Reference intervals for serum prolactin concentrations: analytical and clinical considerations.

Prolactin is a 23 kDa protein synthesised and released by lactotrophs located in the anterior pituitary gland. The main function of prolactin is the development of the mammary glands and the production and maintenance of milk secretion during pregnancy and lactation. Prolactin is present in 3 forms in the circulation monomeric, dimeric and macroprolactin which is one of the causes of variability between assay manufacturers.

The Impact of COVID-19 Vaccination Side-Effects on Work Attendance among Saudi Healthcare Workers.

Objective: This cross-sectional-survey-based study aimed to investigate the severity of side-effects from Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) mRNA (Pfizer, Moderna), viral vector DNA (Oxford-AstraZeneca, J&J/Janssen), inactivated virus (Sinopharm, Sinovac), and other vaccines among healthcare workers (HCWs) in Saudi Arabia, focusing on their impact on work attendance.

Methods: A total of 894 HCWs residing in Saudi Arabia participated in this study from March 2023 to May 2023. Participants completed an online questionnaire assessing demographic information, vaccination status, comorbidities, vaccine side-effects, and missed work information after vaccination.

A RUNX1/ETO-SKP2-CDKN1B axis regulates expression of telomerase in t (8;21) acute myeloid leukemia.

The fusion oncoprotein RUNX1/ETO which results from the chromosomal translocation t (8;21) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an essential driver of leukemic maintenance. We have previously shown that RUNX1/ETO knockdown impairs expression of the protein component of telomerase, TERT. However, the underlying molecular mechanism of how RUNX1/ETO controls TERT expression has not been fully elucidated.

hSSB1 (NABP2/OBFC2B) modulates the DNA damage and androgen-induced transcriptional response in prostate cancer.

Background: Activation and regulation of androgen receptor (AR) signaling and the DNA damage response impact the prostate cancer (PCa) treatment modalities of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and radiotherapy. Here, we have evaluated a role for human single-strand binding protein 1 (hSSB1/NABP2) in modulation of the cellular response to androgens and ionizing radiation (IR). hSSB1 has defined roles in transcription and maintenance of genome stability, yet little is known about this protein in PCa.

Indications, preferences, global practice patterns and outcomes in retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) for renal stones in adults: results from a multicenter database of 6669 patients of the global FLEXible ureteroscopy Outcomes Registry (FLEXOR).

Purpose: To collect a multicentric database on behalf of TOWER research group to assess practice patterns and outcomes of retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) for kidney stones.

Methods: Inclusion criteria: age ≥ 18 years, normal renal/calyceal system anatomy, calculi of any size, number, and position.

Study Period: January 2018 and August 2021.

Molecular and hematological studies in a cohort of beta zero South East Asia deletion (β°-thal SEA) from Malaysian perspective.

Abstract: We report the haematological parameters and molecular characterization of beta zero (β°) South East Asia (SEA) deletion in the gene cluster with unusually high levels of Hb F compared to a classical heterozygous beta zero (β°)-thalassaemia.

Methods: Retrospective study on 17 cases of (β°) South East Asia (SEA) deletion from 2016 to 2019 referred to Institute for Medical Research were conducted. The clinical information and haematological profiles were evaluated.

A cross sectional study on psychological impact of covid19 on post graduate doctors and Compulsory Rotatory Residential interns in COVID isolation ward of a tertiary care centre, Madurai.

Background: COVID-19 pandemic causes major impact on economic, physical, mental well-being of people all over the world. Doctors are working in stressful, unprepared, limited resource setting, and they are under the continuous threat of getting infection. Managing mental health of these warriors is great importance.

Turnaround times and modes of reporting critical results in Asian laboratories.

Background: Reporting critical results in a timely manner is a crucial role of clinical laboratories. Traditionally, these results were reported using the phone or fax system. However, there are now other modes of communication for this reporting.

Prevalence of 3.7 and 4.2 deletions in Sudanese patients with red cells hypochromia and microcytosis.

Objective: Alpha-thalassemia is a genetic disorder characterized by deletions of one or more α globin genes that result in deficient of α globin chains reducing haemoglobin concentration. The study aimed to screen 97 patients with microcytosis and hypochromasia for the 3.7 and 4.

Serum prolactin overestimation and risk of misdiagnosis.

Background: Falsely elevated prolactin measurements risk overdiagnosis, and unnecessary imaging and treatment.

Design: We conducted a clinical audit of 18 patients who presented with hyperprolactinaemia, followed by a laboratory audit of 40 split samples across a range of serum prolactin (5-5051 mIU/L). In each case (total n = 58), serum prolactin was measured on both Roche and Siemens platforms.

Disruption of MAPK1 expression in the ERK signalling pathway and the RUNX1‑RUNX1T1 fusion gene attenuate the differentiation and proliferation and induces the growth arrest in t(8;21) leukaemia cells.

The t(8;21) translocation is one of the most frequent chromosome abnormalities associated with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). This abberation deregulates numerous molecular pathways including the ERK signalling pathway among others. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the gene expression patterns following siRNA‑mediated suppression of RUNX1‑RUNX1T1 and MAPK1 in Kasumi‑1 and SKNO‑1 cells and to determine the differentially expressed genes in enriched biological pathways.

Prolactin Biology and Laboratory Measurement: An Update on Physiology and Current Analytical Issues.

Prolactin is a 23 kDa single chain protein of 199 amino acids synthesised and released principally by lactotrophs in the anterior pituitary gland. The secretion is mainly under inhibitory control by hypothalamic dopamine and regulated in a negative feedback manner, with prolactin itself providing the afferent signal: short-loop feedback. The main function of prolactin is during pregnancy and lactation in the development of mammary glands, milk synthesis and maintenance of milk secretion.

The BRCA1 and BRCA2 Genes in Early-Onset Breast Cancer Patients.

Approximately 5-10% of breast cancers are attributable to genetic susceptibility. Mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are the best known genetic factors to date. The goal of this study was to determine the structure and distribution of haplotypes of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes in early-onset breast cancer patients.

Do all screening immunoassay positive buprenorphine samples need to be confirmed?

Background Interference from opiates in the Microgenics CEDIA® Buprenorphine assay is known to produce false-positive buprenorphine screening immunoassay results necessitating confirmatory buprenorphine testing by chromatography/mass spectrometry methods. Method We reviewed data on falsely positive buprenorphine immunoassay screen (cut-off ≥ 5  µg/L) but negative for buprenorphine by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (cut-off ≥ 5  µg/L) and had a positive opiate immunoassay result (cut-off ≥ 300  µg/L). The results were collected over three months, and the data were evaluated to determine whether there is an opiate immunoassay screen concentration below which a false-positive buprenorphine result will not occur.

Fusion genes in malignant neoplastic disorders of haematopoietic system.

Objectives: The new World Health Organization's (WHO) classification of haematopoietic and lymphoid tissue neoplasms incorporating the recurrent fusion genes as the defining criteria for different haematopoietic malignant phenotypes is reviewed. The recurrent fusion genes incorporated in the new WHO's classification and other chromosomal rearrangements of haematopoietic and lymphoid tissue neoplasms are reviewed.

Methodology: Cytokines and transcription factors in haematopoiesis and leukaemic mechanisms are described.

High allele frequency of CYP2C9*3 (rs1057910) in a Negrito's subtribe population in Malaysia; Aboriginal people of Jahai.

Background: CYP2C9 gene polymorphisms modulate inter-individual variations in the human body's responses to various endogenous and exogenous drug substrates. To date, little is known about the CYP2C9 gene polymorphisms among the aboriginal populations of the world, including those in Malaysia.

Aim: To characterise and compare the CYP2C9 polymorphisms (CYP2C9*2, CYP2C9*3, CYP2C9*4 and CYP2C9*5) between one of Malaysia's aboriginal populations, Jahai, with the national major ethnic, Malay.

Fluorosis and periostitis deformans as complications of prolonged voriconazole treatment.

We describe a case of development of painful periostitis deformans in a 39-year-old woman who was receiving long-term voriconazole treatment for Aspergillus infection as a complication of orthotopic liver transplant. Measurement of fluoride levels strongly supports fluorosis to be the mechanism of the voriconazole-induced periostitis deformans and supports the concept that such measurements might be of use in predicting this complication of long-term voriconazole treatment.

Molecular characterization of α- and β-thalassaemia among Malay patients.

Both α- and β-thalassaemia syndromes are public health problems in the multi-ethnic population of Malaysia. To molecularly characterise the α- and β-thalassaemia deletions and mutations among Malays from Penang, Gap-PCR and multiplexed amplification refractory mutation systems were used to study 13 α-thalassaemia determinants and 20 β-thalassaemia mutations in 28 and 40 unrelated Malays, respectively. Four α-thalassaemia deletions and mutations were demonstrated.

Toxicity and tolerability of adjuvant breast cancer chemotherapy in obese women.

The purpose of this study was to compare toxicity rates and types between obese and non-obese women during adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer, adjusting for regimen type and received dose. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 537 women receiving chemotherapy, initially treated between 2007 and 2010 at two tertiary hospitals in Brisbane, Australia. Demographic, chemotherapy and toxicity data were extracted from patient charts and analyzed using multivariate logistic regression.

Antioxidants and tumor necrosis factor alpha-inhibiting activity of sesame oil against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity.

Objective: Oxidative stress is currently considered to be the key factor in doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity. Comparatively small quantity of the endogenous antioxidant content of the heart is assumed to be the predisposing factor for doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity. The present research was designed to evaluate the antioxidant potential and tumor necrosis factor alpha-(TNF-α) inhibiting activity of sesame oil against acute doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity.

Putative antioxidant property of sesame oil in an oxidative stress model of myocardial injury.

Background: Sesame oil is a potent antioxidant dietary source for human health. Oxidative stress through generation of free radicals damages the myocardium in different experimental condition. The present research was designed to evaluate the antioxidant property of chronic oral administration of sesame oil against isoproterenol induced myocardial injury.

Antioxidant, lipid lowering, and membrane stabilization effect of sesamol against doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy in experimental rats.

The present study was designed to evaluate the cardioprotective effect of sesamol against doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy in rats. In this study, the cardioprotective effect of sesamol against doxorubicin induced cardiomyopathy in experimental rats was evaluated at the dosage of 50 mg/kg bw. Doxorubicin was administered to rats at a total cumulative dose of 15 mg/kg through intraperitoneal route for 2 weeks in six-divided dose on 8th, 10th, 14th, 16th, 18th, and 21st day.

Distribution of alpha thalassaemia gene variants in diverse ethnic populations in malaysia: data from the institute for medical research.

Alpha thalassaemia is highly prevalent in the plural society of Malaysia and is a public health problem. Haematological and molecular data from 5016 unrelated patients referred from various hospitals to the Institute for Medical Research for α thalassaemia screening from 2007 to 2010 were retrieved. The aims of this retrospective analysis were to describe the distribution of various alpha thalassaemia alleles in different ethnic groups, along with their genotypic interactions, and to illustrate the haematological changes associated with each phenotype.