Review of recent applications and modifications of aqueous two-phase system for the separation of biomolecules.

Biomolecules, specifically proteins, polysaccharides, and secondary metabolites are potential lead compounds due to their remarkable pharmacological properties. However, the complex molecular structure of the biomolecules makes their separation processes of great challenges. The conventional downstream processes require multistep protocols that are less efficient, high solvent consumption, expensive, time-consuming, and laborious. Hence, aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) is a reliable technique for the extraction and purification of biomolecules from a complex mixture. ATPS is an environmentally friendly, simple, cost effective, and easily scalable process. It requires a short processing time to separate biomolecules of industrial values simultaneously in a single process. Modifications have also been performed by introducing deep eutectic solvents, ionic liquids, carbohydrates, amino acids or copolymers to enhance the process efficiency with an increased yield, purity and bioactivity of recovered biomolecules. This review attempts to review the recent developed ATPSs and their efficiency to extract, isolate, and purify biomolecules such as proteins, polysaccharides, secondary metabolites and other biological substances. The review provides insights into the feasibility and reliability of ATPS for biomolecule recovery.

Towards identification of important plant areas (IPA) for Peninsular Malaysia. Methodology and future directions.

Malaysia is a megadiverse country and listed as one of the world's biodiversity hotspots. Land use changes and deforestation have led to the threat of, and extinction of plant species. In order to mitigate loss in population numbers, and to prevent species extinction events, Important Plant Areas (IPA) for Malaysia shall be identified. The identification of IPA is important to ensure that key natural areas are adequately protected and managed to preserve the species and its habitats. Currently, there are 1771 IPA identified globally and only seven tropical countries are actively involved excluding Malaysia. Inventory and biodiversity research are actively conducted in Malaysia, however, the initiative to identify IPA is still in its infancy. The first attempt for IPA identification was in the state of Terengganu by using herbarium database through scoring technique. In this paper, we discussed methods and criteria used in IPA identification globally. We also deliberated current IPA development in Terengganu and challenges such as collections biases and the need for a robust scoring technique to reduce judgement uncertainty. We suggested GIS based multi-criteria decision making, analytical hierarchy process and species distribution for Malaysian IPA. These strategies were considered to be effective tools in providing decision support for spatial planning aimed at plant conservation in Malaysia.

Langerhans cell histiocytosis with hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism.

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare disease characterised by monoclonal proliferation and infiltration of organs by large mononuclear cells. Organs commonly involved include the lungs and pituitary gland. However, the disease association with hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism has not been reported in the literature, to our knowledge. We report a 26-year-old Chinese man with LCH, recurrent pneumothoraces, diabetes insipidus and hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism. The clinical features and management of the disease are reviewed.