Hybrid manifold smoothing and label propagation technique for Kannada handwritten character recognition

Handwritten character recognition is one of the classical problems in the field of image classification. Supervised learning techniques using deep learning models are highly effective in their application to handwritten character recognition. However, they require a large dataset of labeled samples to achieve good accuracies. Recent supervised learning techniques for Kannada handwritten character recognition have state of the art accuracy and perform well over a large range of input variations. In this work, a framework is proposed for the Kannada language that incorporates techniques from semi-supervised learning. The framework uses features extracted from a convolutional neural network backbone and uses regularization to improve the trained features and label propagation to classify previously unseen characters. The episodic learning framework is used to validate the framework. Twenty-four classes are used for pre-training, 12 classes are used for testing and 11 classes are used for validation. Fine-tuning is tested using one example per unseen class and five examples per unseen class. Through experimentation the components of the network are implemented in Python using the Pytorch library. It is shown that the accuracy obtained 99.13% make this framework competitive with the currently available supervised learning counterparts, despite the large reduction in the number of labeled samples available for the novel classes.

Leptin decreases the transcription of BKCa channels and Gs to Gi protein-ratio in late pregnant rat uterus

Obesity can have a significant impact on pregnancy outcomes by compromising the ability of the uterus to relax, which increases the likelihood of conditions such as preterm labor. One of the key pathways responsible for uterine relaxation is the β-adrenergic signaling pathway, and it is well-documented that obesity, often linked to a high-fat diet, can disrupt this pathway within the uterine environment. Hyperleptinemia is a significant feature of pregnancy as well as obesity. However, the effect of leptin on β-adrenergic signaling pathway has not been studied. In the present study, we studied the effects of leptin on transcriptions of the major proteins defining the β-adrenergic signaling pathway in pregnant rat uterus. Leptin treatment at a supraphysiological concentration to pregnant rat uterine strips increased the mRNA and protein expressions of Gs protein but not the mRNA of β2- and β3-adrenoceptors. It also enhanced the expression of Gi-protein, but not the Gq protein. Nevertheless, the mRNA ratio of Gs to Gi protein experienced a significant decrease. Further, leptin reduced the transcription of BKCaα and BKCaβ channel subunits. In leptin-stimulated tissues, there was also an increase in the expression of leptin receptor and JAK-2. In conclusion, leptin decreases the ratio of Gs to Gi proteins and BKCaα and BKCaβ channel subunits suggesting hyperleptinemia is a likely factor inducing uterine relaxant dysfunction in obesity.

Rabconnectin-3α/DMXL2 Is Locally Enriched at the Synaptic Ribbon of Rod Photoreceptor Synapses

Ribbon synapses reliably transmit synaptic signals over a broad signalling range. Rod photoreceptor ribbon synapses are capable of transmitting signals generated by the absorption of single photons. The high precision of ribbon synapses emphasizes the need for particularly efficient signalling mechanisms. Synaptic ribbons are presynaptic specializations of ribbon synapses and are anchored to the active zone. Synaptic ribbons bind many synaptic vesicles that are delivered to the active zone for continuous and faithful signalling. In the present study we demonstrate with independent antibodies at the light- and electron microscopic level that rabconnectin-3α (RC3α)-alternative name Dmx-like 2 (DMXL2)-is localized to the synaptic ribbons of rod photoreceptor synapses in the mouse retina. In the brain, RC3α-containing complexes are known to interact with important components of synaptic vesicles, including Rab3-activating/inactivating enzymes, priming proteins and the vesicular H⁺-ATPase that acidifies the synaptic vesicle lumen to promote full neurotransmitter loading. The association of RC3α/DMXL2 with rod synaptic ribbons of the mouse retina could enable these structures to deliver only fully signalling-competent synaptic vesicles to the active zone thus contributing to reliable synaptic communication.

CAPN1 (Calpain1)-Dependent Cleavage of STIM1 (Stromal Interaction Molecule 1) Results in an Enhanced SOCE (Store-Operated Calcium Entry) in Human Neonatal Platelets

BACKGROUND

Altered intracellular Ca²⁺ homeostasis in neonatal platelets has been previously reported. This study aims to examine the changes in the Ca²⁺ entry through the store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) mechanism in neonatal platelets.

METHODS

Human platelets from either control women, mothers, and neonates were isolated and, following, were fixed after being treated as required. Platelet samples were analyzed by Western blotting, qRT-PCR, and MALDITOF/TOF. Ca²⁺ homeostasis was also determined. Culture cells were used as surrogated of platelets to overexpress the proteins of interest to reproduce the alterations observed in platelets.

RESULTS

Altered thapsigargin-evoked SOCE, alternative molecular weight form of STIM1 (stromal interaction molecule 1; s-STIM1 [short STIM1 isoform (478 aa)], around 60 kDa) and overexpression of SARAF (SOCE-associated regulatory factor [TMEM66]) were found in neonatal platelet as compared to maternal and control women platelets. s-STIM1 may result due to CAPN1 (calpain1)-dependent processing, as confirmed in platelets and MEG01 cells by using calpeptin and overexpressing CAPN1, respectively. In HEK293 (STIM1 and STIM2 [stromal interaction molecule 2] double knockout) cells transfected either with c-STIM1 (canonical STIM1 [685 aa]), s-STIM1 (478), STIM1B (540), and CAPN1 overexpression plasmids, we found s-STIM1 and c-STIM1, except in cells overexpressing s-STIM1 (478) that lacked CAPN1 target residues. These results and the in silico analysis, lead us to conclude that STIM1 is cleaved at Q496 by CAPN1. Ca²⁺ imaging analysis and coimmunoprecipitation assay using MEG01 and HEK293 cells overexpressing SARAF together with s-STIM1 (478) reported a reduced slow Ca²⁺-dependent inactivation, so reproducing the Ca²⁺-homeostasis pattern observed in neonatal platelets.

CONCLUSIONS

CAPN1 may cleave STIM1 in neonatal platelets, hence, impairing SARAF coupling after SOCE activation. S-STIM1 may avoid slow Ca²⁺-dependent inactivation and, subsequently, result in an enhanced thapsigargin-evoked SOCE as observed in neonatal platelets.

Fat augments leptin-induced uterine contractions by decreasing JAK2 and BKCa channel expressions in late pregnant rats

Altered lipid metabolism in obesity causes pregnancy complications in humans and animals. Leptin levels increase in pregnancy, as well as obesity. However, the effect of obesity on uterine leptin receptors and its distal signaling is not clear. The present study aimed to understand the effect of increased fat on leptin signaling in rat uterus. Wistar female rats were fed with an HF diet (40% Fat, 17% Sucrose, 1.25% Cholesterol, 0.75% Cholic acid) for 6 weeks before the mating and during pregnancy. HF diet significantly increased the fat depots, liver weight, serum, and tissue cholesterol levels. It produced fatty degeneration in the liver and caused infiltration of inflammatory cells, cystic endometrial glands, and sub endometrial fibrosis of the uterus. In isometric tension experiments, leptin caused a significant increase in uterine contractions in high fat-fed animals compared to control animals. Analysis of receptor expressions revealed no significant difference between the groups. However, a significant decrease in the JAK2 and BKCaα mRNA expression was observed in the uterus of high fat-fed rats. No change in the BKCaβ, eNOS, iNOS, MLCP, and MLCK mRNA expressions was noticed in the HF group compared to the control. The findings of the present study suggest that the contractile response to leptin in the uterus of high fat-fed rats may be attributed to reduced signaling through JAK2 and, lowered expressions of BKCa channel α subunits.

A novel approach to interval-valued variables using new interval arithmetic to solve an intuitionistic fuzzy transportation problem

This paper is concerned with the solution mechanism to solve the transportation problem under unpredictability by using interval valued intuitionistic fuzzy parameters. The parameters are chosen as intervals in which costs are modeled by intuitionistic fuzzy numbers, whereas source and destination are taken as crisp values. Various methods of transportation problem like VAM, Monalisha’s Approximation method, Zero point method are used to illustrate the cost in interval numbers by using the interval arithmetic operations. For each method, a solution is derived without converting into crisp expression followed by a graphical representation.

Effects of Telmisartan, an AT1 receptor antagonist, on mitochondria-specific genes expression in a mouse MPTP model of Parkinsonism

Background: Mitochondrial dysfunction plays a crucial role in Parkinson's disease (PD) pathogenesis. The present study was undertaken to investigate the effects of Telmisartan (TEL), an angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) blocker, on the mitochondria-specific genes expression in a mouse model of Parkinsonism. Materials and methods: Mice were divided into 5 groups with 6 in each; Group I received 0.5% CMC (control) + saline, Group II received 0.5% CMC + 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) (positive control), Group III & IV received MPTP + TEL 3 and 10 mg/kg, p.o. respectively, Group V received TEL 10 mg/kg, p.o. (drug control). MPTP was given 80 mg/kg intraperitoneal in two divided doses (40 mg/kg × 2 at 16 h time interval). Vehicle or TEL was administered 1 h before the MPTP injection. Motor function was assessed 48 h after the first dose of MPTP and animals were euthanized to collect brain. Results: Mice intoxicated with MPTP showed locomotor deficits and significant upregulation of α-synuclein (α-syn), downregulation of metastasis-associated protein 1 (MTA1), and Ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCHL1) in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) and Striatum (STr) regions of brains. In addition, MPTP intoxication down-regulated mitochondria-specific genes such as DJ-1, PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1), Parkin, enriched with leucine repeats kinase 2 (LRRK2) gene expfression. Pre-treatment with TEL restored locomotor functions and upregulated PINK1, Parkin, LRRK2, DJ-1, MTA1 and UCHL1. Conclusion: The present study evidences that TEL has the ability to improve mitochondrial functions in PD.

Persistence and diffusion behaviour of chlorpyrifos in five different species of vegetables: A comparative analysis

Understanding of pesticide persistence and diffusion on the fresh vegetables are extremely important in food safety and decontamination process. In this study, we examine the persistence and diffusion behaviour of chlorpyrifos pesticide in five different species of vegetables. The chlorpyrifos pesticide was spiked on the vegetable surfaces and the extracted samples from peel and tissues were subjected to Gas Chromatography equipped with a Flame Photometric Detector (GC-FPD). Further, the chlorpyrifos diffusion behaviour was compared with the osmotic potential, shear strength, cuticular chemical profile and microstructure of peel surface of vegetables. The persistence analysis results revealed that chlorpyrifos level was decreased in peel surface and diffusion rate was increased in inner tissue with respect to durations. Within 72 h exposure, chlorpyrifos reached 0.7 cm depth into the inner tissue of vegetables. Significant level of chlorpyrifos diffusion with P ≤ 0.05 was observed in beetroot (2.47%), khon khol (1.46%) and brinjal (0.92%) compared to cucumber and potato. Remarkably, there was no direct linkage between the chlorpyrifos diffusion rate, osmotic potential and toughness of vegetables. In addition, the Gas Chromatography Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analyses revealed that epicuticular surface microstructure and chemical profiles were not correlated with the chlorpyrifos diffusion in all the tested vegetables. The study results concludes that chlorpyrifos diffusion is vegetable species specific and it is highly variable between the species.

A short isoform of STIM1 confers frequency-dependent synaptic enhancement

Store-operated Ca2+-entry (SOCE) regulates basal and receptor-triggered Ca2+ signaling with STIM proteins sensing the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+ content and triggering Ca2+ entry by gating Orai channels. Although crucial for immune cells, STIM1's role in neuronal Ca2+ homeostasis is controversial. Here, we characterize a splice variant, STIM1B, which shows exclusive neuronal expression and protein content surpassing conventional STIM1 in cerebellum and of significant abundance in other brain regions. STIM1B expression results in a truncated protein with slower kinetics of ER-plasma membrane (PM) cluster formation and ICRAC, as well as reduced inactivation. In primary wild-type neurons, STIM1B is targeted by its spliced-in domain B to presynaptic sites where it converts classic synaptic depression into Ca2+- and Orai-dependent short-term synaptic enhancement (STE) at high-frequency stimulation (HFS). In conjunction with altered STIM1 splicing in human Alzheimer disease, our findings highlight STIM1 splicing as an important regulator of neuronal calcium homeostasis and of synaptic plasticity.

Machine Learning and Image Analysis Applications in the Fight against COVID-19 Pandemic: Datasets, Research Directions, Challenges and Opportunities

COVID-19 pandemic has become the most devastating disease of the current century and spread over 216 countries around the world. The disease is spreading through outbreaks despite the availability of modern sophisticated medical treatment. Machine Learning and Image Analysis research has been making great progress in many directions in the healthcare field for providing support to subsequent medical diagnosis. In this paper, we have propose three research directions with methodologies in the fight against the pandemic namely: Chest X-Ray (CXR) images classification using deep convolution neural networks with transfer learning to assist diagnosis; Patient Risk prediction of pandemic based on risk factors such as patient characteristics, comorbidities, initial symptoms, vital signs for prognosis of disease; and forecasting of disease spread & case fatality rate using deep neural networks. Further, some of the challenges, open datasets and opportunities are discussed for researchers.

A dataset for automatic contrast enhancement of microscopic malaria infected blood RGB images

In this article we introduce a malaria infected microscopic images dataset for contrast enhancement which assist for malaria diagnosis more accurately. The dataset contains around two hundred malaria infected, normal, species and various stages of microscopic blood images. We propose and experimentally demonstrate a contrast enhancement technique for this dataset. This simple technique increases the contrast of an image and hence, reveals significant information about malaria infected cells. Experiments on the dataset show the superior performance of our proposed method for contrast enhancement of malaria microscopic imaging.

Oral impacts on daily performance: Validity, reliability and prevalence estimates among Indian adolescents

BACKGROUND

Dental diseases negatively influence people's oral health-related quality of life and thus their perceived need for dental care.

OBJECTIVES

To test the validity and reliability of an Indian version of Oral Impacts on Daily Performance (OIDP) index for college students and to identify age and sex-specific OIDP prevalence estimates.

METHODS

Cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted among 800 professional and non-professional bachelor degree college students of Udaipur, India aged between 17 and 24 years. Oral health-related quality of life among the college students was assessed through OIDP, tested for validity and reliability and then prevalence rates were estimated. Chi square test was employed for statistical analysis. Cronbach's alpha was found to be 0.82.

RESULTS

Sixty percent subjects reported at least one oral impact in last 6 months with overall mean OIDP score of 2.49±3.92. The most commonly affected performances were cleaning teeth (24%) and eating (12%). A significant association in oral impacts on daily performances among college students was observed with age (P=.001) but not with gender (P=.053).

CONCLUSIONS

The validity and reliability of OIDP and also the prevalence of oral health-related impacts were found to be high. OIDP index showed acceptable psychometric properties in the context of an oral health survey among Indian college students.

Congenital anomalous/aberrant systemic artery to pulmonary venous fistula: closure with vascular plugs & coil embolization

A 7-month-old girl with failure to thrive, who, on clinical and diagnostic evaluation [echocardiography & CT angiography] to rule out congenital heart disease, revealed a rare vascular anomaly called systemic artery to pulmonary venous fistula. In our case, there was dual abnormal supply to the entire left lung as¹ anomalous supply by normal systemic artery [internal mammary artery]² and an aberrant feeder vessel from the abdominal aorta. Left Lung had normal bronchial connections and normal pulmonary vasculature. The fistula drained through the pulmonary veins to the left atrium leading to ‘left–left shunt’. Percutaneous intervention in two stages was performed using Amplatzer vascular plugs and coil embolization to close them successfully. The patient gained significant weight in follow up with other normal developmental and mental milestones.

Vascular endothelial growth factor polymorphisms and a synchronized examination of plasma and tissue expression in epithelial ovarian cancers

In this study, we have analyzed six genetic polymorphisms of the VEGF-A gene and correlated the genetic data with plasma and tissue expression of VEGF-A in epithelial ovarian carcinomas. A total of 130 cases including 95 malignant carcinomas, 17 low malignant potential and 18 benign tumours were studied. rs699947, rs833061, rs1570360, rs2010963, rs1413711 and rs3025039 were studied by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Plasma levels of VEGF-A were estimated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and tissue expression of VEGF-A by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Four polymorphisms of the above excluding rs699947 and rs3025039 showed significant association with malignancy, and we observed the presence of positive correlation between haplotype CCGGCC and increased expression of VEGF-A in both plasma and tissues which also correlated with poor prognosis and recurrence suggesting a probable increase in resistance to treatment in such carriers. Highly upregulated tissue expression of VEGF-A was seen in all epithelial ovarian carcinomas with intensity of expression increasing from benign to malignant cases. ELISA data from our study showed an increase in circulating levels of VEGF-A in malignancies. VEGF-A plasma levels can be employed as a biomarker for high-grade malignancy in epithelial ovarian cancers alongside tissue expression and CA-125 levels. This study is unique due to the fact that a simultaneous analysis of plasma and tissue expression has been demonstrated and is a first such study in epithelial ovarian cancers and representing the Indian population (South-east Asian) synchronized with genetic polymorphism data as well.

Relationship between promoter methylation & tissue expression of MGMT gene in ovarian cancer

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES

Epigenetic alterations, in addition to multiple gene abnormalities, are involved in the genesis and progression of human cancers. Aberrant methylation of CpG islands within promoter regions is associated with transcriptional inactivation of various tumour suppressor genes. O 6-methyguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) is a DNA repair gene that removes mutagenic and cytotoxic adducts from the O 6 -position of guanine induced by alkylating agents. MGMT promoter hypermethylation and reduced expression has been found in some primary human carcinomas. We studied DNA methylation of CpG islands of the MGMT gene and its relation with MGMT protein expression in human epithelial ovarian carcinoma.

METHODS

A total of 88 epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) tissue samples, 14 low malignant potential (LMP) tumours and 20 benign ovarian tissue samples were analysed for MGMT promoter methylation by nested methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (MSP) after bisulphite modification of DNA. A subset of 64 EOC samples, 10 LMP and benign tumours and five normal ovarian tissue samples were analysed for protein expression by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

The methylation frequencies of the MGMT gene promoter were found to be 29.5, 28.6 and 20 per cent for EOC samples, LMP tumours and benign cases, respectively. Positive protein expression was observed in 93.8 per cent of EOC and 100 per cent in LMP, benign tumours and normal ovarian tissue samples. Promoter hypermethylation with loss of protein expression was seen only in one case of EOC.

INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that MGMT promoter hypermethylation does not always reflect gene expression.

Association of vascular endothelial growth factor single nucleotide polymorphisms on the prognosis of breast cancer patients

BACKGROUND

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a major mediator of vascular permeability and angiogenesis, may play a pivotal role in mediating the development and progression of breast cancer. In the present study, we examined the genetic variations of the VEGF gene to assess its possible relation to breast cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 200 patients with histologically confirmed cases of breast cancer and 200 healthy women were genotyped for VEGF single nucleotide polymorphisms (405G > C and -1154G > A) by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. Pre-operative plasma VEGF levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 200 women with breast cancer and in 200 normal female controls.

RESULTS

The genotype frequencies of the +405G > C, -1154G > A polymorphisms did not show a significant deviation from the Hardy-Weinberg expectation. The minor allele frequencies of the +405G > C and -1154G > A polymorphisms among cases and controls were 33.5% (C allele), 31.5% (A allele) and 35% (C allele), 34.5% (A allele) respectively. +405GG and -1154GG genotypes were associated with higher levels of VEGF among breast cancer cases and controls. Increased plasma VEGF levels were significantly associated with, clinical stage of the disease (P = 0.035).

CONCLUSION

Although none of the polymorphisms were significantly associated with breast cancer, some of the VEGF genotypes may influence tumor growth through an altered expression of VEGF and tumor angiogenesis.

Collagenase-3 expression in periapical lesions: an immunohistochemical study

Collagenase-3 (matrix metalloproteinase-13) is a metalloproteinase (MMP) that is associated with bone lesions and exhibits variable expression patterns in odontogenic cysts; it may play a role in regulating focal proliferation and maturation of jaw cyst epithelium. We studied the localization, staining intensity and distribution of collagenase-3 in 13 periapical granulomas with epithelium, 16 periapical granulomas without epithelium and 10 radicular cysts using archived formalin fixed, paraffin embedded tissues. A monoclonal antibody against human collagenase-3 was used to evaluate its expression. Immunohistochemical staining intensities of collagenase-3 in all periapical lesions were (-), 4 (10%); (+), 1 (3%); (++), 22 (56%) and (+++), 12 (31%); differences were not statistically significant. Immunohistochemical distribution of collagenase-3 in epithelial cells was (-), 17 (44%); (+), 17 (44%); (++), 5 (13%); in fibroblasts it was (-), 8 (20%); (+), 23 (59%); (++), 8 (21%); in plasma cells it was (-), 7 (18%); (+), 22 (56%); (++), 10 (26%); in macrophages it was (-), 7 (18%); (+), and 15 (38%); and (++), 17 (44%). Statistically significant differences were found in epithelial cells (p = 0.00) and fibroblasts (p = 0.02), whereas differences were not statistically significant for plasma cells and macrophages. Collagenase-3 may play a role in the conversion of a periapical granuloma with epithelium to radicular cyst. MMP's influence not only epithelial rest cell migration, but also invasion of various stromal cells into granulomatous tissue.

BRCA1 promoter hypermethylation and protein expression in ovarian carcinoma--an Indian study

Mounting evidences suggest that aberrant methylation of CpG islands is a major pathway leading to the inactivation of tumour suppressor genes and the development of cancer. The aim of the current study was to examine the prevalence of the promoter hypermethylation and protein expression of the BRCA1 gene in epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC) to understand the role of epigenetic silencing in ovarian carcinogenesis. We studied the promoter methylation of the BRCA1 gene by methylation-specific PCR in a cohort of 88 patients with EOC, 14 low malignant potential (LMP) tumours and 20 patients with benign tumours of the ovary. The expression of the BRCA1 protein by immunohistochemical analysis was carried out in a subset of 64 EOCs, 10 LMP tumours, 10 benign tumours and 5 normal ovarian tissues. The frequencies of methylation in EOCs and LMP tumours were 51.2 and 57%, respectively, significantly higher (p = 0.000 and p = 0.001) in comparison to benign tumours and normal ovarian tissue where no methylation was seen. Expression of BRCA1 was significantly lower in EOCs (p = 0.003). Lack of protein expression correlated with tumour grade and type. The methylation status correlated well with downregulation of BRCA1 expression. Our results clearly demonstrate that hypermethylation of BRCA1 promoter is a frequent event in ovarian cancer. These data support the hypothesis that BRCA1 promoter methylation plays an important role in the functional inactivation of BRCA1. Follow-up clinical data will reveal the impact of BRCA1 methylation on survival.

The fourth-generation Calcium channel blocker: cilnidipine

Several classes of antihypertensive agents have been in clinical use, including diuretics, α-blockers, β-blockers, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers (ARB), and organic calcium channel blockers (CCBs). All these drugs are being currently used in the treatment of Hypertension & various disease conditions of the heart either alone or in combination. Cilnidipine is a new antihypertensive drug distinguished from other L-type Ca(2+) channel blockers or even other antihypertensives, which will be useful for selection of antihypertensive drugs according to the pathophysiological condition of a patient.

Delay in Diagnosis of Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer: whose fault is it?

BACKGROUND

Stomach and esophageal cancers are both deadly and difficult to diagnose early. Stomach cancer is the second most common cancer in Asia. Both these are one of the most common causes of cancer related death in the world.

AIM

To determine the mean time delay from appearance of the symptoms to the endoscope procedure [OGDS] and rationalized the reason for this delay in diagnosis.

METHOD

This is a cross sectional study of stomach and esophageal cancer data from Jan 2004- July 2008. All patients' records of histologically confirmed stomach or esophageal cancers during the study period were reviewed.

RESULT

Total of 112 consecutive patients with stomach and esophageal cancer were analysed. 86 cases of stomach and 26 cases of esophageal cancer were reviewed. The average age for stomach and esophageal cancers are 60.8 years and 58.4 years respectively. The mean duration from the first appearance of cancer symptoms to endoscope procedure was 32.4 weeks for stomach cancer patient and 16.7 weeks for esophageal cancer patients. The reasons for the delays are due to 1) self-medication, 2) Empirical treatment for dyspepsia using antacid and H2 antagonist, 3) Delay in endoscope procedure for high risk patients.

CONCLUSION

Reducing the delay in endoscope procedure may lead to early detection of cancer and thereby may improve the prognosis of these patients.

Prevalence of +405G>C,-1154G>A Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Polymorphism in Breast Cancer

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays an important role in the development of Breast Cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of polymorphisms in the VEGF gene on prognosis of Breast Cancer patients. This study comprised 200 patients with histologically confirmed cases of Breast cancer and 200 controls. Genotyping of the VEGF gene polymorphisms at +405G>C,-1154G>A, were performed by PCR-RFLP analysis. Preoperative plasma VEGF levels were determined by ELISA. Amongst both cases and controls, the genotypic distribution of the individual SNPs were all in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Mean VEGF level was significantly elevated in cases compared to controls (t = 8.248; P < 0.001). No significant association was found between +405G>C,-1154G>A VEGF polymorphism and Breast Cancer. Logistic regression analysis revealed that 405GG & 1154GG were associated with higher levels of VEGF.

Hemodynamic, ventilator, and ECG changes in pediatric patients undergoing extraction

BACKGROUND

Dental treatment induces pain anxiety and fear. This study was conducted to assess the changes in hemodynamic, ventilator, and electrocardiograph changes during extraction procedure among 12-15-year-old children and compare these changes with anxiety, fear, and pain.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A purposive sample of 60 patients selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria underwent study procedure in the dental OPD of a medical college and hospital. The anxiety, fear, and pain were recorded by dental anxiety scale, dental fear scale, and visual analogue scale, respectively, before the start of the procedure. The systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, and electrocardiogram changes were monitored during the extraction procedure. The recording was taken four times (preinjection phase, injection, extraction, and postextraction) and was analyzed.

RESULTS

At the preinjection phase the mean vales were systolic blood pressure (128 ± 11.2), diastolic blood pressure (85.7 ± 6.3), heart rate (79.7 ± 9.3), and oxygen saturation (97.9 ± 5.8). These values increased in injection phases and decreased in extraction phase and the least values were found after 10 min of procedure and this relation was significant for all parameters except oxygen saturation (P = 0.48, NS). ECG abnormalities were seen among 22 patients and were significant before and after injection of Local anesthetic (P = 0.0001, S).

CONCLUSIONS

Anxiety, fear, and pain have an effect on hemodynamic, ventilator, and cardiovascular parameters during the extraction procedure and hence behavioral management has to be emphasized among children in dental clinics.

Laparoscopic staging in gastric cancer: An essential step in its management

AIM:

The role of laparoscopy in staging of gastric cancer is widely accepted; however, in Malaysia its usage has been limited. Patients can be classified as resectable or unresectable, which helps in avoiding an unwanted laparotomy and the morbidities associated with it. The aim of this study was to assess the value of laparoscopy in staging of gastric cancer in comparison with CT scan.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Patients with carcinoma of the stomach after a complete preoperative work-up underwent laparoscopy prior to surgical exploration. TNM staging was used to compare laparoscopy with CT, with the histopathological report used as the gold standard.

RESULTS:

Forty cases were included in this study. The sensitivity of laparoscopy for T3 tumours appears to be significant when compared to that of CT. Laparoscopy detected 90.3% of the cases as against the 58% detected with CT. There was not much difference in the N factor. With regard to M factor, the sensitivity was 100% for laparoscopy in comparison with CT.

CONCLUSIONS:

Laparoscopy has been shown to be sensitive in detecting metastasis in gastric cancer in comparison to CT, thus helping in avoiding unwanted laparotomy and thus providing a more systemic approach in managing gastric cancers.

Effect of pomegranate pretreatment on the oral bioavailability of buspirone in male albino rabbits

BACK GROUND AND THE PURPOSE OF STUDY: Many drug substances and variety of naturally occurring dietary or herbal components are capable of interaction with the CYP enzyme system. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of pomegranate juice pretreatment on the bioavailability of buspirone in rabbits.

METHODS

White New Zealand rabbits weighing 2.1±0.13 Kg were selected for study. The bioavailability of buspirone after pre-treatment with pomegranate juice (10 ml Kg(-1) for seven days) was compared with an oral solution of 10 mg kg(-1) of buspirone in distilled water. Animals were allowed free access to food and water, until night prior to dosing and were fasted for 10 hrs. In the first phase oral solution (10 mg kg(-1)) was administered through feeding tube followed by rinsing with 10 ml of water. In the second phase, the group was pretreated with pomegranate juice for 7 days and study was conducted after 15 days of washout period.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

The results showed that there was a significant (p<0.05) difference in the bioavailability of buspirone after pre-treatment with pomegranate juice.This increase in bioavailability might be due to inhibition of CYP3A4. Further studies are required to prove this mechanism in humans.

Molecular characterization of Morchella species from the Western Himalayan region of India

The molecular diversity of thirty-two different Morchella cultures/fruiting bodies, collected from the Western Himalayan region was studied in this investigation. Considerable taxonomic confusion exists regarding many species of Morchella. Although classical taxonomy is helpful in identification for many ascomycetes, morels exhibit considerable morphological diversity and there is disagreement in the identification of morel species. Phylogenetic analyses based on DNA sequences could help in sorting out morel taxonomy which is essential to better define the morel diversity. In this study, sequence analysis revealed that in the Western Himalayan region of India, both yellow (M. crassipes, M. spongiola) and black morels (M. elata, M. angusticeps, and M. gigas) were prominent along with two Verpa species. Phylogenetic analysis by maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference revealed two different clades and a clear distinction between yellow and black morels.