p63 regulates commitment to the prostate cell lineage

Molecular mechanisms underlying prostate and urothelial development remain unclear. This situation presents major limitations in identifying the cell type(s) and molecular events involved in the development of prostate and bladder cancer. It has been shown that mice lacking the basal cell marker p63 present several epithelial defects, including epidermis and prostate buds agenesis and urothelial abnormalities. Here, we use the p63-/- mouse as a tool to define cell lineages in the prostate epithelium and urothelium. By complementing p63-/- blastocysts with p63+/+ beta-galactosidase (beta-gal)-positive ES cells, we show that secretory cells of the prostate originate from p63-positive basal progenitor cells. Importantly, our urogenital sinus transplantation studies demonstrate that p63 prevents intestinal differentiation of the urogenital sinus endoderm and is therefore required to maintain commitment to the prostate cell lineage. Finally, in contrast with the prostate findings, analysis of the urothelium from rescued p63-/- chimeras shows that umbrella (superficial) cells can develop and be maintained independently from p63-positive basal and intermediate cells.     

Headache in a case of Rhupus syndrome

We report a case of Rhupus with secondary anti-phospholipid syndrome who presented with headache and papilloedema due to cerebral venous thrombosis. We propose that an increased awareness about the condition and meticulous investigation of headaches in lupus can avert catastrophic outcomes.     

Influence of Zeolite Coating on the Corrosion Resistance of AZ91D Magnesium Alloy

The protective performance of zeolite coating on AZ91D magnesium alloy was evaluated using potentiodynamic polarisation and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in 0.1 M sodium chloride solution (NaCl). Electrical equivalent circuit (EEC) was developed based upon hypothetical corrosion mechanisms and simulated to correspond to the experimental data. The morphology and the chemical nature of the coating were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Post corrosion morphologies of the zeolite coated and the uncoated AZ91D alloy were investigated using SEM. The corrosion resistance of the zeolite coated specimen was at least one order of magnitude higher than the uncoated specimen.     

Spatial Mobility,Alcohol Use,Sexual Behavior and Sexual Health Among Males in India

This paper examines the linkages of permanent migration, temporary mobility and alcohol consumption with risky sexual behavior and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV infection among males in India using a nationally representative dataset. The study shows that non-migrant men and migrant men do not differ significantly in any indicator of risky sexual behavior and STIs. Temporary long duration mobile men reported significantly more often than the non-mobile men or short duration mobile men that they had sex with multiple sex partners during their lifetime as well as sex with a high risk partner and had paid sex in the 12 months preceding the survey. Males who drank alcohol almost every day notwithstanding with their migration or mobility status were most prone to lifelong as well as more recent sexual risk behavior. Controlling for sociodemographic characteristics long duration mobile men and men who used alcohol almost daily had higher sexual risk behaviors and STI infections. Further migration and mobility did not show any significant relationship with tested HIV prevalence among males in India, controlling for sociodemographic characteristics. Males who had lifetime multiple sex partners were at the highest risk of tested HIV infection controlling for sociodemographic characteristics, migration, mobility, alcohol use and STI infection. Interventions focusing on HIV prevention in India need to target both non-migrant and migrant men, particularly those who drink alcohol more frequently or daily. Targeted interventions are required for temporary mobile men, particularly for those mobile men who have to stay away from their homes continuously for a longer duration. Long duration mobile men are most prone to regular alcohol use and risky sexual behavior.     

Rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease in Bangladesh: A review

Rheumatic fever (RF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD) are the most-common cardiovascular disease in young people aged <25 years, globally. They are important contributors to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in Bangladesh. Classical risk factors, i.e. poverty, overcrowding, ignorance, and insufficient health care services were responsible for the high incidence and prevalence of these diseases over the last century. In concert with the progresses in socioeconomic indicators, advances in health sectors, improved public awareness, and antibiotic prophylaxis, acute RF came into control. However, chronic RHD continues to be prevalent, and the actual disease burden may be much higher. RHD predominantly affects the young adults, seriously incapacitates them, follows a protracted course, gets complicated because of delayed diagnosis and is sometimes maltreated. The treatment is often palliative and expensive. Large-scale epidemiological and clinical researches are needed to formulate evidence-based national policy to tackle this important public health issue in future.     

Our experience of coronary angiography with and without heparin

AimCoronary angiography is usually done with heparin. Our aim is to see whether it can be done without heparin through femoral route and its effect on local complications.MethodWe have studied 3780 patients from 2006 to 2010 using standard dose Heparin (5000 units), low dose heparin (2000 units) and no heparin. We have compared safety and complications in these three groups.ResultsLocal complications were lowest in no heparin group. Blood transfusion requirements and surgical interventions were lowest in no heparin group. Thrombosis rate did not increase in no heparin group.ConclusionCoronary angiography can be done safely without heparin through femoral route.