An in vivo study on the effects of both physical (gamma-radiation) and chemical (mitomycin C) genotoxic agents was carried out with the catfish species, Clarias gariepinus. The fish were either exposed to gamma-radiation at doses of 0-9 Gy or injected intraperitoneally with mitomycin C at concentrations of 0-2 mg/kg. Micronucleated erythrocytes were sampled from 0 to 60 days post treatment. Data obtained showed a time-dependent response of the induction of micronucleated erythrocytes with both genotoxic agents. A linear dose-dependent increase was observed 2-4 days after treatment. These data show the importance of sampling time in the micronucleus assay with Clarias gariepinus.
Motorcycle fatalities constitute the majority of road traffic deaths in Malaysia. The aims of this study were to describe the pattern of fatal injuries among Klang Valley fatal motorcyclists and to describe the factors associated with fatal (vs non-fatal) injuries.
Melanomas on the foot are difficult to differentiate from diabetic foot ulcers (DFU). In particular, acral lentiginous and amelanotic melanomas have a high chance of being misdiagnosed. We present two patients with diabetes mellitus and malignant melanomas of the foot initially diagnosed as DFU. Both cases were treated with wide excision amputation and local dissection, without adjuvant chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Both patients remain disease-free up to the last follow-up visit. It is important to maintain a high index of suspicion and a skin biopsy should be done in any DFU with atypical features.
Dengue is a major public health problem in many tropical and sub-tropical countries. Vascular leakage and shock are identified as the major causes of deaths in patients with severe dengue. Studies have suggested the potential role of Fc gamma receptors I (FcγRI) in the pathogenesis of dengue. We hypothesized that the circulating level of Fcγ receptor I could potentially be used as an indicator in assisting early diagnosis of severe dengue.