Delayed growth of glioma by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Scutellaria</Emphasis> flavonoids involve inhibition of Akt,GSK-3 and NF-κB signaling

Plants of the genus Scutellaria constitute one of the common components of Eastern as well as traditional American medicine against various human diseases, including cancer. In this study, we examined the in vivo anti-glioma activity of a leaf extract of Scutellaria ocmulgee (SocL) while also exploring their potential molecular mechanisms of action. Oral administration of SocL extract delayed the growth of F98 glioma in F344 rats, both in intracranial and subcutaneous tumor models. Immunohistochemistry revealed inhibition of Akt, GSK-3α/β and NF-κB phosphorylation in the subcutaneous tumors following treatment with Scutellaria. The SocL extract as well as the constituent flavonoid wogonin also showed dose- and time-dependent inhibition of Akt, GSK-3α/β and NF-κB in F98 cell cultures in vitro, as determined by western blot analysis. Pharmacologic inhibitors of PI3K and NF-κB also significantly inhibited the in vitro proliferation of F98 glioma cells, indicating the key role of these signaling molecules in the growth of malignant gliomas. Transfection of F98 cells with constitutively active mutant of AKT (AKT/CA), however, did not significantly reverse Scutellaria-mediated inhibition of proliferation, indicating that Scutellaria flavonoids either directly inhibited Akt kinase activity or acted downstream of Akt. In vitro Akt kinase assay demonstrated that the SocL extract or wogonin could indeed bind to Akt and inhibit its kinase activity. This study provides the first in vivo evidence and mechanistic support for anti-glioma activity of Scutellaria flavonoids and has implications in potential usage of Scutellaria flavonoids in adjuvant therapy for malignant tumors, including gliomas.     

Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukemia

Juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML) is a rare fatal hematopoietic disorder of early childhood. We are presenting a case of 9-month-old female child who was admitted with abdominal distension, irritability, and hepatosplenomegaly. Peripheral blood film examination showed leukoerythroblastosis with leukocytosis, absolute monocytosis, microcytic hypo chromic anemia, and thrombocytopenia. Bone marrow examination showed myeloid hyperplasia, Hb HPLC revealed normal HbF (1.3 %) and HbA2 (2.9 %). There was absolute gamma globulinemia and DCT positivity. Cytogenetic studies revealed a normal karyotype with absence of Philadelphia (Ph) chromosome, monosomy 7 or any other chromosomal abnormality. Diagnosis of JMML was rendered according to the diagnostic criteria laid down by WHO classification 2008 with presence of peripheral blood monocytosis >1 × 10⁹/L, blasts <20 % of leucocytes in blood or nucleated cells in bone marrow, absence of Ph chromosome, presence of immature granulocytes in the blood and WBC count >10 × 10⁹/L. The patient was then started on a regimen of chemotherapy to which she gave a promising response.     

The Gustilo–Anderson classification system as predictor of nonunion and infection in open tibia fractures

European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery - We sought to conduct the largest retrospective study to date of open tibia fractures and describe the incidence of complications and evaluate the...     

Primary fibrosarcoma of the heart presenting as obstruction at the tricuspid valve: diagnosis by cross-sectional echocardiography

We report a case of primary fibrosarcoma of the heart which presented with features of obstruction to the tricuspid valve and superior caval vein. It was correctly diagnosed by cross-sectional echocardiography.     

Electrocardiographic features of atrial depolarization during pacing of right atrial appendage.

Identification of atrial capture during pacing from right atrial appendage is frequently difficult. Electrocardiograms of forty five patients implanted with AAI/DDD pacemakers (thirty unipolar, fifteen bipolar) were analysed to characterize the specific morphology of paced P waves. Compared to sinus P waves, atrial pacing resulted in atrial depolarization of lower amplitude (0.16 +/- 0.05 mv vs 0.11 +/- 0.032 mv, P less than 0.005) but increased duration (0.07 +/- 0.009 sec vs 0.08 +/- 0.017 sec, P less than 0.005). P wave morphology was similar in unipolar and bipolar pacing units. It was positive in lead I (80%), II (71.11%), III (80%) and aVF (75.55%). In lead aVL, paced P waves were usually diphasic with an initial negative deflection (35.55%). Precordial leads showed paced atrial depolarization of small amplitude and did not help in identification of atrial capture. In unipolar pacing P waves were best seen in lead III because of small pacing spike in this lead. Lead II was suitable for identification of paced P waves in bipolar pacing. Thus careful examination of standard ECG leads for paced P waves of low amplitude, prolonged duration and specific morphology can help in confirming atrial capture following pacing stimulus from right atrial appendage.