DNA repair genes hOGG1, XRCC1 and ERCC2 polymorphisms and their molecular mapping in breast cancer patients from India

Molecular Biology Reports - Identification of modifier genes predisposing to breast cancer (BC) phenotype remains a significant challenge and varies with ethnicity. The genetic variability observed...     

Studies on the psychopharmacological activities of Rumex nepalensis Spreng. root extract in rats and mice.

The methanol extract of Rumex nepalensis Spreng. (Family - Polygonaceae) was assessed for different psychopharmacological activities in rats and mice by evaluation of general behaviour, exploratory behaviour, muscle relaxant activity and phenobarbitone sodium-induced sleeping time. The extract at doses 200 mg/kg and above exhibited a reduction in spontaneous activity (general behavioural profile), a decrease in exploratory behavioural pattern in the Y-maze and Head-dip tests, a reduction in muscle relaxant activity in rotarod, 30 degrees inclined screen and traction tests, and also potentiated phenobarbitone sodium-induced sleeping time.     

Ameliorative potential of montelukast on ischemia-reperfusion injury induced vasculitic neuropathic pain in rat

AimsIschemia -reperfusion (I/R) event in vascular and nervous system has been documented to rising ischemic and vasculitic neuropathic pain, clinically resembles the complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). The present study evaluated the effect of montelukast, a cysteinyl leukotriene receptor (Cys-LTC₄ and Cys-LTD₄) antagonist on ischemia -reperfusion (I/R) induced vasculitic neuropathic pain in rats.Main MethodsBehavioral parameters were assessed at different time intervals (i.e. 0, 1, 7, 14 and 21st day) and biochemical analysis in sciatic nerve tissue samples were also performed along with histopathological studies.Key FindingsBehavioral pain assessment has shown increase in paw and tail withdrawal threshold in montelukast treated groups against thermal and mechanical stimuli as compared to I/R control group. We observed a decrease in the total calcium, thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity levels, whereas there is rise in reduced glutathione level in montelukast treated groups as compared to I/R control group. However, significant behavioral and biochemical results were observed only in medium and high dose of treated groups which were comparable to normal control group. Moreover, histopathological study has revealed the reduction of I/R induced neuronal edema and axonal degeneration due to montelukast.SignificanceMontelukast has ameliorated I/R induced vasculitic neuropathic pain, these effects may be due to inhibition of lipid peroxidation, reduction of oxidative stress, release of inflammatory mediators and neuroprotective actions. Hence, it could be used as a novel therapeutic agent for the management of vasculitic inflammation related neuropathic pain.     

Design of Site-Specific Microwave Phased Array Hyperthermia Applicators Using 434 MHz Reduced Cavity-Backed Patch Antenna

Cancers of the neck, breast, and lower extremities are common malignancies diagnosed in India with a higher incidence of advanced-stage disease. Phased array (PA) applicators reported for hyperthermia treatment (HT) of the breast have small focal region and high cross-coupling, and those reported for lower extremities provide regional heating and limited steering. In this study, we present the numerical design of site-specific PA applicators for HT of large solid tumors in the neck, breast, and lower extremities using a miniaturized 434 MHz cavity-backed water-loaded patch antenna. The fabricated antenna has 38 × 36 mm² aperture, more than 90% power coupling, 25 MHz bandwidth, and good agreement between simulated and measured specific absorption rate (SAR) in phantom. The site-specific applicators demonstrated less power reflection (<−17.9 dB) and cross-coupling (<−26.8 dB) for 5 mm inter-ring spacing. SAR indicators for 64 cc tumor at varying locations in simplified layered three-dimensional (3D) tissue models of the neck, breast, and leg showed average power absorption ratio (aPA_ratio) ≥ 3.16, target to hotspot quotient (THQ) ≥ 0.57, 25% iso-SAR coverage (TC₂₅) ≥ 81%, and 50% iso-SAR coverage (TC₅₀) ≥51.8%. Simulation results of site-specific applicators for 3D inhomogeneous patient models showed aPA_ratio ≥ 5.98, THQ ≥ 0.9, TC₅₀ ≥ 86%, and 100% TC₂₅ for all sites. It is concluded that the 434 MHz miniaturized cavity-backed patch antenna can be used to develop high-density PA applicators with 12–24 antennas for HT of large solid tumors (≥4 cm) in the neck, breast, and lower extremities with 3D steering ability and less cross-coupling (≤−26.8 dB). © 2020 Bioelectromagnetics Society     

Discovery of BMS-961955, an allosteric inhibitor of the hepatitis C virus NS5B polymerase

The synthesis, structure-activity relationship (SAR) data, and further optimization of the metabolic stability and pharmacokinetic (PK) properties for a previously disclosed class of cyclopropyl-fused indolobenzazepine HCV NS5B polymerase inhibitors are described. These efforts led to the discovery of BMS-961955 as a viable contingency backup to beclabuvir which was recently approved in Japan for the treatment of HCV as part of a three drug, single pill combination marketed as Ximency^TM.     

Simultaneous off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting and ascending aortobifemoral bypass graft via ventral abdominal route

Aortoiliac disease often coexists with coronary artery disease. It is not uncommon to subject a patient to two separate interventions. We report two cases in which in simultaneous off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting was done with an ascending aortobifemoral bypass graft through the ventral abdominal route without any additional morbidity. Combining a technically simple method of limb bypass with an off-pump cardiac surgery is a promising procedure for revascularization of myocardium and lower limbs. We discuss the merits of combining an off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting procedure with a limb bypass.