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Aims : The purpose of this study was to count the number of lymphatic channels present in colorectal adenocarcinoma and correlate it with site, size, and stage of tumor, lymph node metastasis. Material and Methods: A total of 29 cases of colorectal carcinomas were retrieved from the archives of the pathology department, School of Medical Sciences. One paraffin block containing tumor was selected from each case. Sections of three to five micron thickness were cut from this paraffin block and stained using the monoclonal antibody D2-40[DAKO] specifically to stain lymphatic channel endothelium in normal and neoplastic tissue. The highest number of lymphatic channels in an area of 0.196mm 2 [high power field] was counted in each tumor using NIKON microscope. These findings were correlated with the clinical parameters and also with lymph node metastasis. Statistical software used: SPSS version 11. Results : The highest density of lymphatic channels in colorectal carcinoma was counted after identifying the appropriate "hot spot". The lymphatic channel density was in the range of 15 - 50/ 0.196 mm 2 [high power field]. There was poor association of this lymphatic channel density with site, size, and stage of tumor and also with lymph node metastasis. This result is in concordance with results of studies done elsewhere. Conclusion : In this study no significant association was seen between lymphatic channel density and site, size, stage and lymph node metastasis in colorectal carcinoma. This indicates that lymphatic channel proliferation does not influence tumor aggressiveness. Further studies are needed to validate our findings.

Stain normalization is an image pre-processing method extensively used to standardize multiple variances of staining intensity in histopathology image analysis. Staining variations may occur for several reasons, such as unstandardized protocols while preparing the specimens, using dyes from different manufacturers, and varying parameters set while capturing the digital images. In this study, a double stain normalization technique based on immunohistochemical staining is developed to improve the performance of the conventional Reinhard's algorithm. The proposed approach began with preparing a target image by applying the contrast-limited adaptive histogram equalization (CLAHE) technique to the targeted cells. Later, the colour distribution of the input image will be matched to the colour distribution of the target image through the linear transformation process. In this study, the power-law transformation was applied to address the overenhancement and contrast degradation issues in the conventional method. Five quality metrics comprised of entropy, tenengrad criterion (TEN), mean square error (MSE), structural similarity index (SSIM) and correlation coefficient were used to measure the performance of the proposed system. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method outperformed all conventional techniques. The proposed method achieved the highest average values of 5.59, 3854.11 and 94.65 for entropy, TEN, and MSE analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Post-surgical scarring is a known cause of trabeculectomy failure. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of ranibizumab as an adjuvant anti-scarring agent in experimental trabeculectomy. Forty New Zealand white rabbits were randomised into four eye treatment groups: groups A (control), B (ranibizumab 0.5 mg/mL), C (mitomycin C [MMC] 0.4 mg/mL), and D (ranibizumab 0.5 mg/mL and MMC 0.4 mg/mL). Modified trabeculectomy was performed. Clinical parameters were assessed on post-operative days 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, and 21. Twenty rabbits were euthanised on day 7, and the other twenty were euthanised on day 21. Eye tissue samples were obtained from the rabbits and stained with haematoxylin and eosin (H&E). All treatment groups showed a significant difference in IOP reduction compared with group A (p < 0.05). Groups C and D showed a significant difference in bleb status on days 7 (p = 0.001) and 21 (p = 0.002) relative to group A. H&E staining showed significantly low fibrotic activity (p < 0.001) in group C on both days and inflammatory cell grade in group B on day 7 (p < 0.001). The grade for new vessel formation was significantly low in groups B and D on day 7 (p < 0.001) and in group D on day 21 (p = 0.007). Ranibizumab plays a role in reducing scarring, and a single application of the ranibizumab–MMC combination showed a moderate wound-modulating effect in the early post-operative phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Segmental bone allografts are widely used in managing large cortical bone defects. To improve host-graft union, the effect of allograft on a large cortical tibial bone defect augmented with a non-vascularized periosteal flap was studied. Twelve mature Australian white rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) were divided into intervention groups and a control group. Bone defects in the intervention groups were treated with segmental allografts wrapped with a non-vascularized periosteal flap. The control group was treated with allograft transplantation alone. Healing was evaluated at the end of the 2nd, 4th, and 6th weeks with plain radiographs, CT scan, and histology. In the intervention groups, the bony union was achieved at both ends of the allografts at the 4th to 6th weeks. Solid callus encasing the whole allograft segments at the end of the 6th week. In the control group, the union did not occur at both ends of the allograft segments even up to the end of the 6th week. No callus formation surrounding the allograft segments. Fragmentation and telescoping of the allograft segment into the medullary cavity of the host were observed. The use of autogenous, non-vascularized periosteal flap modified the healing process of allograft and maintained the integrity of the allograft. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) mutations are commonly found in lower grade gliomas and secondary GBMs. Glioblastomas (GBMs) are the most common and most malignant gliomas in adult with a median survival of 15 months only. Discovery of IDH1 mutations have made a significant positive impact on glioma patient's diagnosis, prognosis, and treatments. Thus, IDH1 mutation screening method in gliomas is necessary to improve survival rate. The gold standard for somatic mutation screening, DNA sequencing was performed to detect IDH1 gene mutation status in glioma samples. Methods: Forty-seven formalin fixed paraffin-embedded glioma samples were subjected for DNA sequencing. The ambiguous glioma samples from DNA sequencing were subjected to PCR-RFLP for IDH1 mutation confirmation. Results: Three out of 47 glioma samples (6.4%) were found to harbor IDH1 mutations. Two IDH1 R132H and one IDH1 R132L were found in the glioma samples. From the DNA sequencing results, we found that the mutant nucleotide spectrum was lower than the wild-type nucleotide results in failure of IDH1 mutations detection. PCR-RFLP method was implemented to confirm the ambiguous IDH1 mutations. We found that the ambiguous IDH1 mutations from DNA sequencing were indeed IDH1 mutants using PCR-RFLP method. Conclusions: In conclusion, DNA sequencing method has a considerable low sensitivity level which leads to false negative results. Thus, combination of DNA sequencing and PCR-RFLP method in heterogeneous glioma samples can be applied to avoid false negative result and cost-effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parotid glands have diverse histological findings thanks to abundant different types of cells presence in the gland. Our routine fine needle aspiration cytology might be inaccurate and misleading in cases where there are cell changes due to ongoing concurrent infection and chronic sialadenitis, which might have mimicked tumoural changes. We highlighted a rare case of multiple florid benign hyperplasia of oncocytic cells of the parotid gland that manifest as parotid swelling. The characteristic multifocality of the lesion and high rate of recurrences, although not a known malignant entity, resulting in a significant shift in the treatment plan for the patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chondrosarcoma (CS) is a malignant tumour of long and flat bone characterised by the formation of cartilage. Mesenchymal chondrosarcoma (MCS) is a rare subtype of CS that is more aggressive and may lead to erroneous diagnosis in a limited biopsy. The diagnosis is mainly based on the histopathological appearance of biphasic pattern of undifferentiated small round cells separated by islands of well-differentiated hyaline cartilage. We report a case of 13-year-old boy who initially presented with gum swelling and the biopsy result suggested a benign fibrous lesion. Following an extensive lesion shown in radiologic findings, the tumour excision was done and finally was diagnosed as an MCS of the maxilla. The patient was given postoperative chemotherapy (EUROEWING 99 regimen), and now on regular follow-up for monitoring of local recurrence or tumour metastasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study focused on PF4 effects on caspase-3,-6, -7, -8 and -9 which regulate the apopotosis process in breast cancer. Materials and Methods: Breast tumours were induced in forty 21-day-old female Sprague Dawley rats (SDRs) using MNU until tumour size reached 14.5 mm (SD: 0.5 mm). The rats were then divided into two groups: Group 1 (control injected with 0.9% saline; n = 20), and Group 2 (platelet factor 4 (PF4); n = 20). PF4 was administered through focal intralesional injection at 20 μg/lesion dose. Following 5-day treatment, the SDRs were sacrificed. Subsequently, representative sections from the tumour were obtained for haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. The expressions of caspase-3, -6, -7, -8 and -9 were evaluated using immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining. Results: The majority of breast tumour specimens were of aggressive types [ncontrol = 13 (65%); nPF4 = 12 (60%)]. Invasive ductal carcinoma not otherwise specified (IDC-NOS) was the most commonly observed breast tumour histology for control and PF4 groups (n = 8 (40%) in respective groups). PF4-treated group exhibited significant differences in the caspase-3, -6 and -8 expression levels compared to the control group (all p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in caspase-7 (p = 0.347) and caspase-9 (p = 0.373) expression levels between both groups. Conclusion: This study found that PF4 acts via the caspase-mediated extrinsic apoptosis pathway without the involvement of the intrinsic pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Goodpasture's syndrome is a rare pulmonary-renal disease. It is characterised by presence of auto-antibodies directed against the glomerular basement membrane (GBM) antigen. These antibodies that bind to the GBM antigens cause rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis. The alveolar basement membrane also contains similar antigen, leading to pulmonary haemorrhage in active disease. We report a case of a young man who initially presented with status epilepticus and later was found to have rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis with pulmonary haemorrhage. Serum anti-GBM antibody was negative but the renal biopsy confirmed the diagnosis by showing typical linear IgG along the GBM on immunofluorescent study. He was treated with plasmapheresis and high-dose steroid in combination with oral cyclophosphamide. His renal function normalised after treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary non Hodgkin's lymphoma of the lacrimal sac is uncommon but potentially delay in diagnosis as it may mimic the presentation of primary post saccal nasolacrimal duct obstruction. In this article, we reported a case of primary non Hodgkin's lymphoma of the lacrimal sac presented with recurrent acute dacryocystitis in a young lady. A 28 years old Malay lady had history of persistent epiphora on left eye for 4 years. Prior to presentation to our clinic, it was preceded by progressive recurrent painful medial canthal swelling for 6 months duration. Clinical diagnosis of post saccal naso lacrimal duct obstruction was made and otorhinolaryngology assessment revealed intranasal mass. Endoscopic excision was done showed diffuse large B cell lymphoma on histology. The patient was started on 6 cycles of chemotherapy which subsequently result in no recurrence of the tumour post chemotherapy. Any case of post saccal nasolacrimal duct obstruction should be investigated thoroughly as it may become as a presentation of other sinister pathology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Dopamine (DA) is one of the key neurotransmitters in the striatum, which is functionally important for a variety of cognitive and motor behaviours. It is known that the striatum is vulnerable to damage from traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, a therapeutic approach has not yet been established to treat TBI. Hence, the present work aimed to evaluate the ability of Normobaric hyperoxia treatment (NBOT) to recover dopaminergic neurons following a fluid percussion injury (FPI) as a TBI experimental animal model. To examine this, mice were divided into four groups: (i) Control, (ii) Sham, (iii) FPI and (iv) FPI+NBOT. Mice were anesthetized and surgically prepared for FPI in the striatum and immediate exposure to NBOT at various time points (3, 6, 12 and 24 h). Dopamine levels were then estimated post injury by utilizing a commercially available ELISA method specific to DA. We found that DA levels were significantly reduced at 3 h, but there was no reduction at 6, 12 and 24 h in FPI groups when compared to the control and sham groups. Subjects receiving NBOT showed consistent increased DA levels at each time point when compared with Sham and FPI groups. These results suggest that FPI may alter DA levels at the early post-TBI stages but not in later stages. While DA levels increased in 6, 12 and 24 h in the FPI groups, NBOT could be used to accelerate the prevention of early dopaminergic neuronal damage following FPI injury and improve DA levels consistently. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Mitragyna speciosa Korth, or better known as ketum, has long been used by traditional folk around Southeast Asia to prevent fatigue from working under hot tropical weather and as a replacement of opium, which can then cause addiction. To date, no findings have been reported of the toxic effect of ketum subchronically (28 days). Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate the toxicity of subchronic effect of standardized methanolic extract of ketum (SMEMS) in Sprague-Dawley rats. Rats were orally administered with 100, 200, and 500 mg/kg of SMEMS for 28 days. Body weights were recorded daily. They were terminated at day 28 to obtain data for hematology, biochemistry, and histopathology of the brain, liver, kidney, lung, heart, sciatic nerve, and spinal cord. The SMEMS affected body weight compared to control group. Biochemistry findings showed that liver and kidney were affected with the abnormal values in AST, creatinine, globulin, glucose, total protein, and urea. However, SMEMS produced toxic effect more to liver, kidney, and lung than other organs as observed histopathologically. The results suggested subchronic exposure of ketum is toxic to the physiology of the animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) enhances cellular proliferation and reduces apoptosis during the early differentiation of bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) into neural progenitor-like cells (NPCs) in the presence of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). BMSCs were differentiated in three groups of growth factors: (A) EGF + bFGF, (B) EGF + bFGF + IGF-1, and (C) without growth factor. To unravel the molecular mechanisms of the NPCs derivation, microarray analysis using GeneChip® miRNA arrays was performed. The profiles were compared among the groups. Annotated microRNA fingerprints (GSE60060) delineated 46 microRNAs temporally up-regulated or down-regulated compared to group C. The expressions of selected microRNAs were validated by real-time PCR. Among the 46 microRNAs, 30 were consistently expressed for minimum of two consecutive time intervals. In Group B, only miR-496 was up-regulated and 12 microRNAs, including the let-7 family, miR-1224, miR-125a-3p, miR-214, miR-22, miR-320, miR-708, and miR-93, were down-regulated. Bioinformatics analysis reveals that some of these microRNAs (miR-22, miR-214, miR-125a-3p, miR-320 and let-7 family) are associated with reduction of apoptosis. Here, we summarize the roles of key microRNAs associated with IGF-1 in the differentiation of BMSCs into NPCs. These findings may provide clues to further our understanding of the mechanisms and roles of microRNAs as key regulators of BMSC-derived NPC maintenance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nevus is a benign melanocytic tumor which occurs anywhere in the skin and is considered to be the most common type of skin tumor. Albeit rare, its manifestation over the external auditory canal has been reported. Herein, we present a case of a previously healthy middle-aged female who presented with insidious onset of left-sided aural fullness and tinnitus. Otoscopic finding revealed a peculiar-looking blackish polypoidal mass occupying left ear canal. Histopathological examination of the excised polypoidal mass turned out to be intradermal melanocytic nevi. Melanocytic nevi in the ear canal may presents as polypoidal mass in a long-standing case. Any suspicious mass over the external auditory canal warrants excision along with histopathological examination of the excised mass as to exclude the possibility of malignancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There has been increasing interest recently in the plasticity of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their potential to differentiate into neural lineages. To unravel the roles and effects of different growth factors in the differentiation of MSCs into neural lineages, we have differentiated MSCs into neural lineages using different combinations of growth factors. Based on previous studies of the roles of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) in neural stem cell isolation in the laboratory, we hypothesized that IGF-1 can enhance proliferation and reduce apoptosis in neural progenitor-like cells (NPCs) during differentiation of MSCs into NCPs. We induced MSCs differentiation under four different combinations of growth factors: (A) EGF + bFGF, (B) EGF + bFGF + IGF-1, (C) EGF + bFGF + LIF, (D) EGF + bFGF + BDNF, and (E) without growth factors, as a negative control. The neurospheres formed were characterized by immunofluorescence staining against nestin, and the expression was measured by flow cytometry. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were also studied by MTS and Annexin V assay, respectively, at three different time intervals (24 hr, 3 days, and 5 days). The neurospheres formed in the four groups were then terminally differentiated into neuron and glial cells. Results: The four derived NPCs showed a significantly higher expression of nestin than was shown by the negative control. Among the groups treated with growth factors, NPCs treated with IGF-1 showed the highest expression of nestin. Furthermore, NPCs derived using IGF-1 exhibited the highest cell proliferation and cell survival among the treated groups. The NPCs derived from IGF-1 treatment also resulted in a better yield after the terminal differentiation into neurons and glial cells than that of the other treated groups. Conclusions: Our results suggested that IGF-1 has a crucial role in the differentiation of MSCs into neuronal lineage by enhancing the proliferation and reducing the apoptosis in the NPCs. This information will be beneficial in the long run for improving both cell-based and cell-free therapy for neurodegenerative diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The striatum is considered to be the central processing unit of the basal ganglia in locomotor activity and cognitive function of the brain. IGF-1 could act as a control switch for the long-termproliferation and survival of EGF + bFGF-responsive cultured embryonic striatal stem cell (ESSC), while LIF imposes a negative impact on cell proliferation. The IGF-1-treated ESSCs also showed elevated hTERT expression with demonstration of self-renewal and trilineage commitment (astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and neurons). In order to decipher the underlying regulatory microRNA (miRNA)s in IGF-1/LIF-treated ESSC-derived neurogenesis, we performed in-depth miRNA profiling at 12 days in vitro and analyzed the candidates using the Partek Genome Suite software. The annotated miRNA fingerprints delineated the differential expressions of miR-143, miR-433, and miR-503 specific to IGF-1 treatment. Similarly, the LIF-treated ESSCs demonstrated specific expression of miR-326, miR-181, and miR-22, as they were nonsignificant in IGFtreated ESSCs. To elucidate the possible downstream pathways, we performed in silico mapping of the said miRNAs into ingenuity pathway analysis. Our findings revealed the important mRNA targets of the miRNAs and suggested specific interactomes. The above studies introduced a new genre of miRNAs for ESSC-based neuroregenerative therapeutic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tumor-associated macrophages play a crucial role in breast cancer progression and tumor angiogenesis. However, evaluation of tumor-associated macrophages incorporating their histological locations is lacking. The aim of this study was to clarify whether macrophages in tumor stroma and macrophages in tumor cell nests have distinctive properties in relation to pertinent breast cancer clinicopathological parameters and tumor angiogenesis. In 94 human invasive breast ductal carcinomas, tumor-associated macrophages were immunostained with anti-CD68 antibody and counted or graded according to these histological locations. Microvessels were immunostained with anti-CD34 antibody and counted for microvessel density. We found that the presence of tumor stromal and tumor nest macrophages was closely correlated ( p = 0.001). Both tumor stromal and tumor nest macrophages were associated with mitotic count ( p = 0.001 and p = 0.037, respectively). However, only higher tumor stromal macrophage grades were associated with higher tumor grades ( p = 0.004) and negative estrogen receptor status ( p = 0.007). Multivariate analysis showed that tumors with a high mitotic count score (score 3 vs. scores 1 and 2) had a higher tumor stromal macrophage density (Grades III and IV) when adjusted for tumor size, tubule formation, and estrogen receptor status (odds ratio 3.41, p = 0.010). The tumor nest macrophage count significantly correlated with the microvessel density ( p < 0.001). These results imply that tumor stromal macrophages and tumor nest macrophages residing in different tumor microenvironments have distinctive roles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wounds with full-thickness skin loss are commonly managed by skin grafting. In the absence of a graft, reepithelialization is imperfect and leads to increased scar formation. Biomaterials can alter wound healing so that it produces more regenerative tissue and fewer scars. This current study use the new chitosan based biomaterial in full-thickness wound with impaired healing on rat model. Wounds were evaluated after being treated with a chitosan dermal substitute, a chitosan skin substitute, or duoderm CGF. Wounds treated with the chitosan skin substitute showed the most re-epithelialization (33.2 ± 2.8%), longest epithelial tongue (1.62 ± 0.13 mm), and shortest migratory tongue distance (7.11 ± 0.25 mm). The scar size of wounds treated with the chitosan dermal substitute (0.13 ± 0.02 cm) and chitosan skin substitute (0.16 ± 0.05 cm) were significantly decreased (P < 0.05) compared with duoderm (0.45 ± 0.11 cm). Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) expression on days 7,14, and 21 revealed the presence of human hair follicle stem cells and fibroblasts that were incorporated into and surviving in the irradiated wound. We have proven that a chitosan dermal substitute and chitosan skin substitute are suitable for wound healing in full-thickness wounds that are impaired due to radiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oncolytic viruses have been extensively evaluated for anticancer therapy because this virus preferentially infects cancer cells without interfering with normal cells. Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) is an avian virus and one of the intensively studied oncolytic viruses affecting many types of cancer including glioma. Nevertheless, the capability of NDV infection on heterogeneous glioma tissue in a cerebrospinal fluid atmosphere has never been reported. Recently, Rac1 is reported to be required for efficient NDV replication in human cancer cells and established a link between tumourigenesis and sensitivity to NDV Rac1 is a member of the Rho GTPases involved in the regulation of the cell migration and cell-cycle progression. Rac1 knockdown leads to significant inhibition of viral replication. In this work, we demonstrated that NDV treatment led to significant reduction of tumour tissue viability of freshly isolated heterogeneous human brain tumour slice, known as an ex vivo glioma acute slice (EGAS). Analysis of gene expression indicated that reduced tissue viability was associated with downregulation of Rac1. However, the viability reduction was not persistent. We conclude that NDV treatment induced EGAS viability suppression, but subsequent downregulation of Rac1 gene may reduce the NDV replication and lead to regrowth ofEGAS tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cigarette smoke (CS) can cause testicular damage and we investigated the possible protective effect of honey against CS-induced testicular damage and oxidative stress in rats. CS exposure (8 min, 3 times daily) and honey supplementation (1.2 g/kg daily) were given for 13 weeks. Rats exposed to CS significantly had smaller seminiferous tubules diameter and epithelial height, lower Leydig cell count and increased percentage of tubules with germ cell loss. CS also produced increased lipid peroxidation (TBARS) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, as well as reduced total antioxidant status (TAS) and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). However, supplementation of honey significantly reduced histological changes and TBARS level, increased TAS level, as well as significantly restored activities of GPx, SOD and CAT in rat testis. These findings may suggest that honey has a protective effect against damage and oxidative stress induced by CS in rat testis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The sexual behavior of male rats are complicated, challenging and require further explorations. Influence of drugs and the exposure to polluted substances making this field more important to be studied. Research into sexual behavior seems to be based on data involving experienced male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats and very little involving naive male SD rats. The purpose of this study is to evaluate and compare the sexual behavior in naive and experienced male SD rats. Findings of this study could be valuable in determining dosages and developing experimental models involving male sexual behavior in rats. Design: The study was of prospectus design that involved video recording of male SD rats for 30 minutes for the first time maters (naive) and 30 more minutes for experienced maters after a gap of three days. Materials and Methods: Using an optimized method (i.e., that is without the use of ovariectomy and/or hormonal injection), female rats in proestrus were selected and mated to randomized naive male SD rats. The mating activities were videotaped and later analyzed. The videotaping method was convenient and enabled a correct observation and evaluation of different components of mating behaviors. It also fosters animal welfare by avoiding the need of surgery and the outcomes can be kept as permanent documentation. Results: Out of 17 adult male rats that were the first time maters, 14 of them were selected subsequently as experienced maters. Only 3 first mater male rats (17.65%) ejaculated during the session while the remaining 14 male rats (82.35%) did not ejaculate. During the second session of mating, 6 male SD rats or 42.86% ejaculated while 8 rats (57.14 %) did not ejaculate. Both mount latency (sec) and intromission latency (sec) were found to decrease during the second time mating exposure. However, ejaculation latency (minutes) was lower compared to the first time maters. The sexual behavior of naive male SD rats showed more variability than that of experienced male SD rats. Conclusion: The non-invasive and convenient assessment (video recording of natural mating behavior) serves many advantages and can be a basis for future research in Malaysia. It was found that experienced male SD rats are better than naive rats in sexual behavior parameters, at least in this study. The possible reasons for this are discussed accordingly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Chitosan is a nontoxic, biocompatible, and biodegradable polymer obtained from chitin by N-deacetylation using strong alkali. Chitosan in a form of a bilayer skin regenerating template can act as a scaffold for regeneration. Integra is a two-layer skin regeneration system, constructed of a matrix of crosslinked fibers that acts as a scaffold for regenerating dermal skin cells. Human skin allografts (HSAs) are the "gold standard" for temporary coverage of clean burn wounds. Objectives. The objective of this study was to conduct in-vivo, preclinical biocompatibility evaluations of Integra, HSA, and Chitosan skin regenerating template (SRT). Methods. Paravertebral subcutaneous pockets were created for the implantation of test materials. Implants were retrieved after 4, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days. Slides of sections through the implants were examined to determine biocompatibility. Results. Chitosan SRT and Integra showed similar inflammatory patterns. HSA showed a higher inflammatory reaction initially which then reduced to levels similar to Integra and Chitosan SRT. Chitosan SRT and Integra also shared similar angiogenesis levels. Towards the end, all implants were degraded with decreased tissue response. Conclusion. Integra, Chitosan SRT, and HSA have been shown to be biocompatible. Integra and Chitosan SRT seem to illicit similar tissue responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To identify differences of ultrasonographic features of endophthalmitis induced by different organism in rabbits, and to highlight its correlation with the clinical presentation, gross and histopathological findings. , Design: An experimental study was carried out among New Zealand white rabbits with induced endophthalmitis: Material and Methods: Endophthalmitis was induced by intravitreal inoculation of microorganism into the right eye of 18 New Zealand white rabbits. Group A (n = 6) was inoculated with Candida albicans, Group B (n = 6) was infected with Staphylococcus epidermidis and Group C (n = 6) was inoculated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Serial B-scan ultrasound and clinical examinations were performed during 10 days observation period. The infected eyes were enucleated on the tenth day. Vitreous aspirates were sent for culture, and the enucleated eyes were sent for pathological evaluation. Results: Ultrasonographic features of endophthalmitis observed in this study were vitreous opacity, thickening of the retinochoroid layer and posterior vitreous detachment. Pseudomonas aeruginosa demonstrated an early detection of generalised vitreous opacity and retinochoroid layer thickening compared to Staphylococcus epidermidis. Candida albicans group displayed localised posterior vitreous opacity. The gross pathology features were consistent with the clinical presentation and the ultrasonographic features. Histopathology examination revealed mixed inflammation in all groups, with the most severe damage induced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. There was significant correlation of vitreous changes on ultrasound with gross vitreous exudates (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The ultrasound and pathological features support the clinical presentation of endophthalmitis and contribute additional information regarding severity of the disease. Thus, it helps in early differentiation between bacterial and fungal endophthalmitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the changes in conjunctiva surface morphology after the use of topical timolol maléate 0.5% and topical latanoprost 0.005% in Malay glaucoma patients. I Design: A randomized clinical trial. j Materials and Methods: 39 Malay patients, newly diagnosed primary open angle glaucoma, pseudoexfolia- tive glaucoma, normotensive glaucoma and chronic angle closure glaucoma without acute attack were randomly divided into topical timolol maléate 0.5% treated group and topical latanoprost 0.005% treated group. The conjunctiva! impression cytology was taken before and 3 months after the treatment was started. The parameters evaluated were epithelial cell morphology, mean goblet cell density and mean mucous granule density. The conjunctival impression cytology of the both groups was compared. Results: In both timolol maléate 0.5% and latanoprost 0.005% treated groups, there was no change in the epithelial cell morphology after three months of treatment. Within three months of therapy, both groups caused statistically significant reduction in the mean goblet cells density (p < 0.001) and mean mucous granules density (p < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in the mean goblet cells density (p = 0.571) and mean mucous granules density (p = 0.173) between the groups after 3 months of treatment. Conclusion: Both topical timolol maléate 0.5% and topical latanoprost 0.005% cause significant reduction in the mean goblet cells density and mean mucous granules density after 3 months treatment. However, these changes are comparable between the two groups in our glaucoma patients of Malay ethnicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Xenogeneic and alloplastic grafts were used as bone substitute in treatment of bone loss. The study was designed to compare the tissue biocompatibility, host-interaction, new bone formation and osteo- conductive properties between bovine bone xenograft and Medpor alloplast on the calvarial of Sprague-Dawley rats. Materials and method: A cross-sectional prospective study was conducted on 24 Sprague-Dawley rats. Their calvarial were implanted with bovine bone xenograft and Medpor alloplast for a period of 30 and 60 days consecutively. After euthanasia, their calvarial together with the implants were processed, sectioned, stained with Hematoxylin & Eosin and Von Gleeson, and examined histologically under light microscope. Results: There was no adverse effect to the general health of the rats. There was no sign of inflammation at the site of operation. Histological assessment showed very minimal inflammatory response with presence of fibrous encapsulation. There was no new bone formation or bone remodeling. Conclusions: The study confirmed the biocompatibility of both bovine bone xenograft and Medpor allo- plast with no complication of migration, extrusion and infection. The study also confirmed the usability of both implants as a calvarial onlay in Sprague-Dawley rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and objectives: Brain tumorigenesis is a complex process involving multiple genetic alterations. Cyclin D1 and BAX genes are two of the most important regulators in controlling the normal proliferation and apoptosis of cells, respectively. In this study, we analysed the possibilities of involvement of cyclin D1 and BAX genes in the gliomagenesis. Methods and results: In determining gene alterations of exon 4 of cyclin D1 gene and exon 6 of BAX gene, all samples were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and subsequently by direct sequencing. Our results showed a frameshift mutation (G base deletion) at nucleotide 82 of codon 28 in exon 4 of the cyclin D1 gene and another frameshift mutation with a deletion of C base at nucleotide 153 of exon 6 of the BAX gene in two separate cases of a glioblastoma multiform (WHO Grade IV) sample. Conclusion: These findings suggest that both cyclin D1 and BAX genes alteration are rarely found in brain tumors. However, the alteration might cause a significant effect of the normal protein production and this might contribute to the development of brain tumorigenesis in Malaysian patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intra-operative frozen section plays an important role in the management of surgical patients and yet it must be used prudently to avoid the indiscriminate usage of this important technique. As it is subjected to many limitations in comparison to the paraffin embedded tissue sections, this review aims to highlight the important concepts and principle of intra-operative frozen section consultation as well as discussing the limitations of this technique. This will then allow the end-users of this technique to be more informed and more selective in their decisions when requesting for a frozen section report. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The most common differential diagnoses of benign anterior neck mass are thyroid lesion, thyroglossal cyst, lymph nodes enlargement and dermoid cyst. Among all of neck masses, thyroid lesion either diffuse or multinodular carries majority of the cases. One of rare differential diagnosis of anterior neck mass is lipoma. Method: Case report. Result: In view of its rarity, anterior neck lipoma is hardly reported. Here, we report a case of anterior neck lipoma which mimic thyroid mass. Imaging showed features of anterior neck lipoma and subsequently the diagnosis was confirmed by pathological examination. He was successfully managed by surgical excision of the mass. Conclusion: Combination of history, physical examination, imaging and pathological examination are important in establishing a differential diagnosis of anterior neck mass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural history of abdominal wall soft tissue sarcoma is still poorly understood due to its rarity. In unpublished data of our institution, only seven cases of abdominal wall soft sarcoma with ICD-10 coding of 49.4 were found for past 10 years. We illustrate a case of juvenile fibrosarcoma of anterior abdominal wall. This is a case of young girl with anterior abdominal wall tumour, underwent wide local excision with immediate reconstruction. There are few options of surgical treatment for this case, but which is the best. It is always a challenge in managing young patient with giant abdominal wall defect in view of long term effect namely weakened abdominal wall, pregnancy related issue and risk of herniation and surgical site recurrence as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]