Multimodality Hyperpolarized C-13 MRS/PET/Multiparametric MR Imaging for Detection and Image-Guided Biopsy of Prostate Cancer: First Experience in a Canine Prostate Cancer Model

Molecular Imaging and Biology - To assess whether simultaneous hyperpolarized C-13 magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS)/positron emission tomography (PET)/multiparametric magnetic resonance (mpMR)...     

Advances in the understanding of the congenital dyserythropoietic anaemias

The congenital dyserythropoietic anaemias (CDAs) are a heterogeneous group of diseases in which the anaemia is predominantly caused by dyserythropoiesis and marked ineffective erythropoiesis; three major (types I, II and III) and several minor subgroups have been identified. Additional information on the natural history of these conditions, the beneficial role of splenectomy in CDA type II and efficacy of interferon-alpha in type I have recently been reported. A disease gene has been localised to a chromosomal segment in the three major types and in CDA type I, a disease gene has been identified (CDANI). Mutations have been detected in both familial and sporadic cases but the predicted protein structure gives few clues as to its function. In both type I and II, there are cases unlinked to the identified localisations, suggesting genetic heterogeneity.     

Thrombectomy with rescue percutaneous thrombectomy catheter: our initial experience

Plaque rupture and subsequent thrombus formation inside the coronary arteries has been known for years. Mechanical devices have been used for the extraction or dissolution of thrombus inside the coronary arteries. This report illustrates the use of the Rescue Percutaneous Thrombectomy Catheter in a right coronary artery loaded with thrombus. Following thrombectomy, the stenosis in the artery was well delineated. Successful balloon angioplasty was performed, which resulted in TIMI 3 flow and no distal embolization. Rescue Percutaneous Thrombectomy Catheter has been successfully used in the setting of acute myocardial infarction. The present case illustrates that the Rescue Percutaneous Thrombectomy Catheter can be used for removing thrombus even one month after acute myocardial infarction.     

Isolation of circulating tumor cells using a microvortex-generating herringbone-chip

Rare circulating tumor cells (CTCs) present in the bloodstream of patients with cancer provide a potentially accessible source for detection, characterization, and monitoring of nonhematological cancers. We previously demonstrated the effectiveness of a microfluidic device, the CTC-Chip, in capturing these epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM)-expressing cells using antibody-coated microposts. Here, we describe a high-throughput microfluidic mixing device, the herringbone-chip, or "HB-Chip," which provides an enhanced platform for CTC isolation. The HB-Chip design applies passive mixing of blood cells through the generation of microvortices to significantly increase the number of interactions between target CTCs and the antibody-coated chip surface. Efficient cell capture was validated using defined numbers of cancer cells spiked into control blood, and clinical utility was demonstrated in specimens from patients with prostate cancer. CTCs were detected in 14 of 15 (93%) patients with metastatic disease (median = 63 CTCs/mL, mean = 386 ± 238 CTCs/mL), and the tumor-specific TMPRSS2-ERG translocation was readily identified following RNA isolation and RT-PCR analysis. The use of transparent materials allowed for imaging of the captured CTCs using standard clinical histopathological stains, in addition to immunofluorescence-conjugated antibodies. In a subset of patient samples, the low shear design of the HB-Chip revealed microclusters of CTCs, previously unappreciated tumor cell aggregates that may contribute to the hematogenous dissemination of cancer.     

Alleviation of viper venom induced platelet apoptosis by crocin (Crocus sativus): implications for thrombocytopenia in viper bites

Viper envenomations are characterized by prominent local and systemic manifestations including hematological alterations. Snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs) and phospholipase A₂ (PLA₂) plays crucial role in the pathophysiology of hemorrhage by targeting/altering the platelets function which may result in thrombocytopenia. Platelets undergo the classic events of mitochondria-mediated apoptotic pathway due to augmented endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. The observed anticoagulant effects during viper envenomations could be due to exacerbated platelet apoptosis and thrombocytopenia. Moreover, antivenin treatments are ineffective against the venom-induced oxidative stress; therefore, it necessitates an auxiliary therapy involving antioxidants which can effectively scavenge the endothelium-generated/endogenous ROS and protect the platelets. The present study explored the effects of viper venom on platelet apoptosis and its amelioration by a phytochemical crocin. The study evaluated the Vipera russelli venom-induced apoptotic events including endogenous ROS generation, intracellular Ca²⁺ mobilization, mitochondrial membrane depolarization, cyt-c translocation, caspase activation and phosphatidylserine externalization which were effectively mitigated when the venom was pre-treated with crocin. The study highlights one of the less studied features of venom-induced secondary complications i.e. platelet apoptosis and sheds light on the underlying basis for venom-induced thrombocytopenia, systemic hemorrhage and in vivo anticoagulant effect.     

Role of coenzyme Q(10) as an antioxidant and bioenergizer in periodontal diseases

Periodontal disease is an inflammatory disease process resulting from the interaction of a bacterial attack and host inflammatory response. Arrays of molecules are considered to mediate the inflammatory response at one time or another, among these are free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Periodontal pathogens can induce ROS overproduction and thus may cause collagen and periodontal cell breakdown. When ROS are scavenged by antioxidants, there can be a reduction of collagen degradation. Ubiquinol (reduced form coenzyme Q(10)) serves as an endogenous antioxidant which increases the concentration of CoQ(10) in the diseased gingiva and effectively suppresses advanced periodontal inflammation.     

Development and Validation of RP-HPLC Method for the Estimation of Ivabradine Hydrochloride in Tablets

A simple, sensitive, precise and robust reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic method for analysis of ivabradine hydrochloride in pharmaceutical formulations was developed and validated as per ICH guidelines. The separation was performed on SS Wakosil C18AR, 250×4.6 mm, 5 μm column with methanol:25 mM phosphate buffer (60:40 v/v), adjusted to pH 6.5 with orthophosphoric acid, added drop wise, as mobile phase. A well defined chromatographic peak of Ivabradine hydrochloride was exhibited with a retention time of 6.55±0.05 min and tailing factor of 1.14 at the flow rate of 0.8 ml/min and at ambient temperature, when monitored at 285 nm. The linear regression analysis data for calibration plots showed good linear relationship with R=0.9998 in the concentration range of 30-210 μg/ml. The method was validated for precision, recovery and robustness. Intra and Inter-day precision (% relative standard deviation) were always less than 2%. The method showed the mean % recovery of 99.00 and 98.55 % for Ivabrad and Inapure tablets, respectively. The proposed method has been successfully applied to the commercial tablets without any interference of excipients.     

Hybrid Maxillofacial Prosthesis: A Case Report

The role of a prosthodontist in the management of cleft lip & palate patients is pertinent involving restoration of mastication, facial harmony, dental harmony and phonation. This article presents the prosthodontic rehabilitation of a congenitally bilateral cleft lip and palate patient with a unique method which fulfilled the patient's needs, esthetics and psychological well being.