A case of TRAP sequence: acardiac twin

Monochorionic twinning contributes significantly to neonatal morbidity and mortality. The twin-twin transfusion syndrome complicates 5-35% of monozygotic twin pregnancies with monochorionic placentation. The most severe and a rare manifestation of this condition is acardiac twinning which is seen in 1 in 35,000 pregnancies. The acronym TRAP (Twin Reversed Arterial Perfusion) sequence is used to describe this condition. The acardiac twin does not survive while the mortality for the normal twin is about 50%. Proper timing of the delivery is of prime importance to survival of the normal fetus for which emphasis is placed on close sonographic monitoring for early antenatal diagnosis. We present such a case of TRAP sequence because of its rarity.     

The putative LEF-1 proteins from two distinct Choristoneura fumiferana multiple nucleopolyhedroviruses share domain homology to eukaryotic primases

We have identified the lef-1 genes from two multiple nucleopolyhedroviruses that infect natural populations of Choristoneura fumiferana. The lef-1 genes in both viruses are directly upstream and in the opposite orientation of their respective ecdysteroid UDP-glucosyltransferase (egt) genes. This gene organization pattern is similar to that found in the genomes of AcMNPV and of OpMNPV. As well, the coding regions and putative protein sequences share a high degree of similarity. Alignment of the predicted amino acid sequences of all known baculovirus lef-1 genes suggests that the LEF-1 proteins have a relatively high degree of conservation, particularly at four identified and distinct domains. Moreover, LEF-1 proteins bear clear similarity to some eukaryotic primases, predominately at three of the four domains where certain amino acids are absolutely conserved.     

Gallic acid, an antioxidant, exhibits antiapoptotic potential in normal human lymphocytes: A Bcl-2 independent mechanism

Oxidative stress, produced as a consequence of normal metabolism or induced by extraneous stimuli, has been proved to be a mediator of cell death. The inherent antioxidant defense system and exogenous antioxidants can help the body to combat this oxidative stress-induced cell death. In this study, we explored the antiapoptotic potential of gallic acid, a dietary phenolic having antioxidative and anticarcinogenic properties, in normal human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs). Incubation of PBLs with 100 microM H2O2 for 1.5-2.0 h induced phosphatidyl serine externalisation, lipid peroxidation and high molecular weight DNA fragmentation. Pretreatment of lymphocytes with gallic acid for 18 h could effectively inhibit lipid peroxidation and apoptosis induced by oxidative stress. Treatment of PBLs with gallic acid failed to induce any change in the expression of Bcl-2, an antiapoptotic protein. It seems that the protection provided by gallic acid was due to its direct action in the scavenging of free radicals as it was found to be a stronger antiradical than trolox, a water- soluble analogue of vitamin E.     

Quetiapine XR: Current status for the treatment of major depressive disorder

Quetiapine fumarate extended release (XR) has been approved for treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Quetiapine may have antidepressant effects through effects on 5-HT_2A receptor, 5-HT_1A receptor, dopamine receptor, glutamate receptor and norepinephrine transporter. Recently, 7 large-scale randomized, double-blind, placebo (2-studies with active comparator)-controlled clinical trials have demonstrated that quetiapine XR has clinically meaningful efficacy as monotherapy and adjunct therapy to antidepressants for the treatment of adult patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). In such clinical trials, quetiapine XR was generally well tolerated, although weight gain and changes in metabolic parameters, consistent with the known profile of quetiapine, were observed in some patients. As of December 2009, the United States Food and Drug Administration has approved quetiapine XR for the adjunct treatment of MDD. From the data of currently available clinical trials, this review provides an overview of the data and clinical implications for quetiapine XR in the treatment of MDD to enhance clinicians understanding of the use of quetiapine XR in the treatment of MDD.     

Permanent implications of intrauterine growth restriction on cholesterol homeostasis

Susceptibility to disease begins during fetal life, and adverse events in utero are a critical factor in determining quality of life and overall health. In fact, up to 50% of metabolic syndrome diseases can be attributed to an adverse in utero environment. However, the mechanisms linking impaired fetal development to augmented cholesterol, an important clinical risk factor characterizing the metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease, remain elusive. This review discusses the latest research in the fetal programming of cholesterol homeostasis from both clinical studies and animal models. It also underscores the role of the placenta as an important mediator in cholesterol homeostasis during pregnancy and uncovers some of the molecular mechanisms underlying how the homeostatic mechanisms in liver may be impaired in fetal and postnatal life due to undernutrition and/or hypoxia.     

Study of multidrug therapy in paucibacillary leprosy

A study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of multidrug therapy (MDT) in paucibacillary leprosy. Out of 155 fresh cases studied 48 had indeterminate, 38 tuberculoid and 69 had borderline tuberculoid leprosy. Out of 155 cases, 64 patients in the first group were treated with dapsone 100 mg daily for 12 months. In the second group, 91 patients were given MDT, consisting of rifampicin 600 mg once a month and dapsone 100 mg daily for consecutive 12 months. The cases receiving dapsone and the cases having MDT remained clinically active at the end of 6 months in 56.1% and 37.2% respectively; 13.1% of cases having single lesion and 66.3% of patients with multiple lesions were found to be active after 6 months of MDT. At the end of one year 79.6% cases receiving dapsone and 91.2% cases having MDT became inactive.