Lipoma of the gastrointestinal tract: a tertiary care centre experience

INTRODUCTION

Gastrointestinal (GI) lipomas are rare; however, they are frequent enough to be considered in the differential diagnosis of gut tumours. Here, we present our experience with GI lipomas managed at our institute over the last three years.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study of patients with GI lipomas managed between January, 2020 and April, 2023 at a tertiary care centre. Clinical presentation, location, and details of surgical procedure were analysed.

RESULTS

Ten patients were included, six of whom had lipoma in the colon, one in the stomach, and one each in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. The mean age at the time of presentation was 48.8 years (range, 19-77 years), and strong male preponderance (4:1) was noted. Preoperative diagnosis of lipoma on cross-sectional imaging was possible in all patients. All patients were symptomatic and were managed surgically.

CONCLUSIONS

While GI lipomas are generally considered to be indolent and benign tumours, they can potentially lead to severe complications. The utilisation of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging has brought about a significant transformation in diagnosing this condition, enabling preoperative identification in most cases. The surgery offers a definitive treatment with minimal risk of postoperative complications.

A nanobody based ultrasensitive electrochemical biosensor for the detection of soluble CTLA-4 -A candidate biomarker for cancer development and progression

A soluble isoform of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) has been found in the serum of healthy individuals and alterations in its expression level have been linked with the development and progression of various cancers. Conventionally, soluble CTLA-4 (sCTLA-4) has been quantified by techniques such as ELISA, western blot, and flow cytometry, which however are time-consuming, highly expensive and require large sample volumes. Therefore, rapid, cost-effective and real-time monitoring of soluble CTLA-4 levels is much needed to facilitate timely diagnosis of a worsening disease and help patient selection for immunotherapeutic interventions in cancer. Here, for the first time, we report an ultrasensitive, highly selective electrochemical nanobody (NAb) based biosensor for the quantitative detection of soluble CTLA-4 employing poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) and gold nanoparticles modified electrode with attomole sensitivity. Incorporating nanomaterials with conductive polymers enhances the sensitivity of the electrochemical biosensor, while the nanobody's stability, specificity and ease of production make it a suitable choice as a bioreceptor. The proposed NAb-based sensor can detect sCTLA-4 from pure recombinant protein in a wide concentration range of 100 ag mL-1- 500 μg mL-1, with a limit of detection of 1.19 ag mL-1 (+3σ of the blank signal). The sensor's relative standard deviation for reproducibility is less than 0.4% and has effective real sample analytics for cell culture supernatant with no significant difference with pure recombinant protein (p < 0.05). Our proposed nanobody based sensor exhibits stability for up to 2 weeks (<3% variation). Moreover, this nanobody-based sensor presents a future opportunity for quantitative, ultrasensitive, and economical biosensor development that can be adapted to monitor the immune landscape of cancer patients to provide a larger therapeutic window.

Erratum: Search for Cosmic-Ray Boosted Sub-GeV Dark Matter Using Recoil Protons at Super-Kamiokande [Phys. Rev. Lett. 130, 031802 (2023)]

This corrects the article DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.130.031802.

Measurements of neutrino oscillation parameters from the T2K experiment using 3.6×1021 protons on target

The T2K experiment presents new measurements of neutrino oscillation parameters using 19.7 ( 16.3 ) × 10 20 protons on target (POT) in (anti-)neutrino mode at the far detector (FD). Compared to the previous analysis, an additional 4.7 × 10 20 POT neutrino data was collected at the FD. Significant improvements were made to the analysis methodology, with the near-detector analysis introducing new selections and using more than double the data. Additionally, this is the first T2K oscillation analysis to use NA61/SHINE data on a replica of the T2K target to tune the neutrino flux model, and the neutrino interaction model was improved to include new nuclear effects and calculations. Frequentist and Bayesian analyses are presented, including results on sin 2 θ 13 and the impact of priors on the δ CP measurement. Both analyses prefer the normal mass ordering and upper octant of sin 2 θ 23 with a nearly maximally CP-violating phase. Assuming the normal ordering and using the constraint on sin 2 θ 13 from reactors, sin 2 θ 23 = 0 . 561 - 0.032 + 0.021 using Feldman-Cousins corrected intervals, and Δ m 32 2 = 2 . 494 - 0.058 + 0.041 × 10 - 3 eV 2 using constant Δ χ 2 intervals. The CP-violating phase is constrained to δ CP = - 1 . 97 - 0.70 + 0.97 using Feldman-Cousins corrected intervals, and δ CP = 0 , π is excluded at more than 90% confidence level. A Jarlskog invariant of zero is excluded at more than 2 σ credible level using a flat prior in δ CP , and just below 2 σ using a flat prior in sin δ CP . When the external constraint on sin 2 θ 13 is removed, sin 2 θ 13 = 28 . 0 - 6.5 + 2.8 × 10 - 3 , in agreement with measurements from reactor experiments. These results are consistent with previous T2K analyses.

Search for Cosmic-Ray Boosted Sub-GeV Dark Matter Using Recoil Protons at Super-Kamiokande

We report a search for cosmic-ray boosted dark matter with protons using the 0.37  megaton×years data collected at Super-Kamiokande experiment during the 1996-2018 period (SKI-IV phase). We searched for an excess of proton recoils above the atmospheric neutrino background from the vicinity of the Galactic Center. No such excess is observed, and limits are calculated for two reference models of dark matter with either a constant interaction cross section or through a scalar mediator. This is the first experimental search for boosted dark matter with hadrons using directional information. The results present the most stringent limits on cosmic-ray boosted dark matter and exclude the dark matter-nucleon elastic scattering cross section between 10^{-33}cm^{2} and 10^{-27}cm^{2} for dark matter mass from 1  MeV/c^{2} to 300  MeV/c^{2}.

Aptamer-based biosensors and their implications in COVID-19 diagnosis

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), a novel infectious member of the coronavirus family, has caused millions of cases of infection and deaths all over the world, and been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. Conventional laboratory-based diagnostic testing has faced extreme difficulties in meeting the overwhelming demand for testing worldwide, and this has brought about a pressing need for cost-effective rapid diagnosis. There has been a surge in the number of prototypes of diagnostic kits developed, although many of these have been found to be lacking in terms of their accuracy and sensitivity. One type of chip-based diagnostic platform is the aptamer-based biosensor. Aptamers are artificially synthesized oligonucleotides that are capable of specifically binding to a target antigen. As of now, some aptamers have been reported for SARS-CoV-2. Although many ultrasensitive aptasensors have been developed for viruses, few have been successfully adapted for SARS-CoV-2 detection. Our review discusses the recent developments in the domain of SARS-CoV-2 specific aptamer isolation, the design of electrochemical and optical aptasensors, and the implications of aptasensor-based COVID-19 diagnosis.

1048 Prevalence Of Positional Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) In Patients With OSA-COPD Overlap Syndrome

Introduction

Positional OSA (non-supine apnea-hypopnea index [AHI] &lt; 5 events/hr) is present in 30% of patients with OSA. We demonstrated that in patients with OSA- COPD overlap syndrome the AHI inversely correlated with the degree of gas trapping, suggesting a stabilizing effect on the upper airway. We hypothesized that sleep position would be less important, resulting in a lower prevalence of positional OSA.

Methods

Patients underwent a polysomnogram that demonstrated OSA (AHI &gt; 5 events/hr). To confirm COPD, patients had spirometry performed and a chest computed tomography for measurements of percent gas trapping.

Results

Sixteen patients [6 (38%) males, 55±7 years/old, FEV1 1.2±0.5 L, FEV1 % Predicted 45±19%, FVC 2.3±0.8 L, FVC % Predicted 69±20%, FEV1/FVC 51±12%, BMI 33±9 kg/m2)] were diagnosed with OSA (AHI 15±12 events/hour). Four patients (25%) had positional OSA (AHI 13±6 events/hr, non-supine AHI 1±1 event/hr) compared to 12 patients who were non-positional [AHI 16±13 events/hr (p=0.95)]. There was no difference in age [52±8 and 56±7 yrs (p=0.3)] or severity of obstruction in those with and without positional OSA [FEV1 1.4±4 L and 1.1±0.5 L, (p=0.3), FEV1 % predicted 50±17% and 44±20%, (p=0.7), FVC 2.9±0.8 L and 2.1±0.8 L (p=0.1), FVC % predicted 78±21% and 66±20%, (p=0.3), and FEV1/FVC 50±11% and 51±12%, (p=0.8), respectively]. However, patients with positional OSA were less heavy than those with non-positional OSA [BMI 23±3 and 37±8 kg/m2, respectively (p=0.005)]. Finally, there was no difference in the CT-Derived % Gas Trapping in those with and without positional OSA [48±37% and 36±25%, (p=0.6), respectively].

Conclusion

The prevalence of positional OSA in patients with OSA-COPD overlap is similar to OSA patients without COPD. Despite the presence of obstructive disease and gas trapping that may affect upper airway stability, other factors including body position and BMI remain important determinants for developing OSA in patients with COPD.

Support

R01-HL089856, R01-HL089897

0567 Hypoxic Burden and Apnea-Hypopnea Duration in Patients with Positional Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Introduction

Recently, the measurement of the hypoxic burden and apnea-hypopnea duration has been shown to correlate with mortality in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). We hypothesized that in patients with mild positional OSA (apnea-hypopnea index [AHI] &lt; 5 events/hr in the non-supine position) the hypoxic burden would be increased and apnea-hypopnea duration shortened and similar to patients with non-positional OSA.

Methods

Fourteen patients with positional OSA and 24 patients non-positional OSA with similar severity of OSA based on the respiratory event index (REI) were included. All patients had a home sleep apnea test for suspected OSA. The hypoxic burden was calculated by the multiplication of REI and the mean area under the desaturation curves.

Results

Thirty-eight patients [12 (35%) males, 50±12 yrs, BMI 35±7 kg/m2, Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) 11±8, REI 10±3 events/hr, apnea-hypopnea duration 19±4 sec, mean SaO2 94±2%, lowest SaO2 79±8%, % total sleep time (TST) SaO2 &lt; 90% 11±16%, hypoxic burden 30±17 %min/hr] completed the study. Fourteen patients [9 (64%) males, 46±14 yrs, BMI 31±6 kg/m2, ESS 7±5, REI 9±3 events/hr, mean SaO2 94±2%, lowest SaO2 81±6%, %TST SaO2 &lt; 90% 4±6%] had positional OSA (supine REI 16±7 events/hr, non-supine REI 3±1 events/hr) and 24 patients had non-positional OSA [3 (13%) males, 52±10 yrs, BMI 38±7 kg/m2, ESS 12±9, REI 10±3 events/hr, mean SaO2 94±2%, lowest SaO2 77±9%, %TST SaO2 &lt; 90% 14±19%]. The hypoxic burden was elevated in both the positional and non-positional OSA patients with no difference between the groups (26±19 %min/hr and 32±15 %min/hr, respectively, p=0.13). The apnea-hypopnea duration was similar in positional and non-positional OSA patients (20±3 sec and 18±4 sec, respectively, p=0.08 sec).

Conclusion

In patients with mild positional OSA the hypoxic burden, which has been associated with cardiovascular mortality, is elevated and similar to patients with non-positional OSA.

Support

None

0610 Prevalence of Positional Obstructive Sleep Apnea Based on 3% Vs 4% Oxygen Desaturation Using Home Sleep Apnea Testing

Introduction

Approximately 30% of patient with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have positional OSA [non-supine apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) &lt; 5 events/hr]. However, the prevalence is based on variable definitions for hypopneas related to the degree of oxygen desaturation. In addition, use of a home sleep apnea test (HSAT) to identify positional OSA is limited. We hypothesized that in patients evaluated with an HSAT, using a definition for hypopneas based on 4% compared to 3% oxygen desaturation will significantly decrease the percentage diagnosed with positional OSA.

Methods

Fourteen patients with positional OSA based on a non-supine respiratory event index (REI) &lt; 5 events/hr were included. The initial diagnosis was determined based on a hypopnea definition of ≥ 3% oxygen desaturation. The studies were reanalyzed using a hypopnea definition of ≥ 4% oxygen desaturation.

Results

Fourteen patients [9 (64%) males, 46±14 yrs, BMI 31±6 kg/m2, ESS 7±5, REI 9±3 events/hr, mean SaO2 94±2%, lowest SaO2 81±6%, %TST SaO2 &lt; 90% 4±6%] were identified with positional OSA (supine REI 16±7 events/hr, non-supine REI 3±1 events/hr) using a hypopneas definition of ≥ 3% oxygen desaturation. When reanalyzed using a hypopnea ≥ 4% oxygen desaturation there was a significant decrease in the REI to 7±2 events/hr (p&lt;0.001). Three patients (21%) no longer were considered to have OSA. These patients were younger (32±14 vs. 50±11yrs, p=0.03) and had less severe OSA (REI 6±1 vs. 9±3 events/hr (p=0.04), but there was no difference in BMI (32±11 vs. 31±5 kg/m2, p=0.9) or mean and lowest SaO2 (96±0.4 vs. 94±2%, p=0.13, and 82±8 vs. 81±6%, p=0.9, respectively).

Conclusion

In patients with mild positional OSA, using a hypopnea definition of at least 4% vs. 3% oxygen desaturation on a HSAT will have a significant effect on the overall REI and often exclude patients who would otherwise be treated for OSA.

Support

None.

Cardiological society of India document on safety measure during echo evaluation of cardiovascular disease in the time of COVID-19

An echocardiographic investigation is one of the key modalities of diagnosis in cardiology. There has been a rising presence of cardiological comorbidities in patients positive for COVID-19. Hence, it is becoming extremely essential to look into the correct safety precautions, healthcare professionals must take while conducting an echo investigation. The decision matrix formulated for conducting an echocardiographic evaluation is based on presence or absence of cardiological comorbidity vis-à-vis positive, suspected or negative for COVID-19. The safety measures have been constructed keeping in mind the current safety precautions by WHO, CDC and MoHFW, India.

Cardiological Society of India: Document on acute MI care during COVID-19

The unprecedented and rapidly spreading Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic has challenged public health care systems globally. Based on worldwide experience, India has initiated a nationwide lockdown to prevent the exponential surge of cases. During COVID-19, management of cardiovascular emergencies like acute Myocardial Infarction (MI) may be compromised. Cardiological Society of India (CSI) has ventured in this moment of crisis to evolve a consensus document for care of acute MI. However, this care should be individualized, based on local expertise and governmental advisories.

Epidemiological and clinical profile of Influenza A(H1N1) pdm09 in Odisha, eastern India

Epidemic of flu is highly contagious and it spreads through air. In 2009 H1N1 influenza virus emerged after reassortment of North American TRIG and Eurasia Avian like virus of swine and started epidemic in Mexico. The first cases were reported from Hyderabad city on 16th May 2009 in India that spread rapidly within a short span of time. During this period large population of Odisha situated at the eastern side of India was also affected and incidences of H1N1 cases were recorded through state Government surveillance system. In this study real time RT-PCR based diagnosis was conducted for the throat swabs collected from suspected H1N1 cases in Odisha during 2009–2017. A total of 2872 throat swabs were received from 23 different Government and private hospitals and 21.1% positivity was confirmed. The disease affected mostly 46–60 years age group, males (50.6%) being more affected. The clinical features had shown that fever with cough (89.6%) was the most common symptom followed by shortness of breath (72.7%). Post monsoon was the peak season in which most of the cases were reported. Neurological signs, pregnancy, diabetes and hypertension were found to be risk factors for H1N1. The case fatality rate (CFR) was 15%.

BACTERIA ASSOCIATED WITH NON-ALCOHOLIC FERMENTED BAMBOO SHOOT FOOD PRODUCT

Pure bacterial cultures were isolated from fermented products collected from two locations of North East India (Assam and Arunachal Pradesh). Forty four variants were identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The dominant microbial genera found were Bacillus, Paenibacillus followed by Oceanobacillus and Lactobacillus in Assam and Bacillus, Enterococcus, Lactobacillus in Arunachal-Pradesh food products. Bacillus isolates showed extracellular enzyme production (amylases, proteases and lipases) as analyzed through plate assay. GC-MS analysis showed beneficial chemical components like organic acids, esters, aminoacids, vitamins in fermented bamboo shoot products. Probiotic attributes of culturable bacterial isolates from bamboo fermentations gives promiscuity for human consumption. Beneficial microorganisms from bamboo shoot fermented food products of North-Eastern region of India were explored and compared using bioinformatics tools.

Tailor-Made Temperature-Sensitive Micelle for Targeted and On-Demand Release of Anticancer Drugs

The design of nanomedicines from the tuned architecture polymer is a leading object of immense research in recent years. Here, smart thermoresponsive micelles were prepared from novel architecture four-arm star block copolymers, namely, pentaerythritol polycaprolactone-b-poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) and pentaerythritol polycaprolactone-b-poly(N-vinylcaprolactam). The polymers were synthesized and tagged with folic acid (FA) to render them as efficient cancer cell targeting cargos. FA-conjugated block copolymers were self-assembled to a nearly spherical (ranging from 15 to 170 nm) polymeric micelle (FA-PM) with a sufficiently lower range of critical micelle concentration (0.59 × 10(-2) to 1.52 × 10(-2) mg/mL) suitable for performing as an efficient drug carrier. The blocks show lower critical solution temperature (LCST) ranging from 30 to 39 °C with high DOX-loading content (24.3%, w/w) as compared to that reported for a linear polymer in the contemporary literature. The temperature-induced reduction in size (57%) of the FA-PM enables a high rate of DOX release (78.57% after 24 h) at a temperature above LCST. The DOX release rate has also been tuned by on-demand administration of temperature. The in vitro biocompatibilities of the blank and DOX-loaded FA-PMs have been studied by the MTT assay. The cellular uptake study proves selective internalization of the FA-PM into cancerous cells (C6 glioma) compared that into normal cells (HaCaT). In vivo administration of the DOX-loaded FA-PMs into the C6 glioma rat tumor model resulted in significant accumulation in tumor sites, which drastically inhibited the tumor volume by ∼83.9% with respect to control without any significant systemic toxicity.

GW627368X inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in cervical cancer by interfering with EP4/EGFR interactive signaling

PGE2, the major product of cyclooxygenases implicated in carcinogenesis, is significantly upregulated in cervical cancer. PGE2 via prostanoid receptor EP4 stimulates proliferation and motility while inhibiting apoptosis and immune surveillance. It promotes angiogenesis by stimulating the production of pro-angiogenic factors. The present study demonstrates GW627368X, a highly selective competitive EP4 antagonist, which hinders cervical cancer progression by inhibiting EP4/epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR) interactive signaling. GW627368X reduced protein kinase A (PKA) phosphorylation which in turn leads to decreased cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) activation. Decreased PKA phosphorylation also directly enhanced Bax activity and in part reduced glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3)β phosphorylation. Owing to the interactive signaling between EP4 and EGFR, GW627368X lowered EGFR phosphorylation in turn reducing Akt, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and GSK3β activity significantly. Sublethal dose of GW627368X was found to reduce the nuclear translocation of β-catenin in a time dependent manner along with time-dependent decrease in cytoplasmic as well as whole-cell β-catenin. Decreased CREB and β-catenin transcriptional activity restricts the aberrant transcription of key genes like EP4, cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, vascular endothelial growth factor and c-myc, which ultimately control cell survival, proliferation and angiogenesis. Reduced activity of EGFR resulted in enhanced expression of 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase increasing PGE2 degradation thereby blocking a positive feedback loop. In xenograft model, dose-dependent decrease in cancer proliferation was observed characterized by reduction in tumor mass and volume and a marked decrease in Ki67 expression. A diminished CD31 specific staining signified decreased tumor angiogenesis. Reduced expression of pAkt, pMAPK, pEGFR and COX-2 validated in vitro results. GW627368X therefore effectively inhibits tumor survival, motility, proliferation and angiogenesis by blocking EP4/EGFR interactive signaling. EP4 is a potent therapeutic target in cervical cancer and can be explored in combination with conventional therapies to attain superior outcomes and to overcome complications associated with organ toxicities, therapeutic resistance and disease relapse.

Electrospinning applications from diagnosis to treatment of diabetes

Modern applications of electrospinning.

Diacerein-mediated inhibition of IL-6/IL-6R signaling induces apoptotic effects on breast cancer

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) signaling network has been implicated in oncogenic transformations making it attractive target for the discovery of novel cancer therapeutics. In this study, potent antiproliferative and apoptotic effect of diacerein were observed against breast cancer. In vitro apoptosis was induced by this drug in breast cancer cells as verified by increased sub-G1 population, LIVE/DEAD assay, cell cytotoxicity and presence of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL)-positive cells, as well as downregulation of antiapoptotic proteins Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL and upregulation of apoptotic protein Bax. In addition, apoptosis induction was found to be caspase dependent. Further molecular investigations indicated that diacerein instigated apoptosis was associated with inhibition of IL-6/IL-6R autocrine signaling axis. Suppression of STAT3, MAPK and Akt pathways were also observed as a consequence of diacerein-mediated upstream inhibition of IL-6/IL-6R. Fluorescence study and western blot analysis revealed cytosolic accumulation of STAT3 in diacerein-treated cells. The docking study showed diacerein/IL-6R interaction that was further validated by competitive binding assay and isothermal titration calorimetry. Most interestingly, it was found that diacerein considerably suppressed tumor growth in MDA-MB-231 xenograft model. The in vivo antitumor effect was correlated with decreased proliferation (Ki-67), increased apoptosis (TUNEL) and inhibition of IL-6/IL-6R-mediated STAT3, MAPK and Akt pathway in tumor remnants. Taken together, diacerein offered a novel blueprint for cancer therapy by hampering IL-6/IL-6R/STAT3/MAPK/Akt network.

Genetic diversity within ITS-1 region of Eimeria species infecting chickens of north India

Coccidiosis, caused by apicomplexan parasites of the genus Eimeria, inflicts severe economic losses to the poultry industry around the globe. In the present study, ITS-1 based species specific nested PCR revealed prevalence of E. acervulina, E. brunetti, E. maxima, E. mitis, E. praecox, E. necatrix and E. tenella in 79.2%, 12.5%, 64.6%, 89.6%, 60.4%, 64.6% and 97.9% poultry farms of north India, respectively. The ITS-1 sequences of different Eimeria spp. from north India were generated and analyzed to establish their phylogenetic relationship. The sequence identity with available sequences ranged from 80 to 100% in E. tenella, 95 to 100% in E. acervulina, 64 to 97% in E. necatrix, 96 to 99% in E. brunetti and 97 to 98% in E. mitis. Only long ITS-1 sequences of E. maxima could be generated in the present study and it had 80-100% identity with published sequences. Two out of the four ITS-1 sequences of E. maxima had mismatches in the published nested primer sequences from Australia, while one sequence of E. necatrix had a mismatch near 3' end of both forward and reverse published nested primer sequences, warranting for the need of designing new set of degenerate primers for these two species of Eimeria. In the phylogenetic tree, all isolates of E. acervulina, E. brunetti, E. mitis, E. tenella and E. necatrix clustered in separate clades with high bootstrap value. E. maxima sequences of north Indian isolates grouped in a long form of E. maxima clade. Complete ITS-1 sequences of E. necatrix and E. mitis are reported for the first time from India. Further studies are required with more number of isolates to verify whether these differences are unique to geographical locations.

Genetic characterization and phylogenetic relationships based on 18S rRNA and ITS1 region of small form of canine Babesia spp. from India

Canine babesiosis is a vector borne disease caused by intra-erythrocytic apicomplexan parasites Babesia canis (large form) and Babesia gibsoni (small form), throughout the globe. Apart from few sporadic reports on the occurrence of B. gibsoni infection in dogs, no attempt has been made to characterize Babesia spp. of dogs in India. Fifteen canine blood samples, positive for small form of Babesia, collected from northern to eastern parts of India, were used for amplification of 18S rRNA gene (∼1665bp) of Babesia sp. and partial ITS1 region (∼254bp) of B. gibsoni Asian genotype. Cloning and sequencing of the amplified products of each sample was performed separately. Based on sequences and phylogenetic analysis of 18S rRNA and ITS1 sequences, 13 were considered to be B. gibsoni. These thirteen isolates shared high sequence identity with each other and with B. gibsoni Asian genotype. The other two isolates could not be assigned to any particular species because of the difference(s) in 18S rRNA sequence with B. gibsoni and closer identity with Babesiaoccultans and Babesiaorientalis. In the phylogenetic tree, all the isolates of B. gibsoni Asian genotype formed a separate major clade named as Babesia spp. sensu stricto clade with high bootstrap support. The two unnamed Babesia sp. (Malbazar and Ludhiana isolates) clustered close together with B. orientalis, Babesia sp. (Kashi 1 isolate) and B. occultans of bovines. It can be inferred from this study that 18S rRNA gene and ITS1 region are highly conserved among 13 B. gibsoni isolates from India. It is the maiden attempt of genetic characterization by sequencing of 18S rRNA gene and ITS1 region of B. gibsoni from India and is also the first record on the occurrence of an unknown Babesia sp. of dogs from south and south-east Asia.

Effect of sitting posture on development of scoliosis in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy cases

BACKGROUND

Scoliosis is a frequent association in boys with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy when the ability to walk is lost around nine to 12 years of age. This study assessed the contribution of physical factors including lumbar posture to scoliosis in non-ambulatory youth with DMD in Nepal.

METHODS

Linear regression was used to assess effects of time since loss of ambulation, muscle strength, functional severity and lumbar angle as a binary variable on coronal Cobb angle; again logistic regression was used to assess effects of muscle strength and cross-legged sitting on the presence of a lordotic lumbar posture in 22 non-ambulant boys and young men.

RESULTS

The boys and young men had a mean (SD) age of 15.1 (4.0) years, had been non-ambulant for 48.6 (33.8) months and used a median of 3.5 (range 2 to 7) postures a day. The mean Cobb angle was 15.1 (range 0 to 70) degrees. Optimal accuracy in predicting scoliosis was obtained with a lumbar angle of -6° as measured by skin markers, and both a lumbar angle ≤-6° (P=0.112) and better functional ability (P=0.102) were associated with less scoliosis. Use of cross-legged sitting postures during the day was associated with a lumbar angle ≤-6° (OR 0.061; 95% CI 0.005 - 0.672; P=0.022).

CONCLUSIONS

Use of cross-legged sitting posture was associated with increase in lumbar lordosis. Higher angle of lumbar lordosis and better functional ability are associated with lesser degree of scoliosis.

Abstract P6-01-02: Celecoxib alleviates tamoxifen-instigated angiogenic effects by ROS-dependent VEGF/VEGFR2 autocrine signaling

Background

Tamoxifen (TAM) is widely used in the chemotherapy of breast cancer and as a preventive agent against recurrence after surgery. However, extended TAM administration for breast cancer induces increased VEGF levels in patients, promoting new blood vessel formation and thereby limiting its efficacy. Celecoxib (CXB), a selective COX-2 inhibitor, suppresses VEGF gene expression by targeting the VEGF promoter responsible for its inhibitory effect. For this study, we had selected CXB as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug in combination with TAM for suppressing VEGF expression and simultaneously reducing doses of both the drugs.

Methods

The effects of CXB combined with TAM were examined in two human breast cancer cell lines in culture, MCF7 and MDA-MB-231. Assays of proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, metastasis, cell cycle distribution, and receptor signaling were performed.

Results

Here, we elucidated how the combination of TAM and the selective COX-2 inhibitor, celecoxib (CXB) at nontoxic doses exerts anti-angiogenic effects by specifically targeting VEGF/VEGFR2 autocrine signaling through ROS generation. At the molecular level, TAM-CXB suppresses VHL-mediated HIF-1a activation, responsible for expression of COX-2, MMP-2 and VEGF. Besides low VEGF levels, TAM-CXB also suppresses VEGFR2 expression, confirmed through quantifying secreted VEGF levels, luciferase and RT-PCR studies. Interestingly, we observed that TAM-CXB was effective in blocking VEGFR2 promoter induced expression and further 2 fold decrease in VEGF levels was observed in combination than TAM alone in both cell lines. Secondly, TAM-CXB regulated VEGFR2 inhibits Src expression, responsible for tumor progression and metastasis. FACS and in vivo enzymatic studies showed significant increase in the reactive oxygen species upon TAM-CXB treatment.

Conclusions

Taken together, our experimental results indicate that this additive combination shows promising outcome in anti-metastatic and apoptotic studies. In a line, our preclinical studies evidenced that this additive combination of TAM and CXB is a potential drug candidate treatment for breast tumors expressing high levels of VEGF and VEGFR2. This ingenious combination might be a better tailored clinical regimen than TAM alone for breast cancer treatment.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr P6-01-02.

An inventory of the ethnobotanicals used as anti-diabetic by a rural community of Dhemaji district of Assam, Northeast India

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Traditional remedies used for treating diabetic ailments are very important in the primary health care of the people living in rural Dhemaji district of Assam, north-east India. Novel information gathered from the current survey is important in preserving folk indigenous knowledge.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Interviews were conducted amongst 80 households comprising of 240 individuals using semi-structured questionnaires. The focus was on plants used in treating diabetes mellitus.

RESULTS

The current survey documented 21 plant species (20 families) which are reportedly used to treat diabetes mellitus by the rural people in the study area. To the best of our knowledge, Amomum linguiforme, Cinnamomum impressinervium, Colocasia esculenta, Dillenia indica, Euphorbia ligularia, Garcinia pedunculata, Solanum indicum, Sterculia villosa and Tabernaemontana divaricata are recorded for the first time based on globally published literature as medicinal plants used for treating diabetes mellitus and related symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

The wide variety of plants that are used to treat diabetes mellitus in this area supports the traditional value that medicinal plants have in the primary health care system of the rural people of Dhemaji district of Assam. The finding of new plant uses in the current study reveals the importance of the documentation of such ethnobotanical knowledge.

Antipyretic and antibacterial activity of Chloranthus erectus (Buch.-Ham.) Verdcourt leaf extract: A popular folk medicine of Arunachal Pradesh

Objective:

The main objective of this work was to study the antipyretic and antibacterial activity of C. erectus (Buch.-Ham.) Verdcourt leaf extract in an experimental albino rat model.

Materials and Methods:

The methanol extract of C. erectus leaf (MECEL) was evaluated for its antipyretic potential on normal body temperature and Brewer’s yeast-induced pyrexia in albino rat’s model. While the antibacterial activity of MECEL against five Gram (−) and three Gram (+) bacterial strains and antimycotic activity was investigated against four fungi using agar disk diffusion and microdilution methods.

Result

Yeast suspension (10 mL/kg b.w.) elevated rectal temperature after 19 h of subcutaneous injection. Oral administration of MECEL at 100 and 200 mg/kg b.w. showed significant reduction of normal rectal body temperature and yeast-provoked elevated temperature (38.8 ± 0.2 and 37.6 ± 0.4, respectively, at 2–3 h) in a dose-dependent manner, and the effect was comparable to that of the standard antipyretic drug–paracetamol (150 mg/kg b.w.). MECEL at 2 mg/disk showed broad spectrum of growth inhibition activity against both groups of bacteria. However, MECEL was not effective against the yeast strains tested in this study.

Conclusion

This study revealed that the methanol extract of C. erectus exhibited significant antipyretic activity in the tested models and antibacterial activity as well, and may provide the scientific rationale for its popular use as antipyretic agent in Khamptis’s folk medicines.

Anti-malarial herbal remedies of northeast India, Assam: an ethnobotanical survey

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Malaria is a serious public health problem in the north-eastern region of India including Assam, in view of development of chloroquine resistant Plasmodium falciparum. There is need for alternative and affordable therapy.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study was conducted to document indigenous knowledge, usage customs and practices of medicinal plant species traditionally used by the residents of Sonitpur district of Tezpur, Assam to treat malaria and its associated symptoms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 50 randomly selected sampling represented by male (38.76%) and female respondents (12.24%) were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire.

RESULTS

The present ethno-botanical survey revealed 22 species of plants belonging to 17 botanical families were reported to be used exclusively in this region for the treatment of malaria. Verbenaceae (three species), Menispermaceae (two species), and Acanthaceae (two species) botanical families represented the species that are most commonly cited in this survey work and the detailed use of plants has been collected and described.

CONCLUSIONS

The most serious threat to the existing knowledge and practice on traditional medicinal plants included cultural change, particularly the influence of modernization and lack of interests shown by the next younger generations were the main problems reported by the informants during the field survey. Hence, the proper documentation of traditional medicinal plants being used as anti-malarial agents and related indigenous knowledge held by the tribal community is an important approach to control the spread of vector-borne diseases like malaria reported in this survey work.

Determination of solubility parameters of cobalt(II) and indium(III) oxinates by tracer technique

Effects of different diluents on the extraction of cobalt(II) and indium(III) oxinate complexes have been studied using Co-60 and In-114m as radiotracers. Theory of regular solutions was applied for the determination of solubility parameters (δ) of cobalt oxinate and indium oxinate which were found to be 34.45 J1/2cm-3/2 and 34.03 J1/2 cm-3/2, respectively. Besides, distribution of each of the two complexes was studied in the mixtures of two solvents, assigned as good and poor solvents, in accordance with their individual behaviors. In both of the two cases, experimentally determined values of distribution-coefficient differed from those of calculated values which shows the importance of solute-solvent and solvent-solvent interaction in the present system.

An ethnobotanical study of traditional anti-inflammatory plants used by the Lohit community of Arunachal Pradesh, India

AIM OF THE STUDY

Most people especially in rural areas depend on herbal medicines to treat many diseases including inflammation-related ailments such as rheumatism, muscle swelling, cut wound, accidental bone fracture, insect bites, pains and burn by fire and hot water. The objectives of this study were: to catalog ethno-medicinal plants of Lohit community, ecological status, indigenous folk medicinal uses, morphological parts used and to determine their reported pharmacological studies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The ethnobotanical information on traditional medicinal plants exclusively used for management of inflammation-related ailments by the Khampti community of Arunachal Pradesh, India was based on first-hand field survey work through semi-structured interviews.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

A total of 34 species in 32 genera and 22 families were encountered during the field survey. Botanical families such as Asteraceae, Euphorbiaceae, Zingiberaceae and Lamiaceae were represented by the highest numbers of species reported in this study. Thirteen plant species, namely: Bombax ceiba, Canarium strictum, Chloranthus erectus, Xanthium indicum, Lycopodium clavatum, Coleus blumei, Batrachospermum atrum, Chlorella vulgaris, Marchantia palmata, Marchantia polymorpha, Eria pannea, Sterculia villosa and Alpinia galanga are reported for the first time for the treatment of inflammation-related diseases.

Correlation of Src activation with epithelial-mesenchymal transformation and aggressive features of head and neck squamous carcinoma

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Background: The role of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is crucial to invasive and progression of several epithelial malignancies. The role of this process in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remains poorly defined. Methods: Eleven head and neck squamous cancer cell lines and 50 primary tumor specimens formed the materials for this study. We used Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, RT-PCR cell motility assay to determine the expression and the functional implications of several cell adhesions and singling molecular associated with EMT in these tumors. Results: Our results showed Src and E-Cadherin to be paradoxically overexpressed in the majority of cell lines and in primary tumor tissues relative to normal squamous mucosa. In both cell lines and tumor tissues elevation of activated Src was accompanied by down-regulation of E-Cadherin and vimentin detection. In-vitro inhibition of Src led to the increased E-Cadherin of expression and cell proliferation in squamous carcinoma cell lines. Immunophenotypic analysis of the protein products of these genes in primary tumor tissues demonstrated a spectrum of changes that correlated significantly with the differentiation, invasive patterns, sarcomatoid transformation and lymph node status. Our results show that high activated Src and low E-Cadherin expression were correlated with finger-like invasive pattern, poor differentiation, sarcomatoid transformation and lymph node metastasis in HNSC. Conclusions: Our study indicates that Src and E-Cadherin play a major role in EMT invasion and progression of head and neck squamous carcinoma. These proteins may be targeted in the therapeutic intervention of patients with HNSCC.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.