Effects of copper nanoparticles on performance, muscle and bone characteristics and serum metabolites in broilers

Abstract Three hundred and twenty day old Hubbard broilers were randomly allocated to four treatments (8 replicates, 10 birds/pen) and were raised under standard management conditions. Birds in the first group served as control and were fed a corn based diet, while birds in the remaining three groups i.e.; A, B and C were fed with a basal diet supplemented with copper nanoparticles (CuNP) at 5, 10 and 15 mg /kg of diet respectively for 35 days. Supplementation of CuNP linearly increased (P≤0.05) body weight (BW), average daily weight gain (ADWG) and feed intake (FI) in broilers. Uric acid, glucose levels in blood and feed conversion ratio (FCR) reduced linearly (P≤0.05) with CuNP supplementation in diet. Supplementation of CuNP in the diet also linearly increased (P≤0.05) tibia weight, length, diameter, weight/length index (W/L) and Tibiotarsal index (TT index). Inclusion of CuNP in broilers diet linearly increased the measured parameters of muscle i.e.; pH, fiber diameter, fiber cross-sectional area, fascicle diameter, fascicle cross-sectional area (P≤0.05). Concentration of copper, iron, calcium and phosphorous in blood also increased line-arly (P ≤ 0.05) with CuNP supplementation. Overall, CuNP positively affected the growth performance, histological characteristics of muscles, bone strength and serum metabolites in broilers.

Facile hydrothermal synthesis of BiVO4 nanomaterials for degradation of industrial waste

Bismuth Vanadate (BiVO₄) has been synthesized using simple hydrothermal technique while varying the pH of concentrated H₂SO₄. With the increase of pH values (from 06 to 10), the morphology of the synthesized material tuned in the form of nano-spheres and cubes in the range from 50 to 60 nm. The lateral affect tuned the bandgap of BiVO₄ from 2.47 eV to 2.50 eV which is significant in the context of present study. It is worth mentioning that desirous bandgap corresponds to the visible spectrum of the solar light being abundantly available and finds many applications in real life. The synthesized nanomaterial BiVO₄ has been characterized through UV-Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Scanning electron microscope and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy. The synthesized BiVO₄ has been tested as photocatalyst for degradation of industrial pollutant from Leather Field Industry. Said catalyst (BiVO₄) successfully degraded the industrial pollutant after 3 h under solar light irradiation. Therefore, the BiVO₄ can be regarded as potential photocatalyst for degradation of industrial waste which is highly needed.

Constraints on Heavy Decaying Dark Matter from 570 Days of LHAASO Observations

The kilometer square array (KM2A) of the large high altitude air shower observatory (LHAASO) aims at surveying the northern γ-ray sky at energies above 10 TeV with unprecedented sensitivity. γ-ray observations have long been one of the most powerful tools for dark matter searches, as, e.g., high-energy γ rays could be produced by the decays of heavy dark matter particles. In this Letter, we present the first dark matter analysis with LHAASO-KM2A, using the first 340 days of data from 1/2-KM2A and 230 days of data from 3/4-KM2A. Several regions of interest are used to search for a signal and account for the residual cosmic-ray background after γ/hadron separation. We find no excess of dark matter signals, and thus place some of the strongest γ-ray constraints on the lifetime of heavy dark matter particles with mass between 10^{5} and 10^{9}  GeV. Our results with LHAASO are robust, and have important implications for dark matter interpretations of the diffuse astrophysical high-energy neutrino emission.

Colchicine anti-inflammatory therapy for non-intensive care unit hospitalized COVID-19 patients: results from a pilot open-label, randomized controlled clinical trial

Systemic inflammation is a hallmark of severe coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19). Anti-inflammatory therapy is considered crucial to modulate the hyperinflammatory response (cytokine storm) in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. There is currently no specific, conclusively proven, cost-efficient, and worldwide available anti-inflammatory therapy available to treat COVID-19 patients with cytokine storm. The present study aimed to investigate the treatment benefit of oral colchicine for hospitalized COVID-19 patients with suspected cytokine storm. Colchicine is an approved drug and possesses multiple anti-inflammatory mechanisms. This was a pilot, open-label randomized controlled clinical trial comparing standard of care (SOC) plus oral colchicine (colchicine arm) vs. SOC alone (control arm) in non-ICU hospitalized COVID-19 patients with suspected cytokine storm. Colchicine treatment was initiated within first 48 hours of admission delivered at 1.5 mg loading dose, followed by 0.5 mg b.i.d. for next 6 days and 0.5 mg q.d. for the second week. A total of 96 patients were randomly allocated to the colchicine (n=48) and control groups (n=48). Both colchicine and control group patients experienced similar clinical outcomes by day 14 of hospitalization. Treatment outcome by day 14 in colchicine vs control arm: recovered and discharged alive: 36 (75.0%) vs. 37 (77.1%), remain admitted after 14-days: 4 (8.3%) vs. 5 (10.4%), ICU transferred: 4 (8.3%) vs. 3 (6.3%), and mortality: 4 (8.3%) vs. 3 (6.3%). The speed of improvement of COVID-19 acute symptoms including shortness of breath, fever, cough, the need of supplementary oxygen, and oxygen saturation level, was almost identical in the two groups. Length of hospitalization was on average 1.5 day shorter in the colchicine group. There was no evidence for a difference between the two groups in the follow-up serum levels of inflammatory biomarkers including C-reactive protein (CRP), D-dimer, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), ferritin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), high-sensitivity troponin T (hs-TnT) and N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide (NT pro-BNP). According to the results of our study, oral colchicine does not appear to show clinical benefits in non-ICU hospitalized COVID-19 patients with suspected cytokine storm. It is possible that the anti-inflammatory pathways of colchicine are not crucially involved in the pathogenesis of COVID-19.

Introduction of Small Stitch Small Bite technique: a retrospective long-term follow-up

Purpose

Standardization of abdominal wall closure is suggested to improve quality and reduce the risk for late abdominal wall complications. The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of a structured introduction of guidelines for abdominal wall closure on the rates of incisional hernia and wound dehiscence.

Methods

All procedures performed via a midline incision in 2010–2011 and 2016–2017 at Capio St Göran’s Hospital were identified and assessed for complications and risk factors.

Results

Six hundred two procedures were registered in 2010–2011, and 518 in 2016–2017. Four years after the implementation of new guidelines, 93% of procedures were performed using the standardized technique. There was no significant difference in the incidence of incisional hernia or wound dehiscence between the groups. In multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis, BMI > 25, wound dehiscence, and postoperative wound infection were found to be independent risk factors for incisional hernia (all p < 0.05). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, male gender and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were risk factors for wound dehiscence (both p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The present study failed to show a significant improvement in rates of incisional hernia and wound dehiscence after the introduction of Small Stitch Small Bites. When introducing a new standardized technique for closing the abdomen, education and structural implementation of guidelines may have an impact in the long run. The risk factors identified should be taken into consideration when closing a midline incision to identify patients with high risk.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00423-022-02530-8.

Fungal conversion of chicken-feather waste into biofortified compost

Poultry industry is amongst highly developed industries of Pakistan, fulfilling the protein demand of rapidly increasing population. On the other hand, the untreated poultry waste is causing several health and environmental problems. The current study was designed to check the potential of keratinolytic fungal species for the conversion of chicken-feather waste into biofortified compost. For the purpose, three fungal species were isolated from soil samples. These strains were pure cultured and then characterized phenotypically and genotypically. BLAST searches of 18S rDNA nucleotide sequence of the fungal isolates revealed that the two fungal isolates belonged to genus Aspergillus and one belonged to genus Chrysosporium. Optimum temperature for Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger and Chrysosporium queenslandicum was 29, 26 and 25 oC, respectively. A. flavus showed maximum (53%) feather degradation, A. niger degraded feather waste up to 37%, while C. queenslandicum showed 21% keratinolytic activity on chicken feathers at their respective temperature optima. The degradation potential of these fungal species showed their ability to form compost that has agro-industrial importance.

Exploring Lorentz Invariance Violation from Ultrahigh-Energy γ Rays Observed by LHAASO

Recently, the LHAASO Collaboration published the detection of 12 ultrahigh-energy γ-ray sources above 100 TeV, with the highest energy photon reaching 1.4 PeV. The first detection of PeV γ rays from astrophysical sources may provide a very sensitive probe of the effect of the Lorentz invariance violation (LIV), which results in decay of high-energy γ rays in the superluminal scenario and hence a sharp cutoff of the energy spectrum. Two highest energy sources are studied in this work. No signature of the existence of the LIV is found in their energy spectra, and the lower limits on the LIV energy scale are derived. Our results show that the first-order LIV energy scale should be higher than about 10^{5} times the Planck scale M_{Pl} and that the second-order LIV scale is >10^{-3}M_{Pl}. Both limits improve by at least one order of magnitude the previous results.

Peta-electron volt gamma-ray emission from the Crab Nebula

The Crab Nebula is a bright source of gamma rays powered by the Crab Pulsar's rotational energy through the formation and termination of a relativistic electron-positron wind. We report the detection of gamma rays from this source with energies from 5 × 10^-4 to 1.1 peta-electron volts with a spectrum showing gradual steepening over three energy decades. The ultrahigh-energy photons imply the presence of a peta-electron volt electron accelerator (a pevatron) in the nebula, with an acceleration rate exceeding 15% of the theoretical limit. We constrain the pevatron's size between 0.025 and 0.1 parsecs and the magnetic field to ≈110 microgauss. The production rate of peta-electron volt electrons, 2.5 × 10³⁶ ergs per second, constitutes 0.5% of the pulsar spin-down luminosity, although we cannot exclude a contribution of peta-electron volt protons to the production of the highest-energy gamma rays.

Extended Very-High-Energy Gamma-Ray Emission Surrounding PSR J0622+3749 Observed by LHAASO-KM2A

We report the discovery of an extended very-high-energy (VHE) gamma-ray source around the location of the middle-aged (207.8 kyr) pulsar PSR J0622+3749 with the Large High-Altitude Air Shower Observatory (LHAASO). The source is detected with a significance of 8.2σ for E>25  TeV assuming a Gaussian template. The best-fit location is (right ascension, declination) =(95.47°±0.11°,37.92°±0.09°), and the extension is 0.40°±0.07°. The energy spectrum can be described by a power-law spectrum with an index of -2.92±0.17_{stat}±0.02_{sys}. No clear extended multiwavelength counterpart of the LHAASO source has been found from the radio to sub-TeV bands. The LHAASO observations are consistent with the scenario that VHE electrons escaped from the pulsar, diffused in the interstellar medium, and scattered the interstellar radiation field. If interpreted as the pulsar halo scenario, the diffusion coefficient, inferred for electrons with median energies of ∼160  TeV, is consistent with those obtained from the extended halos around Geminga and Monogem and much smaller than that derived from cosmic ray secondaries. The LHAASO discovery of this source thus likely enriches the class of so-called pulsar halos and confirms that high-energy particles generally diffuse very slowly in the disturbed medium around pulsars.

Ultrahigh-energy photons up to 1.4 petaelectronvolts from 12 γ-ray Galactic sources

The extension of the cosmic-ray spectrum beyond 1 petaelectronvolt (PeV; 10¹⁵ electronvolts) indicates the existence of the so-called PeVatrons-cosmic-ray factories that accelerate particles to PeV energies. We need to locate and identify such objects to find the origin of Galactic cosmic rays¹. The principal signature of both electron and proton PeVatrons is ultrahigh-energy (exceeding 100 TeV) γ radiation. Evidence of the presence of a proton PeVatron has been found in the Galactic Centre, according to the detection of a hard-spectrum radiation extending to 0.04 PeV (ref. ²). Although γ-rays with energies slightly higher than 0.1 PeV have been reported from a few objects in the Galactic plane^3-6, unbiased identification and in-depth exploration of PeVatrons requires detection of γ-rays with energies well above 0.1 PeV. Here we report the detection of more than 530 photons at energies above 100 teraelectronvolts and up to 1.4 PeV from 12 ultrahigh-energy γ-ray sources with a statistical significance greater than seven standard deviations. Despite having several potential counterparts in their proximity, including pulsar wind nebulae, supernova remnants and star-forming regions, the PeVatrons responsible for the ultrahigh-energy γ-rays have not yet been firmly localized and identified (except for the Crab Nebula), leaving open the origin of these extreme accelerators.

Permanent pacemaker implantation associated tricuspid regurgitation

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of tricuspid regurgitation in patients with dual-chamber permanent pacemaker implantation.

METHODS

This study included 153 patients undergoing permanent pacemaker implantation. All eligible candidates had baseline transthoracic echocardiography to rule out preexisting tricuspid regurgitation. Echocardiography across the tricuspid valve was repeated one month after permanent pacemaker implantation, and the frequency of significant tricuspid regurgitation was determined. The associations of potential effect modifiers (age, sex, height, body mass index categories, diabetes, and hypertension) with tricuspid regurgitation were assessed individually using simple and multivariable logistic regression models.

RESULTS

After dual-chamber permanent pacemaker implantation, significant tricuspid regurgitation was present in 22 (15.8%) patients. Tricuspid regurgitation was significantly associated with body mass index >30 kg·m^-2 (odds ratio = 32.84, 95% confidence interval: 1.26-853.82, p = 0.04).

CONCLUSION

Significant tricuspid regurgitation was present in substantial number of patients after dual-chamber pacemaker implantation and was independently associated with body mass index >30 kg·m^-2.

Frequency of risk factors in patients of acute coronary syndrome due to coronary ectasia

BACKGROUND

Coronary artery ectasia is a relatively common entity characterized by inappropriate dilatation of the coronary vasculature. In some cases of acute coronary syndrome without obstructive coronary lesions, coronary ectasia is the sole cause. The exact mechanism of its development is unknown but evidence suggests a combination of genetic predisposition, common risk factors for coronary artery disease, and abnormal vessel wall metabolism. As there are few data regarding the pattern of coronary risk factors in patients with coronary ectasia, the objective of the study was to determine the frequency and distribution of coronary risk factors in patients with acute coronary syndrome solely due to coronary ectasia.

METHODS

The study included 155 patients over a period of 6 months, with coronary angiographic evidence of coronary ectasia as the sole cause of acute coronary syndrome. There were 79 (51%) men and 76 (49%) women with a mean age 51.92 ± 7.83 years; 73 (47.10%) were aged 20-50 years and 82 (52.90%) were 51-80 years of age. The frequencies of coronary risk factors were stratified according to sex and the two age groups.

RESULTS

Seventy-one patients (45.80%) had diabetes mellitus, 83 (53.54%) had hypertension, 55 (35.48%) were smokers, 46 (29.68%) had dyslipidemia, and 47 (30.3%) were obese.

CONCLUSION

Hypertension is the leading coronary risk factors in patients with acute coronary syndrome solely due to coronary ectasia, followed by diabetes mellitus and smoking.

Evaluating feasibility and acceptability of a group WHO trans-diagnostic intervention for women with common mental disorders in rural Pakistan: a cluster randomised controlled feasibility trial

AIMS

The aim of this feasibility trial was to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of the locally adapted Group Problem Management Plus (PM+) intervention for women in the conflict affected settings in Swat, Pakistan.

METHODS

This mixed-methods study incorporated a quantitative component consisting of a two arm cluster randomised controlled feasibility trial, and qualitative evaluation of the acceptability of the Group PM+ to a range of stakeholder groups. For the quantitative component, on average from each of the 20 Lady Health Workers (LHWs) catchment area (20 clusters), six women were screened and recruited for the trial with score of >2 on the General Health Questionnaire and score of >16 on the WHO Disability Assessment Schedule. These LHW clusters were randomised on a 1 : 1 allocation ratio using a computer-based software through a simple randomisation method to the Group PM+ intervention or Enhanced Usual Care. The Group PM+ intervention consisted of five weekly sessions of 2 h duration delivered by local non-specialist females under supervision. The primary outcome was individual psychological distress, measured by levels of anxiety and depression on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale at 7th week after baseline. Secondary outcomes include symptoms of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), general psychological profile, levels of functioning and generalised psychological distress. Intervention acceptability was explored through in-depth interviews.

RESULTS

The results show that lay-helpers with no prior mental health experience can be trained to achieve the desired competency to successfully deliver the intervention in community settings under supervision. There was a good intervention uptake, with Group PM+ considered useful by participants, their families and lay-helpers. The outcome evaluation, which was not based on a large enough study to identify statistically significant results, indicated statistically significant improvements in depression, anxiety, general psychological profile and functioning. The PTSD symptoms and depressive disorder scores showed a trend in favour of the intervention.

CONCLUSION

This trial showed robust acceptance in the local settings with delivery by non-specialists under supervision by local trained females. The trial paves the way for further adaptation and exploration of the outcomes through larger-scale implementation and definitive randomised controlled trials in the local settings.

Promoter methylation and gene polymorphism are two independent events in regulation of GSTP1 gene expression

Breast carcinogenesis is a multistep process, involving both genetic and epigenetic modification process of genes, involved in diverse pathways ranging from DNA repair to metabolic processes. This study was undertaken to assess the role of promoter methylation of GSTP1 gene, a member of glutathione-S-transferase family of enzymes, in relation to its expression, polymorphism, and clinicopathological parameters. Tissue samples were taken from breast cancer patients and paired with their normal adjacent tissues. A total of 51 subjects were studied, in which the frequency of promoter methylation in cancerous tissue was 37.25% as against 11% in the normal tissues ( p ≤ 0.001). The hypermethylated status of the gene was significantly associated with the loss of the protein expression ( r = −0.449, p = 0.001, odds ratio = 7.42, 95% confidence interval = 2.05–26.92). Furthermore, when compared with the clinical parameters, the significant association was found between the promoter hypermethylation and lymph node metastasis ( p ≤ 0.001), tumor stage ( p = 0.039), tumor grade ( p = 0.028), estrogen receptor status ( p = 0.018), and progesterone receptor status ( p = 0.046). Our study is the first of its kind in Kashmiri population, which indicates that GSTP1 shows aberrant methylation pattern in the breast cancer with the consequent loss in the protein expression. Furthermore, it also shows that the gene polymorphism (Ile105Val) at codon 105 is not related to the promoter methylation and two are the independent events in breast cancer development.

Perimenopausal bleeding: Patterns, pathology, response to progestins and clinical outcome

This prospective observational study was done on 400 perimenopausal patients who presented with abnormal uterine bleeding with selective endometrial lesions diagnosed on histopathology. Patients were followed to determine their response to progestin therapy and their final clinical outcome. The commonest bleeding pattern was menorrhagia (67.5%), the commonest pathology was simple endometrial hyperplasia without atypia (31%). 142 cases with non- atypical endometrial hyperplasia received progestin therapy with follow up, 100 cases (70.4%) experienced lesion regression, 38 cases (26.7%) experienced persistence and four cases (2.9%) experienced progression to atypia. Low dose progestin therapy (< 20 mg/day) was more effective when used for 4-5 months. Hysterectomy was done for 44 cases, due to atypical endometrial hyperplasia, persistence and progression of non atypical hyperplasia. Perimenopausal bleeding is mostly dysfunctional in origin but organic lesions remained a major concern which requires endometrial sampling with proper interpretation to achieve better clinical outcome.

RETRACTED: Nicorandil vs nifedipine for the treatment of preterm labour: a randomized clinical trial

This article has been retracted: please see Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal (http://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy). This article has been retracted at the request of the Editor-in-Chief. The editors were alerted to the following concerning features of this trial: The submission date is impossible. Patients were recruited at 24 to 34 weeks (mean 31 w). 18% of participants delivered after 37 weeks. Average recruitment 26 per month. Recruitment ended September 2014 but the paper was received by journal on 23 October 2014. The second author, Sayyed T, is co-author of related retracted papers in BJOG. In view of these concerns we wrote to Dr Rezk who had no satisfactory explanation and declined to share the data. We have therefore decided to retract.

Prevalence and risk factors of iron-deficiency anaemia among pregnant women in rural districts of Menoufia governorate, Egypt

This cross-sectional community-based study with analytic component was conducted among Egyptian pregnant women in rural districts during January to December 2013. A total of 2470 pregnant women were enrolled for laboratory tests for iron- deficiency anaemia (IDA). The prevalence of IDA was 51.3% (1267 of 2470); IDA affects about one in every two pregnant women in rural districts in Egypt. Women who are older than 30 years (Odds ratio [OR], 0.73) had more than three children (OR, 0.73), with body mass index less than 20 (OR, 1.57), shorter birth spacing less than 2 years (OR, 0.68), lack of antenatal care visits (OR, 1.25), low intake of foods of animal origin (OR, 1.57), vegetables and fruits (OR, 1.29) and having intestinal parasites (OR, 0.74) were positively associated with anaemia [at confidence interval 95%]. In addition to nutritional deficiency, multiparity and increasing maternal age are the main causes of IDA.

Methylation profile of promoter region of p16 gene in colorectal cancer patients of Kashmir valley

Colorectal cancer (CRC) commonly known as bowel cancer is the third most common cause of cancer-related deaths in the western world and has been reported to show geographical variation in its incidence. Cancer development and progression is a complex process dictated by changes in expression and regulation of various genes which include tumor suppressor genes, DNA repair genes, translation regulatory genes and others. The aim of this case control study was to analyze the promoter hypermethylation at CpG islands of p16 gene in CRC patients among the Kashmiri population and co- relate it with expression pattern of p16. Genomic DNA was isolated from surgically resected tumor and adjacent normal samples and was modified using bisulphite modification kit. Methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was setup for the analysis of the promoter hypermethylation of p16 gene. The epigenetic analysis revealed that unlike other high risk regions, Kashmiri population has a different promoter hypermethylation profile of p16 gene as 66 percent of the cases showed p16 promoter hypermethylation in comparison to 20 percent of the normal cases which also showed promoter hypermethylation of p16 gene. The association of promoter hypermethylation with colorectal cancer was found to be significant (P=0.0006). Occurrence of p16 promoter hypermethylation was found to be unequally distributed in males and females with more frequency in males than in females but the difference was not statistically significant(P =0.7635). Similarly, frequency of p16 promoter hypermethylation was found to be certainly higher in Stage III/IV (83.33 percent) compared to Stage I/II (56.25 percent) but the difference was not statistically significant (P =0.0673). Also, the degree of p16 promoter hypermethylation increased with the increasing severity of the lesion but the difference was not again statistically significant (P =0.6145). Promoter hypermethylation correlated with the decrease in expression of the p16 gene in CRC patients leading to the diseased phenotype. These results suggest that p16 aberrant promoter hypermethylation in Kashmiri population contributes to the process of carcinogenesis in CRC and may be developed into a valuable tool for CRC diagnosis at early stages.

Long-term follow up of patients proceeding to transplant using plerixafor mobilized stem cells and incidence of secondary myelodysplastic syndrome/AML

We report the long-term follow up of 49 patients (pts) enrolled on plerixafor compassionate use protocol. Thirty-seven pts (76%) had failed one previous mobilization attempt, while 12 (24%) had failed two or more previous attempts. Using the combination of plerixafor and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, we collected2.5 × 10(6) CD34+cells/kg in 33 pts (67%). Forty-three of the 49 pts proceeded to an auto-SCT (ASCT). The median days to WBC and platelet engraftment were 11 (range, 9-13 days) and 16 (range, 11-77 days) days post ASCT, respectively. The median WBC count, Hb and platelet counts 1 year after ASCT were 4.7 × 10(9)/L, 12.2 g/dL and 109 × 10(9)/L, respectively. With median follow up of 42 months (range <1-54 months), 21 pts had evidence of disease progression. Five pts developed myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)/AML at median of 29 months post ASCT. The cumulative incidence of MDS/AML at 42 months was 17% (95% confidence interval, 6 to 32%). Development of secondary MDS/AML in pts proceeding to ASCT after plerixafor mobilization needs to be studied further in a larger cohort.

Hookah smoking, nass chewing, and oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma in Kashmir, India

BACKGROUND

Although cigarette smoking is an established risk factor for oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), there is little information about the association between other smoking and smokeless tobacco products, including hookah and nass, and ESCC risk. We conducted a case-control study in Kashmir Valley, India, where hookah smoking, nass chewing, and ESCC are common, to investigate the association of hookah smoking, nass use, and several other habits with ESCC.

METHODS

We recruited 702 histologically confirmed ESCC cases and 1663 hospital-based controls, individually matched to the cases for age, sex, and district of residence from September 2008 to January 2012. Conditional logistic regression models were used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs).

RESULTS

Ever-hookah smoking (OR=1.85; 95% CI, 1.41-2.44) and nass chewing (OR=2.88; 95% CI, 2.06-4.04) were associated with ESCC risk. These associations were consistent across different measures of use, including intensity, duration, and cumulative amount of use, and after excluding ever users of the other product and cigarette smokers. Our results also suggest an increased risk of ESCC associated with ever-gutka chewing and -bidi smoking. However, the latter associations were based on small number of participants.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that hookah and nass use are associated with ESCC risk. As prevalence of hookah use seems to be increasing among young people worldwide, these results may have relevance not only for the regions in which hookah use has been a traditional habit, but also for other regions, including western countries.

Thymidylate synthase enhancer region polymorphism not related to susceptibility to acute lymphoblastic leukemia in the Kashmir population

Thymidylate synthase (TS) is a crucial enzyme in folate metabolism and plays a vital role in DNA synthesis and repair. The most common polymorphism in TS is a unique double (2R) or triple (3R) 28-bp tandem repeat sequence in the enhancer region of the TS gene (TSER). This genetic variation in TSER has been widely investigated and has been implicated as a risk factor for the development of various cancers, including acute lymphoblastic leukemia. It has also been found to influence sensitivity to anti-cancer drugs, such as methotrexate. We evaluated this polymorphism in acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients in the Kashmir population. In order to determine whether a double (2R2R) versus a triple (3R3R) 28-bp tandem repeat in the TSER modulates risk for acute lymphoblastic leukemia, 72 acute lymphoblastic leukemia cases and 144 age and gender matched, unrelated healthy individuals from the Kashmir region of India were evaluated for this polymorphism by PCR and direct sequencing. We found the frequency of the TS 2R allele to be 32.6 and 26.0%, in cases and controls, respectively. The TS 2R/2R genotype was found to be present in 15.27% of the cases and 9.72% of the controls, the 2R/3R variant in 34.72% of the cases and 32.63% of the controls, and the 3R/3R genotype in 50.0% of the cases and 57.63% of the controls. There was a significant association between the TS 2R/2R genotype and gender of acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients with males harboring the 2R/2R genotype exhibiting a higher risk of developing acute lymphoblastic leukemia than females (P = 0.009) We concluded that the TSER polymorphism appears not to be a risk factor for susceptibility to acute lymphoblastic leukemia in the Kashmir population.

Long dose exposure of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in albino rats and effect of Podophyllum hexandrum on oxidative stress

OBJECTIVES

The effect of Podophyllum hexandrum methanolic extract and alpha-tocopherol in reducing oxidative stress in male albino rats was evaluated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Lipid peroxidation was monitored by measuring malondialdehyde (MDA) level in different tissues of rats. Activities of free radical scavenging enzymes (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase) were determined using H2O2 decomposition.

RESULTS

Results showed that administration of H2O2 (0.1%) in drinking water of the rats, for 25 weeks, increased the malondialdehyde levels in liver, kidney and lung tissues of all the rats. However, rats receiving Podophyllum hexandrum extract and alpha-tocopherol had lower MDA levels in a dose dependent manner, which indicates decreased lipid peroxidation in these rats. Increase in the catalase activity appears to be a response to H2O2 accumulation. The decrease in the activity of catalase and increase in the activity of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase in different organs of the rats receiving Podophyllum hexandrum extract and alpha-tocopherol indicates the protective effect of the plant in combating oxidative stress undergone by the rats.

OBJECTIVES

Rhizome of Podophyllum hexandrum have been ethnomedically claimed to possess a wide array of biological activities including anticancer activity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To verify the folklore claim, this study was performed in a six Human carcinoma cell lines, Lung (A-549), Prostate (PC-3), Colon (Colo-25), Breast (MCF-7), Neuroblastoma (IMR-32) and CNS (SF-295) MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231.

RESULTS

Methanol and 70% ethanolic extracts of the rhizome of Podophyllum hexandrum showed highest cytotoxic effect on MCF-7 (Breast) and Colo-25 (Colon) cell line, as determined with sulforhodamine-B (SRB) assay.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings 1 - showed that Podophyllum hexandrum extract may ameliorate H2O2 induced oxidative stress by decreasing lipid peroxidation via alteration of the antioxidant defense system of the rats. 2 - these data also showed the anticancer activity of the plant extracts on different human cancer cell lines. However, further investigation is needed to assess the molecular mechanisms mediated anticancer activities of this plant.

Primary non-Hodgkin lymphoma of liver

Primary non-Hodgkin lymphoma (nhl) of liver is a very rare malignancy. Here, we report the case of a 65-year-old man who presented with constipation and right groin pain of 2 months’ duration. A computed tomography (ct) scan of the abdomen incidentally detected multiple hypodense nodules in both lobes of the liver. Diagnosis of primary nhl of liver was made using ultrasound-guided biopsy. Extensive investigations—which included bone marrow biopsy; fluorescence in situ hybridization; flow cytometry; ct scan of chest, abdomen, and pelvis; and whole-body positron-emission tomography—showed no involvement of bone marrow, lymph nodes, spleen, or any other organ. The patient is currently being treated with a chop-r (cyclophosphamide–doxorubicin–vincristine–prednisolone/rituximab) regimen. The case has many unique features, including normal liver function tests, especially that for lactate dehydrogenase; no type B symptoms; and negative serology for viruses. The case demonstrates that primary hepatic lymphoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of space-occupying liver lesions in presence of normal levels of alpha-fetoprotein and carcinoembryonic antigen. The literature is extensively reviewed.

Serum high sensitivity C-reactive protein levels and the severity of coronary atherosclerosis assessed by angiographic gensini score

OBJECTIVE

To assess the relationship between plasma high sensitivity C-reactive protein levels with severity of coronary atherosclerosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study included 80 patients subjected to coronary angiography. The extent of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) was assessed using Gensini score. Patients were divided into three risk groups according to hs-CRP levels (< 1 mg/L--as low risk, 1-3 mg/L--as average risk and >3 mg/L--as high risk). Mean Angiographic Gensini scores were compared among the risk groups. Correlation between serum hs-CRP levels and angiographic Gensini scores was also assessed.

RESULTS

The 26 (32.5%) patients belonging to hs-CRP low-risk group had a mean angiographic Gensini score of 11.8 +/- 5.8, 18 (22.5%) belonging to moderate-risk group had a mean score of 28.9 +/- 7.9 and 36 (45%) belonging to high- risk group had a mean score of 78.7 +/- 41.0. By applying ANOVA the mean angiographic Gensini scores showed increasing trend from lower to higher hs-CRP risk groups (p < 0.001). Serum hs-CRP levels showed significant correlation with respective angiographic Gensini scores by Pearson's correlation (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Serum hs-CRP levels show significant correlation with the severity of Coronary Artery Disease as assessed by angiographic Gensini score.

In-hospital outcome of acute myocardial infarction in correlation with 'thrombolysis in myocardial infarction' risk score

BACKGROUND

Effective risk stratification is integral to management of acute coronary syndromes (ACS). The Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) risk score for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a simple integer score based on 8 high-risk parameters that can be used at the bedside for risk stratification of patients at presentation with STEMI.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the prognostic significance of TIMI risk score in a local population group of acute STEMI.

METHODS

The study included 160 cases of STEMI eligible for thrombolysis. TIMI risk score was calculated for each case at the time of presentation and were then followed during their hospital stay for the occurrence of electrical and mechanical complications as well as mortality. The patients were divided into three risk groups, namely 'low-risk', 'moderate-risk' and 'high-risk' based on their TIMI scores (0-4 low-risk, 5-8 moderate-risk, 9-14 high risk). The frequencies of complications and deaths were compared among the three risk groups.

RESULTS

Post MI arrhythmias were noted in 2.2%, 16% and 50%; cardiogenic shock in 6.7%, 16% and 60%; pulmonary edema in 6.7%, 20% and 80%; mechanical complications of MI in 0%, 8% and 30%; death in 4.4%, 8%, and 60% of patients belonging to low-risk, moderate-risk and high-risk groups respectively. Frequency of complications and death correlated well with TIMI risk score (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

TIMI risk score correlates well with the frequency of electrical or mechanical complications and death after STEMI.