Cisplatin is the first-line chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). However, the intrinsic or acquired resistance against cisplatin remains a major obstacle to treatment efficacy in OSCC. Recently, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) alterations have been reported in a variety of cancers. However, the role of mtDNA alterations in OSCC has not been comprehensively studied. In this study, we evaluated the correlation between mtDNA alterations (mtDNA content, point mutations, large-scale deletions, and methylation status) and cisplatin sensitivity using two OSCC cell lines, namely SAS and H103, and stem cell-like tumour spheres derived from SAS. By microarray analysis, we found that the tumour spheres profited from aberrant lipid and glucose metabolism and became resistant to cisplatin. By qPCR analysis, we found that the cells with less mtDNA were less responsive to cisplatin (H103 and the tumour spheres). Based on the findings, we theorised that the metabolic changes in the tumour spheres probably resulted in mtDNA depletion, as the cells suppressed mitochondrial respiration and switched to an alternative mode of energy production, i.e. glycolysis. Then, to ascertain the origin of the variation in mtDNA content, we used MinION, a nanopore sequencer, to sequence the mitochondrial genomes of H103, SAS, and the tumour spheres. We found that the lower cisplatin sensitivity of H103 could have been caused by a constellation of genetic and epigenetic changes in its mitochondrial genome. Future work may look into how changes in mtDNA translate into an impact on cell function and therefore cisplatin response.
To understand how cells respond to the nanoscale extracellular environment in vivo, cells from various sources have been cultured on nanoscale patterns fabricated using bottom-up and top-down techniques. Human fetal osteoblasts (hFOBs) and stem cells are some of them and they are known to be overtly responsive to nanoscale topographies - allowing us to investigate the hows and whys of the response in vitro. Information gathered from these in vitro studies could be used to control the cells, i.e. make the stem cells differentiate or retain their characteristics without the use of medium supplements. In this review, hFOB and stem cell responses to nanotopographies are summarized and discussed to shed some light on the influence of patterns on the reactions. Although both types of cells are responsive to nanoscale topographies, the responses are found to be unique to topographical dimension, shape, orientation and the types of cells used. This implies that cellular responses are influenced by multitude of factors and that if done right, cheaper self-assembled nanotopographies can be tailored to control the cells. A new self-assembly, powder-based technique is also included to provide an insight into the future of nanofabrication.
Smoking is a risk factor of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) that could increase matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) levels, leading to unstable coronary artery plaque. The current review aimed to identify the relationship between smoking and MMPs in patients with ACS. Literature search was conducted from inception until March 2022 in three online databases. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. A meta-analysis was performed, and the odds ratio (OR) together with its 95% confidence interval (CI) were determined. A total of 7,843 articles were identified, and only seven studies were included. Four studies investigated the MMP-3 and MMP-9 related genes and found that smokers with certain MMPs genotypes had high risk of ACS. Smoking also increased the MMPs level in patients with ACS compared with non-smokers. Additionally, a meta-analysis of two studies resulted in an increased odd of ACS in smokers with MMP-3 5A allele versus non-smokers with MMP-3 6A6A allele (OR: 15.94, 95% CI: 10.63-23.92; I2 =55%). In conclusion, the current review highlights the role of MMPs in relation to smoking and ACS. The determination of these roles may help in identifying new ACS markers among smokers and the development of drug-targeted treatment.
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a caused by atherosclerotic plaque buildup in the coronary arteries that supply blood and oxygen to the heart. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) is a family of zinc-dependent endopeptidase that is involved in various stages of atherosclerosis as demonstrated in in vitro and in vivo studies. MMP-2 is associated with both stable and unstable atherosclerotic plaque formation. The current review aimed to identify the role of MMP-2 in atherosclerosis development among CAD patients. Literature search was conducted through four online databases and only studies that were published from 2018 until February 2023 were included. The risk of bias was assessed by using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. A total of 10,622 articles were initially identified, and only eight studies that fulfilled the selection criteria were included in this review. The results showed that MMP-2 levels and activity were higher in patients with unstable CAD than those with stable CAD and healthy subjects. There was a significant association between MMP-2 levels and cardiovascular disease with MMP-14 levels, which is a pro-MMP-2 activator. In addition, two single nucleotide polymorphisms of the MMP-2 gene (rs243865 and rs243866) were significantly associated with the development of atherosclerosis. In conclusion, MMP-2 plays a crucial role in the development of atherosclerosis among patients with CAD and could be a potential target for CAD therapy.
In the present study in vitro expansion of human keratinocytes by supplementing dermal fibroblasts conditioned medium (DFCM) has been reported. Effect of two different DFCM acquired by culturing fibroblasts in keratinocyte-specific medium (defined keratinocytes serum free medium, DFCM-DKSFM) and fibroblast-specific serum free medium (F12: DMEM nutrient mix, DFCM-FD) have been compared. Growth kinetics of keratinocytes in terms of efficiency of cell attachment, expansion index, apparent specific growth rate and growth potential at the end of culture was evaluated in culture supplemented with DFCM-DKSFM and DFCM-FD in comparison with control i.e. DKSFM only. Results indicated that supplementation of DFCM caused significant increase in keratinocyte attachment. Efficiency of keratinocyte attachment in culture supplemented with bFCM-DKSFM was significantly higher compared to those cultured in DFCM-FD and DKSFM. In addition, the expansion index of keratinocytes in cultures supplemented with DFCM-DKSFM and DFCM-FD were 3.7 and 2.2 times higher than that of control condition even though the apparent growth rate and proliferative potential was found significantly lower. These results suggested that supplementation of DFCM enhanced expansion of keratinocyte by increasing efficiency of cell attachment, and DFCM-DKSFM provided suitable condition for in vitro expansion of keratinocytes compared to DFCM-FD and control condition.
This study was conducted to determine whether there was any genetic heterogeneity among Helicobacter pylori strains isolated from the antrum and corpus of the same individual in a Malaysian population and to determine the presence of heterogeneous susceptibility of the isolates by comparing PCR-RAPD and antibiotic profiles. Forty-four H. pylori isolates cultured from the antrum and corpus of 22 patients were analyzed. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was carried out by minimum inhibitory concentration determination, using E-Test method strips. PCR-RAPD was carried out on all the strains and the profiles generated were analysed for cluster analysis. Twenty-nine different PCR-RAPD profiles were observed in the 44 isolates. Fifteen pairs of the isolates from the same patients had the same PCR-RAPD patterns while in 7 pairs, the profiles were different. The strains were clustered into 2 separate clusters at a low coefficient of similarity, where most of the strains were in cluster 1. The degree of similarity was very low among most of the isolates. Most of the patients (16 of 22) were infected with strains that have the same antibiotic susceptibility profiles. Out of these, only 10 pairs shared the same PCR-RAPD and antibiotic profiles. Five pairs of isolates with similar PCR-RAPD profiles differed in their antibiotic profiles due to metronidazole resistance in one of the sites. A large degree of genetic heterogeneity was observed among H. pylori strains circulating among Malaysian patients. An individual patient can be infected with multiple strains and the strains can be antibiotic resistant.
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of altered thyroid status on 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11beta-HSD type 1) and type 2 (11beta-HSD type 2) bioactivity in rat kidney and colon. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (250 g) were treated with either L-thyroxine (T4) or propylthiouracil (PTU) for 4 weeks. Blood were then analysed for serum thyroxine, sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+). The kidneys and colon were assayed for 11beta-HSD type 1 and 11beta-HSD type 2 bioactivity. In T4 treated rats the serum thyroxine was significantly elevated (p<0.05) whilst PTU decreased serum thyroxine significantly (p<0.001) compared to controls. Serum Na+ and K+ were within normal limits. There were no significant changes in 11beta-HSD type 1 bioactivity in both treatment groups compared to controls. However, the 11beta-HSD type 2 bioactivity in rats given thyroxine was significantly higher in the colon (p<0.003) compared to controls. We conclude that altered thyroid status had no effect on 11beta-HSD type 1 bioactivity but 11beta-HSD type 2 bioactivity was elevated in the colon of rats given supplementary thyroxine.
Integrated nutrient management systems using plant residues and inorganic P fertilizers have high potential for increasing crop production and ensuring sustainability in the tropics, but their adoption requires in-depth understanding of nutrient dynamics in such systems. This was examined in a highly weathered tropical soil treated with green manures (GMs) and P fertilizers in two experiments conducted in the laboratory and glasshouse. The treatments were factorial combinations of the GMs (Calopogonium caeruleum, Gliricidia sepium, and Imperata cylindrica) and P fertilizers (phosphate rocks [PRs] from North Carolina, China, and Algeria, and triple superphosphate) replicated thrice. Olsen P, mineral N, pH, and exchangeable K, Ca, and Mg were monitored in a laboratory incubation study for 16 months. The change in soil P fractions and available P was also determined at the end of the study. Phosphorus available from the amendments was quantified at monthly intervals for 5 months by 33P-32P double isotopic labeling in the glasshouse using Setaria sphacelata as test crop. The GMs were labeled with 33P to determine their contribution to P taken up by Setaria, while that from the P fertilizers was indirectly measured by labeling the soil with 32P. The P fertilizers hardly changed Olsen P and exchangeable cations during 16 months of incubation. The legume GMs and legume GM+P did not change Olsen P, lowered exchangeable Ca, and increased exchangeable K about threefold (4.5 cmol[+]kg(-1) soil) in the first 4 months, even as large amounts of NH4-N accumulated (approximately 1000 mg kg soil(-1)) and soil pH increased to more than 6.5. Afterwards, Olsen P and exchangeable Ca and Mg increased (threefold) as NH4+-N and soil pH declined. The legume GMs also augmented reversibly sorbed P in Al-P and Fe-P fractions resulting in high residual effect in the soil, while fertilizer-P was irreversibly retained. The GMs increased PR-P utilization by 40 to over 80%, mobilized soil P, and markedly enhanced uptake of N, K, Ca, and Mg. Thus GMs+PRs is an appropriate combination for correcting nutrient deficiencies in tropical soils.
The world is facing an unprecedented global pandemic in the form of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) which has ravaged all aspects of life, especially health systems. Radiology services, in particular, are under threat of being overwhelmed by the sheer number of patients affected, unless drastic efforts are taken to contain and mitigate the spread of the virus. Proactive measures, therefore, must be taken to ensure the continuation of diagnostic and interventional support to clinicians, while minimizing the risk of nosocomial transmission among staff and other patients. This article aims to highlight several strategies to improve preparedness, readiness and response towards this pandemic, specific to the radiology department.
This research aimed to determine the total antioxidant activity and total phenolic content of the papaya
seeds. These papaya seeds then were introduced into the prepared ice cream to determine the effect of the
papaya seeds to the physicochemical and the acceptability of ice cream by making four different
formulations (Control, 1.0%, 2.0%, and 3.0% of papaya seeds). Two methods namely free radical
scavenging assay (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) were used to determine the total
antioxidant activity of the papaya seeds, whereas total phenolic content was determined by FolinCiocalteu’s method (TPC). The papaya seeds showed high total phenolic content in the TPC analysis result.
Furthermore, DPPH and FRAP showed high antioxidant activity of the papaya seeds. Acceptability of the
ice cream was conducted by sensory evaluation and the results showed that the control (0.0%) papaya seeds
ice cream formulation was the most favorable by the panelists followed by 1.0%, 2.0%, and 3.0% papaya
seeds formulation. In conclusion, the papaya seeds are proven to contain antioxidants by the results given
in DPPH, FRAP, and TPC tests. Surprisingly, the papaya seeds also did not affect the physicochemical of
the ice cream and the ice cream was accepted by the panelists.
Introduction: Elimination of viral hepatitis as a major public health threat by 2030 was announced by the Global Health Sector Strategy (GHSS) on viral hepatitis in 2016. Hepatitis C is one of the major causes of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. Complications as a results of hepatitis C infection can be prevented as hepatitis C infection is now con-sidered as a curable disease with the availability of Direct Acting Agents (DAAs). However, the main barrier towards treating and curing all HCV infected patients is a high cost of DAAs. The treatment regime of hepatitis C infection in Malaysia is sofosbuvir and daclastavir, an NS5A inhibitor. Daclastavir was reported as inherently resistant to HCV GT 3. Thus, this study aimed to develop an assay to detect the resistance associated substitution (RAS) towards the NS5A inhibitor among HCV GT 3 infected patients. Methods: Samples for the study were obtained from various hospitals in Malaysia. The samples were collected from DAAs naïve HCV GT 3 infected patients. From the literature review, a specific assay was chosen with different sets of primers were selected for the study. The DNA sequences of NS5A region of HCV genome were submitted to the geno2pheno [HCV] resistance database by Max Planck Institut (MPI) Informatics to yield RAS. Results: Suitable primers were identified based on generated amplicons produced for the samples which NS5A region were successfully sequenced. Results were obtained based on the 213 codon generated from the population based Sanger sequencing. RAS/ RASs towards Daclastavir were produced and the susceptibility result towards the drug was generated. Conclusion: The assay was successfully optimised and able to generate drug resistance results towards Daclastavir which might have impacts on the duration of treatment and/or inclusion of ribavirin in managing HCV infected patients in Malaysia.
Bawang merah merupakan tumbuhan yang mengandungi pelbagai khasiat dan telah dijadikan sebagai makanan dan
ubatan sejak dahulu lagi oleh pelbagai kaum dan bangsa. Kajian ini dilakukan bagi mengenal pasti khasiat bawang
merah terhadap tubuh manusia dari perspektif sarjana-sarjana perubatan Islam dan kajian-kajian saintifi k. Data-data
literatur telah dikumpulkan dari empat buah buku perubatan Islam dan 14 artikel daripada pelbagai jurnal berkaitan.
Data terkumpul dianalisis menggunakan Nvivo10.0 bagi membentuk kategori bersesuaian seterusnya menghasilkan
dapatan kajian. Hasil kajian menunjukkan terdapat sekurang-kurangnya 17 khasiat bawang merah yang merangkumi
enam khasiat dari perspektif sarjana perubatan Islam seperti merawat penyakit mata sentiasa berair, merawat masalah
dalam telinga, merawat jangkitan dari gigitan anjing, meneutralkan racun, merangsang syahwat dan merawat penyakit
akibat air tercemar. Manakala 11 manfaat lagi dikenal pasti daripada kajian-kajian saintifi k seperti ia merupakan agen
antiplatelet, agen anti-pembentukan lemak, agen antioksidan, agen antitrombotik, agen antikarsinogen, agen antidepresen/
antimurung, agen antiinfl amasi, agen antiasma, agen antibiotik, menurunkan tahap hiperglisemia dan mengurangkan
risiko penyakit aterosklerosis. Justeru kajian ini mencadangkan agar bawang merah diketengahkan sebagai salah satu
rawatan organik serta alternatif kepada rawatan konvensional sedia ada.
Introduction: Melioidosis, an infection caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei is endemic in South East Asia and Northern Australia. It can affect many organs in the body such as lung, liver, spleen, bone, prostate, brain and soft tissues. Objective: This study aims to detect the presence of prostatic abscess in patients with a positive blood culture for Burkholderia pseudomallei with computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen and pelvis and to correlate it with the clinical presentation. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective observational study conducted in all melioidosis patients who had CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis. The location and size of any focal lesions seen on CT were recorded. Clinical data such as fever and urinary symptoms were also recorded. Results: 15 patients had CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis. Five patients were diagnosed to have prostatic abscess. Out of the five patients, only two had urinary symptoms. The other three had prolonged high grade fever without any urinary symptoms. Conclusions: Melioidosis prostatic abscess is not uncommon in patients with positive blood culture of Burkholderia Pseudomallei (33% in this series). Most patients do not present with any urinary symptoms.
Helicobacter pylori has been implicated as an aetiologic agent for type B chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer and gastric cancer. It is considered the most common bacterial infection in the world with approximately 50% of the population being infected. The majority of infected individuals are asymptomatic, with some developing gastritis only. However, chronic infection with H. pylori without antibiotic treatment predisposes infected individuals to the development of gastric cancer. The aim of this study is to determine active H. pylori infection among patients with symptoms of dyspepsia using three combinations of diagnostic methods. In this report, we studied 1,376 consecutive patients who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Center (UKMMC) for dyspepsia from the period January 1999 to December 2002. The classification of patient’s diagnosis was assessed by endoscopic and histological examination. The H. pylori status was determined by rapid urease test, histological examination or H. pylori culture. Presence of H. pylori infection was confirmed in 30.8% of patients with dyspepsia. H. pylori infection was more prevalent in older patients and in males compared to females. Patients with severe gastroduodenal diseases were more commonly infected with H. pylori. There was a significant difference in H. pylori prevalence among the different ethnic groups. Indians had the highest infection rate (45.4%), followed by Chinese (36.8%) and the lowest were seen in Malays (18.3%). This finding on determination of active H. pylori infection among patients with dyspepsia is consistent with serological studies that showed racial differences in H. pylori prevalence. However, the pattern of H. pylori infection does not reflect the prevalence of severe gastroduodenal diseases among different ethnic groups.
Posterior interosseus artery flap is commonly used as a pedicle flap to cover soft tissue defect in the dorsum of the hand. It is not able to cover a soft tissue defect beyond the level of proximal phalang unless it is used as a free flap. We illustrate 2 cases in which large soft tissue defect in the finger was able to close by using a contralateral posterior interosseous flap. This technique is a reliable alternative method for closing large soft tissue defect in the fingers.
Two new vascular health markers which are derived from finger
photoplethysmography (PPG) waveform have been introduced based on Malaysian
population, namely PPG fitness index (PPGF) and vascular risk prediction index
(VRPI). The objectives of this study were to investigate the associations between
PPGF and other cardiovascular disease (CVD) markers such as carotid femoral pulse
wave velocity (PWVCF), to compare PPGF between those with and without CVD risk
factors and to determine the sensitivity of VRPI in identifying young subjects with
CVD risk factors. A total of 114 men age 20 to 40 yrs with and without CVD risk
factors were recruited. Risk factors included hypertension, smoking, dyslipidemia,
abdominal obesity and family history of premature CVD. Subjects were divided
into healthy, those with one risk factor and those with at least two risk factors. Their
weight, height, peripheral and central blood pressure (BP), PWVCF and PPGF were
measured and the sensitivity of VRPI in predicting subjects with CVD risk factor was
calculated. Data was analyzed via SPSS version 15 and p < 0.05 was considered
significant. The mean age of the subjects was 28.94 ± 4.86 yrs. No differences in
PPGF was observed between groups (p > 0.05). The independent variables for
PPGF were forward pressure (Beta = 0.35, p < 0.01), PWVCF (Beta = -0.26, p < 0.01),
systolic BP (Beta = -0.26, p = 0.04) and height (Beta = 0.24, p < 0.01). The sensitivity
of VRPI was 82.02%. In conclusion, PPGF was correlated to PWVCF and may be a
potential marker of arterial stiffness. In addition, VRPI is sensitive to be used as an
early screening of CVD risk factors.
National Sport Associations, National and International Sport Federations and even the International Olympic Committee continue to struggle with meeting the 20% representation quota of women in executive boards. Although women’s representation as athletes, coaches and officials has increased in national and international sport competitions, this does not hold in leadership, particularly in top positions. In sport leadership, empirical research showed statistical figures that women have gained access in leadership pipeline however, they still lack representation on executive boards. This study is a part of a larger phenomenological investigation intended to identify the factors that influence the persistent underrepresentation of women in top leadership positions. From a purposive maximum variation sampling of seven participants, top women leaders in Malaysia national sport organisations were interviewed about their career paths and experiences concerning how and why women top leaders continue to lag behind their male counterparts. Results suggest that self-limiting behaviors, work-life conflict and interpersonal relationships among other women contribute to the underrepresentation of women in top positions. Factors attributed to social perception of gender and leadership roles incongruence also limited women leaders’ access in organisations, which subsequently contribute to the pipeline problem. Moreover, participants offered suggestions in overcoming the challenges and personal strategies in advancing opportunities and career development.
Cultivated Bambusa vulgaris of two and four-year old were harvested and studied for their anatomy and physical properties. The anatomy properties between the two age-group of bamboo were observed to have some degrees of variation. This showed that the bamboo anatomy structure has strong correlation with age. The frequency of vascular bundles was greater at the bottom and top portion than in the middle portion of both age-groups. There was no difference in vessel diameter between the two and four-year old culms at the middle of the culms wall thickness. The cell’s wall thickness of both parenchyma and fibre were greater in the 4 year-old than in the 2 year-old culms. In the physical aspect, basic density was found to be higher in the 4 year-old culms than in the 2 year-old by 5 to 8%, and increases from lower to upper internodes showing that there is a maturing process going on between the two age-group relative to the tissue type that they possess.
Kajian ini bertujuan untuk mengenal pasti sama ada terdapat perbezaan yang signifikan dari segi persepsi atlet terhadap gaya tingkah laku jurulatih bola sepak sekolah yang digemari dengan gaya tingkah laku sebenar jurulatih bola sepak di Daerah Alor Gajah. Kajian ini melibatkan semua pemain, iaitu seramai 190 pemain bola sepak pasukan sekolah yang berumur di bawah umur 18 tahun yang telah menyertai Pertandingan Bola Sepak antara Zon Peringkat Daerah Alor Gajah. Instrumen Leadership Scale for Sports (LSS) telah digunakan untuk mengumpul data. Soal selidik ini terdiri daripada 40 item yang telah diedarkan kepada pemain bola sepak. Hasil kajian menunjukkan bahawa gaya tingkah laku kepimpinan yang paling digemari oleh atlet ialah gaya tingkah laku latihan dan arahan (min=3.29) dan gaya tingkah laku demokratik (min=3.20), manakala, dimensi tingkah laku autokratik adalah gaya tingkah laku yang paling tidak digemari (min=2.97). Gaya tingkah laku kepimpinan sebenar jurulatih ialah tingkah laku latihan dan arahan (min=4.49), diikuti dengan tingkah laku demokratik (4.40), maklum balas positif (min=4.40), sokongan sosial (min=4.35), dan tingkah laku autokratik (min=4.20). Tidak terdapat perbezaan yang signifikan dalam semua dimensi tingkah laku jurulatih yang digemari dan sebenar kecuali tingkah laku autokratik. Nilai-t yang diperolehi adalah t (187) =3.18, p=0.002.
Idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) is considered to be an otological emergency. The intratympanic
(IT) steroid injection technique is introduced to decrease the side effects of systemic steroids and assumed to deliver
a higher concentration of corticosteroids into the affected cochlea. The objective of the current study was to evaluate
the hearing outcomes of high dose IT methylprednisolone among ISSNHL patients after failure of systemic corticosteroid
therapy (SCT). Hearing outcomes of SCT were evaluated over a 15 months period. Upon failure of SCT, the treatment was
continued with higher dose IT steroid (methylprednisolone 62.5 mg/mL). Pre-treatment and post-treatment audiometric
evaluations were analysed using pure tone audiogram (PTA). There were 36 patients diagnosed with ISSNHL included
in the study. After two weeks of SCT, eighteen (56.3%) patients had hearing improvement of more than 10 dB. Another
fourteen (43.7%) patients had no hearing improvement (less than 10 dB). Following that, twelve patients were recruited
for weekly IT methylprednisolone for three weeks. During the one month follow up after completion of IT therapy, six
patients (50%) showed more than 10 dB improvement in the PTA with a mean of 19.37 dB (p<0.05). Out of the six, two
patients had more than 20 dB hearing improvement. Almost all patients in this study had an improvement in their symptoms
of tinnitus and vertigo. High dose IT methylprednisolone after failure of SCT resulted in significant improvement in the
patients’ hearing outcome during one month follow up. The IT therapy not only improved the patients’ hearing but in
addition reduced the symptoms of tinnitus and vertigo.