1.Evaluation of DNA and RNA Extraction Methods
C S Edwin Shiaw ; M S Shiran ; Y K Cheah ; G C Tan ; A R Sabariah
The Medical Journal of Malaysia 2010;65(2):133-137
This study was done to evaluate various DNA and RNA
extractions from archival FFPE tissues. A total of 30 FFPE
blocks from the years of 2004 to 2006 were assessed with
each modified and adapted method. Extraction protocols
evaluated include the modified enzymatic extraction
method (Method A), Chelex-100 extraction method (Method
B), heat-induced retrieval in alkaline solution extraction
method (Methods C and D) and one commercial FFPE DNA
Extraction kit (Qiagen, Crawley, UK). For RNA extraction, 2
extraction protocols were evaluated including the
enzymatic extraction method (Method 1), and Chelex-100
RNA extraction method (Method 2). Results show that the
modified enzymatic extraction method (Method A) is an
efficient DNA extraction protocol, while for RNA extraction, the enzymatic method (Method 1) and the Chelex-100 RNA extraction method (Method 2) are equally efficient RNA extraction protocols.
2.Hydrocarbon-degradation by isolate Pseudomonas lundensis UTAR FPE2
Adeline, S. Y. Ting ; Carol, H. C. Tan ; Aw, C. S.
Malaysian Journal of Microbiology 2009;5(2):104-108
In this study, the potential of isolate Pseudomonas lundensis UTAR FPE2 as a hydrocarbon degrader was established.
Their biodegradation activity was first detected with the formation of clearing zones on Bushnell-Hass agar plates, with
the largest diameter observed on plates supplemented with paraffin, followed by mineral oil and petrol. Utilization of
hydrocarbon sources were again detected in broth cultures supplemented with similar hydrocarbon substrates, where
the mean viable cell count recovered from hydrocarbon-supplemented broth cultures were higher than the initial
inoculum except for napthalene. In both tests, the isolate showed higher degradability towards aliphatic hydrocarbon
sources, and the least activity towards the aromatic hydrocarbon naphthalene. The isolate P. lundensis UTAR FPE2 (8 log10 cfu/mL) also degraded crude diesel sample, with 69% degradation during the first three days. To conclude, this study suggests the potential use of this isolate for bioremediation of hydrocarbon-contaminated environments.
3.Brain Metastasis of Atrial Myxoma: Case report
Badrisyah Idris ; Saiful Razman ; Rahmat Harun ; Venkatesh R Naik ; Tan Y C
The Medical Journal of Malaysia 2012;67(6):613-615
Metastasis of an atrial myxoma to the brain is extremely
rare1. Thus far there are only 17 cases reported, including
our present case. Most of the brain metastases manifest
only in 3 to 6 decades, after an average time frame of one to two years after surgical removal of parental tumour. We
present a case of brain metastases of atrial myxoma in a
teenager of the youngest age among all reported cases,
unusually as early as 15 years old 3. The progress of the
metastatic process had been insidious for three years after
heart surgery, The imaging demonstrated a rather sizeable
tumour by the time when the patient is symptomatic. The
location of the metastatic tumour is anyhow superficial to
the cortical surface, enabling complete surgical excision of the tumour easily achievable with favourable outcome.
4.Limiting the use of primary endocrine therapy in elderly women with breast cancer.
Shaun W Y CHAN ; Patrick M Y CHAN ; Melanie D W SEAH ; Juliana J C CHEN ; Ern Yu TAN
Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore 2014;43(9):469-472
Primary endocrine therapy (PET) is often included as a treatment option in elderly women with operable breast cancer. Elderly women tend to have pre-existing comorbidities and are often reluctant to undergo surgery. The benefit of surgery needs to be weighed against a relatively higher potential for operative morbidity and mortality, and a limited life expectancy. But while PET can provide relatively good locoregional control, it is not curative in nature and the possibility of local complications and metastasis remains. We retrospectively reviewed the outcome of PET in a series of 19 elderly women, older than 70 years of age, who had presented with operable non-metastatic breast cancer. Only about a third of these women were deemed medically unfit for surgery; the rest had declined surgery. Compliance was an issue, with almost half of these patients defaulting treatment and follow-up. Local control was achieved in most patients, but disease progression did occur in 5 patients. Three of these patients received additional treatment; which included surgery in 1 patient. PET should therefore not be considered an equivalent alternative to surgery in elderly women who were fi t to undergo surgery. However, having observed that only 1 of the 6 deaths in our study was related to breast cancer, PET does have a role in women whose life expectancy is more likely to be limited by coexisting morbidities than the breast cancer itself.
Aged
;
Aged, 80 and over
;
Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal
;
therapeutic use
;
Breast Neoplasms
;
drug therapy
;
Drug Therapy
;
utilization
;
Female
;
Humans
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Tamoxifen
;
therapeutic use
6.Anaerobic culture of diabetic foot infections: organisms and antimicrobial susceptibilities.
Lily S Y NG ; Lee Ling KWANG ; Susan C S YEOW ; Thean Yen TAN
Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore 2008;37(11):936-939
INTRODUCTIONThe prevalence of diabetes mellitus is high in Singapore. Infections of the lower limb are significant causes of morbidity in this population. Although the aerobic bacteriology of these infections is well-documented, there is less data available on the anaerobic pathogens involved. This study sets out to describe the anaerobic bacteria associated with diabetic foot infections, and evaluates the susceptibility to 3 antimicrobials with anaerobic activity.
MATERIALS AND METHODSAnaerobic culture was performed on operative samples taken from diabetic foot infections. Organisms were identified through standard microbiological methods and commercial identification kits. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing to clindamycin, metronidazole and imipenem was performed by agar dilution.
RESULTSOne hundred and two strains of strict anaerobic bacteria were isolated from 30 unique specimens. The predominant anaerobic isolates were Peptostreptococcus spp. (46%) and Bacteroides fragilis group (19%). Antibiotic resistance was detected for clindamycin (18%), metronidazole (1%) and imipenem (2%).
CONCLUSIONMultiple anaerobic species can be isolated from diabetic foot infections. A significant proportion of isolates are resistant to clindamycin, while resistance to imipenem and metronidazole remains low.
Anti-Bacterial Agents ; therapeutic use ; Bacteria, Aerobic ; drug effects ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; DNA, Bacterial ; analysis ; Diabetic Foot ; surgery ; Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Humans ; Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques ; Retrospective Studies ; Surgical Wound Infection ; drug therapy ; microbiology
8.The use of traditional Chinese medicine among breast cancer patients: implications for the clinician.
Kar Yong WONG ; Ern Yu TAN ; Juliana J C CHEN ; Christine TEO ; Patrick M Y CHAN
Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore 2014;43(2):74-78
INTRODUCTIONTraditional Chinese Medicine or Traditional Complementary Medicine (TCM) is commonly used in our culture. There are several concerns regarding its use in patients undergoing conventional treatments for breast cancer. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence and pattern of TCM use among our breast cancer patients, and to identify patients who were most likely to choose TCM.
MATERIALS AND METHODSA total of 300 patients on active follow-up with Breast Service at Tan Tock Seng Hospital were interviewed using a structured questionnaire.
RESULTSA total of 35% (104 of 296) of patients reported using TCM. The majority of the patients were introduced to TCM by family and friends following the diagnosis of breast cancer. All except 3 patients continued with recommended conventional therapy although most did not inform their clinicians of TCM use. None of the patients reported any serious adverse events and 75% of them perceived a benefit from TCM use. Younger patients and those of Chinese ethnicity were more likely to use TCM (P <0.01 and P = 0.03 respectively). There was no significant difference in the dialect group, religious beliefs and educational level between the 2 groups (P >0.05).
CONCLUSIONTCM use is common among our breast cancer patients, particularly the younger women. However, most patients do not inform their clinicians of TCM use while on recommended conventional therapies. It is therefore important for clinicians to initiate discussions regarding TCM use in order to be aware of potential unwanted drug interactions.
Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Breast Neoplasms ; therapy ; Female ; Humans ; Medical Oncology ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; utilization ; Middle Aged
9.Effects of a 12-week exercise training programme on aerobic fitness, body composition, blood lipids and C-reactive protein in adolescents with obesity.
Patricia C H WONG ; Michael Y H CHIA ; Ian Y Y TSOU ; Gervais K L WANSAICHEONG ; Benedict TAN ; John C K WANG ; John TAN ; Chung Gon KIM ; Gerald BOH ; Darren LIM
Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore 2008;37(4):286-293
INTRODUCTIONDeveloping effective exercise programmes for the paediatric population is a strategy for decreasing obesity and is expected to help in eventually limiting obesity-associated long-term health and societal impact. In this study, the effects of a 12-week twice weekly additional exercise training, which comprised a combination of circuit-based resistance training and aerobic exercises, in additional to typical physical education sessions, on aerobic fitness, body composition and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and lipids were analysed in 13- to 14-year-old obese boys contrasted with a control group.
MATERIALS AND METHODSBoth the exercise group (EG, n = 12) and control group (CG, n = 12) participated in the typical 2 sessions of 40-minute physical education (PE) per week in schools, but only EG participated in additional 2 sessions per week of 45 to 60 minutes per session of exercise training, which comprised a combination of circuit-based resistance training and aerobic exercises maintained at 65% to 85% maximum heart rate (HRmax = 220 - age). Body composition was measured using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Fasting serum CRP and blood lipids were analysed pre- and postexercise programme. Aerobic fitness was measured by an objective laboratory submaximal exercise test, PWC170 (Predicted Work Capacity at HR 170 bpm).
RESULTSExercise training significantly improved lean muscle mass, body mass index, fitness, resting HR, systolic blood pressure and triglycerides in EG. Serum CRP concentrations were elevated at baseline in both groups, but training did not result in a change in CRP levels. In the CG, body weight increased significantly at the end of the 12-week period.
CONCLUSIONThis study supports the value of an additional exercise training programme, beyond the typical twice weekly physical education classes, to produce physiological benefits in the management of obesity in adolescents, including prevention of weight gain.
Adolescent ; C-Reactive Protein ; analysis ; metabolism ; Exercise Therapy ; Humans ; Lipids ; analysis ; blood ; Male ; Obesity ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Physical Fitness ; physiology
10.Swallowed foreign bodies in children: report of four unusual cases.
T R Sai PRASAD ; Y LOW ; C E TAN ; A S JACOBSEN
Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore 2006;35(1):49-53
INTRODUCTIONAlthough a majority of ingested foreign bodies (FBs) pass down the gastrointestinal tract spontaneously, those that are sharp, pointed or large in size need removal to avert serious complications. We highlight the urgent need and utility of endoscopic accessories and technical artistry in safe retrieval of FBs in children.
CLINICAL PICTUREFour children had accidentally swallowed a nail, metallic dumbbell, open safety pin and a cushion pin respectively. They were symptom-free and the abdominal plain radiographs revealed foreign body in the stomach in all the cases.
TREATMENTOesophago-gastro-duodenoscopy (OGD) was done in all the patients and could retrieve the nail, metallic dumbbell and open safety pin successfully using a Dormia basket, a polypectomy snare and a pair of rat-tooth forceps respectively. The cushion pin had migrated to the duodeno-jejunal junction within 4 hours of ingestion and necessitated open duodenotomy and retrieval.
OUTCOMEAll patients did well after the procedure with no complications.
CONCLUSIONSSwallowed FBs with pointed or sharp ends or large enough to cross the pylorus and duodenal sweep need removal and in the majority of the cases they can be retrieved by OGD. Sharp or pointed FBs that have crossed the second part of the duodenum necessitate urgent laparotomy for retrieval to prevent complications.
Adolescent ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Deglutition ; Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal ; Female ; Foreign Bodies ; diagnosis ; etiology ; Humans ; Infant ; Male