The search for effective methods of cancer treatment and prevention has been a continuous effort since the disease was discovered. Recently, there has been increasing interest in exploring plants and fruits for molecules that may have potential as either adjuvants or as chemopreventive agents against cancer. One of the promising compounds under extensive research is nobiletin (NOB), a polymethoxyflavone (PMF) extracted exclusively from citrus peel. Not only does nobiletin itself exhibit anti-cancer properties, but its derivatives are also promising chemopreventive agents; examples of derivatives with anti-cancer activity include 3′-demethylnobiletin (3′-DMN), 4′-demethylnobiletin (4′-DMN), 3′,4′-didemethylnobiletin (3′,4′-DMN) and 5-demethylnobiletin (5-DMN). In vitro studies have demonstrated differential efficacies and mechanisms of NOB and its derivatives in inhibiting and killing of colon cancer cells. The chemopreventive potential of NOB has also been well demonstrated in several in vivo colon carcinogenesis animal models. NOB and its derivatives target multiple pathways in cancer progression and inhibit several of the hallmark features of colorectal cancer (CRC) pathophysiology, including arresting the cell cycle, inhibiting cell proliferation, inducing apoptosis, preventing tumour formation, reducing inflammatory effects and limiting angiogenesis. However, these substances have low oral bioavailability that limits their clinical utility, hence there have been numerous efforts exploring better drug delivery strategies for NOB and these are part of this review. We also reviewed data related to patents involving NOB to illustrate the extensiveness of each research area and its direction of commercialisation. Furthermore, this review also provides suggested directions for future research to advance NOB as the next promising candidate in CRC chemoprevention.

The shrimp farming industry is receiving increasing attention globally. However, extending the frontiers of the industry has been a challenge as high stocking density often increases susceptibility to diseases and compromises shrimp quality. There has been a huge adoption of bacterial‐derived additives in recent decades, particularly in Asia. Accumulating evidence demonstrates the modulatory effect of these functional additives on the animal gut microbiota composition, thus making them potential alternatives to antibiotics in controlling infectious diseases, such as acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND). These functional additives could be introduced in various forms, such as probiotics, synbiotics, paraprobiotics, and postbiotics. This article aims to critically review previous studies that investigated the effects of these bacterial derivatives, particularly on shrimp species. The surge of research in recent years indirectly attested to the immense potentialities of these functional additives. Generally, the introduction of bacterial derivatives not only helped in disease control but also demonstrated encouraging outcomes, including better survival rate, immune enhancement, and growth promotion effects. It is interesting to note that the effectiveness of probiotics extended beyond the viability of the bacteria, thus leading to concepts such as paraprobiotics and postbiotics. Although this is a relatively new research area with limited information, this review aims to consolidate available data and provide a comprehensive overview of the state of the art of this research arena. The challenges in each research domain were also discussed towards the end of this review to provide insights into potential future research niches.

As feed accounts for a significant proportion of a farm’s expenditure, animal nutrition is one of the key profit determinants. Attributed to the size-dependent market value, enhancing shrimps' growth is essential to maximize profit. Despite not being the best option, antibiotics are often used as growth-promoting agents in farming. Although this trend is less explicit in aquaculture, increasing production yield is paramount, especially when intensive aquafarming compromises animal growth and increases disease prevalence. However, the environmental and clinical pitfalls of indiscriminate antibiotic usage are surfacing. Fortunately, increasing evidence demonstrated probiotics as a safer, more sustainable, and environmental-friendly substitute for antibiotics. Nonetheless, most studies are observational, and the growth-promotion mechanisms of these agents are yet to be elucidated. In this light, this review aims to decipher the growth promotion mechanisms of probiotics in shrimps based on the primary works conducted. Evidently, probiotic treatment modulates the gut microbiome composition. The growth promotion effect of probiotics is partly mediated through the production of bioactive compounds such as short-chain fatty acids, vitamins, and polyamines. Besides, elevated digestive enzyme activities following the introduction of probiotics may help enhance digestibility and utilization. Histological changes at the hepatopancreas and intestine were evident. Furthermore, probiotics may reinforce the protective mechanisms in the gut and strengthen immune function. Treated shrimps demonstrate better appetite and exhibit superior metabolic and growth-related genes profile. Contrasting these recognized mechanisms with antibiotics helps construct the initial framework for designing high-quality probiotics for growth enhancement in farmed animals.

Moisturizers are topically applied agent which increasing moisture content in the skin to maintain skin integrity and youthful appearance. L-brand soothing gel (Tested gel) was developed for skin hydration. The objective of this study is to evaluate the benefits of daily usage of Tested gel amongst healthy young adults. This study also aimed to assess whether storage temperature may affect the efficacy of Tested gel. Changes in moisture content and texture index of the skin where the product was applied over a period of 8 days were assessed using non-invasive devices to measure the skin’s bioelectric impedance. Our results indicate that application of Tested gel produces a hydrating effect characterized by a significant increment in skin moisture and smoothness. There was no association found between storage temperature and efficacy of gel. The hydration effect of Tested gel diminishes gradually after application, but the hydration effect is cumulative upon daily usage for healthy young adults.

The past two years have been a turmoil for the world and people due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was the first time in history that the whole world was on a standstill after many countries-imposed movement control orders and restrictions. Many innocent lives were lost, and the spread of infection is still ongoing. Pharmaceutical companies raced against the time to develop vaccines, believing that it would be sufficient to control COVID-19. Nevertheless, the recent emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 variant as Omicron has become a global concern. This new variant of concern (VOC) spreads faster than other VOC strains and poses a high risk, mounting fears of new waves of infections in many countries, including Malaysia. This review discussed characteristics of Omicron, the emergence of Omicron cases in Malaysia, and preventive measures to control the spread of COVID-19.

cancer properties, including ectoine, desferrioxamine B/E, and antimycin. Subsequently, one of the predicted genes from the LAPs gene cluster was selected and de novo synthesized for expression study using Escherichia coli model. In the anti-MRSA test, the purified protein Protein135 showed a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 3mM against MRSA ATCC 33591 at 24-hour incubation. Intriguingly, Protein135 demonstrated higher growth inhibition than vancomycin, both at sub-MIC of 0.25 mM, against MRSA ATCC 33591. Conclusions Altogether, these findings highlight the importance of novel strain from the mangrove forest, particularly in searching for beneficial bioactive compounds. In addition, our preliminary study unveils the promising wound healing property of Protein135 in the MRSA infection murine model.

The cover image is based on the Review Article Harnessing the potentialities of probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, paraprobiotics, and postbiotics for shrimp farming by Joanna Xuan Hui Goh et al., https://doi.org/10.1111/raq.12659

The increasing prevalence of resistance in carbapenems is an escalating concern as carbapenems are reserved as last-line antibiotics. Although indiscriminate antibiotic usage is considered the primary cause for resistance development, increasing evidence revealed that inconsequential strains without any direct clinical relevance to carbapenem usage are harboring carbapenemase genes. This phenomenon indirectly implies that environmental microbial populations could be the ‘hidden vectors’ propelling carbapenem resistance. This work aims to explore the carbapenem-resistance profile of Vibrio species across diverse settings. This review then proceeds to identify the different factors contributing to the dissemination of the resistance traits and defines the transmission pathways of carbapenem resistance. Deciphering the mechanisms for carbapenem resistance acquisition could help design better prevention strategies to curb the progression of antimicrobial resistance development. To better understand this vast reservoir selecting for carbapenem resistance in non-clinical settings, Vibrio species is also prospected as one of the potential indicator strains for carbapenem resistance in the environment.