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Retinal degenerative diseases are frequently caused by the loss of retinal neural cells such as photoreceptors. Cell replacement is regarded as one of the most promising therapies. Multiple types of stem and somatic cells have been tested for photoreceptor conversion. However, current induction efficiencies are still low and the molecular mechanisms underlying reprogramming remain to be clarified. In this work, by combining treatment with small molecules, we directly reprogrammed human fetal retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells into chemically induced photoreceptor-like cells (CiPCs) in vitro. Bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing, as well as methylation sequencing, were performed to understand the transcriptional and epigenetic changes during CiPCs conversion. A multi-omics analysis showed that the direct reprogramming process partly resembled events of early retina development. We also found that the efficiency of CiPCs conversion from RPE is much better than that from human dermal fibroblasts (HDF). The small molecules effectively induced RPE cells into CiPCs via suppression of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Among the signaling pathways involved in CiPCs conversion, glutamate receptor activation is prominent. In summary, RPE cells can be efficiently reprogrammed into photoreceptor-like cells through defined pharmacological modulations, providing a useful cell source for photoreceptor generation in cell replacement therapy for retinal degenerative diseases.

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PLIBEL stands for Plan for Identifiering av Belastnings faktorer, which is a Sweedish acronym describing a method for identification of ergonomics hazards. Using a modified PLIBEL checklist, this study aimed to identify the relationships among musculoskeletal risk factors and the classroom sitting conditions among Malaysian university students. A survey questionnaire was developed based on the modified PLIBEL checklist. A total of 142 responses were retrieved. The data was managed with SPSS version 21 and analysed using reliability analysis, normality analysis and analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results suggested that there was little correlation between the perception of the table and chair arrangements and stress factors by general repetitive movements, repetitive upper extremity movements and space/support of the workplace. Since static sitting postures were typical, students faced risks of developing common musculoskeletal disorders, especially on the lower back and upper back. A list of guidelines was recommended based on the findings to prevent potential musculoskeletal disorder symptoms.

Erosion of traditional knowledge (TK) is a worrisome issue that is faced globally due to the rapid urbanization and forest loss. Thus, it is vital to protect and preserve the traditional knowledge as it benefits many sectors, especially in pharmaceutical research. This study aimed to promote the traditional knowledge and plant conservation among UTHM students by developing an ethnobotanical garden online website. The ethnobotanical garden located at UTHM Parit Raja Campus was selected as the study site. An online survey was done to understand the students’ level of knowledge about the utilization of plants and evaluate the effectiveness of the website towards conservation and promotion of traditional knowledge. The Ethnogarden UTHM website was developed and a total of 23 plants were recorded on the website. A majority of the respondents understood the basic roles of plants in daily lives and the importance of conserving it, but 20% of them were disagreed with the statement of a high reliance on traditional herbal medicine and 37% of them were uncertain about it. After accessing the website, about 83% of the respondents agreed that the development of ethnobotanical garden website could deliver the traditional knowledge effectively and they would promote this website to their families and friends. In short, the development of Ethnogarden UTHM website is a good strategy to promote the traditional knowledge and emphasize the significance of plant conservation among UTHM students.