http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/11615 2026-04-18T03:30:53Z 2026-04-18T03:30:53Z Adzahar, Sumaiyah Sakinah Syed Abdul Rahman, Sharifah Hudzaifah Nordin, Mohammad Rameli, Nabilah http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/11894 2025-07-16T02:54:32Z 2025-02-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Hematologic profile of hemoglobin constant spring and its co-inheritance with hemoglobin C: a case report Authors: Adzahar, Sumaiyah; Sakinah Syed Abdul Rahman, Sharifah; Hudzaifah Nordin, Mohammad; Rameli, Nabilah Abstract: ABSTRACT Hemoglobin constant spring (Hb CS) is an alpha-globin variant characterized by an elongated alpha chain due to a mutation that leads to unstable hemoglobin (Hb) levels. Hemoglobin C (Hb C) is a beta-globin variant associated with mild hemolytic anemia. The co-inheritance of Hb CS and Hb C is uncommon and presents distinct hematologic features. We report the case of a 7-year-old Malaysian male who developed acute polyarthritis due to streptococcal infection. Routine blood tests revealed microcytic hypochromic anemia, suggestive of a thalassemia trait. Hb analysis via high-performance liquid chromatography and capillary electrophoresis detected low hemoglobin A levels with an additional peak in the Hb C zone. DNA analysis confirmed compound heterozygosity for Hb CS and Hb C. Family screening revealed that the mother is an Hb C carrier, and the father is an Hb CS carrier. This case report examined the hematological profile of a patient with this genetic combination. KEYWORDS alpha-thalassemia, beta-globins, capillary, chromatography, electrophoresis

2025-02-01T00:00:00Z Chuan Hoe, Vee Ning Kong, Shu Voon Yeow Gilbert, Peh Amirrul Nizam Razi, Muhammad Sibin, Rohamini Hayati, Firdaus http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/11891 2025-07-16T02:52:41Z 2024-12-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Subcutaneous emphysema: an indirect sign of anastomotic leak in cecal volvulus Authors: Chuan Hoe, Vee; Ning Kong, Shu; Voon Yeow Gilbert, Peh; Amirrul Nizam Razi, Muhammad; Sibin, Rohamini; Hayati, Firdaus Abstract: ABSTRACT Cecal volvulus (CV) is a rare cause of intestinal obstruction. A 22-year-old man with cerebral palsy presented with intestinal obstruction symptoms for 2 days. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) revealed a severely dilated cecum, confirmed as CV, during exploratory laparotomy. A right hemicolectomy with primary anastomosis was performed due to an unhealthy cecum. However, his postoperative recovery was stormy as he developed right flank subcutaneous emphysema, but the surgical drain was empty. Follow-up CT showed no extravasation of oral contrast from the lumen, but a relaparotomy noticed a small leak at the posterolateral aspect of the anastomosis, which was reinforced. He recovered well and was discharged 5 days after the relaparotomy. In conclusion, despite being uncommon, subcutaneous emphysema can become an indirect sign of an anastomotic leak even in a negative CT scan. KEYWORDS anastomotic leak, cerebral palsy, subcutaneous emphysema, volvulus

2024-12-01T00:00:00Z Nguyen Ai Tran, Thanh Vu-Tri, Thanh Anh Nguyen, Vu Hoang Nguyen-Thi, My-Tien Luu-Thi, Huyen-Trang -Thao Ly, Thanh Hoai Phan, Yen Thi http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/11885 2025-07-16T02:45:05Z 2025-02-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Predictors of syphilis infection among HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis users Authors: Nguyen Ai Tran, Thanh; Vu-Tri, Thanh; Anh Nguyen, Vu Hoang; Nguyen-Thi, My-Tien; Luu-Thi, Huyen-Trang; -Thao Ly, Thanh; Hoai Phan, Yen Thi Abstract: ABSTRACT BACKGROUND Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has revolutionized HIV prevention worldwide. However, research has shown a contradictory trend in which PrEP helps reduce HIV incidence, but increases sexually transmitted infections (STIs), especially in high-risk groups like men who have sex with men and female sex workers. This study aimed to examine the association between sex, age, occupational status, hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection with syphilis infection among PrEP users. METHODS The cross-sectional survey was conducted over 1 year, with 864 participants in Thu Duc City Hospital, Vietnam. The chi-square test was utilized for descriptive analysis. Binary logistic regression models estimated the association between sex, age, occupational status, HBV infection, and HCV infection with syphilis infection. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. RESULTS Of 864 participants, 147 (18.2%) men and 68 (23.7%) employed individuals were tested positive for syphilis. The findings indicated that men (OR = 13.805; 95% CI = 1.886−101.024), employed individuals (OR = 1.838; 95% CI = 1.191−2.834), and HBV infection (OR = 2.076; 95% CI = 1.108−3.891) were significantly associated with an increased risk of syphilis infection. CONCLUSIONS Men, employed individuals, and individuals infected with HBV face a higher risk of syphilis infection among PrEP users. KEYWORDS hepatitis B, hepatitis C, pre-exposure prophylaxis, sexually transmitted infections, syphilis

2025-02-01T00:00:00Z Ali, Zulfikar Esau Selanno, Fradelino Gde Fredy Gunawan, I Putu Sulchan, Mohammad Birowo, Ponco Winarni, Tri Indah http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/11880 2025-07-16T02:41:17Z 2025-02-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Urinary calcium and matrix Gla protein levels in the kidney stones: a case-control study Authors: Ali, Zulfikar; Esau Selanno, Fradelino; Gde Fredy Gunawan, I Putu; Sulchan, Mohammad; Birowo, Ponco; Winarni, Tri Indah Abstract: ABSTRACT BACKGROUND Kidney stones are a global issue with varying prevalence. The most common metabolic risk factor is hypercalciuria, a condition where excess calcium in the urine promotes stone formation. Matrix Gla protein (MGP) inhibits stone formation by preventing crystal growth. This study aimed to analyze the correlation between urinary calcium and MGP levels in kidney stone formation. METHODS A case-control study at Kardinah Hospital, Indonesia, included 64 patients with kidney stone and 64 healthy controls. Exclusion criteria included renal failure, stroke, kidney tumor, heart failure, and hemodialysis. Urinary calcium and MGP were measured using the 5’-nitro-5’-methyl-BAPTA method and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Cut-off values were determined via receiver operating characteristic analysis. RESULTS Among 128 participants (mean age: 51.6), the optimal cut-off for urinary MGP was 1,405 ng/l (p = 0.00024) with 62.5% sensitivity and 72% specificity. Urinary calcium cut-off was 72.5 mg/24 hours with 81.3% sensitivity and 62.5% specificity. Higher urinary calcium and MGP levels were linked to kidney stones (OR: 7.22; 95% CI: 3.23–16.18 and OR: 4.26; 95% CI: 2.03–8.96, respectively). A significant association was found between urinary calcium and MGP (OR: 5.11; 95% CI: 2.31–11.29, p = 0.00006) that hypercalciuria and increased MGP levels are predictors of kidney stone formation. CONCLUSIONS Urinary calcium and MGP levels are associated with kidney stones. Elevated urinary calcium (>1,405 ng/l) increases MGP levels more than 5-fold. Depending on their levels, urinary calcium and MGP act as both promoters and inhibitors of stone formation. KEYWORDS calcium, kidney stones, matrix Gla protein, nephrolithiasis

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