Introduction: Brown tumors are rare skeletal manifestations of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), now seen in less than 5% of cases due to widely accessible biochemical screening. Despite being benign, they can mimic malignant bone lesions, making diagnosis challenging. Case: A 45-year-old female presented with lethargy and hypercalcemia (corrected calcium 3.5 mmol/L) and was discharged after intravenous zoledronate. She returned 1 week later with an enlarging gingival mass present for 2 months but not previously disclosed, with a strong family history of malignancy. Examination revealed a 6 × 3 cm pedunculated lesion over the right alveolar ridge. Biochemistry showed persistent hypercalcemia (2.7–2.9 mmol/L), hypophosphatemia, and elevated alkaline phosphatase. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the neck demonstrated lytic mandibular and skull changes, raising suspicion for malignancy. Tumor markers and multiple myeloma screening were negative. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) later returned markedly elevated at 222.1 pg/mL (upper limit of normal 56.9 pg/mL), consistent with PHPT, alongside concomitant vitamin D deficiency. Excision biopsy of the mandibular lesion confirmed a brown tumor on histopathology. Following preoperative localization, she underwent left parathyroidectomy and recovered without hungry bone syndrome. Histology confirmed a parathyroid adenoma, and she has remained normocalcemic since. Brown tumors arise from prolonged osteoclastic activity and represent advanced PHPT. Craniofacial involvement is rare, with the mandible affected in 4–5% of cases, and lesions may clinically and radiologically mimic primary bone tumors or metastases, creating diagnostic uncertainty. Hypercalcemia should be systematically investigated to determine the underlying cause, with early measurement of PTH to distinguish PTH-dependent from PTH-independent etiologies. Untreated brown tumors may result in bone pain, deformity, pathological fractures, and functional impairment, highlighting the importance of early detection and management. Conclusion Brown tumors, although rare, remain an important differential diagnosis for lytic bone lesions in the context of hypercalcemia. Early measurement of PTH and careful clinical examination are essential to avoid misdiagnosis and prevent disease-related morbidity.
Neoplasms

Introduction: Pituitary macroadenomas may present with mass effects, hypopituitarism, or hormone hypersecretion. Hyperprolactinemia, resulting from a prolactin-secreting tumor or stalk compression, typically suppresses gonadotropins. Thus, elevated follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) with low testosterone in this context are unusual. We report a macroprolactinoma with a clinically non-functioning gonadotroph adenoma. Case: A 69-year-old male presented with acute giddiness and headache while in Vietnam. He reported reduced libido but no visual symptoms or galactorrhea. Examination showed no neurological deficits, normal visual fields, and secondary sexual characteristics; bilateral testes volume of 25 mL. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain revealed a 1.6 × 2.2 × 2.1 cm pituitary macroadenoma compressing the optic chiasm and pituitary stalk. Initial pituitary evaluation demonstrated hyperprolactinemia (prolactin >200 µg/L; normal 2.4–13.1), central hypothyroidism (T4 6.8 pmol/L [7.8–14.4], thyroid-stimulating hormone 2.3 mIU/L [0.38–5.3]), elevated FSH (21.5 IU/L [1.2–19.2]) and LH (191 IU/L [1.24–8.62]), low testosterone (8.88 nmol/L), normal insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) (68 µg/L [46.5–191.9]), and cortisol 237 nmol/L. Cabergoline was initiated at 0.25 mg twice weekly and titrated to 1 mg twice weekly over 4 months, alongside levothyroxine 25 µg daily. Repeated MRI brain 2 months after cabergoline initiation showed a persistent macroadenoma (1.7 × 2.2 × 2.2 cm) with bilateral cavernous sinus extension. Prolactin decreased to <170 µg/L, central hypothyroidism persisted; levothyroxine was optimized, and hydrocortisone was initiated. At the 5-month follow-up, prolactin further improved to 57 µg/L. Central hypothyroidism and borderline adrenal function persisted, requiring continued replacement therapy. Testosterone remained low-normal (10.2 nmol/L) despite elevated FSH (15.4 IU/L) and LH (92 IU/L). Followup MRI and hormonal reassessment were planned in May 2026. Conclusion Profoundly elevated prolactin level >200 µg/L and response to cabergoline reflect true prolactinoma rather than stalk effect. Persistently low testosterone with discordant high FSH/LH suggests a non-functioning gonadotroph component producing biologically inactive gonadotropins. Definitive diagnosis requires histopathological confirmation, while serial biochemical and radiological follow-up guides management and clarifies tumor subtype.
Gonadotrophs ; Hyperprolactinemia

VITAMIN B12 DEFICIENCY IN METFORMIN-TREATED COMMUNITY-DWELLING OLDER ADULTS WITH DIABETES: A CROSS-SECTIONAL MULTICENTRE STUDY IN PERAK Introduction: Surveillance studies have shown a high prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency in metformin-treated adults. Community-dwelling older adults have a higher risk of vitamin B12 deficiency due to lower gut absorption. To date, data on this specific cohort are lacking. We aimed to investigate the local prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency and its associated factors among metformin-treated older adults. Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study investigated community-dwelling patients with diabetes aged ≥65 years from four healthcare facilities from August 2023 to March 2024. Blood samples were sent to a central laboratory to determine vitamin B12 levels. Vitamin B12 deficiency was defined as serum vitamin B12 levels of ≤221 pmol/L. Descriptive analysis, chi-square test (or Fisher’s exact test) and independent t-test (or Mann–Whitney U test) were performed. Results: One hundred two participants were included in the study, of whom 61.8% were women (n=63), and 55.9% were Malays (n=57). The median age was 70 years (interquartile range [IQR]=67–74), and the median duration of metformin usage was 9.0 years (IQR=5.0–12.3). The prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency was 29.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]=20.4–38.4, n=30), with a median vitamin B12 level of 287.0 pmol/L (IQR=200.5–448.8). Vitamin B12 deficiency was significantly associated with advancing age (P<0.05), but not with sex, ethnicity, duration of diabetes, metformin use, BMI, latest HbA1c level recorded and haemoglobin level (P>0.05). Conclusion: Patients with diabetes aged ≥65 years have a high prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency. Blood screening for vitamin B12 deficiency is needed for this population in Peninsular Malaysia.

In September 8 th, 2021, a male patient (aged 18 years) with severe destructive injuries of high-voltage electric burns in the head, face, and neck was admitted to General Hospital of Taiyuan Iron Steel (Group) Co., Ltd. Based on the economic theory of flaps, the flap donor site and transplantation method were optimized and evaluated before surgery, and then debridement of head, face, and neck wounds+removal of necrotic skull+free transplantation of super large latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap+thin intermediate thickness skin graft transplantation from the left thigh was performed. The extra large flap donor site wound was sutured directly. This surgery reduced the adverse consequences of the flap donor site on the premise of ensure of repair effect. After operation, the patient's condition was stable, the flap and skin graft survived well, the repair effect of wound was well, the scar in the flap donor area was relatively mild, and the upper limb had no dysfunction.

Introduction: Obesity is associated with an increased risk for non-communicable diseases. Local studies have shown that 33.1% of healthcare providers (HCPs) are overweight, while 21.1% are obese. Interventions that consist of diet, physical exercise and cognitive behavioural training have been shown to be successful in reducing weight. Methods: We designed a weight loss programme for our HCPs named the ‘Fit and Trimmed Staff’ programme, which consisted of 3 months of group education on obesity-related health problems led by a doctor, a pharmacist, a nutritionist and an occupational therapist among HCPs. Monthly individual dietary counselling by a nutritionist was also provided for 6 months. We measured the body weight, body mass index, percentage of body fat, visceral fat and percentage of skeletal muscle of the HCPs before and after the intervention. Results: Forty-five (56.25%) HCPs at Simpang Health Clinic were either overweight or obese; the majority of them were drivers and administrative clerks (100%), followed by health attendants (69.2%) and medical assistants (63.6%). At 6 months post-intervention, there was a trend towards a non-significant reduction in the fat percentage (median=-0.8%, P=0.423). Approximately 42% (n=19) of the HCPs lost weight, while 58% gained weight. Weight loss was observed more commonly in the male HCPs (>50%) than in the female HCPs. Conclusion A weight loss programme solely consisting of health discussion and nutritional advice is inadequate to induce weight reductions. A multimodal approach may be considered in managing weight among HCPs.
Weight Reduction Programs ; Health Personnel ; Obesity

Background: Simvastatin is usually taken in the evening due to the circadian rhythm of hepatic cholesterol biosynthesis. The degree of reduction of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and the level of adherence to different administration time remained unknown in the Malaysian population. This study aims to investigate the effect of simvastatin on the percentage changes of lipid profile and the level of adherence to when simvastatin was instructed to be taken at different timing. Methods: Nine primary care health clinics across Malaysia participated in this study. 147 statin-naive subjects were selected through convenient sampling and randomised into one of the three arms (after breakfast, after dinner or before bedtime). Differences on percentage reduction of LDL-C from baseline and level of adherence among the three groups at week-16 were compared. The main outcomes measured in this study were the percentage change of lipid parameters and the percentage of high-adherence (MMAS=8) at week-16. Results: 59.2% of the patients were male. The mean age of the study population was 53.93± 10.85 years. Most of the patients were Malays (69.4%); followed by Indians (22.4%) and Chinese (8.2%). LDL-C decreased from 4.26 (Standard Deviation, SD1.01) to 2.36 (SD0.69)mmol/L at week-16 for patients taking simvastatin before bedtime; an absolute reduction of 44.95%.The differences of LDL-C percentage reduction between three arms were significantly different (p<0.001). The greatest LDL-C reduction was observed when simvastatin was taken before bedtime and revealed 56.2% patients with high-adherence at week-16. Conclusion: Simvastatin showed superior LDL-reduction and higher level of adherence when being instructed to be taken before bedtime

Introduction:There is an increasing trend of obesity in children and adolescent globally. The objectives of this study were to identify the prevalence of overweight and obesity among students from secondary schools and to determine the mean random blood sugar (RBS) for the overweight and obese students.Methods:This was a cross sectional study. Two secondary schools that were scheduled for visit by the School Health Team, Taiping in July 2016 were included. A standardized data collection sheet was used to collect the data. Overweight and obesity were defined based on WHO 2007 reference for BMI-for-age criteria. Random blood glucose was checked for overweight and obese students.Results:A total of 184 school students consented and participated. 128 (69.6%) were female and 90 (48.9%) were Malays. The mean weight and height were 56.21 kg and 1.61 m respectively with BMI of 21.49 kg/m2. Overall, the prevalence of obese and overweight were 12.5% and 10.9% respectively. Among the 4 BMI groups, there were no significant difference found in sex (p=0.849) and races (p=0.536). However, there was significant difference (p=0.042) in mean RBS for obese and overweight students between races. RBS readings among overweight and obese students were within normal range with mean of 5.95 (0.67) mmol/l (range between 4.60 – 7.70 mmol/l).Conclusions:The overall prevalence of overweight and obesity were comparable with other studies done in Malaysia. Nevertheless, there was no prevalence of Type II diabetes mellitus among them.

Objective To analyze and compare the clinical characteristics of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) with IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis (IgG4-SC).Methods The clinical data of 32 PSC patients and 72 IgG4-SC patients who were hospitalized in Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH) from January 2004 to December 2014 were retrospectively analyzed.Results Of the 32 PSC patients,there were 16 male and 16 female.Of the 72 IgG4-SC patients,there were 61 male and 11 female,(ratio =5.5∶ 1).The average ages were 44.9 (11 ～ 77) and 59.8 (28 ～ 83) years,respectively (P ＜0.05).The most common symptoms of PSC and IgG4-SC were abdominal pain and jaundice,and the incidences of abdominal pain and jaundice were 50.0％ and 68.1％,78.1％ and 81.9％,respectively.The serum IgG4 level of the IgG4-SC patients was significantly higher than the PSC patients (P ＜ 0.05).The total protein in serum of the IgG4-SC patients was higher than the PSC patients (P ＜ 0.05).The rate of bile duct wall thickening as detected on endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) was higher than by abdominal ultrasound and abdominal CT,which were 91.2％,11.5％ and 33.3％,respectively (P ＜0.05).12 PSC patients were followed up for over 2 years,including 2 patients who underwent liver transplantation after failure of conservative treatment,5 patients who died from hepatic failure and infection,and 3 with stable condition.43 IgG4-SC patients were followed up for over 2 years,including 16 patients with relapse.The recurrence rate was 37.2％ (16/43).The more the extrabiliary organs or bile duct segments were involved,the higher was the recurrence rate.Conclusions Both PSC and IgG4-SC are cholestatic diseases,and they have many similarities in clinical and imaging manifestations.However,they still have unique features.IgG4-SC is sensitive to glucocorticoids therapy and has good prognosis.Thus,it is important to differentiate PSC from IgG4-SC.

ObjectiveTo investigate the inhibitory effect of all-tram-retinoicacid (ATRA) on HCC cell growth and probe the potential molecular mechanism.MethodsHCC cell lines,HepG2 and SMMC-7721 were treated by ATRA and cell growth was analyzed by using MTT assay.The expression levels of miR-18a were evaluated in HepG2 and SMMC-7721,compared with the normal livers pool by using RealTime PCR analysis.Cell growth analysis by using MTT assay was performed on HepG2 and SMMC-7721 after transfection with anti-miR-18a.Rescued assay was designed to probe the mechanism of ATRA on cell growth by using ATRA with or without miR-18a mimic.ResultsHepG2 cell growth was suppressed about 74％ (P＜0.05,36 h),72％ (P＜0.01,48 h),and 67％ (P＜0.05,72 h) and SMMC-7721 cell growth was inhibited about 68％ (P＜0.05,48 h),and 64％ (P＜0.05,72 h) after treatment with ATRA,compared with the cells treated with Ethanol.MiR-18a expression was up-regulated in HepG2 and SMMC-7721 cell lines about 4.7- and 3.8-fold (P＜0.05),respectively.Endogenous miR-18a levels were down-regulated by ATRA about 67％ and 56％ (P＜0.05).The inhibitory effect of ATRA on HCC cell growth was reversed about 1.2-fold (P＜0.05,48 h) by overexpression of miR-18a in HepG2 cells and cell growth of SMMC-7721 was enhanced about 1.25- and 1.2-fold (P＜0.05,24 and 48 h) with ectopic expression of miR-18a.ConclusionHCC cells growth is suppressed by ATRA through miR-18a mediated network.

OBJECTIVETo study the expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4) and caspase-3 in the intestine of neonatal rats with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), and explore the protective effects and possible regulatory mechanisms of glutamine (Gln) in NEC.

METHODSSixty premature rats were randomly divided into three groups (n=20 each): control, NEC model and Gln intervention group. NEC model was prepared by formula feeding, hypoxia and cold stress. The Gln intervention group was also subjected to hypoxia and cold stress but was fed with formula containing Gln (0.3 g/kg). Two days later, the rats were sacrificed and the intestine tissues were obtained. The histological changes of ileal tissues were observed by hemetoxylin and eosin staining. The expression of caspase-3 and TLR-4 protein in the jejunum, ileum and colon were detected by inmunohistochemistry. The expression of TLR-4 mRNA in the jejunum, ileum and colon were detected by RT-PCR.

RESULTSCompared with the control group, the histological score of ileal tissues, and the expression of caspase-3, TLR-4 protein and TLR-4 mRNA in the NEC model group increased significantly (P<0.01). Gln intervention decreased significantly the histological score of ileal tissues, and the expression of caspase-3, TLR-4 protein and TLR-4 mRNA compared with the NEC model group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSTLR-4 might be involved in the pathogenesis of NEC. Gln may provide protective effects on intestine possibly through reducing the TLR-4 expression and then decreasing the apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells.

Animals ; Animals, Newborn ; Caspase 3 ; analysis ; Enterocolitis, Necrotizing ; metabolism ; pathology ; Female ; Glutamine ; pharmacology ; Immunohistochemistry ; Pregnancy ; RNA, Messenger ; analysis ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Toll-Like Receptor 4 ; analysis ; genetics