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Inverted papilloma is an uncommon histopathological finding of maxillary sinus tumor. We reported here a rare case of inverted papilloma of maxillary sinus presented initially with ipsilateral proptosis. A middle-aged lady with history of having allergic rhinitis presented with progressive left eye proptosis. Assessment revealed presence of orbital mass arising from paranasal sinus, in which the histopathological examination was initially inconclusive, and later it turned up to be inverted papilloma, partly with malignant transformation. High index of suspicion is necessary especially in those patients with recurrent non-specific sinonasal symptoms, which may need repeated biopsy and histopathological examination. Ocular manifestation signifies a more advance disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – Meat consumption decisions within a religious context can differ significantly from purchase decisions where religion does not play a key role. The purpose of this study is to investigate the determinants of Halal meat consumption within a Chinese Muslim population using the “marketing theory of planned behavior”. The role of self-identity as a Muslim and dietary acculturation in the host culture is investigated. Design/methodology/approach – The study is based on a questionnaire survey. Cross-sectional data were collected through a survey of 368 Muslim participants, mainly from Xinjiang province in China. Data were analyzed by a series of regression analyses to test the model and the moderating effects of self-identity and dietary acculturation on behavioral intention. Findings – The results indicate that motivation to comply with religious requirements, and personal conviction, have a positive attitude toward behavioral intention to consume Halal meat. However, perceived control has a negative relationship with behavioral intention to eat Halal meat among Muslims. Results also show that in general, Halal meat consumption is determined by the pressure of others, personal conviction, and the perceived control. Practical implications – For marketing managers, Muslims with a low Muslim identity can be motivated to buy Halal meat by communicating through slogans that focus on the individual's opportunity to make his or her own choice(s). Originality/value – This paper will prove valuable to food-policy decision makers and food marketers, who might pursue identity and/or acculturation-related strategies in their distribution and communication efforts targeting the growing Halal food market segment in China and globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tualang honey (TH) is a Malaysian multifloral jungle honey. In recent years, there has been a marked increase in the number of studies published in medical databases regarding its potential health benefits. The honey is produced by the rock bee (Apis dorsata), which builds hives on branches of tall Tualang trees located mainly in the north-western region of Peninsular Malaysia. This review collates the results of the various studies of TH that range from research on tissue culture to randomised control clinical trials. Findings thus far show that, TH has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimutagenic, antitumor, and antidiabetic properties, in addition to wound-healing attributes. Some of its properties are similar to the well-researched Manuka honey (New Zealand and/or Australian monofloral honey). Distinct differences include higher phenolics, flavonoids, and 5-(hydroxymethyl) furfural (HMF). Compared with Manuka honey, TH is also more effective against some gram-negative bacterial strains in burn wounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine cells (split-sample) that were retained on sampling devices used to collect conventional Pap smears (primary smears) in order to evaluate specimen adequacy and cytological diagnosis of scrapings that are routinely discarded. Study design: Cervical scrapings from women attending routine cervical cancer screening were obtained using a cervical brush. Following primary conventional smear preparation, the same sampling devices were rinsed in Preservcyt solution (Cytyc) for subsequent monolayered thin smear (split-sample/discarded sample). The smears (conventional and ThinPrep® monolayer) were examined independently by pathologists and classified using the Bethesda System. The diagnoses from discarded samples (split-sample smears) were then compared with the diagnoses made on primary conventional Pap smears. Results: 702 samples were studied. Cell abnormalities was found in 14/702 conventional smear and 12/702 split-sample thin smear. The adequacy of sampling in primary smears was 94.7% compared to 88.9% in split-sample smears. Six cases of Human Papillomavirus infection was found in split-sample smear, whereas only 5 cases found in primary smear. Cohen's Kappa was 0.61 showing substantial agreement between both sampling cytological results. Conclusion: The cervical brush discarded after conventional smear retain adequate number of cells for diagnostic purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. We studied the clinicopathological parameters of adenocarcinoma arising from endocervix (ECA) and from endometrium (EMA) based on the expression of P16ink4a, P21waf1, and p27Kip1 proteins. Study Design. Immunohistochemistry was done on sections of confirmed ECA and EMA from hysterectomy specimens which have had no prior chemotherapy/ radiotherapy. Results. There were 40 ECAs and 92 EMAs. The mean age of ECA was 49.82 (SD 10.29); the youngest was 30 years old and the oldest 75 years old. The mean age of EMA was 54.45 (SD 10.92); the youngest was 30 years old and the oldest was 82 years old. For ECA, the size of the tumour is significantly associated with age and with depth of infiltration. FIGO stage is associated with histological grade. p21WAF1 expression is significantly associated with infiltration of the corpus and lymph node metastasis. p27Kip1 expression is significantly associated with lymph node invasion. The presence of lymph node metastasis is strongly associated when p16INK4a and p27Kip1 expressions are analyzed in combination. For EMA, p16INK4a expression is associated with histologic grade. Conclusion. Our study shows that we could use these cell cycle markers as predictors for more aggressive subsets of adenocarcinoma of the cervix and endometrium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Electron beam irradiation was used to carry out both imprinting and templating independently. • Chemical and physical properties of the adsorbent was intact thought the process without any major defects. • Controlling process conditioning of individual steps of imprinting and templating make the entire process much easier and simpler. • Radiation cross-linking enables the creation of a highly cross-linked polymer's cavity for the imprinted polymer. • IIP samples are predominantly selective towards thorium in comparison to its interfering ions. 2-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) was grafted onto PP/PE non-woven fabrics (NWF) using pre-radiation graft polymerization technique and subsequent mutual radiation crosslinking with divinylbenzene (DVB). The ion-imprinted polymer (IIP) was synthesized by DVB crosslinking with DMAEMA and thorium complex through radiation. Non-imprinted polymer (NIP) was prepared with the same conditions but utilizing pure DMAEMA instead of DMAEMA-Thorium complex. The NWF, DMAEMA-grafted-NWF, IIP and NIP were characterized with Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), Thermogravimetric Analyzer (TGA), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and X-ray Diffraction (XRD). The grafting process parameters were optimized prior to radiation crosslinking with DVB. The effects of DMAEMA concentration and reaction temperature as a function of different irradiation doses were investigated in order to attain optimal grafting conditions. The effects of DVB concentration, process temperature and radiation dosage on the degree of crosslinking were examined. In addition, the effects of crosslinking percentage, initial thorium concentration and concentration of imprinted thorium to the selectivity of IIP and NIP were also determined. The thorium selectivity of both IIP and NIP was measured using batch mixed ions system by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) analysis. Instead of simultaneous grafting and crosslinking process in bulk along with imprint template, this current study conciliates all grafting, imprint template and crosslinking process independently. Thus, the originality of the research is attributed to individuality grafting and crosslinking technique using ion beam irradiation to obtain IIP of high thorium selectivity without compromising the chemical and physical properties of the adsorbent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Michelia × alba (M. alba) is a flowering tree best known for its essential oil, which has long been used as a fragrance ingredient for perfume and cosmetics. In addition, the plant has been used in traditional medicine in Asia and dates back hundreds of years. To date, there is a limited number of publications on the bioactivities of M. alba, which focused on its tyrosinase inhibition, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities. Nevertheless, M. alba may have additional unexplored bioactivities associated with its bioactive compounds such as linalool (72.8% in flower oil and 80.1% in leaf oil), α-terpineol (6.04% flower oil), phenylethyl alcohol (2.58% flower oil), β-pinene (2.39% flower oil), and geraniol (1.23% flower oil). Notably, these compounds have previously been reported to exhibit therapeutic activities such as anti-cancer, anti-inflammation, anti-depression, anti-ulcer, anti-hypertriglyceridemia, and anti-hypertensive activities. In this review paper, we examine and discuss the scientific evidence on the phytochemistry, bioactivities, and traditional uses of M. alba. Here, we report a total of 168 M. alba biological compounds and highlight the therapeutic potential of its key bioactive compounds. This review may provide insights into the therapeutic potential of M. alba and its biologically active components for the prevention and treatment of diseases and management of human health and wellness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Family planning practice is important among the high-risk mothers. Thus, the knowledge, attitude and practice of family planning among health care workers are very important in influencing the use of contraception among them. The objective of this study was to determine level of knowledge, attitudes and practices related to contraception among doctors and nurses in Petaling District, Selangor, Malaysia. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 300 doctors and nurses working in the Maternal and Child Health Unit from six large public health clinics in Petaling district was conducted in May 2019. A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Results: A total of 109 doctors and 149 nurses participated in this study. The response rate was 86%. The median duration of service in KKM and working in MCH were 9 years (IQR 6.0) and 3 years (IQR 6.0) respectively. Majority (74%) had attended CME on family planning. The mean score of knowledge was 9.0 (out of 13) (SD 1.899). In terms of attitude, 51.6% would often suggest family planning to relatives or friends. Three common perceived barriers for effective counselling on family planning were too many patients (94.5%), time constraint (91.7%) and inadequate knowledge on contraception (60.4%). Common preferred methods of contraception among users were hormonal method (33.1%), followed by barrier (condom) method (29.5%). Medical officers had better knowledge score as compared to nurses (p<0.05). Perceived confidence in giving counselling was significantly associated with the duration they work in MCH (p<0.05). Conclusion: This study showed that the average knowledge on family planning was fair. Main perceived barriers to effective family planning counselling were time constraint, large patient crowd and inadequate knowledge. The perceived confidence in giving counselling will increase with the time they spent in MCH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Paenibacillus polymyxa is categorized as an endospore-forming bacterium and Gram-positive bacteria, which have innate beneficial properties in modern biotechnology application. P. polymyxa extensively reviewed as plant growth promoting bacteria which directly gave benefit to the plants by improving nitrogen fixation from atmosphere, increase phosphorus solubilization and iron acquisition in soil and phytohormone production. This could reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers, which is now a source of environmental conflict and appear to be harmful to human. Therefore, application of P. polymyxa focusing only as functional microbial species in production of biofertilizers. P. polymyxa have been gaining momentum over the last couple of years. The recent discovery in microbial industrial of this bacterium is the production of bioactive compounds like exopolysaccharides (EPS). EPS is not only established as biofilm for the colonization of microbes and act as a sink for the nutrients on plant roots in the rhizosphere. Hence, EPS from P. polymyxa is also useful for health care industries such as disease diagnosis and drug manufacturing. Synthesis of hydrolytic enzymes reported as bioconversion of agricultural wastes that helps to tackle serious environmental problems by creating wealth from waste which can also acts as productive biocontrol agents against pathogens. Hence, P. polymyxa having a wide range of antibacterial metabolites and antifungal compounds, inform of volatile organic compouds, peptides and hydrolytic enzymes, This compounds and biomaterials could be commercially marketed as reliable plant biocontrol agents and pharmaceutical application. Nowadays, researcher extensively reviewed and focused their attention on the potential benefits of P. polymyxa with multiple biological functions that cannot be ignored for human health and wellness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Student Affairs Division of UiTM Perlis is responsible for nonacademic matters. However, the current e-Kolej system lacks comprehensive residential data, making it impossible for staff and students to analyse and use the data effectively. The purpose of this study is to address this issue by developing a residential dashboard that provides the platform for college statistics. By providing staff members with access to and analysis of relevant data, the dashboard will support informed decision-making and efficient management of student housing. The phases of the project include a requirements analysis, design, implementation, and usability assessment. This method employs Apache Hive for large data warehouses, HiveQL for data analytics, and Microsoft Power BI for data representation. Thirty participants provided valuable feedback during the test, validating the dashboard's usability and effectiveness in providing users with the required data. According to the evaluation data, the average overall score is 4.71. Future projects include adding more information from other perspectives to the dashboard and integrating the dashboard with the college database system at UiTM Perlis Branch remain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background : Kelantan has a high prevalence of colorectal cancer. This cancer is often associated with affluence. Recently many new studies have shown that metabolic diseases as one of the possible cause of colorectal carcinoma (CRC). Metabolic diseases especially Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM2) has a high incidence among the Kelantan population. We wanted to determine the association of metabolic diseases/syndrome ( hypertension,Diabetes mellitus Type 2 and ischemic heart disease ) with colorectal cancer patients. Methods: This is a retrospective study on all colorectal carcinoma in HUSM between year 2001-2006. The data was retrieved from the Registry in Pathology laboratory and the clinical details from the patients clinical records. The data was analysed using SSPS Version 12.0.. Value p<0.05 was taken to be statistically significant. Results: In the 5 years, a total of 138 CRC cases were diagnosed at HUSM. The patients age ranged between 16.0 to 88.0 years old, with mean age of 56.92 -/+ SD 15.35. The male 90(65%) to female 48(35%) ratio was 1.86:1.0. 85.0% of them had metabolic diseases. 18(13%) had Diabetes Mellitus Type 2(DM2), 48(34.8%) had hypertension(HPT) and 19 (13.8%) had ischemic heart disease(IHD). Statistically, the metabolic diseasaes had significant association with the stage of cancer; DM2;p<0.043, HPT and IHD;p<0.001 .The age of the patients was also a significant association with CRC [(SED 2.7,95% CI 4.84-15.65) , p<0.001] Conclusion: Colorectal carcinoma seen in HUSM in this study showed a strong association with metabolic diseases. This is the first data on local study indicating such. Reduction in prevalence of diabetis in the state of Kelantan would reduce the incidence of CRC. Evidence is growing that metabolic diseases/syndrome may be a marker for a physiologic milieu of growth that encourages tumor initiation, promotion, and/or progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Human specimen usage has been integral in medical research for many years. So far the response of the public particularly in the local context on this is not known. Methodology: A questionnaire survey was given to patients attending HUSM outpatient clinics and the blood donors of the hospital. Data was collected from 429 respondents who returned the completed survey forms. Results: Majority of the respondents were young (<35 years), have had at least primary education and lived in rural area. 82.1% respondents have had their specimen taken for some investigations on their illness but only 68.5% of them had been informed about the purpose. Of those informed, just 50.8% had been told about the risk of the action. More than half of the respondents had not been informed about the tests that were done on the specimen nor the results. Majority proud to submit their specimen and hoped their specimen will be discarded after the research has ended. Less than half knew human specimen could be used in research. Majority said they would be upset if research on their specimen is done without their knowledge. There were only 21.2% of the respondents who had been involved in research as subjects. Majority of the respondents agreed to submit their specimens for research, disseminate the research findings to others. Almost all respondents were in consensus that research is important in improving health. Conclusion: This survey shows that the majority of the public is receptive to be involved as subjects for research if properly informed and motivated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Osteosarcoma is the most common type of bone cancer in children and adolescents. The aim of this study is to review the pathology and clinical presentation of osteosarcoma seen at HUSM for the last twelve-years. Methodology: The pathology and clinical records of all cases of osteosarcoma diagnosed at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia from 1996 - 2007 were reviewed. Results: A diagnosis of osteosarcoma was made in 212 cases during this period. They were 178 (84%) Malays, 24 (11.3%) Chinese and 10 (4.7%) Indians. 129 (60.85%) cases were male and 83 (39.2%) female. On the basis of this data, the order of occurrence of osteosarcoma between various age groups can be established as: 10-12y > 1-10y > 20-30y > 30-40y > 40-50y > 50-60y > 60-70y. The duration of symptoms, ranges between 2-6 months. The common tumor site is femur (85 cases, 40%), tibia (55 cases, 25.9%), humerus (23 cases, 10.9%), fibula (9 cases, 4.3%), radius, (5 cases, 2.4%), iliac (5 cases, 2.4%), maxilla (3 cases, 1.4%), pelvis (3 cases, 1.4%), knee (4 cases, 1.9%), scapula (2 cases, 0.9%), shoulder (2 cases, 2.9%), rib (1 case, 0.5%), ankle (1 case, 0.5%) and calcanium (1 case, 0.5%). The histopathology is conventional (12, 5.7%), chondroblastic (13, 6.1%), fibrohistiocytic (10, 4.7%), sclerosing (9, 4.2%), osteoblastic (6, 2.8%), fibroblastic (5, 2.4%), telengiectatic (5, 2.4%), parosteal (2, 0.9%), small cell (2, 0.9%), giant cell (2, 0.9%), and periosteal (1, 0.45%). Conclusion: Osteosarcoma occurs most commonly between 10-20 years in our populations. It is of male preponderance. The common site is femur. The most common histopathology is the conventional cell types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID-19 has shocked the world with an overwhelming number of people infected by it. Without a doubt, Malaysia is no exception to this pandemic chaos. Within weeks, Malaysia made the top of the list in Southeast Asia with the most confirmed COVID-19 cases. As a consequence, the Prime Minister had no choice but to call for a sudden Movement Controlled Order (MCO) that affected most of the workers and businesses. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on Malaysia's socioeconomic condition. We surveyed the entire Malaysian population from the age of 18 to 65 years and above, with a 516 minimum sample size. A convenience sampling technique is utilised where the respondents receive a URL link through WhatsApp group and email. According to Krejcie and Morgan, 384 was the minimum sample size for this study. This study applied Raosoft software to determine the sample size with a 95% confidence level. From the software, the sample size is estimated at 385. The result of the study proved that the COVID-19 pandemic does influence the socioeconomic status of society, as there is a significant association between the COVID-19 pandemic and socioeconomic factors. To conclude, future researchers can further explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the socioeconomic status of a population. Researchers can include other relevant socioeconomic factors with a more scattered demographic profile of respondents to achieve a more robust and unbiased result. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial degradation is considered as an attractive method to eliminate exposure to mycotoxin that cause a serious threat in agriculture global industry and severe human health problems. Compared with other more prominent mycotoxin compounds, fusaric acid (FA) biodegradation has not been widely investigated. In this study, a fusaric acid-degrading bacterium Burkholderia sp. IMCC1007 was identified by 16 S rRNA gene sequencing and its detoxification characteristics were evaluated. This strain able to utilize FA as sole energy and carbon source with growth rate (µ) of 0.18 h− 1. Approximately 93% from the initial substrate FA concentration was almost degraded to the residual about 4.87 mg L− 1 after 12 h of incubation. The optimal degradation conditions for pH and temperature were recorded at 6.0 with 30 °C respectively. An efficient FA degradation of strain IMCC1007 suggested its potential significance to detoxification development. Accroding to LC-MS/Q-TOF analysis, FA was bio-transformed to 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (C7H6O3) and other possible metabolites. Plant treated with detoxified FA products exhibited reduction of wilting index, mitigating against FA phytoxicity effect on plant growth and photosynthesis activity. Phytotoxicity bioassay suggested that degradation product of IMCC1007 was not a potent harmful compound towards plants as compared to the parent compound, FA. As a conslusion, our study provides a new insight into the practical application of biodetoxifcation agent in controlling mycotoxin contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malaysia is advancing and nearly on pace with the international scientific community in human genetics and human genomics research. However, this research poses unique challenges. Although Malaysia already regulates medical genetic services, these regulations are insufficient for coping with the ethical issues emerging from recent genomic technologies. The Universiti Sains Malaysia recently created in-house guidelines and an informed consent template for genetic and genomic research. This article presents these guidelines and the informed consent template and discusses the justification and the background of the initiative. We also propose recommendations pertaining to local social studies and regulatory arrangements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Model-based estimation of respiratory mechanics is less accurate when patient exhibit un-modeled spontaneous breathing (SB) efforts on top of ventilator support. • Reconstruction of missing airway pressure using a non-linear autoregressive (NARX) model is introduced in this paper. There are 2 different ratios of training and testing data. Firstly, the initial ratio used is 60:40 which indicates 600 breath cycles for training and remaining 400 breath cycles used for testing. Then, the ratio is varied using 70:30 ratio for training and testing data. • The mean residual error between original airway pressure and reconstructed airway pressure using NARX is calculated and denoted as the magnitude of asynchrony. These information can potentially be used to assess the level of patient asynchrony and may be clinically useful. • More importantly, this model is able to produce the SB incidence rate based on 10% threshold. Hence, the proposed NARX model is potentially useful to estimate and identify patient-specific SB effort, which has the potential to further assist clinical decisions and could be expanded to other ventilation modes as desired. Mechanical ventilation (MV) provides breathing support for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) patients in the intensive care unit, but is difficult to optimize. Too much, or too little of pressure or volume support can cause further ventilator-induced lung injury, increasing length of MV, cost and mortality. Patient-specific respiratory mechanics can help optimize MV settings. However, model-based estimation of respiratory mechanics is less accurate when patient exhibit un-modeled spontaneous breathing (SB) efforts on top of ventilator support. This study aims to estimate and quantify SB efforts by reconstructing the unaltered passive mechanics airway pressure using NARX model. Non-linear autoregressive (NARX) model is used to reconstruct missing airway pressure due to the presence of spontaneous breathing effort in mv patients. Then, the incidence of SB patients is estimated. The study uses a total of 10,000 breathing cycles collected from 10 ARDS patients from IIUM Hospital in Kuantan, Malaysia. In this study, there are 2 different ratios of training and validating methods. Firstly, the initial ratio used is 60:40 which indicates 600 breath cycles for training and remaining 400 breath cycles used for testing. Then, the ratio is varied using 70:30 ratio for training and testing data. The mean residual error between original airway pressure and reconstructed airway pressure is denoted as the magnitude of effort. The median and interquartile range of mean residual error for both ratio are 0.0557 [0.0230 - 0.0874] and 0.0534 [0.0219 - 0.0870] respectively for all patients. The results also show that Patient 2 has the highest percentage of SB incidence and Patient 10 with the lowest percentage of SB incidence which proved that NARX model is able to perform for both higher incidence of SB effort or when there is a lack of SB effort. This model is able to produce the SB incidence rate based on 10% threshold. Hence, the proposed NARX model is potentially useful to estimate and identify patient-specific SB effort, which has the potential to further assist clinical decisions and optimize MV settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The use of a signal-to-cut-off ratio has been recommended by the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention to determine the need for further validation using a supplemental test. In this study, we aimed to determine the optimal true-positive signal-to-cut-off ratio for the ABBOTT ARCHITECT i2000SR immunoassay (Abbott Laboratories, Illinois, USA), using the Serodia® HCV particle agglutination (HCV-PA) assay (Fujirebio Inc, Tokyo, Japan) as the reference test for anti-HCV screening. Methodology: We analysed a total of 13,240 specimens using the ARCHITECT i2000SR immunoassay and subsequently subjected all the reactive specimens with a signal-to-cut-off ratio = 1.00 (n = 267) to the Serodia® HCV-PA reference assay. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was carried out and performance characteristics for each signal-to-cut-off ratio were determined. The selected signal-tocut-off ratio value was then assessed using a line immunoassay (LIA) test. Results: ROC curve analysis determined that the optimal signal-to-cut-off ratio was 5.05, which gave the highest Youden's Index (J) value of 0.89, with a sensitivity of 93.1% (88.9-97.2), a specificity of 96.0% (92.4-99.4), a positive predictive value of 96.4% (93.3-99.5), and a negative predictive value of 92.2% (87.5-96.8). Validation of the optimal S/Co value using the LIA test yielded an accuracy of 91.8%, with sensitivity and specificity values of 92.0% and 91.7%, respectively. Conclusions: The optimal signal-to-cut-off ratio value for the ARCHITECT i2000SR immunoassay, which was determined using HCV-PA assay as the reference test and validated using a HCV-LIA assay, showed high sensitivity and specificity, and may be used in routine anti-HCV screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Endometrial cancer is the most common gynaecologic malignancy among females worldwide. The purpose of this study was to determine the median survival time of endometrial cancer patients at the Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). Methods: A list of 121 endometrial cancer cases registered at Hospital USM between 2000 until 2011 was retrospectively reviewed. The survival time of the endometrial cancer patients was estimated by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Log-rank tests were performed to compare the survival of the patients based on socio-demographics and clinical presentation. Results: Only 108 patients, 87.0%, were included who were of Malay ethnicity. Previous history included menopause in 67.6% of patients and diabetes mellitus in 39.8% of patients; additionally, 63.4% of patients were nulliparous. Tumour staging was as follows: 24.5% stage I, 10.8% stage II, 26.5% stage III and 38.2% stage IV. The overall median survival time of the endometrial cancer patients was 70.20 months (95% confidence interval (CI): 51.79, 88.61). The significant factors were age, the presence of lymphovascular invasion and treatment received. Conclusion: The overall survival of endometrial cancer was low. A prospective study needs to be carried out to discover more effective and accurate tests for the early detection of endometrial cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Gastro-intestinal lymphoma is not a common condition. The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinicopathological features of patients with gastrointestinal lymphoma diagnosed in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM). Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 20 patients who was diagnosed with gastrointestinal lymphoma in HUSM during the period of 1996-2006. The patients' records were reviewed to determine the clinical outcome of the patients. Patients were also contacted via telephone to establish their current status. The type of Lymphoma was classified based on the WHO classification. The staging used was according to Ann Arbor System for GIT Lymphoma. Results: All cases were Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. There were 8 males and 12 females. The mean age was 48.8 and the median age was 51. The pathological sites were 3(15%) in the stomach, 7(35%) in the small intestine (2 duodenum and 5 terminal ileum), and 12(50%) in the large intestine (8 caecum, 2 ascending and transverse colon and 1 rectosigmoid). The most common presenting symptoms were nausea, vomiting and epigastric pain for gastric lymphoma and abdominal pain with/without mass and diarrheoa for small and large bowel lymphoma. At presentation, one patient (5%) was in stage I, 3(15%) in stage II, 6(30%) in stage III and 5(25%) in stage IV. The majority, 17(85%) lesions were B cell lymphoma and the rest 3(15%) were T-Cell Lymphoma. Only 9(45%) patients underwent chemotherapy after surgical resection, 6(30%) underwent only surgical procedure without chemotherapy and 5(25%) had only chemotherapy. The average duration for follow-up was 28.2 months. 10(50%) patients died due to the illness (7 while undergoing treatment and 3 after 1-5 years of follow-up), 4 are alive and well and the status of 6 patients are unknown. Conclusion: The HUSM experience on 20 cases of GI lymphoma showed that the patients present mainly with obstructive symptoms and underwent abdominal surgery. The majority is of B cell phenotype and the clinical outcome is not as impressive as primary nodal lymphoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Honey is a highly nutritional natural product that has been widely used in folk medicine for a number of therapeutic purposes. We evaluated whether Malaysian Tualang honey (AgroMas, Malaysia) was effective in reducing menopausal syndrome in ovariectomised female rats; an animal model for menopause. Methods The rats were divided into two control groups and three test groups. The control groups were sham-operated (SH) and ovariectomised (OVX) rats. The SH and OVX control rats were fed on 0.5 ml of distill water. The rats in the test groups were fed with low dose 0.2 g/kg (THL), medium dose, 1.0 g/kg (THM) and high dose 2.0 g/kg (THH) of Tualang honey in 0.5 ml of distill water. The administration was given by oral gavage once daily for 2 weeks. The reproductive organs (uterus and vagina), tibia bone and aorta were taken for histopathological examination while serum for hormonal assays. Results Administration of Tualang honey for 2 weeks to ovariectomised rats significantly increased the weight of the uterus and the thickness of vaginal epithelium, restored the morphology of the tibia bones and reduced the body weight compared to rats in the ovariectomised group. The levels of estradiol and progesterone, in honey treated groups were markedly lower than that in the OVX group. At low doses (0.2 g/kg; THL group) of Tualang honey there was an increased in serum free testosterone levels compared to OVX group (P < 0.01). Progesterone concentrations was significantly decreased in the OVX group as compared to SHAM group (P < 0.05). Conclusions Tualang honey was shown to have beneficial effects on menopausal (ovariectomised) rats by preventing uterine atrophy, increased bone density and suppression of increased body weight. Honey could be an alternative to HRT.

Abstract Background The treatment of oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) and human osteosarcoma (HOS) includes surgery and/or radiotherapy which often lead to reduced quality of life. This study was aimed to study the antiproliferative activity of local honey (Tualang) on OSCC and HOS cell lines. Methods Several concentrations of Tualang honey (1% - 20%) were applied on OSCC and HOS cell lines for 3, 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 hours. Morphological characteristics were observed under light and fluorescent microscope. Cell viability was assessed using MTT assay and the optical density for absorbance values in each experiment was measured at 570 nm by an ELISA reader. Detection of cellular apoptosis was done using the Annexin V-FITC Apoptosis Detection Kit. Results Morphological appearance showed apoptotic cellular changes like becoming rounded, reduction in cell number, blebbed membrane and apoptotic nuclear changes like nuclear shrinkage, chromatin condensation and fragmented nucleus on OSCC and HOS cell lines. Cell viability assay showed a time and dose-dependent inhibitory effect of honey on both cell lines. The 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) for OSCC and HOS cell lines was found to be 4% and 3.5% respectively. The maximum inhibition of cell growth of ≥80% was obtained at 15% for both cell lines. Early apoptosis was evident by flow cytometry where percentage of early apoptotic cells increased in dose and time dependent manner. Conclusion Tualang honey showed antiproliferative effect on OSCC and HOS cell lines by inducing early apoptosis.

BACKGROUND Honey is used traditionally for treatment of various medical problems including peri and postmenopausal complications. OBJECTIVE Hence the objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of Tualang honey on reproductive organs (uterus and vagina) in ovariectomised rats (postmenapousal animal model). MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty one (21) adult female Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into 3 groups (7 animals per group). Animals in group 1 were subjected to sham operation under general anesthesia (CS) and were given distilled water 0.5 ml daily by gavaging for 14 days. Animals of group 2 and 3 underwent bilateral oophorectomy. Animals of Group 2 were given distilled water (CO) and animals of Group 3 received Tualang honey 2 g/kg daily (HO) for a similar duration. All animals were sacrificed 24 hours after the last dose (during diestrous phase). Reproductive organs were removed, weighed and subjected to histological examination. RESULTS The uterine and vaginal relative weights were not significantly different in honey treated and nontreated ovariectomised animals. Both vaginal epithelium and epithelium-muscles thicknesses were significantly improved in honey treated compared to non-treated ovariectomised rats. No significant differences were noted in endometrial and endometrialmuscle thicknesses of the uterus in honey treated and non-treated ovariectomised rats. CONCLUSION This findings support the traditional use of honey in postmenapousal women. Vaginal atrophy and dryness are among the important adverse effects of postmenopausal state. This problem could be overcome by consuming honey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Honey has long been used as traditional remedy for the treatment and prevention of peri and postmenopausal complications. Objective: To evaluate the effect of Tualang honey on ovariectomised rats, a postmenopausal animal model. Methodology: Thirty five (35) adult female Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into 5 groups. Animals of group 1 were subjected to shams operation. Animals of group 2, 3, 4 and 5 had undergone bilateral oophorectomy. Animals of group 1 and 2 were given vehicle treatment (15 mls distilled water/day) whereas those in Group 3, 4 and 5 received Tualang honey at low, medium and high dose (0.2, 1.0 and 2.0 g/kg/day) respectively by gavaging for 14 days. Body weight and food consumptions were monitored and daily vaginal smears were performed. The animals were sacrificed 24 hrs. after the last dose of treatment (during diestrous phase). Reproductive organs were removed, weighed and subjected for histological examinations. Plasma was collected for hormonal assays. Results: The weight gained was less and the relative posterior tibia bones weight were higher in honey compared to ovariectomised vehicle-treated group. The estrous cycle was persistently in anestrous phase in the honey and vehicle-treated ovariectomised animals. The uterine and vaginal relative weights, the endometrial and uterine longitudinal muscle thicknesses and the free testosterone plasma level were significantly increased in animals that received low dose honey. The vaginal epithelium and vaginal epithelial-muscle thicknesses were significantly increased in honey compared to vehicle-treated ovariectomised groups. There was hyperplasia with vacuolation of some of the squamous cell of the vagina implying that there was an increase in mucopolysacharide content. No significant difference in 17-beta estradiol, progesterone and FSH plasma levels were noted in honey treated compared to control ovariectomised rats. Conclusion: The research findings support the traditional used of honey. Our results showed that Tualang honey has significant effect on general health, bone weight and reproductive health in postmenopausal animal model; however the outcomes were dose dependent. Clinical evaluation on the effect of honey on peri and postmenopausal women were therefore highly recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fibroblast is one component of connective tissue cells in polygonal or stellate with cytoplasmic processes or projections. In vitro, tissue culture is an excellent medium used in biomedical research. The goal of this study was to analyze Toxicity and Malignancy in Embryo of Super Java Chicken as Potential Candidates of Strong Poultry in Indonesia. This study used Preparation of fibroblast primary cell culture of Java super chicken embryos, Pathogenicity test using fibroblast cells from Super Java chicken, Toxicity test using fibroblast cells from Super Java Chicken. Primary fibroblast cell culture of Java super chicken embryos was prepared from 10-day-old brood chicken eggs free of pathogens. Cells were prepared in 96-well microplates with minimal essential medium (MEM) containing 10 % fetal calf serum (FCS) 100 IU/ug penicillin/streptomycinVirus isolates were diluted in stages from 10-2 to 10-5 and inoculated into Java Super Chicken Fibroblast cell culture. The result showed that the negative control of the samples had a faster proliferative power than the fibroblast cell culture of Java super chicken, which was treated with concentrations of 10-2; 10-3; 10-4; 10-5. Moreover, before being inoculated with the virus, the confluent fibroblast cells of Java super chicken looked oval and regular. The day after infection, syncytia (large multinucleated cells) began to form on a small scale and became more pronounced on the second and third post-infection days. CPE was found in the 10-2,10-3 and 10-4 virus dilutions, and CPE was not found in the 10-5 dilution., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2023 Published by Elsevier Ltd.)