In vivo evaluation of oxidized multiwalled-carbon nanotubes-mediated hyperthermia treatment for breast cancer

Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer that contribute to high mortality worldwide. Hyperthermia (HT) was introduced as one of the alternative treatments to treat breast cancer but has major drawback of damaging normal adjacent cells. This study explores the integration effect of multiwalled‑carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in combination with hyperthermia treatment for breast cancer therapy regimes. In this study, acid-functionalized MWCNTs (ox-MWCNTs) were prepared by acid washing methods using H₂SO₄/HNO₃ (98%/68%) with the ratio of 3:1 (ν/ν) and characterized by colloidal dispersibility test, FTIR, TGA, XRD, FESEM and EDX analysis. EMT6 tumor-bearing mice were treated with ox-MWCNTs in combination with local HT at 43 °C. The tumor progression was monitored and the influence of immune response was evaluated. Results from this study demonstrated that mice from ox-MWCNTs in combination with local HT treatment group experienced complete tumor eradication, accompanied by a significant increase in median survival of the mice. Histological and immunohistochemical analysis of tumor tissues revealed that tumor treated with combined treatment underwent cell necrosis and there was a significant reduction of proliferating cells when compared to the untreated tumor. This observation is also accompanied with an increase in Hsp70 expression in tumor treated with HT. Flow cytometry analysis of the draining lymph nodes showed an increase in dendritic cells infiltration and maturation in mice treated with combined treatment. In addition, a significant increase of tumor-infiltrated CD8⁺ and CD4⁺ T cells along with macrophages and natural killer cells was observed in tumor treated with combined treatment. Altogether, results presented in this study suggested the potential of ox-MWCNTs-mediated HT as an anticancer therapeutic agent, hence might be beneficial in the future of breast cancer treatment.

Reconstruction of Secondary Type Congenital Hallux Varus with Modification of the Farmer Technique for Cover of Skin Defect: Report of Three Cases

The reconstruction of hallux varus deformity involves the release of contracted medial structure and realignment of the phalange, leaving a significant skin defect which requires cover. Farmer described proximal based rotational skin flap from the first web space to cover the defect. This technique may compromise the circulation to the flap and risk to the lateral digital vessels. We modified his technique to address these issues. We report a successful reconstruction using the Farmer’s technique on one patient and a modified technique on three patients. We used the excess skin from the extra digit to cover the medial defect. We found this modified technique of skin cover safe without risk of injuring the neurovascular bundle. There was no recurrence of deformity at last foolow-up. All patients were able to wear normal shoes.

Detection of Zika virus RNA in Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus larvae in Klang Valley, Peninsular Malaysia

We report the presence of Zika virus RNA in naturally infected field captured Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus mosquito larvae in Malaysia from May 2016 to April 2017. Zika virus RNA was detected (n = 30) in the larvae of both Aedes mosquito species. Phylogenetic analysis of the NS5 partial sequence of all positive samples shows that the circulating Zika virus in the field collected larvae are of the Asian lineage.