Halofuginone mediated protection against radiation-induced leg contracture.

Fibrosis of normal tissues often accompanies radiation treatment of cancer. Activation of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) signaling pathway is thought to play a major role in radiation-induced fibrosis and has prompted the development and assessment of low molecular weight inhibitors of the pathway. Previous studies with halofuginone have shown it to inhibit TGF-beta signaling in vitro and protect mice from radiation-induced leg contraction (a model for soft tissue fibrosis).

Detection and characterization of a glutathione conjugate of a novel copper complex.

Glutathione (GSH), an important component of the phase II detoxification system, plays a major role in storage, metabolism and transport of metals across the cell membrane. The role of copper, its metabolism and storage in living systems is not completely understood. Copper plays an important role in a number of physiological processes, e.

Polymorphism in cytochrome P450 2E1 and interaction with other genetic risk factors and susceptibility to alcoholic liver cirrhosis.

The association of polymorphism in cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1), the major microsomal ethanol metabolizing enzyme and its interaction with genes, involved in detoxification of reactive oxygen species, such as glutathione-S-transferases M1 (GSTM1) and alcohol intake, gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor gamma2 (GABRG2) was studied with the risk to alcoholic cirrhosis in a case-control study. A total of 160 alcoholic cirrhotic and 125 non-alcoholic cirrhotic cases, visiting the OPD facility of Gastroenterology Department of Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGI), Lucknow, India and 250 non-alcoholic and 100 alcoholic controls having no evidence of liver disease were included in the study. PCR-based RFLP methodology was followed for genotyping studies.

Frequency and factors associated with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in patients with cirrhosis of the liver and extra hepatic portal venous obstruction.

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP), a common complication of cirrhosis of liver, might result from translocation of bacteria from the small bowel. However, there is scanty data on frequency of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) in patients with cirrhosis of the liver. There are no data on SIBO in patients with extra-hepatic portal venous obstruction (EHPVO) in the literature.

Spectroscopy and electronic structures of Ru2(ap)4-alkynyl compounds.

A new N,N'-bidentate ligand, 2-(3-isobutoxyanilino)pyridine (H(i)BuOap), was introduced and used as the ancillary ligand to support highly soluble diruthenium compounds. Thus, the new compounds Ru(2)((i)BuOap)(4)Cl (1), Ru(2)((i)BuOap)(4)(C[triple bond]CPh) (2), Ru(2)((i)BuOap)(4)(C[triple bond]CPh)(2) (3), and Ru(2)((i)BuOap)(4)(C[triple bond]CSi(i)Pr(3)) (4) were prepared and characterized by both voltammetric and spectroscopic methods, and their physical properties were found to be quite similar to those of the previously reported Ru(2)(ap)(4)-based compounds. The spectroscopic properties of both anionic and cationic derivatives of compounds 2 and 3 were examined with spectroelectrochemistry.

Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigen 3C targets p53 and modulates its transcriptional and apoptotic activities.

The p53 tumor suppressor gene is one of the most commonly mutated genes in human cancers and the corresponding encoded protein induces apoptosis or cell-cycle arrest at the G1/S checkpoint in response to DNA damage. To date, previous studies have shown that antigens encoded by human tumor viruses such as SV40 large T antigen, adenovirus E1A and HPV E6 interact with p53 and disrupt its functional activity. In a similar fashion, we now show that EBNA3C, one of the EBV latent antigens essential for the B-cell immortalization in vitro, interacts directly with p53.

A single-chain H-2Db molecule presenting an influenza virus nucleoprotein epitope shows enhanced ability at stimulating CD8+ T cell responses in vivo.

We have generated a construct encoding a single-chain H-2D(b) mouse MHC class I molecule in which an influenza virus nucleoprotein (NP) epitope, amino acid sequence ASNENMDAM, is fused to mouse beta(2)-microglobulin and the D(b) H chain via flexible linker sequences. This single-chain trimer (SCT) was efficiently expressed at the cell surface independently of TAP and endogenous beta(2)-microglobulin, and it was recognized directly and efficiently by specific T cells in vitro. A recombinant vaccinia virus encoding the D(b) NP SCT primed a CD8(+) T cell response in C57BL/6 mice 4-fold greater than an equivalent virus expressing the NP epitope as a minigene, as shown by tetramer staining, whether or not the minigene was directed into the endoplasmic reticulum by a signal sequence.

Computed tomography-guided fine needle aspiration cytology of thoracic mass lesions: A study of 57 cases.

Background: Computed tomography (CT)-guided fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is regarded as a rapid, safe, and accurate diagnostic tool in examining thoracic mass lesions for the last three decades.

Aims: To assess the role of CT-guided FNAC in thoracic mass lesions, to analyse the results, and to compare the results with other studies.

Materials And Methods: Fifty-seven patients were studied over a year (July 2007 to June 2008) for their age, sex, and topographic distribution, pleural infiltration (based on CT findings), and cytological diagnoses.

Primary pleomorphic sarcoma of the ovary with rhabdomyosarcomatous differentiation.

A 49-year-old patient presented with a right ovarian mass, which, on microscopy, showed to consist of haphazardly oriented large pleomorphic cells with abundant cytoplasm. Periodic acid Schiff stain was positive but negative with diastase digestion. Immunohistochemical staining with Desmin showed intense cytoplasmic positivity in almost all the cells.

Pacing lead implantation without live fluoroscopy: feasibility of acute success in the live canine model.

Introduction: Fluoroscopic visualization for transvenous pacing lead placement necessitates lead shielding to minimize radiation exposure. An electromagnetic (EM) navigation system that integrates real-time intracardiac tracking within an anatomic navigation environment may provide an effective alternative for lead delivery that obviates live fluoroscopy. We assessed feasibility of pacing lead implantation with electromagnetic tracking guided solely by radiographic virtual navigation and compared this to fluoroscopy-guided implants in a canine model.

Clinical features and predictors of outcome in acute hepatitis A and hepatitis E virus hepatitis on cirrhosis.

Background And Objectives: Acute hepatitis A and E are recognized triggers of hepatic decompensation in patients with cirrhosis, particularly from the Indian subcontinent. However, the resulting acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) has not been well characterized and no large studies are available. Our study aimed to evaluate the clinical profile and predictors of 3-month mortality in patients with this distinctive form of liver failure.

Studies of various biochemical parameters of rat plasma following chronic administration of "Rohitakarista"-an Ayurvedic formulation.

The study was carried out to investigate the safety profile as well as the effect of "Rohitakarista" (RHT) on various biochemical parameters of rats' plasma after chronic administration. RHT, a classical Ayurvedic preparation used in hepatosplenic disorders, was administered per oral route at a dose of 100 mg kg(-1) body weight, once daily, up to 46 days for all the experiments. Forty albino rats (Rattus novergicus: Sprague-Dawley strains), equally of both sexes, were randomly grouped into four where each group had ten animal/sex.

Pharmacological and toxicological studies of an ayurvedic formulation ("Lauhasava") on the biological system of rats and mice.

In this study, the pharmacological and toxicological effects along with possible side effects of the classical ayurvedic formulation "Lauhasava" (LSV), which is used in anemia, were evaluated. During this study, various experiments on body growth rate, organ-body weight ratio, tissue hydration indices and body fat ratio were performed to evaluate its efficacy and toxicity. In the body weight study, the LSV treated rats, irrespective of sexes, showed significantly lower body weights than the control group rats.

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms of DNA repair genes OGG1 and XRCC1: association with gallbladder cancer in North Indian population.

Background: DNA damage by endogenous or exogenous source of reactive oxygen species (ROS) plays an important role in induction and progression of various cancers. Physiologically, gallbladder is likely to be exposed to various ROS which leads to extensive DNA damage. Cells overcome the DNA damage by repair mechanisms.

Why does the sun's torsional oscillation begin before the sunspot cycle?

Although the Sun's torsional oscillation is believed to be driven by the Lorentz force associated with the sunspot cycle, this oscillation begins 2-3 yr before the sunspot cycle. We provide a theoretical explanation of this with the help of a solar dynamo model having a meridional circulation penetrating slightly below the bottom of the convection zone, because only in such dynamo models does the strong toroidal field form a few years before the sunspot cycle and at a higher latitude.

Increase in presenilin 1 (PS1) levels in senescence-accelerated mice (SAMP8) may indirectly impair memory by affecting amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing.

Senescence-accelerated mice (SAMP8) serve as a model for Alzheimer's disease (AD) as they exhibit early loss of memory and increased amyloid precursor protein (APP) expression. APP is a ubiquitous membrane protein that is physiologically processed by site-specific proteolysis firstly by alpha- or beta-secretases, releasing a large fragment called APP(S) that contains most of the extracellular sequences of APP, a small extracellular stub, the transmembrane region and the cytoplasmic tail of APP (;AICD'-APP intracellular domain). These are subsequently cleaved by gamma-secretase at multiple sites in the transmembrane region, releasing small peptides, Abeta(1-40) and Abeta(1-42), the major components of AD-associated amyloid fibrils.

Polymorphism in glutathione-S-transferases: a risk factor in alcoholic liver cirrhosis.

In a case-control study, association of polymorphism in glutathione-S-transferases (GSTM1, GSTT1, GSTP1), involved in detoxification of reactive oxygen species (ROS), was studied with alcoholic liver cirrhosis. The study included 175 alcoholic cirrhotic patients (ACPs), 140 non-alcoholic cirrhotic patients (NACPs), visiting Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGI), Lucknow, India, 255 non-alcoholic controls and 140 alcoholic controls. The data showed an increase in risk to alcoholic cirrhosis in ACPs with GSTM1 (null) genotype when compared with non-alcoholic controls (OR: 1.

EBNA3C can modulate the activities of the transcription factor Necdin in association with metastasis suppressor protein Nm23-H1.

Previous studies have demonstrated the interaction between the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) nuclear antigen 3C (EBNA3C) and the metastatic suppressor Nm23-H1 both in vitro and in vivo (C. Subramanian, M. A.

Alprazolam intercalates into DNA.

In vitro interaction of a benzodiazepine group of drugs Alprazolam (Alp), a hypnotic and tranquilizer, with DNA was studied by various methods. Absorption spectrophotometric study showed that Alp binds strongly with supercoiled pUC 19 DNA and the calculated binding constant is 8.245x10(3) M(-1) in 10 mM Tris-Cl buffer, pH 7.

Is IL-10-819C/T gene polymorphism modulating the risk of gallbladder disease in north Indian population?

Background: Gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) is a highly aggressive neoplasm that arises in the background of gall stones and inflammation. Anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10) gene polymorphisms have been associated with susceptibility to various inflammatory diseases and cancers.

Aim: of the study The aim of the present study was to investigate whether IL-10-819C/T polymorphism is associated with GBC susceptibility.

Single nucleotide polymorphism in the ABCG8 transporter gene is associated with gallbladder cancer susceptibility.

Background: Gallbladder cancer (GBC) usually arises against the background of gallstone disease, which may be causatively related to supersaturation of cholesterol in bile. An imbalance in cholesterol homeostasis because of oversecretion of cholesterol in the gallbladder promotes gallstone formation. The excretion of cholesterol from the liver is regulated by adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette transporter ABCG8.

Effects of generation time on spray aerosol transport and deposition in models of the mouth-throat geometry.

Background: For most newly developed spray aerosol inhalers, the generation time is a potentially important variable that can be fully controlled. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of spray aerosol generation time on transport and deposition in a standard induction port (IP) and more realistic mouth-throat (MT) geometry.

Methods: Capillary aerosol generation (CAG) was selected as a representative system in which spray momentum was expected to significantly impact deposition.

The role of copper in drug-resistant murine and human tumors.

Multidrug resistance (MDR) is still a major threat to successful clinical application of cancer chemotherapy. Copper plays an important role in biological systems, and copper is also involved in carcinogenesis. In the present investigation, we addressed the question whether metal copper might be involved in drug resistance of murine and human tumors.

IL-1 gene polymorphisms and genetic susceptibility of gallbladder cancer in a north Indian population.

Long-standing gallstones are generally present in 65-80% patients of gallbladder cancer (GBC). It has also been suggested that inflammation caused by gallstones may be involved in the development of GBC. Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RN) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1B) are proinflammatory cytokine genes at the interleukin-1 locus, and polymorphisms of these genes have been associated with various inflammatory diseases.

Contribution of the blood glucose level in perinatal asphyxia.

Unlabelled: This is a comparative study between 60 asphyxiated newborns (cases) and 60 normal neonates (controls) in respect of their plasma glucose and uric acid levels and also their clinical and neurological status. The mean plasma glucose level was significantly lower (35.1 +/- 11.