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Fulltext Adipose-Derived Stem Cell: "Treat or Trick"

Airuddin SS, Halim AS, Wan Sulaiman WA, Kadir R, Nasir NAM

Biomedicines, 2021 Nov 05;9(11).
PMID: 34829853 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9111624

Stem cells have been widely used for treating disease due to the various benefits they offer in the curing process. Several treatments using stem cells have undergone clinical trials, such as cell-based therapies for heart disease, sickle cell disease, thalassemia, etc. Adipose-derived stem cells are some of the many mesenchymal stem cells that exist in our body that can be harvested from the abdomen, thighs, etc. Adipose tissue is easy to harvest, and its stem cells can be obtained in higher volumes compared to stem cells harvested from bone marrow, for which a more invasive technique is required with a smaller volume obtained. Many scientists have expressed interest in investigating the role of adipose-derived stem cells in treating disease since their use was first described. This is due to these stem cells' ability to differentiate into multiple lineages and secrete a variety of growth factors and proteins. Previous studies have found that the hormones, cytokines, and growth factors contained in adipose tissue play major roles in the metabolic regulation of adipose tissue, as well as in energy balance and whole-body homeostasis through their endocrine, autocrine, and paracrine functions. These are thought to be important contributors to the process of tissue repair and regeneration. However, it remains unclear how effective and safe ADSCs are in treating diseases. The research that has been carried out to date is in order to investigate the impact of ADSCs in disease treatment, as described in this review, to highlight its "trick or treat" effect in medical treatment.
Fulltext Osteosarcoma: the outcome of limb salvage surgery

Faisham WI, Zulmi W, Halim AS, Biswal BM, Mutum SS

Med J Malaysia, 2004 Dec;59 Suppl F:24-34.
PMID: 15941157

We reviewed the surgical and oncological management 23 consecutive patients with osteosarcoma of the long bones to determine the outcome of limb salvage technique performed in our centre. All patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. There were 15 males and 8 females with a mean age at diagnosis of 19 years (9 to 36). The median follow-up was 30 months (10 to 60). Fifteen had lesion around the knee joint followed by three in the proximal humerus, two in distal humerus, two in the pelvis, and one in the distal tibia. Six patients presented with lung metastases at diagnosis. We performed limb salvage surgery to control local disease in 16 patients and amputation in 7. The resection margins of the primary lesion were adequate and free of tumour cells in all patients. Local recurrence developed in 1 patient of limb salvage group. The overall median survival was 22 months and actuarial survival was 52% at 3 years. Eleven patients died of pulmonary metastases within 2 years of follow-up. Median survival of the limb salvage surgery group was 30 months compared to 6 months in the amputation group. As per our experience, limb salvage technique is a feasible option in extremity osteosarcoma without compromising survival.
The effect of vitamin E on basic fibroblast growth factor level in human fibroblast cell culture

Rashid SA, Halim AS, Muhammad NA

Med J Malaysia, 2008 Jul;63 Suppl A:69-70.
PMID: 19024988

Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is angiogenic and effective in down-regulating excess collagen production. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of vitamin E (Tocotrienol Rich Fraction) in altering the level of bFGF, a cytokine involved in the scar formation process. In this model, normal human fibroblasts were treated with various concentrations of vitamin E at different time frames. The levels of bFGF were determined by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbant Assay (ELISA). This study demonstrated that Tocotrienol Rich Fraction (TRF) stimulated bFGF production by fibroblast and postulate that vitamin E may decrease aberrant scar formation.
Fulltext Prevention of firecracker injuries via the digital platform: A Malaysian experience

Mat Johar F, Halim AS, Wan Sulaiman WA, Muhamad H

Burns, 2021 11;47(7):1683-1687.
PMID: 33715940 DOI: 10.1016/j.burns.2021.02.007

INTRODUCTION: Health campaigns include physical campaigns in schools, community halls, or community malls. They can also be broadcast via television, newspaper, and radio. We launched a health campaign on social media platforms that have a powerful impact in this digital era.
METHODS: A three-dimensional short animation was developed for the Burn and Blast Injury Awareness campaign. It was launched during the fasting month and Eid 2020 when firecracker-related injuries are highly incident in Malaysia. The video was launched primarily on Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and Wau Animation Sdn Bhd social media platforms. Each party shared the video on the top 3 social media platforms, which are Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. The numbers of viewers, reaches, and shares, and demographic data were captured at 1 month after the release.
RESULTS: We recorded 29,585 views, 60,920 reach, and 874 shares from the USM and Wau Animation platforms alone. The USM Facebook platform showed predominant female viewership (60%), whereas the Wau Facebook platform showed predominant male viewership (66%). In both platforms, the viewers were aged 18-34 years.
CONCLUSION: Health awareness campaigns on digital platforms are powerful because the message spreads faster, and it is also safe during the pandemic.
Synergistic effects of chitosan scaffold and TGFβ1 on the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells derived from human exfoliated deciduous teeth

Farea M, Husein A, Halim AS, Abdullah NA, Mokhtar KI, Lim CK, et al.

Arch Oral Biol, 2014 Dec;59(12):1400-11.
PMID: 25222336 DOI: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2014.08.015

Multipotent stem cells derived from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) represent a promising cell source for tissue regeneration. In the present study we decided to test the inductive effect of chitosan and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGFβ1) as a scaffold/factor combination on SHED proliferation and osteogenic differentiation.
Cementoblastic lineage formation in the cross-talk between stem cells of human exfoliated deciduous teeth and epithelial rests of Malassez cells

Farea M, Husein A, Halim AS, Berahim Z, Nurul AA, Mokhtar KI, et al.

Clin Oral Investig, 2016 Jul;20(6):1181-91.
PMID: 26392396 DOI: 10.1007/s00784-015-1601-6

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the synergistic effect of epithelial rests of Malassez cells (ERM) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) on proliferation, cementogenic and osteogenic differentiation of stem cells derived from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED).
Fulltext Biologic and synthetic skin substitutes: An overview

Halim AS, Khoo TL, Mohd Yussof SJ

Indian J Plast Surg, 2010 Sep;43(Suppl):S23-8.
PMID: 21321652 DOI: 10.4103/0970-0358.70712

The current trend of burn wound care has shifted to more holistic approach of improvement in the long-term form and function of the healed burn wounds and quality of life. This has demanded the emergence of various skin substitutes in the management of acute burn injury as well as post burn reconstructions. Skin substitutes have important roles in the treatment of deep dermal and full thickness wounds of various aetiologies. At present, there is no ideal substitute in the market. Skin substitutes can be divided into two main classes, namely, biological and synthetic substitutes. The biological skin substitutes have a more intact extracellular matrix structure, while the synthetic skin substitutes can be synthesised on demand and can be modulated for specific purposes. Each class has its advantages and disadvantages. The biological skin substitutes may allow the construction of a more natural new dermis and allow excellent re-epithelialisation characteristics due to the presence of a basement membrane. Synthetic skin substitutes demonstrate the advantages of increase control over scaffold composition. The ultimate goal is to achieve an ideal skin substitute that provides an effective and scar-free wound healing.
Compatibility of Porous Chitosan Scaffold with the Attachment and Proliferation of human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells In Vitro

Gomathysankar S, Halim AS, Yaacob NS, Noor NM, Mohamed M

J Stem Cells Regen Med, 2016;12(2):79-86.
PMID: 28096632

Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) have potential applications in the repair and regeneration of various tissues and organs. The use of various scaffold materials as an excellent template for mimicking the extracellular matrix to induce the attachment and proliferation of different cell types has always been of interest in the field of tissue engineering because ideal biomaterials are in great demand. Chitosan, a marine polysaccharide, have wide clinical applications and it acts as a promising scaffold for cell migration and proliferation. ASCs, with their multi-differentiation potential, and chitosan, with its great biocompatibility with ASCs, were investigated in the present study. ASCs were isolated and were characterized by two different methods: immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry, using the mesenchymal stem cell markers CD90, CD105, CD73 and CD29. The ASCs were then induced to differentiate into adipogenic, osteogenic and chondrogenic lineages. These ASCs were incorporated into a porous chitosan scaffold (PCS), and their structural morphology was studied using a scanning electron microscope and hematoxylin and eosin staining. The proliferation rate of the ASCs on the PCS was assessed using a PrestoBlue viability assay. The results indicated that the PCS provides an excellent template for the adhesion and proliferation of ASCs. Thus, this study revealed that PCS is a promising biomaterial for inducing the proliferation of ASCs, which could lead to successful tissue reconstruction in the field of tissue engineering.
Fulltext Wound contraction effects and antibacterial properties of Tualang honey on full-thickness burn wounds in rats in comparison to hydrofibre

Khoo YT, Halim AS, Singh KK, Mohamad NA

BMC Complement Altern Med, 2010;10:48.
PMID: 20815896 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6882-10-48

Full-thickness burn wounds require excision and skin grafting. Multiple surgical procedures are inevitable in managing moderate to severe full-thickness burns. Wound bed preparations prior to surgery are necessary in order to prevent wound infection and promote wound healing. Honey can be used to treat burn wounds. However, not all the honey is the same. This study aims to evaluate the wound contraction and antibacterial properties of locally-produced Tualang honey on managing full-thickness burn wounds in vivo.
Outcome of the Modified Meek Technique in the Management of Major Pediatric Burns

Lee SZ, Halim AS, Wan Sulaiman WA, Mat Saad AZ

Ann Plast Surg, 2018 09;81(3):295-301.
PMID: 29994880 DOI: 10.1097/SAP.0000000000001565

INTRODUCTION: The modified Meek micrografting technique has been used in the treatment of severely burned patients and a number of articles have examined the use of the modified Meek technique in adults and in mixed-age groups. However, there is a paucity of research pertaining to the outcome in the pediatric age group. The aim of this study is to present our favorable outcome in pediatric major burns using the modified Meek technique.
METHODS: A retrospective review of burn cases in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia from 2010 to 2015 was conducted. Cases of major burns among pediatric patients grafted using the Meek technique were examined.
RESULTS: Twelve patients were grafted using the Meek technique. Ten (91.7%) patients were male, whereas 2 (8.3%) were female. The average age of patients was 6 years (range, 2-11 years). The average total body surface area was 35.4% (range, 15%-75%). Most burn mechanisms were due to flame injury (66.7%) as compared with scalds injury (16.7%) and chemical injury (16.7%). There was no mortality. All patients were completely grafted with a good donor site scar. The average graft take rate was 82.3%, although 8 cases had positive tissue cultures from the Meek-grafted areas. The average follow-up duration was 3.6 years (range, 1.1-6.7 years). Only 1 case developed contracture over minor joint.
CONCLUSIONS: The Meek technique is useful when there is a paucity of donor site in the pediatric group. The graft take is good, contracture formation is low, and this technique is cost-effective.
An unusual cause of subacute airway obstruction in a hemodialysis patient with brachio-cephalic arteriovenous fistula: A rare presentation of central venous occlusion

Hamzan MI, Hamid AR, Halim AS, Mat Saad AZ

Hemodial Int, 2020 04;24(2):E33-E36.
PMID: 32141217 DOI: 10.1111/hdi.12832

A young lady with an arteriovenous (AV) fistula on hemodialysis was referred for surgical management following a failed endovascular approach to relieve central venous occlusion. She had an obstructed left brachiocephalic vein with a history of numerous central vein catheter placements. Alternative routes for new arteriovenous fistula creation had been exhausted due to previous contralateral upper limb fistula rupture and ligation. To the best of our knowledge, no similar cases of airway obstruction in central venous occlusion occurring in hemodialysis patients with AV fistula have been reported. The importance of identifying the possible emergency red flags in hemodialysis patients with central venous occlusion is important to prevent unwanted consequences.
Mechanism Action of Platelets and Crucial Blood Coagulation Pathways in Hemostasis

Periayah MH, Halim AS, Mat Saad AZ

Int J Hematol Oncol Stem Cell Res, 2017 Oct 01;11(4):319-327.
PMID: 29340130

Blood is considered to be precious because it is the basic necessity for health; our body needs a steady provision of oxygen, supplied via blood, to reach billions of tissues and cells. Hematopoiesis is the process that generates blood cells of all lineages. However, platelets are the smallest blood component produced from the very large bone marrow cells called megakaryocytes and they play a fundamental role in thrombosis and hemostasis. Platelets contribute their hemostatic capacity via adhesion, activation and aggregation, which are triggered upon tissue injury, and these actions stimulate the coagulation factors and other mediators to achieve hemostasis. In addition, these coordinated series of events are the vital biological processes for wound healing phases. The aim of this review is to summarize and highlight the important pathways involved in achieving hemostasis that are ruled by platelets. In addition, this review also describes the mechanism action of platelets, including adhesion, activation, aggregation, and coagulation, as well as the factors that aid in hemostasis and wound healing.
The Practice of First Aid for Burn Injuries Among the Population of East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia for 2012-2016

Seow SN, Halim AS, Wan Sulaiman WA, Mat Saad AZ, Mat Johar SFN

J Burn Care Res, 2020 Jul 03;41(4):905-907.
PMID: 32166315 DOI: 10.1093/jbcr/iraa025

Burns are a devastating public health problem that result in 10 million disability-adjusted life-years lost in low- and middle-income countries. Adequate first aid for burn injuries reduces morbidity and mortality. The rate of proper first aid practices in other countries is 12% to 22%.1,2 A 5-year retrospective audit was performed on the database of the Burn Unit in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia for 2012-2016; this involved 485 patients from the east coast of Malaysia. The mean age of the patients is 17.3 years old. The audit on first aid practices for burn injury showed poor practice. Out of 485 burned patients, 261 patients (53.8%) claimed that they practiced first aid. However, only 24 out of 485 patients (5%) practiced the correct first aid technique where they run their burn wound under cool water for more than 20 minutes. Two hundred and twenty-two patients had not received any first aid. Two patients did not respond to the question on the first aid usage after burn injury. The mean age of patients who practiced first aid was 15.6 years old. Out of the 261 patients who practiced first aid, 167 (64%) run their wound under tap water for different durations. Others practiced traditional remedies such as the application of "Minyak Gamat" (6.5%), soy sauce (5.5%), other ointments (3.6%), milk (1.8%), and eggs (0.7%), as well as honey, butter, and cooking oil (0.4% each). First aid practices for burn injuries in the population of east coast Malaysia are still inadequate. The knowledge and awareness of school children and the general Malaysian population must be enhanced.
Physical properties and biocompatibility of oligochitosan membrane film as wound dressing

Ujang Z, Abdul Rashid AH, Suboh SK, Halim AS, Lim CK

J Appl Biomater Funct Mater, 2014 Dec 30;12(3):155-62.
PMID: 24700269 DOI: 10.5301/jabfm.5000190

BACKGROUND: The physical and biological characteristics of oligochitosan (O-C) film, including its barrier and mechanical properties, in vitro cytotoxicity and in vivo biocompatibility, were studied to assess its potential use as a wound dressing.
METHODS: Membrane films were prepared from water-soluble O-C solution blended with various concentrations of glycerol to modify the physical properties of the films. In vitro and in vivo biocompatibility evaluations were performed using primary human skin fibroblast cultures and subcutaneous implantation in a rat model, respectively.
RESULTS: Addition of glycerol significantly influenced the barrier and mechanical properties of the films. Water absorption capacity was in the range of 80%-160%, whereas water vapor transmission rate varied from 1,180 to 1,618 g/m2 per day. Both properties increased with increasing glycerol concentration. Tensile strength decreased while elongation at break increased with the addition of glycerol. O-C films were found to be noncytotoxic to human fibroblast cultures and histological examination proved that films are biocompatible.
CONCLUSION: These results indicate that the membrane film from O-C has potential application as a wound-dressing material.
A prospective, randomised, double-blinded trial to study the efficacy of topical tocotrienol in the prevention of hypertrophic scars

Khoo TL, Halim AS, Zakaria Z, Mat Saad AZ, Wu LY, Lau HY

J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg, 2011 Jun;64(6):e137-45.
PMID: 20869928 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2010.08.029

Despite widespread beliefs regarding the use of topical tocotrienol in the prevention of hypertrophic scars, there is very little evidence from well controlled and randomised clinical trials to justify its benefits for surgical scars.
Fulltext Modified Five-Flap Z-plasty for Surgical Correction of Webbed Neck Deformity in Turner Syndrome

Mohd Said MT, Halim AS, Mat Zain MA, Koh KL

Cureus, 2023 May;15(5):e39312.
PMID: 37346202 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.39312

Webbed neck deformity is a congenital anomaly that exists in several syndromes. Various techniques for surgically correcting the webbed neck deformity have been described in the literature, each comes with its own advantages and disadvantages. The aim of surgery is to achieve normal neck contour and symmetrical hairline, avoid excessive scarring over the anterior and lateral neck, and limit recurrence. In this report, we described our experience in managing a case of Turner syndrome with bilateral webbed neck deformity using the modified five-flap Z-plasty technique.
Fulltext The antibacterial properties of Malaysian tualang honey against wound and enteric microorganisms in comparison to manuka honey

Tan HT, Rahman RA, Gan SH, Halim AS, Hassan SA, Sulaiman SA, et al.

BMC Complement Altern Med, 2009;9:34.
PMID: 19754926 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6882-9-34

Antibiotic resistance of bacteria is on the rise, thus the discovery of alternative therapeutic agents is urgently needed. Honey possesses therapeutic potential, including wound healing properties and antimicrobial activity. Although the antimicrobial activity of honey has been effectively established against an extensive spectrum of microorganisms, it differs depending on the type of honey. To date, no extensive studies of the antibacterial properties of tualang (Koompassia excelsa) honey on wound and enteric microorganisms have been conducted. The objectives of this study were to conduct such studies and to compare the antibacterial activity of tualang honey with that of manuka honey.
The use of glycerol-preserved skin allograft in conjunction with reconstructive and flap surgery: seven years of experience

Saad AZ, Halim AS, Khoo TL

J Reconstr Microsurg, 2011 Feb;27(2):103-8.
PMID: 20976667 DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1268208

Major reconstructive surgery may be extensive and prolonged, and it may cause edema and compromise the flap pedicle if closed under tension. Glycerol-preserved skin allograft (GPA) can provide a means for tension-free closure and temporary cover of the wound. Seven years of analysis on GPA used in conjunction with major reconstruction was undertaken to highlight its indications, results, and outcomes. Forty-seven patients were included, aged between 9 and 73 years. Majority of patients had reconstruction following tumor resection and trauma. The main indication for use of GPA was temporary, loose cover of the wound in 44% of cases; flap pedicle protection in 31% of cases; donor site wound cover in 10%; flap monitoring in one case; and management of flap-related complications in 6% of cases. Free flap reconstruction was performed in 72% of cases. In conclusion, GPA is a useful adjunct in reconstructive surgery. It can be used temporarily to allow tension-free wound closure, as well as to protect the flap pedicle until edema subsides and the pedicle becomes stable. This latter approach allows secondary wound closure and good esthetic outcome.
Fulltext Report on von Willebrand Disease in Malaysia

Periayah MH, Halim AS, Saad AZ, Yaacob NS, Karim FA

Open Access Maced J Med Sci, 2016 Mar 15;4(1):112-7.
PMID: 27275342 DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2016.030

BACKGROUND: Von Willebrand disease (vWD) is an inherited hemostatic disorder that affects the hemostasis pathway. The worldwide prevalence of vWD is estimated to be 1% of the general population but only 0.002% in Malaysia.
AIM: Our present paper has been written to disclose the statistical counts on the number of vWD cases reported from 2011 to 2013.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: This article is based on sociodemographic data, diagnoses and laboratory findings of vWD in Malaysia. A total of 92 patients were reported to have vWD in Malaysia from 2011 to 2013.
RESULTS: Sociodemographic-analysis revealed that 60% were females, 63% were of the Malay ethnicity, 41.3% were in the 19-44 year old age group and 15.2% were from Sabah, with the East region having the highest registered number of vWD cases. In Malaysia, most patients are predominately affected by vWD type 1 (77.2%). Factor 8, von Willebrand factor: Antigen and vWF: Collagen-Binding was the strongest determinants in the laboratory profiles of vWD.
CONCLUSION: This report has been done with great interest to provide an immense contribution from Malaysia, by revealing the statistical counts on vWD from 2011-2013.
Association of TGFβ1 and SMAD4 variants in the etiology of keloid scar in the Malay population

Emami A, Halim AS, Salahshourifar I, Yussof SJ, Khoo TL, Kannan TP

Arch. Dermatol. Res., 2012 Sep;304(7):541-7.
PMID: 22805880 DOI: 10.1007/s00403-012-1262-0

Keloid is a complex condition with environmental and genetic risk-contributing factors. Two candidate genes, TGFβ1 and SMAD4, located in the same signaling pathway are highly expressed in the keloid fibroblast cells. In a case-control design, TGFβ1 haplotypes showed association with the risk of keloid in the present study. The CC haplotype, composed of both c.29C>T and -509T>C variants, was observed more frequently among cases (Corrected p = 0.037, OR = 2.07, 95 % CI = 0.87-4.93), showing a 4.5-fold increased risk for keloid. The AG genotype of the SMAD4 c.5131A>G variant showed a trend of significance (p = 0.0573, OR = 1.75, 95 % CI = 0.99-3.13). Taken together, either of these variants is most probably causative at the expression level or is in linkage disequilibrium with other causative variants in a complex pattern together with the environmental factors that contribute to the condition. To the best of our knowledge, there is only one documented report on a relationship between TGFβ1 and keloid with no association within the Caucasian population, while there have not been any reports for SMAD4. Therefore, the present study is likely the first research showing a significant association between TGFβ1 variants and keloids in the Malay population.

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