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Fulltext Reef foraminifera as bioindicators of coral reef health in southern South China Sea

A'ziz ANA, Minhat FI, Pan HJ, Shaari H, Saelan WNW, Azmi N, et al.

Sci Rep, 2021 Apr 26;11(1):8890.
PMID: 33903697 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-88404-3

Pulau Tioman is a famous tourist island off Peninsular Malaysia with beautiful coral reefs. This study aims to assess the health of the coral reefs surrounding Pulau Tioman based on the application of the Foraminifera in Reef Assessment and Monitoring Index (FI). Ten sampling sites around Pulau Tioman were studied with a total of 30 samples. Eight orders, 41 families, 80 genera, and 161 species of benthic foraminifera were identified. The agglutinated type of foraminifera constituted 2-8% of the total assemblages. Calcareous hyaline and porcelaneous groups represented 79% and 19% of the total assemblages, respectively. Symbiont-bearing taxa were the most common foraminifera. The results indicate that most of the sampling sites are conducive for coral reef growth with good recoverability from future stress to the ecosystem. However, several areas with higher coastal development and tourism have reduced water and sediment quality. Therefore, the limit on the number of visitors and tourists should be revised to enable coral growth and health. The FI values in this study showed a positive correlation with good water qualities and a negative correlation with organic matter enrichment. The FI is a good measure to assess the health of a coral reef and can be applied to other reef ecosystems around Malaysia.
Ondansetron compared with metoclopramide for hyperemesis gravidarum: a randomized controlled trial

Abas MN, Tan PC, Azmi N, Omar SZ

Obstet Gynecol, 2014 Jun;123(6):1272-1279.
PMID: 24807340 DOI: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000000242

OBJECTIVE: To compare ondansetron with metoclopramide in the treatment of hyperemesis gravidarum.
METHODS: We enrolled 160 women with hyperemesis gravidarum in a double-blind randomized trial. Participants were randomized to intravenous 4 mg ondansetron or 10 mg metoclopramide every 8 hours for 24 hours. Participants kept an emesis diary for 24 hours; at 24 hours, they expressed their well-being using a 10-point visual numeric rating scale and answered an adverse effects questionnaire. Nausea intensity was evaluated using a 10-point visual numeric rating scale at enrollment and at 8, 16, and 24 hours. Primary analysis was on an intention-to-treat basis.
RESULTS: Eighty women each were randomized to ondansetron or metoclopramide. Median well-being visual numeric rating scale scores were 9 (range, 5-10) compared with 9 (range, 4-10) (P=.33) and vomiting episodes in the first 24 hours were 1 (range, 0-9) compared with 2 (range, 0-23) (P=.38) for ondansetron compared with metoclopramide, respectively. Repeat-measures analysis of variance of nausea visual numeric rating scale showed no difference between study drugs (P=.22). Reported rates of drowsiness (12.5% compared with 30%; P=.01; number needed to treat to benefit, 6), xerostomia (10.0% compared with 23.8%; P
Differentiation of Ficus deltoidea varieties and chemical marker determination by UHPLC-TOFMS metabolomics for establishing quality control criteria of this popular Malaysian medicinal herb

Afzan A, Kasim N, Ismail NH, Azmi N, Ali AM, Mat N, et al.

Metabolomics, 2019 Mar 04;15(3):35.
PMID: 30830457 DOI: 10.1007/s11306-019-1489-2

BACKGROUND: Ficus deltoidea Jack (Moraceae) is a plant used in Malaysia for various diseases including as a supplement in diabetes management. Morphology distinction of the 7 main varieties (var. angustifolia, var. bilobata, var. deltoidea, var. intermedia, var. kunstleri, var. motleyana and var. trengganuensis) is challenging due to the extreme leaf heterophylly and unclear varietal boundaries, making it difficult for quality control of F. deltoidea products.
OBJECTIVE: We aimed to compare the phytochemical composition of 7 varieties growing in different conditions at various geographical locations. We also aimed to establish the quality control markers for the authentication of these varieties.
METHODS: We applied untargeted UHPLC-TOFMS metabolomics to discriminate 100 leaf samples of F. deltoidea collected from 6 locations in Malaysia. A genetic analysis on 21 leaf samples was also performed to validate the chemotaxonomy differentiation.
RESULTS: The PCA and HCA analysis revealed the existence of 3 chemotypes based on the differentiation in the flavonoid content. The PLS-DA analysis identified 15 glycosylated flavone markers together with 1 furanocoumarin. These markers were always consistent for the respective varieties, regardless of the geographical locations and growing conditions. The chemotaxonomy differentiation was in agreement with the DNA sequencing. In particular, var. bilobata accession which showed divergent morphology was also differentiated by the chemical fingerprints and genotype.
CONCLUSION: Chemotype differentiation based on the flavonoid fingerprints along with the proposed markers provide a powerful identification tool to complement morphology and genetic analyses for the quality control of raw materials and products from F. deltoidea.
Phyllanthus amarus protects against spatial memory impairment induced by lipopolysaccharide in mice

Alagan A, Jantan I, Kumolosasi E, Azmi N

Bioinformation, 2019;15(8):535-541.
PMID: 31719762 DOI: 10.6026/97320630015535

Phyllanthus amarus Schumach. and Thonn. is a wide spread medicinal herb with various traditional uses. It is well documented for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective activities. Therefore, it is of interest to evaluate the 80% ethanol extract of Phyllanthus amarus (PA) on spatial memory using the 8-radial arm maze (8-RAM) in mice after induction of neuro inflammation by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in a 14- and 28-days treatment study. LC-MS/MS was performed to profile the chemical composition in PA extract. Mice were treated orally with 5% v/v tween 20, PA extract (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg), or ibuprofen (IBF 40 mg/kg) for 14 and 28 days. All groups were challenged with LPS (1 mg/kg) via intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection a day prior to the 8-RAM task except for the negative control group which received an i.p. injection of saline. Data obtained were analyzed with one-way ANOVA followed by post hoc Dunnett's test (comparison of all groups against vehicle control). Analysis of LC-MS/MS data revealed the presence of 16 compounds in the PA extract. Administration of PA extract at 200 and 400 mg/kg for 14 and 28 days significantly (*P<0.05) decreased the working and reference memory errors against LPS-induced spatial memory impairment. The observed protective action is possibly due to the putative antineuroinflammatory effects of PA. In conclusion, PA extract possess neuroprotective effects against spatial memory impairment mediated by LPS.
Fulltext Protective Effects of Phyllanthus amarus Against Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Neuroinflammation and Cognitive Impairment in Rats

Alagan A, Jantan I, Kumolosasi E, Ogawa S, Abdullah MA, Azmi N

Front Pharmacol, 2019;10:632.
PMID: 31231221 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00632

Background:Phyllanthus amarus (PA) is widely studied for its hepatoprotective properties but has recently received increasing attention due to its diverse anti-inflammatory effects. However, the effects of PA in modulating immune responses in the central nervous system leading to protection against functional changes remain unexplored. Therefore, we sought to examine the protective effects of 80% v/v ethanol extract of PA on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced non-spatial memory impairment and neuroinflammation. Methods: Selected major phytoconstituents of PA extract were identified and quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography. Subchronic neurotoxicity was performed in male Wistar rats given daily oral administration of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg of the PA extract. Their neurobehavioral activities (functional observation battery and locomotor activity) were scored, and the extracted brains were examined for neuropathological changes. Rats were treated orally with vehicle (5% Tween 20), PA extract (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg), or ibuprofen (IBF; 40 mg/kg) for 14 and 28 days before being subjected to novel object discrimination test. All groups were challenged with LPS (1 mg/kg) given intraperitoneally a day prior to the behavioral tests except for the negative control group. At the end of the behavioral tests, the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, nitric oxide (NO), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), CD11b/c integrin expression, and synaptophysin immunoreactivity were determined in the brain tissues. Results: Gallic acid, ellagic acid, corilagin, geraniin, niranthin, phyllanthin, hypophyllanthin, phyltetralin, and isonirtetralin were identified in the PA extract. Subchronic administration of PA extract (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) showed no abnormalities in neurobehavior and brain histology. PA extract administered at 200 and 400 mg/kg for 14 and 28 days effectively protected the rodents from LPS-induced memory impairment. Similar doses significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the release of proteins like TNF-α, IL-1β, and iNOS in the brain tissue. NO levels, CD11b/c integrin expression, and synaptophysin immunoreactivity were also reduced as compared with those in the LPS-challenged group. Conclusion: Pre-treatment with PA extract for 14 and 28 days was comparable with pre-treatment with IBF in prevention of memory impairment and alleviation of neuroinflammatory responses induced by LPS. Further studies are essential to identify the bioactive phytochemicals and the precise underlying mechanisms.
Short-Term Results of Trial of Topical Insulin for Treatment of Dry Eyes in Diabetics

Aniah Azmi N, Bastion MC

Eye Contact Lens, 2020 Jan;46 Suppl 1:S25-S32.
PMID: 31145207 DOI: 10.1097/ICL.0000000000000623

OBJECTIVES: To assess the short-term effects of topical insulin (TI) 1 unit/drop 4 times per day for 4 weeks on the symptoms and signs of diabetic with dry eye disease (DED).
METHODS: In this randomized, double-blind interventional study, diabetics with DED aged 18 to 60 years were randomly assigned to TI or standard artificial tears (SAT). Baseline Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), Schirmer I test (ST), tear break-up time (TBUT), and ocular Sjögren's International Collaborative Clinical Alliance (SICCA) score were compared 4 weeks after treatment.
RESULTS: A total of 160 participants (involving 320 eyes) received either TI (n=80) or SAT (n=80). After 4 weeks of treatment, a significant number of participants in both TI and SAT groups showed improvement in their OSDI score, 66% and 63%, respectively (P=0.0001), but were not significantly better than each other (P=0.453). However, most participants in both groups showed worsening of ST and TBUT (P>0.05). Most of the participants in both groups showed no change in their ocular SICCA score (P>0.05).
CONCLUSION: The study has shown a significant and similar improvement in the OSDI score for TI 1 unit/drop four times daily and SAT in treating diabetics with DED. Further research is required to understand the long-term effects of TI on the ocular surface.
Fulltext Evaluation of image quality of bitewing radiographs taken by UITM dental students.

Ayoub,A,A,, A,Rasid,L,H,, Razak,S,, Kamaruzaman,M,, Azmi,N,W,

Compendium of Oral Science, 2020;7(1):32-40.
MyJurnal

Abstract
Objectives: To evaluate the quality of bitewing radiograph taken by Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) dental
students during daily clinical practices and to evaluate the difference in caries lesions found on bitewing
radiographs and clinical examination.
Materials and method: 120 patients who attended the undergraduate dental clinic for dental examination were
included in this study. The inclusion criteria were patients within the age range of 17-45 years old, possessing
at least three sets of posterior teeth, with bitewing radiographs taken by undergraduate dental students. The
number of caries lesions detected by clinical examination, bitewing radiographs, and a combination of both
methods were recorded. The quality of 240 bitewing radiographs was classified into three categories; excellent,
acceptable, and unacceptable. The frequency of radiographic errors; foreshortening/elongation, horizontal
overlapping, inadequate film coverage, non-ideal centering and inadequate contrast and density were also
evaluated.
Results: The quality of bitewing radiographs are mostly accepted to be used as a diagnostic tool and one of the
factors which commonly affected the quality of the bitewing is the overlapping of adjacent teeth. The highest
number of caries lesions were detected radiographically (74%) compared with 25% caries by clinical
examination. The majority of radiographs (71%, n=171) were deemed to be of acceptable quality, 39(16%) were
excellent, and 30(13%) were diagnostically unacceptable. “Horizontal overlap” was the most common error
detected on the radiographs (n=139, 57.9%), followed by “non-ideal centering” (n=93, 38.8%), “inadequate
contrast” (n=46, 19.2%) and “inadequate film coverage” (n=24,10%). The highest number of caries lesions were
detected radiographically (74%) compared with 25% caries by clinical examination.
Conclusion: The quality of the majority of bitewing radiographs taken by undergraduate dental students in this
institution is acceptable. However, given that more than half of the radiographs possessed horizontal
overlapping error, caries diagnosis may have been underestimated. Further training and periodic audits are
required to reduce the percentage of errors in bitewing radiographs amongst undergraduate dental students.
Fulltext Anti-elastase, anti-tyrosinase and matrix metalloproteinase-1 inhibitory activity of earthworm extracts as potential new anti-aging agent

Azmi N, Hashim P, Hashim DM, Halimoon N, Majid NM

Asian Pac J Trop Biomed, 2014 May;4(Suppl 1):S348-52.
PMID: 25183109 DOI: 10.12980/APJTB.4.2014C1166

To examine whether earthworms of Eisenia fetida, Lumbricus rubellus and Eudrilus eugeniae extracts have elastase, tyrosinase and matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) inhibitory activity.
Fulltext Evaluation of patient satisfaction of an outpatient gastroscopy service in an Asian tertiary care hospital

Azmi N, Chan WK, Goh KL

BMC Gastroenterol, 2012;12:96.
PMID: 22839572 DOI: 10.1186/1471-230X-12-96

BACKGROUND: There are limited published studies on patient satisfaction towards endoscopy from Asian countries. Different methods of evaluation of patient satisfaction may yield different results and there is currently no study to compare results of on-site versus phone-back interviews.
METHOD: On-site followed by phone-back interviews were carried out on consecutive patients attending the outpatient gastroscopy service of University of Malaya Medical Centre between July 2010 and January 2011 using the modified Group Health Association of America-9 (mGHAA-9) questionnaire. The question on technical skill of endoscopist was replaced with a question on patient comfort during endoscopy.
RESULTS: Seven hundred patients were interviewed. Waiting times for appointment and on gastroscopy day, and discomfort during procedure accounted for over 90% of unfavorable responses. Favorable response diminished to undesirable level when waiting times for appointment and on gastroscopy day exceeded 1 month and 1 hour, respectively. Satisfaction scores were higher for waiting time for appointment but lower for personal manner of nurses/staff and explanation given during phone-back interview. There was no significant difference in satisfaction scores for other questions, including overall rating between the two methods.
CONCLUSION: Waiting times and discomfort during procedure were main causes for patient dissatisfaction. Phone-back interview may result in different scores for some items compared with on-site interview and should be taken into account when comparing results using the different methods.

Study site: University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), Lembah Pantai, Kuala Lumpur.
Fulltext RF-Based Moisture Content Determination in Rice Using Machine Learning Techniques

Azmi N, Kamarudin LM, Zakaria A, Ndzi DL, Rahiman MHF, Zakaria SMMS, et al.

Sensors (Basel), 2021 Mar 08;21(5).
PMID: 33800174 DOI: 10.3390/s21051875

Seasonal crops require reliable storage conditions to protect the yield once harvested. For long term storage, controlling the moisture content level in grains is challenging because existing moisture measuring techniques are time-consuming and laborious as measurements are carried out manually. The measurements are carried out using a sample and moisture may be unevenly distributed inside the silo/bin. Numerous studies have been conducted to measure the moisture content in grains utilising dielectric properties. To the best of authors' knowledge, the utilisation of low-cost wireless technology operating in the 2.4 GHz and 915 MHz ISM bands such as Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) have not been widely investigated. This study focuses on the characterisation of 2.4 GHz Radio Frequency (RF) transceivers using ZigBee Standard and 868 to 915 MHz UHF RFID transceiver for moisture content classification and prediction using Artificial Neural Network (ANN) models. The Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) from the wireless transceivers is used for moisture content prediction in rice. Four samples (2 kg of rice each) were conditioned to 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25% moisture contents. The RSSI from both systems were obtained and processed. The processed data is used as input to different ANNs models such as Support Vector Machine (SVM), K-Nearest Neighbour (KNN), Random Forest, and Multi-layer Perceptron (MLP). The results show that the Random Forest method with one input feature (RSSI_WSN) provides the highest accuracy of 87% compared to the other four models. All models show more than 98% accuracy when two input features (RSSI_WSN and RSSI_TAG2) are used. Hence, Random Forest is a reliable model that can be used to predict the moisture content level in rice as it gives a high accuracy even when only one input feature is used.
Fulltext Colour vision deficiency among failed candidates for driving license in Sabah. [Abstract]

Azmi N, Yahya AN, Gilong HCS, Anne SJ, Ting RHY, Amil Bangsa NH, et al.

Borneo Journal of Medical Sciences, 2020;3(101):11-12.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Good visual acuity (VA) coupled with the ability to discriminate colours and having a sufficiently wide field of view are factors needed for safe driving. This study aimed to determine the types of colour vision deficiency (CVD) among failed candidates for driving license and to identify the accuracy of the Road transport Department (RTD) screening tests in detecting those who have poor VA and CVD in Sabah.
Methods: A cross-sectional study on the patient’s records of all failed candidates for the driving license that were referred for further assessment by an optometrist. This study was conducted at eight hospitals in Sabah from March to June 2019. Basic demographic data, distance VA, Ishihara test and Farnsworth-Munsell D15 test were collected. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the results. All subjects referred with best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) 0.3 LogMAR were included.
Results: A total of 73 subjects (79% males and 21% females), age range from 16 to 61 years (mean 29±13 years) were recruited. Bajau, Dusun, Bugis and Kadazan were the major ethnic among the subjects. Mean VA on attendance was 0.1 ± 0.19 LogMAR, while BCVA was 0.0 ± 0.07 LogMAR. Thirty-six subjects (49%) were found to have CVD. The prevalence of CVD was more in males than females (45% vs 4%). Most of the CVD were deutans (25%) followed by protans (22%), no findings of tritan CVD In this study, 37 subjects (51%) passed the Ishihara test. These were the false-positive error of the RTD screening tests.
Conclusions: Hereditary red-green perceptive disorder was the commonest CVD in Sabah. The severity of CVD was not been evaluated in this study because it is best evaluated using Hardy Rand and Rittler (HRR) test. The false-positive results might be because of technical error or unfamiliar of using computerized colour vision test, especially among elderly candidates. Visual field screening might be considered in the future to ensure safe driving.
Keywords:visual acuity (VA), colour vision deficiency (CVD), driving license
NMRR Research ID: NMRR-19-1785-48811
Fulltext Entamoeba histolytica: Proteomics Bioinformatics Reveal Predictive Functions and Protein-Protein Interactions of Differentially Abundant Membrane and Cytosolic Proteins

Azmi N, Othman N

Membranes (Basel), 2021 May 21;11(6).
PMID: 34063994 DOI: 10.3390/membranes11060376

Amoebiasis is caused by Entamoeba histolytica and ranked second for parasitic diseases causing death after malaria. E. histolytica membrane and cytosolic proteins play important roles in the pathogenesis. Our previous study had shown several cytosolic proteins were found in the membrane fraction. Therefore, this study aimed to quantify the differential abundance of membrane and cytosolic proteins in membrane versus cytosolic fractions and analyze their predicted functions and interaction. Previous LC-ESI-MS/MS data were analyzed by PERSEUS software for the differentially abundant proteins, then they were classified into their functional annotations and the protein networks were summarized using PantherDB and STRiNG, respectively. The results showed 24 (44.4%) out of the 54 proteins that increased in abundance were membrane proteins and 30 were cytosolic proteins. Meanwhile, 45 cytosolic proteins were found to decrease in abundance. Functional analysis showed differential abundance proteins involved in the molecular function, biological process, and cellular component with 18.88%, 33.04% and, 48.07%, respectively. The STRiNG server predicted that the decreased abundance proteins had more protein-protein network interactions compared to increased abundance proteins. Overall, this study has confirmed the presence of the differentially abundant membrane and cytosolic proteins and provided the predictive functions and interactions between them.
Effects of a neurotensin analogue (PD149163) and antagonist (SR142948A) on the scopolamine-induced deficits in a novel object discrimination task

Azmi N, Norman C, Spicer CH, Bennett GW

Behav Pharmacol, 2006 Jun;17(4):357-62.
PMID: 16914954

Various lines of evidence suggest a role in cognition for the endogenous neuropeptide, neurotensin, involving an interaction with the central nervous system cholinergic pathways. A preliminary study has shown that central administration of neurotensin enhances spatial and nonspatial working memory in the presence of scopolamine, a muscarinic receptor antagonist which induces memory deficits. Utilizing similar methods, the present study employed a two-trial novel object discrimination task to determine the acute effect of a neurotensin peptide analogue with improved metabolic stability, PD149163, on recognition memory in Lister hooded rats. Consistent with previous findings with neurotensin, animals receiving an intracerebroventricular injection of PD149163 (3 microg) significantly discriminated the novel from familiar object during the choice trial. In addition, a similar dose of PD149163 restored the scopolamine-induced deficit in novelty recognition. The restoration effect on scopolamine-induced amnesia produced by PD149163 was blocked by SR142948A, a nonselective neurotensin receptor antagonist, at a dose of 1 mg/kg (intraperitonial) but not at 0.1 mg/kg. In conclusion, the present results confirm a role for neurotensin in mediating memory processes, possibly via central cholinergic mechanisms.
Fulltext Neural fate commitment of rat full-term amniotic fluid stem cells via three-dimensional embryoid bodies and neurospheres formation

Azmi N, Mustaffa Al Bakri SS, Khor W, Hamzah SN, Ferdaos N, Ling KH, et al.

IBRO Neurosci Rep, 2023 Jun;14:235-243.
PMID: 37388489 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2023.01.003

Full-term amniotic fluid stem cell (AFSC) is an underexplored reserve of broadly multipotent stem cells with potential applications in cell replacement therapy. One aspect worth exploring is the potential of AFSCs to differentiate into neural lineages. Previously, we have shown that full-term AFSC lines established from term gestation amniotic fluid, known as R3 and R2, differentiated into neural lineage through the monolayer adherent method suggesting their neurogenic potential. The neural commitment of the cells through the formation of multicellular aggregates has never been shown before. Here, we explored the ability of R3 to commit to neural fate via the formation of three-dimensional multicellular aggregates, namely embryoid bodies (EBs) and neurospheres, exhibiting distinct characteristics resembling EBs and neurospheres as obtained from other published pluripotent and neural stem cells (NSCs), respectively. Different cell seeding densities of the cells cultured in their respective induction medium generated two distinct types of aggregates with the appropriate sizes for EBs (300-350 µm) and neurospheres (50-100 µm). The neurospheres expressed a significantly high level of Nestin than EBs. However, EBs stained positive for TUJ1, suggesting the presence of early post-mitotic neurons representing the ectodermal lineage. In contrast, the presence of the NSC population in neurosphere culture was validated with positive expression of Sox1. Notably, dissociated cells from both aggregates differentiated into MAP2-positive neural cells, highlighting the ability of both types of multicellular aggregates to commit to the neural fate. In conclusion, this study highlights the first evidence of neurosphere formation from full-term AFSCs in addition to neural fate commitment via EBs formation. Findings from this study allow researchers to select the suitable approach for neural cell generation and expansion according to research needs.
Fulltext The Enigma of Crohn's Disease: A Case Report

Azmi N, Tiew Toot Chaw W, Abdul Rahman N, Zaihan S, Ahmad Kammal WSE

Cureus, 2024 Mar;16(3):e55993.
PMID: 38606263 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.55993

Crohn's disease (CD) is an inflammatory condition affecting the gastrointestinal tract, often leading to persistent inflammation in various parts, notably the terminal ileum and colon. Clinical manifestations of CD can become complex due to complications like strictures, fistulas, and perianal abscesses. The disease typically exhibits transmural inflammation and skip lesions, where unaffected areas alternate with affected ones. Treatment goals focus on achieving disease remission and preventing complications that may require surgical intervention. Surgery becomes crucial in managing complications such as Crohn's strictures and perforations. Here, we describe a challenging case involving a young woman who underwent surgery for abdominal abscess and with Crohn's stricture and fistula.
Septic arthritis of temporomandibular joint

Azmi NS, Mohamad N, Razali NA, Zamli AKT, Sapiai NA

Med J Malaysia, 2021 03;76(2):264-266.
PMID: 33742643

Septic arthritis (SA) occurrence for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is rare. Pain, fever, swelling or loss of TMJ function are the typical presentation. The more common diagnosis for these presentations is internal derangement, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Therefore, TMJ septic arthritis is a challenging diagnosis and at risk of delayed diagnosis. We present a case of TMJ septic arthritis in a 46 year old Malay female with underlying hypertension and hypercholestrolemia, which was diagnosed as internal derangement in the initial presentation. The initial radiograph was normal. Arthrocentesis procedure had temporarily relieved the symptoms before progressive facial swelling developed after a week. Contrast enhanced computed tomography (CECT) brain revealed left TMJ abscess formation with left condylar erosion. Patient subsequently improved after wound debridement, left condylectomy and antimicrobial therapy.
Colorectal Peritoneal Metastases Treated by Perioperative Systemic Chemotherapy and Cytoreductive Surgery With or Without Mitomycin C-Based HIPEC: A Comparative Study Using the Peritoneal Surface Disease Severity Score (PSDSS)

Baratti D, Kusamura S, Azmi N, Guaglio M, Montenovo M, Deraco M

Ann Surg Oncol, 2020 Jan;27(1):98-106.
PMID: 31691116 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-019-07935-2

BACKGROUND: The Prodige-7 trial has questioned the role of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in the treatment of peritoneal metastases from colorectal cancer (CRC-PM).
PATIENTS AND METHODS: We compared a prospectively collected group of 48 patients undergoing oxaliplatin/irinotecan-based perioperative systemic chemotherapy (s-CT) with targeted agents, and cytoreductive surgery (CRS) (no-HIPEC group) with 48 controls undergoing the same perioperative s-CT and CRS/HIPEC (HIPEC group). Patients were matched (1:1) according to the Peritoneal Surface Disease Severity Score, completeness of cytoreduction, history of extraperitoneal disease (EPD), and Peritoneal Cancer Index.
RESULTS: The groups were comparable, except for a higher number of patients in the HIPEC group with World Health Organization performance status 0, pN2 stage primary tumor, and treated with preoperative s-CT. Forty-one patients in the no-HIPEC group and 43 patients in the HIPEC group had optimal comprehensive treatment (P = 0.759), defined as complete cytoreduction of PM and margin-negative EPD resection. Median follow-up was 31.6 months in the no-HIPEC group and 39.9 months in the HIPEC group. Median overall survival was 39.3 months in the no-HIPEC group and 34.8 months in the HIPEC group (P = 0.702). In the two groups, severe morbidity occurred in 14 (29.2%) and 13 (27.1%) patients, respectively (P = 1.000), with no operative deaths. On multivariate analysis, left-sided primary and curative treatment independently correlated with better survival while HIPEC did not (hazard ratio 0.73; 95% confidence interval 0.47-1.15; P = 0.178).
CONCLUSIONS: Our results confirmed that, in selected patients, perioperative s-CT and surgical treatment of CRC-PM resulted in unexpectedly high survival rates. Mitomycin C-based HIPEC did not increase morbidity but did not impact prognosis.
Understanding methiopropamine, a new psychoactive substance: an in-depth review on its chemistry, pharmacology and implications to human health

Bunaim MK, Damanhuri HA, Yow HY, Yaakob NS, Makmor-Bakry M, Azmi N

Int J Legal Med, 2024 Mar 01.
PMID: 38424369 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-024-03201-7

Methiopropamine or 1-(thiophen-2-yl)-2-methylaminopropane (MPA) is a thiophene ring-based structural analogue of methamphetamine, first synthesized in 1942 but become popular when it started to be available for purchase on websites selling 'legal highs' since 2010. While it is legally controlled in many countries, it remains readily accessible and frequently encountered in recreational settings. The growing prevalence of MPA use results in new therapeutic challenges. Relatively few studies have focused on its pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics, making it important to better understand its potential risks and harmful effects in humans in terms of its toxicity. This review provides a comprehensive profiling of MPA toxicological properties, including its chemical properties, analytical methods, prevalence, patterns of use, and legal status. Additionally, it discusses the drug's effects on the central nervous system, its potential for addiction, and its adverse physical and mental health effects. Improving the understanding of safety aspects of MPA and how it imposes health threats for public health will guide the development of therapeutic approach of its intoxication and guide the authorities in deciding its legal status.
Fulltext Atypical presentation of giant fibroadenoma of the breast

Burud IAS, Azmi N

Pan Afr Med J, 2021 07 05;39:168.
PMID: 34539964 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2021.39.168.26975
Fulltext Split-dose vs same-day reduced-volume polyethylene glycol electrolyte lavage solution for morning colonoscopy

Chan WK, Azmi N, Mahadeva S, Goh KL

World J Gastroenterol, 2014 Oct 21;20(39):14488-94.
PMID: 25339836 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i39.14488

To compare same-day whole-dose vs split-dose of 2-litre polyethylene glycol electrolyte lavage solution (PEG-ELS) plus bisacodyl for colon cleansing for morning colonoscopy.

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