Bitter Melon: Antagonist to Cancer

The incidence of cancer is increasing worldwide, in spite of substantial progress in the development of anti-cancer therapies. One approach to control cancer could be its prevention by diet, which inhibits one or more neoplastic events and reduces cancer risk. Dietary compounds offer great potential in the fight against cancer by inhibiting the carcinogenesis process through the regulation of cell homeostasis and cell-death machineries. For centuries, Ayurveda (Indian traditional medicine) has recommended the use of bitter melon (Momordica charantia) as a functional food to prevent and treat diabetes and associated complications. It is noteworthy to mention that bitter melon extract has no-to-low side effects in animals as well as in humans. The anti-tumor activity of bitter melon has recently begun to emerge. This review focuses on recent advancements in cancer chemopreventive and anti-cancer efficacy of bitter melon and its active constituents. Several groups of investigators have reported that treatment of bitter-melon-related products in a number of cancer cell lines induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis without affecting normal cell growth. Therefore, the effect of bitter melon should be beneficial for health, and use of the non-modified dietary product is cost effective.     

Thermomechanical and Rheological Properties of High‐Molecular‐Weight Poly(ethylene oxide)/Novolac Blends

Blends of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and novolac‐type phenolic resin were investigated for potential use as a crystallizable switching component for shape‐memory polymer systems with adjustable switching temperature. High‐molecular‐weight PEO and novolac blends with low novolac content were studied. Dynamic and isothermal DSC studies indicated a significant decrease in the crystallization temperature as a result of incorporation of novolac. We investigated the spherulitic morphology using a cross‐polarized optical microscopy and found a decrease in size and regularity of the spherulites with increasing novolac content. The rheological and mechanical properties corroborated the existence of strong interactions through H‐bonding in the amorphous phase.

     

Does presence of adenomyosis affect reproductive outcome in IVF cycles? A retrospective analysis of 973 patients

Research question

Reports on the effect of adenomyosis on assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes are conflicting. Does presence of adenomyosis affect reproductive outcome in IVF cycles in women pretreated with gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist?

Prevalence of faecal carriage of Carbapenemase Producing Enterobacteriaceae in healthy Indian subjects from the community

PurposeFaecal carriage of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) has been extensively investigated in hospitalized patients, but limited data is available on the carriage rate in healthy individuals in India.MethodsA total of 1000 stool samples were screened for CPE from healthy individuals in Chennai (n ?= ?50), Hyderabad (n ?= ?184) and Mumbai (n ?= ?766). Diluted stool samples were cultured on chromID CARBA SMART plates. Growing colonies were screened for CPE by RAPIDEC® CARBA NP Test and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of imipenem by E-Test. PCR was performed for confirmation of CPE genes.ResultsOut of the 1000 stool samples tested, 6.1% were positive for CPE. A total of 64 carbapenem resistant isolates (56 ?E.coli, 4 Klebsiella pneumoniae, 3 Enterobacter cloacae and 1 Citrobacter freundii) were recovered from ChromID CARBA SMART biplate. Carbapenemase production was identified in 57/64 isolates by RAPIDEC® CARBA NP test. PCR analysis showed 28 bla_NDM-1 and 33 bla_OXA48. Three remaining isolates (2 ?E.coli, 1 ?K.pneumoniae) were negative for the tested carbapenemase genes. Interestingly, out of these 61 PCR positive isolates, 49.1% displayed imipenem MIC within the susceptibility range on the basis of CLSI interpretative criteria.ConclusionsFaecal carriage of CPE among healthy individuals was 6.1%. Comprehensive measures to improve the sanitation scenario and implementation of National AMR action plan are needed to prevent further generation and dissemination of carbapenem resistant Enterobacterales (CRE).     

Clinical and molecular aspects of congenital aniridia – A review of current concepts

Congenital aniridia is a pan ocular disorder characterized by partial or total loss of iris tissue as the defining feature. Classic aniridia, however, has a spectrum of ocular findings, including foveal hypoplasia, optic nerve hypoplasia, nystagmus, late-onset cataract, glaucoma, and keratopathy. The latter three are reasons for further visual compromise in such patients. This entity is often due to mutations in the PAX6 (Paired box protein Pax-6) gene. Recently, aniridia-like phenotypes have been reported due to non-PAX6 mutations as in PITX2, FOXC1, FOXD3, TRIM44, and CYP1B1 as well wherein there is an overlap of aniridia, such as iris defects with congenital glaucoma or anterior segment dysgenesis. In this review, we describe the various clinical features of classic aniridia, the comorbidities and their management, the mutation spectrum of the genes involved, genotype-phenotype correlation of PAX6 and non-PAX6 mutations, and the genetic testing plan. The various systemic associations and their implications in screening and genetic testing have been discussed. Finally, the future course of aniridia treatment in the form of drugs (such as ataluren) and targeted gene therapy has been discussed.     

Prevalence and Determinants of Opportunistic Infections in HIV Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study in the City of Semarang

BackgroundOpportunistic infection (OI) is the most significant complication of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Differences in the characteristics of HIV patients make the prevalence of Opportunistic infection different between regions. The study aimed to identify variables associated with OI incidence among HIV-infected patients in Semarang City, Indonesia.MethodsThis study uses secondary data sourced from special HIV surveillance for 2019–2021 with a cross-sectional method. 1362 HIV patients with variables health care facilities; year of diagnosis; area of residence; age; sex; pregnancy status; occupation; risk factors; risk group determined based on purposive sampling were included in the chi-square analysis and logistic regression.ResultsThis study showed 12.3% (n=167) of HIV patients experienced OI, where OI was more common in HIV patients with risk groups of sex workers (28.70%), high-risk partners (18.60%), and Male Sex with Men (MSM) (15.40). The most common types of OI were tuberculosis infection (43%), candidiasis (21%), and diarrhea (9%). Age was the variable most associated with the incidence of OI (p-value 0.001).ConclusionsAge groups 45–54 years and 55–64 years have the most influential association with Opportunistic infection incidence in HIV patients, so planning an appropriate intervention program for this subpopulation is necessary.     

Fertility in female cancer survivors: pathophysiology, preservation and the role of ovarian reserve testing

The improved long-term survival of adolescents and young women treated for cancer has resulted in an increased focus on the effects of chemotherapy on ovarian function and its preservation. These women may seek advice and treatment regarding their reproductive status, including ways of preserving their fertility and preventing a premature menopause--factors that can have a profound impact on their quality of life. This article comprehensively reviews ovarian reserve testing (ORT) in general. Special emphasis is placed on patients with cancer, including the pathophysiology of gonadal damage following chemotherapy, fertility preservation and the potential role of ORT. Baseline parameters of ovarian reserve [FSH LH, estradiol, inhibin B and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH)] have not yet performed sufficiently well in predicting poor outcome in assisted reproduction, but biochemical markers of ovarian reserve appear to be better than chronological age. Inhibin B and AMH show potential for future use. Dynamic testing appears to show much promise, especially stimulated levels of inhibin B and estradiol. The most promising tests of ovarian reserve are the biophysical markers, where total antral follicle count was found to be most discriminatory followed by ovarian volume. Combination of biochemical, biophysical and clinical markers of ovarian reserve may also improve predictive capacity. However, there is a lack of data pertinent to ORT in cancer. As yet there is no single clinically useful test to predict ovarian reserve accurately. Patients with cancer represent a distinct cohort who have particular concerns about their future fertility and the possibility of a premature menopause, they can benefit greatly from knowledge of their functional ovarian reserve. Large, prospective, randomized, adequately controlled studies specific to different geographical areas are required in a control population of comparable reproductive age to determine the potential role of ORT in clinical practice.