Empyema thoracis (ET) is defined as pus in the pleural space, either localized or involving the entire pleural cavity, due to diverse etiologies. In severe form, it may infiltrate the extrapulmonary region. Clinical guideline describes 3 stages of parapneumonic effusion before developing into an ET, namely the exudative stage, the fibrinopurulent stage, and the organizing/late stage. We highlight a 59-year-old gentleman who presented a back swelling masquerading as a deep-seated abscess, in which the diagnosis of ET had not been established early. The principles of treatment are treating the underlying condition such as pneumonia, pleural drainage and debridement, full re-expansion of the collapsed lung by performing chest physiotherapy, and improving nutrition. ET is a condition with a dynamic process due to diverse etiologies, either localized or involving the entire pleural cavity. The gold standard in diagnosing ET is the pleural aspiration of fluid from the pleural space, whereas the management of ET may include non-surgical and/or surgical treatments based on the basic principles of ET treatment.
Acrylamide and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is the product of the Maillard reaction and its accumulation may lead to adverse health effects. Hence, this paper aims to study the effect of l-asparaginase treatment (E100 U/kg and E500 U/kg), frying temperatures (180 °C, 190 °C, 200 °C) and times (2 min, 3 min, 5 min, 7 min) on acrylamide and HMF content after the frying process of curry puff skin. Colour development, moisture content, water activity analysis and sensory evaluation were also carried out. Frying condition at 190 °C for 5 min produced desirable attributes through sensory evaluation. Furthermore, the enzyme reduced the acrylamide and HMF level to 2500 μg/kg and 230 μg/kg respectively. Frying temperature plays a crucial role in acrylamide decomposition leading to the reduction of acrylamide content. Therefore, the use of this enzyme is plausible for the reduction of acrylamide and HMF in puff skin without altering the original quality.