Agarwood (Aquilaria spp.) is a resinous wood traditionally used in various medicinal systems across Asia for treating inflammation-related ailments. Despite its longstanding ethnopharmacological use, scientific validation of its anti-inflammatory effects remains fragmented. This scoping review aims to systematically evaluate and synthesize current evidence from animal studies investigating the anti-inflammatory potential of agarwood. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Inclusion criteria focused on original animal studies assessing the anti-inflammatory effects of agarwood extracts, essential oils, or derivatives. Data on study design, animal models, agarwood species, treatment dosage, duration, biomarkers, and outcomes were extracted and summarized narratively due to methodological heterogeneity. Eight studies met inclusion criteria, involving models of inflammation-related conditions such as pain, neuroinflammation, gastrointestinal injury, cancer, and toxicity. Agarwood treatment consistently reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α), modulated oxidative stress markers (e.g., NO, SOD, GSH), and regulated signalling pathways including NF-κB, p38 MAPK, and Nrf2–ARE. Notably, improvements were observed in behavioural and histological outcomes across models, with evidence of dose-dependent effects in several studies. In conclusion, preclinical evidence supports agarwood’s broadspectrum anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties across multiple organ systems. These findings provide mechanistic insights and a scientific basis for its traditional use. However, variability in species, extraction methods, and study designs highlights the need for standardised protocols and clinical validation to advance agarwood as a potential therapeutic agent.

As critically ill COVID-19 patients are prone to infections by other respiratory pathogens, this study aimed to investigate the detection of respiratory co-pathogens in such patients, by employing a multiplex respiratory molecular panel. Conducted at Universiti Sains Malaysia Specialist Hospital (HPUSM) from November 1, 2021, to November 1, 2022, this retrospective cross-sectional study analysed adults admitted with confirmed COVID-19. Oropharyngeal/ nasopharyngeal swabs collected upon admission were tested using the Fast Track Diagnostic (FTD®) Respiratory Pathogens 33 multiplex kit to detect other respiratory pathogens. Within 48 hours of admission, the presence and type of organisms were determined to assess community co-infections. Among 48 critically ill COVID-19 patients (26 male; mean age, 62.2 years), clinically significant organisms were found in 32 patients (67%). Bacterial co-infections or co-colonization were detected in 91% (29/32) of these patients, with Klebsiella pneumoniae (40%) and Staphylococcus aureus (23%) were the most common, followed by Streptococcus pneumoniae (11%), Moraxella catarrhalis (4%), and Haemophilus influenzae (2%). Fungal (6%) and viral (2%) co-infections were less frequent. The use of syndromic respiratory panel in critically ill COVID-19 patients offers the advantage of being highly sensitive, rapid, and able to detect multiple pathogens. However, detection of multiple respiratory pathogens needs to be interpreted with caution, taking into consideration patient’s clinical and radiological findings, as well as quantitative molecular data.

A case of traumatic posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) avulsion fracture presenting with unusual radiographic findings is described. CT scan of the right knee showed features suggestive of combined ACL and PCL avulsion fractures. Arthroscopic findings showed that the injury was in fact a PCL avulsion fracture that was displaced anteriorly so as to mimic an ACL avulsion fracture on CT scan.
Avulsion fracture ; Posters [Publication Type] ; Ligaments ; Adjective Check List ; findings

Defects were created in the mandible of a rabbit model whereby the right side was implanted with hydroxyapatite (HA) while the left side was left empty to act as control. Both the implant and control sites were evaluated clinically and histologically at 4,12,20,22 weeks. Decalcified sections were studied under confocal laser scanning microscope. No reactive cells were evident microscopically in all sections. There was bone ingrowth as early as 4 weeks when viewed by the topographic method. Enhancement of osteoconduction was evident by the presence of abundant capillaries, perivascular tissue and osteoprogenitor cells of the host. At 22 weeks, the implanted defect showed mature bone formation filling almost the whole field. This study demonstrated that the dense HA exhibits excellent biocompatibility as noted by the complete absence of reactive cells. It also promotes osteoconduction.
Materials ; Skeletal bone ; week ; Durapatite ; in vivo study