Neurostimulatory and antioxidative effects of L-deprenyl in aged rat brain regions

This study investigated the influence of chronically administered L-deprenyl on normal ageing-related parameters: multiple unit action potentials, the activities of the enzymes Na⁺,K⁺-adenosinetriphosphatase, glutathione-s-transferase and glutathione peroxidase, and the levels of lipid peroxidation products and lipofuscin contents in the brain regions (cerebral cortex, hippocampus, striatum and thalamus) of 24-month-old rats. The drug increased the activity of Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase and glutathione-s-transferase. The activity of glutathione peroxidase remained unaffected. The drug also increased the multiple unit action potentials activity. The levels of lipid peroxidation products were, however, decreased, and lipofuscin accumulation was diminished by the drug. The results essentially indicated that chronic treatment of rats with L-deprenyl significantly influenced the ageing-related alterations in: multiple unit action potentials, Na⁺,K⁺-adenosinetriphosphatase, glutathione-s-transferase, lipid peroxidation products and lipofuscin accumulation. These novel data on the effect of L-deprenyl on parameters of normal ageing provide new additional evidence concerning the anti-ageing therapeutic potential of L-deprenyl. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Deriving blood-oxygen-level-dependent contrast in MRI with T2*-weighted, T2-prepared and phase-cycled SSFP methods: theory and experiment.

The objectives of this work were: 1) to perform a comparative evaluation of the oxygen-sensitive contrast (OC) derived from the phase-cycled steady-state free precession (SSFP PC) method against T*2-weighted gradient recalled echo (GRE) and T2-prepared (T2-prep) methods with theoretical simulations and imaging studies using an ischemic leg cuff model at 1.5T and 3.0T; and 2) to investigate the dependence of SSFP PC-based OC on imaging parameters. Results showed that the SSFP PC method (repetition time (TR) = 6.3 ms; flip angle (alpha) = 90 degrees ) provides significantly higher OC compared to T2-prep (at both field strengths) and GRE (3.0T) (P < 0.05). The OC of low TR SSFP (TR = 3.5 ms at 1.5T; TR = 4.5 ms at 3.0T; alpha = 90 degrees ) was significantly lower compared to GRE (P < 0.05) at 1.5T and 3.0T and to T2-prep methods at 1.5T (P < 0.05). In summary, the findings from this study are the following: 1) SSFP-based OC is directly dependent on TR and alpha at 1.5T and 3.0T; and 2) OC derived with SSFP PC can be increased above GRE and T2-prep methods with an appropriate choice of imaging parameters.     

Paterson-Kelly syndrome and celiac disease--a rare combination.

Paterson-Kelly syndrome is characterized by an association of iron deficiency with dysphagia. We describe a patient with this syndrome who was later diagnosed to have celiac disease.     

Preoperative Factors Predicting Remission of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery for Obesity

Background  

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is an effective treatment for morbid obesity. This bariatric procedure has also been noted to resolve hyperglycaemia in up to 70% of obese diabetics. We evaluated outcomes in diabetic patients undergoing RYGB in our institution, aiming to identify factors predicting diabetes remission.     

Efficacy and safety of beating heart coronary revascularization coupled with ascending aorta-bifemoral grafting: Analysis of short term results

Introduction  

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) frequently coexists with Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD) and poses management issues. When there is a concomitant infrarenal aortic occlusive disease, abdominal aorta is the traditional donor of bypass inflow to the lower limbs. However, the ascending aorta may also be used as the source of inflow to both the femoral and coronary arteries in patients who present with combined CAD and PVD. Here, 5 year follow up results of simultaneous off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) and Ascending Aorto-Bifemoral Grafting [AABG] are presented and merits of the procedure are discussed.     

Prevalence of atherosclerosis in coronary artery and internal thoracic artery and its correlation in North–West Indians

Background  

Incidence of atherosclerosis in coronary arteries is increasing rapidly affecting young Indians. Many individuals require early bypass surgery for critical coronary occlusion and internal mammary artery is considered ideal conduit because of its long term patency. Present autopsy study aims at finding the prevalence of atherosclerosis in coronary and Internal Thoracic Arteries (ITA) in different age groups in north–west India.