Browse publications by year: 2016

  1. Ilangkovan M, Jantan I, Mesaik MA, Bukhari SN
    Phytother Res, 2016 Aug;30(8):1330-8.
    PMID: 27137750 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.5633
    Phyllanthus amarus has been shown to have strong inhibitory effects on phagocytic activity of human neutrophils and on cellular immune responses in Wistar-Kyoto rats. In this study, we investigated the effects of daily treatment of standardized extract of P. amarus at 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg for 14 days in Balb/C mice by measuring the myeloperoxidase activity (MPO), nitric oxide (NO) release, macrophage phagocytosis, swelling of footpad in delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH), and serum immunoglobulins, ceruloplasmin and lysozyme levels. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of the extract using validated reversed-phase HPLC methods identified phyllanthin, hypophyllanthin, corilagin and geraniin as the biomarkers. Significant dose-dependent inhibitions of MPO activity and NO release were observed in treated mice. The extract also inhibited E. coli phagocytic capacity of peritoneal macrophages of treated mice and inhibited the sheep red blood cells (sRBC)-induced swelling rate of mice paw in the DTH. There was also a significant decrease in non-specific humoral immunity including ceruloplasmin and lysozyme levels in the extract-fed groups as well as the release of serum level immunoglobulins. The strong inhibitory effects of the extract on the cellular and humoral immune responses suggest the potential of the plant to be developed as an effective immunosuppressive agent. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Male; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Plant Extracts/pharmacology; Phyllanthus/chemistry*; Mice; Immunity, Humoral/drug effects*
  2. Adeyemi KD, Shittu RM, Sabow AB, Ebrahimi M, Sazili AQ
    PLoS One, 2016;11(5):e0154603.
    PMID: 27138001 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0154603
    This study appraised the effects of dietary blend of 80% canola oil and 20% palm oil and postmortem ageing on oxidative stability, fatty acids and quality attributes of gluteus medius (GM) muscle in goats. Twenty-four Boer bucks were randomly allotted to diet supplemented with 0, 4 and 8% oil blend, fed for 100 days and slaughtered, and the GM muscle was subjected to a 7 d chill storage (4±1°C). Diet had no effect (P> 0.05) on the colour, drip loss, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) value, free thiol, carbonyl, myoglobin and metmyoglobin contents, metmyoglobin reducing activity (MRA), antioxidant enzyme activities and abundance of myosin heavy chain (MHC) and actin in the GM muscle in goats. The meat from goats fed 4 and 8% oil blend had higher (P< 0.05) concentration of α and γ-tocopherol and abundance of troponin T compared with that from the control goats. The GM muscle from the oil-supplemented goats had lower (P< 0.05) concentration of C16:0 and greater (P< 0.05) concentration of C18:1n-9, C18:3n-3 and C20:5n-3 compared with that from the control goats. Nonetheless, diet did not affect (P< 0.05) the total fatty acid in the GM muscle in goats. Regardless of the diet, the free thiol and myoglobin contents, concentration of tocopherol and total carotenoids, MHC and MRA in the GM muscle decreased (P< 0.05) while carbonyl content, TBARS, drip loss and metmyoglobin content increased over storage. Dietary blend of 80% canola oil and 20% palm oil beneficially altered tissue lipids without hampering the oxidative stability of chevon.
    MeSH terms: Aging/metabolism*; Aging/physiology; Animals; Antioxidants/metabolism; Autopsy; Diet*; Fatty Acids/metabolism; Glycogen/metabolism; Goats/metabolism*; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Myofibrils/metabolism*; Myoglobin/metabolism*; Oxidation-Reduction; Pigmentation; Muscle, Skeletal/cytology; Muscle, Skeletal/metabolism*; Muscle, Skeletal/physiology; Lipid Metabolism*
  3. Zheng W, Tan TK, Paterson IC, Mutha NV, Siow CC, Tan SY, et al.
    PLoS One, 2016;11(5):e0151908.
    PMID: 27138013 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0151908
    The oral streptococci are spherical Gram-positive bacteria categorized under the phylum Firmicutes which are among the most common causative agents of bacterial infective endocarditis (IE) and are also important agents in septicaemia in neutropenic patients. The Streptococcus mitis group is comprised of 13 species including some of the most common human oral colonizers such as S. mitis, S. oralis, S. sanguinis and S. gordonii as well as species such as S. tigurinus, S. oligofermentans and S. australis that have only recently been classified and are poorly understood at present. We present StreptoBase, which provides a specialized free resource focusing on the genomic analyses of oral species from the mitis group. It currently hosts 104 S. mitis group genomes including 27 novel mitis group strains that we sequenced using the high throughput Illumina HiSeq technology platform, and provides a comprehensive set of genome sequences for analyses, particularly comparative analyses and visualization of both cross-species and cross-strain characteristics of S. mitis group bacteria. StreptoBase incorporates sophisticated in-house designed bioinformatics web tools such as Pairwise Genome Comparison (PGC) tool and Pathogenomic Profiling Tool (PathoProT), which facilitate comparative pathogenomics analysis of Streptococcus strains. Examples are provided to demonstrate how StreptoBase can be employed to compare genome structure of different S. mitis group bacteria and putative virulence genes profile across multiple streptococcal strains. In conclusion, StreptoBase offers access to a range of streptococci genomic resources as well as analysis tools and will be an invaluable platform to accelerate research in streptococci. Database URL: http://streptococcus.um.edu.my.
    MeSH terms: Humans; Mouth/microbiology*; Genome, Bacterial*; Streptococcus mitis/genetics*
  4. Chen H, Lin H, Lin Z, Chen J, Chen W
    BMC Ophthalmol, 2016 May 01;16(1):47.
    PMID: 27138378 DOI: 10.1186/s12886-016-0221-5
    BACKGROUND: Ocular biometry is important for preoperative assessment in cataract and anterior segment surgery. The purpose of this study was to investigate normative ocular biometric parameters and their associations in an older Chinese population.

    METHODS: This was a cross-sectional observational study. From 2013 to 2014, we recruited inhabitants aged 50 years or older in Guangzhou, China. Among 1,117 participants in the study, data from 1,015 phakic right eyes were used for analyses. Ocular parameters including axial length (AL), anterior chamber depth (ACD), and corneal curvature (K) were measured using an IOL Master.

    RESULTS: The mean AL, ACD, and K were 23.48 mm [95 % confidence interval (CI), 23.40-23.55], 3.03 mm (CI, 3.01-3.05), and 44.20 mm (CI, 44.11-44.29), respectively. A mean reduction in ACD with age was observed (P = 0.002) in male subjects but not in female subjects (P = 0.558). Male subjects had significantly longer ALs (23.68 mm versus 23.23 mm, P 

    MeSH terms: Age Factors; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Anterior Chamber/anatomy & histology*; China; Cornea/anatomy & histology*; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Sex Factors; Corneal Topography; Tomography, Optical Coherence; Asian Continental Ancestry Group; Axial Length, Eye/anatomy & histology*
  5. Al-Obaidi MM, Al-Bayaty FH, Al Batran R, Ibrahim OE, Daher AM
    Curr Pharm Des, 2016;22(16):2403-10.
    PMID: 27139374
    OBJECTIVES: -To examine the effect of nicotine (Ni) on bone socket healing treated with Ellagic acid (EA) after tooth extraction in rat.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-Two Sprague Dawley (SD) male rats were divided into four groups. The group 1 was administrated with distilled water intragastrically and injected sterile saline subcutaneously. The group 2 was administrated with EA orally and injected with sterile saline subcutaneously. The groups 3 & 4 were subcutaneously exposed to Ni for 4 weeks twice daily before tooth extraction procedure, and maintained Ni injection until the animals were sacrificed. After one month Ni exposure, the group 4 was fed with EA while continuing Ni injection. All the groups were anesthetized, and the upper left incisor was extracted. Four rats from each group were sacrificed on 14(th) and 28(th) days. Tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) were applied to assess in serum rat at 14th and 28(th) days. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBRAS) levels were assessed to evaluate the antioxidant status and lipid peroxidation accordingly after tooth extraction in homogenized gingival maxilla tissue of rat at 14(th) and 28(th) days. The socket hard tissue was stained by eosin and hematoxylin (H&E); immunohistochemical technique was used to assess the healing process by Osteocalcin (OCN) and Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) biomarkers.

    RESULTS: Ni-induced rats administered with EA compound (Group 4) dropped the elevated concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines significantly when compared to Ni-induced rats (Group 3) (p<0.05). Ni-induced rats administrated with EA compound (Group 4) showed significant production of SOD and recession in TBRAS level when compared to Ni-induced rats (Group 3) (p<0.05). The immunohistochemistry analysis has revealed that OCN and ALP have presented stronger expression in Ni-induced rats treated with EA (Group 4), as against Ni-induced rats (Group 3).

    CONCLUSION: We have concluded that, Ni-induced rats, treated with EA have exerted positive effect on the trabecular bone formation after tooth extraction in nicotinic rats could be due to the antioxidant activity of EA which lead to upregulate of OCN and ALP proteins which are responsible for osteogenesis.

    MeSH terms: Alkaline Phosphatase/metabolism*; Animals; Bone and Bones/drug effects*; Bone and Bones/surgery; Ellagic Acid/pharmacology*; Male; Nicotine/pharmacology*; Tooth Extraction; Wound Healing/drug effects*; Osteocalcin/metabolism*; Rats
  6. Rashid U, Rahim F, Taha M, Arshad M, Ullah H, Mahmood T, et al.
    Bioorg Chem, 2016 Jun;66:111-6.
    PMID: 27140727 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2016.04.005
    Sixteen 4-hydroxycoumarin derivatives were synthesized, characterized through EI-MS and (1)H NMR and screened for urease inhibitory potential. Three compounds exhibited better urease inhibition than the standard inhibitor thiourea (IC50=21±0.11μM) while other four compounds exhibited good to moderate inhibition with IC50 values between 29.45±1.1μM and 69.53±0.9μM. Structure activity relationship was established on the basis of molecular docking studies, which helped to predict the binding interactions of the most active compounds.
    MeSH terms: Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Enzyme Inhibitors/chemical synthesis; Enzyme Inhibitors/pharmacology*; Enzyme Inhibitors/chemistry; Humans; Structure-Activity Relationship; Urease/antagonists & inhibitors*; Urease/metabolism; 4-Hydroxycoumarins/chemical synthesis; 4-Hydroxycoumarins/pharmacology*; 4-Hydroxycoumarins/chemistry; Molecular Structure; Molecular Docking Simulation*
  7. Rannan-Eliya RP, Anuranga C, Manual A, Sararaks S, Jailani AS, Hamid AJ, et al.
    Health Aff (Millwood), 2016 May 01;35(5):838-46.
    PMID: 27140990 DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.2015.0863
    Malaysia has made substantial progress in providing access to health care for its citizens and has been more successful than many other countries that are better known as models of universal health coverage. Malaysia's health care coverage and outcomes are now approaching levels achieved by member nations of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. Malaysia's results are achieved through a mix of public services (funded by general revenues) and parallel private services (predominantly financed by out-of-pocket spending). We examined the distributional aspects of health financing and delivery and assessed financial protection in Malaysia's hybrid system. We found that this system has been effective for many decades in equalizing health care use and providing protection from financial risk, despite modest government spending. Our results also indicate that a high out-of-pocket share of total financing is not a consistent proxy for financial protection; greater attention is needed to the absolute level of out-of-pocket spending. Malaysia's hybrid health system presents continuing unresolved policy challenges, but the country's experience nonetheless provides lessons for other emerging economies that want to expand access to health care despite limited fiscal resources.
    MeSH terms: Delivery of Health Care/organization & administration; Developing Countries; Health Expenditures/statistics & numerical data*; Humans; Insurance, Health/economics*; Malaysia; Surveys and Questionnaires; Private Sector/economics; Public Sector/economics; Universal Coverage/economics*; Healthcare Disparities/statistics & numerical data*; Healthcare Financing*
  8. Abba Y, Hassim H, Hamzah H, Ibrahim OE, Ilyasu Y, Bande F, et al.
    Virus Genes, 2016 Oct;52(5):640-50.
    PMID: 27142080 DOI: 10.1007/s11262-016-1345-7
    Boid inclusion body disease (BIBD) is a viral disease of boids caused by reptarenavirus. In this study, tissue from naturally infected boid snakes were homogenized and propagated in African Monkey kidney (Vero) and rat embryonic fibroblast (REF) cells. Virus replication was determined by the presence of cytopathic effect, while viral morphology was observed using transmission electron microscopy. Viral RNA was amplified using RT-PCR with primers specific for the L-segment of reptarenavirus; similarly, quantification of viral replication was done using qPCR at 24-144 h postinfection. Viral cytopathology was characterized by cell rounding and detachment in both Vero and REF cells. The viral morphology showed round-to-pleomorphic particles ranging from 105 to 150 nm which had sand-like granules. Sanger sequencing identified four closely associated reptarenavirus species from 15 (37.5 %) of the total samples tested, and these were named as follows: reptarenavirus UPM-MY 01, 02, 03, and 04. These isolates were phylogenetically closely related to the University Helsinki virus (UHV), Boa Arenavirus NL (ROUTV; BAV), and unidentified reptarenavirus L20 (URAV-L20). Comparison of deduced amino acid sequences further confirmed identities to L-protein of UHV, L-polymerase of BAV and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase of URAV-L20. Viral replication in Vero cells increased steadily from 24 to 72 h and peaked at 144 h. This is the first study in South East Asia to isolate and characterize reptarenavirus in boid snakes with BIBD.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Cell Line; Cercopithecus aethiops; Malaysia; Phylogeny; RNA Replicase/genetics; RNA, Viral/genetics; Snakes/virology*; Vero Cells; Viral Proteins/genetics; Virus Replication/genetics; Sequence Analysis, DNA/methods; Arenavirus/genetics*; Arenavirus/isolation & purification*; Rats
  9. Lu HT, Chong JL, Othman N, Vendargon S, Omar S
    J Med Case Rep, 2016 May 03;10(1):109.
    PMID: 27142514 DOI: 10.1186/s13256-016-0888-5
    BACKGROUND: Renal cell carcinoma is a potentially lethal cancer with aggressive behavior and it tends to metastasize. Renal cell carcinoma involves the inferior vena cava in approximately 15% of cases and it rarely extends into the right atrium. A majority of renal cell carcinoma are detected as incidental findings on imaging studies obtained for unrelated reasons. At presentation, nearly 25% of patients either have distant metastases or significant local-regional disease with no symptoms that can be attributed to renal cell carcinoma.

    CASE PRESENTATION: A 64-year-old Indian male with a past history of coronary artery bypass graft surgery, congestive heart failure, and diabetes mellitus complained of worsening shortness of breath for 2 weeks. Incidentally, a transthoracic echocardiography showed a "thumb-like" mass in his right atrium extending into his right ventricle through the tricuspid valve with each systole. Abdomen magnetic resonance imaging revealed a heterogenous lobulated mass in the upper and mid-pole of his right kidney with a tumor extending into his inferior vena cava and right atrium, consistent with our diagnosis of advanced renal cell carcinoma which was later confirmed by surgical excision and histology. Radical right nephrectomy, lymph nodes clearance, inferior vena cava cavatomy, and complete tumor thrombectomy were performed successfully. Perioperatively, he did not require cardiopulmonary bypass or deep hypothermic circulatory arrest. He had no recurrence during the follow-up period for more than 2 years after surgery.

    CONCLUSIONS: Advanced extension of renal cell carcinoma can occur with no apparent symptoms and be detected incidentally. In rare circumstances, atypical presentation of renal cell carcinoma should be considered in a patient presenting with right atrial mass detected by echocardiography. Renal cell carcinoma with inferior vena cava and right atrium extension is a complex surgical challenge, but excellent results can be obtained with proper patient selection, meticulous surgical techniques, and close perioperative patient care.

    MeSH terms: Carcinoma, Renal Cell/surgery; Echocardiography; Heart Atria/surgery; Humans; Kidney Neoplasms/surgery; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Middle Aged; Nephrectomy; Vena Cava, Inferior/surgery; Thrombectomy
  10. Aziz ZA, Lee YY, Sidek NN, Ngah BA, Looi I, Hanip MR, et al.
    Neurol Res, 2016 May;38(5):406-13.
    PMID: 27142804 DOI: 10.1080/01616412.2016.1178948
    Gender as an independent predictor in stroke has been well documented. However, data on gender differences among first-ever ischemic stroke in developing country are limited. We aim to describe gender effects on clinical characteristics, thrombolysis treatment received, and outcomes of patients with first-ever ischemic stroke.
    MeSH terms: Brain Ischemia; Developing Countries; Fibrinolysis; Humans; Sex Factors; Thrombolytic Therapy; Stroke
  11. Amiri O, Salavati-Niasari M, Bagheri S, Yousefi AT
    Sci Rep, 2016 05 04;6:25227.
    PMID: 27143126 DOI: 10.1038/srep25227
    This paper describes cooperate the co-absorbance (CdS QDs) and the plasmonic core-shell nanoparticles (Ag@PVP) of dye synthesized solar cells in which CdS QDs and Ag@PVP are incorporated into the TiO2 layer. Cooperative nanoparticles show superior behavior on enhancing light absorption in comparison with reference cells. Cooperated DSSC exhibits the best performance with the power conversion efficiency of 7.64% which is superior to that of the free-modified DSSC with the PCE of 5%. Detailed studies offer an effective approach to enhance the efficiency of dye synthesized solar cells.
    MeSH terms: Silver; Skin; Titanium; Nanoparticles; Physical Phenomena
  12. Ghiyasiyan-Arani M, Masjedi-Arani M, Ghanbari D, Bagheri S, Salavati-Niasari M
    Sci Rep, 2016 05 04;6:25231.
    PMID: 27143312 DOI: 10.1038/srep25231
    In this work, copper pyrovanadate (Cu3V2O7(OH)2(H2O)2) nanoparticles have been synthesized by a simple and rapid chemical precipitation method. Different copper-organic complexes were used to control the size and morphology of products. The morphology and structure of the as-synthesized products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrum, electron dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), differential thermal analysis (DTA) and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The influence of copper pyrovanadate nanostructures on the flame retardancy of the polystyrene, poly vinyl alcohol and cellulose acetate was studied. Dispersed nanoparticles play the role of a magnetic barrier layer, which slows down product volatilization and prevents the flame and oxygen from the sample during decomposition of the polymer. Cu3V2O7(OH)2(H2O)2 is converted to Cu3V2O8 with an endothermic reaction which simultaneously releases water and decrease the temperature of the flame region.
    MeSH terms: Copper; Electrons; Fourier Analysis; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Oxygen; Polymers; Polystyrenes; Temperature; Volatilization; Water; X-Ray Diffraction; X-Rays; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
  13. Ng CM, Loh HS, Muthoosamy K, Sridewi N, Manickam S
    Int J Nanomedicine, 2016;11:1607-14.
    PMID: 27143882 DOI: 10.2147/IJN.S98726
    The high aspect ratio of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) allows the attachment of compounds that enhance the functionality of the drug vehicle. Considering this, use of CNTs as a multifunctional insulin carrier may be an interesting prospect to explore.
  14. Zaini NN, Osman R, Juahir H, Saim N
    Molecules, 2016 Apr 30;21(5).
    PMID: 27144555 DOI: 10.3390/molecules21050583
    E. longifolia is attracting interest due to its pharmacological properties and pro-vitality effects. In this study, an online SPE-LC approach using polystyrene divinyl benzene (PSDVB) and C18 columns was developed in obtaining chromatographic fingerprints of E. longifolia. E. longifolia root samples were extracted using pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) technique prior to online SPE-LC. The effects of mobile phase compositions and column switching time on the chromatographic fingerprint were optimized. Validation of the developed method was studied based on eurycomanone. Linearity was in the range of 5 to 50 µg∙mL(-1) (r² = 0.997) with 3.2% relative standard deviation of peak area. The developed method was used to analyze 14 E. longifolia root samples and 10 products (capsules). Selected chemometric techniques: cluster analysis (CA), discriminant analysis (DA), and principal component analysis (PCA) were applied to the fingerprint datasets of 37 selected peaks to evaluate the ability of the chromatographic fingerprint in classifying quality of E. longifolia. Three groups were obtained using CA. DA yielded 100% correlation coefficient with 19 discriminant compounds. Using PCA, E. longifolia root samples were clearly discriminated from the products. This study showed that the developed online SPE-LC method was able to provide comprehensive evaluation of E. longifolia samples for quality control purposes.
    MeSH terms: Chromatography, Liquid/methods*; Plant Extracts/chemistry; Quality Control; Plant Roots/chemistry; Eurycoma/chemistry*; Quassins/chemistry
  15. Chakraborty C, Das S
    Mini Rev Med Chem, 2016;16(15):1258-1268.
    PMID: 27145852 DOI: 10.2174/1389557516666160505115512
    The incidence of diabetes in developing countries in Asia has increased over the last few years. The economic development is radically changing the lifestyle of the younger generation who prefer to embrace the western lifestyle of eating high calorie fast food with minimal physical exercise. Previously, the rate of diabetes was very low but it is increasing at an alarming rate in the developing countries in Asia. Admittedly, there is paucity of literature on the prevalence of patients with type-1 diabetes in Asian developing countries due to lower field surveys and lack of quantitative data. Few contributing factors such as body mass index (BMI) and its relation with obesity and diabetes, energy dense diet, excessive caloric intake, sedentary behaviors, lifestyle and family history, gene and genomewide association of diabetes, genes and gene polymorphisms are being discussed especially with regard to the Asian population. Dynamics of the diabetes and obesity was depicted for the population of Asian developing countries with special emphasis on China and India. Diabetes has become widespread among the low-income communities. Hence, it is necessary to develop appropriate healthcare policies in order to mitigate this rampant epidemic before it is too late.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Asia/epidemiology; Energy Intake; China/epidemiology; Developing Countries; Diabetes Mellitus/epidemiology*; Diabetes Mellitus/prevention & control; Diet/adverse effects; Feeding Behavior; Humans; India/epidemiology; Life Style; Obesity/epidemiology*; Obesity/prevention & control; Risk Factors; Prevalence; Diabetes Complications/epidemiology; Diabetes Complications/prevention & control
  16. Wafa SW, Shahril MR, Ahmad AB, Zainuddin LR, Ismail KF, Aung MM, et al.
    PMID: 27146199 DOI: 10.1186/s12955-016-0474-y
    Research suggests that physical activity plays a role to improve health related- quality of life (QoL), however studies examining the association between physical activity and HRQOL are limited in the paediatric literature. The aim of this study is to explore the relationship between physical activity and HRQoL among Malaysian children.
    MeSH terms: Child; Health Status; Humans; Publications; Quality of Life; Exercise
  17. Abdul-Rahman NA, Azman RR, Kumar G
    Saudi Med J, 2016 May;37(5):584-6.
    PMID: 27146625 DOI: 10.15537/smj.2016.5.15042
    MeSH terms: Female; Renal Dialysis; Humans; Middle Aged; Nephrectomy; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Weight Loss*; Acute Kidney Injury/diagnosis*; Acute Kidney Injury/physiopathology; Acute Kidney Injury/surgery
  18. Siuw CP, Tan SW, Abdul Wahid AB, Vasudevan S
    Indian J Ophthalmol, 2016 Mar;64(3):238-41.
    PMID: 27146939 DOI: 10.4103/0301-4738.181748
    A 40-year-old man presented with right eye axial proptosis and ophthalmoplegia for 3 months. Imaging study showed a right intraconal mass with the erosion of the orbital floor. Incisional biopsy revealed mucoepidermoid carcinoma. Nasal endoscopy was normal and systemic tumor screening was negative for a primary source. The patient underwent right orbital exenteration, uncinectomy, nasal and maxillary mucosal biopsy. Malignant cells were found present in the mucosa of maxillary sinus roof and uncinate bone. The postoperative positron emission tomography scan showed residual active lesion in right orbital apex and maxilla but no primary lesion elsewhere. The patient subsequently underwent 35 cycles of postoperative radiotherapy. Primary mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the orbit is rare and typically arises from the lacrimal gland or sac. Those tumors not arising from lacrimal apparatus should be presumed metastatic in origin, and the thorough systemic survey should be undertaken in the search for the primary tumor.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Biopsy; Humans; Male; Orbit/surgery; Orbital Neoplasms/diagnosis*; Orbital Neoplasms/surgery; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Neoplasms, Second Primary*; Orbit Evisceration; Carcinoma, Mucoepidermoid/diagnosis*; Carcinoma, Mucoepidermoid/surgery; Positron-Emission Tomography
  19. Ong LM, Ch'ng CC, Wee HC, Supramaniam P, Zainal H, Goh BL, et al.
    Perit Dial Int, 2016 05 04;37(1):35-43.
    PMID: 27147287 DOI: 10.3747/pdi.2015.00141
    ♦ BACKGROUND: Peritonitis is one of the most common complications of peritoneal dialysis (PD). Understanding the risk factors of peritonitis in a multi-racial Asian population may help to improve outcomes on PD. ♦ METHODS: We conducted a prospective observational study to identify risk factors for PD-related peritonitis over a 1-year period in 15 adult PD centers. All peritonitis episodes were independently adjudicated. ♦ RESULTS: A total of 1,603 participants with a mean age of 51.6 years comprising 52.7% females, 62.6% ethnic Malays, 27.0% Chinese, and 8.1% Indians were recruited. The overall peritonitis rate was 1 episode per 44.0 patient-months with 354 episodes recorded in 282 (17.6%) patients over 15,588 patient-months. Significant risk factors of peritonitis were severe obesity (incidence-rate ratio [IRR] 3.32, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.30, 8.45), hypoalbuminemia (IRR 1.61, 95% CI: 1.06, 2.46), Staphylococcus aureus nasal carriage (IRR 2.26, 95% CI: 1.46, 3.50), and use of Fresenius system (Fresenius Medical Care North America, Waltham, MA, USA) (IRR 2.49, 95% CI: 1.27, 4.89). The risk of peritonitis was lower in those on automated PD compared with standard PD (IRR 0.43, 95% CI: 0.25, 0.74), and in centers with a patient-staff ratio of 15 to 29.9 (IRR 0.67, 95% CI: 0.49, 0.90) and ≥ 30 (IRR 0.52, 95% CI: 0.34, 0.80). Prevalent patients and exit-site care with topical antibiotics were also protective against peritonitis. Peritonitis rates varied between racial groups. The IRRs of overall peritonitis and gram-positive peritonitis in Chinese versus other racial groups were 0.65 (95% CI: 0.46, 0.90) and 0.47 (95% CI: 0.24, 0.91), respectively. ♦ CONCLUSIONS: Multiple patient, center, and PD-system factors influence the risk of peritonitis. In the Asian population, there are racial differences in the risk of peritonitis.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Aged; Analysis of Variance; Female; Humans; Kidney Failure, Chronic/diagnosis; Kidney Failure, Chronic/ethnology; Kidney Failure, Chronic/therapy*; Malaysia; Male; Middle Aged; Peritoneal Dialysis/adverse effects*; Peritoneal Dialysis/methods; Peritoneal Dialysis/statistics & numerical data; Peritonitis/ethnology; Peritonitis/etiology*; Peritonitis/epidemiology*; Peritonitis/physiopathology; Prospective Studies; Cohort Studies; Incidence; Survival Rate; Multivariate Analysis; Risk Assessment; Asian Continental Ancestry Group/statistics & numerical data*; Continental Population Groups
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