Conventionally, megakaryocytes (MKs) are regarded as platelet-producing cells and their platelet-related functions in haemostasis have been well documented. However, it is increasingly evident that MKs have functions beyond platelet production. Convincing findings suggest that MKs are active participants in immunity and infections. Many reviews in the published literature have examined the immune functions of MK-derived platelets. However, relatively few reviews have emphasised on the role of MKs as immune cells. This review gives an overview of MKs, megakaryopoiesis and thrombocytopoiesis, as well as a thorough examination of the evidence that favours MKs as immune cells. The emerging and multifaceted contributions of MKs to host defence against various infections are also discussed. Together, these findings identify MKs as key players in both immune homeostasis and host-pathogen interactions, presenting new therapeutic opportunities.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent degenerative joint disease characterised by cartilage and subchondral bone breakdown, impacting millions worldwide. This review provides an overview of the complex aetiology of OA, integrating biochemical, mechanical, and genetic factors. It also emphasises a multifaceted management approach, combining non-pharmacological, pharmacological, and surgical treatments. Non-pharmacological strategies include physical therapy and lifestyle changes, which are crucial for pain relief and functional improvement. Pharmacological options focus on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents and emerging disease-modifying drugs, while surgical interventions are reserved for advanced cases. The review also explores the potential of regenerative medicine and personalised treatments in revolutionising OA management. Additionally, it underscores the importance of advanced diagnostic tools in early disease detection and monitoring, paving the way for timely and effective interventions.

Oral cancer is considered the sixth most common form of cancer worldwide. It causes significant morbidity and mortality, especially in low socioeconomic status groups. However, Cancer chemoprevention encompasses the use of specific compounds to suppress the growth of tumours or inhibit carcinogenesis. Natural products have been identified as one of the most significant sources of anti-cancer agents. Meanwhile, several synthetic drugs exhibit potential cytotoxicity and can induce a wide range of degenerative diseases.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common clinical condition with significant health risks for patients and is widely recognised as a major public health concern. Laboratory medicine plays a crucial role in both diagnosing and managing CKD, as diagnosis and staging rely on estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and evaluating albuminuria (or proteinuria). It was evident that the laboratory assessment of CKD in Malaysia is not standardised. In light of this, the Malaysian Association of Clinical Biochemistry CKD (MACB-CKD) Task Force issued a national recommendation for laboratory diagnosis of CKD in 2019. Recently, Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) updated its recommendations for the diagnosis, evaluation, management, and treatment of CKD. These guidelines incorporate the most recent evidence-based practices to support laboratory professionals in delivering optimal care for individuals with CKD, focusing on critical areas such as estimated GFR (eGFR), albuminuria assessment, and risk stratification. The latest National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines on CKD has also incorporated the Kidney Failure Risk Equation (KFRE) as a tool for predicting the likelihood of progression to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) in CKD patients. Hence, the MACB-CKD Task Force has reviewed and updated its recommendations for laboratory reporting of eGFR and urine albumin in alignment with the latest guidelines.

Multiple myeloma (MM), a clonal B-cell neoplasia, is an incurable and heterogeneous disease where survival ranges from a few months to more than 10 years. The clinical heterogeneity of MM arises from multiple genomic events that result in tumour development and progression. Recurring genomic abnormalities including cytogenetic abnormalities, gene mutations and abnormal gene expression profiles in myeloma cells have a strong prognostic power. With the advancement in technologies and the development of novel drugs, the prognostic factors and treatment paradigms of MM have been fast evolving over the past few years. Following the introduction of new highthroughput cytogenomic technologies such as array comparative genome hybridisation (aCGH) or single nucleotide polymorphism array (SNP array) and molecular techniques such as gene expression profiling (GEP) and massively parallel genomic sequencing, the prediction of survival in MM no longer solely depends on conventional cytogenetics and interphase fluorescence in situ hybridisation (iFISH) analysis findings. These new technologies enable screening for all possible chromosomal aberrations and other genomic alterations, identifying each aberration on a case-bycase basis and discovering new aberrations that are relevant in unraveling the tumor cells' complex biology. This in turn allows a better understanding of the disease complexity and heterogeneity. The objective of this review on the genetic architecture of MM is to discuss the latest developments on the cytogenetic/cytogenomic-based risk classification of MM that are currently in use and their prognostic implications.

Endometrial cancer is one of the leading gynaecological malignancies in developed countries and becoming more prevalent in Malaysia. These have significant impact in women and management of this disease. If it occurs on young women, and as a whole becomes a burden on the national economy and world. This research aims to evaluate the clinical presentation and histopathological features of endometrial epithelial cancer among women treated in a University Hospital.

No abstract available.

The emergence of mutations in the BCR::ABL1 kinase domain (KD) impairs imatinib mesylate (IM) binding capacity, thus contributing to IM resistance. Identification of these mutations is important for treatment decisions and precision medicine in chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) patients. Our study aims to determine the frequency of BCR::ABL1 KD mutations in CML patients with IM resistance.

ICAM-1 is an adhesion molecule expressed on the endothelial cells and is involved in regulating leukocyte recruitment to the site of inflammation. Elevated ICAM-1 mRNA expression was found in the serum of mothers with chorioamnionitis. This study aimed to determine the expression of ICAM-1 in the placenta and umbilical cord of pregnancy with chorioamnionitis, and its association with adverse neonatal outcome.

Trichoblastic carcinoma, trichoblastoma, trichoepithelioma, and basal cell carcinoma are histologically characterised by basaloid cell proliferation. In this report, we describe the case of a 76-year-old man who presented with trichoblastic carcinoma admixed with histological features of trichoblastoma, trichoepithelioma, and basal cell carcinoma. These tumours may not be situated separately but must be related to each other in terms of tumorigenesis. The correct biological behavior of trichoblastic carcinoma with other components is unknown and further careful follow-up after resection is required.

The current first-line therapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is often associated with long-term complications. Oncolytic measles virus (MV) therapy offers a promising alternative to cancer therapy. This study aims to investigate the efficacy of MV in killing NPC cells in vitro, both with or without resistance to radiation and drug therapy.

The surgical ciliated cyst is a newly added entity under the cysts of the jaws in the World Health Organization (WHO) Classification of Head and Neck Tumours (2022). It is preceded by a prior surgery to the jaw many years before its diagnosis. A 53-year-old Chinese female, who had undergone cleft lip and palate repair followed by orthognathic surgery before the age of 20, was referred for management of an incidentally found cyst in the left maxilla. A cone-beam computed tomography revealed a unilocular, well-defined radiolucent lesion periapical to tooth 26. A provisional diagnosis of radicular cyst was given, and the cyst was enucleated under general anaesthesia. Histopathological examination showed a multicystic lesion lined by pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium. This case was diagnosed as a surgical ciliated cyst based on the history of previous surgery to the maxillary region, radiographic and histopathological features, which are the three essential features for diagnosis based on the WHO Classification (2022). Surgical ciliated cysts are a rare complication of orthognathic surgery which may be underreported in populations outside Japan. Now that it has been added to the latest WHO Classification, the diagnosis of this entity may be more common than previously reported.

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To determine the epidemiology of blood culture-positive late-onset sepsis (LOS, >72 hours of age) in 44 Malaysian neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).

No abstract available.

Haemoglobin (Hb) Quong Sze is a non-deletional α-thalassaemia subtype that occurs due to missense mutation at codon 125 of the HBA2 gene. Interaction between Hb QS with Southeast Asian double α-globin gene deletion results in non-deletional HbH disease, which is more severe than deletional HbH.

Electrocution related death remains an ambiguous judgement and requires numerous valid evidence for proper medico-legal diagnosis. While the presence of electrical burn marks is a significant macroscopic indicator, it can be absent, especially on moist skin. The electrical mark still represents a fundamental indicator above all in the medico-legal field, but the identification of pathognomonic elements and signs not limited to the skin alone could be a valid help in the future, especially in unclear cases.

Talaromyces marneffei is a thermally dimorphic fungus which causes opportunistic infections in immunocompromised individuals. The diagnosis of T. marneffei infection rests on the microscopic demonstration of the fungus in the tissues and/or isolation of the fungus from clinical specimens. In this report, we discuss a case involving a 23-year-old man who presented with a history of intermittent fever, cough and constitutional symptoms. Clinically, the patient exhibited pallor, jaundice, generalized seborrhoeic dermatitis, hepatomegaly, and small palpable cervical lymph nodes. A computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen showed homogenous hypodense lesions in both liver lobes. HIV screening result was reactive. Microscopic examination of the bone marrow aspirate smear and trephine biopsy identified fungal bodies, and culture of the marrow aspirate confirmed the presence of T. marneffei. Notably, the liver biopsy revealed Burkitt lymphoma alongside fungal bodies. He was treated with intravenous Amphotericin B but ultimately succumbed to the illness due to severe metabolic acidosis and multiorgan failure. This case underscores the importance of presumptive diagnosis through morphological or histological examination of bone marrow samples, as microbiologic culture methods can be time-consuming. Timely diagnosis and aggressive treatment are critical in managing patients with T. marneffei infection.

No abstract available.