In-vitro bioaccessibility of spray dried refined kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus) seed oil applied in coffee drink

This study aimed to investigate the effect of a coffee beverage matrix on the oil release percentage and bioaccessibility of bioactive compounds from microencapsulated refined kenaf seed oil (MRKSO) using an in vitro gastrointestinal digestion model. Refined kenaf seed oil was spray-dried with gum arabic, β-cyclodextrin, and sodium caseinate. Oil release percentage, total phenolic content, radical scavenging activity of DPPH and ABTS, tocopherol and tocotrienol contents, as well as phytosterol content, were measured in the oil released from digested MRKSO along with the coffee matrix and compared to the digested MRKSO without coffee matrix and undigested MRKSO. Refined kenaf seed oil showed a significantly higher oxidative stability index than crude, degummed, and neutralized oil samples. About 91.2 and 94.7% of the oils were released from the digested MRKSO without and with coffee matrix, respectively. Oil released from the digested MRKSO with coffee matrix showed an increase in the total phenolic content (200.5%), DPPH (172.7%), and ABTS (68.1%) values, tocopherol and tocotrienol contents (24.6%), as well as the phytosterol content (62.0%), compared to oil released from the digested MRKSO without coffee matrix. MRKSO was successfully incorporated in the coffee drink and can use as a partial replacement for coffee creamers or supplementation in coffee drinks.

The efficacy of intratympanic steroid injection for the treatment of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss

OBJECTIVE

A systemic steroid is known to have a potential to recover hearing after idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSHL). However, lately many centres have introduced the use of intratympanic (IT) steroid therapy as an option. We reviewed our experience in the treatment of patients with ISSHL looking at the overall success of using systemic steroid, IT steroid injections as salvage therapy and primary IT steroid injection.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted on 20 patients who had suffered from ISSHL from January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2017. ISSHL is defined as a rapid decline in hearing over three days or less affecting three or more frequencies by 30dB or greater. Comparison between the mode of steroid therapies and improvement in patients was done. At least 15dB improvement in pure tone audiogram (PTA) was considered as successful therapeutic intervention.

RESULTS

Twenty male and female patients who fit the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included. The mean age of the patients was 41.4 years with a range from 13 to 72 years. Ninety percent patients presented with unilateral ISSHL involvement. Eight ears of patients who received systemic steroid therapy alone had improved hearings (75%). Out of seven ears from six patients who received salvage therapy, four ears (57.1 %) had improvement in PTA. Seven ears showed improvement in PTA from a total of eight patients who primarily received IT injections.

CONCLUSIONS

IT steroid therapy promises a favourable outcome in the improvement of the hearing, as compared to systemic steroid administration. Its usage is recommended not only for salvage therapy but should be used as primary treatment especially in those with co- morbidities.

Changes in 3-MCPD esters, glycidyl esters, bioactive compounds and oxidation indexes during kenaf seed oil refining

An optimized refining process for kenaf seed oil was conducted. The 3-monochloro-1,2-propanediol (3-MCPD) contents, triacylglycerol composition, fatty acids composition, bioactive compounds, phosphorus contents, and oxidation indexes of the kenaf seed oil during each stage of the refining process were determined. The results showed that there was no detected 3-MCPD ester in kenaf seed oil throughout the refining process. Deodorization had slightly increased the 2-MCPD ester (9.0 μg/kg) and glycidyl ester (54.8 μg/kg). Oleic (36.53%) and linoleic acids (36.52%) were presented in the largest amount in the refined kenaf seed oil, and triacylglycerols contributed to 99.96% in the oil. There was a removal of 31.6% of phytosterol content and 17.1% of tocopherol and tocotrienol contents in kenaf seed oil after refining. The refining process was totally removed the hydroperoxides, 93% of free fatty acids and 98.8% of phosphorus content in kenaf seed oil.

Comparative study of crude and refined kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) seed oil during accelerated storage

This study assessed the changes of antioxidant activity and bioactive compounds of crude and refined kenaf seed oil during accelerated storage at 65°C for 24 days. 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical scavenging assays were used to determine their antioxidant activity. The changes of phenolic, tocopherol, and phytosterol contents during the storage were also studied. The phenolic content and antioxidant activity of refined oil were significantly lower than those of crude oil after the accelerated storage. There was a decrease of 72.5% tocopherol content and 31.1% phytosterol content in the crude oil and a decrease of 67% tocopherol content and 12.1% phytosterol content in the refined oil during the accelerated storage. There was no significant difference in tocopherol and phytosterol contents for crude and refined oils after the storage. The rate of degradation of tocopherol and phytosterol contents in refined oil was slower than that in crude oil during the storage.

Mechanical signatures of microbial biofilms in micropillar-embedded growth chambers

Biofilms are surface-attached communities of microorganisms embedded in an extracellular matrix and are essential for the cycling of organic matter in natural and engineered environments. They are also the leading cause of many infections, for example, those associated with chronic wounds and implanted medical devices. The extracellular matrix is a key biofilm component that determines its architecture and defines its physical properties. Herein, we used growth chambers embedded with micropillars to study the net mechanical forces (differential pressure) exerted during biofilm formation in situ. Pressure from the biofilm is transferred to the micropillars via the extracellular matrix, and reduction of major matrix components decreases the magnitude of micropillar deflections. The spatial arrangement of micropillar deflections caused by pressure differences in the different biofilm strains may potentially be used as mechanical signatures for biofilm characterization. Hence, we submit that micropillar-embedded growth chambers provide insights into the mechanical properties and dynamics of the biofilm and its matrix.

Folate content and availability in Malaysian cooked foods

INTRODUCTION

Data on folate availability of Malaysian cooked foods would be useful for estimation of dietary folate intake; however such information is scarce.

METHODS

A total of 53 samples of frequently consumed foods in Malaysia were selected from the Nutrient Composition of Malaysian Foods. Folate content was determined using HPLC method hyphenated with a stainless steel C18 column and ultraviolet detector (lambda = 280 nm). The index of folate availability was defined as the proportion of folate identified as monoglutamyl derivatives from the total folate content.

RESULTS

Total folate content of different food samples varied from 30-95 microg/100g fresh weight. Among rice-based dishes, the highest and the lowest total folate was in coconut milk rice (nasi lemak) and ghee rice (nasi minyak), respectively. In noodle dishes, fried rice noodle (kuey teow goreng) and curry noodle (mee kari) had the highest folate contents. The highest index of folate availability was in a flat rice noodle dish (kuey teow bandung) (12.13%), while the lowest was in a festival cake (kuih bakul) (0.13%). Folate content was found to be negatively related to its availability.

CONCLUSION

This study determined folate content and folate availability in commonly consumed cooked foods in Malaysia. The uptake of folate from foods with high folate content may not be necessarily high as folate absorption also depends on the capacity of intestinal deconjugation and the presence of high fibre in the foods.

Assisted reproductive techniques--promises and problems

Assisted reproductive techniques (ART) are procedures in which the oocyte is handled before replacement, either as an oocyte or embryo. The current success rates and pregnancy outcomes of in-vitro fertilisation (IVF), gamete intra-fallopian transfer (GIFT), zygote intra-fallopian transfer (ZIFT), intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), donor oocyte and frozen embryo programmes are reviewed. Some problems associated with assisted reproductive procedures are also discussed.

Amniotic fluid volume in spurious labour

OBJECTIVE

A prospective study was undertaken to assess the amniotic fluid index (AFI) in women with spurious labour and its possible role in management.

METHODS

Eight hundred and ninety-three women in early labour, who had uncomplicated pregnancy, were recruited for the study. Of these, 133 were later diagnosed to have had spurious labour, while 760 were in true labour. An admission cardiotocography and determination of AFI was done for all patients at the time of their admission to the labour ward. Labour was induced within 24 hours for those women in spurious labour who had severe oligohydramnios.

RESULTS

The incidence of severe oligohydramnios (AFI < 5) was significantly higher in the patients later diagnosed to have had spurious labour (15.7%) compared with those in true labour (2.1%). With this management protocol, the obstetric and the neonatal outcome was similar in the spurious labour and the true labour groups.

CONCLUSION

The assessment of AFI could be a simple and useful screening tool to avoid adverse perinatal outcome in women who experience spurious labour.

Clinical experience in temporomandibular joint arthroscopy

Clinical experience of arthroscopy in 12 temporomandibular joints with a clinical diagnosis of closed lock was described. There were 10 patients and all were females with a mean age of 31.2 years (range 20 to 59 years). The antero-lateral approach was used for entry into 11 joints. The clinical findings were adhesions (64%), fibrillation (64%), anterior displacement of disc (36%) and scuffing of the articular surface of the glenoid fossa (9%). Two of the joints that had arthrocentesis prior to arthroscopy did not show any different findings from the rest. Of the 8 patients who had pre-arthroscopy pain, 7 patients (88%) had reduction of the symptom. Three patients (38%) had complete resolution of pain. The range of mouth opening (measured as maximal incisor opening) increased in all patients two weeks following arthroscopy. The average change in maximal incisor opening was 40.3% with a range of 22% to 85%. The mean follow-up was 34 months (range 4 to 68 months).

A cadaveric study of the potential damage in arthroscopic examination of the temporomandibular joints

An arthroscopic study on 22 temporomandibular joints in 13 cadavers was undertaken. Dissections were carried out to correlate the arthroscopic with macroscopic findings in the joints. Iatrogenic damage to the temporomandibular joints and their surrounding tissues was also examined. Correlation between arthroscopy and macro findings was 91.0%. There was no damage to the facial nerve and superficial temporal vessels. Iatrogenic damage to the temporomandibular joint included scuffing of the articular surfaces of the glenoid fossa and articular eminence (31.8%), scuffing of the condylar articular surface (9%), one disc perforation (4.5%) and one perforation of the medial capsule (4.5%). Prevention of iatrogenic injuries is discussed.

Pectoralis major myocutaneous flap reconstruction in head and neck surgery--experience with 60 cases

The aim of this paper is to evaluate the results of the use of the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap for reconstruction in 60 otolaryngology--head and neck patients over a five year period. There were 52 patients with Stage III (30%) and Stage IV (70%) untreated squamous cell carcinomas. Of the eight recurrent tumours, three patients had nasopharyngeal carcinoma with extensive post-radiation neck failures requiring extended neck dissections and flap reconstruction. The oral cavity and oropharynx were the predominant sites for reconstruction accounting for 70% of the operations performed. Twenty-eight patients had composite resections, ten with pectoralis osteo-myocutaneous flap incorporating a vascularised split sternum bone graft and titanium plate fixation for immediate mandibular reconstruction. All 52 patients underwent post-operative radiation. Major necrosis did not occur but minor tip necrosis of the skin island occurred in two cases (3%). The mean hospitalisation was 19 days for all patients and 21 days for patients with composite resections. The pectoralis major myocutaneous flap in our experience is not only a versatile flap but also a very reliable and robust flap for single stage immediate head and neck reconstruction.

Useful ultrasonic parameters pertaining to intra uterine fetal well being and growth retardation

The true gestational age of the fetus is of great importance especially when there is an apparent discrepancy between the size of the fetus and the period of amenorrhoea. Various Ultrasonic measurements of the fetus have been used at different gestational periods to help arrive at the true gestation and to confirm or exclude intra uterine growth retardation. Recently, dynamic studies on the fetal blood flow through the umbilical artery and also the uterine vessels have provided an additional measurement of the internal milieu. These tests have been found to be extremely useful and of prognostic value even before changes occur in the CTG patterns.

A prospective randomized comparative trial of the Gravigard, Latex Leaf, Dalkon Shield and Multiload Cu 250 IUDs

This prospective randomized trial in 843 patients compared the effectiveness and complications of 4 intrauterine devices. At 24 months the gross accidental pregnancy rate for the Dalkon Shield was higher than for the 7Cu200 (p less than 0.05) and the ML Cu250 (p less than 0.05). The 7Cu200 had a higher expulsion rate than the Dalkon Shield (p less than 0.01), Latex Leaf (p less than 0.001) and ML Cu250 (p less than 0.001). Use-related terminations were higher for the 7Cu200 than for the ML Cu250 (p less than 0.01). Removal for pelvic inflammatory disease was necessary in 8 women (2 for the Latex Leaf and 3 each for the 7Cu200 and Dalkon Shield). There was no significant difference in termination rates between the ML Cu250 and Latex Leaf but subsequently the Leaf has given problems with removal particularly in women who have defaulted follow-up for several years.

A randomized comparative trial of the Lippes Loop D, Gravigard and TCu 220C IUDs

This randomized prospective trial compared the use-effectiveness and pregnancy rates in 3 IUDs following immediate postabortal insertion in 199 women over 3107 months of use. At 24 months the Gravgard (Cu 7) was not significantly different from either of the other 2 devices. However, the Lippes Loop D when compared with the TCu 220C had a higher expulsion rate (P less than 0.05) and a higher use-related termination rate (P less than 0.001). Further details of accidental pregnancies, removal for incomplete abortion or pelvic inflammatory disease and within 48 hours after insertion are presented.

Safety of postabortion sterilisation compared with interval sterilisation. A controlled study

406 women--about one-fifth of those requesting an induced abortion and sterilisation over a thirty-three-month period--volunteered to be allocated randomly to either a concurrent induced-abortion/sterilisation group or a group which was sterilised six weeks after abortion. The abortion-attributable and sterilisation-attributable complication rates of 3.8% and 5.2%, respectively, for the concurrent group did not differ significantly from the 6.7% and 6.9% rates for the interval group. The estimated 2%-10% of women who would have changed their minds must be set against the 4% of women who became pregnant again before being sterilised. Efforts should be made to identify women likely to regret sterilisation.

Falope ring application via culdoscopy

This report describes a series of 122 women who were sterilized with Falope ring application via culdoscopy and demonstrates the feasibility of the procedure.

Thromboplastic and fibrinolytic activity of hydatidiform molar tissue and vesicular fluid

We found similar levels of thromboplastic activity in molar tissue, vesicular fluid and normal placental tissue from pregnancies matched for gestational age. The fibrinolytic activity of molar tissue and vesicular fluid was, however, increased and vaginal haemorrhage tended to be heavier when fibrinolytic activity was high (p = 0.06). Subsequent choriocarcinoma occurred more frequently in patients with molar tissue which had low fibrinolytic activity (p = 0.08).

Alternatives to female sterilization

With national policies aimed at reaching zero population growth in the shortest possible time, many countries have introduced restrictive legislation and disincentive programs in an attempt to decrease family size norms to 2 or 3 children. As a result, younger women of lower parity are being sterilized, with consequences that will be seen in the years to come. Although female sterilization is usually associated with minimal complications and side effects and is highly effective without continuing motivation or promotion, it has the disadvantage of causing permanent, essentially irreversible sterility. Therefore, it will not be readily acceptable to a large portion of the population. For many women, alternatives must be sought. Reversible methods of female or male sterilization, longacting systemic contraceptives, longacting implants, and immunization against implantation or sperm antigens are potential alternatives, but all are still in experimental stages of development. Intrauterine devices and injectables are the 2 most effective alternatives now available. The use of intrauterine devices with abortion as a backup in case of contraceptive failure ranks high as an alternative to female sterilization.

Serum human placental lactogen (HPL) levels in patients with intact hydatidiform mole

Serum human placental lactogen (HPL) levels in forty cases of intact hydatidiform mole were measured by radioimmunoassay. The HPL values were generally lower than normal pregnancies of the corresponding period of gestation. However, normal and occasionally higher than normal values were observed in a few cases. Serum HPL level alone is of some clinical use in the diagnosis of hydatidiform mole. When combined with human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), a low HPL/HCG ratio for the corresponding period of amenorrhoea is a useful index in the diagnosis of hydatidiform mole.