CRISPR and Gene Editing: A Game-changer in Drug Development

CRISPR and gene editing technologies have emerged as transformative tools in medicine, offering unprecedented precision in targeting genetic disorders and revolutionizing drug development. This review explores the multifaceted impact of CRISPR across various medical domains, from hereditary diseases to infectious diseases and cancer. The potential of CRISPR in personalized medicine, therapeutic innovation, and pandemic prevention is highlighted, along with its role in reshaping traditional drug development processes. However, alongside its promise, ethical considerations loom large, particularly regarding germline editing and equitable access to treatments. The commercialization of CRISPR poses further challenges, raising questions about affordability and healthcare equity. Collaboration among scientists, policymakers, and the public is emphasized to navigate the ethical and societal implications of CRISPR responsibly. As the field advances, it is essential to ensure that the benefits of CRISPR are realized while addressing potential risks and maintaining a commitment to the well-being of future generations.

Alternative Pathway to Double-Core-Hole States

Excited double-core-hole states of isolated water molecules resulting from the sequential absorption of two x-ray photons have been investigated. These states are formed through an alternative pathway, where the initial step of core ionization is accompanied by the shake-up of a valence electron, leading to the same final states as in the core-ionization followed by core-excitation pathway. The capability of the x-ray free-electron laser to deliver very intense, very short, and tunable light pulses is fully exploited to identify the two different pathways.

Modified realist evaluation of a complex, multi-centred, multi-intervention programme

Well North was a complex, multi-intervention health improvement programme spanning 10 sites across the North of England. The aim was to address inequalities by improving the health of the poorest fastest, increasing resilience and reducing levels of worklessness. The intention of the programme was for all sites to have freedom and flexibility to conduct different interventions reflecting local priorities. Evaluation ran concurrently with the programme, and an iterative approach was required to ensure constant feedback, allowing the programme to be adapted and improved as necessary. Realist methodology was chosen for evaluation, as it provides insight into what works, for whom and in what circumstances. Due to the complex nature of the programme and diverse approaches, it was necessary to adapt the methodology to meet the needs of the evaluation. The Evaluation Team utilized a range of qualitative and quantitative techniques within the context of a Rapid Cycle Evaluation framework. For each project, Contexts, Mechanisms and Outcomes (CMOs) were identified at three stages and were incorporated into the CMO configuration, leading to the development of a middle range theory. Validation and testing of theory took place at every stage. Realist methodology was the most appropriate existing method. However, it still necessitated modification.

Characterization, Antioxidant, and Antimicrobial Properties of Mulberry Lattices

In order to find the most advantageous bioactive compounds from mulberry latex for drug development in the near future, this study was conducted to characterize and evaluate antioxidant and antimicrobial properties from four different mulberry lattices (BR-2, S-1, AR-14, and S-146). The characterization of the lattices was performed by scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, gas chromatography coupled to mass spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Further, screenings of the antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of selected lattices were performed in vitro using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay and agar well diffusion methods, respectively. Interestingly, the outcome of the current study revealed that tested mulberry lattices contain a considerable amount of bioactive phytoconstituents, particularly antimicrobial and antioxidant compounds, as revealed by chromatographic analysis. BR-2 latex was found to have significant antioxidant activity (75%) followed by S-146 (64.6%) and AR-14 (52.9%). The maximum antimicrobial activity was found in BR-2 latex compared to other tested latex varieties. The results of this investigation showed that mulberry latex from the BR-2 type may successfully control both bacterial and fungal infections, with the added benefit of having enhanced antioxidant capabilities.

Peripancreatic tuberculosis

Peripancreatic tuberculosis (PTB) is a very rare variant of tuberculosis and its clinical and radiological findings are similar to those of pancreatic malignancy. Diagnosis of PTB is usually incidental and is made after surgical resection. We are presenting a male patient who had complaints of prolonged fever, significant weight loss and yellowish discolouration of eyes and dark-coloured urine. Investigations revealed that there was a pancreatic mass causing obstructive jaundice. However, the aetiology of the mass, whether tubercular or malignant, was not clear. Hence, the patient was planned for endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration cytology. Cytology and aspirate were sent for a cartridge-based nucleic acid amplification test which revealed the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, sensitive to rifampicin. The patient improved completely after treatment with antitubercular therapy.

Pediatric presacral tumors with intraspinal extension: a rare entity with diagnostic challenges

The presacral space is a potential space located between the rectum and the lumbosacral spine. It contains various primitive germ cell types that serve as the origin for a range of tumors. Imaging is crucial in characterizing, assessing the extent of and evaluating the treatment response to these tumors. We report a series of six cases of pediatric presacral tumors with intraspinal extension, including an immature sacrococcygeal teratoma (Altman type II), a malignant sacrococcygeal teratoma (Altman type IV), a neuroblastoma, a rhabdomyosarcoma, a clear cell sarcoma and an Ewing's sarcoma of the ilium. These tumors can be broadly categorized as tumors of germ cell, neuroblastic, mesenchymal and osteogenic origin. Despite overlapping imaging features, a review of the existing literature and careful retrospective observation revealed several distinctive features that aid in the optimal characterization of tumors. These include the tumor's epicenter, the pattern and degree of bone involvement, the status of sacral foramina and neural elements, and internal tumor characteristics such as the presence of fat, calcification, hemorrhage and necrosis.

Active video games and weight management in overweight children and adolescents-systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of childhood obesity has been increasing for several decades. Active video games (AVG) may be an effective intervention to help manage this rising health crisis. The aim of this review is to evaluate whether AVG are effective at reducing weight or improving body composition in overweight youths.

METHOD

Medline, Embase, SportDiscus, ASSIA, CINAHL Plus, CENTRAL, CDSR and PsychINFO databases were searched for studies assessing quantitative or qualitative impact of AVG in overweight adolescents published in English. Three authors screened the results using inclusion/exclusion criteria.

RESULTS

A total of 12 studies met the inclusion criteria; 11 reported a significant decrease in at least one weight outcome. Results from seven randomized controlled trials were pooled by meta-analysis, which compared with controls subjects in AVG groups demonstrated greater body mass index (BMI) Z-score reduction (mean difference: -0.09 (-0.12, -0.05) I2 = 34%, P < 0.0001). The mean weight reduction (-2.66 Kg (-5.67, +0.35) I2 = 0%, P = 0.08) and BMI (-2.29 (-4.81, +0.22) I2 = 49%, P = 0.07) were greater in AVG groups but results did not reach statistical significance.

CONCLUSIONS

BMI Z-score was significantly reduced in the AVG group and the majority of included studies reported significant results in at least one weight outcome, suggesting AVG can be used to reduce weight or improve body composition in overweight youths. Further studies investigating the long-term sustainability of this change in body composition are needed.

A novel approach for forecasting PM2.5 pollution in Delhi using CATALYST

Air pollution is one of the main environmental issues in densely populated urban areas like Delhi. Predictions of the PM2.5 concentration must be accurate for pollution reduction strategies and policy actions to succeed. This research article presents a novel approach for forecasting PM2.5 pollution in Delhi by combining a pre-trained CNN model with a transformer-based model called CATALYST (Convolutional and Transformer model for Air Quality Forecasting). This proposed strategy uses a mixture of the two models. To derive attributes of the PM2.5 timeline of data, a pre-existing CNN model is utilized to transform the data into visual representations, which are analyzed subsequently. The CATALYST model is trained to predict future PM2.5 pollution levels using a sliding window training approach on extracted features. The model is utilized for analyzing temporal dependencies in PM2.5 time-series data. This model incorporates the advancements in the transformer-based architecture initially designed for natural language processing applications. CATALYST combines positional encoding with the Transformer architecture to capture intricate patterns and variations resulting from diverse meteorological, geographical, and anthropogenic factors. In addition, an innovative approach is suggested for building input-output couples, intending to address the problem of missing or partial data in environmental time-series datasets while ensuring that all training data blocks are comprehensive. On a PM2.5 dataset, we analyze the proposed CATALYST model and compare its performance with other standard time-series forecasting approaches, such as ARIMA and LSTM. The outcomes of the experiments demonstrate that the suggested model works better than conventional methods and is a potential strategy for accurately forecasting PM2.5 pollution. The applicability of CATALYST to real-world scenarios can be tested by running more experiments on real-world datasets. This can help develop efficient pollution mitigation measures, impacting public health and environmental sustainability.

Primary hepatoid adenocarcinoma of lung: A rare malignancy mimicking tuberculosis

Hepatoid adenocarcinoma of lung (HAL) is a rare aggressive malignant tumour which histologically resembles hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Hepatoid adenocarcinoma (HAC) mostly produces high levels of alphafetoprotein (AFP) and is frequently found in extrahepatic organs including stomach, testes, ovaries, lungs and pancreas. Our patient was a male in his 40s with a chronic smoking history, presented with complaints of fever, weight loss, cough and anorexia for one month. On the basis of history, examination and initial investigation patient were started on empirical antitubercular therapy. However, within a span of 10 days, patient's condition worsened, and he developed a pulmonary embolism, which despite adequate treatment did not improve and the patient succumbed to his illness. Postmortem biopsy revealed a rare primary lung tumour, HAL.

First Report of Cucurbit aphid-borne yellows virus infecting five cucurbits in India

Cucurbits are among the most popular vegetables cultivated globally. They have high economic importance, especially in India, where they are cooked and eaten as vegetables (Dhillon et al. 2016). In February 2023, yellowing symptoms were observed on cucurbitaceous species, viz. Trichosanthes cucumerina (Snake gourd - SG), Luffa acutangula (Ridge gourd - RG), Lagenaria siceraria (Bottle gourd - BG), Luffa aegyptiaca (Sponge gourd - SPG) and yellow chlorotic spots were recorded on Benincasa hispida (Ash gourd - AG) growing in the experimental farm at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Regional Station, Pune (Supplementary Figure 1). The average disease incidence ranged from 5% to 30%. A total of 175 leaf samples, including thirty symptomatic and five asymptomatic plants of each cucurbit, were collected and tested by DAS-ELISA using antisera against cucurbit aphid-borne yellows virus (CABYV) (DSMZ, Germany), cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus (CYSDV) (Arsh Biotech, India), cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV), and papaya ringspot virus (PRSV) (Agdia, USA). All 150 symptomatic cucurbit samples tested positive for CABYV, while five samples from SG, 14 from RG, two from AG, and 11 from SPG hosts were also positive for PRSV. Asymptomatic samples were negative for all viruses tested. In order to further confirm the presence of the virus, total RNA was extracted from ten samples of each cucurbit host that were positive only for CABYV and the asymptomatic samples using the RNeasy Plant Mini Kit (Qiagen, Germany) as per the manufacturer's protocol. Two-step RT-PCR was carried out using the extracted RNA and CABYV-specific primers, amplifying c. 484 bp of the coat protein gene region (Boubourakas et al. 2006). Amplicons of expected size were obtained in all symptomatic samples, whereas the asymptomatic samples tested negative. Three amplicons obtained from positive samples from each of the cucurbit species were directly sequenced and found to be identical to each other. A representative virus sequence obtained from each cucurbit was deposited in GenBank (Snake gourd - OQ921128, Ridge gourd - OQ921127, Bottle gourd - OQ921126, Ash gourd - OQ921125, Sponge gourd - OQ921129). In BLASTn analysis, the isolates shared from 94.23 to 100% nucleotide identities with the Indian CABYV isolates of various cucurbits and clustered closely with other Pune isolates in the phylogenetic analysis (Supplementary Figure 2). CABYV (genus Polerovirus) is a single-stranded positive-sense RNA virus, and is known to infect and cause severe economic losses in cucurbits worldwide. Previously, occurrences of CABYV have been reported in cucurbits such as watermelon, bitter gourd, cucumber, squash, teasel gourd, and muskmelon in India (Nagendran et al. 2022; Tripathi et al. 2023). It has also been reported to infect a weed species - Abelmoschus moschatus from the same geographical region (Verma et al. 2023). To our knowledge, this is the first report of the natural occurrence of CABYV in snake gourd and ridge gourd worldwide and bottle gourd, ash gourd and sponge gourd in India. The present findings have significant epidemiological importance, as they demonstrate that CABYV is spreading to other cucurbits and occurring widely in India.

Effect of transesophageal echocardiography probe on tracheal perfusion pressure and ventilatory parameters in pediatric patients undergoing cardiac surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass: A prospective observational study

Background

Overinflation of cuffed endotracheal tubes and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) probe causes increased intracuff pressure (CP) compromising tracheal perfusion pressure (TPP). Primary objective of the study was to assess CP, TPP on TEE probe insertion and examination during pediatric cardiac surgeries. Secondary objectives were to evaluate the effect of the probe on peak airway pressures (Ppeak), mean airway pressures (Pmean) and to monitor CP, TPP on cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).

Materials and Methods

This prospective observational study included fifty patients, aged 1-5 years undergoing cardiac surgeries using CPB. Following induction, TEE probe was introduced. CP, TPP, Ppeak, Pmean were measured before insertion of TEE probe (T1), during probe insertion (T2) and examination at mid-esophageal (T3), transgastric level (T4), and on removing probe (T6). CP, TPP were monitored on CPB (T5). Statistical analysis was done using paired t-test.

Results

CP, Ppeak and Pmean increased significantly, while TPP decreased significantly from T1 to T2, T3, T4 (P < 0.001). CP, TPP decreased significantly at T5 in comparison to T6 (P < 0.001). In 48% of the patients CP increased above 30 cm H2O at T2.

Conclusion

TEE probe causes an increase in CP and decreases TPP. Constant monitoring and maintaining CP, TPP in optimum range is recommended.

Sword Bean (Canavalia gladiata): a new host of Bean common mosaic virus

BACKGROUND

Sword bean (Canavalia gladiata) is an underutilized legume that has the potential to become an important food source owing to its wide range of nutritional and medicinal properties. In May 2023, symptoms induced by a possible virus infection such as mosaic, mottling and vein banding were observed on the leaves of about 20% of the Sword bean plants growing at the experimental research farm of the Indian Agricultural Research Institute in Pune, Maharashtra, India.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Symptomatic and asymptomatic samples were screened by ELISA for the presence of Potyvirus, Cucumber mosaic virus and Tobacco mosaic virus. All symptomatic samples tested positive for Potyvirus in ELISA as well as in RT-PCR assay using the universal potyvirus primer pair (CPUP /P9502) which amplify c. 700 bp of the partial coat protein region and 3'UTR. Asymptomatic samples tested negative for all tested viruses in both serological and molecular assays. BLASTn sequence analysis of the amplicons revealed that the sequence shares more than 98% identity with an Indian isolate of Bean common mosaic virus (BCMV). Sequence analysis enabled the identification of the Potyvirus as BCMV. Furthermore, the present Sword bean isolate clustered with other BCMV isolates in the phylogenetic analysis.

CONCLUSION

In the present study, BCMV was found to be naturally infecting Sword bean for the first time in the world. This is of epidemiological importance, as BCMV is known to cause significant yield losses in legumes and could severely hamper Sword bean production.

Primary Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma of the Lung Coexisting With Pulmonary Tuberculosis: A Rare Case Report

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is a well-established neoplasm of the salivary glands. However, the MEC of the lung is an exceedingly rare neoplasm that falls under the category of salivary gland-type tumors of the lung. Pulmonary MEC is recognized for its indolent progression. Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is a prevalent infectious disease in India and ranks among the leading causes of death from infectious diseases. Nevertheless, the co-occurrence of pulmonary MEC with pulmonary TB is a rare phenomenon that has not been documented in the literature. In this report, we describe a 54-year-old male patient who presented with symptoms of dysphagia, weight loss, and fever. Histopathological examination diagnosed him with pulmonary MEC, and concurrent cytology and Gene-Xpert tests confirmed tuberculosis. This case represents the first documented instance of this particular co-occurrence. It underscores the limitations of radiology in diagnosing such a rare neoplasm, especially when there is an absence of lung parenchyma infiltration and a mass lesion. Additionally, this case supports the possibility of an interdependent relationship between malignancies and tuberculosis.

UNDERSTANDING THE LONG-TERM INTERPLAY BETWEEN GLUCOCORTICOIDS, PARATHYROID HORMONE LEVELS, AND OSTEOPOROSIS IN PATIENTS

Drugs called glucocorticoids (GC) are often prescribed for both inpatient and outpatient settings. They are often used to treat a number of disorders due to their anti-inflammatory activity. Long-term use of GCs, especially long-term high-dose administrations, may result in a variety of negative effects. In Hilla City, Babylon Governorate of Iraq, Merjan Teaching Hospital, Al-Hilla Teaching Hospital's Joint Enology Clinic, and Al-Imam Al-Sadiq Hospital, were the sites of this case-control research, which was carried out. There were 100 total participants in this trial, of whom 50 were patients with osteoporosis (OP). The ages of the patients and the control collection were. They were chosen since their gender and ages matched. The findings show extensively senior level of parathyroid hormone (PTH) in OP patients when compared to the control group, whereas calcium (Ca) level into the patient group significantly lowered during association toward the manage set. In summary, there is a positive correlation between PTH and the condition of bone mineralization. In those who use GCs for a long time, PTH may be used as a prognostic marker to predict when bone mineral abnormalities would develop.

Recent advances in drug delivery approaches for rheumatoid arthritis

Morbidity, disability, and healthcare expenses associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) impose a considerable health and economical burden on both patients and healthcare systems. This review aimed to examine the pathophysiological aspects of RA that may help design different types of drugs and drug delivery systems. These include monoclonal antibodies, immunoglobulins, tiny chemicals, and transgenes for gene therapy. These novel nanocarrier-based therapies target the underlying biological processes involved in RA while minimizing the systemic adverse effects of drugs.

A Novel Indigenously Developed Device to Measure Bite Force

Introduction

In stomatology, the evaluation of bite power is crucial. It is considered a significant objective approach to evaluating masticatory performance. Bite force has become a significant outcome analysis index for various therapies in dentistry research. Presently several devices being used globally have their graces and faults. They are costly and also not available easily to the general dental practitioner.

Objectives

Development of a novel indigenous instrument for the measurement of human bite force.

Methods

This paper describes an indigenously developed and researched instrument to measure human bite force. The sensor data (change in electronic resistance under applied force) will be read by the microprocessor and converted to force values in newton. The bite force result will be instantly displayed on the screen of the instrument and the device with which it is connected.

Results

The developed instrument is handy and user-friendly and can measure bite force accurately and repeatedly.

Conclusions

In this research paper, an economical, lightweight, user-friendly, accurate, and reproducible human bite force measurement device is explained, which has been developed indigenously.

LIVER FIBROSIS: PATHOPHYSIOLOGY, DIAGNOSIS, AND EMERGING THERAPEUTIC TARGETS FOR A COMMON COMPLICATION OF CHRONIC LIVER DISEASES

Fibrosis of the liver, which can be caused by either viral or chemical chronic liver illnesses, is a serious issue for the world's health. Collagen is crucial for the development of the illness and the possibility of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which is linked to the progression of liver damage. Although there are various mechanisms for acute liver injury and diseases-specific cells response, almost all of fatty liver aetiologies share similar trends in the development of fibrous liver damage. The scientific community's knowledge of the fundamental causes of fibrosis of the liver has undergone a significant shift during the last ten years. It has been shown that the fundamental trigger, such as the control or management of an infectious disease, can be eradicated or eliminated in order to reverse liver fibrosis. Reversing frequently occurs prematurely or too rarely, particularly in severe fibrosis, to avoid possibly fatal effects. Therefore, there is an urgent need for anti-fibrotic medications to halt the progression of liver damage and the appearance of HCC. Even though various anti-fibrotic medication options have shown strong anti-fibrotic effects in lab animals, research studies have only seen a small amount or none of these advantages. There is not an approved remedy for the condition as a result. In this article, we give a general overview of the physiological and molecular origins of collagen in chronic liver disease and investigate how these causes can impact the quickly developing field of anti-fibrotic treatments.

PSORIASIS PATHOGENESIS: INSIGHTS FROM TRANSCRIPTOMICS AND PROTEOMICS STUDIES OF KERATINOCYTES

Complex inflammatory skin disease with autoimmune roots is psoriasis. This disease affects various cell types, and the underlying signaling processes are complicated yet not fully understood. Extensive psoriatic lesions' proteome and transcriptome of several researches were combined to understand disease's underlying biological mechanisms. According to a network-based study, both transcriptomics and proteomics control were comparable. They discovered many pathways of signaling previously undiscovered and possibly involved in overexpression of psoriasis genes. They also found a collection of transcription factors in charge of this process. The functional overlap between the results of transcriptomics and proteomics was also examined. There created a network-based method for combining the analysis of many high-throughput data sources. Proteomic and transcriptome studies of psoriasis data sets demonstrated regulatory flexibility apparatus underpinning disease and complementary relationships within two cellular organizations.

Effects of Yoga therapy in teaching oral hygiene practice and tooth brushing skills in patients with Parkinson's disease: A qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Parkinson's disease is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder associated with heterogeneous symptoms. Though it is characterized by means of four distinct motor symptoms such as resting tremors, muscular rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability. These patients also have deficits in fine motor skills while performing simple tasks such as brushing their own teeth, taking bath, remembering small details, and writing skills. The study aimed to qualitatively evaluate the effectiveness of Yoga therapy in teaching oral hygiene practice and subsequently, on tooth brushing skills in patients who were diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This qualitative study was conducted on 100 patients diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Institutional ethical committee permission was obtained prior to commencing the study. Written informed consent was obtained from patients or their caregivers before conducting this study. Detailed clinical history was recorded and gender characteristics were noted down. In the present study, there were 67 female and 33 male participants. Yoga exercises were taught to Parkinson's patients by a qualified yoga instructor. Improvements in toothbrushing skills were noted down by a single operator and oral hygiene status was analyzed using gingival index and plaque index on follow-up durations at 1, 2, 3, and 6 months. Yoga exercises comprised of warming up, stretching, yoga breathing exercises or pranayama, and/or relaxation process. Statistical analysis was performed by use of IBM SPSS Version 20.0. (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY) software designed for Windows. Intra-group comparison between categorical variables was done by statistical test-paired student 't-test'.

RESULTS

On comparing plaque indices, the mean ± SD plaque index at 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd, and 6^th months were 1.89 ± 0.02, 1.72 ± 0.01, 1.42 ± 0.12, and 0.56 ± 0.02, respectively. Mean ± SD gingival index scores at 1^st month, 2^nd month, 3^rd month, and 6^th-month durations, scores were 1.76 ± 0.06, 1.57 ± 0.12, 1.23 ± 0.02, and 0.76 ± 0.01, respectively. Statistical significance difference was noted on comparing the indices scores.

CONCLUSION

Yoga practice has been shown to improve toothbrushing skills and oral hygiene in Parkinson's disease patients.

Disseminated tuberculosis presenting as cutaneous leucocytoclastic vasculitis

Cutaneous leucocytoclastic vasculitis (CLV) is a type of small vessel vasculitis, predominantly presenting with palpable purpuras and sometimes with systemic manifestations. The following report describes the case of a woman, who presented with fever, anorexia and maculopapular lesions over both lower limbs. Skin biopsy revealed CLV. CT scan demonstrated bilateral pulmonary nodules, ileocecal wall thickening and generalised lymphadenopathy. Colonoscopy guided biopsy obtained from ileocecal valve ulcer showed epitheloid cell granuloma with Langhans-type giant cells and caseous necrosis. Rapid clinical improvement was seen with anti-tubercular therapy. Among infectious causes, although rare and an uncommon presentation, Mycobacterium tuberculosis should be considered as an important cause of CLV.

Vinpocetine mitigates DMH-induce pre-neoplastic colon damage in rats through inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is currently recognized as the third most prevalent cancer worldwide. Vinpocetine is a synthetic derivative of the vinca alkaloid vincamine. It has been found effective in ameliorating the growth and progression of cancerous cells. However, its pharmacological effect on colon damage remains elusive. Hence, in this study, we have shown the role of vinpocetine in DMH-induced colon carcinogenesis. At first, male albino Wistar rats were administered with DMH consistently for four weeks to induce pre-neoplastic colon damage. Afterward, animals were treated with vinpocetine (4.2 and 8.4 mg/kg/day p.o.) for 15 days. Serum samples were collected to assess the physiological parameters, including ELISA and NMR metabolomics. Colon from all the groups was collected and processed separately for histopathology and western blot analysis. Vinpocetine attenuated the altered plasma parameters; lipid profile and showed anti-proliferative action as evidenced by suppressed COX-2 stimulation and decreased levels of IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, and IL-10. Vinpocetine is significantly effective in preventing CRC which may be associated with its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential. Accordingly, vinpocetine could serve as a potential anticancer agent for CRC treatment and thus be considered for future clinical and therapeutic research.

Primary sphincter repair after fistulectomy: A simple and safe option for complex fistula-in-ano

Complete tract excision for complex fistula-in-ano, where the sphincter, is divided is increasingly being followed by immediate sphincter repair. We concluded, by a prospective study conducted on 60 consecutive patients, that this procedure is feasible and safe, and polydioxanone and polyglactin 910 in repair result in a comparable outcome.

Heroin use and neuropsychological impairments: comparison of intravenous and inhalational use

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Injection and inhalational heroin use are associated with different levels of brain exposure to heroin and its metabolites and differences in the severity of dependence, which might lead to differential impacts on neuropsychological functions. We examined the difference and the magnitude of difference in the neuropsychological functions between inhalational and injection heroin-dependent subjects and also compared them with healthy controls.

METHODS

The study sample comprised three groups: 73 subjects with injection heroin dependence, 74 with inhalational heroin dependence, and 75 healthy controls (HC). We excluded patients with HIV, head injury, epilepsy, and severe mental illness. Neuropsychological assessments were done by Standard Progressive Matrices, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), Iowa Gambling Task, Trail-Making Tests A and B (TMT), and Verbal and Visual Memory 1 and 2 Backtests (NBT). We estimated independent effects of the groups on various neuropsychological test parameters, adjusted for age and duration of dependence.

RESULTS

In the WCST, the inhalational heroin-dependent group took more trials to complete the first category and had higher scores in the failure to maintain set than controls. The intravenous group had higher total errors than controls in verbal working memory tests and Visual Working Memory 2 Backtest. This group scored higher commission errors in the Verbal 2 Backtest than the controls. The two groups of heroin users differed in failure to maintain set and Verbal Working Memory 2 Backtests. The effect sizes of the group differences were modest.

CONCLUSION AND SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE

Either route of heroin use is associated with cognitive impairments; inhalational and injection use involve different cognitive domains.