Browse publications by year: 2018

Fulltext Mesenchymal Stromal Cells from the Maternal Segment of Human Umbilical Cord is Ideal for Bone Regeneration in Allogenic Setting

Lim J, Razi ZRM, Law JX, Nawi AM, Idrus RBH, Chin TG, et al.

Tissue Eng Regen Med, 2018 Feb;15(1):75-87.
PMID: 30603536 DOI: 10.1007/s13770-017-0086-6

Umbilical cord (UC) is a discarded product from the operating theatre and a ready source of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs). MSCs from UC express both embryonic and adult mesenchymal stem cell markers and are known to be hypoimmunogenic and non-tumorigenic and thus suitable for allogeneic cell transplantation. Our study aimed to determine the degree of immunotolerance and bone-forming capacity of osteodifferentiated human Wharton's jelly-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (hWJ-MSCs) from different segments of UC in an allogenic setting. UCs were obtained from healthy donors delivering a full-term infant by elective Caesarean section. hWJ-MSCs were isolated from 3 cm length segment from the maternal and foetal ends of UCs. Three-dimensional fibrin constructs were formed and implanted intramuscularly into immunocompetent mice. The mice were implanted with 1) fibrin construct with maternal hWJ-MSCs, 2) fibrin construct with foetal hWJ-MSCs, or 3) fibrin without cells; the control group received sham surgery. After 1 month, the lymphoid organs were analysed to determine the degree of immune rejection and bone constructs were analysed to determine the amount of bone formed. A pronounced immune reaction was noted in the fibrin group. The maternal segment constructs demonstrated greater osteogenesis than the foetal segment constructs. Both maternal and foetal segment constructs caused minimal immune reaction and thus appear to be safe for allogeneic bone transplant. The suppression of inflammation may be a result of increased anti-inflammatory cytokine production mediated by the hWJ-MSC. In summary, this study demonstrates the feasibility of using bone constructs derived from hWJ-MSCs in an allogenic setting.
Fulltext Risk Analysis Characterization of Benzene and Demographic Factors toward Immunoglobulin A

Tualeka AR, Jalaludin J, Salesman F, Wahyu A, Tukiran T, Setiawan S, et al.

Open Access Maced J Med Sci, 2018 Dec 20;6(12):2381-2385.
PMID: 30607197 DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2018.488

BACKGROUND: Research on risk assessment at industrial sites has experienced growth during the end of this year. But in Indonesia, there is still limited research on risk assessment, especially regarding the importance of measuring non-carcinogenic risk assessment in the workplace. Benzene exposure is believed to reduce levels of immunoglobulin A (IgA) in workers.
AIM: The purpose of this study was to analyse the relationship between risk quotient (RQ) of non-carcinogenic risk assessment of benzene and demographic factors on IgA levels.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: The subjects of the study were shoe craftsmen who were at risk of benzene exposure. The study design was cross-sectional with a total population of 20 workers. Measurement of IgA levels by Immunoturbidimetric Assay with a normal standard of 2-3 mg/ml. Calculation of non-carcinogenic (RQ) risk characteristics with a comparison between risk agent non-carcinogenic intake with RfD or RfC benzene.
RESULTS: The majority of the study subjects aged over 45 years and had a working period of ≥ 25 years. There were 2 location points that had a threshold value exceeding the benzene standard (> 0.05 ppm), and 40% of the subjects had decreased IgA levels. Age and working periods had a significant relationship to IgA levels (p = 0.027; p = 0.047), while benzene and RQ levels did not have a significant relationship with IgA levels (p = 0.179; p = 0.436).
CONCLUSION: Increasing age and working period can reduce IgA levels in the body. Further research is needed on risk assessment, especially on the safe limits of benzene concentration in the workplace to find out how long benzene exposure forms a non-carcinogenic or carcinogenic risk in workers' bodies exposed to benzene.
Fulltext The Impact of CRISPR-Cas System on Antiviral Therapy

Bayat H, Naderi F, Khan AH, Memarnejadian A, Rahimpour A

Adv Pharm Bull, 2018 Nov;8(4):591-597.
PMID: 30607331 DOI: 10.15171/apb.2018.067

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-associated protein nuclease (Cas) is identified as an adaptive immune system in archaea and bacteria. Type II of this system, CRISPR-Cas9, is the most versatile form that has enabled facile and efficient targeted genome editing. Viral infections have serious impacts on global health and conventional antiviral therapies have not yielded a successful solution hitherto. The CRISPR-Cas9 system represents a promising tool for eliminating viral infections. In this review, we highlight 1) the recent progress of CRISPR-Cas technology in decoding and diagnosis of viral outbreaks, 2) its applications to eliminate viral infections in both pre-integration and provirus stages, and 3) various delivery systems that are employed to introduce the platform into target cells.

MeSH terms: Antiviral Agents; Archaea; Bacteria; Disease Outbreaks; Endonucleases; Immune System; Proviruses; Virus Diseases; Global Health; Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats; CRISPR-Cas Systems; Gene Editing
Fulltext Retraction Note: Expression of Functional Anti-p24 scFv 183-H12-5C in HEK293T and Jurkat T Cells

Omar MTC

Adv Pharm Bull, 2018 11;8(4):727.
PMID: 30607346 DOI: 10.15171/apb.2018.082

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.15171/apb.2017.036.].

MeSH terms: Humans
Fulltext Behavioral Pain Indicators in Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury Admitted to an Intensive Care Unit

Nazari R, Pahlevan Sharif S, Allen KA, Sharif Nia H, Yee BL, Yaghoobzadeh A

J Caring Sci, 2018 Dec;7(4):197-203.
PMID: 30607360 DOI: 10.15171/jcs.2018.030

Introduction: A consistent approach to pain assessment for patients admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) is a major difficulty for health practitioners due to some patients' inability, to express their pain verbally. This study aimed to assess pain behaviors (PBs) in traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients at different levels of consciousness. Methods: This study used a repeated-measure, within-subject design with 35 patients admitted to an ICU. The data were collected through observations of nociceptive and non-nociceptive procedures, which were recorded through a 47-item behavior-rating checklist. The analyses were performed by SPSS ver.13 software. Results: The most frequently observed PBs during nociceptive procedures were facial expression levator contractions (65.7%), sudden eye openings (34.3%), frowning (31.4%), lip changes (31.4%), clear movement of extremities (57.1%), neck stiffness (42.9%), sighing (31.4%), and moaning (31.4%). The number of PBs exhibited by participants during nociceptive procedures was significantly higher than those observed before and 15 minutes after the procedures. Also, the number of exhibited PBs in patients during nociceptive procedures was significantly greater than that of exhibited PBs during the non-nociceptive procedure. The results showed a significant difference between different levels of consciousness and also between the numbers of exhibited PBs in participants with different levels of traumatic brain injury severity. Conclusion: The present study showed that most of the behaviors that have been observed during painful stimulation in patients with traumatic brain injury included facial expressions, sudden eye opening, frowning, lip changes, clear movements of extremities, neck stiffness, and sighing or moaning.
Search for Leptoquarks Coupled to Third-Generation Quarks in Proton-Proton Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV

Sirunyan AM, Tumasyan A, Adam W, Ambrogi F, Asilar E, Bergauer T, et al.

Phys Rev Lett, 2018 Dec 14;121(24):241802.
PMID: 30608761 DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.121.241802

Three of the most significant measured deviations from standard model predictions, the enhanced decay rate for B→D^{(*)}τν, hints of lepton universality violation in B→K^{(*)}ℓℓ decays, and the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon, can be explained by the existence of leptoquarks (LQs) with large couplings to third-generation quarks and masses at the TeV scale. The existence of these states can be probed at the LHC in high energy proton-proton collisions. A novel search is presented for pair production of LQs coupled to a top quark and a muon using data at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 35.9 fb^{-1}, recorded by the CMS experiment. No deviation from the standard model prediction has been observed and scalar LQs decaying exclusively into tμ are excluded up to masses of 1420 GeV. The results of this search are combined with those from previous searches for LQ decays into tτ and bν, which excluded scalar LQs below masses of 900 and 1080 GeV. Vector LQs are excluded up to masses of 1190 GeV for all possible combinations of branching fractions to tμ, tτ and bν. With this analysis, all relevant couplings of LQs with an electric charge of -1/3 to third-generation quarks are probed for the first time.

MeSH terms: Electricity; Mesons; Protons; Surveys and Questionnaires; United States; Physical Phenomena
Observation of Medium-Induced Modifications of Jet Fragmentation in Pb-Pb Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02 TeV Using Isolated Photon-Tagged Jets

Sirunyan AM, Tumasyan A, Adam W, Ambrogi F, Asilar E, Bergauer T, et al.

Phys Rev Lett, 2018 Dec 14;121(24):242301.
PMID: 30608764 DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.121.242301

Measurements of fragmentation functions for jets associated with an isolated photon are presented for the first time in pp and Pb-Pb collisions. The analysis uses data collected with the CMS detector at the CERN LHC at a nucleon-nucleon center-of-mass energy of 5.02 TeV. Fragmentation functions are obtained for jets with p_{T}^{jet}>30 GeV/c in events containing an isolated photon with p_{T}^{γ}>60 GeV/c, using charged tracks with transverse momentum p_{T}^{trk}>1 GeV/c in a cone around the jet axis. The association with an isolated photon constrains the initial p_{T} and azimuthal angle of the parton whose shower produced the jet. For central Pb-Pb collisions, modifications of the jet fragmentation functions are observed when compared to those measured in pp collisions, while no significant differences are found in the 50% most peripheral collisions. Jets in central Pb-Pb events show an excess (depletion) of low (high) p_{T} particles, with a transition around 3 GeV/c. This measurement shows for the first time the in-medium shower modifications of partons (quark dominated) with well-defined initial kinematics. It constitutes a new well-controlled reference for testing theoretical models of the parton passage through the quark-gluon plasma.

MeSH terms: Biomechanical Phenomena; Lead; Models, Theoretical; Motion; United States; Photons; Physical Phenomena; Nucleons
Fulltext Isolation of nucleated red blood cell from peripheral blood of β-Thalassemia major patients using CD71 magnetic beads and future application

Haiyuni, M.Y., Aziee S., Heba A., Rosline H., Abdullah W.Z., Johan M.F., et al.

Journal of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, 2018;3(1):25-30.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Isolation of specific cell types is important in providing a better understanding of hematological disorders. The knowledge of molecular biology aspect in β-thalassemia is still limited. This is because hemoglobin disorder involves various erythropoietic processes in which the genetic information is lack due to enucleation of red blood cells occurs in bone marrow. It is invasive to collect samples from bone marrow and cord blood although nucleated red blood cells (NRBCs) are abundant in these sites. NRBCs are precursors of red blood cells and typically found in peripheral blood (PB) of β-thalassemia major patients and abundant post-splenectomy. The utilization of PB NRBCs will provide a further understanding of the molecular aspects of ineffective erythropoiesis in β-thalassemia major patients. Objective: The objective of this study was to isolate the NRBCs using CD71 magnetic beads from PB of β-thalassemia major; non-splenectomy and post-splenectomy patients. Methods: NRBCs were isolated from 6 mL PB of β-thalassemia major patients based on density gradient and magnetic activated cell sorting (MACS) for NRBCs enrichment using a CD71 marker. Cell count was determined by using hemocytometer (Weber Scientific, NJ, USA) and BD FACSCantoTM II flow cytometry (Becton-Dickson, NJ, USA) was performed for method validation. Results: NRBCs were successfully isolated from the PB of both non-splenectomy and post-splenectomy β-thalassemia major patients with >90% specificity by flow cytometric analysis. The median number of enriched NRBCs (x104 ) was 58.5 (283) and 340 (338) respectively using hemocytometer. Conclusion: The MACS method was found to be convenient and efficient in the isolation of the targeted cells for downstream applications.
Fulltext Bilateral Jensen disease in a healthy young lady

Ghani Siti-Ilyana, Koh, Yi-Ni, Embong Zunaina

Journal of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, 2018;3(1):19-24.
MyJurnal

Toxoplasmic optic neuropathy is rare and usually occurs monoocularly. This case report demonstrates a rare presentation of bilateral
juxtapapillary retinochoroiditis (Jensen disease) due to toxoplasma infection in
a young healthy patient. A 20-year-old lady presented with bilateral painless
blurring of central vision for 5 days duration. It was preceded by fever, upper
respiratory tract symptoms and headache. There was no history of contact or
being scratched by a cat. Visual acuity was counting fingers for the right eye
and 6/45 for the left eye. There was presence of relative afferent pupillary
defect in the right eye. Optic nerve functions were impaired bilaterally which
was severe in the right eye. Both eyes showed the presence of mild anterior
segment inflammation and vitritis. Fundus examination revealed juxtapapillary
retinochoroiditis bilaterally with swollen optic disc. Optical coherence
tomography (OCT) showed presence of intra-retinal and sub-retinal fluid at
macular area bilaterally. Serology for anti-toxoplasma Immunoglobulin G (IgG)
was positive with titre of 1450 IU/ml. Computed tomography scan (CT scan) of
brain and orbit was normal. A diagnosis of bilateral juxtapapillary
retinochoroiditis or Jensen disease was made. Oral azithromycin 500 mg daily
and guttae prednisolone 4 hourly for 6 weeks was commenced. Oral
prednisolone 50 mg daily (1 mg/kg/day) was added after completion of 1 week
of antibiotic and was tapered down within 5 weeks. There was improvement of
vision as early as 3 weeks post initiation of the treatment. Upon 6 weeks
completing the treatment, her vision has improved to 6/7.5 on both eyes with
resolution of optic disc swelling and sub-retinal fluid. Early recognition and
initiation of treatment in toxoplasma infection associated with juxtapapillary
retinochoroiditis usually result in good visual prognosis.

MeSH terms: Animals; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Brain; Cats; Chorioretinitis; Eye; Female; Headache; Humans; Immunoglobulin G; Inflammation; Optic Nerve; Optic Nerve Diseases; Orbit; Papilledema; Prednisolone; Prognosis; Respiratory System; Tomography; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Toxoplasma; Visual Acuity; Azithromycin
Fulltext Aesthetic rehabilitation with nano- ceramic composite material - case reports

Noor Hayati Azami, Nora Sakina Mohd Noor, Wei, Pin Ngan, Tze, Jovian Yu Then, Yeong, Chee Teoh

Ann Dent, 2018;25(2):53-57.
MyJurnal

Aesthetic or cosmetic dentistry is one of the main areas of dental practice. Increasing demands of patients for
aesthetics has resulted in the development of several techniques for restoring the anterior teeth. Composite
resin restorations have become an integral part of contemporary restorative dentistry and can be called “star
of minimal invasion” due to its conservative concepts. The direct composite veneering allows restoring the
tooth in a natural way and preservation of sound tooth structure when compared to indirect restorations.
Before placement of direct composite veneers, a proper diagnosis, available treatment options, cost of
treatment, patient’s expectations and duration of treatment should be taken into consideration. This article
presents three case reports of aesthetic rehabilitation of anterior teeth using direct composite with
satisfactory outcome that mimic the natural dentition.
Fulltext A narrative review of different types and processing methods of acrylic denture base material

Lee, Wei May, Lim, Ghee Seong

Ann Dent, 2018;25(2):58-68.
MyJurnal

Acrylic resin is commonly used to fabricate removable prostheses due to its adequate physical, mechanical
properties and cost effectiveness. There has been continuous development of the materials to improve their
properties and to widen their applications in different clinical settings. This study aimed to provide a
historical development of the acrylic resin and elaborate on the properties of different types and the
processing methods of acrylic resins used to fabricate denture base which are commercially available in the
market. This would help dental clinicians to choose the best material of choice in the market. The authors
have summarized the history, development and classification of different types of acrylic resins used in
fabricating dentures and processing methods based on published research available on this topic using
published materials available in the Dental Library, University of Malaya and the database (Science Direct,
PubMed). Every type of acrylic denture base material has its pros and cons. Therefore, careful selection of
the material and processing method is crucial to ensure patients are receiving the best outcome in
prosthodontic treatment hence upholding the patients’ best interest and improving their quality of life.
Fulltext Autism spectrum disorder: patients’ oral health behaviors and barriers in oral care from parents’ perspectives

Maryani Mohamed Rohani, Nur Fatin Baharozaman, Nur Syadiyah Khalid, Norintan Ab-Murat

Ann Dent, 2018;25(2):43-52.
MyJurnal

To assess the oral health behaviors of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and explore attitudes
and barriers in providing oral care by their parents. A cross-sectional, mixed method study design, which
comprised of quantitative and qualitative sections was conducted. The quantitative part assessed the oral
health behavior through a parent-proxy report questionnaire whilst the qualitative part assessed parents’
overall perspective on maintenance of oral health in children with ASD through an in-depth interview using
semi-structured questions. All children below the age of 16 who have been clinically diagnosed with ASD and
registered at the Pediatric Dental Clinic were included. The sample consisted of twenty children with ASD.
Most of the sample were male and between 5-8 years old. Majority had good oral health behaviors but some
exhibited self-injurious behaviors that may affect oral health. Severe characteristics of ASD, co-morbid
conditions and incompetent health professionals were reported as barriers in oral care by parents of these
children. Despite having good oral health behaviors, several barriers and challenges were expressed by these
parents with ASD when providing home oral care or bringing them for dental appointment. Continuous
support for parents with ASD child by dental professionals is essential to help overcome the real challenges
and barriers in providing oral care among these parents.
Fulltext Influence of scaler tip design on intensity of pain and discomfort during scaling

Mohamad Hanis Mat Nazri, Mohd Fakhrul Ridwan Mohd Azmi, Nor Adinar Baharuddin, Nur Ayman Abdul Hayei, Roslan Saub, Vaithilingam, Rathna Devi

Ann Dent, 2018;25(2):36-42.
MyJurnal

To evaluate patient’s subjective preferences to scaling with narrow probe-shaped EMS Perio Slim PS tips
compared to conventional tip based on pain perception using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Ten patients
were treated using a piezoelectric ultrasonic device (EMS) and two different scaler tips representing a
conventional scaler tip and a Perio Slim PS scaler tip in a split-mouth design. Pain was evaluated after 2
minutes scaling using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Data obtained was analysed by SPSS version 19.0 using
Wilcoxon test. Pain assessment after treatment confirmed by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) showed that
the Perio Slim PS scaler tip (maximum pain score: 4, minimum: 2) caused less pain than the conventional
scaler tip (maximum: 8, minimum: 3) (p-value = 0.007). Using Perio Slim PS scaler tip caused less pain and
discomfort during scaling treatment when compared with conventional scaler tip.
Fulltext Vertical play of straight wire appliance aids correction of gummy smile and bimaxillary incisor proclination with mini implant anchorage

Mohd Zambri M.M., Wan Nurazreena W.H.

Ann Dent, 2018;25(1):1-10.
MyJurnal

This report aimed to describe an effective biomechanics to control the upper incisors inclination during the
correction of gummy smile with bimaxillary proclinations. A 14-year-old female presented with a Class II
division I incisor relationship complicated with bimaxillary proclination on a Class 2 skeletal base. The lips
were incompetent, showing 7 mm of upper incisors at rest and 5mm maxillary gingival display on smiling
with normal upper lip length. Treatment involved extraction of all first permanent premolars followed by
upper and lower fixed appliances. Intrusion of the upper incisors with controlled labial crown torque was
accomplished with mini-implant anchorage placed bilaterally on the infrazygomatic crests with the retraction
forces above the centre of resistance using 0.019x0.025-in stainless steel archwire in 0.022-in slot. The
0.019x0.025-in stainless steel archwire in 0.022-in slot provided the vertical play to favour lingual crown
tipping despite having forces above the centre of resistance for concurrent anterior segment intrusion.

MeSH terms: Bicuspid; Female; Gingiva; Incisor; Malocclusion; Maxilla; Smiling; Stainless Steel; Torque
Fulltext Oral health behaviours and preventive dental care experiences among patients with special health care needs at special care dentistry clinic, University of Malaya

Tay, M.J., Chow, C.Y., Ab-Murat, N., Mohamed Rohani M.

Ann Dent, 2018;25(1):23-30.
MyJurnal

To assess the oral health behaviour and preventive dental care experiences of patients with special health
care needs (SHCN) who attended the Special Care Dental (SCD) Clinic at University of Malaya. Data
were collected from 31 patients using a self-administered questionnaire which consisted of questions
pertaining to their oral health behaviours and experiences on receiving preventive dental care (PDC).
For patients who were unable to answer due to existing health conditions, parents or primary caregivers
were approached as proxy. Descriptive analysis was conducted and reported based on percentages to
identify the oral health behaviour and PDC of the individuals. Majority brushed their teeth at least once a
day (84%), used fluoridated toothpaste (87%) and oral hygiene aids (58%). However, almost half of them
(48%) required assistance from parents or caregivers during tooth brushing and consumed sugary snacks
in between meals (58%). About 80% had received PDC where the type of care received was mainly oral
hygiene advice (77%). Slightly more than 80% preferred the one-to-one demonstration method during
PDC. Most gave positive evaluation on their PDC experience especially on items pertaining to the dentist’s
attitude. Whilst most of the SHCN patients in this study had positive perception on the PDC that they
received and practised good brushing behaviour, their dietary habits need to be improved. Thus, regular
preventive dental visit amongst SHCN patients is important for appropriate and comprehensive dental care
in maintaining oral health.
Fulltext Lower dental arch widths changes following fixed orthodontic

Wan Nurazreena WH, Rashidah B., Mohd Zambri M.M., Maria J.G.

Ann Dent, 2018;25(1):0-0.
MyJurnal

To determine the number of cases that are at risk of poor stability in terms of arch width changes following fixed appliances treatment at the Orthodontic Unit, Klinik Pergigian Cahaya Suria, Kuala Lumpur. In a retrospective audit, 101 pre- and post-treatment lower study casts were selected from cases completed in the year 2015 at the Orthodontic Unit, Klinik Pergigian Cahaya Suria, Kuala Lumpur. Samples were measured using a universal caliper by a single calibrated operator. Samples was categorised as extraction or non-extraction types. Arch width changes was determined using paired T-test. The recommended limit was 0mm for inter-canine width, 2 mm for inter-first premolar width and 3mm for inter-second premolar and inter-molar width. Differences were considered “within limits”, if the changes were within the recommended limit ±0.25mm (for possible marginal measurement error) and “expanded”, if above the range for within limits. 42.6% were non-extraction while 57.4% were extraction cases. In the non-extraction group, 52.2% cases had expanded inter-canine widths, followed by inter-first and second premolars (27.9%) and interfirst molar (20.9%) widths. Arch width changes for the inter-first and second premolars and inter-molars widths were statistically significantly different (p<0.05) but bot clinically significant. In the extraction group, 67.2% had expanded inter-canine widths, followed by inter-first premolar (64.3%), inter-second premolar (9.1%) and inter-first molar (5.2%) widths. The inter-canine (M=1.43; SD=2.71, p<0.05) and inter-first premolar (M=2.87; SD=2.61, p<0.05) widths statistically and clinically significant expansion but the inter-second premolar and molar were significantly contracted (p<0.05). The number of cases with expanded arch widths was high regardless of the extraction type.
Keywords: Arch width expansion, stability

MeSH terms: Dental Clinics; Humans; Malaysia; Orthodontics
Impact of PEGylated Nanoparticles on Tumor Targeted Drug Delivery

Mozar FS, Chowdhury EH

Curr Pharm Des, 2018;24(28):3283-3296.
PMID: 30062957 DOI: 10.2174/1381612824666180730161721

PEG-functionalized nanoparticles as carriers of chemotherapeutics agents have been explored with notable successes in preclinical and clinical stages of cancer treatment, with some already approved by FDA, namely PEGylated liposomes and polymers. Half-life extension of therapeutic agents through PEGylation process improves their pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles, thereby reducing their dosing frequency. Protein corona composition of PEGylated nanoparticles (NPs) confers a tremendous influence on their surface characteristics which directly impact tumor accumulation and clearance properties of the drugs. By controlling the size and complexity of PEG molecules, as well as by attaching targeting moieties, the surface characteristics of NPs can be manipulated to improve their tumor uptake without sacrificing the circulation time. This review focuses on design and applications of PEGylated NPs for tumor targeted drug delivery in animal models and clinical setting.

MeSH terms: Animals; Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology*; Humans; Neoplasms/drug therapy*; Neoplasms/pathology; Polyethylene Glycols/chemistry*; Drug Delivery Systems*; Nanoparticles/chemistry*
Fulltext RESPIRE: The National Institute for Health Research's (NIHR) Global Respiratory Health Unit

Sheikh A, Campbell H, Balharry D, Baqui AH, Bogaert D, Cresswell K, et al.

J Glob Health, 2018 Dec;8(2):020101.
PMID: 30603074 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.08.020101
MeSH terms: Developing Countries; Great Britain; Humans; International Cooperation*; Respiratory Tract Diseases/epidemiology; Respiratory Tract Diseases/prevention & control*; Global Health/statistics & numerical data*
Fulltext Setting research priorities for global respiratory medicine within the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Global Health Research Unit in Respiratory Health (RESPIRE)

Rudan I, Agrawal D, Hussein N, Cheong AT, Cunningham S, Dockerell D, et al.

J Glob Health, 2018 Dec;8(2):0201314.
PMID: 30603076 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.08.020314
MeSH terms: Great Britain; Humans; International Cooperation; Research/organization & administration*; Respiratory Tract Diseases/prevention & control*; Global Health*
Combination of Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Cartilage Pellet and Bioscaffold Supported Cartilage Regeneration of a Full Thickness Articular Surface Defect in Rabbits

Abbas M, Alkaff M, Jilani A, Alsehli H, Damiati L, Kotb M, et al.

Tissue Eng Regen Med, 2018 Oct;15(5):661-671.
PMID: 30603587 DOI: 10.1007/s13770-018-0131-0

BACKGROUND: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and/or biological scaffolds have been used to regenerate articular cartilage with variable success. In the present study we evaluated cartilage regeneration using a combination of bone marrow (BM)-MSCs, HyalofastTM and/or native cartilage tissue following full thickness surgical cartilage defect in rabbits.
METHODS: Full-thickness surgical ablation of the medial-tibial cartilage was performed in New Zealand white (NZW) rabbits. Control rabbits (Group-I) received no treatment; Animals in other groups were treated as follows. Group-II: BM-MSCs (1 × 106 cells) + HyalofastTM; Group-III: BMMSCs (1 × 106 cells) + cartilage pellet (CP); and Group-IV: BM-MSCs (1 × 106 cells) + HyalofastTM + CP. Animals were sacrificed at 12 weeks and cartilage regeneration analyzed using histopathology, International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS-II) score, magnetic resonance observation of cartilage repair tissue (MOCART) score and biomechanical studies.
RESULTS: Gross images showed good tissue repair (Groups IV > III > Group II) and histology demonstrated intact superficial layer, normal chondrocyte arrangement, tidemark and cartilage matrix staining (Groups III and IV) compared to the untreated control (Group I) respectively. ICRS-II score was 52.5, 65.0, 66 and 75% (Groups I-IV) and the MOCART score was 50.0, 73.75 and 76.25 (Groups II-IV) respectively. Biomechanical properties of the regenerated cartilage tissue in Group IV closed resembled that of a normal cartilage.
CONCLUSION: HyalofastTM together with BM-MSCs and CP led to efficient cartilage regeneration following full thickness surgical ablation of tibial articular cartilage in vivo in rabbits. Presence of hyaluronic acid in the scaffold and native microenvironment cues probably facilitated differentiation and integration of BM-MSCs.

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