Antioxidant property of α-asarone against noise-stress-induced changes in different regions of rat brain

Free radicals and other reactive species are considered to be an important causative factor in the development of neurodegenerative diseases. Recent reports have indicated that exposure to loud noise generates excess oxygen free radicals (OFR) in the brain. Antioxidant properties of medicinal plants are attracting more and more research in medicine, to counteract OFR and to minimize the neurodegenerative processes. The drug alpha-asarone (3, 6 and 9 mg kg(-1) body weight, i.p., for 30 days), one of the active principle components of Acorus calamus Linn., was administered intraperitoneally 1/2 h before the animals were exposed to noise-stress (100 dB for 4 h d(-1), for 30 days). We investigated whether 30 days exposure of noise can produce an oxidative stress. Further, if yes then, could alpha-asarone counteract the stress. This was verified by measuring the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), levels of reduced glutathione (GSH), Vitamin C, Vitamin E, protein thiols and lipid peroxidation (LPO) in different regions of the rat brain. All the three doses of alpha-asarone had an effectively protective role by normalizing the increased SOD and LPO, decreased CAT, GPx, GSH, Vitamins C and E and protein thiols due to noise exposure. Thus, action of alpha-asarone against noise-stress may be due its antioxidant property. Our data proved that antioxidant property of alpha-asarone against noise-stress induced changes in the rat brain. Further, more clinical studies are required to investigate effectiveness of the alpha-asarone in noisy environment in human subjects.     

The rapid response and high sensitivity of a ruthenium-doped copper ferrite thin film (Ru–CuFe2O4) sensor

A sensor displaying a rapid response and high sensitivity was developed by following a simple route. Ionic defects in this sensor were explored using X-ray diffraction analysis. In general, such defects arise from a mismatch of ionic radii, which actually improves the sensing performance. SEM and TEM images of the currently produced particles demonstrated negligible agglomeration, which greatly enhanced the flow of water molecules through the particles. The current sensor showed a rapid response to changes in humidity. Its sensing performance was classified into three different ranges of humidity. Of these humidity ranges, the sensor showed the highest sensitivity (8.84 MΩ per %RH) at low relative humidity (10–20% RH). Furthermore, the sensitivity fall off as the RH was increased from 20 to 99%. The sensor showed a rapid response time of 20 s. Also, the sensor showed 92.98% reproducibility and few effects of aging.

A sensor displaying a rapid response and high sensitivity was developed by following a simple route.     

Entropy score, patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB): ligation of PDA on CPB can compromise cerebral blood flow

A patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is often present in patients undergoing correction of congenital heart disease. It is well appreciated that during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), a PDA steals arterial inflow into pulmonary circulation, and may lead to systemic hypoperfusion, excessive pulmonary blood flow (PBF) and distention of the left heart. Therefore, PDA is preferably ligated before initiation of CPB. We describe acute decreases of arterial blood pressure and entropy score with the initiation of CPB and immediate increase in entropy score following the PDA ligation in a child undergoing intracardiac repair of ventricular septal defect and right ventricular infundibular stenosis. The observation strongly indicates that a PDA steals arterial inflow into pulmonary circulation and if the PDA is dissected and ligated on CPB or its ligation on CPB is delayed the cerebral perfusion is potentially compromised.     

Calcium-Based Caries Preventive Agents: A Meta-evaluation of Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis

Objective

This article aims to assess systematic reviews and/or meta-analyses on calcium-based caries preventive agents, evaluating reported evidence, thereby summarizing a critical appraisal on the subject.

DA-EPOCH-R in Aggressive CD 20 Positive B Cell Lymphomas: Real-World Experience

Recent reports have shown that excellent survival outcomes can be achieved in adult Burkitt’s lymphoma with the use of DA-EPOCH-R regimen. When compared to earlier intense pediatric-type protocols, this regimen is less toxic. There are limited reports available on the use of this regimen outside the context of clinical trials. We analyzed the outcomes of patients who were treated with the DA-EPOCH-R regimen [Burkitt’s lymphoma (BL), primary mediastinal B cell lymphoma (PMBCL) and HIV-positive patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL)] at our center over a 3 year period. Baseline characters, responses, and toxicity data was captured from records. Event-free survival (EFS—from therapy initiation till occurrence of event (non-achievement of complete response or relapse) and overall survival (OS—from therapy initiation till death due to any cause) were estimated using Kaplan–Meier method. Among 41 patients [median age 40 years (18–76)], the following diagnoses were included-HIV negative patients (N = 29): BL (N = 24), PMBCL (N = 5); HIV positive patients (N = 12): BL (N = 8), and DLBCL (N = 4). Among those with BL, majority had stage III/IV disease (N = 21/32, 65%). At the completion of planned therapy, 33 had achieved CR (81%). One patient died due to toxicity. The actuarial EFS and OS at 2 years were 80 and 77% respectively for all patients. The OS at 2 years was 100% for PMBCL, 80% for BL and 50% for HIV-positive DLBCL. Majority of the failures in BL were in patients with advanced disease. DA-EPOCH-R can be used in real-world setting and allows treatment of older patients with BL.     

Haploidentical Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Leukemia’s: Experience from a Cancer Center in India

There has been a surge in haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in India recently. However, there is a paucity of data on haploidentical HSCT from India. The report is an analysis of data of haploidentical HSCT performed at our center. Analysis of patients with acute leukemia or chronic myeloid leukemia who underwent haploidentical HSCT during 2014–2019 was performed. The graft versus host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis was post-transplant Cyclophosphamide with Mycophenolate-mofetil and Cyclosporine. All patients were transfused peripheral blood stem cells from donors. Overall survival (OS) was calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method. Twenty-one patients underwent haploidentical HSCT. Fourteen-patients were males. The median age of patients was 15 years. Fludarabine with total body irradiation was the most common conditioning regimen (n = 15, 71.4%). The median duration for neutrophil and platelet engraftment was 14 days. Cumulative incidence of acute and chronic GVHD was 19%, and 38% respectively. The median follow-up was 26 months and the two-year OS was 38%. Twelve (57%) patients died during the study period, 8 patients (38%) died from transplant-related mortality (TRM), and 4 from disease relapse. Sepsis was the cause of death in six of the eight TRM. Nine out of 21 patients (42.8%) are leukemia-free on follow-up. Haploidentical HSCT is a promising modality of treatment in patients who have no suitable matched donors. Though the TRM remains high, good disease control was achieved in 42.8% of patients. Multi-drug resistant bacterial infection remains a challenge in performing haploidentical HSCT in developing countries.     

Gap closure of different shape wounds: In vitro and in vivo experimental models in the presence of engineered protein adhesive hydrogel

The present study emphasizes the role of engineered protein (gallic acid engineered gelatin [GEG]) on the closure of wound gaps of different shapes assessed under in vitro (fibroblast cell line) and in vivo (rat) experimental models. Circular, triangle, rectangle, and square are the shapes selected for the study. Intending engineered protein (GEG) augments the cell migration in rectangle and triangle shapes and reduces the gap space significantly compared with circular and square shapes. Similar observations were made with in vivo model study, and it was observed that the wound closure starts along the wound edges. In circular and square shapes, the cell movement follow a purse‐string mechanism/the mixed pattern. Thus, the present study suggested that for faster wound healing, the cell migration along the wound edge may be found beneficial, and the external healing agent in the form of engineered protein hydrogel accelerate the healing accordingly.