Objective: This study aims to describe histological manifestations and characterise the CDV strain in the tiger to determine its molecular epidemiology and postulate viral pathogenicity. Methods: Histopathology characterisation of the infected tissues were performed through haematoxylin and eosin and immunohistochemistry staining, respectively. We conducted virus isolation and titration in Chinese hamster ovarian expressing the dog signalling lymphocytic activation molecule (CHO-SLAM) cells. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was performed to confirm the presence of CDV RNA, nucleotide and amino acid sequence analyses for comprehensive characterisation of the CDV strain. Results: Notable histopathological changes were observed primarily in the brain, lung, liver, kidney, spleen, and stomach, with viral antigens localised in the lung, liver, kidney, and stomach tissues. CDV-induced cell cytopathic effects yielding 4.27 × 10 6 TCID 50 /mL were observed at 48 h post-inoculation in CHO-SLAM cells. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that the virus originated from the Asia-1 clade. Notably, 549H and 519I mutations in the hemagglutinin protein were observed, indicating adaptation to a non-canid wildlife species. Conclusions and Relevance: Overall, this study enhances our understanding of the molecular characterisation and evolutionary dynamics of the CDV strain present in the Malayan tiger and serves as a benchmark for developing effective preventative measures to protect Malayan tigers and mitigate their risk of extinction.

Histological Changes in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Post-locoregional Therapy Locoregional therapies are widely practiced in treatment of primary hepatocellular carcinoma and metastatic carcinoma to the liver as they provide a more targeted treatment with lesser side effects. Transarterial chemo-embolisation and selective internal radiotherapy (SIRT) are a few examples. However, histopathological findings after locoregional therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma are rarely reported. We reported a case of a 61-year-old man with underlying Hepatitis B and subsequent hepatocellular carcinoma who was treated with SIRT followed by wedge liver resection. Macroscopically, the specimen showed a well-defined mass with areas of fibrosis and haemorrhage. Microscopic examination showed 70% tumour necrosis with numerous microspheres surrounded by multinucleated giant cells with histiocytes and chronic inflammatory cells. Currently, the patient is well with regular follow-up. The latest ultrasound findings showed no residual liver lesion in the background of liver cirrhosis. Although assessment of treatment response following locoregional therapy based on histopathological findings are not widely practiced, recognising histopathological changes such as tumour necrosis, provide valuable insight to a patient’s prognosis. Minimal to absent tumour necrosis implies poor response, limiting further locoregional therapy option. Findings of numerous microspheres might pose a diagnostic challenge as they mimic fungal organisms. Hence, histological examination with aid of special stains like periodic acid Schiff (PAS) and Grocott’s methenamine silver stain may be useful.

(T2DM) among the younger age groups is a growing concernworldwide. Thus, assessing the perception of risk andknowledge among those at risk may provide an opportunityfor early intervention, delay or even prevent the onset. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine theperceived risk of developing T2DM and its knowledgeamong the offspring of diabetic patients.Methods: A cross sectional study using a self-administeredquestionnaire was conducted among university studentswhose parents had type 2 diabetes to determine theirperceived risk and knowledge on T2DM. Results: A total of 336 university students participated inthis study and 56.5% of them correctly identified themselvesat risk of developing T2DM. About half of them (52.7%) hadhigher knowledge of T2DM. Male students appeared to havebetter risk perception (p=0.024) compared to females whilethose with mothers affected by T2DM appear to have higherknowledge regarding diabetes (p=0.007). Most of theirinformation regarding T2DM was obtained from the internet(87.5%) and other family members (77.9%).Conclusion: The students whose mothers had T2DM appearto have better knowledge and information regarding T2DMand this was mostly obtained from the internet and familymembers. Awareness regarding diabetes and healthylifestyles advice through primary patients may be beneficialfor their offspring.

Background: Cyclophosphamide (CP) is a widely used anti-neoplastic and immunosuppressive agent that is associated with adverse side effects including reproductive toxicity. Aquilaria malaccensis (AM) is a traditional medicinal plant which was reported to exhibit high anti-oxidant and free radical scavenging properties. The present study was aimed to evaluate the protective effects of AM leaves extract on sperm quality following toxic exposure to CP. Methods: Forty-eight male Sprague Dawley rats were allocated into eight groups of six rats (n = 6): control, CP only (200 mg kg−1), AM only (100 mg kg−1, 300 mg kg−1 and 500 mg kg−1) and CP + AM (100 mg kg−1, 300 mg kg−1 and 500 mg kg−1). Animals were sacrificed after 63 days of treatment and the sperm from the caudal epididymis was taken for sperm analysis. Results: The body and the reproductive organs weight, sperm count and motility did not differ between CP and other groups (P > 0.05). A significant increase (P < 0.05) in percentage of the dead and abnormal sperm were seen in the CP alone treated group compared to the control group. Co-administration of AM to the CP exposed rats significantly reduced the (P < 0.05) percentage of abnormal sperm as compared to the CP only group. Conclusion: Overall, the present results represent the potential of AM to protect against CP induced reproductive toxicity.

Aims: The aim of the study was to investigate the antimicrobial activity of Nauclea subdita (Korth) Steud against six pathogenic microorganisms. Methodology and results: Young and matured trees of N. subdita were cut and separated into bark and wood parts, respectively, prior to extraction process. Phytochemical screening tests, antimicrobial activity, minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) values were determined. Preliminary screening for phytochemical components showed that both young and matured tree had similar constituents. Extracts from matured tree showed more potency in terms of the zones of inhibition sizes than the young tree. Extract of N. subdita was more potent to both marine bacteria, Vibrio parahaemoliticus and V. alginolyticus, while Candida albican and Aspergillus niger were resistant to it. The sensitivity test showed that 500 µg/mL is the optimum concentration for extract of bottom sapwood of mature tree to act as bactericidal. Conclusion, significance and impact study: The results from this study suggest that N. subdita bark and wood extracts may serve as potential source of antimicrobial agents for future development in medicine applications.
Anti-Infective Agents