Razif Abas

To evaluate the effects of MCC950, a selective NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitor, on glycemic control, lipid profiles, and sympathetic dysfunction in a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) rat model. Male Wistar rats were rendered ...

Diabetes-Associated Autonomic-Related Structural Alterations (DAAS) is a severe complication of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) characterized by autonomic

Anatomy assessments are crucial for developing critical thinking and analytical skills in preclinical undergraduate medical curricula. However, because there is little published empirical evidence, the value of anatomy assessment remains largely unexplored. The aim of this scoping review, conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) scoping review guidelines, was to explore the utility elements adopted in anatomy assessment within preclinical undergraduate medical curricula. A rigorous three‐step search approach across five electronic databases (Scopus, WoS, PubMED, Wiley Online, and EBSCOHost) generated an initial pool of 721 records, which were assessed for duplication and eligibility, leading to the inclusion of 43 records from which data were extracted. The extracted data covered various utility elements of anatomy assessment including validity, reliability, practicality, feasibility, cost‐effectiveness, and educational impact, along with various assessment contexts such as assessed competencies, assessment function, and assessment tools. The findings indicate a strong emphasis on assessing cognitive competencies in anatomy education; psychomotor and affective competencies received less attention. Identified gaps include limited exploration of validity evidence, assessment methods, cost‐effectiveness, and educational impact of assessment. Moreover, the study highlights challenges in implementing formative assessments alongside summative assessments, constraints in assessing psychomotor skills, and the subjective nature of assessing affective competencies. By addressing these gaps and leveraging innovative assessment tools and practices, educators can enhance the quality of anatomy education and prepare students better for their future careers in medicine.

Diabetic cardiac autonomic neuropathy (DCAN) is a severe complication of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) characterized by autonomic nerve fiber dysfunction in the heart and blood vessels. This study aimed to elucidate the histopathological mechanisms underlying DCAN and evaluate the therapeutic potential of MCC950, an NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitor, in a Wistar rat model. Male Wistar rats were divided into control and T1DM groups, with diabetes induced by streptozotocin (STZ) injection. Following confirmation of DCAN through elevated serum noradrenaline levels, diabetic rats were subdivided into positive control (insulin-treated), treatment (MCC950), and untreated groups. The stellate ganglia, thoracic aorta, and left ventricle were dissected for histological examination using Haematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) and Masson Trichrome staining. STZ-induced hyperglycemia was evident by Week 2 and sustained throughout the study. Serum noradrenaline levels significantly increased by Week 14 in diabetic rats, indicating DCAN onset. Histological analysis revealed atrophy in stellate ganglia, endothelial damage in the thoracic aorta, and myocardial fibrosis in untreated diabetic rats. MCC950 treatment preserved ganglionic structure, mitigated vascular damage, and reduced myocardial fibrosis, demonstrating its potential in attenuating DCAN progression. These findings highlight MCC950 as a promising therapeutic agent for DCAN by targeting inflammation and preserving autonomic and cardiovascular function. Further investigations are warranted to validate MCC950’s efficacy in human trials, with the potential to improve clinical outcomes for T1DM patients at risk of DCAN.

It is well-known that the classical hepatotropic viruses, hepatitis A to E, are the commonest cause of acute infective hepatitis in children [1]. In addition to acute viral hepatitis (AVH), various...

Phytochemicals are compounds found in plants that possess a variety of bioactive properties, including antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties. Recent studies have highlighted the potential of phytochemicals in targeting specific signalling pathways involved in cytokine storm, a life-threatening clinical condition resulting from excessive immune cell activation and oversupply of proinflammatory cytokines. Several studies have documented the immunomodulatory effects of phytochemicals on immune function, including their ability to regulate essential cellular and molecular interactions of immune system cells. This makes them a promising alternative for cytokine storm management, especially when combined with existing chemotherapies. Furthermore, phytochemicals have been found to target multiple signalling pathways, including the TNF-α/NF-κB, IL-1/NF-κB, IFN-γ/JAK/STAT, and IL-6/JAK-STAT. These pathways play critical roles in the development and progression of cytokine storm, and targeting them with phytochemicals represents a promising strategy for controlling cytokine release and the subsequent inflammation. Studies have also investigated certain families of plant-related constituents and their potential immunomodulatory actions. In vivo and in vitro studies have reported the immunomodulatory effects of phytochemicals, which provide viable alternatives in the management of cytokine storm syndrome. The collective data from previous studies suggest that phytochemicals represent a potentially functional source of cytokine storm treatment and promote further exploration of these compounds as immunomodulatory agents for suppressing specific signalling cascade responses. Overall, the previous research findings support the use of phytochemicals as a complementary approach in managing cytokine storm and improving patient outcomes.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide, in both developed and developing countries. According to the WHO report, the morbidity and mortality caused by CVD will continue to rise with the estimation of death going up to 22.2 million in 2030. NADPH oxidase (NOX)-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) production induces endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) uncoupling and mitochondrial dysfunction, resulting in sustained oxidative stress and the development of cardiovascular diseases. Seven distinct members of the family have been identified of which four (namely, NOX1, 2, 4 and 5) may have cardiovascular functions. Currently, the treatment and management plan for patients with CVDs mainly depends on the drugs. However, prolonged use of prescribed drugs may cause adverse drug reactions. Therefore, it is crucial to find alternative treatment options with lesser adverse effects. Natural products have been gaining interest as complementary therapy for CVDs over the past decade due to their wide range of medicinal properties, including antioxidants. These might be due to their potent active ingredients, such as flavonoid and phenolic compounds. Numerous natural compounds have been demonstrated to have advantageous effects on cardiovascular disease via NADPH cascade. This review highlights the potential of natural products targeting NOX-derived ROS generation in treating CVDs. Emphasis is put on the activation of the oxidases, including upstream or downstream signalling events.

A 43-year-old male patient with underlying diabetes mellitus presented with lower abdominal pain radiating to left thigh. He was hemodynamically stable, but appeared lethargic. Both iliac fossae were tender, and crepitus appreciated along the anteromedial aspect of the left thigh. The patient initially responded well to treatment and was discharged; however, he was re-admitted several months later due to recurrent collection showing the growth of Klebsiella pneumoniae in the culture and succumbed to sepsis due to deep-seated intramuscular abscess and lung empyema. In conclusion, psoas abscess is a condition that can mimic various pathologies related to the lower abdomen and, therefore, clinicians should always have a high index of suspicion to prevent a missed diagnosis. Early detection may yield good outcomes, if managed with adequate surgical drainage and appropriate antibiotics.

Paeonol is a naturally existing bioactive compound found in the root bark of Paeonia suffruticosa and it is traditionally used in Chinese medicine for the prevention and management of cardiovascular diseases. To date, a great deal of studies has been reported on the pharmacological effects of paeonol and its mechanisms of action in various diseases and conditions. In this review, the underlying mechanism of action of paeonol in cardiovascular disease has been elucidated. Recent studies have revealed that paeonol treatment improved endothelium injury, demoted inflammation, ameliorated oxidative stress, suppressed vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, and repressed platelet activation. Paeonol has been reported to effectively protect the cardiovascular system either employed alone or in combination with other traditional medicines, thus, signifying it could be a hypothetically alternative or complementary atherosclerosis treatment. This review summarizes the biological and pharmacological activities of paeonol in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases and its associated underlying mechanisms for a better insight for future clinical practices.