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Fulltext The role of ubiquitous metal ions in degradation of microplastics in hot-compressed water

Vo TP, Rintala J, Dai L, Oh WD, He C

Water Res, 2023 Oct 15;245:120672.
PMID: 37783176 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120672

Hydrothermal processing (HTP) is an efficient thermochemical technology to achieve sound treatment and resource recovery of sewage sludge (SS) in hot-compressed subcritical water. However, microplastics (MPs) and heavy metals can be problematic impurities for high-quality nutrients recovery from SS. This study initiated hydrothermal degradation of representative MPs (i.e., polyethylene (PE), polyamide (PA), polypropylene (PP)) under varied temperatures (180-300 °C) to understand the effect of four ubiquitous metal ions (i.e., Fe3+, Al3+, Cu2+, Zn2+) on MPs degradation. It was found that weight loss of all MPs in metallic reaction media was almost four times of that in water media, indicating the catalytic role of metal ions in HTP. Especially, PA degradation at 300 °C was promoted by Fe3+ and Al3+ with remarkable weight loss higher than 95% and 92%, respectively, which was ca. 160 °C lower than that in pyrolysis. Nevertheless, PE and PP were more recalcitrant polymers to be degraded under identical condition. Although higher temperature thermal hydrolysis reaction induced severe chain scission of polymers to reinforce degradation of MPs, Fe3+ and Al3+ ions demonstrated the most remarkable catalytic depolymerization of MPs via enhanced free radical dissociation rather than hydrolysis. Pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py GC-MS) was further complementarily applied with GC-MS to reveal HTP of MPs to secondary MPs and nanoplastics. This fundamental study highlights the crucial role of ubiquitous metal ions in MPs degradation in hot-compressed water. HTP could be an energy-efficient technology for effective treatment of MPs in SS with abundant Fe3+ and Al3+, which will benefit sustainable recovery of cleaner nutrients in hydrochar and value-added chemicals or monomers from MPs.
Protective effect of Etlingera elatior (torch ginger) extract on lead acetate--induced hepatotoxicity in rats

Haleagrahara N, Jackie T, Chakravarthi S, Rao M, Kulur A

J Toxicol Sci, 2010 Oct;35(5):663-71.
PMID: 20930461

Lead is known to disrupt the biological systems by altering the molecular interactions, cell signaling, and cellular function. Exposure to even low levels of lead may have potential hazardous effects on brain, liver, kidneys and testes. The efficacy of Etlingera elatior (torch ginger) to protect hepatotoxicity induced by lead acetate was evaluated experimentally in male Sprague - Dawley rats. Rats were exposed to lead acetate in drinking water (500 ppm) for 21 days and the effects of concurrent treatment with extract of E. elatior on hepatic lipid hydroperoxides (LPO), protein carbonyl content (PCC), total antioxidants (TA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and glutathione S- Transferase (GST) levels and histopathological changes in liver were evaluated. There was a significant decrease in TA and other antioxidant enzymes (p < 0.05) and increase in LPO and PCC (p < 0.05) with lead acetate ingestion. Concurrent treatment with E. elatior extract significantly reduced the LPO and PCC (p < 0.05) in serum and increased the antioxidant enzyme levels (p < 0.05) in the liver. Significant histopathological changes were seen in hepatic tissue with chronic lead ingestion. Treatment with E. elatior significantly reduced these lead-induced changes in hepatic architecture. E. elatior has also reduced the blood lead levels (BLL). Thus, there has been extensive biochemical and structural alterations indicative of liver toxicity with exposure to lead and E. elatior treatment significantly reduced these oxidative damage. Our results suggest that E. elatior has a powerful antioxidant effect against lead-induced hepatotoxicity.
Immobilised Sarawak Malaysia yeast cells for production of bioethanol

Zain MM, Kofli NT, Rozaimah S, Abdullah S

Pak J Biol Sci, 2011 May 01;14(9):526-32.
PMID: 22032081

Bioethanol production using yeast has become a popular topic due to worrying depleting worldwide fuel reserve. The aim of the study was to investigate the capability of Malaysia yeast strains isolated from starter culture used in traditional fermented food and alcoholic beverages in producing Bioethanol using alginate beads entrapment method. The starter yeast consists of groups of microbes, thus the yeasts were grown in Sabouraud agar to obtain single colony called ST1 (tuak) and ST3 (tapai). The growth in Yeast Potatoes Dextrose (YPD) resulted in specific growth of ST1 at micro = 0.396 h-1 and ST3 at micro = 0.38 h-1, with maximum ethanol production of 7.36 g L-1 observed using ST1 strain. The two strains were then immobilized using calcium alginate entrapment method producing average alginate beads size of 0.51 cm and were grown in different substrates; YPD medium and Local Brown Sugar (LBS) for 8 h in flask. The maximum ethanol concentration measured after 7 h were at 6.63 and 6.59 g L-1 in YPD media and 1.54 and 1.39 g L-1in LBS media for ST1 and ST3, respectively. The use of LBS as carbon source showed higher yield of product (Yp/s), 0.59 g g-1 compared to YPD, 0.25 g g-1 in ST1 and (Yp/s), 0.54 g g-1 compared to YPD, 0.24 g g-1 in ST3 . This study indicated the possibility of using local strains (STI and ST3) to produce bioethanol via immobilization technique with local materials as substrate.
Fulltext Atypical Ocular Toxoplasmosis With Remote Vasculitis and Kyrieleis Plaques

Teng Siew T, Mohamad SA, Sudarno R, Md Said H

Cureus, 2024 Jan;16(1):e52756.
PMID: 38389616 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.52756

Retinal vasculitis is common in ocular toxoplasmosis (OT) and typically occurs in the same quadrant as retinochoroiditis. This is a case of atypical ocular toxoplasmosis with remote vasculitis distant from the retinochoroiditis lesion. Examination of the left fundus showed the classic posterior segment finding of "headlight in the fog" in the absence of a chorioretinal scar. Retinal vasculitis was noted in all four quadrants at the periphery far from the retinitis area. A presumptive diagnosis of acute panuveitis secondary to ocular toxoplasmosis was made despite the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for Toxoplasmosis antibody being pending. The patient was treated empirically with oral sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim for eight weeks and received both oral and topical corticosteroids. His symptoms and ocular signs have significantly improved. This case report highlights an atypical remote localization of vasculitis with the classic appearance of retinochoroiditis and vitritis, which is highly due to toxoplasmosis. Early initiation of antibiotic therapy is recommended despite pending serology to ensure a good final visual and ocular outcome.
Fulltext Herbicidal properties of antihypertensive drugs: calcium channel blockers

Abdullah HSTSH, Chia PW, Omar D, Chuah TS

Sci Rep, 2021 07 09;11(1):14227.
PMID: 34244589 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-93662-2

Herbicide resistance is a worldwide problem in weed control. This prompts researchers to look for new modes of action to slow down the evolution of herbicide-resistant weeds. This research aims to determine the herbicidal action of thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidines derivatives, which are well known as antihypertensive drugs. The phytotoxic effects of ten compounds were investigated using leaf disc discoloration test and seed germination bioassay. At concentrations of 125 to 250 mg/L, the 5-(3-Fluoro-phenyl)-7-methyl-5H-thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidine-6-carboxylic acid ethyl ester (c) was highly active against Oldenlandia verticillata and Eleusine indica. At application rates of 1.25 to 2.5 kg ai/ha, formulated c demonstrated selective post-emergence and pre-emergence herbicidal activity against O. verticillata, E. indica and Cyperus iria. In the crop tolerance test, formulated c outperformed the commercial herbicide diuron, with aerobic Oryza sativa being the most tolerant, followed by Zea mays, and Brassica rapa. The addition of calcium chloride partially nullified compound c's inhibitory effects on weed shoot growth, indicating that it has potential as a calcium channel blocker. Compound c acted by triggering electrolyte leakage without affecting photosystem II. These findings imply that c could be explored further as a template for developing new herbicides with novel modes of action.
Ultrasensitive Biosensor for the Detection of Vibrio cholerae DNA with Polystyrene-co-acrylic Acid Composite Nanospheres

Rahman M, Heng LY, Futra D, Ling TL

Nanoscale Res Lett, 2017 Dec;12(1):474.
PMID: 28774152 DOI: 10.1186/s11671-017-2236-0

An ultrasensitive electrochemical biosensor for the determination of pathogenic Vibrio cholerae (V. cholerae) DNA was developed based on polystyrene-co-acrylic acid (PSA) latex nanospheres-gold nanoparticles composite (PSA-AuNPs) DNA carrier matrix. Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) using an electroactive anthraquninone oligonucleotide label was used for measuring the biosensor response. Loading of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on the DNA-latex particle electrode has significantly amplified the faradaic current of DNA hybridisation. Together with the use of a reported probe, the biosensor has demonstrated high sensitivity. The DNA biosensor yielded a reproducible and wide linear response range to target DNA from 1.0 × 10(-21) to 1.0 × 10(-8) M (relative standard deviation, RSD = 4.5%, n = 5) with a limit of detection (LOD) of 1.0 × 10(-21) M (R (2) = 0.99). The biosensor obtained satisfactory recovery values between 91 and 109% (n = 3) for the detection of V. cholerae DNA in spiked samples and could be reused for six consecutive DNA assays with a repeatability RSD value of 5% (n = 5). The electrochemical biosensor response was stable and maintainable at 95% of its original response up to 58 days of storage period.
Fulltext Identification of Cultivable Bacteria from Tropical Marine Sponges and Their Biotechnological Potentials

Amelia TSM, Amirul AA, Saidin J, Bhubalan K

Trop Life Sci Res, 2018 Jul;29(2):187-199.
PMID: 30112149 MyJurnal DOI: 10.21315/tlsr2018.29.2.13

Marine sponges are acknowledged as bacterial hotspots in the oceanic biome. Aquatic bacteria are being investigated comprehensively for bioactive complexes and secondary metabolites. Cultivable bacteria associated with different species of sea sponges in South China Sea waters adjacent to Bidong Island, Terengganu were identified. Molecular identification was accomplished using 16S rRNA gene cloning and sequencing. Fourteen bacterial species were identified and their phylogenetic relationships were analysed by constructing a neighbour-joining tree with Molecular Evolutionary Genetics Analysis 6. The identified species encompassed four bacterial classes that were Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Alphaproteobacteria and Gammaproteobacteria known to have been associated with sponges. The potential biotechnological applications of the identified bacteria were compared and reviewed based on relevant past studies. The biotechnological functions of the 14 cultivable isolates have been previously reported, hence reinforcing that bacteria associated with sponges are an abundant resource of scientifically essential compounds. Resilience of psychrotolerant bacteria, Psychrobacter celer, in warm tropical waters holds notable prospects for future research.
Fulltext Microencapsulated Aliivibrio fischeri in alginate microspheres for monitoring heavy metal toxicity in environmental waters

Futra D, Heng LY, Surif S, Ahmad A, Ling TL

Sensors (Basel), 2014 Dec 05;14(12):23248-68.
PMID: 25490588 DOI: 10.3390/s141223248

In this article a luminescence fiber optic biosensor for the microdetection of heavy metal toxicity in waters based on the marine bacterium Aliivibrio fischeri (A. fischeri) encapsulated in alginate microspheres is described. Cu(II), Cd(II), Pb(II), Zn(II), Cr(VI), Co(II), Ni(II), Ag(I) and Fe(II) were selected as sample toxic heavy metal ions for evaluation of the performance of this toxicity microbiosensor. The loss of bioluminescence response from immobilized A. fischeri bacterial cells corresponds to changes in the toxicity levels. The inhibition of the luminescent biosensor response collected at excitation and emission wavelengths of 287 ± 2 nm and 487 ± 2 nm, respectively, was found to be reproducible and repeatable within the relative standard deviation (RSD) range of 2.4-5.7% (n = 8). The toxicity biosensor based on alginate micropsheres exhibited a lower limit of detection (LOD) for Cu(II) (6.40 μg/L), Cd(II) (1.56 μg/L), Pb(II) (47 μg/L), Ag(I) (18 μg/L) than Zn(II) (320 μg/L), Cr(VI) (1,000 μg/L), Co(II) (1700 μg/L), Ni(II) (2800 μg/L), and Fe(III) (3100 μg/L). Such LOD values are lower when compared with other previous reported whole cell toxicity biosensors using agar gel, agarose gel and cellulose membrane biomatrices used for the immobilization of bacterial cells. The A. fischeri bacteria microencapsulated in alginate biopolymer could maintain their metabolic activity for a prolonged period of up to six weeks without any noticeable changes in the bioluminescence response. The bioluminescent biosensor could also be used for the determination of antagonistic toxicity levels for toxicant mixtures. A comparison of the results obtained by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) and using the proposed luminescent A. fischeri-based biosensor suggests that the optical toxicity biosensor can be used for quantitative microdetermination of heavy metal toxicity in environmental water samples.
Fulltext Risk factors for clinically significant macular edema in a multi-ethnics population with type 2 diabetes

Jew OM, Peyman M, Chen TC, Visvaraja S

Int J Ophthalmol, 2012;5(4):499-504.
PMID: 22937513 DOI: 10.3980/j.issn.2222-3959.2012.04.18

AIM: To determine the risk factors of clinically significant macular edema (CSME) in patients with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) in a multi-ethnics Malaysian population.
METHODS: We performed a case control study in which 150 patients with bilateral NPDR and CSME in either eye were compared to 150 patients with bilateral NPDR and no CSME in both eyes. CSME and NPDR were graded according to Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study criteria. Student's t-test, odds ratio and multiple logistic regression analysis were performed to analyze the duration of diabetes, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure(BP), total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides (TG), fasting blood glucose (FBG), HbA1c, full blood count, serum creatinine and proteinuria between the two groups.
RESULTS: Both groups were matched in terms of age, gender and ethnicity. Duration of diabetes, total serum cholesterol, serum LDL, FBG, HbA1c and serum creatinine were significantly higher in the CSME group (P<0.05). The hemoglobin, packed cell volume were significantly lower in the CSME group (p<0.05). There was no significant difference for serum HDL, TG, BMI, systolic and diastolic BP. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that total serum cholesterol and HbA1c had significantly high odds of developing CSME.
CONCLUSION: HbA1c and total cholesterol are the two most important risk factors associated with CSME in patients with NPDR.
KEYWORDS: clinically significant macular edema; diabetes; risk factors
Study site: Ophthalmology clinic, Hospital Melaka, Malaysia
Network pharmacology-integrated molecular docking analysis of phytocompounds of Caesalpinia pulcherrima (peacock flower) as potential anti-metastatic agents

Hao Dong T, Yau Wen Ning A, Yin Quan T

J Biomol Struct Dyn, 2024;42(4):1778-1794.
PMID: 37060321 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2202273

Caesalpinia pulcherrima, or peacock flower, has been a subject of cancer therapeutics research, showing promising anti-cancer and anti-metastatic properties. The present research aims to investigate the anti-metastatic potential of the flower, through bioinformatics approaches. Metastasis targets numbering 471 were identified through overlap analysis following NCBI gene, Gene Card and OMIM query. Phytocompounds of the flower were retrieved from PubChem and their protein interactions predicted using Super-PRED and TargetNet. The 28 targets that overlapped with the predicted proteins were used to generate STRING >0.7. Enrichment analysis revealed that C. pulcherrima may inhibit metastasis through angiogenesis-related and leukocyte migration-related pathways. HSP90AA1, ESR1, PIK3CA, ERBB2, KDR and MMP9 were identified as potential core targets while and 6 compounds (3-[(4-Hydroxyphenyl)methylidene]-7,8-dimethoxychromen-4-one (163076213), clotrimazole (2812), Isovouacapenol A (636673), [(4aR,5R,6aS,7R,11aS,11bR)-4a-hydroxy-4,4,7,11b-tetramethyl-9-oxo-1,2,3,5,6,6a,7,11a-octahydronaphtho[2,1-f][1]benzofuran-5-yl] benzoate (163104827), Stigmast-5-en-3beta-ol (86821) and 4,2'-dihydroxy-4'-methoxychalcone (592216)) were identified as potential core compounds. Molecular docking analysis and molecular dynamics simulations investigations revealed that ERBB2, HSP90AA1 and KDR, along with the newly discovered 163076213 compound to be the most significant metastasis targets and bioactive compound, respectively. These three core targets demonstrated interactions consistent with angiogenesis and leukocyte migration pathways. Furthermore, potentially novel interactions, such as KDR-MMP9, KDR-PIK3CA, ERBB2-HSP90AA1, ERBB2-ESR1, ERBB2-PIK3CA and ERBB2-MMP9 interactions were identified and may play a role in crosslinking the aforementioned metastatic pathways. Therefore, the present study revealed the main mechanisms behind the anti-metastatic effects of C. pulcherrima, paving the path for further research on these compounds and proteins to accelerate the research of cancer therapeutics and application of C. pulcherrima.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
Bereavement in the elderly: the role of primary care

Hashim SM, Eng TC, Tohit N, Wahab S

Ment Health Fam Med, 2013 Sep;10(3):159-62.
PMID: 24427183

Bereavement in the elderly is a concern to primary care physicians (PCPs) as it can lead to psychological illness such as depression. Most people are able to come to terms with their grief without any intervention, but some people are not. This case highlights the importance of early recognition of bereavement-related depressive illness in elderly people. PCPs need to optimise support and available resources prior to, and throughout, the bereavement period in order to reduce the family members' burden and suffering.
Fulltext Commonly Misdiagnosed Facial Lesion: Pilomatricoma

Xin TY, Saniasiaya J, Kulasegarah J, Fan CS

Acta Medica (Hradec Kralove), 2023;66(4):158-160.
PMID: 38588394 DOI: 10.14712/18059694.2024.11

Pilomatricoma, also known as Pilamatrixoma or Malherbe's calcifying epithelioma, is a benign skin tumour with a bimodal age distribution between the paediatric and elderly age groups. Although it was previously thought to be rare, recent studies have revealed that it is quite common. Typically, pilomatricoma is diagnosed following histopathological examination of the lesion as it is frequently misdiagnosed with other types of skin pathology. In our case, the child presented with painless swelling of the left infraauricular region. The initial cytology and imaging were unable to provide a definite diagnosis. An excision biopsy was done, and a histopathological examination was suggestive of Pilomatricoma. Therefore, Pilomatricoma ought to be considered in the differential diagnosis of head and neck lesions in hopes of providing a better understanding on this pathological lesion.
Rapid detection, serotyping and quantitation of dengue viruses by TaqMan real-time one-step RT-PCR

Kong YY, Thay CH, Tin TC, Devi S

J Virol Methods, 2006 Dec;138(1-2):123-30.
PMID: 17000012 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2006.08.003

The use of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in molecular diagnosis is now accepted worldwide and has become an essential tool in the research laboratory. In the laboratory, a rapid detection, serotyping and quantitation, one-step real-time RT-PCR assay was developed for dengue virus using TaqMan probes. In this assay, a set of forward and reverse primers were designed targeting the serotype conserved region at the NS5 gene, at the same time flanking a variable region for all four serotypes which were used to design the serotype-specific TaqMan probes. This multiplex one-step RT-PCR assay was evaluated using 376 samples collected during the year 2003. These groups included RNA from prototype dengue virus (1-4), RNA from acute serum from which dengue virus was isolated, RNA from tissue culture supernatants of dengue virus isolated, RNA from seronegative acute samples (which were culture and IgM negative) and RNA from samples of dengue IgM positive sera. The specificity of this assay was also evaluated using a panel of sera which were positive for other common tropical disease agents including herpes simplex virus, cytomegalovirus, measles virus, varicella-zoster virus, rubella virus, mumps virus, WWF, West Nile virus, Japanese encephalitis virus, S. typhi, Legionella, Leptospira, Chlamydia, and Mycoplasma. The sensitivity, specificity and real-time PCR efficiency of this assay were 89.54%, 100% and 91.5%, respectively.
Fulltext Relationship of ulna styloid fracture to the distal radio-ulnar joint stability. A clinical, functional, and radiographic outcome study

Ajit Singh V, Jia TY, Devi Santharalinggam R, Gunasagaran J

PLoS One, 2023;18(1):e0279210.
PMID: 36662743 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0279210

BACKGROUND: Ulna styloid fracture occurs approximately about 55% of all distal end of radius fractures. However, the clinical and functional outcome of these fractures remains indefinite.
RESULTS: Only 56 patients with distal radius fractures had concomitant ulna styloid fractures. The mean age was 32 years (range: 18-69; SD: ± 12.7). The majority were men. The mean time from injury was 18.7 months (range: 6-84; SD: ± 13.3). The most common was Frykman 2, followed by 6, type 8, and type 4. All were closed fractures; 60.7% were base, and 39.3% were tip fractures. 50% were treated with casting, 48.3% plating, and 1.8% external fixation. The mean period of casting was 7.67 weeks (range: 4-16; SD ± 3.1). The ulna styloid was united in 35.7%. There is no significant difference in the range of movement between those with ulna styloid union and non-union. The Ballottement test and Piano key sign was statistically insignificant between both groups. All the displacements were dorsal except in 1 case. The mean displacement of ulna styloid is 1.88mm (SD±1.08, Range: 0.20-4.60mm). The mean VAS score at rest and work is not statistically significant. The mean grip strength and functional score (DASH) are similar in both groups.
CONCLUSION: Ulna styloid fractures do not contribute to the DRUJ instability and the status of the union of the ulna styloid and the site of the ulna styloid fracture (tip or base) did not have a bearing on the range of movement and functional status of the affected wrist. Temporary DRUJ immobilization might allow TFCC recovery.
Chromosomal and cellular therapeutic approaches for Down syndrome: A research update

Huang T, Fakurazi S, Cheah PS, Ling KH

Biochem Biophys Res Commun, 2024 Sep 04;735:150664.
PMID: 39260337 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.150664

In individuals with Down syndrome (DS), an additional HSA21 chromosome copy leads to the overexpression of a myriad of HSA21 genes, disrupting the transcription of the entire genome. This dysregulation in transcription and post-transcriptional modifications contributes to abnormal phenotypes across nearly all tissues and organs in DS individuals. The array of severe clinical symptoms associated with trisomy 21 poses a considerable challenge in the quest for a cure for DS. Fortunately, a wealth of research suggests that chromosome therapy, hinging on cutting-edge genome editing technologies, can potentially eliminate the extra copy of the human chromosome 21. Genome editing tools have demonstrated their efficacy in restoring trisomy to a normal diploid state in vitro DS cell models. Furthermore, we delve into the noteworthy findings in cellular therapy for DS, with recent studies showcasing the increasing feasibility of strategies involving stem cells and CAR T-cells to address corresponding clinical phenotypes.
Fulltext Detection of Entamoeba histolytica in experimentally induced amoebic liver abscess: comparison of three staining methods

Ning TZ, Kin WW, Mustafa S, Ahmed A, Noordin R, Cheong TG, et al.

Asian Pac J Trop Biomed, 2012 Jan;2(1):61-5.
PMID: 23569836 DOI: 10.1016/S2221-1691(11)60191-3

To compare the efficacy of three different tissue stains, namely haematoxylin and eosin (H&E), periodic-acid Schiff (PAS) and immunohistochemical (IHC) stains for detection of Entamoeba histolytica (E. histolytica) trophozoites in abscessed liver tissues of hamster.
Fulltext Unexpected complication of arteriovenous fistula of the left common carotid to internal jugular vein following central venous catheterization

Henry TCL, Huei TJ, Yuzaidi M, Safri LS, Krishna K, Rizal IA, et al.

Chin J Traumatol, 2020 Feb;23(1):29-31.
PMID: 31744657 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjtee.2019.10.001

Incidence of inadvertent arterial puncture secondary to central venous catheter insertion is not common with an arterial puncture rate of <1%. This is due to the advancements and wide availability of ultrasound to guide its insertion. Formation of arteriovenous fistula after arterial puncture is an unexpected complication. Till date, only five cases (including this case) of acquired arteriovenous fistula formation has been described due to inadvertent common carotid puncture. The present case is a 26-year-old man sustained traumatic brain injuries, chest injuries and multiple bony fractures. During resuscitative phase, attempts at left central venous catheter via left internal jugular vein under ultrasound guidance resulted in inadvertent puncture into the left common carotid artery. Surgical neck exploration revealed that the catheter had punctured through the left internal jugular vein into the common carotid artery with formation of arteriovenous fistula. The catheter was removed successfully and common carotid artery was repaired. Postoperatively, the patient recovered and clinic visits revealed no neurological deficits. From our literature review, the safest method for removal is via endovascular and open surgical removal. The pull/push technique (direct removal with compression) is not recommended due to the high risk for stroke, bleeding and hematoma formation.
Microvessel density in different grades of oral squamous cell carcinoma and its relationship with keratin pearl

Zeng Zhou Tan, Mohammad Zakir Hossain, Md Shahidul Ahsan, Yew Choy Chew, Swe Swe Win, Suan Phaik Khoo

Sains Malaysiana, 2016;45:201-205.

Angiogenesis has an important role in the invasion, metastasis and growth of tumors. Increased microvessel density (MVD) has been described in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) compared to oral dysplasia and normal oral tissue. A morphometric study was designed to evaluate the MVD and to evaluate the presence of any association between MVD and keratin pearl in the three histopathological grades of OSCC (as defined in Bryne’s grading system). Forty-five samples of OSCC were graded into well differentiated (WDSCC), moderately differentiated (MDSCC) and poorly-differentiated (PDSCC) oral squamous cell carcinoma. Morphometric analysis showed that MVD was significantly lower in WDSCC compared to MDSCC (p<0.001) and PDSCC (p<0.001). The density in MDSCC was significant lower than PDSCC. The keratin pearl count was significantly higher in WDSCC compared to MDSCC (p<0.001) and PDSCC (p<0.001). Between MDSCC and PDSCC, the keratin pearl count was significantly higher for MDSCC (p=0.001). Pearson correlation test showed a significant negative correlation between keratin pearl and MVD (r=-0.805, p<0.001). The findings suggested that vascularity in OSCC is associated with its cellular differentiation and also associated with keratin pearl formation.
The potential of neural stem cell as vehicle to deliver quercus infectoria extract to glioma cell in vitro

Lohis Balachandran, Norhazilah Mohamad, Kang IN, Amirul Nasarudin, Ruzi Aini Zakaria, Hasmah Abdullah, et al.

Sains Malaysiana, 2018;47:1209-1219.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most malignant subtype of brain cancer. However, current clinical treatments
for GBM are limited in effectiveness and often impose additional side effects on patients. Here, we developed targeted
anti-cancer therapy (TAT) using neural stem cells (NSC) as delivery agent to transport anti-cancer compounds directly to
GBM in vitro. Anti-cancer active compounds: Tannic acid (TA) and gallic acid (GA) were extracted from local medicinal
plant - Quercus infectoria (QI) using soxhlet technique with 100% methanol (QI-100%) or 70% methanol (QI-70%)
solvent. Concentration of TA and GA measured using HPLC were 72.56 and 43.66 μg/mL in QI-100%, while in QI-70%,
the concentrations were 72.41 and 43.31 μg/mL, respectively. Cytotoxicity effects of QI-100% and QI-70% on human
GBM cell line (DBTRG-05MG), human NSC line (H9-hNSC) and human normal brain glial cell line (SVG-p12) (as negative
control) were determined using MTT assay. Both QI-100% and QI-70% showed anti-proliferative properties against
DBTRG-05MG at IC50, but not on H9-hNSC and SVG-p12. Taken together, data indicated that both QI extracts contained
TA and GA which exhibit anti-proliferative effect specifically on cancerous cells only. Next, QI-treated H9-hNSC was
seeded in a modified Boyden chamber for 12 h to investigate its migration capacity towards DBTRG-05MG. The result
showed that H9-hNSC migrated towards DBTRG-05MG with 4-folds higher capacity compared to control. In addition,
the migration of QI-100% treated H9-hNSC successfully reduced the number of DBTRG-05MG, indicating the anti-GBM
potential of these cells after migration. In conclusion, NSC could be a specific anti-cancer compound delivery agent for
GBM, reducing unwanted side effects on patients.
Deodorisation of fucoidan and its effect towards physicochemical characteristics and antioxidation activities

Tan CS, Sharifah Habibah Syed Khalafu, Wan Aida Wan Mustapha, Mohamad Yusof Maskat, Seng JL

Sains Malaysiana, 2018;47:1501-1510.

Fukoidan adalah sejenis polisakarida bioaktif yang terdiri daripada fukosa, sulfat dan asid uronik. Fukoidan mempunyai
bau hanyir menyebabkan aplikasi dalam produk makanan menjadi sukar. Oleh itu, objektif kajian ini adalah untuk
menyahbau hanyir fukoidan yang diekstrak daripada Sargassum sp. (Fsar) dan mengkaji kesan penyahbauan terhadap
ciri-ciri fizikokimia dan aktiviti antipengoksidannya. Fsar dinyahbau dengan menggunakan butiran karbon teraktif (Fkar),
kaedah pengewapan haba (Fwap) dan gabungan kedua-dua kaedah tersebut (Fkw). Keberkesanan penyahbauan dikenal
pasti melalui penilaian sensori (ujian deskriptif kuantitatif) bagi menilai persepsi bau fukoidan yang telah dinyahbau.
Ciri fizikokimia iaitu ketulenan, warna dan nilai pH, manakala aktiviti antipengoksidaan ditentukan melalui ujian
pemerangkapan radikal bebas (DPPH), aktiviti pemerangkapan superoksida anion (SOA) dan pemerangkapan radikal
hidroksil (•OH). Kaedah penyahbauan Fkar menunjukkan nilai keamatan bau hanyir yang paling rendah dan tahap
penerimaan keseluruhan yang paling tinggi. Ketulenan Fkar tidak berbeza secara bererti (p>0.05) berbanding Fsar,
manakala ketulenan Fwap dan Fkw menurun secara signifikan berbanding Fsar. Keempat-empat sampel fukoidan (Fsar, Fkar,
Fwap, Fkw) menunjukkan warna dan nilai pH berbeza secara signifikan (p<0.05). Sebaliknya, tiada kesan yang signifikan
(p>0.05) terhadap kesan antipengoksidaan oleh kempat-empat sampel fukoidan selepas penyahbauan (Fsar, Fkar, Fwap, Fkw).
Pada keseluruhannya, kaedah penyahbauan menggunakan karbon teraktif (Fkar) didapati berpotensi kerana keberkesanan
dan tidak menyebabkan perubahan signifikan pada ketulenan dan aktiviti antipengoksidaan fukoidan.

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