Planting the seeds of success: CT‐guided gold seed fiducial marker placement to guide robotic radiosurgery

Fiducial marker (FM)‐guided stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) allows for precise targeting and delivery of radiation to a tumor site. In this article, we briefly discuss SBRT, provide examples to describe CT‐guided FM placement to guide SBRT, and discuss some of the associated risks and benefits. This article serves as a pictorial review for body imagers and interventional radiologists who perform CT‐guided procedures and interpret diagnostic studies for oncology patients. CT‐guided FMs were placed in patients who were appropriate candidates for SBRT. One week following placement, patients underwent diagnostic CT and/or MR examinations in order to include the FM data in the development of a treatment plan. From October 2007–November 2009, a total of 89 patients were implanted with FMs. Sites of implantation included lung, liver, bone, chest and abdominal wall, and peritoneum/retroperitoneum. Complications included pneumothorax and FM migration. Twenty‐one patients (33%) with lung FM placement experienced at least a small pneumothorax and 6 patients (9%) required thoracostomy tubes. FM migration occurred in 5 patients (8%) with lung placement. SBRT provides a safer and more effective alternative to conventional radiotherapy, and CT‐guided FM implantation of tumor sites increases the precision of SBRT. Technical improvements in FM placement can limit the complications associated with the procedure and further enable highly localized tumor therapy.     

Effect of desogestrel on blood-lipid in relation to its biological activities

Desogestrel (DG), a 19-nor progestin, is widely used in replacement therapy as a contraceptive steroidal hormone. Considering the importance of its partition coefficient parameter (log P = 5.68), a significant contributor to its action mechanism, interactions of the drug with blood-lipids had been investigated using phospholipid binding, fatty acid composition and peroxidation phenomena as the parameters under investigation to explain its pharmacodynamic behavior. From the present investigation, it was observed that lipid loss after incubation of whole blood with DG (80 ng/ml, effective contraceptive concentration in blood) for varying periods of time was accompanied with significant changes in fatty acid composition, which may be ascribed to binding affinity of DG with lipid constituents in blood that may have a role in the mediation of its therapeutic effect. Lipid peroxidation induction potential of DG has been quantitatively measured in the context of its toxicity. The results reveal that DG caused significant extent of lipid peroxidation. Ascorbic acid, an antioxidant, at equivalent human dose of 250 mg could significantly reduce DG-induced lipid peroxidation.     

Inhibin B regulating follicle-stimulating hormone secretion during testicular recrudescence in the male golden hamster

In the present study, to clarify whether inhibin affects follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) secretion in the recrudescence of the male golden hamster, we used a recently developed specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in order to measure 2 forms of inhibin molecules: inhibin B and inhibin pro-alphaC. In addition, we used the radioimmunoassay (RIA) to measure immunoreactive (ir-)inhibin, FSH, luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone. And finally, we used the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and computer-assisted sperm motion analysis (CASA) methods to ascertain how well spermatogenesis and sperm motility recover from the photoinhibition caused by exposure to a short-day (SD; 10-hour light: 14-hour dark) photoperiod. Animals were exposed to SD for 15 weeks, and then their testes were checked carefully and found to be completely regressed. Thereafter, those animals were transported to a long-day (LD; 14-hour light: 10-hour dark) photoperiod. Sampling was carried out at weeks 0 (exposed SD 15 weeks), 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10. Plasma FSH rapidly increased and reached peak levels 2 weeks after transferral to the LD photoperiod and then declined to normal LD levels at week 6. Circulating ir-inhibin, inhibin B, and inhibin pro-alphaC rose to normal LD levels by week 4. A highly significant inverse correlation was observed between plasma FSH and inhibin B but not between FSH and either ir-inhibin or inhibin pro-alphaC. Plasma testosterone recovered to normal LD levels within 1 week. Sperm motility parameters were low until week 2 and recovered to normal LD levels from weeks 4 to 10. PCNA-labeled cells were confined to the spermatogenic cells of the seminiferous tubules, though Leydig and Sertoli cell nuclei were never stained for PCNA during the period studied. The number of pachytene spermatocytes and the diameter of seminiferous tubules increased in a time-dependent manner after transferral from SD to LD. In conclusion, these results suggest that 1) secretion of inhibin B may be stimulated by an early rise in FSH; 2) inhibin B suppresses FSH secretion from weeks 2 to 10, after transferral to the LD photoperiod; and 3) testes recrudescence is based on the increase in the number of sperm cells instead of the increase in the number of Sertoli and Leydig cells of the male golden hamster.     

Anopheline vectors and malaria transmission in eastern Afghanistan

Anopheline vectors and malaria transmission were studied in 2 river-irrigated, rice-growing districts of eastern Afghanistan from May 1995 to December 1996. Clinical malaria was monitored in 12 rural villages (population 14,538) by passive case detection at local clinics. Adult mosquitoes were collected by space-spraying of living quarters and stables and by cattle bait catches. Mosquito head-thoraces (17,255 specimens) were tested for Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax circumsporozoite protein (CSP) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The recorded incidence of P. vivax and P. falciparum was 199 and 41 episodes per 1000 person years, respectively. Twelve species of anopheline were recorded; Anopheles stephensi comprised 82% and A. culicifacies 5%. Eight species tested positive for CSP: A. stephensi, A. culicifacies, A. fluviatilus, A. annularis, A. pulcherrimus, A. maculatus, A. splendidus and A. superpictus. Among infected mosquitoes 46% were positive for P. falciparum, 45% for P. vivax VK-247, and 9% for P. vivax PV-210. Estimates of the feeding rates of infective vectors on humans indicated that A. stephensi would contribute 76% of infective bites, A. fluviatilis and A. pulcherrimus 7% each, and A. culicifacies and A. superpictus 3% each. The overall infective vector feeding rate correlated with the P. vivax incidence rate in the human population. The conventional view of A. culicifacies being the main rural vector and A. stephensi important only in urban settings needs to be reconsidered in western outreaches of the Indo-Pakistan subcontinent.     

Pineal Gland and Humidity Effects on Testicular Function of the Indian Palm Squirrel, Funambulus pennanti

The effect of two different conditions of humidity (80 +/- 5% and 40 +/- 5%) under stimulatory photoperiod (14L/10D) and high temperature (38 +/- 2 degrees C) was studied on the testes and accessory sex organs of the Indian palm squirrel, Funambulus pennanti, during the sexually active phase. High humidity (80 +/- 5%) reduced significantly the testes weight of the sham-operated animals as compared to the controls under natural environmental conditions but had no effect on that of pinealectomized animals. Moderate humidity (40 +/- 5%) did not affect the testes of sham-operated as well as pinealectomized animals, as compared to the respective controls. The seminal and prostatic weights showed no significant difference in high or moderate humidity conditions. However, the epididymal weight of the animals exposed to high humidity was significantly reduced in sham-operated animals only. Thus, these results indicate that the pineal gland may be implicated in mediating the humidity information to control the male gonadal function in the Indian palm squirrel, Funambulus pennanti.     

Ethnomedical value of Cissampelos pareira extract in experimentally induced diarrhoea

The antidiarrhoeal activity of the ethanolic extract of Cissampelos pareira (Menispermaceae) roots was assessed on experimental animals. The hydroethanolic extract (25-100 mg dry extract kg(-1) body mass, p.o.) exhibited a dose dependent decrease in the total number of faecal droppings (control 65, reduced to 26-46) and 29.2-60.0% inhibition in castor oil-induced diarrhoea. Further, C. pareira produced a significant (p < 0.01) and dose dependent reduction in intestinal fluids accumulation (26.0-59.0%). The extract showed a greater inhibitory effect on the concentration of Na+ (20.0 and 34.5%) than on the concentration of K+ (6.7 and 9.4%). The extract also reduced dose dependently the gastrointestinal transit from 46.4 and 38.7%, equivalent to 53.6 and 61.3%. However, C. pareira significantly reduced the lipid peroxidation and inhibited the decrease in antioxidant enzyme levels (superoxide dismutase and catalase) on prior administration to castor oil-induced fluid accumulation. The extract of C. pareira had no effect on normal defecation at 25 mg kg(-1) in mice. However, 50 and 100 mg kg(-1) inhibited defecation by 100% in the initial 2 h and the activity was reduced to 40.0 and 73.0%, respectively, in the third hour.     

Healing potential of Anogeissus latifolia for dermal wounds in rats

Wound healing potential of ethanolic extract of Anogeissus latifolia bark (ALE) for treatment of dermal wounds in rats was studied on excision and incision wound models. HPTLC of the total extract was recorded for the purpose of standardization. Various parameters of incision wound, viz. epithelization period, scar area, tensile strength and hydroxyproline measurements along with wound contraction, were used to evaluate the effect of A. latifolia on wound healing. The results obtained indicate that A. latifolia accelerates the wound healing process by decreasing the surface area of the wound and increasing the tensile strength. Nitrofurazone ointment was used as a positive control. Complete epithelization was observed within 15 days with ALE. Measurements of the healed area and the hydroxyproline level were in agreement. Antibacterial activity of ALE was studied against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae) compared to erythromycin and tetracycline. Moderate activity was observed against all organisms. The present study provides a scientific rationale for the traditional use of Anogeissus latifolia in the management of skin diseases such as sores, boils and itching.     

Reducing diabetes health disparities through community-based participatory action research: the Chicago Southeast Diabetes Community Action Coalition

To address disproportionately high rates of diabetes morbidity and mortality in some of Chicago's medically underserved minority neighborhoods, a group of community residents, medical and social service providers, and a local university founded the Chicago Southeast Diabetes Community Action Coalition, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention REACH 2010 Initiative. A community-based participatory action research model guided coalition activities from conceptualization through implementation. Capacity building activities included training on: diabetes, coalition building, research methods, and action planning. Other activities sought to increase coalition members' understanding of the social causes and potential solutions for health disparities related to diabetes. Trained coalition members conducted epidemiologic analyses, focus groups, a telephone survey, and a community inventory. All coalition members participated in decisions. The participatory process led to increased awareness of the complexities of diabetes in the community and to a state of readiness for social action. Data documented disparities in diabetes. The participatory action research approach (a) encouraged key stakeholders outside of the health care sector to participate (e.g., business sector, church groups); (b) permitted an examination of the sociopolitical context affecting the health of the community; (c) provided an opportunity to focus on preventing the onset of diabetes and its complications; (d) increased understanding of the importance of community research in catalyzing social action aimed at community and systems change and change among change agents.     

Seroprevalence of human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8) in countries of Southeast Asia compared to the USA, the Caribbean and Africa.

Seroprevalence of HHV-8 has been studied in Malaysia, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Trinidad, Jamaica and the USA, in both healthy individuals and those infected with HIV. Seroprevalence was found to be low in these countries in both the healthy and the HIV-infected populations. This correlates with the fact that hardly any AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma has been reported in these countries. In contrast, the African countries of Ghana, Uganda and Zambia showed high seroprevalences in both healthy and HIV-infected populations. This suggests that human herpes virus-8 (HHV-8) may be either a recently introduced virus or one that has extremely low infectivity. Nasopharyngeal and oral carcinoma patients from Malaysia, Hong Kong and Sri Lanka who have very high EBV titres show that only 3/82 (3.7%) have antibody to HHV-8, demonstrating that there is little, if any, cross-reactivity between antibodies to these two gamma viruses.     

Prevalence, risk factors and virological profile of chronic hepatitis B virus infection in pregnant women in India

A large program was conducted by the Government of India to study the prevalence and profile of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and its risk factors in pregnant women attending a tertiary care hospital in India. From September 2004 to December 2008 consecutive pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic were screened and those found positive for HBsAg were enrolled. Healthy non‐pregnant women of child‐bearing age, who presented for blood donation during the same period, served as controls. Women with symptoms of liver disease or those aware of their HBsAg status were excluded. Of the 20,104 pregnant women screened, 224 (1.1%) and of the 658 controls, 8 (1.2%) were HBsAg positive (P = ns). Previous blood transfusions and surgery were significant risk factors for infection with HBV. Of the women who were HBsAg positive, the ALT levels were normal in 54% of the women and HBV DNA levels were above 2,000 IU/ml in 71% of women. The median HBV DNA levels were higher in women who were HBeAg positive compared to the HBeAg negative group. The most common HBV genotype was D (84%) followed by A + D and A (8% each). In conclusion, the prevalence of HBsAg positivity among asymptomatic pregnant women in North India is 1.1% with 71% having high HBV DNA levels. These women may have a high risk of transmitting infection to their newborns. J. Med. Virol. 83:962–967, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.