Search

Radioresistance is one of the main determinants of treatment outcome in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), but its prediction is difficult. Several authors aimed to establish radioresistant OSCC cell lines to identify genes with altered expression in response to radioresistance. The development of OSCC is a multistep carcinogenic process that includes activation of several oncogenes and inactivation of tumour suppressor genes. TGM-3 is a tumour suppressor gene and contributes to carcinogenesis process. The aim of this study was to estimate serum and tissue expression of TGM-3 and its correlation with clinico-pathological factors and overall survival in patients of OSCC undergoing chemo-radiotherapy. Tissue expression was observed in formalin fixed tissue biopsies of 96 cases of OSCC and 32 healthy controls were subjected to immunohistochemistry (IHC) by using antibody against TGM-3 and serum level was estimated by ELISA method. mRNA expression was determined by using Real-Time PCR. Patients were followed for 2 year for chemo radiotherapy response. In OSCC, 76.70% cases and in controls 90.62% were positive for TGM-3 IHC expression. TGM-3 expression was cytoplasmic and nuclear staining expressed in keratinized layer, stratum granulosum and stratum spinosum in controls and tumour cells. Mean serum TGM-3 in pre chemo-radiotherapy OSCC cases were 1304.83±573.55, post chemo-radiotherapy samples were 1530.64±669.33 and controls were 1869.16±1377.36, but difference was significant in pre chemo-radiotherapy samples as compared to controls (p<0.018). This finding was also confirmed by real- time PCR analysis in which down regulation (-7.92 fold change) of TGM-3 in OSCC as compared to controls. TGM-3 expression was significantly associated with response to chemo-radiotherapy treatment (p<0.007) and overall survival (p<0.015). Patents having higher level of TGM-3 expression have good response to chemo-radiotherapy and also have better overall survival. TGM-3 may serve as a candidate biomarker for responsiveness to chemo-radiotherapy treatment in OSCC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines the pattern of drug use including the rationality in the outpatient departments of primary and secondary health-care centers located in the health block of Jammu, India. World Health Organisation indicators were utilised for the above study. The authors suggest that the state government should ensure proper drug use.

Background: Subclinical hypothyroidism characterised by elevated level of total cholesterol, is controversial. Females are more affected by subclinical hypothyroidism comparing to males. Material & Methods: Total 131 both male & female were enrolled for the study compared with 61 healthy controls. Body mass index, serum concentration of TSH and FT4 and Total cholesterol was measured. Thyroid profile of the participants was estimated by ELISA. Total cholesterol (TC) was measured by CHOD-POD method. Results: SCH patients were characterised by higher body mass index and elevated level of total cholesterol compared to control group (<0.01). Females with SCH were having higher BMI (<0.01) and higher total cholesterol (<0.05) when compared with male of SCH. TSH was positively correlated with TC in male group of SCH (r=0.32, p= <0.05) as well as female group of SCH(r=0.34, p=<0.05). Conclusion: Hypercholesterolemia was associated with subclinical hypothyroidism. Females with SCH were characterised by higher risk of hypercholesterolemia comparing to males. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To evaluate the comparative efficacy and safety of ramipril 5mg plus hydrochlorothiazide 12.5mg (R + HCTZ), telmisartan 40mg plus hydrochlorothiazide12.5mg (T + HCTZ) and ramipril 2.5mg plus telmisartan 20mg plus hydrochlorothiazide12.5mg (R + T + HCTZ) in patients with stage 2 hypertension. Materials and Methods: A prospective, open label, randomized comparative study was conducted to study the comparative efficacy and safety of R+HCTZ (group 1), T+HCTZ ( group 2)and R+T+TCTZ (group3) in 88 patients with stage 2 hypertension without co-morbid conditions. Echocardiography was done to assess left ventricular function. Patients were followed up to 24 weeks and any ADR occurring in this period was recorded. Results: All the three treatment groups showed significant fall in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure compared to the baseline scores (p<0.0001). Intergroup comparison did not reveal any significant difference. Total number of adverse drug events reported were 15. Group III had higher percentage ADRs. Dry cough (8) was most common ADR. The echocardiography parameters did not change from baseline values with all three treatment regimens. Conclusion: All three medications were of equal efficacy in patients with stage 2 hypertension without co morbid conditions, failing to prove superiority over each other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents several cases of patients whose eyes are diagnosed with multifocal choroiditis and panuveitis (MFC) that are treated with fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implants. All cases have developed recurrent choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and received intravitreal bevacizumab or ranibizumab. The patients are a 28-year-old white female, a 40-year-old white woman, and a 53-year-old white male.

Background: Patients admitted to cardiology department are mostly on polypharmacy. So drug-drug interactions and adverse effects of drugs are quite common. Yet, there is a paucity of data regarding adverse drug reaction (ADR) monitoring in cardiology department in India. The present study is an effort to fill up these lacunae. Materials and Methods: A prospective, observational study registering 966 indoor cardiology patients according to predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria was conducted for one year. ADR profile was noted by spontaneous reporting and intensive monitoring. Naranjo ADR probability scale was used to establish the causality. Results: A total of 208ADRs were reported from 188 patients (19.5%). Of these 188 patients, 62 patients (33%) were hospitalized primarily due to the development of ADRs, while 126 (67%) patients developed ADRs during hospital stay. Nitrates were the most common offender drug group (17.8%). Conclusion: Development of ADR in one of every five cardiac patient points toward a grave situation, but a higher incidence of Type A reactions in cardiology department means that these can be avoided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of an approach based on the energy-linked modification of DNA repair and cellular recovery processes using 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG; inhibitor of glycolytic ATP production) has shown promising results in a number of model systems of cancer. Following encouraging results on the tolerance and toxicity (acute as well as late effects) of the combination (2-DG and hypofractionated radiotherapy) in Phase I and II clinical trials, its efficacy is currently under evaluation in Phase III clinical trials for glioma patients. Since heterogeneous physiologic and metabolic status in tumors as well as host-tumor interactions influence the local tumor control, which coupled with systemic disturbances could determine the cure (long-term tumor free survival), investigations on the in vivo responses of tumors to the combined treatment have received considerable attention. This communication provides a brief overview on the in vivo studies related to radio- and chemosensitization of tumors by 2-DG, besides the normal tissue toxicity induced by the combined treatment of 2-DG and radiation or chemotherapeutic drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]