Cynometra cauliflora essential oils loaded-chitosan nanoparticles: Evaluations of their antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities

Nanoencapsulation has appeared as an alternative approach to protect the bioactive constituents of essential oils (EOs) and to improve their properties. In this study, Cynometra cauliflora essential oils (CCEOs) were nanoencapsulated in chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) using an emulsion-ionic gelation technique. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images illustrated a well dispersion and spherical shape of C. cauliflora EOs-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (CCEOs-CSNPs) with an average size of less than 100 nm. In addition to that, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses revealed the success of CCEOs nanoencapsulation. The encapsulation efficiency (EE) was in the range of 38.83% to 44.16% while the loading capacity (LC) reached 32.55% to 33.73%. The antioxidant activity (IC₅₀) of CCEOs-CSNPs was ranged from 21.65 to 259.13 μg/mL when assessed using DPPH radical scavenging assay. CCEOs-CSNPs showed an appreciable antimicrobial effects on diabetic wound microorganisms. Notably, cytotoxic effects against human breast cancer MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells recorded IC₅₀ of 3.72-17.81 μg/mL and 16.24-17.65 μg/mL, respectively, after 72 h treatment. Interestingly, no cytotoxicity against human breast normal MCF-10A cells was observed. Thus, nanoencapsulation using CSNPs could improve the properties of CCEOs in biomedical related applications.

A Bottom-Up Synthesis Approach to Silver Nanoparticles Induces Anti-Proliferative and Apoptotic Activities Against MCF-7, MCF-7/TAMR-1 and MCF-10A Human Breast Cell Lines

A bottom-up approach for synthesizing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs-GA) phytomediated by Garcinia atroviridis leaf extract is described. Under optimized conditions, the AgNPs-GA were synthesized at a concentration of 0.1 M silver salt and 10% (w/v) leaf extract, 1:4 mixing ratio of reactants, pH 3, temperature 32 °C and 72 h reaction time. The AgNPs-GA were characterized by various analytical techniques and their size was determined to be 5–30 nm. FTIR spectroscopy indicates the role of phenolic functional groups in the reduction of silver ions into AgNPs-GA and in supporting their subsequent stability. The UV-Visible spectrum showed an absorption peak at 450 nm which reflects the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) of AgNPs-GA and further supports the stability of these biosynthesized nanoparticles. SEM, TEM and XRD diffractogram analyses indicate that AgNPs-GA were spherical and face-centered-cubic in shape. This study also describes the efficacy of biosynthesized AgNPs-GA as anti-proliferative agent against human breast cancer cell lines, MCF-7 and MCF-7/TAMR-1. Our findings indicate that AgNPs-GA possess significant anti-proliferative effects against both the MCF-7 and MCF-7/TAMR-1 cell lines, with inhibitory concentration at 50% (IC₅₀ values) of 2.0 and 34.0 µg/mL, respectively, after 72 h of treatment. An induction of apoptosis was evidenced by flow cytometry using Annexin V-FITC and propidium iodide staining. Therefore, AgNPs-GA exhibited its anti-proliferative activity via apoptosis on MCF-7 and MCF-7/TAMR-1 breast cancer cells in vitro. Taken together, the leaf extract from Garcinia atroviridis was found to be highly capable of producing AgNPs-GA with favourable physicochemical and biological properties.

Strategy for Effective Cancer Awareness Program?

Background: Cancer awareness among the public should be enhanced in line with the increased cancer occurrence. Such program is still limited at local community in Malaysia. Thus, a registered cancer society KanWork has taken an initiative to organize awareness program in collaboration with the local community. The community based approach was guided by The Interactive Model of Program Planning (Caffarella & Daffron, 2013). The program objective was to promote healthy lifestyle and encourage early detection. For further improvement, there is a need to evaluate the program's effectiveness and strategy. Aim: 1. To determine the relationship between program strategy and cancer awareness program effectiveness. 2. To determine predictors that contribute to cancer awareness program effectiveness. Methods: A customized instrument to measure a program effectiveness constructs guided by The Interactive Model of Program Planning was developed. The questionnaire was administered to 628 participants of five program carried out by KanWork in collaboration with and at five local communities in Selangor, Malaysia between 2015 and 2017. 321 (51%) returned the questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, Pearson product-moment correlations and multiple linear regression were used to analyze the data. Results: Majority (91%) participants of the community cancer awareness program was women and public (90%). Majority (66%) learned about program from the community. The findings showed positive and moderate relationships between short lecture and program effectiveness (r = .625, P = 0.00), sharing session with survivor (r = .577, P = 0.00), awareness exhibition (r = .376, P = 0.00), facilities program (r = .246, P = 0.00), and health screening (r = .192, P = 0.00). Short lecture (β = .773; P < .000) showed a major contribution to cancer awareness program effectiveness. There were five factors that contributed namely; short lecture, sharing session with survivor, awareness exhibitions, health screening, and appropriate facilities. The short lecture on general cancer was done by experienced, proficient oncologist. Participants were engaged in a two-way communication session. Transfer of learning was facilitated during the sharing session (panel discussion) with cancer survivors of different cancer journeys. Participants were convinced hearing from the “horses´ mouth”. The learning was further reinforced with related culturally appropriate cancer education material (poster, books and brochures) on display at the awareness exhibition. To promote participants to practice early detection, they were also given opportunities to do breast clinical examination, Papanicolaou test and health screening at the venue. The program's venue with appropriate facilities further encouraged the community to be engaged in the program. Conclusion: Appropriate program strategy contributes toward effective cancer awareness program. The findings support some elements of the Interactive Model of Program Planning.

Learning Experience Contribution to Effective Cancer Education?

Background: Cancer patient needs information to make informed decision. A registered cancer society in Malaysia, KanWork supports those affected by cancer by providing such information through regular structured education program. The programs were designed based on the learners needs addressing issues related to medical, clinical, psychological, spiritual, motivational, and healthy lifestyle. The programs were carried out in collaboration with cancer hospitals at their venues. Each program lasted 3 hours. The program was guided by adult learning principles. For accountability and further improvement, there is a need to evaluate the effectiveness of the program. This paper reports the programs and their effectiveness from the participants' perspective. Aim: To determine the relationship between program management (learning experience provided to participants, and facilities), and the cancer education program effectiveness. To determine predictors that contribute toward the program effectiveness. Methods: A customized instrument to measure the education program effectiveness related constructs was developed guided by literature. The questionnaire was administered to 868 participants of 8 cancer education programs carried out between 2015 and 2017. 481 (55%) returned the questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, Pearson product-moment correlations and multiple linear regression were used to analyze the data. Results: Majority (91%) who attended the education program were women and cancer patient/survivor (50%). There is positive relationship between learning experience (r=0.895, P = 0.00), program facilities (r=0.435, P = 0.00), and program effectiveness. Learning experience (β = .916; P < .000) showed a predictor and major contribution to cancer education program effectiveness. An appropriate learning experience to learner is critical to ensure the education program effectiveness. Adult learners joined the program to solve their problematic situation in their cancer journey. An appropriate learning experience is one that contributes to meeting their needs, they can follow (e.g., conducted in local language) (Bahasa Malaysia) and terms they can comprehend, and with two way communication channel that gives them chance to be engaged. The experienced facilitators, expert in their respective fields were able to provide meaningful learning experience to participants. Conclusion: Appropriate learning experiences and program facilities contributes toward effective cancer education program in a Malaysian context. The findings strengthen adult learning constructs that guide such program. Further research will give insight to education program in different contexts.

Patient-Reported Outcome Measures Among Breast Cancer Survivors in Malaysia: A Comparative Study With Patients From High-Income Countries

Background: Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are essential for identifying how patients perceive the outcomes of their cancer treatment, and is the ultimate success of cancer care. Although a growing number of studies have focused on PROMs in high income countries (HICs), outcomes relevant to patients in developing countries are less understood. Furthermore, the lack of standardization in PROMs makes it difficult to interpret these data for research or quality monitoring. Aim: In this study, we compared the results of PROM measures between patients in Malaysia, a middle income country, and those in HICs, using standard PROMs questionnaires. We also explored the differences in perceived importance of patient reported outcomes within the multiracial Malaysian cohort. Methods: Breast cancer patients (n=1063) were recruited in hospitals serving suburban areas of Malaysia. Of these, 969 patients were eligible for analysis. The surveys were conducted through face-to-face interviews (68%) or were self-administered (30%). An outcome was considered important if it was scored between 7-9 on a 9-point Likert scale. We compared PROMs scores between Malaysian patients and data previously collected from patients in HICs using logistic regression models, adjusting for demographic and clinical characteristics. A two-step cluster analysis was conducted to explore differences in the perceived importance of PROMs between clusters of Malaysian patients. Results: Compared with 1777 patients from HICs, Malaysian patients were less likely to rate overall and recurrence free survival, as well as emotional, cognitive, social and sexual functioning as very important outcomes. Interestingly, more Malaysian women reported that pain (50% vs. 39%), breast symptoms (51% vs. 35%), and major complications (60% vs. 44%) were very important outcomes ( P < 0.001). Compared with young, married Malaysian women, the cluster of older married women (mean age of 57 vs. 52), who were less likely to have received breast reconstructive surgery (8.6% vs. 16.8%), was more likely to rate sexual functioning (32.8% vs. 25.0%, P = 0.036), body image (63.9% vs. 42.4%, P < 0.001), and satisfaction with the breast (50.7% vs. 37.0%, P = 0.011) as very important outcomes. Conclusion: The differences in breast cancer patient needs between and within populations should be considered carefully to better clinician-patient relationship, patient care and satisfaction and assess the outcomes of our cancer care. Future research is needed to find suitable targeted interventions to identify and address the diverse needs of breast cancer patients in low and middle income countries.

Pulmonary Tuberculosis in HIV Infection : The Relationship of the Radiographic Appearance to CD4 T-Lymphocytes Count

Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) in the AIDS population has a variable chest radiographic presentation. The association between the chest radiographic presentation of pulmonary TB and CD4 T-lymphocyte count in the HIV-infected patient was investigated in order to provide an empirical approach for early diagnosis, treatment, and isolation of these patients. A retrospective analysis of chest radiographs, CD4 T-lymphocyte counts, and clinical history of 80 patients from Hospital Kota Bharu, was performed. All patients were HIV-seropositive and had culture and /or cytology-proven pulmonary tuberculosis. Radiographs were evaluated for the presence of atypical or typical patterns of pulmonary TB. Thirteen (16.2%) patients had typical postprimary pattern, where opacities were distributed at the upper zones, with or without cavitation. Sixty-seven (83.8%) patients had atypical patterns, consisting of normal chest radiograph, middle and/or lower zones parenchymal opacities, mediastinal lymphadenopathy, pleural effusion and miliary TB. Of these, 18 (22.5%) patients demonstrated normal chest radiographs, 36 (45%) patients showed parenchymal opacities at the middle and/or lower zones of the lungs, 30 (37.5%) had mediastinal lymphadenopathy, 18 (22.5%) revealed pleural effusion and 6 (7.5%) presented with miliary TB. Sixty-two (77.5%) patients had CD4 T-lymphocytes count less than 200 cells/ul. Of these patients, only 1 (1.6%) had typical pattern. Eighteen (22.5%) patients had CD4 T-lymphocyte count more than 200 cells/ul, where 12 (66.7%) of them showed typical pattern. Patients with CD4 T-lymphocytes count of less than 200 cells/ul, were more likely to produce normal chest radiographs, middle and /or lower zones parenchymal opacities and mediastinal lymphadenopathy. The mean CD4 T-lymphocytes count were also found significantly lower. AIDS patients with pulmonary TB can present with both typical and atypical chest radiograph patterns. An AIDS patient who had CD4 T-lymphocytes count less than 200 cells/ul were more likely to present with atypical radiographic appearance of pulmonary TB. They required appropriate treatment and isolation until the diagnosis of pulmonary TB was confirmed.

Cerebellar hemangioblastoma in a patient with von hippel-lindau disease : a case report

A 23 year-old Chinese woman presented with symptoms of increased intracranial pressure due to obstructive hydrocephalus as a sequel to a mass effect from cerebellar haemangioblastoma. She underwent removal of the right cerebellar haemangioblastoma and ventriculo-peritoneal shunting. She also had bilateral retinal haemangioblastoma, left renal carcinoma, renal and pancreatic cysts without phaeochromocytoma. A left partial nephrectomy was performed for renal cell carcinoma followed by radiotherapy. She survived the initial episode only to succumb to another cerebellar haemorrhage 18 months later.

Malignant paraganglioma of frontoethmoidal region

Nonchromaffin paragangliomas are unusual tumours arising from widely distributed paraganglionic tissues probably of neural crest origin. In the head and neck region they are usually seen as carotid body or jugulotympanic tumours. Other rarely reported sites in the head and neck region are the orbit, nose and larynx. This report deals with a case of sinonasal paraganglioma which was initially treated with surgery and radiotherapy. Twenty two years later the tumour recurred and showed a rapid growth due to malignant transformation which we believe is late effect of radiotherapy. The clinical features, histopathology and role of radiotherapy in sinonasal paragangliomas together with a review of the medical literature have been discussed.

Teratocarcinosarcoma of the nasal cavity and ethmoid

Sinonasal teratocarcinosarcoma is very unusual malignant neoplasm histologically consisting of an epithelial element and one or more mesenchymal components. This is a report of teratocarcinosarcoma, in a 74-year-old male, involving the right nasal cavity and ethmoids with intracranial extension. The tumour was totally resected via the craniofacial approach and the patient was given post-operative chemotherapy. Extensive tumour necrosis, rapid growth and local destruction are the prominent features of this tumour. The clinical presentation, pathological features and clinical course of this rare malignancy are discussed with a review of the literature.

Optical interferometric technique for deformation analysis

We have developed a unique optical interferometric technique for deformation analysis and have applied it to tensile analyses of aluminum based samples. Using a recent theory of plastic deformation, this technique is capable of diagnosing whether the sample is close to a fracture and where the fracture will occur. It is also capable of diagnosing the current degree of stress concentration being developed in the sample. The theoretical basis of this method and some experimental results are presented.