Introduction: Lin-11, Isl-1 and Mec-3 domains (LIM) homeobox genes are among the most important sub-families of homeobox genes. These genes are thought to play an important role in cancer. In this study, the protein expression of these genes was examined in urothelial carcinoma of the bladder. The expression pattern of Islet-1 (ISL1) and LIM homeobox 5 (LHX5) across different cancer stages and grades, as well as the association between the protein expression of these genes and patient demographics and clinicopathological features, were examined. Methods: A total of 100 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded urothelial carcinoma tissues were selected from the Department of Pathology, Hospital Kuala Lumpur and the protein expression of ISL1 and LHX5 was determined using immunohistochemistry. Results: Positive expression of ISL1 and LHX5 was detected in 94% and 98% of the samples, respectively. There were no distinct LHX5 expression patterns associated with different cancer stages, but the proportion of high-expressing tumours was higher in high-grade tumours. In addition, there was a significant association between the expression of LHX5 and tumour grade. The proportion of tumours expressing high levels of ISL1 was found to be highest in later stage tumours. Conclusion: The high percentage of tumours expressing both these genes suggests that ISL1 and LHX5 play an important role in bladder tumourigenesis across multiple stages.

Introduction: This study aims to investigate different residue sizes of β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) micro-granules as carriers to assess antibacterial activity and drug-control release behavior of ampicillin (AMP-) and antimycotic (AMC-). Incorporation of antibiotic into the β-TCP micro-granules and it sustain release behavior could be used as alternative solution to reduce the risk of osteomyelitis and bone infections risks. Methods: Three different residue sizes (less than 300 µm, 300 µm and 600 µm) were prepared and coated with antibiotics solution (20 µg/µl of ampicillin and 100X antimycotic solution) by using two methods; dip and stream coating. After 72 h, 1.5 mL of distilled water was added to the treated (β-TCP) micro-granules at two different pH value (5.0 and 7.4). The extracted solution was further analyzed by Kirby Bauer disc diffusion test and spectrophotometer assay. Results: The solution containing AMC-(β-TCP) micro-granules with the size of 300 µm residue produced the largest inhibition zones against Escherichia coli (E. coli). All residue sizes coated with AMP- showed no antibacterial activity against both strains; Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and E.coli. Additionally, the release behavior of AMC-(β-TCP) micro-granules was found not depending on the pH, but on the size of residue. Complete drug release was rapidly observed within 48 h. Conclusion: Based on this findings, it showed AMC-(β-TCP) micro-granules had an antibacterial activity against Gram-negative strain. Specifically, it can reduced the growth rate of E. coli and the rapid release behavior of AMC(β-TCP) micro-granules help in minimizing the risk-infections in early stage of implantation.

Objective: To determine the morphological and molecular characterization of Acanthamoeba isolates from contact lens paraphernalia in Malaysia and to investigate their pathogenic potential based on the physiological tolerance. Methods: One hundred and eighty contact lens wearers donated their contact lens, lens storage cases and lens solutions between 2018 and 2019. The samples were inoculated onto 1.5% non-nutrient agar plates for 14 d. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed and the amplified PCR products were sequenced and compared with the published sequences in GenBank. The pathogenic potential of positive isolates was further tested using temperature-tolerance and osmo-tolerance assays. Acanthamoeba species were categorized into three distinct morphological groups established by Pussard and Pons. Results: Acanthamoeba was successfully isolated from 14 (7.8%) culture-positive samples in which 11 belong to morphological group II and 3 belong to morphological group III, respectively. The sequencing of 18S ribosomal RNA gene led to the identification of the T4 genotype in all the isolated strains. In vitro assays revealed that 9 (64.3%) Acanthamoeba isolates were able to grow at 42 °C and 1 M mannitol and were thus considered to be highly pathogenic. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report identifying the Acanthamoeba genotype and their pathogenic potential among contact lens wearers in Malaysia. The potentially pathogenic T4 genotype isolated in this study is the most predominant genotype responsible for human ocular infection worldwide. Hence, increasing attention should be aimed at the prevention of contamination by Acanthamoeba and the disinfection of contact lens paraphernalia.

Gunshot, Postmortem Multislice Computed Tomography (PMCT), Virtual autopsy We report a case of a fatal gunshot injury to the chest which illustrates the compatibility of the Postmortem Multislice Computed Tomography (PMCT) features with that of conventional forensic autopsy findings. This case demonstrates that the PMCT has high potential to enhance the investigation and performance of conventional forensic autopsy.

Urothelial carcinoma is a common malignant neoplasm that has a poor prognosis and a high frequencyof recurrence and metastasis. Constant disease surveillance with periodic and long term cystoscopyexamination is necessary for management of the disease. However, the monitoring and therapyregimen is expensive, incurring a massive burden to patients and the government. Therefore, thedevelopment of specific biomarkers for urothelial carcinoma at an early stage and recurrence detectionbecomes a priority. Homeobox genes are a family of genes that are involved in tumourigenesis.They might be potential prognostic markers for urothelial carcinoma. The study investigated theexpression pattern of NANOG which is one of a homeobox gene in different stages and grades ofurothelial carcinoma. NANOG expressions were also correlated with patient demographic factors andclinicopathological parameters. The expression of NANOG in 100 formalin-fixed paraffin-embeddedurothelial carcinoma tissues was determined by immunohistochemistry. Immunohistochemistryshowed positive expression of NANOG in all specimens with detection in the cytoplasm, nucleiand the nuclear membrane of the cancer cells. The immunohistochemical expression of NANOGincreased across stages and grades of the tumour. The expression of NANOG was not significantlyassociated with demographic factors; gender (p = 0.376), race (p = 0.718) and age (p = 0.058) aswell as with most of the clinicopathological parameters; pathological stage (p = 0.144), grade (p =0.625), lymph node involvement (p = 0.174) and distant metastasis (p = 0.228). However, NANOGexpression showed significant correlation with tumour invasion (p = 0.019). We concluded thatNANOG might be a potential biomarker for early diagnosis of urothelial carcinoma of the bladder.

Objective: The purpose of the study was to determine the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of post mortem computed tomography (PMCT) in detecting liver and splenic injuries due to road traffic accidents. Material & Method: 61 road traffic accidental death cases underwent both PMCT and conventional autopsy. The imaging findings were compared to the conventional autopsy findings. Result: The sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV for liver injuries in PMCT was 71%, 82%, 68% and 85% while that of splenic injuries was 73%, 80%, 55% and 90% respectively. The accuracy of PMCT scan was 79% for both liver and splenic injuries. There is strong association between lower left ribs fracture and splenic injury (p=0.005) and significant association between positive liver and splenic PMCT finding and intraabdominal fatal injury (p=0.037). Conclusion: In conclusion PMCT has high specificity and NPV for liver and splenic injuries; however the sensitivity and PPV are low. The overall accuracy is not high enough to enable PMCT to be used as a replacement for conventional autopsy; however it is a useful complementary examination and has potential to be used as decision making tool for selective internal autopsy.
Autopsy

Brain ; pathology ; Demyelinating Diseases ; complications ; diagnosis ; pathology ; Encephalomyelitis ; complications ; diagnosis ; pathology ; Fatal Outcome ; Humans ; Leukoencephalitis, Acute Hemorrhagic ; complications ; diagnosis ; pathology ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Young Adult

Filariasis, a parasitic infection endemic in parts of India, Myanmar, islands of the South Pacific, West and East Africa and Saudi Arabia can be diagnosed from various types of cytopathological specimens. This case documents the detection of filarial infection from hydrocele fluid cytology in a 30-year-old Myanmar migrant worker in Malaysia.
Liquid substance ; Cellular aspects of ; Infection as complication of medical care ; Microfilaria ; Myanmar

parasitic ; Infection as complication of medical care ; Gays ; Syndrome ; Male population group

parasitic ; L ; Helminths