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Mar 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2572-3030.jcgb-24-4970
Degenhardt SarahCorresponding author
Melanoma treatment has improved significantly with the development of immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI), which has greatly enhanced the survival rates of patients with metastatic melanoma. However, a significant number of patients do not respond well to ICI treatment and experience progression. This highlights the critical need for practical means to track melanoma patients' response to ICI. To address this issue, the patterns of circulating miRNAs were studied in liquid biopsies of melanoma patients. These miRNAs have the potential to provide essential information regarding the cancer stage, progression, and the presence of PD-L1 in tumor tissue. A sophisticated flow cytometric test was used to measure up to 63 different miRNAs at once. The study identified a combination of nine miRNAs that are capable of distinguishing between different stages of melanoma, particularly stage IV. Additionally, five miRNAs were pinpointed which are downregulated in patients who do not respond to ICI treatment. Furthermore, two miRNAs were found that correlate to the level of PD-L1 in tumor tissue, and low levels of miR-150-5p were linked to poorer overall survival. These findings suggest that circulating miRNAs could serve as valuable markers to predict the effectiveness of ICI, provide insights into the cancer's stage and PD-L1 status, and ultimately help physicians make better treatment decisions in the future. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings and establish their clinical usefulness.
Oct 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2372-6601.jhor-18-2396
Tawfik Amin AnwarCorresponding author
Surgical Oncology Department, South Egypt Cancer Institute Assiut University, Egypt.
Although surgery is the main treatment for solid tumors, it could enhance the growth and metastasis of minimal residual cancer. In this review article we have discussed the perioperative changes in cancer cells and surrounding environment as well as the alterations in the immune system. Several trials are ongoing to develop new diagnostic and therapeutic options for minimal residual cancer after surgery.
Sep 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2470-5020.jnrt-17-1733
Inoue NobuhiroCorresponding author
Division of Neurosurgery Kumamoto Neurosurgical Hospital
Spontaneous dissection of the cervical segment of the internal carotid artery (CS-ICA) is uncommon but not rare. A 43-year-old man suddenly developed complete right hemiparesis with motor aphasia. 3 weeks after the initial symptom onset. Magnetic resonance imaging showed enlargement of an intramural hematoma at the cervical carotid artery; it severely compressed and completely occluded the arterial lumen. Diffuse ischemia was observed in the area of the left middle cerebral artery (MCA) immediately after onset and he underwent emergency left superficial temporal artery-MCA double bypass within 6 hours. There was no fatal deterioration and his neurological deficit was resolved. We discuss our treatment of spontaneous dissection of the CS-ICA to prevent ischemic damage.
Aug 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2572-3030.jcgb-14-383
Maurer AdrianCorresponding author
Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
Meningiomas are the most common intracranial tumor in humans. The heterogeneity of these tumors lends difficulty to the genetic, epigenetic, and molecular changes that occur in meningioma pathogenesis, progression, and recurrence. Current de facto classification schemes are based on histologic evaluation of tumor specimens and do not consider molecular markers or other newer modalities. In this paper, we review the major genetic, epigenetic, and molecular changes that have been associated with the oncogenesis and progression of meningiomas. We pay special attention to those changes associated with recurrence and higher grade tumors. Finally, we comment on the challenges and potential for future therapies of these tumors.
Jun 2014 DOI 10.14302/issn.2329-9487.jhc-12-167
Ilia RCorresponding author
Cardiology Department, Soroka Medical Center and Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel.
Direct intercoronary continuity is a rare angiographic finding. We report an unusual case of a 51-year old male with coronary disease who demonstrated intermittent variability in the directions of flow as a result of changes in his coronary disease.
Jan 2014 DOI 10.14302/issn.2324-7339.jcrhap-13-edt.1.3
Sharma B.Corresponding author
Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science,
This hypothesis‑driven review considers phytochemicals with putative anti‑HIV activity. It summarizes proposed mechanisms, in vitro evidence, and formulation issues, and calls for standardized assays and clinical trials to determine real‑world efficacy and safety.
Feb 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-24-5283
Menon P.Corresponding author
This article has been retracted on 30 August 2025. VIEW THE RETRACTION NOTICE (https://doi.org/10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-25-5842) Objective The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the global research efforts to identify the risk factors which would lead to severe COVID-19 disease. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods A total of 2820 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 disease in nine Government Medical Colleges, COVID hospitals or COVID care centers of Maharashtra were included in the study. Interviews were conducted on the telephone and counselling was done. Results Among 2820, 2442 (86.60%) were asymptomatic or had a mild or moderate illness. More than half of the total COVID- 19 positive cases, 1591 (56.41%), were in the normal BMI range, and of these only 183 (11.50%) had severe COVID-19 disease. On the other hand, 647 (22.94%) patients were overweight and 106 (16.38%) had Severe COVID- 19 disease. Similarly, the patients who were obese, 363 (84.03%) were asymptomatic and 69 (15.97%) had severe COVID- 19 disease. Odds ratio for this association was found as 1.5, which indicates that patients who were obese (BMI ≥ 27.5) had one and half times increased odds of progression to severity as compared to patients having normal BMI. This association was found to be statistically significant (p- value < 0.05). Conclusion Our findings highlight the significant role of BMI in clinical progression of COVID-19 disease. Patients with underweight and obesity experienced more severe outcomes than those of normal weight when being hospitalized with COVID-19 disease.
Dec 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2470-0436.jos-24-5322
Pestana Aguiar CatarinaCorresponding author
Studies show that individuals with limited health literacy skills experience worse health outcomes in a multitude of chronic diseases including glaucoma. These patients have poorer compliance, worse disease understanding and greater disease progression. The main purpose of our study was to evaluate the knowledge about glaucoma basic concepts in patients with this disease. A 24 question survey was given to patients followed by the glaucoma department, by phone or in person. Epidemiological data and personal therapeutic regimens were collected as well as data concerning the pathophysiology, treatment and prognosis of the disease. Survey responses were obtained from 79 patients with a mean age of 72 years old. Most of the patients had a low education level. The majority of patients could not enumerate glaucoma risk factors (74.5%), their glaucoma type (94.9%) or the best glaucoma definition (57%). However, they were able to relate the disease to a high IOP (75.9%) and the possibility of it leading to blindness (96.2%). We believe that patients, when observed in their glaucoma appointments, tend to retain information related to the prognosis and consequences of the disease and not focus on the understanding of its pathophysiology, causes and mechanisms, which may reflect their concern about their own future. However, this may lead to some misconceptions about the definition of glaucoma and specially about what can cause this disease. Some investment should be done to improve health literacy in the glaucoma population, with appropriate language and handed material.
Jun 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2574-450X.jom-24-5114
Hammett FelixCorresponding author
Objective We aimed to assess outcomes in patients undergoing sequential intragastric balloon (IGB) treatment for obesity. Methods Consecutive patients who underwent treatment between May 2014 and February 2023 were identified. We recorded outcomes including: weight at 3-monthly intervals, progression to definitive bariatric procedure and morbidity. Results 45 patients were identified. Median weight loss with first IGB was 15.2kg (8.8%). 11 patients (26.7%) had a second IGB, with median weight loss of 3.3kg (1.9%). 21 patients (46.7%) were suitable for definitive surgery after first IGB treatment. One further patient (2.2%) was suitable for surgery after a second IGB. During first IGB, median weight loss was observed during the each of the first three quartiles (months 0-3: 10.1kg; months 3-6: 2.3kg; months 6-9: 4.2kg). There was a median 2kg weight gain during months 9-12. Conclusions Greatest weight loss was achieved during first IGB treatment. Sequential IGB treatment did not lead to beneficial weight loss or progression to surgery. Weight loss with first IGB was not uniform across the 12 month period of treatment, with net weight gain during the last quartile.
May 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2470-5020.jnrt-24-5100
T. Adebisi AbdulyekeenCorresponding author
Exploring the dynamic dimension of functional connectivity in dementia, this article departs from traditional static studies to capture the ever-changing brain networks. Investigating temporal connectivity patterns yields valuable insights into disease progression, individualized treatment, and early intervention. Additionally, the concept of cognitive reserve, therapeutic interventions, and machine learning integration are pivotal in revolutionizing dementia research and care.
Jan 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2574-4496.jtc-23-4835
Hussein Saleh Hussein AbbasCorresponding author
The prevalence of thyroid cancer is rapidly increasing worldwide, majorly due to overdiagnosis and overtreatment methods of differentiated thyroid cancer. The emergent and potent preclinical models, high-throughput molecular techniques, and genetic expression microarrays have delivered deeper insights into understanding the molecular features in oncogenesis. Thus, molecular markers have become a promising tool in managing thyroid cancer for differentiating benign and malignant tumors, prognosis, recurrence, and determination of novel therapeutic targets. In differentiated thyroid cancer, molecular markers are majorly utilized for guiding the development of indeterminate thyroid nodules on fine needle aspiration (FNA) histologies. Dissimilar to this, in advanced thyroid cancer, molecular markers permit targeted treatment of a modified signaling cascade. Determining causal mutation of targeted kinase receptors in advanced thyroid cancer can depict a promising treatment strategy with mutation-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors to reduce progression and eradicate mutation effects when conventional methods fail to manage. This review will focus on the molecular landscape and discuss the impact of molecular markers on the prognosis, treatment, and surveillance of differentiated and anaplastic thyroid cancer.
Dec 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2693-1176.ijgh-23-4854
Isea RaulCorresponding author
A potential treatment for Alzheimer's disease is vagus nerve therapy, which has been made possible by considerable advances in neuroscience. An essential component of the autonomic nervous system, the vagus nerve regulates memory, inflammation, and cognition. Researchers hope to delay the progression of Alzheimer's disease and improve cognitive function by implanting a vagus nerve stimulator (VNS). Alzheimer's patients have higher heart rate variability, according to an ECG study, which may be advantageous. To completely grasp its mechanics and long-term effectiveness, more research is necessary.
Dec 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2324-7339.jcrhap-23-4634
Makura AlfredCorresponding author
Introduction Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) remains a persistent global public health challenge. In 2020, approximately 37.9 million individuals were living with HIV globally, including 1.7 million children <15 years old, with a global HIV prevalence of 0.8% among adults. A larger portion of people living with HIV are found in low-and middle-income countries, and Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is home to about 68% of people living with HIV in the world. Strikingly, with increased uptakes in PMTCT, challenges in ART programs, and high viremia among children and adolescents in SSA, the success rate of ART might be quickly compromised, with possible HIVDR emergence, particularly after years of paediatric ART exposure. Therefore, monitoring ART response in children and adolescents in terms of HIVDR patterns and other socio-economic determinants of disease progression might help achieve better treatment outcomes at individual levels. At a programmatic level, this can guide further optimization of treatment options for SSA especially Zimbabwean rural where there is paucity of information on HIVDR prevalence in children and adolescents. Methods We enrolled 89 children and adolescents experiencing virologic failure from Chidamoyo Christian Hospital in Hurungwe. We managed to amplify all the 89 using nested PCR and 32.5% (29) had resistance to at least one ART drug and analysis was done using the 29 samples. Results Among the 89 participants with virologic failure,29 were resistant to at least one of their ART drugs. 39.2% of males and 23.07% of females had HIV-1 with resistance to at least one medication. Among 29 participants with HIVDR mutations, the prevalence of at least one HIVDR mutation to protease inhibitors (PIs), Nucleotide Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NRTI), and Non-Nucleotide Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NNRTI) were 6.47% ,46.76% and 46.76% respectively. Of the 29 participants who had HIVDR 19 (65.5%) had resistance to a drug they were currently taking and they needed to be switched to a better effective ART regimen Conclusion Use of HIVDR testing in guiding and monitoring development of HIVDR at the start of ART or at 1st failure can be very important in treatment options and patient management.
Jun 2023
S. Prakasha Gowda A.Corresponding author
Insulin is a frequent peptide hormone addition in serum-free mammalian cell culture media. It contributes in a variety of biological functions, including as promoting cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, and glucose uptake. However, it is unknown how stable insulin is under in vitro cell culture media treatment conditions. The instability of insulin in aqueous solutions has caused a number of issues, necessitating the development of new therapeutic strategies that can keep insulin stable and functioning. Such choices are required to accommodate updated insulin delivery guidelines as well as the storage and transportation of insulin. To preserve structural and functional integrity, protein medicines are frequently stabilized with antioxidants in aqueous solutions. In the present study, the effects of the antioxidants disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid dihydrate (EDTA) and sodium selenite (Se) and their ability to scavenge free radicals on insulin stability in the medium Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM) and Roswell Park Memorial Institute (RPMI) were examined. To investigate the stability of human recombinant insulin, in vitro serum-free DMEM and RPMI media were utilized for 5 days at 37˚C containing different EDTA and Se concentrations. Reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) was used to detect and quantify insulin. Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel (SDS-PAGE) electrophoresis was used to assess conformational stability. The results demonstrated that, when EDTA and Se were added separately to DMEM and RPMI media, insulin stability was improved compared to when neither compound was added.
May 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-7785.jarh-22-4191
Marks RayCorresponding author
Department of Health and Behavior Studies, Columbia University, Teachers College New York, USA.
Background The origin of osteoarthritis, the most common disabling disorder of older adults remains uncertain. Aim This mini review examines the possible role played by various neuromuscular deficits in the osteoarthritis etiopathogenic process. Methods and Procedures Articles that haveaddressed the current topic of interest and were located in the PUBMED,Google Scholar, and Web of Science electronic data bases as of 2017-2022 were carefully sought and examined. Results Various neuromuscular mechanisms may have a bearing on the development and progression of osteoarthritis, but the data are largely unrelated and observational in nature. Conclusion More research to examine this issue is sorely needed and could have considerable merit in light of the growing populations of older adults at risk for disabling osteoarthritis in the face of few intervention options to help them to achieve an optimal functional level.
Jul 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2766-8681.jcsr-21-3885
Jana SnehasisCorresponding author
Trivedi Science Research Laboratory Pvt. Ltd., Thane (W), Maharashtra, India.
Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response to a confirmed or suspected infection. The transition from sepsis to septic shock causes high rate of mortality. The aim of this experiment was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory potential of the Biofield Energy Treated (Blessed) Proprietary Test Formulation and Biofield Energy Healing (Blessing) Treatment per se to Sprague Dawley rats on Cecal Slurry, LPS, and E. coli-induced systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) model. In this experiment, various proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, 1L-17, and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) were analysed using ELISA. A test formulation was formulated including minerals (magnesium, zinc, calcium, selenium, and iron), vitamins (ascorbic acid, pyridoxine HCl, vitamin E, cyanocobalamin, and cholecalciferol), Panax ginseng extract, β-carotene, and cannabidiol isolate. The constituents of the test formulation were divided into two parts; one section was defined as the untreated test formulation, while the other portion of the test formulation and three group of animals received Biofield Energy Healing Treatment remotely for about 3 minutes by a renowned Biofield Energy Healer Mr. Mahendra Kumar Trivedi. The level of TNF-α was significantly reduced by 40.50%, 85.36% (p≤0.01), 50.66% (p≤0.01), 87.38% (p≤0.01), and 58.63% (p≤0.01) in G5 (Cecal Slurry, LPS, and E. coli + Biofield Energy Treated test formulation), G6 (Cecal Slurry, LPS, and E. coli + Biofield Energy Treatment per se to animals from day -15), G7 (Cecal Slurry, LPS, and E. coli + Biofield Energy Treated test formulation from day -15), G8 (Cecal Slurry, LPS, and E. coli + Biofield Energy Treatment per se + Biofield Energy Treated test formulation from day -15), and G9 (Cecal Slurry, LPS, and E. coli + Biofield Energy Treatment per se animals + untreated test formulation) groups, respectively as compared to the disease control (G2) group. Additionally, the level of IL-1β was decreased by 17.04%, 15.56%, and 12.59% in G6, G8, and G9 groups, respectively as compared to the untreated test formulation (G4) group. The level of IL-6 was significantly (p≤0.001) reduced by 36.18%, 50.24%, 43.25%, 52.69%, and 38.23% in the G5, G6, G7, G8, and G9 groups, respectively as compared to the G2 group. The level of IL-10 was altered by 70.53%, 49.25%, 60.18%, 41.54%, and 58.89% in G5, G6, G7, G8, and G9 groups, respectively as compared to the G2 group. Moreover, the level of IL-12 was decreased by 30.24%, 31.67%, 29.82%, 45.77%, and 50.54% in the G5, G6, G7, G8, and G9 groups, respectively as compared to the G2. The level of IL-17 was reduced by 48.75%, 59.61%, 59.28%, 62.49%, and 58.65% in the G5, G6, G7, G8, and G9 groups, respectively as compared to the G2. IFN-γ expression was reduced by 49.56%, 24.09%, 23.7%, 56.98%, and 44.94% in G5, G6, G7, G8, and G9 groups, respectively than G2. Overall, the data suggested anti-inflammatory potentials of the Biofield Energy Treated test formulation and Biofield Energy Treatment per se along with preventive measure on the animal with respect to various inflammatory conditions that might be beneficial various types of systemic inflammatory disorders specially sepsis, trauma, septic shock or any types of injuries. Therefore, the results showed the significant slowdown the inflammation-related disease progression and its complications in preventive treatment groups viz. G6, G7, G8, and G9.
Jul 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2329-9487.jhc-21-3848
Jana SnehasisCorresponding author
Trivedi Science Research Laboratory Pvt. Ltd., Thane (W), Maharashtra, India.
Study was aimed to evaluate effect of Biofield Treated Proprietary Formulation and Biofield Treatment per se on cardiac performance on NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME) and high fat diet (HFD)-induced cardiovascular disorders in Sprague Dawley rats. Nine groups were assigned, in which four were preventive maintenance groups. The constituents of test formulation were divided into two parts; one section was defined as the untreated test formulation, while the other portion of the test formulation and three groups of animals received Biofield Energy Healing Treatment remotely for about 3 minutes by a renowned Biofield Energy Healer, Mr. Mahendra Kumar Trivedi. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was significantly (p≤0.001) decreased by 13.39%, 14.65%, 17.74%, 14.36%, and 14.69% in the G5, G6, G7, G8, and G9 groups, respectively as compared to disease control (G2) group. Diastolic blood pressure (DBP)was significantly (p≤0.001) reduced by 25.95%, 24.41%, 30.79%, 24.67%, and 25.23% in G5, G6, G7, G8, and G9 groups, respectively than G2. Heart rate (HR) was significantly (p≤0.05) reduced by 6.58%, 8.06%, and 6.99% in G7, G8, and G9 groups, respectively than G2. Total leucocyte count (TLC) count was increased by 12.8% and 17.45% in G5 and G8 groups, respectively than G2 group. Neutrophils and lymphocytes were increased by 60.11% (G8) and 11.49% (G5), respectively than G2. Eosinophils were reduced by 11.11%, 20%, and 15% in G6, G7, and G9 groups, respectively than G2. Total cholesterol was significantly decreased by 22.64% (p≤0.05), 15.78%, 25.56% (p≤0.05), 22.56%, and 34.27% in G5, G6, G7, G8, and G9 groups, respectively than G2. Triglyceride was significantly (p≤0.001) reduced by 34.55%, 43.29%, 55.23%, 28.57%, and 37.28% in G5, G6, G7, G8, and G9 groups, respectively than G2. VLDL level was also significantly (p≤0.001) reduced by 80.81%, 83.61%, 86.82%, 79.19%, and 81.63% in G5, G6, G7, G8, and G9 group, respectively; while LDL was reduced by 20.32% (G9) group than G2. Atherogenic index (AI) was significantly (p≤0.001) decreased by 78.36%, 83.21%, 84.68%, 74.06%, and 72.98% in the G5, G6, G7, G8, and G9 groups, respectively than G2. The level of uric acid (UA) was significantly (p≤0.001) decreased by 57.51%, 52.36%, 45.49%, 43.78%, and 40.77% in the G5, G6, G7, G8, and G9 groups respectively, as compared with the G2 group. Serum glutamate pyruvate transaminases (SGPT) was significantly (p≤0.001) decreased by 45.96%, 48.01%, 37.19%, 37.69%, and 42.93% in the G5, G6, G7, G8, and G9 groups, respectively than G2. Creatine kinase myocardial band (CK-MB) level was significantly reduced by 10.19%, 21.97% (p≤0.01), 10.47%, and 16.94% in the G5, G6, G7, and G9 groups, than G2. Overall, the data suggested significance improvement of heart-related hematology, hepatic, and lipid parameters with respect to various pathological conditions that might be beneficial various types of cardiovascular disorders. Therefore, the results showed the significant slowdown the cardiovascular disease progression and its complications/symptoms in the preventive treatment groups viz. G6, G7, G8, and G9.
Jul 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2471-2140.jaa-21-3864
Jana SnehasisCorresponding author
Trivedi Science Research Laboratory Pvt. Ltd., Thane (W), Maharashtra, India.
The aim of this experiment was to assess the antioxidative potential of the Biofield Energy Treated/Blessed Proprietary Test Formulation and Biofield Energy Treatment/Blessing per se to the animals on NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME) and high fat diet (HFD)-induced cardiovascular disorders in Sprague Dawley rats using various functional biomarkers. A test formulation was formulated including minerals (magnesium, zinc, copper, calcium, selenium, and iron), vitamins (ascorbic acid, pyridoxine HCl, vitamin B9, vitamin B12, and vitamin D3), cannabidiol (CBD) isolate, Panax ginseng extract, and β-carotene. The test formulation’s constituents were divided into two parts; one part was denoted as the untreated, while the other part and three group of animals received Biofield Energy Healing/Blessing Treatment remotely for about 3 minutes by a renowned spiritual leader, Mr. Mahendra Kumar Trivedi. The expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD) was elevated significantly by 198.46%, 208.73%, 191.73%, 211.75%, and 198.82% in the G5 (L-NAME + HFD + the Biofield Energy Treated test formulation), G6 (L-NAME + HFD + Biofield Energy Treatment per se to animals from day -15), G7 (L-NAME + HFD + the Biofield Energy Treated test formulation from day -15), G8 (L-NAME + HFD + Biofield Energy Treatment per se plus the Biofield Energy Treated test formulation from day -15), and G9 (L-NAME + HFD + Biofield Energy Treatment per se animals plus the untreated test formulation) groups, respectively than disease control group (G2). Moreover, the level of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) was significantly increased by 61.94%, 118.49%, 82.96%, 141.89%, and 262.02% in the G5, G6, G7, G8, and G9 groups, respectively as compared to the G2 group. Lipid peroxidase (LPO) was decreased by 14.21%, 30.98%, 38.66%, and 32.67% in the G6, G7, G8, and G9 groups, respectively than G2 group. Additionally, the level of myeloperoxidase (MPO) was decreased by 28.46%, 10.87%, 12.41%, and 13.35% in the G6, G7, G8, and G9 groups, respectively than G2. Further, the level of oxidized low density lipoprotein (LDL) was reduced by 65.38%, 65.11%, 71.53%, 79.26%, and 66.57% in the G5, G6, G7, G8, and G9 groups, respectively than G2. Besides, in heart tissues, the level of catalase (CAT) was significantly increased by 68.20%, 63.69%, 126.03%, 124.54%, and 112.23% in G5, G6, G7, G8, and G9 groups, respectively than G2 group. Moreover, in kidney tissues, the level of CAT was significantly increased by 22.48%, 23.43%, and 10.95% in the G6, G7, and G9 groups, respectively than G2. Overall, the data suggested a significant antioxidant activity by increasing the levels of SOD, CAT, GPx, and reducing the levels of LPO, MPO, and oxidized-LDL in various tissue fluids and that might be beneficial for cardiovascular disorders. Therefore, the study outcomes showed the significant slowdown the oxidative stress-related cardiovascular disease progression and its complications in the preventive treatment groups viz. G6, G7, G8, and G9.
Jul 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2471-2140.jaa-21-3846
Jana SnehasisCorresponding author
Trivedi Science Research Laboratory Pvt. Ltd., Thane (W), Maharashtra, India.
The aim of this experiment was to assess the antioxidative potential of the Biofield Energy Treated/Blessed Proprietary Test Formulation and Biofield Energy Treatment/Blessing per se to the animals on NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME) and high fat diet (HFD)-induced cardiovascular disorders in Sprague Dawley rats using various functional biomarkers. A test formulation was formulated including minerals (magnesium, zinc, copper, calcium, selenium, and iron), vitamins (ascorbic acid, pyridoxine HCl, vitamin B9, vitamin B12, and vitamin D3), cannabidiol (CBD) isolate, Panax ginseng extract, and β-carotene. The test formulation’s constituents were divided into two parts; one part was denoted as the untreated, while the other part and three group of animals received Biofield Energy Healing/Blessing Treatment remotely for about 3 minutes by a renowned spiritual leader, Mr. Mahendra Kumar Trivedi. The expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD) was elevated significantly by 198.46%, 208.73%, 191.73%, 211.75%, and 198.82% in the G5 (L-NAME + HFD + the Biofield Energy Treated test formulation), G6 (L-NAME + HFD + Biofield Energy Treatment per se to animals from day -15), G7 (L-NAME + HFD + the Biofield Energy Treated test formulation from day -15), G8 (L-NAME + HFD + Biofield Energy Treatment per se plus the Biofield Energy Treated test formulation from day -15), and G9 (L-NAME + HFD + Biofield Energy Treatment per se animals plus the untreated test formulation) groups, respectively than disease control group (G2). Moreover, the level of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) was significantly increased by 61.94%, 118.49%, 82.96%, 141.89%, and 262.02% in the G5, G6, G7, G8, and G9 groups, respectively as compared to the G2 group. Lipid peroxidase (LPO) was decreased by 14.21%, 30.98%, 38.66%, and 32.67% in the G6, G7, G8, and G9 groups, respectively than G2 group. Additionally, the level of myeloperoxidase (MPO) was decreased by 28.46%, 10.87%, 12.41%, and 13.35% in the G6, G7, G8, and G9 groups, respectively than G2. Further, the level of oxidized low density lipoprotein (LDL) was reduced by 65.38%, 65.11%, 71.53%, 79.26%, and 66.57% in the G5, G6, G7, G8, and G9 groups, respectively than G2. Besides, in heart tissues, the level of catalase (CAT) was significantly increased by 68.20%, 63.69%, 126.03%, 124.54%, and 112.23% in G5, G6, G7, G8, and G9 groups, respectively than G2 group. Moreover, in kidney tissues, the level of CAT was significantly increased by 22.48%, 23.43%, and 10.95% in the G6, G7, and G9 groups, respectively than G2. Overall, the data suggested a significant antioxidant activity by increasing the levels of SOD, CAT, GPx, and reducing the levels of LPO, MPO, and oxidized-LDL in various tissue fluids and that might be beneficial for cardiovascular disorders. Therefore, the study outcomes showed the significant slowdown the oxidative stress-related cardiovascular disease progression and its complications in the preventive treatment groups viz. G6, G7, G8, and G9.
Jul 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2576-6694.jbbs-21-3819
Jana SnehasisCorresponding author
Trivedi Science Research Laboratory Pvt. Ltd., Thane (W), Maharashtra, India.
The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of the Trivedi Effect®- Biofield Energy Treated/Blessed Test formulation/item (TI) composed of minerals (magnesium, zinc, copper, calcium, selenium, and iron), vitamins (ascorbic acid, pyridoxine HCl, alpha tocopherol, cyanocobalamin, and cholecalciferol), Panax ginseng extract, CBD isolates, and β-carotene on elasticity of skin, heart, muscle, and neuronal cells in the H9C2 (rat cardiomyocytes), C2C12 (mouse myoblast cells), HaCaT (human keratinocytes), and SH-SY5Y (human neuroblastoma cells) cell line in DMEM medium. The test formulation constituents were divided into two parts; one section was defined as untreated test formulation (UT), while the other portion of test formulation received Biofield Energy Healing/Blessing Treatment (BT) by a renowned Biofield Energy Healer, Mr. Mahendra Kumar Trivedi. The test items were treated with Biofield Energy Healing/Blessing Treatment and divided as Biofield Energy Treated/Blessed (BT) and untreated (UT) test items. MTT data showed that the test formulation in various concentrations was found as safe and nontoxic in the tested concentrations with viability range from 73% to 307%. Young’s modulus (YM) is a measure of cell stiffness, a decrease in YM value indicates increase elasticity of the cells and vice-versa. YM in H9C2 cells were decreased by 9.6% and 66.1% in the BT-DMEM + UT-TI group at 0.1 and 1 µg/mL respectively, as compared with untreated test group. However, C2C21 cells showed increased YM by 443.9% at 1 µg/mL in the UT-DMEM + BT-TI group, while 869.6% increased YM in the BT-DMEM + UT-TI group at 1 µg/mL as compared with untreated test group. However, 314% increased YM was reported in the BT-DMEM + BT-TI group at 1 µg/mL as compared with the untreated test group. However, the value of YM was significantly decreased in the HaCaT cell line by 247.7% (at 1 µg/mL), 225.8% (at 0.1 µg/mL), and 97.9% (at 1 µg/mL) in the UT-DMEM + BT-TI, BT-DMEM + UT-TI, and BT-DMEM + BT-TI group respectively, as compared with the untreated group. In addition, YM was significantly decreased in the SH-SY5Y cell line by 92.6%, 18.1%, and 26.6% at 1 µg/mL in the UT-DMEM + BT-TI, BT-DMEM + UT-TI, and BT-DMEM + BT-TI group respectively, as compared with the untreated group. Overall, the results showed the significant decreased YM among the SH-SY5Y, HaCaT, and H9C2 cells, while it was increased in the C2C21 cell line. Thus, the mechanical properties of cells such as cellular function, including shape, motility, differentiation, division, and adhesion to its surrounding extracellular matrix were improved. Overall, it can be useful in many disease progressions with improved cellular elasticity and its associated complications/symptoms.
Jun 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2574-4488.jna-21-3847
Jana SnehasisCorresponding author
Trivedi Science Research Laboratory Pvt. Ltd., Thane (W), Maharashtra, India.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of Biofield Energy Treated/Blessed Proprietary Test Formulation and Biofield Energy Treatment/Blessing per se on kidney biomarkers on L-NAME and high fat diet (HFD)-induced cardiovascular disorders in Sprague Dawley rats. In this experiment, the functional kidney biomarkers such as epinephrine/adrenaline, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), angiotensin-II, C-reactive protein (CRP), and renin were measured using ELISA assay. A test formulation was formulated including minerals (magnesium, zinc, copper, calcium, selenium, and iron), vitamins (vitamin C, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin B9, and vitamin D3), cannabidiol (CBD) isolate, Panax ginseng extract, and β-carotene. The components of the test item were divided into two; one section was defined as the untreated test formulation, while the other part and three group of animals received Mr. Mahendra Kumar Trivedi’s Biofield Energy healing/Blessing remotely for about 3 minutes. The results showed that the level of adrenaline was reduced by 31.62%, 19.58%, 34.32%, 37.07%, and 29.87% in the G5 (L-NAME + HFD + the Biofield Energy Treated test formulation), G6 (L-NAME + HFD + Biofield Energy Treatment per se to animals from day -15), G7 (L-NAME + HFD + the Biofield Energy Treated test formulation from day-15), and G8 (L-NAME + HFD + Biofield Energy Treatment per se plus the Biofield Energy Treated test formulation from day-15), and G9 (L-NAME + HFD + Biofield Energy Treatment per se animals plus the untreated test formulation) groups, respectively as compared to the disease control group (G2). Moreover, the level of iNOS was reduced by 56.76%, 49.51%, 61.79%, 57.63%, and 62.44% in the G5, G6, G7, G8, and G9 groups, respectively, as compared to the disease control group (G2). Additionally, the level of angiotensin-II was decreased by 41.09%, 34.92%, 60.65%, 53.28%, and 60.09% in the G5, G6, G7, G8, and G9 groups, respectively, as compared to the G2 group. The level of CRP was decreased by 47.21%, 38.89%, 59.81%, 55.52%, and 64.02% in the G5, G6, G7, G8, and G9 groups, respectively as compared to the G2 group. Besides, the level of renin was decreased by 20.27%, 20.13%, 12.99%, and 25.73% in the G5, G7, G8, and G9 groups, respectively as compared to the G2 group. Overall, the data suggested significance improvement of vital functional kidney biomarkers of the Biofield Energy Treated/Blessed test formulation and Biofield Energy Treatment per se along with preventive measure on the animal with respect to various pathological conditions that might be beneficial various types of cardiovascular disorders. Therefore, the results showed the significant slowdown the inflammation-related cardiovascular disease progression and its complications/symptoms in the preventive Biofield Energy Treatment group per se and/or Biofield Energy Treated/Blessed Test formulation groups (viz. G6, G7, G8, and G9).
Mar 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2470-5020.jnrt-21-3755
Jana SnehasisCorresponding author
Trivedi Science Research Laboratory Pvt. Ltd., Thane (W), Maharashtra, India.
A novel proprietary test formulation was designed which included minerals, vitamins, β-carotene, cannabidiol isolate,and Panax ginseng extract. This present study was evaluated the impact of the Trivedi Effect® on novel proprietary test formulation in male Sprague Dawley rats, fed with vitamin D3 deficiency diet (VDD). The novel test formulation was divided into two parts; one part was defined as untreated test formulation, while the other part was defined as the Biofield Energy Treated sample, which received the Biofield Energy Healing Treatment by renowned Biofield Energy Healer, Mr. Mahendra Kumar Trivedi. The level of 25-OH Vit. D3 was measured in brain homogenate, which was found to be increased by 20.13%, 24.12%, 45.86%, 14.79%, and 29.96% in the G5 group treated with Biofield Treated test formulation, Biofield Energy Treatment per se to the animals (G6), 15 days pre-treatment of Biofield Energy Treated test formulation (G7), Biofield Energy Treatment per se plus Biofield Energy Treated test formulation from day -15 (G8), and untreated test formulation to the Biofield Energy Treated animals (G9) groups respectively, as compared with the disease control (G2) group. Brain acetylcholine (ACh) level was increased by 61.33% in the G7 group as compared with the untreated test formulation (G4) group. The expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) was significantly reduced by 43.44% (p≤0.01), 30.93%, 21.42%, 45.99% (p≤0.01), and 60.85% (p≤0.01), respectively as compared with the G4. Lung pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) level was significantly reduced in the G5, G6, G7, and G8 by 24.86%, 32.55% (p≤0.01), 30.12% (p≤0.01), and 42.69% (p≤0.01), respectively, as compared with the G4 group. Altogether, the Biofield Treated test formulation and/or per se treatment to the animals significantly improved the levels of active form of vitamin D3 metabolite (25-OH Vit D3) and neurotransmitter (ACh); consequently significantly lowered the expression of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α). Therefore, the energized test formulation or per se treatment could be effectively useful against neuronal damage and inflammation for the management of brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, dementias, brain cancer, epilepsy and other seizure disorders, mental disorders, and Parkinson’s. Thus, the results showed a significant slowdown of disease progression and all other disease-related complications/symptoms in the preventive Biofield Energy Treatment group per se and the Biofield Energy Treated Test formulation groups (viz. G6, G7, G8, and G9) as compared to the disease control group.
Feb 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2766-8630.jrnm-21-3713
BR JoshiCorresponding author
Department of Radiology and Imaging, TU Teaching Hospital, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu
Introduction Multislice computed tomography examinations performed 3 to 4 days after the onset of symptoms is the imaging procedure of choice in acute pancreatitis, which is mainly done for evaluating the complications. Due to radiation exposure and cost, alternative scoring systems like Ranson’s score and Glasgow’s score were devised but were cumbersome. The serum amylase and lipase were found to increase with progression of disease. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of acute pancreatitis by modified CT scoring system with the serum levels of amylase and lipase. Material and Methods In hundred patients presenting with acute pancreatitis, the severity of pancreatitis was recorded using the modified CT severity index. The serum amylase and lipase levels were recorded and correlated with modified CT severity index score. Results Among 100 patients studied, 46%, 40% and 14% had mild, moderate and severe grades of pancreatitis respectively by modified CTSI score. No significant correlation was found between the levels of serum amylase (r = -0.104, p = 0.301) and lipase (r = -0.177, p = 0.079) with the modified CT severity index in patients with acute pancreatitis. Conclusion The serum level of amylase and lipase had non-significant correlation with the modified CT severity index score and thus did not indicate severity of pancreatitis.
Jan 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2639-3166.jar-21-3703
Nuti MarcoCorresponding author
Institute of Life Sciences, School of Avanced Studies Sant’Anna – Università di Pisa, 56124 Pisa (Italy)
Since a decade in Apulia, south-east of Italy, an increasing number of olive trees developed the quick decline syndrome (OQDS) leading to partial or total dessication of the canopy and subsequent death. Currently six million of olive trees show the symptoms of the decline, despite the mitigation measures which were undertaken to contrast the progression of the dessication. Associated with the syndrome, several phytopathogenic fungi were detected in the rhizosphere, endosphere and phyllosphere of the trees, along with the phytopathogenic bacterium Xylellafastidiosasubsp. pauca. Alongside, other pathogenic events were clearly identified, mostly defeating soil resilience: salinization, pollution, erosion, decline of biodiversity. Further events include delays in the adoption of appropriate mitigation measures not directed to challenge solely a bacterial pathogen, misuse of the territory, erratic agronomic management practices. The OQDS impacted also societal aspects. All the above concurrent causes strongly suggest that (1) the olive quick decline in Apulia is not a too symplistic epidemic outbreak due to a bacterium, but rather a syndemic outbreak formed by several diverse biotic and abiotic pathologies and (2) only a more holistic approach can help coping with the uncertainties and difficulties of an enduring co- existance with this syndemic events.
Nov 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2766-8630.jrnm-20-3594
Sakyanun PitchayaCorresponding author
Department of Radiation Oncology, Phramongkutklao Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand 10400
Purpose The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy (overall survival, local control, progression free survival (PFS) and toxicities between two dimension (2D) and three dimension (3D) CT guided brachytherapy without using interstitial needles in cervical cancer patients. Material and Methods A retrospective case-control study was performed in Figo stage IB-IVA cervical cancer patients treated between March 1990 and August 2018. Concurrent chemoradiation using external beam radiotherapy followed by brachytherapy (BT) was the treatment method used in all patients. Clinical endpoints were overall survival, local control, progression free survival, acute toxicities and late toxicities. Results A 102 cervical cancer patients were included,52 patients have been treated with 2D and 50 patients with 3D using CT scan brachytherapy without interstitial needles. Baseline characteristics were similar between both groups. External beam was used in all patients during concurrent chemoradiation period before brachytherapy. All patients completed the treatment. Similar 3-year overall survival and local control was reported between 2D and 3D techniques. Overall 3-year survival rate was 95.7% in 2D and 91.8% in 3D brachytherapy (P value = 0.188). Local control at the 3 year follow up was 88.6% in 2D and 93.3% in 3D (P value = 0.571). Progression free survival was better in 2D rather than 3D (86.13% in 2D vs 27.4% in 3D, p value = 0.006). No grade 3 or 4 toxicity in 3D technique was observed whereas there are 1.9% of grade 3 acute GI toxicity and grade 3 late GI and GU toxicities in 2D technique (7.7% and 5.8 %). The 3D brachytherapy significantly reduced acute grade 2-3 GI side effect and grade 2-3 late GU side effect (acute GI 25% in 2D vs 4% in 3D, late GU (56% in 2D vs 16% in 3D). Conclusion Using CT guided 3D brachytherapy in treatment of cervical cancer showed similar outcomes in survival and local control but reduced toxicity compared to the 2D technique. Disease progression including metastasis was found better in the 2D brachytherapy technique. CT guided brachytherapy helped reduce dose to organs at risk and long term follow up for survival outcome and toxicities was needed.
Jan 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-9273.jbtm-19-3157
Jana SnehasisCorresponding author
Trivedi Science Research Laboratory Pvt. Ltd., Thane (W), Maharashtra, India.
Sleep biomarkers in brain such as melatonin, BDNF (Brain-derived neurotrophic factor), PGD2 (Prostaglandin D2), leptin, orexin-A, and acetylcholine were evaluated in the unpredictable chronic stress (UCS) rodent model in the presence of Consciousness Energy Healing Treated (the Trivedi Effect®) novel test formulation in male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats using ELISA assay. The test formulation was consisted of minerals (Zn, Fe, Cu, Se, Ca, Mg), vitamins (C, E, B6, B12, D3), β-carotene, ginseng, and cannabidiol isolate. The test formulation constituents were divided into two parts, one part of each ingredient was distinct as the untreated test formulation, while the other portion of the test formulation and a group of animals received Biofield Energy Healing Treatment by a renowned Biofield Energy Healer, Mr. Mahendra Kumar Trivedi. The level of melatonin in groups viz. G5 (Biofield Energy Treated Test formulation) and G7 (15-days pre-treatment of Biofield Energy Treated Test formulation) was significantly increased by 17.6% (p≤0.01) and 16%, respectively as compared with the disease control group (G2). Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) level in brain was increased by 5.2% in G7 group as compared with the G4. Prostaglandins D2 (PGD2) level was significantly (p≤0.001) increased by 12.7%, 18.1%, 23.7%, and 30.7% in the G6, G7, G8 (15 days pre-treatment of Biofield Energy Treated Test formulation to the Biofield Energy Treatment per se rats), and G9 (untreated test formulation to the Biofield Energy Treatment per se to the rats) groups, respectively as compared with the G2. The level of leptin after Biofield Energy Treatment and with the test formulation was altered. However, orexin-A level was significantly decreased by 37.1% (p≤0.05), 32.6%, 40.5% (p≤0.05), 44.4% (p≤0.05), and 28.2% in the G5, G6, G7, G8, and G9 groups respectively, as compared with the G2. Similarly, acetylcholine (Ach) level was significantly (p≤0.001) decreased by 42.5%, 49.2%, 40.1%, 47.9%, and 45% in the G5, G6, G7, G8, and G9 groups, respectively as compared with the G2. Overall, the results showed the significant slowdown the stress-related disease progression and its complications/symptoms in the preventive in the Biofield Energy Treatment group per se and/or Biofield Energy Treated Test formulation groups (viz. G6, G7, G8, and G9) comparatively with the disease group. The Trivedi Effect® showed increased level of melatonin and decreased levels of insomnia related brain biomarkers which might be helpful to induce better sleep in human.
Dec 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2372-6601.jhor-19-3092
S. Tsingotjidou AnastasiaCorresponding author
Laboratory of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, GR-541 24, Greece
Waldenström Macroglobulinemia (WM) is a B-cell lymphoproliferative disorder characterized mainly by uncontrolled accrual of M- immunoglobulin, secreted by malignant lymphoplasmatic cells. Mast cells interacting with malignant B-cells play an important role at the manifestation of the disease. Utilizing a previous xenotransplantation mouse model, this study evaluates long-term implant viability and quantifies distinct bone marrow mast cell populations along with their dynamics in non-WM and WM human bone implants. Non-WM bone implants were obtained from the femoral head of adult humans undergoing hip arthroplasty or hemiarthroplasty, whereas WM human bone implants originated from bone biopsies obtained from the posterior iliac crest of patients with active WM. All bone particles were implanted intramuscularly in twenty-four NOD/SCID mice. Following 3, 4 or 8 months postoperatively, xenografts were removed and studied using special histological techniques to identify mature and immature mast cells. Xenografts survived up to 8 months after implantation presenting normal cytoarchitecture (non-WM) or high-grade neoplastic infiltration and microresorption (WM bone biopsies). Statistical analysis of mast cell populations showed significant elevation regarding time progression and bone marrow microenvironment, thus suggesting the possible influence of malignant cells to the mast cell population in WM. This study presents the extended survival of intramuscular implantation of human adult bone xenografts into NOD/SCID mice and provides additional information on the interaction between mast cells and malignant B-cells.
Nov 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2324-7339.jcrhap-19-3070
Sharma BechanCorresponding author
Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Allahabad, Allahabad-211002, UP, India.
The telomeres existing at the end of the eukaryotic chromosome, play an important role in localization, pairing of homologous chromosomes during cell division and synapsis formation, while telomerase is involved in maintenance of the telomere length. The application of antiHIV-1 molecules particularly NRTIs have been shown to interfere with telomerase function thereby inducing aging processes. Since the application of these molecules has already indicated production of oxidative stress and toxicity in AIDS patients, their adverse impact on telomerase function may further worsen the situation. In addition, the negative influence of antiHIV-1 regimens on certain host factors involved in telomerase function may enhance aging. HAART changes the landscape of the disease by progressively decreasing the progression of HIV-1, but exerts prolonged adverse effects on the telomerase function. Though there is no exact information available on this issue, intensive efforts are needed to explore regulation of telomerase expression in HIV infected individuals and particularly those receiving antiretrovirals.
Jul 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2470-0436.jos-19-2904
Y. Tiu RonaldCorresponding author
Department of Ophthalmology, Rizal Medical Center, Pasig City, Philippines
This case series presents 2 patients (67 and 58 year old females) with resolving vitreous hemorrhage in the setting of diabetic retinopathy. Both patients had around 50% of the retina still visible and the hemorrhage was confined at the posterior vitreous cavity near the retina, hence, a partial pan retinal photocoagulation (PRP) was feasibly applied. On B-scan, both cases showed a liquified vitreous with posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). For both patients, vitreous hemorrhage resolution occurred at less than 4 months from onset and consequently PRP was completed. Vitreous hemorrhage differs with bleeding in other tissues due to the presence of vitreous collagen matrix which promotes rapid clotting and hinders resolution of hemorrhage by preventing passive diffusion and delay in inflammatory cellular response. The prognosis for clearing hemorrhage was better when the fundus reflex was brighter and the retina adjacent to the ora serrata was visible. Clearing occurred sooner when hemorrhage was retrohyaloid rather than in the vitreous gel. In diabetic eye, the vitreous undergoes metabolic derangements resulting in premature liquefaction and abnormal vitreoretinal adhesion leading to traction and membrane formation. Partial PVD has also been associated with higher rate of diabetic retinopathy progression since it serves as scaffold for growth of neovascular tufts.
Jun 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-19-2845
J. Johnson JeremyCorresponding author
University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy Practice
The mangosteen fruit is a popular Southeast Asian fruit consumed for centuries. There have been a variety of xanthones isolated from the fruit, bark, roots and leaves with each having unique chemical and physical properties. Previously, the most abundant xanthone α-mangostin has been shown to inhibit CDK4. Herein we describe the role of selected xanthones from the mangosteen inhibiting CDK4. The evidence we provide here is that key functional groups are required to inhibit the CDK4 protein to prevent the phosphorylation of downstream targets critical to inhibiting uncontrolled cell cycle progression. To define the properties of xanthones for inhibiting CDK4 we utilized a cell free biochemical assay to identify inhibitors of CDK4. The following xanthones were used for the analysis: α-mangostin, β-mangostin, γ-mangostin, gartanin, 8-desoxygartanin, garcinone C and garcinone D, 9-hydroxycalabaxanthone, and 3-isomangostin These results further substantiate the unique pharmacological properties of individual xanthones and how a mixture of xanthones may be responsible for a multi-targeted effect in cell based pharmacology systems.
Dec 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-5526.jmid-18-2488
Luis Fernández-Martínez JuanCorresponding author
Group of Inverse Problems, Optimization and Machine Learning. Department of Mathematics, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
Background: Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) is a type of breast cancer with very bad prognosis. Predicting the histological grade (HG) and the lymph nodes metastasis is crucial for developing more suitable treatment strategies. Methods: We present the main clinical and pathological variables to predict the histological grade and lymph nodes metastasis via novel machine learning techniques. These variables are currently being used for prognosis and treatment in medical practice. This analysis was performed using a database of 102 Caucasian women diagnosed with TNBC. The results were cross-validated using random simulations of this dataset. Results: HG was predicted with an accuracy of 93.8% using a list of 6 prognostic variables with significant implications: Ki67 expression, use of Oral contraceptives, Col11A1 expression, Col11A1 score, E-cad truncated and Tumor size. The lymph nodes metastasis was predicted with an accuracy of almost 85% using only 6 prognostic variables: Vascular invasion, Tumor size, Perineural invasion, Age at diagnosis, Ki67 expression, and Col11A1 score. This analysis also served to establish the median signatures of the groups with and without lymph node metastasis, and proved the existence of a kind of small-size tumors (around 2.15 cm) with lymph node metastasis but not showing vascular and perineural invasions and higher protein Col11A1 score. Besides, these signatures proved to be very stable. Conclusions: The additional information conveyed by the prognostic variables found in these two classification problems provides new insight about the genesis and progression of this disease and can be used in medical practice to improve decisions in patient diagnosis and further treatment.
Oct 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2326-0793.jpgr-18-2312
Saad Zaghloul Salem MohammadCorresponding author
Professor of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Ain-Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
All aspects of life activities in living cells are mediated/executed and regulated by a vast number of networks, comprising a wide spectrum of components, starting with simple biomolecules and ending with the whole organism, and functioning within a precisely organized tight framework. Proper mediation of cellular activities necessitates their inclusion within the context of structured and organized network systems capable of regulating/coordinating and synchronizing the countless numbers of biological processes occurring within living cells. The number of biological networks and pathways within the living cell is considerably huge, being dependent on the structural complexity and functional capabilities of the cell. Pathogenesis and progression of human diseases result from functional disturbances of biological networks within the cell as disturbed network function leads to deleterious effects on physiological processes dependent on, and mediated by, affected network(s). Ensuing pathological processes, defined by the nature of disturbed networks and the specific organs or tissues affected, pave the way for the development of pathognomonic and characteristic disease entities. As most network functions are dependent on relatively small number of key regulatory biomolecules, i.e. enzymes/proteins and signal transducing factors, it follows that functional disturbances of biological networks and pathogenesis of disease states can be attributed, in most instances, to quantitative and/or qualitative abnormalities of these key regulatory molecules. Study and analysis of the structural designs and the functional mechanisms of biological networks would have crucial and important impacts on many theoretical and applied aspects of biology, in general, and of medical sciences in particular. Meticulous study of biological networks represents an important and integral aspect in study of biology. Interpretation and analysis of key information deduced from observing and analyzing structural designs and functional characteristics and dynamics of biological networks discloses and defines the basic framework within which life activities in living cells are initiated, adapted to physiological requirements, maintained, and terminated upon completion of their aims. More important, however, is the contribution of this information to proper understanding of the different mechanisms responsible for regulating and synchronizing the functions and performances of the vast spectrum of different network categories within the cell. In addition to its vital scientific significance, discovering and defining the key pivotal structural and regulatory molecules within life-mediating networks, and along different pathways responsible for controlling functional dynamics of the network, represent an indispensable diagnostic approach insistent for designing proper therapeutic approaches to diseases caused by network defects.
Sep 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-7785.jarh-18-2295
Marks RayCorresponding author
Department of Health and Behavior Studies, Program in Health Education, Columbia University, Teachers College, and School of Health and Professional Studies, Department of Health, Physical Education & Gerontological Studies and Services, City Univers
Background: Osteoarthritis is a disabling joint disease with no known cure that negatively effects life quality among high numbers of aging adults. Aim: To examine the concept of health literacy as a potentially overlooked, but highly salient, disease correlate among this older chronically disabled group. Method: A literature search using the key terms osteoarthritis and health literacy was conducted using the major data bases. Results: Although almost no work has focused on health literacy and osteoarthritis, the concept of health literacy is clearly linked to health status and health outcomes. Varying from marginal to high, health literacy is not always assessed or recognized as being clinically relevant, however, despite a large volume of related literature. Conclusion: Acknowledging the possible role of limited health literacy in the context of osteoarthritis disease progression, and applying carefully tailored directives for overcoming any related health literacy limitations may offer a novel approach for improving the outcomes for older people with this condition.
Jun 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2574-4518.jsdr-18-2071
Sedky KarimCorresponding author
Professor of Psychiatry and Medical Student Clerkship Director, CMSRU, Camden, NJ.
Study Objectives: Narcolepsy diagnosis has been associated with a long lag time between the onset of the disorder and the diagnosis itself among patients with the disorder. This article reviews the childhood epidemiology of idiopathic narcolepsy, including its prevalence, subtypes, and disease progression. Methods: A literature review was conducted to include both published and unpublished data on pediatric narcolepsy. All English language articles were included through April, 2015. Results: Time from symptom onset to diagnosis for children is approximately three years. The prevalence of cataplexy appears to be lower in children compared to adults, suggesting a later onset of cataplexy. The presence of cataplexy, however, was unrelated to demographic factors and laboratory findings. Conclusion: There is a substantial lag-time between initial symptom presentation and diagnosis in children with narcolepsy. A less quintessential presentation of narcolepsy might occur in children relative to adults, making diagnosis more challenging. Continued improvements in narcolepsy education for both pediatricians and parents might facilitate earlier identification and diagnosis of the disease, thus leading to improved outcome.
Mar 2018
Rizzello LorisCorresponding author
Department of Chemistry, University College London (UCL), 20 Gordon Street, WC1H 0AJ - London (UK)
The crusade against cancer has a new army: immunotherapy. The rational design is very simple, but brilliant at the same time. Extract the patients T-cells, reprogram them in vitro for the expression of highly specific receptors against cancer, perfuse them back to the patient. As a result, T-cells are now instructed to selectively kill circulating tumor cells, while avoiding potential side effects. This ‘Fairy Tale’ however does not lack of drawbacks and limitations. First, malignant progression can be accompanied by profound immune suppression, which counteracts the immune system-mediated tumor elimination. Second, the immune cells modification does not match high standards in terms of safety for humans. Here, nanotech can fill these gaps, and help immunotherapy to be safer and more effective.
Mar 2018
Liu XiaopingCorresponding author
School of Mathematics and Statistics, Shandong University at Weihai, Weihai 264209, China
An important use of proteomics data from Mass Spectrometry (MS) is the classification of tumor types with respect to peptides in specific cancer types. It is highly critical to find an optimal set of markers among specific cancer peptides whose expression can be clinically utilized to build assays for the diagnosis or to track the progression of specific cancer types. A number of feature selection algorithms have been proposed to obtain the classification of MS data. In this article, we proposed an improved feature selection algorithm based on feature weighting. Relief algorithm can calculate the weight of different features according to the correlation between their characteristics and categories. F-score is a simple filter-based feature selection method by evaluating how two sets of real numbers discriminate from each other. The main goal of this paper is to introduce a new feature weighting selection algorithm combining score from f-value and weight from relief, which is more accurate when classifying high-resolution MALDI-TOF (matrix-assisted laser desorption and ionization time-of-flight) MS data. We have developed a four-step strategy for data processing based on: (1) Align the study sets by binning of raw MS data, (2) local maximum search(LMS) peak detection, (3) a new combination feature weighting selection algorithm and (4) support vector machines achieve a satisfactory performance of identifying cancer and the healthy. The best parameter set for LMS were achieved with control variable method, which achieve an average accuracy of 97.4167% (sd = 0.0146) and the best accuracy of 98.6111% in 1000 independent 10 -fold cross validations.
Feb 2018
Zeng JinchengCorresponding author
Dongguan Key Laboratory of Medical Bioactive Molecular Developmental and Translational Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China
Gastric cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the world, usually diagnosed at an advanced stage. Despite the advances in specific anticancer agents' development, the survival rates remain modest, even in early stages. HER2 overexpression was identified on 15% - 20% of gastric cancer patients. Trastuzumab-based chemotherapy provides obvious efficacy improving outcomes of HER2 positive gastric cancer patients. We performed a meta-analysis to estimate the efficacy of the addition of trastuzumab over chemotherapy. We identified randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which compare the addition of trastuzumab therapy to chemotherapy alone reporting progression-free survival (PFS), time to progression (TTP), overall survival (OS), and/or response rates as our eligible trials. Night trials including 1101 patients were eligible for analysis. Trastuzumab therapeutic partners were cisplatin (9 RCTs), 5-fluorouracil (8 RCTs), capecitabine (6 RCTs), irinotecan (1 RCTs), docetaxel (1 RCTs), oxaliplatin (1 RCTs), and leucovorin (1 RCTs). The addition of trastuzumab agents improved OS (HR = 0.80; 95% CI = 0.72 - 0.89), PFS (HR = 0.70; 95% CI = 0.59 - 0.83), TTP (HR = 0.69; 95% CI = 0.57 - 0.83), and overall response rate (RR = 1.22; 95% CI = 0.94 - 1.59), DCR (RR = 1.19; 95% CI = 1.10 - 1.28). Our meta-analysis affirmed the efficacy of adding trastuzumab agent to chemotherapy in HER2 positive gastric cancer.
Feb 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2637-6075.jpae-17-1868
M. Sichilima AlfredCorresponding author
Department of Biological Sciences, School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Copperbelt University, P.O. Box 21692, Kitwe, Zambia.
An ecological study was conducted on termites located at the new site of Ndola International Airport in Zambia. The aim of this study was: (a) to assess the distribution pattern of different sizes of termite mounds located at the site, (b) to investigate the interior geometrics of termite mounds, (c) to determine the colony sizes of termites per each mound found at the site and (d) to provide technical expertise on the different termite preventive methods used on new buildings. Methods Using an aero-drone fitted with a camera, aerial surveys were conducted to capture and evaluate the spread of differently sized mounds at the site. Mathematical models were used to calculate the volume and number of nests contained in each mound. The colony sizes were captured and recorded per each mound. Analysis Multivariate statistical analyses were performed using SPSS, to compute a two way ANOVA table for comparison of p-values involving the colony sizes and the volumes of nests for small and big mounds. The ratios affecting these volumes were also calculated. Results The total of 1,880 termite mounds was captured spreading at an average of 14 mounds/ 1km2. Results further showed that 65% of total mounds were actively housing termites while 32% were virtually deserted. The 3% balance of mounds were occupied by rodents, ants and snakes, respectively. Progression on the volume of nests in bigger and smaller mounds, significantly tallied with the size of mound at p < 0.0121 and p < 0.0346, respectively. Similarly, the colony size of termites in small and larger mounds was also significant at p < 0.002 and p < 0.001, respectively. The nest volume ratios of small, medium and larger mounds were also markedly increasing with the size of mound at 1:8.7-small, 1:32.8 medium and 1:1, 098.6-large, respectively. Conclusion Not every existing termite mound is occupied by termites; the size of nest was directly related to the size of mound; the size of colony concurrently increased with that of the volume of nest. This study unravels some intriguing and conflicting suggestions that smaller mounds can still have larger colonies underground and vice versa. Furthermore, this study is the first in Zambia to combine the concepts of termite habitat geometrics and infrastructural protection.
Dec 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2576-6694.jbbs-17-1869
de Cassia Stocco RitaCorresponding author
Genetics Laboratory, Butantan Institute, São Paulo-SP, Brazil
Introduction Bovine papillomavirus (BPV) is the etiological agent of bovine papillomatosis, infectious and neoplastic disease, characterized by the presence of multiple papillomas that can regress spontaneously or to persist and progress to malignancies when in association with environmental cofactors. Although recognized that the BPV can induce DNA damages, the viral role following cancer initiation remains unresolved. Based on this, we stablished cell lines derived from cutaneous papilloma, fibropapilloma and esophageal carcinoma to study the BPV action on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Our results showed strong evidences that the virus action can contribute to EMT and, therefore, metastasis. Aim In this study, we analyzed the expression levels of the EMT markers (cytokeratin 10, STAT3 Y705, Oct-3/4 and vimentin) in paraffin-embed samples, using the same tissues that originated the cell lines previous studied, aiming to validate the results observed using cell lines. Material and Methods Expression levels of these markers was analyzed by immunohistochemistry and the collagen composision by Picrosirius red staining. Results We verified an overexpression of these markers in fibroblastoid cells present into the epidermis and ketarinocyte-like cells into the dermis present in dermo-epidermal junction. These data reinforce our previous results using cell cultures, validating both systems (cell culture and paraffin-embed tissues) as useful models to study the natural history of BPV-infected lesions. Conclusion Altogether, the results from these systems indicate that the BPV promote the cancer progression and metastasis through the transdifferentiation of an epithelial to mesenchymal cells (EMT).
Nov 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2576-6694.jbbs-17-1744
Mahjoubi FrouzandehCorresponding author
Department of Clinical Genetics, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, Iran
Aim: Colorectal cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in the world. Cell adhesion molecules play an important role in the progression of various cancers. It has been shown that the high level expression of some Cell adhesion molecule could be a new diagnostic factor for several cancers. Vascular cell adhesion molecule 1(VCAM1) is a cell surface glycoprotein that is expressed in the endothelium activated by cytokine. Generally, VCAM-1 expression level is very poor in normal adult tissue endothelial cells. According to the above explanation, this study was conducted to investigate the expression of VCAM-1 in tumoral tissues and adjacent normal tissues in Iranian colorectal cancer patients to its relation with clinicopathological Features in patients with cancer. Methods: In this study, 60 tumoral tissues and 39 adjacent normal tumor tissues were evaluated using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique. Conclusion: A significant correlation was found between VCAM-1 expression level and the stage, lymph nodes involvement, tumor progression factor of cancer and sex. Interestingly, VCAM-1 expression not observed in tumors with stage0. No association was seen between VCAM-1 expression and other clinical features such as age, size of the tumor, metastasis and the number of lymph nodes. These findings suggest that VCAM-1 expression level may reflected disease progression and elevation in VCAM-1 has prognostic significance in patients with colorectal carcinoma.
Sep 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2572-3030.jcgb-17-1737
J. O OgunbiyiCorresponding author
Scientific review, Supervisory, slides evaluation and final review
Objective P16INK4a and Ki-67 are adjuncts to current histological assessment of cervical biopsies in identifying cases that require strict follow up and prompt intervention. This study aimed to evaluate P16INK4a and Ki-67 expression in squamous intraepithelial and other benign cervical lesions. Methods A retrospective cross-sectional study of 153 cases of cervical biopsies diagnosed as CIN and benign cervical lesions between 2006 and 2013 at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. Slides and tissue blocks of all the selected cases were retrieved and classified using the 2003 WHO classification for intraepithelial and benign cervical lesions and were stained with p16INK4a and Ki-67 immunohistochemical stains following heat-induced antigen retrieval. Results were evaluated and compared with histologic diagnosis. Results Cases were classified as chronic cervicitis (12.3%), squamous Metaplasia (0.7%), CIN 1 (47.1%), CIN 2 (36.6%) and CIN 3 (3.3%). Majority of the non-dysplastic cervical lesions (including chronic cervicitis cases) showed low P16INK4a reactivity. Positive P16INK4a reactivity was seen in 80% of CIN 3 cases, 83.9% of CIN 2 cases, and, surprisingly, in 97.2% of CIN 1 cases. Ki-67 positivity was seen in 36.6% of cases (75% CIN 2 and 60% CIN 3). There was a significant correlation between the H&E diagnoses of CIN and P16INK4a/Ki-67 immunoreactivities. Conclusion Majority of the CIN 1 cases showing low grade p16INK4a immunereactivity strongly suggesting that cervical squamous intraepithelial neoplasia in this environment is likely associated with high grade HPV subtype infections and may predict possible progression to high grade squamous intraepithelial neoplasia. The use of P16INK4a and Ki-67 in the evaluation of cervical biopsies for benign mimics of high grade intraepithelial lesion will aid proper single Pathologist evaluation and help in patients triaging for follow up.
Aug 2017
Nevzat UzunerCorresponding author
Objectives Increased neurovascular (NV) reactivity has been shown in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) during the acute exacerbation period. However, the NV reactivity after several attacks is not known. We, therefore, have investigated the patients by transcranial Doppler (TCD) using simple visual stimulation after the repeated attack periods. Patients and Methods Thirty patients (22 females and eight males, mean age 40 years) with RRMS were examined at least two times. The average TCD examination interval was 26.7 months (range 4-120 months). Mean attack number was 3.8 (range 2-8 times), average disease duration was 57 months (range 4-124 months), and average Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) value was 2.5 (range 1-5.5). We performed transcranial Doppler recordings from the P2-segments of both posterior cerebral arteries simultaneously during simple visual stimulation. The NV reactivity was defined as a relative increase of the blood flow velocities during visual stimulation. Results The NV reactivity to simple visual stimulation was significantly lower in the second test on both sides (31.5±9.2% and 29.2±7.2%; right and left side, respectively) from those of the first test (38.3±11.9% and 36.0±11.9%; right and left side, respectively) (p<0.001). Conclusion The present study is the first study examining neurovascular reactivity in patients with RRMS during repeated attacks using the transcranial Doppler to our best knowledge. Our results suggest patients with RRMS after repeated exacerbation periods have less reactive neurovascular units in the occipital cortex. The possible explanation might be the repeated demyelination, and insufficient remyelination with longer disease duration may lead glial dysfunction resulting neurovascular unit impairment. If so, functional TCD may be useful for the determining of the disease progression. However, the exact cut-off point is not known.
Jul 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2372-6601.jhor-17-1473
R RaacheCorresponding author
Laboratoire des cytokines et NO Synthases (FSB-USTHB), Université des Sciences et de la Technologie Houari Boumediene (USTHB), Alger, Algérie
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the relation of Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels with stage of the disease and it role in monitoring tumor response to therapy in lymphoma patients. Methods. LDH levels were evaluated on 65 diagnosed Algerian children and compared to healthy control. Results: Our results revealed that LDH levels were significantly higher in untreated children with both hodgkin’s and non hodgkin’s lymphomas compared to control. Moreover, it was observed that the higher is the stage of disease, the more serum LDH level will be. However, there was a significant fall in serum LDH activity by completion of the chemotherapeutic courses. Conclusion: LDH plays an important role in tumor initiation and maintenance. The elevated serum LDH may reflect, release of the enzyme from malignant cells and suggest that they may reflect tumor burden and therefore correlate with disease progression.
Jul 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2575-1212.jvhc-17-1586
Caroline ROSOLEM MayaraCorresponding author
Students of the Postgraduate Program in Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Estadual Paulista “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (Unesp) Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias (FCAV), Campus de Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brasil.
The mammary tumor is one of the most common cancer in female dogs and, at the present days, there is a big focus on the study of the relation between this kind of tumor in animals and the cells that stay around them, like the inflammatory cells. The objective of this study was to evaluate and show where the inflammatory cells stay in simple mammary carcinomas in female dogs by immunohistochemistry. Samples of simple mammary carcinomas (tumor group; n=26) and mammary gland samples without tumor (control group; n=18) were submitted to immunohistochemical analysis for the detection of T lymphocytes, macrophages, plasma cells and the MHC-II molecule. The mast cells were evaluated by the histochemical technique (toluidine blue). Lymphocytes, macrophages and mast cells were observed distributed in the tumor stroma. MHC-II was detected in tumor cells and in the inflammatory infiltrate. Plasma cells predominated in the peritumoral stroma. Macrophages differed significantly between the two groups and predominated in the tumor group. In the comparison between histological types of mammary carcinomas, mast cells differed significantly between solid tumors of the tubular / papillary types. The cytoplasmic immunodetection of MHC-II was suggested an inefficient antigen presentation. Some of the leukocytes present in the tumor infiltrate, appear to be exerting a pro-tumor effect and allowing the progression of tubular and papillary carcinomas. But in solid carcinomas (may be poorly immunogenic), as they had the lowest proportion of leukocytes present in the tumor site. More studies are necessary to confirm these results, such as the determination of the cytokine profile and the predominant leukocyte subpopulations in the tumor microenvironment.
Mar 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2326-0793.jpgr-17-1447
D. Howard TimothyCorresponding author
Center for Genomics & Personalized Medicine Research, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
Factors that contribute to the onset of atherosclerosis may be elucidated by bioinformatic techniques applied to multiple sources of genomic and proteomic data. The results of genome wide association studies, such as the CardioGramPlusC4D study, expression data, such as that available from expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) databases, along with protein interaction and pathway data available in Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA), constitute a substantial set of data amenable to bioinformatics analysis. This study used bioinformatic analyses of recent genome wide association data to identify a seed set of genes likely associated with atherosclerosis. The set was expanded to include protein interaction candidates to create a network of proteins possibly influencing the onset and progression of atherosclerosis. Local average connectivity (LAC), eigenvector centrality, and betweenness metrics were calculated for the interaction network to identify top gene and protein candidates for a better understanding of the atherosclerotic disease process. The top ranking genes included some known to be involved with cardiovascular disease (APOA1, APOA5, APOB, APOC1, APOC2, APOE, CDKN1A, CXCL12, SCARB1, SMARCA4 and TERT), and others that are less obvious and require further investigation (TP53, MYC, PPARG, YWHAQ, RB1, AR, ESR1, EGFR, UBC and YWHAZ). Collectively these data help define a more focused set of genes that likely play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and are therefore natural targets for novel therapeutic interventions.
Dec 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2372-6601.jhor-16-1070
Sisi TianCorresponding author
Introduction: Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) is a collection of conditions associated with abnormal proliferation of lymphoid tissues in patients after solid organ transplants (SOT). Its clinical presentations are quite variable and non-specific. Otolaryngological signs and symptoms, manifested as adenotonsillar hypertrophy or cervical lymphadenopathy, may guide to early detection and treatment. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of all pediatric SOT recipients with the diagnosis of PTLD, age 0-18, between 2005 and 2014 at the Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital. The patient’s age, type of organ transplant, immunosuppression, head and neck signs and symptoms, imaging modality, EBV status, histology as well as treatment regimen information were recorded. Results: A total of 21 pediatric patients were included in this retrospective review with a history of solid organ transplant and a diagnosis of PTLD. The most commonly associated type of transplanted organ is heart (57.1%), followed by kidneys (33.3%) and liver (9.5%). Neck swelling (28.6%) was the main head and neck complaint while one patient developed upper airway obstruction with respiratory distress. Cervical lymphadenopathy was found in 66.7% and tonsillar hypertrophy in 9.5% of the patients. Monomorphic PTLD (46.2%) was the most common pathological diagnosis, followed by reactive hyperplasia (30.8%), Hodgkin lymphoma (15.4%) and polymorphic PTLD (7.7%). Majority of the PTLD patients were treated with rituximab and cyclophosphamide combination therapy with and without prednisone. Conclusion: Adenotonsillectomy and cervical lymph node biopsies are easy to perform with low complication rates. They serve an important role in the armamentarium in the early detection of PTLD in its early stage, allowing prompt treatment and prevention of further progression.
Dec 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2476-1710.jdt-16-1260
Volicer LadislavCorresponding author
School of Aging Studies, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
Relationship between dementia is very complex and individual. There are some pathogenetic processes that may be common to both conditions: neurotransmitter deficits, vascular changes and beta amyloid deposits. Presence of depression in persons with dementia have serious consequences on progression of dementia, quality of life and behavioral symptoms of dementia. Therefore, it is important to treat effectively even minor depressive symptoms.
Aug 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-9273.jbtm-16-1151
Xing GuoqiangCorresponding author
Departments of Anesthesiology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland 20814
Oxidative stress mediated neural cell death is thought to be involved in the progression of secondary cell injury following brain trauma. Agents that can block oxidative stress-related injury could be potential therapies for TBI. Resveratrol, a polyphenol found in plants and red wine, is cytoprotective due to its potent antioxidant activities. To further understand how resveratrol could affect oxidative stress-induced injury, we hypothesized that the cytoprotective activities of resveratrol could be dose-dependent. In this study, resveratrol-induced cytoprotection was evaluated in cultured astrocytes. Primary rat astrocytes were cultured in T-75 flasks to a confluence of 80% before being plated onto 96-well plates. After 24 hours of acclimation, astrocytes were treated with various doses of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) (0.1, 0.25, 0.5 and 1 µM) and resveratrol (25, 50, 75, 100 µM), respectively. Cell viability was determined 24 hours later using Alamar Blue Assay. Treatment of astrocytes with 0.5 mM H2O2, left 65% of astrocytes non-viable whereas treatment of astrocytes with 0.1 mM H2O2 had no effect on astrocytes viability; whereas 1 mM, H2O2 caused total loss of astrocyte viability. Resveratrol treatment at 75 µM and 100 µM has reduced 0.5 mM H2O2-induced cytotoxicity in astrocytes by 50%. Immunostaining with GFAP also confirmed these findings about the cytoprotective effects of resveratrol in astrocytes exposed to H2O2. These results suggest that resveratrol could be a potential neuroprotective agent in TBI due to its antioxidant properties. Further studies are needed to evaluate the long- term effects of resveratrol in animal models of TBI.
Apr 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2470-0436.jos-15-763
El-Assal KarimCorresponding author
Sunderland Eye Infirmary, Queen Alexandra Road, Sunderland, UK.
Background: Optic nerve head drusen are acellular hyaline deposits located anterior to the lamina cribrosa, frequently associated with visual field defects. Sometimes rapid worsening of vision may occur due to complications such as acute vascular events, choroidal neovascularization, or serous maculopathy. Case Presentation: Although there are no proven treatments for Optic nerve head drusen associated field loss, we present the case of a patient with Optic nerve head drusen and bilateral rapid progression of visual field loss that has stabilized on intraocular pressure lowering medication. This suggests a role for IOP-mediated retinal ganglion cell loss in this individual. The mechanism of progressive Optic nerve head drusen associated field loss is poorly understood, however experimental glaucoma models and human in vivo imaging studies have shown that structural differences within the optic nerve head are likely to contribute to individual susceptibility to IOP-mediated damage. Conclusion: We propose that eyes with Optic nerve head drusen may be less able to dampen IOP mediated stress, contributing to loss of retinal ganglion cells in some patients.
Mar 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-3585.jpmc-15-757
Hong LiuCorresponding author
Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032,Shaanxi Province, China
Objective: MicroRNAs are involved in the onset, progression and dissemination of esophageal cancer, and they may be useful as prognostic biomarkers. This study aims to evaluate the relation of miR-21 expression and the prognosis of esophageal cancer patients. Methods: In this study, a meta-analysis is performed by searching PubMed, Science Direct databases, and Cochrane Library. Data are extracted from studies evaluating survival of esophageal cancer patients with either high or low miR-21 expression. Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) are calculated. Results: A total of 579 cases of esophageal cancer from five studies are involved for this global meta-analysis. The HR of survival of patients with high miR-21 expression is 1.47 (95% CI: 1.12–1.91; p<0.01) as compared with those with low expression. Conclusions: miR-21 may be a predictor for survival of esophageal cancer patients.
Jun 2015 DOI 10.14302/issn.2574-4372.jesr-14-607
E. Geusz MichaelCorresponding author
Bowling Green State University, Dept. of Biological Sciences, Bowling Green, OH 43403
Cancer is influenced by the ability of cells to maintain circadian rhythms in molecular and metabolic processes. Disturbance of the underlying circadian timing mechanism in circadian clock cells leads to a higher frequency and more rapid progression of cancer. Cancer stem cells with properties of embryonic and somatic stem cells have been implicated as tumor initiators in several types of cancers. Although tumors are reported to have disorganized circadian rhythms, evidence of in vitro circadian rhythms in cancer stem cells of gliomas was recently presented. The possibility and consequences of circadian clocks functioning in cancer stem cells within tumors is examined, and the possible benefits to these cells from circadian timing is discussed in relation to cancer treatments.
May 2015 DOI 10.14302/issn.2572-3030.jcgb-14-495
Khan AshrafCorresponding author
Departments of Pathology, UMass Memorial Medical Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
Thyroid carcinomas encompass a wide spectrum ranging from differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) to poorly differentiated (PDC) and anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC). DTC of both follicular (FTC) and papillary (PTC) types can progress to PDC and AC. The aim of our study was to evaluate if there is differential microRNA (miRNA) expression in various tumor subtypes during this progression. The miRNA profile of differentiated carcinomas (Follicular and Papillary) and ATC were compared with that of PDCs either by itself or in a background of differentiated carcinomas and anaplastic carcinomas. Unsupervised hierarchical clustering analysis revealed that FTC and PDC tend to cluster together in the absence of ATC. Interestingly, in cases with presence of all components i.e. FTC, PDC and ATC, the miRNA profile of poorly differentiated component clusters with that of the Anaplastic carcinoma component. miR-494 and miR-125a-5p were found to be differentially regulated in tumors with an anaplastic component and even the well-differentiated component (FTC) of these tumors were found to be aligned with the anaplastic profile. In addition, we also discovered some differentially regulated miRNAs in follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma as compared to follicular thyroid carcinoma (miR-486-5p and miR-31).
Jun 2014 DOI 10.14302/issn.2324-7339.jcrhap-12-158
Ross RatchneewanCorresponding author
College of Nursing, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242
It is important to measure depressive symptoms in HIV-infected individuals because depressive symptoms have been found to be correlated with faster progression to AIDS. Worldwide, the CES-D has been used to assess depressive symptoms and examined for its construct validity. However, no previous studies have investigated the CES-D’s construct validity among HIV-infected perinatal women. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the construct validity of the CES-D using both explanatory and confirmatory factor analysis among HIV-positive perinatal women in Thailand. Results showed that, overall, the CES-D is a 4-factor instrument with good construct validity and can be used to evaluate depressive symptoms among HIV-positive perinatal Thai women. However, some items from our study loaded differently on the 4 factors from Radloff’s model. Finally, the CES-D can be used as a general-factor scale without being compromised.
Jun 2014 DOI 10.14302/issn.2372-6601.jhor-14-378
Kulma-Kreft MonikaCorresponding author
Department of Radiotherapy and Medical Oncology, Gdynia Cancer Center, Gdynia
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a rare complication associated, inter alia, with rituximab-based lymphoma treatment. PML diagnosis is made easier with the criteria recently published by the American Academy of Neurology. Unambiguous diagnosis of PML can be achieved by demonstration of the histopathological triad comprising:(1) demyelination, (2) bizarre astrocytes and (3) enlarged oligodendroglial nuclei together with detection of viral particles by electron microscopy. However, symptoms of PML may be similar to those observed during lymphoma progression into the central nervous system (CNS). Here we report the case of a patient with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) treated with R-CHOP who developed clinical signs indicating PML. Intravital diagnostic methods failed to yield an unequivocal diagnosis of PML or lymphoma progression in the CNS. However, a post-mortem examination of brain biopsy specimens performed by electron microscopy demonstrated lesions typical for PML and the presence of viral particles. In addition, immunohistochemical assays identified a massive infiltration of lymphoma cells. The case thus suggests either the extremely rare coexistence of two complications: lymphoma CNS infiltration and PML or induction structural CNS lesions by lymphoma infiltration indistinguishable from PML. The presented findings thus highlight the need for a further review of the current diagnostic criteria for PML.
May 2014 DOI 10.14302/issn.2324-7339.jcrhap-12-147
Ross RatchneewanCorresponding author
College of Nursing, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242
Evidence shows that depressive symptoms are associated with faster progression to AIDS in HIV-infected populations. Physical symptoms, self-esteem, and emotional support have been reported to play a major role in contributing to depressive symptoms. However, comparisons of different sources of support—specifically family vs. friends— have only been made in a few previous HIV studies. Therefore, the objectives of this study among HIV-positive perinatal Thai women were to examine: 1) both the direct and indirect effects of physical symptoms and emotional support on depressive symptoms; 2) which source of support is more significant, family or friends; and 3) the direct effect of self-esteem on depressive symptoms. Results revealed that half of the participants experienced major depressive symptoms. Physical symptoms and self-esteem both had direct effects on depressive symptoms. Emotional support, from friends and family, had an indirect effect on depressive symptoms. Treating physical symptoms and increasing self-esteem through emotional support, could help decrease depressive symptoms in the target population. Finally, it is crucial that routine screening for depressive symptoms is established at all HIV clinics for perinatal women in Thailand.