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Fulltext Nuclear localization and intensity of staining of nm23 protein is useful marker for breast cancer progression

Ismail NI, Kaur G, Hashim H, Hassan MS

Cancer Cell Int, 2008;8:6.
PMID: 18454879 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2867-8-6

Breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer death in the western world. The expression differences of many proteins are associated with breast cancer progression or suppression. The purpose of the study was to determine the expression of nm23 protein in the invasion status and metastatic potential of breast cancer by using tissue microarray and to determine its role in breast cancer based on the expression of nm23 gene product.
Fulltext Phyllanthus Niruri Standardized Extract Alleviates the Progression of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Decreases Atherosclerotic Risk in Sprague-Dawley Rats

Al Zarzour RH, Ahmad M, Asmawi MZ, Kaur G, Saeed MAA, Al-Mansoub MA, et al.

Nutrients, 2017 Jul 18;9(7).
PMID: 28718838 DOI: 10.3390/nu9070766

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the major global health issues, strongly correlated with insulin resistance, obesity and oxidative stress. The current study aimed to evaluate anti-NAFLD effects of three different extracts of Phyllanthus niruri (P. niruri). NAFLD was induced in male Sprague-Dawley rats using a special high-fat diet (HFD). A 50% methanolic extract (50% ME) exhibited the highest inhibitory effect against NAFLD progression. It significantly reduced hepatomegaly (16%) and visceral fat weight (22%), decreased NAFLD score, prevented fibrosis, and reduced serum total cholesterol (TC) (48%), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (65%), free fatty acids (FFAs) (25%), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (45%), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (38%), insulin concentration (67%), homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (73%), serum atherogenic ratios TC/high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (29%), LDL/HDL (66%) and (TC-HDL)/HDL (64%), hepatic content of cholesterol (43%), triglyceride (29%) and malondialdehyde (MDA) (40%) compared to a non-treated HFD group. In vitro, 50% ME of P. niruri inhibited α-glucosidase, pancreatic lipase enzymes and cholesterol micellization. It also had higher total phenolic and total flavonoid contents compared to other extracts. Ellagic acid and phyllanthin were identified as major compounds. These results suggest that P. niruri could be further developed as a novel natural hepatoprotective agent against NAFLD and atherosclerosis.
Fulltext Pilomatricoma as a diagnostic pitfall in clinical practice: report of two cases and review of literature

Pant I, Joshi SC, Kaur G, Kumar G

Indian J Dermatol, 2010 Oct;55(4):390-2.
PMID: 21430899 DOI: 10.4103/0019-5154.74566

Pilomatricoma (PMC) is a relatively uncommon benign skin neoplasm arising from the skin adnexa. Since the first description of PMC in 1880, there has been a gradual increase in understanding of the morphologic features and clinical presentation of this tumor. However, difficulties still persist in making clinical and cytologic diagnosis. We report the clinical and histopathological findings of two cases of pilomatricoma. In case 1, a 10-year-old girl presented with a right upper back mass. In case 2, a nine-year-old girl presented with a left ear lobe mass. The clinical findings in both the cases were suggestive of epidermoid/dermoid cyst. However, subsequent histopathologic examination confirmed these cases as pilomatricoma. This report reveals that pilomatricoma is a frequently misdiagnosed entity in clinical practice. The purpose of this article is to create awareness among clinicians on the possibility of pilomatricoma as a cause of solitary skin nodules, especially those on the head, neck or upper extremities.
Polymorphisms of cell cycle regulator genes CCND1 G870A and TP53 C215G: Association with colorectal cancer susceptibility risk in a Malaysian population

Zahary MN, Ahmad Aizat AA, Kaur G, Yeong Yeh L, Mazuwin M, Ankathil R

Oncol Lett, 2015 Nov;10(5):3216-3222.
PMID: 26722315

Colorectal cancer (CRC) occurs as a more common sporadic form and a less common familial form. Our earlier analysis of germline mutations of mismatch repair genes confirmed only 32% of familial CRC cases as Lynch syndrome cases. It was hypothesized that the remaining familial aggregation may be 'polygenic' due to single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of low penetrance genes involved in cancer predisposition pathways, such as cell cycle regulation and apoptosis pathways. The current case-control study involving 104 CRC patients (52 sporadic and 52 familial) and 104 normal healthy controls investigated the contribution of the SNPs cyclin D1 (CCND1) G870A and tumor protein p53 (TP53) C215G in modulating familial and sporadic CRC susceptibility risk. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood and the polymorphisms were genotyped by employing a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. The association between these polymorphisms and CRC susceptibility risk was calculated using a binary logistic regression analysis and deriving odds ratios (ORs). The A/A variant genotype of CCND1 and G/G variant genotype of TP53 exhibited a significantly greater association with the risk of sporadic CRC [CCND1: OR, 3.471; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.443-8.350; P=0.005. TP53: OR, 2.829; CI, 1.119-7.152; P=0.026] as well as familial CRC susceptibility (CCND1: OR, 3.086; CI, 1.270-7.497; P=0.019. TP53: OR, 3.048; CI, 1.147-8.097; P=0.030). The results suggest a potential role of the SNPs CCND1 G870A and TP53 C215G in the modulation of sporadic and familial CRC susceptibility risk.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms and Sleep Disturbances Among Asian Indians: A Systematic Review

Contractor AA, Almeida IM, Fentem A, Griffith EL, Kaur G, Slavish DC

Trauma Violence Abuse, 2024 Apr;25(2):1468-1483.
PMID: 37427484 DOI: 10.1177/15248380231184207

Substantial comorbidity exists between posttraumatic stress disorder and sleep disturbances/disorders. Such comorbidities are understudied in minority groups, including Asian Indians residing in countries outside India. Thus, we synthesized the existing literature specific to this group of Asian Indians to determine (a) prevalence estimates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and sleep disturbances/disorders; and (b) PTSD-sleep comorbidity estimates. For this systematic review, we searched four databases (PubMed, PsycInfo, PTSDpubs, Web of Science) using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Of 3,796 screened articles, 9 articles (10 studies) met inclusion criteria. Study sample sizes ranged from 11 to 2,112 Asian Indians; studies were conducted in Singapore or Malaysia. No reviewed study examined PTSD. All studies examined sleep disturbances/disorders among Asian Indians; prevalence estimates were: 8.3% to 70.4% for short sleep duration, 2.0% to 22.9% for long sleep duration, 25.9% to 56.3% for poor sleep quality, 3.4% to 67.5% for insomnia diagnosis or probable insomnia, 7.7% for excessive daytime sleepiness, 3.8% to 54.6% for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) diagnosis or high OSA risk, and 5.1% to 11.1% for sleep-disordered breathing. Specific to Asian Indians residing in countries outside India, this review advances PTSD-sleep literature by (a) suggesting substantial prevalence of sleep disturbances/disorders; (b) highlighting the need for culturally relevant sleep interventions; and (c) highlighting research gaps (e.g., no PTSD-focused research).
Predictors of malaria among Malaysian aborigines

Kaur G

Asia Pac J Public Health, 2009 Apr;21(2):205-15.
PMID: 19223366 DOI: 10.1177/1010539509331594

The Asia-Pacific region has at least 50% of its population at risk for malaria. In Malaysia, indigenous malaria is largely concentrated among the Orang Asli in Peninsular Malaysia. A cross-sectional study was conducted in an Orang Asli community in the district of Raub, Pahang, to determine the predictors of malaria. Age, seldom/never wearing protective clothing while in the jungle, going out at night, ever staying in another village, and living in bamboo-walled homes were found to be associated with malaria (crude odds ratio = 1.8-4.5; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.1-9.1) After adjusting for confounding, major predictors of malaria were age < or =12 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 4.3;95% CI = 2.2-8.4),), never/seldom wearing protective clothing while in the jungle (aOR = 3.8; 95% CI = 1.8-8.0), and going out at night (aOR = 2.5; 95% CI = 1.4-4.8). The findings lend support for intensifying behaviour modification in this population.
Predictors of physical inactivity among elderly malaysians: recommendations for policy planning

Kaur J, Kaur G, Ho BK, Yao WK, Salleh M, Lim KH

Asia Pac J Public Health, 2015 Apr;27(3):314-22.
PMID: 24425796 DOI: 10.1177/1010539513517257

Physical inactivity is the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality. Regular moderate-intensity physical activity has significant benefits for health. To determine the socioeconomic predictors of physical inactivity among elderly Malaysian population. A nationwide community-based survey was conducted among 4831 respondents aged ≥60 years with a face-to-face questionnaire. The prevalence of physical inactivity among the elderly was 88.0%, highest in respondents aged older than 80 years (95.4%), females (90.1%), other Bumiputra (92.2%), earning household income less than RM1000 (87.9%), and residing in urban locality (88.4%). In the multivariate model, the predictors of physical inactivity were only sex, ethnicity, locality, and age group (adjusted odds ratio = 1.3-3.6). The predictors of physical inactivity can identify the risk factors to develop policies that will reduce the public health burden of noncommunicable diseases.
Fulltext Preliminary study suggests low incidence of gastric carcinoma in kelantan relates to low rate of helicobacter pylori infection

Kaur G, Raj SM

Malays J Med Sci, 2001 Jan;8(1):31-3.
PMID: 22973153 MyJurnal

Helicobacter pylori-associated gastric carcinoma is generally more common in the antrum/body and is of the intestinal type. The aim of this study was to determine the pattern of gastric carcinoma in an area known to have a low prevalence of H. pylori. Pathology records of gastric carcinoma diagnosed at Hospital University Sains Malaysia between 1995 and 1999 were retrieved and studied. There were a total of 23 cases. The median age was 60 years. Eighteen patients were Malay and 5 were Chinese. The most common location of the tumour was the cardia/gastrooesophageal junction (61%, 14/23 patients). The majority was of the intestinal type (69.6%, 16/23). The frequency of gastric carcinoma appears to be exceptionally low in the area of study. The Chinese population was over-represented. The higher frequency of tumour in the cardia/gastro-oesophageal junction as compared to the antrum and body is in sharp contrast to most other studies. This reaffirms the notion that Helicobacter pylori infection is a causative agent for non-cardia gastric carcinomas.
Prevalence and correlates of depression among adolescents in Malaysia

Kaur J, Cheong SM, Mahadir Naidu B, Kaur G, Manickam MA, Mat Noor M, et al.

Asia Pac J Public Health, 2014 Sep;26(5 Suppl):53S-62S.
PMID: 25070697 DOI: 10.1177/1010539514544356

Depression among adolescents has been recognized as a major public health issue. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and correlates of depression among school-going adolescents in Malaysia. Data from the Malaysia Global School-based Health Survey (GSHS) 2012 were analyzed with additional data from the validated DASS21 (Depression, Anxiety, and Stress) questionnaire. The study revealed that 17.7% of respondents had depressive symptoms. Multivariate analysis further showed that feeling lonely (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.99; 95% CI = 2.57-3.47), Indian ethnicity (aOR = 2.00; 95% CI = 1.63-2.44), using drugs (aOR = 1.85; 95% CI = 1.21-2.82), and being bullied (aOR = 1.79; 95% CI = 1.60-1.99) were significantly associated with depressive symptoms. Lack of parental supervision, alcohol use, and tobacco use were also significant risk factors. Addressing depressive symptoms among adolescents may have implications for managing their risks of being bullied and substance use. This study also highlights the need to further investigate depressive symptoms among adolescents of Indian ethnicity.
Study name: Global School-Based Student Health Survey (GSHS)
Fulltext Prevalence and ethnic distribution of helicobacter pylori infection among endoscoped patients in north eastern peninsular malaysia

Kaur G, Naing NN

Malays J Med Sci, 2003 Jul;10(2):66-70.
PMID: 23386799 MyJurnal

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and ethnic distribution of Helicobacter pylori infection in an endoscoped population in North Eastern Peninsular Malaysia.
Fulltext Prevalence of clinical malaria among an Orang Asli community in Malaysia

Kaur G

Southeast Asian J. Trop. Med. Public Health, 2009 Jul;40(4):665-73.
PMID: 19842399

An epidemiological cross-sectional study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of clinical malaria among the Orang Asli population of Raub, Pahang, Malaysia. The study was conducted on a representative sample of 520 Orang Asli. Malariometric and clinical measurements were taken. The overall parasitemic rate was 24.2% (95% CI 20.7-28.1). Twenty-three point four percent (95% CI 19.5-26.9) of respondents age two years and above were clinically febrile. The prevalence of fever, chills, perspiration and body aches during a one month period prior to the survey among the same group ranged between 4.2% (95% CI 2.7-6.4) and 13.5% (95% CI 10.6-16.7). Children 2-12 years old were more likely to present with fever, and symptoms of malaria than older children. Gender was not significantly associated with fever or any of the other malaria symptoms. Presence of clinical fever and history of malaria symptoms were all strongly associated with current infection. The association was significant even after controlling for age (adjusted OR 2.8-5.1, 95% CI 1.1-8.3). Orang Asli children significantly experienced greater morbidity due to malaria compared to adults. Control and treatment of malaria should focus on children, while further research should explore the effects of malaria morbidity on the quality of life of these children.
Fulltext Protein Profiling in Human Papillomavirus-Associated Cervical Carcinogenesis: Cornulin as a Biomarker for Disease Progression

Kumarasamy G, Ismail MN, Tuan Sharif SE, Desire C, Mittal P, Hoffmann P, et al.

Curr Issues Mol Biol, 2023 Apr 20;45(4):3603-3627.
PMID: 37185759 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45040235

Nearly 90% of cervical cancers are linked to human papillomavirus (HPV). Uncovering the protein signatures in each histological phase of cervical oncogenesis provides a path to biomarker discovery. The proteomes extracted from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues of the normal cervix, HPV16/18-associated squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL), and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) were compared using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). A total of 3597 proteins were identified, with 589, 550, and 1570 proteins unique to the normal cervix, SIL, and SCC groups, respectively, while 332 proteins overlapped between the three groups. In the transition from normal cervix to SIL, all 39 differentially expressed proteins were downregulated, while all 51 proteins discovered were upregulated in SIL to SCC. The binding process was the top molecular function, while chromatin silencing in the SIL vs. normal group, and nucleosome assembly in SCC vs. SIL groups was the top biological process. The PI3 kinase pathway appears crucial in initiating neoplastic transformation, while viral carcinogenesis and necroptosis are important for cell proliferation, migration, and metastasis in cervical cancer development. Annexin A2 and cornulin were selected for validation based on LC-MS results. The former was downregulated in the SIL vs. normal cervix and upregulated in the progression from SIL to SCC. In contrast, cornulin exhibited the highest expression in the normal cervix and lowest in SCC. Although other proteins, such as histones, collagen, and vimentin, were differentially expressed, their ubiquitous expression in most cells precluded further analysis. Immunohistochemical analysis of tissue microarrays found no significant difference in Annexin A2 expression between the groups. Conversely, cornulin exhibited the strongest expression in the normal cervix and lowest in SCC, supporting its role as a tumor suppressor and potential biomarker for disease progression.
Proteomics of endometrial cancer diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis

Mittal P, Klingler-Hoffmann M, Arentz G, Zhang C, Kaur G, Oehler MK, et al.

Proteomics Clin Appl, 2016 Mar;10(3):217-29.
PMID: 26541900 DOI: 10.1002/prca.201500055

This review discusses the current status of proteomics technology in endometrial cancer diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. The first part of this review focuses on recently identified biomarkers for endometrial cancer, their importance in clinical use as well as the proteomic methods used in their discovery. The second part highlights some of the emerging mass spectrometry based proteomic technologies that promise to contribute to a better understanding of endometrial cancer by comparing the abundance of hundreds or thousands of proteins simultaneously.
Rapid diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection in gastric imprint smears

Kaur G, Madhavan M, Basri AH, Sain AH, Hussain MS, Yatiban MK, et al.

Southeast Asian J. Trop. Med. Public Health, 2004 Sep;35(3):676-80.
PMID: 15689086

The objective of this study was to determine the sensitivity, specificity, positive (PPV), and negative predictive values (NPV) of Diff-Quik-stained gastric imprint cytology smears in the detection of H. pylori compared with histology. Air-dried imprint smears of gastric biopsies from 150 patients were stained by the Diff-Quik method in the endoscopy suite and examined for H. pylori, providing results within minutes. The presence of inflammation and intestinal metaplasia were documented. The same biopsy was processed and stained with H&E and Warthin-Starry stains, and reviewed by a different pathologist blind to the imprint cytology results. Ninety-four of the 150 patients were male with a mean age of 50 years. Based on histology, the H. pylori prevalence was very low at 8%. The sensitivity and specificity of imprint cytology in the detection of H. pylori were 83.3% and 100%, respectively. The PPV and NPV were 100% and 98.6%, respectively. There were two false negatives and no false positives. A combination of imprint cytology and histology achieved 100% sensitivity. Imprint smears did not provide added value over histology with regards to inflammation and metaplasia. Gastric imprint smears stained with Diff-Quik method is a rapid, cheap, and reliable method for the detection of H. pylori and have their best results when complemented with histology.
Fulltext Relationship between coping styles and lipid profile among public university staff

Ariaratnam S, Krishnapillai AD, Daher AM, Fadzil MA, Razali S, Omar SA, et al.

Lipids Health Dis, 2017 Feb 28;16(1):50.
PMID: 28245847 DOI: 10.1186/s12944-017-0438-1

BACKGROUND: The scarcity of data about coping styles with a biochemical marker namely lipid profile, potentially associated with cardiovascular risk factors is most striking among professionals working in public university. Hence, this research aimed to investigate the relationship between coping styles and lipid profile comprising total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), HDL-cholesterol (high density lipoprotein-cholesterol) and LDL-cholesterol (Low density lipoprotein-cholesterol) among this group of professionals.
METHODS: A cross sectional survey was conducted among staff from a tertiary education centre. Subjects were contacted to ascertain their medical history. A total of 320 subjects were interviewed and 195 subjects were eligible and subsequently recruited on a suitable date for taking blood and administration of the questionnaires. The subjects completed questionnaires pertaining to demographic details and coping styles. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to measure the strength of association between lipid profile and coping styles.
RESULTS: Majority of the subjects were non-academic staff (60.0%), female (67.2%), Malay (91.8%), married (52.3%) and educated until Diploma level (34.9%). Academic staff scored significantly higher mean scores in task-oriented coping styles (Mean = 64.12). Non-academic staff scored significantly higher mean scores in emotion (Mean = 48.05) and avoidance-oriented coping styles (Mean = 57.61). Malay subjects had significantly higher mean scores in emotion (Mean = 47.14) and avoidance-oriented coping styles (Mean = 55.23). Non-malay subjects (Mean = 66.00) attained significantly higher mean scores in task-oriented coping styles. Single/divorced/widowed individuals scored significantly higher mean scores in emotion (Mean = 48.13) and avoidance-oriented coping styles (Mean = 56.86). There was a significant negative correlation between TC (r = -0.162) and LDL (r = -0.168) with avoidance-oriented coping styles (p = 0.023, p = 0.019 respectively).
CONCLUSION: Avoidance-oriented coping style was more likely to engender favourable lipid profile. Hence, assessment of coping styles would certainly assist health care practitioners in predicting subjects who would be at a greater risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.
Renal ischemic injury affects renal hemodynamics and excretory functions in Sprague Dawley rats: involvement of renal sympathetic tone

Salman IM, Sattar MA, Abdullah NA, Ameer OZ, Yam MF, Kaur G, et al.

Ren Fail, 2010 Jan;32(1):96-102.
PMID: 20113274 DOI: 10.3109/08860220903389196

The role of renal sympathetic nerves in the pathogenesis of ischemic acute renal failure (ARF) and the immediate changes in the renal excretory functions following renal ischemia were investigated. Two groups of male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were anesthetized (pentobarbitone sodium, 60 mg kg(-1) i.p.) and subjected to unilateral renal ischemia by clamping the left renal artery for 30 min followed by reperfusion. In group 1, the renal nerves were electrically stimulated and the responses in the renal blood flow (RBF) and renal vascular resistance (RVR) were recorded, while group 2 was used to study the early changes in the renal functions following renal ischemia. In post-ischemic animals, basal RBF and the renal vasoconstrictor reperfusion to renal nerve stimulation (RNS) were significantly lower (all p < 0.05 vs. control). Mean arterial pressure (MAP), basal RVR, urine flow rate (UFR), absolute and fractional excretions of sodium (U(Na)V and FE(Na)), and potassium (U(K)V and FE(K)) were higher in ARF rats (all p < 0.05 vs. control). Post-ischemic animals showed markedly lower glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (p < 0.05 vs. control). No appreciable differences were observed in urinary sodium to potassium ratio (U(Na)/U(K)) during the early reperfusion phase of renal ischemia (p > 0.05 vs. control). The data suggest an immediate involvement of renal sympathetic nerve action in the pathogenesis of ischemic ARF primarily through altered renal hemodynamics. Diuresis, natriuresis, and kaliuresis due to impaired renal tubular functions are typical responses to renal ischemia and of comparable magnitudes.
Fulltext Revisiting the single cell protein application of Cupriavidus necator H16 and recovering bioplastic granules simultaneously

Kunasundari B, Murugaiyah V, Kaur G, Maurer FH, Sudesh K

PLoS One, 2013;8(10):e78528.
PMID: 24205250 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0078528

Cupriavidus necator H16 (formerly known as Hydrogenomonas eutropha) was famous as a potential single cell protein (SCP) in the 1970s. The drawback however was the undesirably efficient accumulation of non-nutritive polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) storage compound in the cytoplasm of this bacterium. Eventually, competition from soy-based protein resulted in SCP not receiving much attention. Nevertheless, C. necator H16 remained in the limelight as a producer of PHB, which is a material that resembles commodity plastics such as polypropylene. PHB is a 100% biobased and biodegradable polyester. Although tremendous achievements have been attained in the past 3 decades in the efficient production of PHB, this bioplastic is still costly. One of the main problems has been the recovery of PHB from the cell cytoplasm. In this study, we showed for the first time that kilogram quantities of PHB can be easily recovered in the laboratory without the use of any solvents and chemicals, just by using the cells as SCP. In addition, the present study also demonstrated the safety and tolerability of animal model used, Sprague Dawley given lyophilized cells of C. necator H16. The test animals readily produced fecal pellets that were whitish in color, as would be expected of PHB granules. The pellets were determined to contain about 82-97 wt% PHB and possessed molecular mass of around 930 kg/mol. The PHB granules recovered biologically possessed similar molecular mass compared to chloroform extracted PHB [950 kg/mol]. This method now allows the production and purification of substantial quantities of PHB for various experimental trials. The method reported here is easy, does not require expensive instrumentation, scalable and does not involve extensive use of solvents and strong chemicals.
Fulltext S100A4 overexpression proves to be independent marker for breast cancer progression

Ismail NI, Kaur G, Hashim H, Hassan MS

Cancer Cell Int, 2008 Sep 05;8:12.
PMID: 18771601 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2867-8-12

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the most common cancer and cause of deaths in women around the world. Oncogene amplification usually occurs late in tumor progression and correlates well with aggressiveness of tumor. In fact the function of the S100A4 protein and its role in metastasis is unclear at present. The purpose of the study was to determine the expression of S100A4 protein in the invasion status and metastatic potential of breast cancer by using tissue microarray and to determine its role in breast cancer based on the expression of S100A4 gene product.
METHODS: S100A4 protein expression was examined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) using commercially available tissue microarray containing malignant and normal breast tissue cores from 216 patients.
RESULTS: S100A4 was absent in normal breast tissues while positive in 45.1% of infiltrating ductal carcinoma (IDC) node negative and 48.8% of infiltrating lobular carcinoma node negative. In paired samples, S100A4 protein was expressed in 13.5% of IDC node positive cases and 35.1% of matched lymph node metastasis.
CONCLUSION: S100A4 protein expression appears widely expressed in early and advanced breast cancer stages compared with normal breast. Our study suggests S100A4 may play a role in breast cancer progression and may prove to be an independent marker of breast cancer which appears to be down regulated in more advanced stages of breast cancer.
Simultaneous dual syringe electrospinning system using benign solvent to fabricate nanofibrous P(3HB-co-4HB)/collagen peptides construct as potential leave-on wound dressing

Vigneswari S, Murugaiyah V, Kaur G, Abdul Khalil HPS, Amirul AA

Mater Sci Eng C Mater Biol Appl, 2016 Sep 01;66:147-155.
PMID: 27207048 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2016.03.102

The main focus of this study is the incorporation of collagen peptides to fabricate P(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate) [P(3HB-co-4HB)] nano-fiber construct to further enhance surface wettability and support cell growth while harbouring desired properties for biodegradable wound dressing. Simultaneous electrospinning of nanofiber P(3HB-co-4HB)/collagen peptides construct was carried out using dual syringe system. The wettability of the constructs increased with the increase in 4HB molar fraction from 20mol% 4HB [53.2°], P(3HB-co-35mol%4HB)[48.9°], P(3HB-co-50mol%4HB)[44.5°] and P(3HB-co-82mol%4HB) [37.7°]. In vitro study carried out using mouse fibroblast cells (L929) grown on nanofiber P(3HB-co-4HB)/collagen peptides construct showed an increase in cell proliferation. In vivo study using animal model (Sprague Dawley rats) showed that nanofibrous P(3HB-co-4HB)/collagen peptides construct had a significant effect on wound contractions with the highest percentage of wound closure of 79%. Hence, P(3HB-co-4HB)/collagen peptides construct suitable for wound dressing have been developed using nano-fabrication technique.
Fulltext Systematic review on international practices in controlling waterpipe tobacco smoking

Tee GH, Hairi NN, Nordin F, Choo WY, Chan YY, Kaur G, et al.

Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2015;16(9):3659-65.
PMID: 25987018

BACKGROUND: Waterpipe tobacco smoking has becoming popular especially among young people worldwide. Smokers are attracted by its sweeter, smoother smoke, social ambience and the misconception of reduced harm. The objective of this study was to systematically review the effects of waterpipe tobacco policies and practices in reducing its prevalence.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review was conducted electronically using the PubMed, OVID, Science Direct, Proquest and Embase databases. All possible studies from 1980 to 2013 were initially screened based on titles and abstracts. The selected articles were subjected to data extraction and quality rating.

RESULTS: Three studies met the inclusion criteria and were eligible for this review. Almost all of the waterpipe tobacco products and its accessories did not comply with the regulations on health warning labelling practices as stipulated under Article 11 of WHO FCTC. In addition, the grisly new warning labels for cigarettes introduced by Food and Drug Administration did not affect hookah tobacco smoking generally. Indoor air quality in smoking lounges was found to be poor and some hookah lounges were operated without smoke shop certification.

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings revealed the availability of minimal information on the practices in controlling waterpipe smoking in reducing its prevalence. The lack of comprehensive legislations or practices in controlling waterpipe smoking warrants further research and policy initiatives to curb this burgeoning global epidemic, especially among the vulnerable younger population.

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