Measurements of the Elliptic and Triangular Azimuthal Anisotropies in Central ^{3}He+Au, d+Au and p+Au Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV

The elliptic (v_{2}) and triangular (v_{3}) azimuthal anisotropy coefficients in central ^{3}He+Au, d+Au, and p+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV are measured as a function of transverse momentum (p_{T}) at midrapidity (|η|<0.9), via the azimuthal angular correlation between two particles both at |η|<0.9. While the v_{2}(p_{T}) values depend on the colliding systems, the v_{3}(p_{T}) values are system independent within the uncertainties, suggesting an influence on eccentricity from subnucleonic fluctuations in these small-sized systems. These results also provide stringent constraints for the hydrodynamic modeling of these systems.

Observation of Directed Flow of Hypernuclei _{Λ}^{3}H and _{Λ}^{4}H in sqrt[s_{NN}]=3 GeV Au+Au Collisions at RHIC

We report here the first observation of directed flow (v_{1}) of the hypernuclei _{Λ}^{3}H and _{Λ}^{4}H in mid-central Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=3  GeV at RHIC. These data are taken as part of the beam energy scan program carried out by the STAR experiment. From 165×10^{6} events in 5%-40% centrality, about 8400 _{Λ}^{3}H and 5200 _{Λ}^{4}H candidates are reconstructed through two- and three-body decay channels. We observe that these hypernuclei exhibit significant directed flow. Comparing to that of light nuclei, it is found that the midrapidity v_{1} slopes of _{Λ}^{3}H and _{Λ}^{4}H follow baryon number scaling, implying that the coalescence is the dominant mechanism for these hypernuclei production in the 3 GeV Au+Au collisions.

Beam Energy Dependence of Triton Production and Yield Ratio (N_{t}×N_{p}/N_{d}^{2}) in Au+Au Collisions at RHIC

We report the triton (t) production in midrapidity (|y|<0.5) Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=7.7-200  GeV measured by the STAR experiment from the first phase of the beam energy scan at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider. The nuclear compound yield ratio (N_{t}×N_{p}/N_{d}^{2}), which is predicted to be sensitive to the fluctuation of local neutron density, is observed to decrease monotonically with increasing charged-particle multiplicity (dN_{ch}/dη) and follows a scaling behavior. The dN_{ch}/dη dependence of the yield ratio is compared to calculations from coalescence and thermal models. Enhancements in the yield ratios relative to the coalescence baseline are observed in the 0%-10% most central collisions at 19.6 and 27 GeV, with a significance of 2.3σ and 3.4σ, respectively, giving a combined significance of 4.1σ. The enhancements are not observed in peripheral collisions or model calculations without critical fluctuation, and decreases with a smaller p_{T} acceptance. The physics implications of these results on the QCD phase structure and the production mechanism of light nuclei in heavy-ion collisions are discussed.

Potential therapeutic effect of Carica papaya leaves extract on immune response, biochemical and hematological mechanisms on cecal ligation and puncture model of sepsis in rats: an in vivo study

Antibiotics and immunotherapies possess unavoidable adverse effects that hinder sepsis management. Herbal drugs have demonstrated potential immunomodulatory properties vital for sepsis treatment. We hypothesized in the present study that the use of Carica papaya leaves extract had the potential to improve survival and modulate immune cytokine release during sepsis. Animals were subjected to cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) to induce sepsis. Septic rats divided into 10 groups received ethanol extract of C. papaya leaves (50 and 100 mg/kg), imipenem (120 mg/kg) and cyclophosphamide (CP, 10 mg/kg). To investigate the immunomodulatory potentials of EE, cytokine levels like interleukin (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), and IL-10 along with hematological and biochemical parameters were analyzed. Our results exhibited improved survival rates concerning ethanol extract treatment alone and in combination with imipenem and CP (100%) as compared to the CLP group (33.3%) on day 7 post-surgery. The combination treatment of ethanol extract with imipenem and CP significantly (P < 0.001) ameliorated cytokine levels and hematological and biochemical parameters in septic rats. A histopathological examination suggested improved liver and kidney tissue condition after combination treatment as compared to the CLP group. Therefore, it was concluded that combination therapy of extract with imipenem and CP improved survival rates and marked immunomodulatory potential in septic rats compared to monotherapy. The findings suggested the use of a mixture of these drugs in clinical settings to treat sepsis.

Comparative transcriptomes reveal pro-survival and cytotoxic programs of mucosal-associated invariant T cells upon Bacillus Calmette-Guérin stimulation

Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are protective against tuberculous and non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections with poorly understood mechanisms. Despite an innate-like nature, MAIT cell responses remain heterogeneous in bacterial infections. To comprehensively characterize MAIT activation programs responding to different bacteria, we stimulated MAIT cells with E. coli to compare with Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), which remains the only licensed vaccine and a feasible tool for investigating anti-mycobacterial immunity in humans. Upon sequencing mRNA from the activated and inactivated CD8+ MAIT cells, results demonstrated the altered MAIT cell gene profiles by each bacterium with upregulated expression of activation markers, transcription factors, cytokines, and cytolytic mediators crucial in anti-mycobacterial responses. Compared with E. coli, BCG altered more MAIT cell genes to enhance cell survival and cytolysis. Flow cytometry analyses similarly displayed a more upregulated protein expression of B-cell lymphoma 2 and T-box transcription factor Eomesodermin in BCG compared to E.coli stimulations. Thus, the transcriptomic program and protein expression of MAIT cells together displayed enhanced pro-survival and cytotoxic programs in response to BCG stimulation, supporting BCG induces cell-mediated effector responses of MAIT cells to fight mycobacterial infections.

Optimising plasma clozapine levels to improve treatment response: an individual patient data meta-analysis and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis

BACKGROUND

Although clozapine is the most efficacious medication for treatment-refractory schizophrenia, not all patients will have an adequate response. Optimising clozapine dose using therapeutic drug monitoring could therefore maximise response.

AIMS

Using individual patient data, we undertook a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to determine an optimal therapeutic range for clozapine levels to guide clinical practice.

METHOD

We conducted a systematic review of PubMed, PsycINFO and Embase for studies that provided individual participant level data on clozapine levels and response. These data were analysed using ROC curves to determine the prediction performance of plasma clozapine levels for treatment response.

RESULTS

We included data on 294 individual participants from nine studies. ROC analysis yielded an area under the curve of 0.612. The clozapine level at the point of optimal diagnostic benefit was 372 ng/mL; at this level, the response sensitivity was 57.3%, and specificity 65.7%. The interquartile range for treatment response was 223-558 ng/mL. There was no improvement in ROC performance with mixed models including patient gender, age or length of trial. Clozapine dose and clozapine concentration to dose ratio did not provide significantly meaningful prediction of response to clozapine.

CONCLUSIONS

Clozapine dose should be optimised based on clozapine therapeutic levels. We found that a range between 250 and 550 ng/mL could be recommended, while noting that a level of >350 ng/mL is the most optimal for response. Although some patients may not respond without clozapine levels >550 ng/mL, the benefits should be weighed against the increased risk of adverse drug reactions.

Evaluation of Sida cordifolia and Sida rhombifolia extracts in a rat model of streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy

BACKGROUND

Sida cordifolia and Sida rhombifolia are regarded as useful herbs as they have been shown to be effective, inexpensive and harmless in the prevention of diabetes, and are recognized as valuable therapeutic substances.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of S. cordifolia and S. rhombifolia in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy using a rat model.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Extracts of S. cordifolia and S. rhombifolia were obtained using the Soxhlet method. The hydroalcoholic extract solvent was used in the following proportions: 70:30, 50:50 and 80:20. The 80:20 hydroalcoholic extract was observed to be the most potent. The inhibitory effects of the extract were determined using the α-amylase assay. The most potent extract also underwent total flavonoid, phenolic and free radical scavenging tests, and was incorporated into an animal study. Diabetes was induced in rats by administering nicotinamide (NAD; 230 mg/kg) and streptozotocin (STZ; 65 mg/kg) intraperitoneally. In addition to a standard control of pioglitazone, the rats received extract dosages of 100 mg/kg/day or 200 mg/kg/day. Body weight, blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum albumin, serum creatinine, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and oral glucose tolerance were assessed at various time points. The animals also underwent histopathological examination to observe alterations induced by the treatment.

RESULTS

Sida cordifolia was the most successful in lowering blood glucose and HbA1c levels. Renal function indices and antioxidant enzyme levels were regained in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, S. cordifolia (200 mg/kg/day) extract, similar to pioglitazone, inhibited the production of advanced glycation byproducts by the kidney.

CONCLUSIONS

The effects of various S. cordifolia and S. rhombifolia extracts on rats with diabetic nephropathy were observed. Sida cordifolia may be further explored for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy and, due to its diverse nature, may be utilized for the treatment of a wide range of diseases, as it provided more significant findings.

Measurement of Sequential ϒ Suppression in Au+Au Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV with the STAR Experiment

We report on measurements of sequential ϒ suppression in Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV with the STAR detector at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) through both the dielectron and dimuon decay channels. In the 0%-60% centrality class, the nuclear modification factors (R_{AA}), which quantify the level of yield suppression in heavy-ion collisions compared to p+p collisions, for ϒ(1S) and ϒ(2S) are 0.40±0.03(stat)±0.03(sys)±0.09(norm) and 0.26±0.08(stat)±0.02(sys)±0.06(norm), respectively, while the upper limit of the ϒ(3S) R_{AA} is 0.17 at a 95% confidence level. This provides experimental evidence that the ϒ(3S) is significantly more suppressed than the ϒ(1S) at RHIC. The level of suppression for ϒ(1S) is comparable to that observed at the much higher collision energy at the Large Hadron Collider. These results point to the creation of a medium at RHIC whose temperature is sufficiently high to strongly suppress excited ϒ states.

Beam Energy Dependence of Fifth- and Sixth-Order Net-Proton Number Fluctuations in Au+Au Collisions at RHIC

We report the beam energy and collision centrality dependence of fifth and sixth order cumulants (C_{5}, C_{6}) and factorial cumulants (κ_{5}, κ_{6}) of net-proton and proton number distributions, from center-of-mass energy (sqrt[s_{NN}]) 3 GeV to 200 GeV Au+Au collisions at RHIC. Cumulant ratios of net-proton (taken as proxy for net-baryon) distributions generally follow the hierarchy expected from QCD thermodynamics, except for the case of collisions at 3 GeV. The measured values of C_{6}/C_{2} for 0%-40% centrality collisions show progressively negative trend with decreasing energy, while it is positive for the lowest energy studied. These observed negative signs are consistent with QCD calculations (for baryon chemical potential, μ_{B}≤110  MeV) which contains the crossover transition range. In addition, for energies above 7.7 GeV, the measured proton κ_{n}, within uncertainties, does not support the two-component (Poisson+binomial) shape of proton number distributions that would be expected from a first-order phase transition. Taken in combination, the hyperorder proton number fluctuations suggest that the structure of QCD matter at high baryon density, μ_{B}∼750  MeV at sqrt[s_{NN}]=3  GeV is starkly different from those at vanishing μ_{B}∼24  MeV at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV and higher collision energies.

An institutional review of treatment outcomes in extraosseous Ewing's sarcoma- the largest Asian experience

PURPOSE

To analyze the treatment strategies, outcomes and factors impacting these outcomes in extraosseous ewings sarcoma (EOES).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A search of the hospital database yielded a total of 109 EOES patients registered in last 10 years out of which 25 patients were excluded from analysis due to incomplete medical records. Demographic and clinical characteristics were reported using descriptive statistics. Overall survival (OS) was taken from the time of diagnosis to death. Patients who were alive or lost to follow up were censored from the survival analysis. A total of 12 clinical and treatment related variables were taken into univariate analysis and those showing significance or a trend towards significance were taken up for multivariate analysis. Further a cluster analysis was done in a quest to find a subgroup which would have a better survival outcome as compared to other clusters. SPSS version 23 was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Chest wall (n=26), lower extremity (n=22) and paraspinal area (n=14) were the common sites involved. Localised swelling (n=43) was the most common presenting symptom and the median time to presentation was 2 months. Overall survival of the entire cohort at 5 years was 52 percent. Stage at presentation had a significant impact (P value<0.001) on estimated median OS (localised 70 months versus 36 months in metastatic stage). Cluster analysis showed that, patients with localised stage at presentation, good response to chemotherapy, negative resection margin and no adjuvant RT had a median survival of 69 months.

CONCLUSION

Judicious use of trimodality treatment in EOES yields optimal results and it also adds significantly onto the scarce literature on this subtype of sarcoma.

Phytoremediation of Potentially Toxic Elements: Role, Status and Concerns

Environmental contamination with a myriad of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) is triggered by various natural and anthropogenic activities. However, the industrial revolution has increased the intensity of these hazardous elements and their concentration in the environment, which, in turn, could provoke potential ecological risks. Additionally, most PTEs pose a considerable nuisance to human beings and affect soil, aquatic organisms, and even nematodes and microbes. This comprehensive review aims to: (i) introduce potentially toxic elements; (ii) overview the major sources of PTEs in the major environmental compartments; (iii) briefly highlight the major impacts of PTEs on humans, plants, aquatic life, and the health of soil; (iv) appraise the major methods for tackling PTE-caused pollution; (v) discuss the concept and applications of the major eco-technological/green approaches (comprising phytoextraction, rhizofiltration, phytostabilization, phytovolatilization, and phytorestoration); (vi) highlight the role of microbes in phytoremediation under PTE stress; and (vii) enlighten the major role of genetic engineering in advancing the phytoremediation of varied PTEs. Overall, appropriate strategies must be developed in order to stop gene flow into wild species, and biosafety issues must be properly addressed. Additionally, consistent efforts should be undertaken to tackle the major issues (e.g., risk estimation, understanding, acceptance and feasibility) in order to guarantee the successful implementation of phytoremediation programs, raise awareness of this green technology among laymen, and to strengthen networking among scientists, stakeholders, industrialists, governments and non-government organizations.

Molecular Docking of Bacterial Protein Modulators and Pharmacotherapeutics of Carica papaya Leaves as a Promising Therapy for Sepsis: Synchronising In Silico and In Vitro Studies

Sepsis is a serious health concern globally, which necessitates understanding the root cause of infection for the prevention of proliferation inside the host's body. Phytochemicals present in plants exhibit antibacterial and anti-proliferative properties stipulated for sepsis treatment. The aim of the study was to determine the potential role of Carica papaya leaf extract for sepsis treatment in silico and in vitro. We selected two phytochemical compounds, carpaine and quercetin, and docked them with bacterial proteins, heat shock protein (PDB ID: 4PO2), surfactant protein D (PDB ID: 1PW9), and lactobacillus bacterial protein (PDB ID: 4MKS) against imipenem and cyclophosphamide. Quercetin showed the strongest interaction with 1PW9 and 4MKS proteins. The leaves were extracted using ethanol, methanol, and water through Soxhlet extraction. Total flavonoid content, DPPH assay, HPTLC, and FTIR were performed. In vitro cytotoxicity of ethanol extract was screened via MTT assay on the J774 cell line. Ethanol extract (EE) possessed the maximum number of phytocomponents, the highest amount of flavonoid content, and the maximum antioxidant activity compared to other extracts. FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of N-H, O-H, C-H, C=O, C=C, and C-Cl functional groups in ethanol extract. Cell viability was highest (100%) at 25 µg/mL of EE. The present study demonstrated that the papaya leaves possessed antibacterial and cytotoxic activity against sepsis infection.

Prevalence of Anemia among Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Patients Treated with Imatinib: A Evidence-based Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Imatinib is one of the tyrosine kinase inhibitors used for the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients. The exact association of imatinib with anemia in CML patients is still unclear.

AIM

The current study aimed to find the prevalence of anemia in chronic myeloid leukemia patients treated with imatinib.

METHODS

The relevant articles were searched in PubMed, Google scholar, and Clinical trials registries till 31st July, 2021. The quality of the articles was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The prevalence rate with 95% CI was calculated using StatsDirect Statistical analysis software V.3.

RESULTS

A total of 18 studies containing 3537 patients were found relevant for the analysis. The pooled prevalence of anemia in CML was found to be 34% (95% CI: 23%-46%). However, the heterogeneity among studies was found to be high.

CONCLUSION

The monitoring of hemoglobin levels and identifying the cause of anemia are major concerns for the CML patients treated with Imatinib.

Clinicopathological investigation of nutritional osteodystrophia fibrosa in a flock of young stall-fed goats

Background

Osteodystrophia fibrosa (ODF) is a metabolic disorder affecting the skeletal system, causing progressive loss of calcified bone mass and its replacement with fibrous tissue, which may be a sequel to primary or secondary hyperparathyroidism. This report intends to document the clinicopathological findings of ODF in a flock of young goats fed primarily on a wheat bran-rich diet.

Case description

In a flock of 50 stall-fed goats aged 1 to 2 years, seven were clinically presented with bilateral facial enlargement, leading to dyspnea and difficulty in prehension and mastication. Among the seven clinically affected goats, four died in 2 months.

Findings/treatment and outcome

The clinical examination revealed bilateral mandibular enlargement and limb deformities. On radiography, the maxilla and mandible had decreased radiopacity. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) from the affected bones showed occasional fibroblasts and individual osteoclasts clusters. On necropsy, the enlarged mandible revealed a meaty consistency. Undecalcified histological sections of the mandible showed severe osteopenia, multiple osteoclasts, Howship's lacunae, and extensive fibroplasia. Dietary corrective measures led to the prevention of ODF in the rest of the flock.

Conclusion

Excessive wheat bran feeding in stallfed goats might have led to calcium and phosphorus imbalance, resulting in nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism and subsequent skeletal deformities. FNAC of the affected bones, gross and histological findings provide a clinicopathological diagnosis of ODF.

Dosimetric characterization of single- and dual-port temporary tissue expanders for postmastectomy radiotherapy using Monte Carlo methods

Purpose

The aim of this work was two-fold: a) to assess two treatment planning strategies for accounting CT artifacts introduced by temporary tissue-expanders (TTEs); b) to evaluate the dosimetric impact of two commercially available and one novel TTE.

Methods

The CT artifacts were managed using two strategies. 1) Identifying the metal in the RayStation treatment planning software (TPS) using image window-level adjustments, delineate a contour enclosing the artifact, and setting the density of the surrounding voxels to unity (RS1). 2) Registering a geometry template with dimensions and materials from the TTEs (RS2). Both strategies were compared for DermaSpan, AlloX2, and AlloX2-Pro TTEs using Collapsed Cone Convolution (CCC) in RayStation TPS, Monte Carlo simulations (MC) using TOPAS, and film measurements. Wax slab phantoms with metallic ports and breast phantoms with TTEs balloons were made and irradiated with a 6 MV AP beam and partial arc, respectively. Dose values along the AP direction calculated with CCC (RS2) and TOPAS (RS1 and RS2) were compared with film measurements. The impact in dose distributions was evaluated with RS2 by comparing TOPAS simulations with and without the metal port.

Results

For the wax slab phantoms, the dose differences between RS1 and RS2 were 0.5% for DermaSpan and AlloX2 but 3% for AlloX2-Pro. From TOPAS simulations of RS2, the impact in dose distributions caused by the magnet attenuation was (6.4 ± 0.4) %, (4.9 ± 0.7)%, and (2.0 ± 0.9)% for DermaSpan, AlloX2, and AlloX2-Pro, respectively. With breast phantoms, maximum differences in DVH parameters between RS1 and RS2 were as follows. For AlloX2 at the posterior region: (2.1 ± 1.0)%, (1.9 ± 1.0)% and (1.4 ± 1.0)% for D1, D10, and average dose, respectively. For AlloX2-Pro at the anterior region (-1.0 ± 1.0)%, (-0.6 ± 1.0)% and (-0.6 ± 1.0)% for D1, D10 and average dose, respectively. The impact in D10 caused by the magnet was at most (5.5 ± 1.0)% and (-0.8 ± 1.0)% for AlloX2 and AlloX2-Pro, respectively.

Conclusion

Two strategies for accounting for CT artifacts from three breast TTEs were assessed using CCC, MC, and film measurements. This study showed that the highest differences with respect to measurements occurred with RS1 and can be mitigated if a template with the actual port geometry and materials is used.

A Rare Coexistence of Simultaneous Cardio-Cerebral Infarction

Background

Contemporaneous acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and acute ischemic stroke (AIS), termed cardio-cerebral infarction (CCI), is a rare medical emergency. The effectual management of this situation is exigent since early management of one condition will inevitably delay the other. Case Presentation. A 60-year-old woman presented to our hospital with concurrent AMI of the inferior left ventricular wall, complicated by cardiogenic shock and transient complete heart block, and AIS of more than 4.5 hour duration. The cerebral computerized tomography angiography revealed a right-sided terminal internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion, and the coronary angiogram depicted double vessel disease with a culprit lesion in the right coronary artery (RCA). The patient underwent mechanical thrombectomy for the ICA occlusion by an interventional neuroradiologist followed by the primary percutaneous coronary intervention of the culprit RCA by the interventional cardiologists in the same setting.

Conclusion

A patient with concurrent AMI and AIS is a challenging situation to treat in the emergency department, and the treatment must be individualized for each patient.

The first record of Heterakis gallinarum as a cause of fatal nodular typhlitis in golden pheasants (Chrysolophus pictus) in India

Background

Heterakidosis is one of the most prevalent parasitic diseases in birds, the caecae of a variety of wild and domestic birds are infected with these nematodes. In pheasants, nodular typhlitis is a lethal disease caused mainly by infection with Heterakis isolonche alone or in conjunction with Heterakis gallinarum. H. gallinarum has long been recognized to infect birds with low pathogenicity, with only a few fatal cases previously reported.

Case description

This paper describes a case of fatal nodular typhlitis due to H. gallinarum in a male and female pair of adult golden pheasants (Chrysolophus pictus) from a zoological garden in Uttar Pradesh, India.

Findings/treatment and outcome

The caecum had multiple serosal and mucosal nodules, the majority of which were found to contain various stages of parasites embedded in the center along with the free forms in the caecal contents. Histopathologically, these nodules were generally represented by granulomas centered on necrotic parasite debris, with the occasional reactive fibrous hyperplastic tissue reaction. Based on the morphology and nematode-specific internal transcribed spacer (ITS) ITS1-5.8 rRNA-ITS2 region-based PCR, the nematode was identified as H. gallinarum. The presence of H. gallinarum was further confirmed by sequencing the ITS region followed by phylogenetic analysis. According to the author's best knowledge, this is the first instance of H. gallinarum being linked to nodular typhlitis in pheasants in India.

Conclusion

Our findings confirm that H. gallinarum, other than H. isolonche, can induce severe nodular typhlitis with a fatal outcome in pheasants.

The "Ins and Outs" of Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA) as Specific Target in Prostate Cancer Therapy

Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is expressed in epithelial cells of the prostate gland and is strongly upregulated in prostatic adenocarcinoma, with elevated expression correlating with metastasis, progression, and androgen independence. Because of its specificity, PSMA is a major target of prostate cancer therapy; however, detectable levels of PSMA are also found in other tissues, especially in salivary glands and kidney, generating bystander damage of these tissues. Antibody target therapy has been used with relative success in reducing tumor growth and prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels. However, since antibodies are highly stable in plasma, they have prolonged time in circulation and accumulate in organs with an affinity for antibodies such as bone marrow. For that reason, a second generation of PSMA targeted therapeutic agents has been developed. Small molecules and minibodies have had promising clinical trial results, but concerns about their specificity had arisen with side effects due to accumulation in salivary glands and kidneys. Herein we study the specificity of small molecules and minibodies that are currently being clinically tested. We observed a high affinity of these molecules for PSMA in prostate, kidney and salivary gland, suggesting that their effect is not prostate specific. The search for specific prostate target agents must continue so as to optimally treat patients with prostate cancer, while minimizing deleterious effects in other PSMA expressing tissues.

Occluded Coronary Artery among Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients in Department of Cardiology of a Tertiary Care Centre: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Non-ST elevation myocardial infarction is frequently thought to be caused by incomplete blockage of the culprit artery, whereas ST elevation myocardial infarction is frequently thought to be caused by total occlusion of the culprit artery. The objective of the study was to find out the prevalence of occluded coronary arteries among non-ST elevation myocardial infarction patients department of cardiology of a tertiary care centre. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among non-ST elevation myocardial infarction patients in a tertiary care centre from 22 June 2020 to 21 June 2021 after taking ethical approval from the Institutional Review Committee [Reference number: 4271 (6-11) E2 076/077]. A total of 196 patients were included in the study by simple randomized sampling. Data on the patient’s clinical profile, angiographic findings, and in-hospital complications were recorded. Point estimate and 95% Confidence Interval were calculated. Results: Among 126 non-ST elevation myocardial infarction patients included in the study, the prevalence of occluded coronary artery was 41 (32.54%) (24.36-40.72, 95% Confidence Interval). Conclusions: The prevalence of occluded coronary arteries was similar to the studies done in similar settings.

Retraction Note: Improved glycemic control, pancreas protective and hepatoprotective effect by traditional poly-herbal formulation "Qurs Tabasheer" in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

This article has been retracted. Please see the Retraction Notice for more detail: https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6882-13-10.