Open Access Pub publishes peer-reviewed, free-to-read open-access articles. Showing
articles matching structures — open any to read the full text,
or download the PDF or XML.
Jan 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2329-9487.jhc-22-4362
Objective To describe the epidemiological, clinical and arterial Doppler ultrasound aspects of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Material and Methods This is a prospective study with descriptive and analytical aims carried out from January 2019 to March 2022 (3 years) at the cardiovascular exploration center (CEC) "Saint-Esprit" of the association of the people's doctors for the research on cardiovascular diseases (AMP-MCV), at the clinic "Le Printemps" and at the University Hospital of Kara. All patients who underwent arterial Doppler ultrasound of the lower limbs for any reason in these centers during the study period were included. Ultrasound scans were performed or confirmed by a physician with a diploma specializing in vascular Doppler ultrasound. Results We retained 32 Doppler ultrasound scans out of 739 performed for AAA with a frequency of 4.38%. The mean age was 73.5± 9.07 years. The sex ratio M/F was 1.4. The cardiovascular medical history (84.38%) found was: hypertension (33.33%), diabetes (18.52%), dyslipidemia (33.33%) and a combination of diabetes and hypertension (14.81%). The circumstances of discovery were: downstream MI ischemia (72%), incidental finding on abdominal ultrasound (15.63%) and De bakey sign (6.25%). The location of the aneurysms was subrenal (84.4%), suprarenal (9.4%) and both (6.2%). AAAs were fusiform (71.9%) and saccular (28.1%). The size of the aneurysms was greater than 5 cm in 78.17% of patients. High blood pressure increases the probability of the occurrence of subrenal AAA while dyslipidemia increases the occurrence of fusiform AAA. Diabetes increases the probability of occurrence of AAA larger than 7cm. AAAs were thrombosed in 75% of patients. There were extensions of the aneurysms to the iliac arteries in 70.59%. Downstream embolic complications represented 46.88%, in the form of occlusions and tight stenoses. Spontaneous mortality was 81.24%. Conclusion Arterial Doppler ultrasonography is a very important tool in the screening, positive and lesion diagnosis of AAA. The risk factors for AAA are: age over 60 years, male gender, hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia. Early detection remains essential, because the spontaneous prognosis is poor.
Dec 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2577-2279.ijha-21-4012
Knowledge of accurate surface anatomy is essential for safe clinical practice. Different views and opinions for clinically important surface markings exist between clinicians. Pericardiocentesis is performed as an emergency procedure in conditions aggravating cardiac tamponade. The approach of pericardiocentesis should be held by the hands of an experienced operator because of the surrounding relations. Nowadays, the introduction of imaging-guided procedures, especially echo-guided procedures, has significantly improved the safety and feasibility of pericardiocentesis and has provided the possibility of choosing the best anatomical approach among the apical, subcostal and parasternal approaches. This case report also emphasizes the importance of instillation of agitated saline as a supplementary technique while performing echo-guided pericardiocentesis in order to reduce the likelihood of cardiac chamber perforations.
Jan 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2689-4602.jes-19-3155
As shown earlier, the algorithmic complexity, like Shannon information and Boltzmann entropy, tends to increase in accordance with the general law of complification. However, the algorithmic complexity of most material systems does not reach its maximum, i.e. chaotic state, due to the various laws of nature that create certain structures. The complexity of such structures is very different from the algorithmic complexity, and we intuitively feel that its maximal value should be somewhere between order and chaos. I propose a formula for calculation such structural complexity, which can be called - structuredness. The structuredness of any material system is determined by structures of three main types: stable, dissipative, and post-dissipative. The latter are defined as stable structures created by dissipative ones, directly or indirectly. Post-dissipative structures, as well as stable, can exist for an unlimited time, but at the micro level only, without energy influx. The appearance of such structures leads to the “ratchet” process, which determines the structure genesis in non-living and, especially, in living systems. This process allows systems with post-dissipative structures to develop in the direction of maximum structuring due to the gradual accumulation of these structures, even when such structuring contradicts the general law of complification.
Dec 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2574-4526.jddd-18-2521
Introduction: Ultrasound study of locally advanced gastric cancer that has spread to adjoining tissue and lymph nodes. This tumor can be associated with T2 to T4 stages of cancer. A “Locally advanced gastric cancer” is a tumor, which may be categorized as ‘resectable’ cancer when compared with M1 advanced cancer. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the Capabilities of transabdominal ultrasonography in assessment of structures and functional disorders of the locally advanced gastric cancer of diverse localization Materials and Methods: A total of61 patients with locally advanced gastric cancer were analyzed of which 36 (59,0%) were males (mean age 62.7 years) and 25 (41,0%) were females (mean age 59.3 years). All patients were managed surgically and underwent preoperative X-ray, virtual gastroscopy techniques, multidetector computed tomography and transabdominal ultrasonography (USG). Histopathology results found, in 58 (95,1%) cases adenocarcinoma, in 3 (4,9%) – ring-cell carcinoma (cricoidal) gastric cancer was established. Stage T2 was diagnosed in 16 (26.2%) cases, T3 - in 41 (67.2%) cases, T4 - in 4 (6.6%) cases. The stomach tumor in 29 (47.5%) cases was localized mainly in the antrum, 27 (44.3%) – in the body, 5 (8.2%) in the cardia and fundus (Table 1). In 24 (39,3%) cases, pyloric stenos was diagnosed - of which in 6 (9,8%) it was compensated, in 18 (29,5%) - sub compensated. All patients underwent preoperative X-ray, virtual gastroscopy techniques, multidetector computed tomography and transabdominal ultrasonography (USG). Normal ultrasound features were observed in 35 patients without gastric pathology. Ultrasonography was carried out with the convex and micro convex transducers in the frequency range of 2-5 MHz and 4-7 MHz respectively in B and color Doppler modes. Results: The polypoid type of gastric cancer was detected in 3 (4,9±2,8%) cases, the ulcerative type – in 18 (29,5±5,8%), the infiltrative ulcerative type – in 27 (44,3±6,4%) and the diffuse infiltrative type – in 13 (21,3%±5,2%) cases respectively. In 24 (39,3%) cases, pyloric stenos was diagnosed - of which in 6 (9,8%) it was compensated, in 18 (29,5%) – sub compensated. The layers of the gastric wall were not differentiated in all patients with sub compensated pyloric stenos. The gastric wall thickness of the affected area was 10,2±2,9mm in the case compensated pyloric stenosis, the length was 27,1±6,2mm, the diameter of the pylorus was 8,3±0,8mm. Among patients with sub compensated pyloric stenos, the thickness of the gastric wall was 19,8±4,1mm, the length was 43,6±4,5mm, the pyloric diameter was 4,3±1,1mm. Among the 61 patients studied, pathological vascularization was detected in 42 (68.8%) cases. It was observed that, all 4 (6.5%) patients with gastric cancer were stage T4 and 38 (62.3%) were stage T3. Vascularization was weak in 13 cases, in 24 cases - moderate, and in 5 cases - enhanced. Metastases to the regional lymph nodes were diagnosed in 52 cases. Ultrasonographically, they were detected only in 37 (71.2%) cases. Conclusions: In the diagnosis of locally advanced gastric cancer, ultrasonography demonstrates good capabilities for determining the extent and depth of the affected area. Color doppler mode allows the study of vascularisation of a locally thickened area, as well as nearby enlarged lymph nodes, which is very important to ascertain the degree of malignancy of the hyperplastic process. ltrasonography can independently determine the degree of pyloric stenosis in patients with distal gastric cancer.
May 2026 DOI 10.14302/issn.2693-1176.ijgh-26-6165
Background Women’s participation in environmental conservation within patriarchal societies is a critical factor for achieving sustainable development and improved community outcomes. Despite this importance, limited research has examined women’s perceptions of their roles and contributions to environmental conservation. The current study aimed to (1) explore women’s perceptions of their roles in environmental conservation within patriarchal structures, and (2) to document the effectiveness of strategies enhancing their participation. Methods This study followed a phenomenological design, using thematic data analysis. Information was gathered through semistructured interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), and key informant interviews with technocrats, civil servants, local leaders, and NGO staff. The sample size of the study was 30 participants, obtained using the point of saturation principle. The focus group consisted of 24 participants and 06 Key Informants. The study tools were pretested with a small group before the main fieldwork. Participants were selected using purposive sampling. The size of the sample was guided by data saturation. Results The findings show that although women’s representation in local councils and environmental committees has grown due to the 30% quota requirement, their influence remains constrained by systemic barriers. Political interference undermines technical teams’ conservation efforts, while widespread community ignorance of environmental laws limits compliance. Weak enforcement and corruption, with leaders themselves implicated in destructive practices, further erode progress. Critically, inadequate financing such as subcounties allocating only 600,000 shillings for sensitization, leaves many activities unimplemented, forcing reliance on development partners. Conclusion The study concludes that sustainable environmental stewardship requires not only legal reforms and institutional accountability but also adequate financing and communitydriven strategies that amplify women’s voices and foster collective responsibility.
Feb 2026 DOI 10.14302/issn.2576-6694.jbbs-26-5964
The combination of ultrasonography (US) and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) has been proposed as a multimodal imaging strategy capable of uniting realtime softtissue assessment with highresolution threedimensional visualization of osseous structures. This study critically evaluated whether such integration provides measurable diagnostic or workflow advantages in mandibular imaging. Despite strong theoretical justification, the combined use of US and CBCT failed to demonstrate clinically meaningful improvements in diagnostic accuracy, confidence, or efficiency when compared with CBCT alone. Fundamental physical mismatches, hardware incompatibilities, geometric constraints, and operatordependent variability limited the anticipated synergistic benefits. These negative findings underscore the importance of reporting unsuccessful integration attempts to guide future research and prevent premature clinical adoption of technically incompatible imaging paradigms.
Sep 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2692-1537.ijcv-24-5218
Background Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection often causes coagulation disorders that affect highly vascularized organs, such as the lungs and kidneys. Objective The objective of this study was to report the histopathological findings of variations in the fibrin pattern of pulmonary and renal microthrombi in patients who died from SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods Minimally invasive autopsies were performed on 40 patients to collect lung (n=40) and kidney (n=16) tissue samples. Histochemical and immunohistochemical staining techniques were used for histopathological analyses. Premortem laboratory data were obtained from the patients' electronic medical records. Results The lung tissue showed a patchy pattern, characterized by areas of both minimal and severe damage. The most significant histopathological finding was the detection of thrombi with fibrin structures organized into discrete star-shaped units, which were more frequently observed in areas with severe lung injury than in those with minimal lung injury (p = 0.012). Star-shaped fibrin structures were also observed in the renal glomerular capillaries. Immunohistochemical staining revealed the presence of platelets and the procoagulant proteins von Willebrand factor (VWF) and Factor VIII within the star-shaped fibrin thrombi. Patients with star-shaped fibrin thrombi had higher levels of the systemic inflammatory indicators C-reactive protein (CRP) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR). Conclusion Our observations suggest that the inflammatory microenvironment resulting from SARS-CoV-2 infection may contribute to the formation of star-shaped fibrin units in the pulmonary and renal microthrombi.
Mar 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2577-2279.ijha-23-4886
Introduction The foramen ovale is located in the area where intracranial and extracranial structures meet. Procedures involving trigeminal neuralgia and mandibular nerve anaesthesia require an understanding of the foramen ovale's morphometry and anatomy. Our present study was conducted to define mean values and anatomical variations in foramen ovale. Aims 1. To establish the mean length, breadth and the Area of the foramen ovale. 2. And also to study different shapes and special features of the foramen ovale. 3. To compare the values of the present author with the previous studies. Methodology The study was carried out on100 foramen ovale using 50 dry adult human skull bones of unknown sex. Maximum transverse diameter, antero-posterior diameters of the foramen were measured with the help of vernier calipers. and the different shapes of foramen were noted. The data was analysed by using unpaired T test. Results The mean anteroposterior diameter on left side was 6.59±1.37 mm and on right side was 6.99±1.44 mm. The mean transverse diameter on the left is 4.09±0.74 mm and 4.17±0.76 mm on the right side. Incidences of various shapes of the foramen ovale were oval 70%, almond 11%, round 9%, elongated 6%, pear shaped 2 % and irregular 2%. Conclusions The findings from the current study may be useful for understanding the variations of these foramina for interventions in middle cranial fossa.
Sep 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-5518.jcci-23-4743
Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death in the United States. Rarely, a tumor at the head of the pancreas can invade adjacent structures to cause a gastrointestinal bleed (GIB). We present a 78-year-old female whose massive upper GIB was the initial presentation of metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Prior reports have documented GIB in patients with known pancreatic cancer, but in our case, the diagnosis was made after the bleed was controlled, making this presentation rare and associated with a poor prognosis.
Sep 2023
Groove pancreatitis (GP) is a rare type of segmental chronic pancreatitis that affects the anatomical area between the pancreatic head, the duodenum, and the common bile duct, referred to as the groove area. Most patients with groove pancreatitis are males aged 40–50 years with a history of alcohol abuse. The prevalence of this condition was not determined due to rarity of cases.The clinical symptoms commonly reported were weight loss, upper abdominal pain, postprandial vomiting, and nausea due to duodenal stenosis. It is considered difficult clinically and radiographically to distinguish this form of chronic pancreatitis from other differential diagnoses of inflammatory conditions or malignancies affecting the pancreas or adjacent structures to that groove area. We report a challenging case of GP in an asymptomatic female patient during routine gastric ulcer screening. Our objective is to draw attention to this rare and atypical type of chronic pancreatitis and the importance for early detection on screening EGDs prior to its symptomatic sequelae and complications.
Apr 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2643-2811.jmbr-22-4274
A methodological note proposes formal structures for correlational studies of water problems. It emphasizes variable definition, confounding control, and reproducibility.
Aug 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2692-5915.jafs-22-4157
Fingerprints are commonly used for identification 1. All records are computerized. In a catastrophe recorded images of soft tissue may become useless if the tissues burn throughout. Dental prints are rarely used for identification. Information is taken from dental radiographs or dental casts. In case of fire recorded images of dental structures may be useful because they do not readily burn.
Nov 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2470-0436.jos-21-4016
Malignant transformation of peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) may develop from a plexiform type of Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) or previously irradiated areas. Generally, MPNSTs occur in about 2% to 5% of neurofibromatosis patients. In this paper, we present a 58-year-old male patient with neurofibromatosis who developed MPNST of the eyelids and nasal area. The patient had a history of multiple excision biopsies for facial tumors in 22 years at different institutions, allegedly revealing neurofibromas on histopathological evaluation. A recent consult with the Otorhinolaryngology Service (ORL) prompted an excision biopsy with results consistent with neurofibroma. The mass recurred and enlarged even more rapidly compared to the previously excised tumor. The patient also developed four tumors on the eyelids hence the referral to Ophthalmology Service. The eyelid masses and nasal mass were excised by the Ophthalmology and ORL Services. Histopathology revealed identical MPNST characteristics on all excised tumors. The patient was eventually referred to the Oncology Service to evaluate radio and chemotherapy. A rapid change in the size of a preexisting neurofibroma, infiltration of the adjacent structures, intralesional hemorrhage, and pain usually indicates a possible malignant transformation into MPNST. A high index of suspicion is helpful for clinicians when presented with a case of a recurrent neurofibromatosis, even if the only sign is the rapid growth of the mass since management of MPNST is very different from neurofibromatosis.
Jan 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2470-5020.jnrt-20-3619
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are recently rediscovered eukaryotic molecules that form a covalently closed-loop structure through a special type of alternative splicing known as backsplicing. These closed-loop structures are highly stable and resistant to RNase degradation, and are thereby expressed in a tissue-specific and evolutionarily conserved manner, which regulates the expression of proteins and mRNAs that are involved in the metabolic pathways associated with specific diseases. Recent evidence of the ubiquitous expression of circRNAs in cancer under physiological and pathophysiological conditions indicates that dysregulation of gene and protein expression might promote tumorigenesis and carcinogenesis, and that circRNAs have important clinical significance in the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of cancer and other diseases. This review provides a brief introduction to the characteristics, formation, and function of circRNAs. Some of circRNAs act as microRNA (miRNA) sponges to regulate the level of transcriptional splicing and the expression of parental genes through the circRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulation axis. We summarize recent progress in above-mentioned circRNAs associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD).
Nov 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2473-1005.jdoi-20-3595
Aesthetic and functional problems associated with significant facial asymmetry can negatively affect the patient's facial appearance, nutritional and psychosocial development. Therefore, a critical assessment and accurate treatment planning is absolutely necessary. The aim of this study was to evaluate the parameters of PA cephalometric analysis defined by Ricketts and Grummons and establish statistically relevant correlations and their importance in diagnosing orthodontic patients with varying degrees facial asymmetries. The research included facial asymmetry Romanian patients from the Department of Orthodontics and Dento-Facial Orthopedics of UMF "Victor Babes", Timisoara. The PA cephalogram investigations that met the inclusion criteria were digitally analyzed. Dental and skeletal cephalometric parameters described by Ricketts, Grummons and Kappeyne Van De Coppello were collected through linear, angular and volumetric measurements. Statistically significant correlations between the degree of asymmetry and the dimension of the internal structures were observed.Our conclusion is that PAcephalograms are cost effective and useful investigations in identifying and evaluating skeletal and dental imbalances in orthodontic facial asymmetry patients.
Nov 2020
Currently, there is a paradoxical situation where the dominant opinion in medicine recognizes the harmfulness of dysfunction of such barrier structures as the cardia, pylorus, sphincter of Oddi, heart valves, valves of the veins of the lower extremities, etc., but ignores the failure of the ileocecal obturator (bauginium damper) or its absence as a possible cause of the pathology of the digestive system, as well as various extraintestinal diseases 1. But also I.I. Grekov (1952) expressed his position 2, which remained relevant: “Despite a number of works devoted to the proximal part of the large intestines, the pathology of this department is still insufficiently explained because the role of the Bauginium damper was completely ignored in these works.
Oct 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-20-3418
Isolation methods that employ readily-available inexpensive supplies on the open market, which are reliable, as well as economical, such as nucleic acid amplification techniques (NAAT) based on microfluidic technology in low-resource research settings (LRRS) that meets the ASSURED guidelines are essential to develop a noninvasive diagnostic colon cancer screen in stool using micro(mi)RNA molecules. A combination of a microfluidic-based MiRNA stool test with a reliable rolling circle amplification/detection method applied to the quantification of miRNA molecules, result in an affordable sensitive and specific isothermal method for the noninvasive quantitative detection of miRNAs in LRRS. Scientists and engineers have become interested in miRNAs, and they have intensified their efforts to apply emerging simple detection tools to the important bioanalytical challenge of quantifying these small 18-26 nt long molecules. Some of the proposed approaches incorporate novel material, such as simple centrifuges and methods based on microfluidic technology, while others utilize the interesting biological properties of these molecules, such as forming branched RCA structures, allowing for the detection of these biomarker molecules at an attomolar "aM" concentration level, using low cost extraction and isothermal amplification methods in LRRS. We have been interested in studying colorectal cancer (CRC) because it is the 3rd most common malignancy worldwide, and stool can be obtained noninvasively from the patients. We have focused in this research on colon cancer (CC) because it is more common in the USA than rectal cancer (RC). The innovation of our approach lies in the exploratory use of an affordable, quantitative miRNA profiling in noninvasive stool samples in LRRS, whose extracted fragile total RNA is stabilized shortly after excretion from stool by commercially available kits, so it does not ever fragment, followed by quantitative standardized analytical tests that are neither labor intensive, nor require expensive instrumentation, in order to develop apanel of novel miRNA genes for the noninvasive diagnostic screening of early left and right sporadic colon cancers, more economically, and with higher sensitivity and specificity than any other colon cancer screening test currently available on the market. To show the clinical sensitivity and specificity of the proposed quantitative miRNA test using simple methodologies in LRRS,the miRNA results are to be correlated with FOBT, colonoscopy, and pathology data. Standardization establishes test’s performance criteria (sample selection, optimal sample running conditions, preservation and storage), in order to ensure that the assay will perform the same way in any laboratory, by any trained personnel, anywhere in low-resource laboratory settings worldwide.
Jun 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-19-3123
Isolation methods that employ readily-available inexpensive supplies on the open market, which are reliable, as well as economical, such as nucleic acid amplification techniques (NAAT) based on microfluidic technology in low-resource research settings (LRRS) that meets the ASSURED guidelines are essential to develop a noninvasive diagnostic colon cancer screen in stool using micro(mi)RNA molecules. A combination of a microfluidic-based MiRNA stool test with a reliable rolling circle amplification/detection method applied to the quantification of miRNA molecules, result in an affordable sensitive and specific isothermal method for the noninvasive quantitative detection of miRNAs in LRRS. Scientists and engineers have become interested in miRNAs, and they have intensified their efforts to apply emerging simple detection tools to the important bioanalytical challenge of quantifying these small 18-26 nt long molecules. Some of the proposed approaches incorporate novel material, such as simple centrifuges and methods based on microfluidic technology, while others utilize the interesting biological properties of these molecules, such as forming branched RCA structures, allowing for the detection of these biomarker molecules at an attomolar "aM" concentration level, using low cost extraction and isothermal amplification methods in LRRS. We have been interested in studying colorectal cancer (CRC) because it is the 3rd most common malignancy worldwide, and stool can be obtained noninvasively from the patients. We have focused in this research on colon cancer (CC) because it is more common in the USA than rectal cancer (RC). The innovation of our approach lies in the exploratory use of an affordable, quantitative miRNA profiling in noninvasive stool samples in LRRS, whose extracted fragile total RNA is stabilized shortly after excretion from stool by commercially available kits, so it does not ever fragment, followed by quantitative standardized analytical tests that are neither labor intensive, nor require expensive instrumentation, in order to develop apanel of novel miRNA genes for the noninvasive diagnostic screening of early left and right sporadic colon cancers, more economically, and with higher sensitivity and specificity than any other colon cancer screening test currently available on the market. To show the clinical sensitivity and specificity of the proposed quantitative miRNA test using simple methodologies in LRRS,the miRNA results are to be correlated with FOBT, colonoscopy, and pathology data. Standardization establishes test’s performance criteria (sample selection, optimal sample running conditions, preservation and storage), in order to ensure that the assay will perform the same way in any laboratory, by any trained personnel, anywhere in low-resource laboratory settings worldwide.
May 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2692-5257.ijgp-20-3368
General practitioners are the first contact between the person, the family and the community with the health system. The philosopher and epistemologist K. Popper (1902-1994) recommended the need to register errors, in order to know them, catalog them and therefore prevent them. J.Reason in 1963 introduced the systemic approach to the study of errors with the theory of latent errors. The knowledge of the causal factors, or which in any case contribute, of possible errors, as well as of the latent gaps in the system, is a fundamental prerequisite for the construction of paths aimed at improving the quality of assistance, structures and organizational aspects.
Apr 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2372-6601.jhor-20-3293
Objective Meningiomas are most common intracranial benign tumors comprising around one third of all intracranial neoplasms, and typically have benign and indolent nature with slow-growing behaviour. Benign meningiomas are slow growing tumors typically following an indolent disease course. Nevertheless, atypical or anaplastic meningiomas may follow a more aggressive disease course with invasion of critical structures and recurrences. In the current study, we evaluate the incorporation of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for radiosurgery treatment planning of atypical meningiomas. Materials and Methods Atypical meningioma radiosurgery target volume determination with and without incorporation of MRI has been evaluated. Ground truth target volume used as the reference has been outlined by the board-certified group of radiation oncologists after comprehensive assessment, thorough collaboration and consensus. Results Target volume definition by use of Computed Tomography (CT)-only imaging and by CT-MR fusion based imaging has been comparatively evaluated in this study for linear accelerator (LINAC)-based radiosurgical management of atypical meningioma. Ground truth target volume defined by the board-certified radiation oncologists after detailed evaluation, collaboration, colleague peer review and consensus has been found to be identical to target determination by use of CT-MR fusion based imaging. Conclusion Despite significant progress in neurosurgical techniques over the years, complete surgical resection may not be feasible in the presence of meningiomas located at eloquent brain areas in close association with important neurovascular structures. RT may have a role in multidisciplinary management of meningiomas. Incorporation of MRI into treatment planning for radiosurgery of atypical meningiomas may improve target definition despite the need for further supporting evidence.
Feb 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2577-2279.ijha-20-3178
Background In recent years great attention has been focused on the structural and histological structures of the placenta and the umbilical cord due to their vital roles in fetal development and neonatal survival. While extensive studies have been documented in this area in the developed world, there is very little published information about the morphological variations that occur in human placenta in Sudan. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate the structural variations in placental indices and its relation to neonatal outcome. Methods A prospective hospital - based study conducted in Wad Madani Maternity Teaching Hospital Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology between July 2014 and March 2018. Results Mean placental indices for weight, diameter and thickness were 515.51 g, 18.80 cm and 2.43 cm respectively. The mean neonatal indices were 2.95 kg, 33.19 cm and 44.42 cm for weight, head circumference and length respectively. Neonatal weight correlated significantly with placental weight, neonatal length and neonatal head circumference (P < 0.000). On the contrary, neonatal weight had no significant correlation with placental thickness and diameter Conclusion In this study, there was a strong relationship between the placenta and the fetus suggesting that the well-being of the fetus is highly dependent on the placenta since it serves as a link between the mother and the fetus.
Oct 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2642-3146.jec-19-3049
As a result of mathematical modeling it has been shown that any closed electrical line can be interpreted as a ring waveguide where the Fermi-Pasta-Ulam recurrences of the electron and phonon currents interact with each other on the transversal and longitudinal periodical structures of the line conductor’s crystalline lattice as well as on the structures of the wire insulation. An electronic circuit simulating the mathematical model through the dynamics of magnons and phonons in a closed ferrite core with two different coils switched into the shoulders of a multivibrator has been developed. It has been demonstrated that the interacting ferromagnetic and ferroacoustic resonances excited simultaneously in a ferrite core qualitatively correspond to the dynamics of the electron and phonon currents interaction process in a closed electrical line.
Sep 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-3585.jpmc-19-3018
Radial Club Hand (RCH) is a rare and complex congenital disorder of the pre-axial border of the upper extremity. It is a congenital longitudinal radial ray deficiency which presents as radial deviation of the hand and distal forearm in the shape of a golf club 12. Radial ray deficiency (the most common type of longitudinal failure of formation) is a spectrum of malformations affecting the structures of the radial side of the forearm, including hypoplasia of the bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves and blood vessels. The thumb dysfunction, wrist instability and short upper extremity that accompany this condition can cause significant functional impairment particularly in patients with bilateral involvement. Thus, the performance of activities of daily living such as accomplishing personal hygiene, fastening buttons and zippers becomes challenging 3.
Sep 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2574-450X.jom-19-3001
Gene therapy has entered a new era with the dawn of CRISPR/Cas9 technology which though were always available in nature but rediscovered to tame into a real-tlife genome editing tool. With the modernization upsurge and changes in ways the “homo sapiens” survived on this planet from hunger to current era of exuberance has led to multiple metabolic issues like type-2 diabetes. Notwithstanding the rapid emergence of medication to suppress the hyperglycemia and insulin resistance associated with this menace, need has definitely emerge to find more personalized and curative dimensions to therapeutics of type-2 diabetes mellitus. Gene therapy is one more addition to Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) therapy, where multiple options have emerged in the shape of microRNA, direct knocking out of cellular structures like proteins and enzymes and very recently the precision nucleases associated with CRISPR technologies. This mini-review attempt to summarize some of the recent examples of gene therapy with major focus on CRISPR/Cas technologies.
Sep 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2689-2855.jan-19-3012
Quantum dots can be defined as semiconductor nanostructures which are artificial in nature and ranges from 2-10 nm in size. These tiny nanocrystals become excited under illumination and emits colors of different wavelength. Quantum dots possess unique properties determined by their structure (hollow or solid), size, shape and composition. Fabrication of Quantum dots is achieved by several methods such as electron beam lithography, epitaxy or by means of colloidal synthesis.
Aug 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2470-5020.jnrt-19-2983
Although it is a vaccine-preventable disease, tetanus is frequently found in sub-Saharan Africa. Because of its rarity, this disease poses two problems for doctors of the 21st century: to make early diagnosis in order to refer patients to appropriate care structures, and to continue to ensure correct prevention of an affection that few current doctors have met. In it generalized form, the diagnosis of tetanus is easy, but when the beginning is localized, tetanus can be change with other diseases leading to a diagnostic wandering and a delay of adequate management. We report a case of tetanus in an 18-year-old male, who was received for neck pain and stiffness of the neck with a positive Kernig sign associated to fever since 48 hours. Initially treated for meningitis, the patient will develop at day 3 of hospitalization, the signs of generalized tetanus which led to evoked the diagnosis of tetanus. This diagnosis was reinforced by the notion of a rusty nail injury to the soles of the right foot 3 weeks before hospitalization and the absence of anti-tetanus vaccination. After using tetanus serum and vaccination with antibiotics (Metronidazole and Penicillin) and Diazepam in association with stripping of the wound under the foot, the patient was improved. This case illustrates that any neurological sign with the first trismus must evoke until proof of the contrary, a tetanus especially in case of association with a wound even if the immunization schedule is up to date.
May 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2644-1101.jhp-19-2766
Cholecystokinin (CCK) is found in high concentrations in cortical and limbic structures including the amygdala of rodents, and evidence has been gathered supporting a role for CCK in the neurobiology of anxiety. A variety of animal models have been used to study a central state of fear or anxiety, state that appears to produce a complex pattern of behaviors highly correlated with each other. It is now well established that the amygdala in particular is a critical link in the pathway through which sensory stimuli come to acquire fear evoking properties. The purpose of the proposed experiments is to study the role of the putative neurotransmitter CCK in fear and anxiety in vivo by means of a methodology coupling electrochemical and electrophysiological measurements in various brain areas. Indeed, the association of in vivo differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) with in vivo extracellular single unit recording could be able to provide concomitant physiological and neurochemical indications and to relate them to behavioral events. To further study and support the initial observations pharmacological experiments will also be performed by means of CCK receptor agonists and antagonists. This may eventually lead to development of more effective pharmacological strategies for treating clinical anxiety disorders.
Mar 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-3585.jpmc-19-2633
Motorcycles have been increasing used widely in various urban, suburban and villages in Cameroon with an increased in accidents resulting to injuries among the population. Head and limbs injuries are responsible for most of the cases encountered from related crashes. A prospective study on head and limbs injuries resulting from motorcycle crash were assessed among the different cases brought to the casualty and emergency department of the Kumba district hospital. Most of the injured cases were of motorcycle and other vehicle collisions 203 (47.65) and the least among motorcycle lone crash 51 (11.97). Motorcycle to motorcycle collisions accounted for 107 (25.12 %) of the cases. 65 (15.26%) were motorcycle with pedestrians related collision. Stepping up and facilitating the regulations on licenses and the use of personal protective equipment for riders, improvement of roads infrastructures with pedestrian path, expanding health facilities and equipment, and human resources for health as well as empowering the population on road safety measures will be very important for RTAs control measures of the nation.
Jan 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2643-0282.imsj-18-2448
Fungal infections increased substantially in the last years, becoming a relevant public health problem. Many of these infections account for high rates of morbidity and mortality. The emergence of resistant fungal clinical isolates have also motivate studies to find new antifungal therapies. Candida albicans is an oportunistic pathogen and affects a great number of immunocompromised patients worldwide. The marine ecosystem has been considered a rich source of bioactive metabolites due to the complexity and originality of its structures. Proteins and peptides from marine organisms have been shown to have antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antimalarial, anticancer, antimicrobial and antifungal properties. Arenicins are antimicrobial peptides isolated from the marine lugworm Arenicola marina with 21 amino acid residues in a β-hairpin structure. Dihydrofolate reductase, exo-b-(1,3)-glucanase and sterol 14α-demethylase are essential C. albincas enzymes that take part in DNA, cell wall and membrane metabolism, respectively. The present study evaluates the interaction of arenicin with important enzymes of C. albicans related to cell wall, ergosterol and DNA metabolism in order to elucidate possible molecular targets. We showed through an in silico approach, that a single compound from a marine worm (A. marina), can bind to three C. albicans essential proteins. The interaction occurs in regions inside the active site or at least near, with amino acid residues evaluated as hot spots. Arenicin is a new promising antifugal drug. The next step is to investigate protein-protein interactions performed by DHFR, EBG and CYP51 and assess whether arenicin is able to disrupt essential interaction or not.
Dec 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2576-6694.jbbs-18-2489
Essential oils, called volatile oils or ethereal oils, are natural metabolic secretions of plants, the role of which is not yet fully understood by science. Some specialists consider them to be true plant hormones, fluid manifestations of the immune system of plants, in the sense that they contribute to the removal of pests, attracting, instead, pollinating agents, which are some insects and birds. Small, light–colored spherical structures, is, in fact, modified filaments, which behave like some secretory glands of essential volatile oils. They are the ones who give the fragrance of the aromatic plant and have, in the case of salvation, medicinal curative properties, such as fever reduction, blood cleansing, and relieving pain. Essential oils are products isolated from plants or organs through a physical process that have a certain volatility (higher or lower) and possesses an agreeable odour characteristic of the source from which they originate. They are also known as volatile or essential oils and their name are usually given by the popular name of the plant from which they are extracted. The most important characteristic of these mixtures, which also gives the special economic value, is the specific smell. This is the basis for their use in perfumery, cosmetics and the food industry. Many essential oils have special therapeutic qualities, some of which have been known and used since antiquity.
Aug 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2640-6403.jtrr-18-2158
Purpose of Study: To study reparative osteogenesis and tissue integration characteristics for implanting three-dimensional mesh structures of titanium nickelide into a bone cavitary defect. Material and Methods: The authors modeled cavitary defects of femoral metaphysis experimentally in Wistar rats divided into an experimental group and control one. The study duration was 60 days in total. The methods of radiography, those of light and electron microscopy, X-ray electron probe microanalysis used. Results: Under implantation the defect was filled with cancellous bone the volumetric density of which more than 1,5-fold exceeded control values (р < 0.001). The implant had biocompatibility, osteoconductive and osteoinductive properties, it stopped inflammatory processes. The membrane protective barrier which prevented connective tissue sprouting was formed on the implant surface in the defect periosteal zone. The osteointegrative junction was formed being persisted up to the end of the experiment. Reparative osteogenesis was performed by direct intramembranous and apposition type. Conclusion: The implant of three-dimensional mesh titanium-nickelide structures has marked osteoplastic properties, and it can be successfully used in orthopedic surgery.
Apr 2018
The global analysis of 3 human genomes of increasing levels of evolution (neanderthal / sapiens build34 of 2003 / sapiens hg38 of 2013) reveals 2 levels of numerical constraints controlling, structuring and optimizing the DNA sequences of these genomes. A global constraint - which we will call "HGO" for "Human Genome Optimum" - optimizes the genome at its global scale of 3.5 billion base pairs. This same operator when applied to each of the 24 individual chromosomes reveals a hierarchical structure of these 24 chromosomes according to a numerical spectrum of amplitude ½ Phi extending from chromosome 4 to chromosome 19. This first level of comparison reveals a very Great analogy between these 3 genomes. Then we introduce a global analysis method of roughness or fractal texture of the DNA sequences at the level of each chromosome. After having demonstrated that the chromosome4 seems to play a privileged role in the human genome, radically differentiating it from the 23 other chromosomes, we limit the study to the exhaustive analysis of different whole chromosomes4 relative to the 6 primates Homosapiens, Neanderthal, Chimpanzee, Orang-outan, Gorilla and Macaque. There are then remarkable resonances and periods - based on the sequences of Fibonacci and Lucas - totally differentiating the chromosomes 4 of these different primate species: 21 base pairs period for the chimpanzee and the urang-outan, 34 bases pairs period for Man, and 55 base pairs period for the gorilla. Finally, the major result is that the comparative analysis of the respective chromosomes4 of sapiens and neanderthal shows for the first time major differences in long-range fractal structures between the DNA sequences of these two genomes. Thus, while the chromosome4 of sapiens has an obvious resonance of 34 nucleotides, that of Neanderthal seems "torn" between two attractors of fractal textures, one on this same resonance 34, but with a roughness radically different from that of sapiens, While the other resonance is tuned to the number of Lucas 123. Finally, on a more theoretical level, this method reveals properties of "discrete digital standing waves" such as periods, resonances, phase shifts or phase positions. To conclude, we suggest that this chromosome4 could possibly play a role as a "referential" with respect to each of the 23 other chromosomes of the nuclear genome and possibly also with respect to the mitochondrial mtDNA genome.
Feb 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2577-2279.ijha-18-1918
Purpose of Study To study reparative osteogenesis and tissue integration characteristics for implanting three-dimensional mesh structures of titanium nickelide into a bone cavitary defect. Material and Methods The authors modeled cavitary defects of femoral metaphysis experimentally in Wistar rats divided into an experimental group and control one. The study duration was 60 days in total. The methods of radiography, those of light and electron microscopy, X-ray electron probe microanalysis used. Results Under implantation the defect was filled with cancellous bone the volumetric density of which more than 1,5-fold exceeded control values (р < 0.001). The implant had biocompatibility, osteoconductive and osteoinductive properties, it stopped inflammatory processes. The membrane protective barrier which prevented connective tissue sprouting was formed on the implant surface in the defect periosteal zone. The osteointegrative junction was formed being persisted up to the end of the experiment. Reparative osteogenesis was performed by direct intramembranous and apposition type. Conclusion The implant of three-dimensional mesh titaium-nickelide structures has marked osteoplastic properties, and it can be successfully used in orthopedic surgery.
Jan 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2577-2279.ijha-17-1903
The aim of the present study was to compare mandibular neurovascular canal anatomy in human and great apes by using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). The anatomical variability of mandibular neurovascular canals (mandibular, incisive and lingual canals) of 129 modern humans and great apes (Homo, Pan and Gorilla) were analyzed by linear measurements on CBCT images. The Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric test and Dunn’s all pairs for joint ranks were applied to compare the variability of mandibular canals among these groups. Human, Chimpanzee and Gorilla groups showed significant differences in the dimensions of the mandibular canal, mental foramen, incisive canal, lingual canal and anterior mandibular bone width. Bifid mandibular canals and anterior loops were the anatomical variations most frequently observed in the Gorilla. Humans had a larger mental foramen and a distinctive incisive canal. The latter could not be identified in the Gorilla group. The variability in the anatomy within mandibles of human and non-human primates, shows different forms in the neurovascular structures. In comparison to the mandible of great apes, the incisive canal is suggested to be a feature unique to the human mandible.
Dec 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2640-6403.jtrr-17-1840
Up till now, chitosan has confirmed its versatile application in skin, cartilage and bone tissue engineering, as well as in drug delivery applications. This study is focused on enzymatic degradation of porous chitosan structures usually designed for mentioned purposes. In vitro degradation was monitored during four weeks of incubation at physiological temperature and in two different media, phosphate buffer saline solution and water. The scaffolds were characterised before and after enzymatic degradation using scanning electron microscopy and infrared spectroscopy with Fourier transformations (FTIR). According to the gravimetric analysis, higher weight loss of chitosan scaffolds was observed in buffered medium with respect to the water. The results implied that the total weight loss obtained in buffer involves physical dissolution of chitosan and lysozyme cleavage of glycoside bond. Importantly, FTIR identification of chitosan scaffolds after enzymatic degradation indicated the absence of lysozyme activity in water, indicating that weight loss is a result of the chitosan dissolution. This finding greatly impacts design of degradation experiments and characterisation of degradation behaviour of chitosan-based materials utilised as implants or drug delivery systems.
Oct 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2572-5424.jgm-17-1609
DUF1220 proteins regions show the largest Homo-Sapiens lineage-specific increase in copy number of any protein-coding region in the human genome and map principally to 1q21.1. DUF1220 deletions have been associated with microcephaly and macrocephaly, respectively. DUF1220 copy number has been linked to both brain size in humans and brain evolution among primates. Remarkably, dosage variations involving DUF1220 sequences have now been linked to human brain expansion, autism severity, total IQ, and cognitive and mathematical aptitude scores. We analyzed in chromosome 1q a total of 245 DUF1220 proteins. Finally the method is extended analysing the long 1q21 region from 7 other close primates like Neanderthal, great apes : chimp, gorilla, orangutan and monkeys : macaque, marmoset, vervet. This remarkable property is confirmed by comparing these primates to other mammals such as mice, rabbit, cow, dolphin and Elephant. We then show four classes of multi-periodic fractal structures for all 19 DUF1220 regions and 19 NBPF genes studied cases. The analysis of these spectra of fractal periods1 reveals a simple linear interdependence, hierarchization and unification between the numerical sequences of each of these 4 spectra and the sequences of Fibonacci and Lucas. Given the evidence of this numerical relationship, we suggest that this discovery may be one of the major causes of a cognitive development of man superior to that of the great primates. Finally the mathematical roots of this whole numbers resonance patterns is discussed.
Sep 2017
The goal of dental restoration is to restore and reconstruct the function, integrity, and morphology of missing tooth structures. At present, dental crowns are usually fabricated by referencing the homonym and adjacent teeth to design the morphology of the restoration, followed by empirical modifications on the restoration morphology. The original morphology of an intact natural tooth, if available, would allow for a balance of the horizontal and vertical forces generated by the surrounding tissues. Otherwise, it is hard for a restoration to reproduce the original tooth morphology. Discrepancies between original tooth morphology and restorations, such as axial over-contour or inappropriate occlusion, may break physiologically established balance, causing patient discomfort or even malocclusion and occlusal diseases. Therefore, to design and fabricate dental restorations with the original tooth morphology could be of great value to oral health. Literature indicates that physiological changes in tooth morphology slowly progress throughout one’s life. We present a hypothetical biomorphic dental restoration design that records the intact tooth morphology of a patient before lesions occur to allow for future design and fabricate of dental restorations. Using a copy of the pre-existing tooth abutment for restoration could result in none or fewer adjustments needed for restoration, and harmony with the surrounding tissues.
Aug 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2694-1201.jsn-17-1527
Cervicogenic headaches are a significant cause of head and neck pain, and occipital neuralgia is a common component of these cervicogenic headaches. Occipital injections are commonly performed at the occipital ridge, but this site does not address more proximal entrapments of the nerve in the suboccipital region. Because of the potentially dangerous structures in this region, clinicians have tended to avoid the suboccipital region, despite the pathologies seen in this region. This article discusses the pathology of the region, the alternative techniques, and the novel interventional approach developed for this region, specifically the “Stealth” approach of occipital decompression.
Aug 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2575-7881.jdrr-17-1701
Functional nucleic acids are a kind of nucleic acid sequences with special functions, which can specifically bind with the target substances or catalyze the reactions. Many target, including mycotoxins, small RNA, heavy metal ions and DNA segment, can bind to particular selected oligonucleotides, and then realized the detection. The uses of functional nucleic acids to detect the genetically modified organism (GMO) have been pursued using different approaches. Meanwhile, the flanking sequence, which was the most specific target in the GMO detection, was also usually separated with the help of functional nucleic acid. During the detection, the functional nucleic acid provided superior sensitivity, specificity and success rate compared with the traditional methods. In this report, we described different functional nucleic acids used in the GMO detection, they were classified based on their structures, and some of them were developed in our lab. The principle, structural composition, advantage, and the comparisons of the functional nucleic acids were reported. Considering most of the functional nucleic acids are fluorescently-labeled, in order to reduce the cost, more and more functional nucleic acids without labeling are under research.
May 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2694-1201.jsn-17-1470
Brain tumors occur when abnormal cells form within the brain.There are two main types of tumors: malignant and benign tumors. Then, tumors can be divided into primary that start within the brain, and secondary tumors that have spread from somewhere else, known as brain metastasis tumors. Secondary brain tumors occur in approximately 15 % of cancer patients with about half of metastases coming from lung cancer. Primary brain tumors occur in around 250,000 people a year globally, making up less than 2% of whole body tumors. According to American Brain Tumor Association the most common types of primary tumors are gliomas, representing 74,6 % of all malignant tumors and meningiomas ( 36,6% ) while more affected region is frontal lobe, about 22 % . Particularly, prefrontal cortex ( PFC ), the anterior part of the frontal lobe that is highly developed in humans plays a role in the regulation of personality, emotional, and behavioral functioning, leading to serious cognitive impairments 1. These are the psychological signs of frontal lobe tumors, in addition to other functions such as the expressive language of Broca's area or those relating to voluntary movement, linked to frontal cortical motor areas. It relates to the so-called higher nervous functions, concerning the life of relationship and communication. The PFC physiology explains the psychological mechanisms of its associated functions: connections with the limbic cortex, thalamus, hypothalamus, basal ganglia and other subcortical areas.The regions of the PFC at the base of the psychophysiological mechanisms involved are basically the dorso-lateral, the ventro-medial, the orbito-frontal establishing contacts primarily with limbic structures, such as the cingulate gyrus, hippocampus, amygdala.
Nov 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2574-4526.jddd-16-1311
Adenosquamous carcinoma of the stomach (ASCS) is extremely rare with less than one hundred cases published in the world literature. It is defined by combined adenocarcima and squamous cells carcinoma of the stomach. ASCS is clinically aggressive and has a poor prognosis, even when discovered at an early stage. This intriguing entity is characterized by non specific symptoms or radiological signs. Integrate 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography 18F FDG.PET/CT is useful morphologic and functional modalities for evaluating primary tumor, local extend and invasion beyond gastric wall or distant metastatic and eventually for management. Diagnosis of ASCS requires immunohistochemical confirmation. We report a 77-year-old man who was admitted to hospital because of epigastric pain, vomiting and melena since more than a month. Gastroscopy with biopsies had initially suggested gastric squamous cell carcinoma .Thoracic and abdominal computed tomography scan (CT) showed a huge mass in the gastric body, largely necrotic, infiltrating the adjacent structures without metastases. Partial gastrectomy with resection of the proximal 2/3 of the stomach, the spleen, the body and tail of pancreas and the left transverse colon was performed. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated ASCS with mixed adenocarcinomatous and squamous cells carcinoma with invasion of gastric lymph nodes. Unfortunately, two months after surgery, a CT of the abdomen revealed diffuse metastasis and the patient died three months later. In light of this case, we discuss the pathogenesis, staging and monitoring of this rare entity by combined 18F-FDG PET/CT with review of the literature.
Feb 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2471-2140.jaa-15-887
A bioassay-guided fractionation of petroleum ether, EtOAc and n-BuOH soluble parts of the 80% hydromethanol extract was performed to investigate the antioxidant activity of Secamoneafzeliiaerial parts using DPPH free radical scavenging assay. The results revealed that EtOAc and n-BuOH soluble parts have moderate to good DPPH radical scavenging activity (EC50 = 139.3 and 30.5 μg/mL, respectively). Therefore, from the most active fractions of EtOAc and n-BuOH soluble parts were isolated two new flavonoid diglycosides quercetin-3-O-β-d-apiofuranosyl-(1→2)-α-l-rhamnopyranoside and genkwanin-8-C-β-d-apiofuranosyl-(1→2)-β-d-glucopyranoside in addition to nine known compounds (2-10). Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data including 1D- and 2D-NMR and ESI-MS. The ability of the isolated compounds to scavenge the DPPH was evaluated. The new compound 1, quercitrin (3) and rutin (6) have antioxidant potential with EC50 values ranging from 8.4 to 13.6 µg/mL, compared to the standard ascorbic acid (EC50 7.4 µg/mL).
May 2015 DOI 10.14302/issn.2574-4488.jna-14-601
Iodinated radiographic contrast agents (IRCA) are pharmaceutical agents used to improve the visibility of internal organs and structures in X-ray based imaging techniques. However, IRCA may have adverse unwanted effects, ranging from a mild inconvenience, such as itching, to a life-threatening emergency. The adverse effects of IRCA include delayed allergic reactions, anaphylactic reactions, and/or cutaneous reactions. But exposure to IRCA may be associated also with the development of either hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, presumably due to the effect of free, biologically active elemental iodine ions present in these agents. Among the side effects associated with the use of intravascular injection of IRCA, Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is undoubtedly their most important and frequent well known adverse reaction. The pathogenesis of CIN is discussed in detail including the factors that increase the incidence of CIN, the main ones being pre-existing renal impairment, particularly when associated with diabetes mellitus. Finally, the measures to reduce the nephrotoxicity of IRCA are suggested beginning with monitoring renal function, discontinuation of potentially nephrotoxic drugs, use of either iodixanol or iopamidol at the lowest dosage possible. The main procedure for prevention of CIN is an adequate hydration of the patient with either isotonic sodium chloride or sodium bicarbonate solutions. A long list of references is provided that will enable readers a deep appreciation of the topic.
Jun 2014 DOI 10.14302/issn.2328-0182.japst-13-288
ALS is the neurodegenerative disease which is caused due to breakdown in interaction between UBL and rpn1. In this study, we explore the interaction of UBL and rpn1 which is involved in protein degradation. Protein recycling system plays a crucial role in degradation of deformed or damaged proteins. Task of degradation of damaged ubiquitinated proteins is completed by proteasome with the help of ubiquilin2 protein which links 19s proteasome and poly-Ub chain attached to damaged protein. More specifically, N-terminal UBL domain interacts with rpn1 subunit of base complex of 19s proteasome and C-terminal UBA domain interacts with tetra poly-Ub chain attached to damaged protein. In present study, UBL domains are docked against homology modeled rpn1 with the help of Patch dock server. Further the docked structures are refined using fire dock server and best docked structure is chosen having global energy -16.71. Best docked structures are analyzed using swiss-pdb viewer software to show hydrogen bonds between interacting proteins. Here we explore a mutation E6A and P11A in UBL structure with the help of YASARA which is significantly increasing the interaction between interacting proteins in terms of hydrogen bonds.
Jan 2014 DOI 10.14302/issn.2328-0182.japst-12-183
Gold nanorods (GNRs) are plasmonic nanostructures by virtue of their size-dependent optical properties, offer a bionanotechnology platform in areas of bioimaging, drug delivery etc for disease diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy. GNRs are more sensitive to changes in local environments, and offer strong scattering and absorption efficiencies thus providing opportunities to integrate multiple imaging modes and therapeutic strategies. The hydrodynamic size of these GNR under physiological condition is <100 nm, making them ideal as intracellular delivery agents. RNA interference using small inhibitory RNA (siRNA) has become a powerful tool to downregulate mRNA levels by cellular nucleases that become activated when a sequence homology between the siRNA and a respective mRNA molecule is detected. siRNA is used to silence genes involved in the pathogenesis of various diseases and holds a promising option for the development of novel therapeutic strategies in neurological dysregulation such as that observed in drug addiction. However, a major challenge in gene therapy continues to be effective delivery of siRNA and its sustained release at targeted sites. Previously, we have shown the GNR coated with poly (diallyldimethyl ammoniumchloride) (GNR-PDDAC) electrostatically complexed to the dopamine- and cAMP-regulated neuronal phosphoprotein (DARPP-32) siRNA forming a GNR-nanoplex that was able to effectively silence the DARPP-32 gene expression in dopaminergic neuronal (DAN) cell cultures in- vitro. The current report, explores if modification of the surface coating properties of the GNRs with different surface coatings namely, amino terminated polyethylene glycol (GNR-PEG), polyethyleneimine (GNR-PEI) and Chitosan (GNR-CIT) alters their stability, cytotoxicity and DARPP-32 gene silencing efficiency in-vitro dopaminergic neuronal (DAN) cell cultures with the goal of determining the most suitable surface coating for the GNR that would provide a GNR-nanoplex with the most stability, least cytotoxicity and most efficacious gene silencing.