Cyfra 21–1 in Lung Cancer: Comparison with Cea, Ca 125, Scc and Nse Serum Levels

CYFRA 21–1, CEA, CA 125, SCC and NSE serum levels were determined in 50 healthy subjects and in 189 patients with primary lung cancer (101 with locoregional disease, 68 with recurrence and 20 patients with no evidence of residual disease (NED). Abnormal CYFRA 21–1 serum levels were found in 53.6% (90/168) of the patients with active cancer. Neither healthy subjects nor NED patients had abnormal serum levels. CYFRa 21–1 serum concentrations were significantly higher in patients with active cancer than in healthy subjects or in NED patients (p < 0.0001). CYFRA 21–1 sensitivity was related to tumor histology with abnormal levels in 64.7% of patients with NSCLC and in 30% of patients with SCLC (P <0.0001). In NSCLC, serum CYFRA 21–1 concentrations were also related to histological type, the highest values being found in squamous cell carcinomas and LCLC and the lowest in adenocarcinomas (p < 0.04). There was also a clear relationship between CYFRA 21–1 and tumor extension, with significantly higher values in patients with metastases than in those without metastases (p < 0.0001). Abnormal CEA values were found in 49.1%, CA 125 in 39%, SCC in 27.8% and NSE in 21.3% of the patients with active cancer. With respect to histological type, CYFRA was elevated in 68.3% of squamous cell carcinomas (CEA: 46.7%, SCC: 50%, CA 125:31.7%, NSE: 11.7%), in 54.8% of adenocarcinomas (CEA: 62%, SCC: 26.2%, CA 125: 59.5%, NSE: 9.5%), in 78.6% of LCLC (CEA: 64.3%, SCC: 28.6%, CA 125: 78.6%, NSE: 7.1%) and in 30% of SCLC (CEA: 37.7%, SCC: 3.8%, CA 125:20.8%, NSE: 45.3%). In summary, CYFRA 21–1 is the most sensitive tumor marker in patients with lung cancer, especially in NSCLC patients.

Mucin-Like Carcinoma-Associated Antigen (MCA) in Tissue and Serum of Patients with Breast Cancer: Clinical Applications in Prognosis and Disease Monitoring

Mucin-like Carcinoma-associated Antigen (MCA) has been associated with many breast cancers. The aim of this study was to evaluate MCA in tumor tissue and serum as a potential tumor marker for prognosis and disease monitoring. MCA levels were determined in the tissue of 196 patients with primary breast cancer, 25 with metastatic disease and 25 patients with benign diseases, in pellet and/or cytosol. MCA levels were also determined in the serum of 50 patients with benign diseases, 148 with primary breast cancer (Mo), 150 with metastatic breast cancer (MT), and 200 with no clinical evidence of disease (NED). MCA tissue concentrations in pellet and cytosol were similar: 66.7 + 251 U/mg and 41.1 + 53 U/mg, respectively. No relationship between MCA levels and tumor size or nodal involvement was found. Higher MCA levels were observed in patients with ER + or PgR + tumors than in those with ER- or PgR- tumors (p < 0.01). Patients with MCA pellet concentrations lower than 10 U/mg of protein had shorter disease - free intervals (DFI) than those with higher values (p < 0.05).

Abnormally high serum levels of MCA were found in 8% of patients with benign diseases, 4% of NED patients, 22% of Mo patients, and in 76% of MT cases. In primary breast cancer MCA values were related to tumor size and nodal involvement. A trend toward a lower DFI in patients with elevated presurgical MCA levels was observed but was of no statistical significance. These differences became statistically significant when patients were subdivided according to nodal status, with shorter DFI in those without nodal invasion (p < 0.05). In metastatic patients, changes in serum MCA were related to the tumor's response to treatment in 82% of cases. The highest MCA values were found in patients with liver or bone metastasis and the lowest values were found in those with locoregional recurrence. In conclusion, although MCA is not a specific tumor marker, it can be useful as a prognostic factor (tissue and serum) and in monitoring metastatic patients.

Testicular seminoma: Are clinical features and treatment outcomes any different in India?

AIM

This study aims to identify clinical features, treatment outcomes, and prognostic factors for relapse and survival in patients with testicular seminoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective analysis of all patients with pure seminoma treated at our center during over a decade (January 2005-December 2014) was carried out. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, and treatment details and pattern of recurrence were recorded in a structured format, and disease-free survival and overall survival were calculated.

RESULTS

Sixty-three patients' case records were included in the analysis. Ten patients developed disease in the undescended testis. All patients underwent orchiectomy as the initial treatment procedure. Majority of the patients were Stage I (57.14%) followed by Stage II (39.6%). Among the patients with Stage I, 55.5% received adjuvant chemotherapy while 22.2% received adjuvant radiation and the rest opted for surveillance. The compliance for active surveillance was very poor. Among patients with Stage II disease, majority (80%) were treated with adjuvant chemotherapy and the rest with radiation. At a median follow-up of 49 months, there were four recurrences of which three were salvaged successfully, and one patient remained alive with disease. There were no disease-related deaths.

CONCLUSIONS

Testicular seminoma remains to be relatively low and majority of them presented with Stage I disease and single agent carboplatin appeared to be the preferred adjuvant treatment. Advanced disease patients were treated with etoposide and cisplatin/bleomycin, etoposide and cisplatin chemotherapy and the clinical outcome is comparable with the Western literature.

HCV viraemia associates with NK cell activation and dysfunction in antiretroviral therapy-treated HIV/HCV-co-infected subjects

The impact of hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA levels on immune status in chronically HCV mono-infected when compared to HIV/HCV co-infected on antiretroviral therapy (ART) remains poorly understood. A total of 78 African American subjects HCV viraemic/naïve to HCV treatment (33 HCV genotype 1 mono-infected, 45 ART-treated HIV/HCV genotype 1 co-infected) were studied. Clinical and liver enzyme measurements were performed. Whole blood was analysed for immune subset changes by flow cytometry. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were used for same-day constitutive and in vitro Interferon (IFN)-α-induced signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) phosphorylation, K562 target cell lysis and K562 target cell recognition-mediated IFN-γ production. Statistical analysis was performed using R (2.5.1) or JMP Pro 11. While both groups did not differ in the level of liver enzymes, HIV/HCV had higher T-cell activation/exhaustion, and constitutive STAT-1 phosphorylation compared to HCV. In contrast, CD4⁺ FoxP3⁺ CD25⁺ frequency, IFN-αR expression on NK cells, as well as constitutive and IFN-α-induced direct cytotoxicity were lower in HIV/HCV. Linear regression models further supported these results. Finally, increase in HCV viral load and CD4⁺ T-cell count had an opposite effect between the two groups on NK cell activity and T-cell activation, respectively. HCV viral load in ART-treated HIV/HCV co-infection was associated with greater immune activation/exhaustion and NK dysfunction than HCV viral load alone in HCV mono-infection. The more pronounced immune modulation noted in ART-treated HIV-co-infected/untreated HCV viraemic subjects may impact HCV disease progression and/or response to immunotherapy.

A 5-μm pitch charge-coupled device optimized for resonant inelastic soft X-ray scattering

We have developed a charge-coupled device (CCD) with 5 μm × 45 μm pixels on high-resistivity silicon. The fully depleted 200 μm-thick silicon detector is back-illuminated through a 10 nm-thick in situ doped polysilicon window and is thus highly efficient for soft through >8 keV hard X-rays. The device described here is a 1.5 megapixel CCD with 2496 × 620 pixels. The pixel and camera geometry was optimized for Resonant Inelastic X-ray Scattering (RIXS) and is particularly advantageous for spectrometers with limited arm lengths. In this article, we describe the device architecture, construction and operation, and its performance during tests at the Advance Light Source (ALS) 8.0.1 RIXS beamline. The improved spectroscopic performance, when compared with a current standard commercial camera, is demonstrated with a ∼280 eV (C_K) X-ray beam on a graphite sample. Readout noise is typically 3-6 electrons and the point spread function for soft C_K X-rays in the 5 μm direction is 4.0 μm ± 0.2 μm. The measured quantum efficiency of the CCD is greater than 75% in the range from 200 eV to 1 keV.

(+)-Camphor-mediated kinetic resolution of allylalanes: a strategy towards enantio-enriched cyclohex-2-en-1-ylalane

An efficient (+)-camphor-mediated kinetic resolution of racemic cyclohex-2-en-1-ylalane is described. This approach provides an enantiomerically enriched form of the alane, in situ available for synthetic uses. Applied to the allylation of aldehydes, this protocol leads to the corresponding homoallylalcohols in a highly enantioselective manner.

Body dysmorphic disorder in patients undergoing septorhinoplasty surgery: should we be performing routine screening?

OBJECTIVE

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is defined as having a preoccupation with a perceived flaw in one's appearance, which appears slight to others and significantly interferes with a person's functioning. When undetected in septorhinoplasty patients, it will often lead to poor outcomes.

DESIGN

We performed a prospective cohort study to determine the prevalence of BDD in our patients and whether surgical correction could be considered.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

We recruited 34 patients being considered for septorhinoplasty in a tertiary referral rhinology clinic and a control group of 50 from the otology clinic giving a total of 84.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Participants completed the Body Dysmorphic Disorder Questionnaire (BDDQ), the sino-nasal outcome test-23 (SNOT-23) and underwent nasal inspiratory peak flow (NIPF). Those found to be at high risk for BDD were referred to a clinical psychologist.

RESULTS

Of the septorhinoplasty patients, 11 (32%) were high risk for BDD. Following psychological assessment, 7 (63%) patients were felt to be unsuitable for surgery and were offered psychological therapy. SNOT-23 scores were significantly higher in the BDD group indicating a negative impact on quality of life. NIPF readings were not significantly different in the BDD group compared to the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

The BDDQ is a valid tool for identifying patients at risk of BDD. A close working relationship with clinical psychology has been advantageous to help the selection process of candidates for surgery when there is a high risk of BDD.

Copper complexes bearing 2-aminobenzothiazole derivatives as potential antioxidant: Synthesis, characterization

Novel copper complexes of Schiff base ligands of 2-aminobenzothiazole derivatives were synthesized by the condensation of Knoevenagel condensate of acetoacetanilide (obtained from substituted benzaldehydes and acetoacetanilide) and 2-aminobenzothiazole. They were characterized by elemental analysis, IR, (1)H NMR, UV-Vis., molar conductance, magnetic susceptibility measurements and electrochemical studies. Based on the magnetic moment and electronic spectral data, square planar geometry has been suggested for all the complexes. Antibacterial and antifungal screening of the ligands and their complexes reveal that all the complexes show higher activities than the ligands. The binding behaviour of the complexes with calf thymus DNA has been investigated by electronic absorption spectra, viscosity measurements and cyclic voltammetry. The DNA binding constants reveal that all these complexes interact with DNA through intercalation binding mode. Superoxide dismutase and antioxidant activities of the copper complexes have also been studied. The antioxidant activities of the complexes showed higher activities. Thermal denaturation studies suggested the nature binding affinity of copper complexes with CT-DNA. All complexes exhibit suitable Cu(II)/Cu(I) redox potential to act as antioxidant enzymes mimic. Further, the copper complexes also showed catalase activity. It is hope that copper complexes were capable of decrease ROS levels or reduce oxidative stress in Alzheimer's patients.

Synthesis, spectral characterization, DNA interaction, anticancer and molecular docking studies on some transition metal complexes with bidentate ligand

The ligand, N(2),N(3)-bis(3-nitrophenyl)quinoxaline-2.3-diamine was prepared by the condensation of quinoxaline-2.3(1,4H)-dione with 3-nitroaniline. It was treated with Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) acetates to form the metal complexes. These were characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductance, magnetic moment, UV-Vis., IR, (1)H NMR, ESR and mass spectral data. Octahedral geometry has been assigned to Co(II), Ni(II) and Zn(II) complexes, whereas Cu(II) complex has distorted octahedral geometry. From the powder XRD data, crystallite size and unit cell parameters were calculated. The surface morphology of the synthesized compounds were determined using SEM analysis. The antimicrobial activity of the compounds against some bacterial species viz. Escherichiacoli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeuruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus; also the fungal species, Aspergillus niger, and Candida albicans were done by disc diffusion method. DNA binding, cleavage and super oxide anion scavenging activities were also evaluated. The DNA binding activity of the compounds were identified using electronic absorption titrations and DNA cleavage was determined using gel electrophoresis. The anticancer activities of the compounds against HeLa cell line were determined using MTT assay. The highly potent compound among the five against HeLa cell line is subjected to molecular docking study against human papilloma virus receptor molecule and ATP binding site of telomerase.

Generative Model for Conceptual Design of Defence Equipment

<p>Requirement study and analysis forms a key component in conceptual design of new products and systems. For complex systems like defence equipment, concept design is very important and should primarily satisfy all user requirements. Brings out a new generative model for concept design of defence systems using principles of systems engineering. A structured model and methodology is presented starting from capturing the user requirements, developing multiple solutions, short listing the candidate solutions and finally selecting one or two feasible designs. The model and process is illustrated with the help of a case study on the development of a torpedo defence system for naval ships.</p><p><strong>Defence Science Journal, Vol. 66, No. 1, January 2016, pp. 81-87, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.14429/dsj.66.9105</strong></p>

New oral anticoagulants: a practical guide on prescription, laboratory testing and peri-procedural/bleeding management. Australasian Society of Thrombosis and Haemostasis

New oral anticoagulants (NOAC) are becoming available as alternatives to warfarin to prevent systemic embolism in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation and for the treatment and prevention of venous thromboembolism. An in-depth understanding of their pharmacology is invaluable for appropriate prescription and optimal management of patients receiving these drugs should unexpected complications (such as bleeding) occur, or the patient requires urgent surgery. The Australasian Society of Thrombosis and Haemostasis has set out to inform physicians on the use of the different NOAC based on current available evidence focusing on: (i) selection of the most suitable patient groups to receive NOAC, (ii) laboratory measurements of NOAC in appropriate circumstances and (iii) management of patients taking NOAC in the perioperative period, and strategies to manage bleeding complications or 'reverse' the anticoagulant effects for urgent invasive procedures.

Thermally flexible epoxy/cellulose blends mediated by an ionic liquid

Blends between the widely used thermoset resin, epoxy, and the most abundant organic material, natural cellulose are demonstrated for the first time.

Synthesis and characterization of metal complexes of Schiff base ligand derived from imidazole-2-carboxaldehyde and 4-aminoantipyrine

The Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes of the Schiff base derived from imidazole-2-carboxaldehyde and 4-aminoantipyrine were synthesized. These compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, IR, mass, (1)H NMR, electronic spectra, magnetic moment, molar conductance, thermal analysis, powder XRD and SEM. The analytical data show that the metal to ligand ratio is 1:1. The IR results show that the ligand acts as a bidentate donor coordinating through the azomethine nitrogen and imidazole nitrogen atoms. From the electronic spectra and magnetic moment value predicts the geometry of the complexes. The surface morphology of the compounds was studied by SEM. The compounds were screened for their antibacterial activity and antifungal activity using Kirby Bayer disc diffusion method. The DNA cleavage and superoxide dismutase activities of the compounds were investigated. The anticancer activities of the complexes have been carried out towards HeLa and HCT116 cancer cells.

Detection and identification of oxidants formed during •NO/O2•⁻ reaction: a multi-well plate CW-EPR spectroscopy combined with HPLC analyses

New techniques and probes are routinely emerging for detecting short-lived free radicals such as superoxide radical anion (O₂(•-)), nitric oxide ((•)NO), and transient oxidants derived from peroxynitrite (ONOO(-)/ONOOH). Recently, we reported the profiles of oxidation products (2-hydroxyethidium, ethidium, and various dimeric products) of the fluorogenic probe hydroethidine (HE) in the (•)NO/O₂(•-) system (Zielonka et al. 2012). In this study, we used HPLC analyses of HE oxidation products in combination with continuous wave electron paramagnetic resonance (CW-EPR) spin trapping with 5-tert-butoxycarbonyl-5-methyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide (BMPO) to define the identity of the oxidizing species formed in the (•)NO/O₂(•-) system. EPR spin-trapping technique is still considered as the gold standard for characterization of free radicals and their intermediates. We monitored formation of BMPO-superoxide (BMPO-(•)OOH) and BMPO-hydroxyl (BMPO-(•)OH) radical adducts. Simultaneous analyses of results from EPR spin-trapping and HPLC measurements are helpful in the interpretation of the mechanism of formation of products of HE oxidation.

Hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma, immunosuppressive agents and biologicals: what are the risks?

We present three cases of the rare hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma (HSTCL); two patients suffering from Crohn disease who developed HSTCL on azathioprine without exposure to biologicals, and a third patient who had psoriasis treated using etanercept, cyclosporine and methotrexate. The evidence for an association between HSTCL and immunosuppressive drugs and biologicals is reviewed. We argue for improved pharmacovigilance processes to help determine the benefit to risk ratios for the use of these and other new agents.

Exercise as a bronchodilator

In "Notes on Asthma" published in 1873, John Thorowgood stated that "daily exercise in the open air should not be neglected, and several cases testify to the effect of a steady walk in preventing an attack of asthma even when it already threatens". Similarly, Salter (1868) suggested that he was "puzzled by the fact" that exercise appeared to help some of his patients. From what we know today, it may be suggested that these patients were in fact, benefiting from the bronchodilation caused by exercise.