Introduction: Zamzam water is blessed water originated from Mecca and is believed by Muslims to have the ability to cure illness. This ability to cure illness is due to the fact that zamzam water has higher concentration of minerals especially sodium, calcium and magnesium which play a vital role. Sodium is reported to be involved in the regulation of the Mu-Opioid Receptor, which indirectly leads to the production of cAMP. Hence, this current study was carried out to investigate the synergistic effects of zamzam water and methadone combination on cAMP levels in human primary glioblastoma cell line (U-87 MG) after chronic morphine administration. Materials and Methods: The time course and concentration of morphine on U-87 MG cell line was determined. The U-87 MG cell line was incubated with morphine (25 µL/mL) for 24h, to make the cell dependent on morphine and later treated with different combinations of 3.2 mL of zamzam water and methadone (5, 10, 25 µL/mL). The levels of cAMP was determined using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Results: The result revealed that 3.2 mL of zamzam water incubated with 10 µl/ mL of methadone significantly prevented the overshoot production of cAMP level (p<0.05) in U-87 MG cell line after 48h incubation when compared to the untreated samples. Conclusion: These finding suggest that co-treatment with zamzam water and methadone could possibly avoid tolerance and dependence on chronic morphine treatment by preventing the up-regulation of cAMP level.

Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is angiogenic and effective in down-regulating excess collagen production. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of vitamin E (Tocotrienol Rich Fraction) in altering the level of bFGF, a cytokine involved in the scar formation process. In this model, normal human fibroblasts were treated with various concentrations of vitamin E at different time frames. The levels of bFGF were determined by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbant Assay (ELISA). This study demonstrated that Tocotrienol Rich Fraction (TRF) stimulated bFGF production by fibroblast and postulate that vitamin E may decrease aberrant scar formation.

We report a rare case of septic arthritis in a healthy child caused by Salmonella enteritidis. No predisposing factor was detected. Salmonella enteritidis was isolated from the infected joint tissue obtained following surgical drainage. Based on the culture and sensitivity report, he was treated with a 6-week course of antibiotic. He improved dramatically without any detrimental sequelae at end of one year.

A case of 17 year-old nulligravid who initially presented with a 3 year history of cyclic hypogastric pain with gradual abdominal enlargement. She was assessed with Imperforate Hymen and underwent hymenectomy and ultrasound-guided aspiration of blood clots per vagina. No vaginal canal was noted. Patient was subsequently lost to follow up.

Patient returned due to recurrence of hypogastric pain and enlargement of abdomen. Transrectal ultrasound revealed hematocolpos with hematometra. Assessment was Cervical and Vaginal Agenesis. Patient underwent exploratory laparotomy, total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingectomy.

According to American Fertility Society, there is no classification for a complex mullerian malformation such as mixed vaginal and cervical Agenesis. There is no reported case of mixed vaginal and cervical agenesis in the Philippines.

The best surgical management is still controversial. Conservative surgical method should be considered. A rare case of mixed vaginal and cervical agenesis is being presented where the management is a dilemma.

Objective:To investigate the adverse effect of exposure to acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), diazinon (DIA) and their combination on oxidant/antioxidant status in rat erythrocytes and the ameliorating role of selenium (Se).
Methods: Rats were oral administered ASA at the maximum administration dose (1 350 mg/personal/d=2.5 mg/kg body weight/d), DIA at a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight/d and Se at a dose of 200 μg/kg body weight/d and their combinations for 28 consecutive d.
Results: Administration of DIA, ASA and ASA+DIA lead to a significant increment (P≤0.05) in lipid peroxidation as evidenced by the increase in erythrocytes MDA levels by 61.8%, 20.79%and 105.62%, respectively. Co-administration of Se to treated rats modulated the augmentation of MDA levels. Administration of DIA, ASA and ASA+DIA lead to significant decreases (P≤0.05) in the activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase enzymes when compared to the control group. The most influence and decreases in the activities of the aforementioned enzymes were observed in the treatments of ASA+DIA by 30.53%, 43.42%and 48.31%, respectively. However, co-administration of Se mitigated the significant decreases of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities to by 14.47%, 15, 36%and 12.29%.
Conclusions: It can be concluded that DIA and ASA induced oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in rat erythrocytes. The results reveal the pronounced ameliorating effect of Se in DIA and ASA intoxicated rats. It is supposed that antioxidant supplementation may be beneficial for the people using ASA for longer periods and exposure to pesticides.

Helminthiasis is a common parasitic condition particularly among children in rural areas in developing countries where poor hygiene standard is practiced. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of helminthiasis among Indian preschoolers in urban areas in Penang and its associated factors. A total of 194 urban Indian preschoolers aged 4 to 6 years old were selected randomly from 11 kindergartens in the state of Penang for this cross sectional study. Data collection was carried out in 2 phases. First, microscopic stool examinations were done to examine the presence of helminths. Second, self administered questionnaires which inquired about human, environment and socioeconomic factors were completed by the parents/guardians. The overall prevalence of helminthiasis was 7.2% and the most frequently encountered infective agent was Ascaris lumbricoides (57.1%) and followed by the tapeworms (42.86%). The logistic regression indicated that habitual thumb sucking (AOR= 5.6. 95%CI: 1.73-18.39) and families owning domestic pets (AOR= 3.2; 95%CI: 1.03-10.14) were the significant contributing factors to helminthiasis among the Indian pre-schoolers in urban Penang. Although the prevalence of helminth infection among the urban Indian preschoolers is lower than rural area, it is still a public health concern. Children habitual thumb sucking and rearing domestic pets at home were the significant contributing factors in helminthiasis. Prevention strategy should focus on health education and promotion among adults and children, awareness on domestic animal hygiene and maintaining good environmental sanitation. Multi agency collaboration is clearly essential, especially between state health, education and veterinary departments in curbing this disease.

The treatment of major burn injuries are a formidable challenge to the burn surgeon. Early aggressive surgery for deep to full thickness burn injuries is vital in the prevention of infection. The ultimate goal in major burn injuries is to prevent the onset of multi-resistant organisms and achieve early wound cover. The field of tissue engineering can help to expedite the healing of these burn wounds. The development of keratinocyte culture delivery system can be used clinically to fasten the healing process and save many lives.

Many of our chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients venture into complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to seek a cure for the disease beyond conventional management. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and pattern of CAM usage; and its association with the progression of CKD in our population. This was a cross-sectional survey recruited CKD patients from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC). Data was collected via interview using questionnaires which explore the demographics, type and pattern of CAM use. Patients’ comorbidities and serum creatinine were extracted from the medical notes to assess the association between progression of CKD and usage of CAM. Chi-square, Independent Samples t-test, Mann-Whitney U test and logistic regression were used to evaluate for an association. Three hundred and seventy two eligible patients were recruited. The prevalence of CAM use was 29% in the past year. Younger age, higher education and higher income level were associated with significantly more usage of CAM. Natural products were the commonest type of CAM used (86.1%). The belief in the effectiveness of CAM was the main reason for its uptake and about 57.8% revealed their practice to their physician. We found that the use of CAM in Malaysian CKD patients did not influence the progression of the disease.

disease and more so in school going children. The spectrumof the manifestations range from haematological,dermatological, neurological, musculoskeletal, renal,cardiac and also gastrointestinal. The treatment approachhas varied over time. In this report we would like to shareour experience in a case of M.pneumonia with autoimmunehaemolytic anaemia (AIHA).