Some of the beneficial biocompatible properties of hydroxyapatite [Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2]; the major component and an essential ingredient of normal bone and teeth, are that it is rapidly integrated into the human body and will bond to bone forming indistinguishable unions. But, before new materials are approved for medical use, mutagenesis systems to exclude cytotoxic, mutagenic or carcinogenic properties are applied worldwide. This study aimed to detect any chromosomal aberrations induced by the synthetic hydroxyapatite granules [Manufactured by Universiti Sains Malaysia, (USM) Penang, Malaysia] in the bone marrow cells of mice. The mitotic indices of the groups treated with synthetic hydroxyapatite granules did not show any significant difference as compared to the negative control group treated with distilled water. Also the groups of mice treated with synthetic hydroxyapatite granules and distilled water did not induce significant change in chromosome aberrations as compared to the positive control group treated with Mitomycin C. The mitotic indices and chromosomal analyses indicate that under the present test conditions, synthetic hydroxyapatite granules (manufactured by USM) are non cytotoxic and do not induce chromosome aberrations in the bone marrow cells of mice.
Chromosome Aberrations ; Durapatite

Objectives: To recognize the radiographic patterns of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Malaysia. Materials and Methods: Chest radiographs of patients confirmed with COVID-19 in Hospital Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia were retrospectively analyzed by two radiologists. The radiographic pattern, distribution among subgroups and evolution of the disease over time were determined. Results: Among the 82 patients studied, 65 (79.3%) were males. Mean age of our cohorts was 37 ± 15 years. Baseline chest radiographs were abnormal in 37 patients (45.1%). Over half (52.9%) of the symptomatic patients had abnormal baseline radiograph. Among the children, patients with comorbidities, and patients 60 years of age and above, the abnormal radiographs were 14.3%, 71.4% and 69.3% respectively. Ground glass opacities were the commonest abnormal radiographic feature (35.4%), were peripherally located (35.4%) with predilection for the lower zones (29.3%). Most radiographic abnormalities were multifocal (20.7%) and frequently located in the left lung (19.5%). Radiographic recovery was observed in 15 of 18 patients (83%). Computed tomography (CT) scan demonstrated greater extent of the disease than observed in radiographs of the same patient. Conclusions: COVID-19 pneumonia presented with a specific radiographic pattern in our cohort of patients, comprising of ground glass opacities in peripheral and basilar distribution, affecting a single lung field and was observed in both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. Chest radiograph is a useful adjunct screening tool, and in combination with clinical and epidemiological assessment may facilitate in early diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia.