Spinal impostor: Metastatic cervical paraganglioma presenting with paraparesis, a case report.

Introduction And Importance: Paragangliomas are rare neuroendocrine tumors, typically arising from extra-adrenal chromaffin cells. Primary intra-spinal paragangliomas are uncommon, and metastatic spinal paragangliomas without paraneoplastic symptoms are even rarer. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges posed by such rare tumors.

Novel and potent MICA/B antibody is therapeutically effective in mutant lung cancer models.

Background: Concurrent (STK11, KL) mutant non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) do not respond well to current immune checkpoint blockade therapies, however targeting major histocompatibility complex class I-related chain A or B (MICA/B), could pose an alternative therapeutic strategy through activation of natural killer (NK) cells.

Methods: Expression of NK cell activating ligands in NSCLC cell line and patient data were analyzed. Cell surface expression of MICA/B in NSCLC cell lines was determined through flow cytometry while ligand shedding in both patient blood and cell lines was determined through ELISA.

Brain 18FDG-PET pattern in cognitively impaired elderly patients with bipolar disorder.

Background: Patients with bipolar disorder (BD) are at increased risk of dementia. The underlying mechanisms are debated. FDG-PET elucidates glucose metabolic reductions due to altered neuronal activity in the cerebral cortex, allowing detection and identification of neurodegenerative processes.

Compliance to international guidelines and rational use of antibiotics in urinary tract infections in a country without national guidance: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common bacterial infections, and appropriate antimicrobial therapy with agents that minimise resistance is crucial. Despite international concern, adherence to guidelines is still suboptimal. This study aims to determine the effect of the absence of national guidelines and the rate of conformity to international guidelines among physicians in antibiotic (ATB) prescriptions for the treatment of UTIs in adults and detect the factors that are associated with a higher rate of non-compliance.

A comparative perception and impact of pictorial warnings on cigarette packaging among Malaysian smokers and non-smokers.

Introduction: In 2003, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended that pictorial warnings on tobacco products be used to educate consumers on the negative health impacts associated with tobacco use. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of pictorial warnings on cigarette packaging among smokers and non-smokers.

Methods: A cross-sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire was conducted in Kuala Lumpur.