during and upon completion of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Immunohistochemical expression of these proteins were evaluated and correlated with clinicopathological features, clinical response and progression-free survival (PFS). RESULTS There was a statistically significant change from positivity to negativity in COX-2 expression with chemotherapy (P = 0.002), predominantly in clinical responders (P = 0.002). COX-2-positive tumours that remained positive had shorter PFS than those that turned negative. Estrogen receptor (ER)+ and COX-2+ tumours at baseline that remained COX-2+ fared worse than those that became COX-2 negative (PFS 27 versus 52 months, P = 0.002). No significant changes in IHC expression were observed for ER, progesterone receptor, ErbB2, EGFR, p53 or Ki67. CONCLUSIONS Chemotherapy induced change in COX-2 expression from positivity to negativity predominantly among clinical responders and is associated with longer PFS. Interaction between COX-2 and ER was observed, suggesting that some hormone receptor-positive patients may benefit from combining COX-2 inhibition with hormonal therapy.
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Lam CRI, Tan MJ, Tan SH, Tang MBY, Cheung PCF, Tan NS. TAK1 regulates SCF expression to modulate PKBα activity that protects keratinocytes from ROS-induced apoptosis. Cell Death Differ 2011; 18:1120-9. [PMID: 21233843 DOI: 10.1038/cdd.2010.182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysregulated reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation contributes to many human pathologies, including cancer and diabetes. During normal wound repair, inflammation-induced ROS production must be tightly controlled, but the mechanisms reining their generation remain unclear. Herein, we show that transforming growth factor β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) directly regulates stem cell factor (SCF) expression, which activates the protein kinase B (PKB)α pro-survival pathway in a cell-autonomous manner to protect keratinocytes from ROS-mediated cell death. TAK1 is a pivotal inflammatory mediator whose expression was transiently elevated during wound healing, paralleling the ROS production profile. TAK1 deficiency in keratinocytes led to increased apoptosis in response to anoikis and TNF-α treatment and was associated with elevated ROS level as analyzed by FACS. Using organotypic skin co-culture and comparative growth factor array analysis, we revealed a cell-autonomous mechanism that involved the SCF/c-Kit/PKBα signaling cascade. Ectopic expression of TAK1 or treatment with exogenous recombinant SCF restored the increased ROS production and apoptotic cell death in TAK1-deficient keratinocytes. Conversely, normal keratinocytes treated with various inhibitors targeting the SCF/c-Kit/PKBα pathway exhibited increased ROS production and TNF-α- or anoikis-induced apoptosis. Our study reveals a novel anti-apoptotic role for SCF in keratinocytes and identifies TAK1 as a novel player uniting inflammation and ROS regulation in skin redox biology.
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Tan SH, Mohd Aris E, Kurahashi H, Mohamed Z. A new record of Iranihindia martellata (Senior-White,1924) (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) from peninsular Malaysia and female identification using both morphology and DNA-based approaches. Trop Biomed 2010; 27:287-293. [PMID: 20962727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Iranihindia martellata (Senior-White, 1924) is recorded from peninsular Malaysia for the first time. Male and female specimens in the recent collections of forensically important sarcophagid flies were examined and identified based on morphology and DNA sequencing analysis. Male genitalia offer unambiguous species identification characteristics in the traditional taxonomy of flesh flies but the female flies are very similar to one another in general morphology. Female of I. martellata was determined by DNA sequencing (COI and COII) and PCR-RFLP (COI) analysis. Identified females were carefully examined and compared with the morphologically similar species, Liopygia ruficornis (Fabricius, 1794). Female genitalia are re-described and illustrated in this paper.
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Xu Y, Cheung YB, Lam KF, Tan SH, Milligan P. A simple approach to the estimation of incidence rate difference. Am J Epidemiol 2010; 172:334-43. [PMID: 20606039 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwq099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence rate difference (IRD) is a parameter of interest in many medical studies. For example, in vaccine studies, it is interpreted as the vaccine-attributable reduction in disease incidence. This is an important parameter, because it shows the public health impact of an intervention. The IRD is difficult to estimate for various reasons, especially when there are quantitative covariates or the duration of follow-up is variable. In this paper, the authors propose an approach based on weighted least-squares regression for estimating the IRD. It is very easy to implement because it boils down to performing ordinary least-squares regression analysis of transformed variables. Furthermore, if the outcome events are repeatable, the authors propose that data on all events be analyzed instead of first events only. Four versions of the Huber-White robust standard error are considered for statistical inference. Simulation studies are used to examine the performance of the proposed method. In a variety of scenarios simulated, the method provides an unbiased estimate for the IRD, and the empirical coverage proportion of the 95% confidence interval is very close to the nominal level. The method is illustrated with data from a vaccine trial carried out in the Gambia in 2001-2004.
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Toh HC, Chia WK, Sun L, Thng CH, Soe Y, Phoon YP, Yap SP, Lim WT, Tai WM, Hee SW, Tan SH, Leong SS, Tan EH. Graft-vs-tumor effect in patients with advanced nasopharyngeal cancer treated with nonmyeloablative allogeneic PBSC transplantation. Bone Marrow Transplant 2010; 46:573-9. [PMID: 20661236 PMCID: PMC3072519 DOI: 10.1038/bmt.2010.161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
While nonmyeloablative peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (NST) has shown efficacy against several solid tumors, it is untested in nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC). In a phase II clinical trial, 21 patients with pretreated metastatic NPC underwent NST with sibling PBSC allografts, using CY conditioning, thymic irradiation and in vivo T-cell depletion with thymoglobulin. Stable lymphohematopoietic chimerism was achieved in most patients and prophylactic CYA was tapered at a median of day +30. Seven patients (33%) showed partial response and three (14%) achieved stable disease. Four patients were alive at 2 years and three showed prolonged disease control of 344, 525 and 550 days. With a median follow-up of 209 (4-1147) days, the median PFS was 100 days (95% confidence interval (CI), 66-128 days), and median OS was 209 days (95% CI, 128-236 days). Patients with chronic GVHD had better survival-median OS 426 days (95% CI, 194-NE days) vs 143 days (95% CI, 114-226 days) (P=0.010). Thus, NST may induce meaningful clinical responses in patients with advanced NPC.
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Tan WP, Tan SH, Tan AW. An extensive painful leg ulcer in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis. Primary cutaneous cryptococcosis. Clin Exp Dermatol 2010; 35:e46-7. [PMID: 20500175 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2230.2009.03324.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Seow CJ, Barkham T, Wong PM, Lin L, Pada SK, Tan SH. Brucellosis in a Singaporean with prolonged fever. Singapore Med J 2009; 50:e312-e314. [PMID: 19787157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Brucellosis, a zoonotic disease of worldwide distribution, is common in many developing countries as well as in countries of the Mediterranean basin. We report brucellosis in a 52-year-old man, who had a recent travel history to Saudi Arabia, and who presented with prolonged fever and deranged liver enzymes. In view of the rarity of brucellosis and its potential life-threatening complications, patients returning from an endemic country need to be questioned for possible Brucella exposure, to ensure that diagnostic tests and treatment are carried out in a timely fashion. In addition to notifying the authorities, the clinician should also warn the laboratory early as cultures of brucellosis are highly transmissible and are one of the most common laboratory-acquired infections.
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