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The need for photosensors and gas sensors arises from their pivotal roles in various technological applications, ensuring enhanced efficiency, safety, and functionality in diverse fields. In this paper, interlinked PbS/Sb2O5thin film has been synthesized by a magnetron sputtering method. We control the temperature to form the nanocomposite by using their different nucleation temperature during the sulfonation process. A nanostructured PbS/Sb2O5with cross-linked morphology was synthesized by using this fast and efficient method. This method has also been used to grow a uniform thin film of nanocomposite. The photo-sensing and gas-sensing properties related to the PbS/Sb2O5compared with those of other nanomaterials have also been investigated. The experimental and theoretical calculations reveal that the PbS/Sb2O5exhibits extraordinarily superior photo-sensing and gas-sensing properties in terms of providing a pathway for electron transport to the electrode. The attractive highly sensitive photo and gas sensing properties of PbS/Sb2O5make them applicable for many different kinds of applications. The responsivity and detectivity of PbS/Sb2O5are 0.28 S/mWcm-2and 1.68 × 1011Jones respectively. The sensor response towards NO2gas was found to be 0.98 at 10 ppb with an limit of detection (LOD) of 0.083 ppb. The PbS/Sb2O5exhibits high selectivity towards the NO2gas. Density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) were used to analyze the geometries, electronic structure, and electronic absorption spectra of a light sensor fabricated by PbS/Sb2O5. The results are very analogous to the experimental results. Both photosensors and gas sensors are indispensable tools that contribute significantly to the evolution of technology and the improvement of various aspects of modern life.
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INTRODUCTION: Radioisotope and blue dye are standard agents for performing sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy in breast cancer. The paucity of nuclear medicine facility poses logistic challenge. This study evaluated performance of radioisotope & methylene blue (MB) with indocyanine green (ICG) and MB for SLNB. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This randomized controlled trial was conducted from December 2019 to July 2022 comparing SLN identification proportions of radioisotope-blue dye [Group A] with dual dye (MB + ICG; Group B]. Secondary objective included time required and cost effectiveness of performing SLNB. Sample size of 70 (35 in each arm) was calculated. Upfront operable node negative early breast cancer was included in the study. Clinico-demographic data, number & type of SLN, time taken were noted. Cost analysis was done including the equipment, manpower & consumables. Chi-square/Fisher exact test was used to compare proportion between two groups. p value of less than 0.05 was considered to represent statistical significance. RESULTS: Seventy patients randomized to either group were similar in clinico-demographic and tumor characteristics. SLN identification rate (IR) was 91.43% in group A and 100% in group B. Overall IR of MB, radioisotope and ICG were 91.43%, 91.43% and 100%, respectively. Mean number of SLNs identified were 3 in group A and 4 in group B. Median time required for SLNB was 12 min and 14 min in either group, respectively. Cost of performing SLNB was higher in Group B. CONCLUSION: SLNB using dual dye is non-inferior to radioisotope-blue dye in upfront operable early breast cancer. Trial registration number Clinical Trial registry India CTRI/2020/02/023503.
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Neoplasias de la Mama , Biopsia del Ganglio Linfático Centinela , Humanos , Femenino , Biopsia del Ganglio Linfático Centinela/métodos , Neoplasias de la Mama/diagnóstico por imagen , Neoplasias de la Mama/cirugía , Neoplasias de la Mama/patología , Colorantes , Verde de Indocianina , Cintigrafía , Ganglios Linfáticos/patologíaRESUMEN
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive cancer without currently effective therapies. Radiation and temozolomide (radio/TMZ) resistance are major contributors to cancer recurrence and failed GBM therapy. Heat shock proteins (HSPs), through regulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT), provide mechanistic pathways contributing to the development of GBM and radio/TMZ-resistant GBM. The Friend leukemia integration 1 (Fli-1) signaling network has been implicated in oncogenesis in GBM, making it an appealing target for advancing novel therapeutics. Fli-1 is linked to oncogenic transformation with up-regulation in radio/TMZ-resistant GBM, transcriptionally regulating HSPB1. This link led us to search for targeted molecules that inhibit Fli-1. Expression screening for Fli-1 inhibitors identified lumefantrine, an antimalarial drug, as a probable Fli-1 inhibitor. Docking and isothermal calorimetry titration confirmed interaction between lumefantrine and Fli-1. Lumefantrine promoted growth suppression and apoptosis in vitro in parental and radio/TMZ-resistant GBM and inhibited tumor growth without toxicity in vivo in U87MG GBM and radio/TMZ-resistant GBM orthotopic tumor models. These data reveal that lumefantrine, an FDA-approved drug, represents a potential GBM therapeutic that functions through inhibition of the Fli-1/HSPB1/EMT/ECM remodeling protein networks.
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Antimaláricos/administración & dosificación , Antineoplásicos Alquilantes/administración & dosificación , Neoplasias Encefálicas/tratamiento farmacológico , Glioblastoma/tratamiento farmacológico , Lumefantrina/administración & dosificación , Temozolomida/administración & dosificación , Neoplasias Encefálicas/radioterapia , Línea Celular Tumoral , Resistencia a Antineoplásicos , Transición Epitelial-Mesenquimal/efectos de los fármacos , Regulación Neoplásica de la Expresión Génica/efectos de los fármacos , Glioblastoma/genética , Glioblastoma/metabolismo , Glioblastoma/radioterapia , Proteínas de Choque Térmico/genética , Proteínas de Choque Térmico/metabolismo , Humanos , Proteínas de Microfilamentos/genética , Proteínas de Microfilamentos/metabolismo , Chaperonas Moleculares/genética , Chaperonas Moleculares/metabolismo , Transactivadores/genética , Transactivadores/metabolismoRESUMEN
In this work, a simple electrochemical oxidation method has been used to prepare p-typeß-Ga2O3nanoparticles. This method overcomes the problem of doping high energy gap semiconductors to form p-type. The electron holes ofß-Ga2O3were caused by oxygen vacancy (Vo) and showed the shorter lattice constant and preferred orientation in XRD analysis. The peak area of oxygen vacancy also reflects a higher ratio than n-type Ga2O3in x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The adsorption of reducing gas (CO, CH4, and H2) enhanced the resistance of theß-Ga2O3confirming the p-type character of NPs. The DFT calculations showed that oxygen vacancy leads to higher energy of the Fermi level and is near the valence band. The binding energy of Ga2O3and after interaction with gas molecular was also calculated which is analogous to our experimental data.
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By experimental and density functional theory calculations, the toxic gases (O3and NO2) sensing capability and mechanism of ZnO NRs and Ag/ZnO NRs have been comparatively studied in this work. Ag NPs arrays were employed for the growth of ZnO NRs. The experimental results show that when ZnO NRs are grown on Ag NPs, the response and adsorption rate towards the gases change significantly. The TDOS plot shows that the HOMO-LUMO gap changes after interaction with different oxidizing gases, and the peak intensity also decreases confirming the electron are transferred from ZnO to NO2and O3. The response to gases decreases and the adsorption reaction rate increases in Ag/ZnO NRs, as calculated by the Eyring-Polanyi equation, which is very similar to our experimental data. We also find that the absorption coefficient is different for O3and NO2. Finally, experimental response and theoretical results were compared and found to be in good agreement.
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INTRODUCTION: Gall bladder cancer (GBC) tends to present in advanced stages, therefore, early diagnosis of GBC is necessary. There is no ideal single tumor marker available presently for the diagnosis and prognosis of GBC. Platelet distribution width (PDW) is an early marker for activated platelets and has been used in a variety of tumors to assess prognosis. This study was designed to evaluate the utility of PDW in identifying GBC patients and its association with tumor markers, staging and resectability of GBC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross sectional study was done on 100 patients of GBC and 100 age- and sex- matched healthy controls. PDW was evaluated and compared between GBC and healthy controls. Receiver-operating characteristics was plotted to determine optimal cut-off for identifying GBC patients and to determine sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of PDW. Correlation between serum tumor markers (carbohydrate antigen 19-9, carcinoembryonic antigen, and carbohydrate antigen 125) and PDW were evaluated. Association of PDW with hyperbilirubinemia, staging and resectability of GBC was also studied. RESULTS: A significantly higher PDW with a median of 18.1 was observed in GBC as compared to healthy controls with median value of 13. PDW was found to have a very high sensitivity (90%), specificity (95%), PPV (94%) and NPV (90%) in identifying GBC at cut-off of 16 with area under the curve (AUC) of 0.97. An increase of PDW was observed with increasing stage and unresectable GBC. However, it was not statistically significant. Significant positive correlation was observed between PDW and all three serum tumor markers and good positive correlation with r = 0.61 was observed with CA 19-9. CONCLUSION: PDW was associated with GBC and may be considered as a cost- effective marker in adjunct to other investigations for the diagnosis of GBC.
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AIM: Palliation of symptoms of patients with advanced carcinoma gallbladder (GB). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-two newly diagnosed patients of unresectable advanced and metastatic GB cancers were enrolled, and following clinicoradiological assessment patients were considered for palliative symptom management. RESULTS: The most common presenting symptom was pain in 57 (92%) patients. Obstructive jaundice was observed in 29 (46.7%) patients. Patients were considered for percutaneous biliary drainage/internal stenting, therapeutic ascitic tapping, and pain control. Patients with good performance status were considered for palliative chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: Patients with advanced carcinoma GB were managed with various palliative procedures with the aim to improve the quality of life of patients because of jaundice, loss of appetite, nausea, pain, etc. Symptoms are distressing for patients.
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This study explores the utilization of the organic conductive molecule Polypyrrole (PPy) for the modification of Indium Gallium Zinc Oxide (IGZO) nanoparticles, aiming to develop highly sensitive ozone sensors. Pyrrole (Py) molecules undergo polymerization, resulting in the formation of extended chains of PPy that graft onto the surface of IGZO nanoparticles. This interaction effectively diminishes oxygen vacancies on the IGZO surface, thereby promoting the crystallization of the IGZO (1114) facets. The resultant structure exhibits promising potential for achieving high-performance wideband semiconductor gas sensors. The IGZO/PPy device forms a Straddling Gap heterojunction, facilitating enhanced electron transfer between IGZO and ozone molecules. Notably, the adsorption and desorption of ozone gas occur efficiently at a low temperature of approximately 25 °C, obviating the need for additional energy typically associated with wide bandgap semiconductor materials. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations attribute this efficiency to the enhanced number of active sites for ozone adsorption, facilitated by hydrogen bonds. The substantial conductivity of PPy, combined with its planar ring structure, induces positively charged polarization on the IGZO side upon ozone adsorption. The resultant device exhibits exceptional sensitivity, boasting a 4-fold improvement compared to sensors reliant solely on IGZO. Additionally, the response time is significantly reduced by a factor of 10, underscoring the practical viability and enhanced performance of the IGZO/PPy sensor field.
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Aim: Emergence of vancomycin (Van) resistance, and usage of its higher dose and short half-life are posing a serious concern. Slow and sustained release of Van using a nanodelivery system may overcome these problems. Materials & methods: Arginine-α,ß-dehydrophenylalanine (RΔF) was synthesized using solution-phase synthesis which self-assembled into nanospheres. Van was entrapped in the nanoparticles (NPs). In vitro and in vivo efficacy of Van-RΔF was determined using broth microdilution and the mouse thigh infection model, respectively. Results & conclusion: Van-RΔF NPs efficiently inhibited bacterial growth (Staphylococcus aureus), while Van alone showed limited growth inhibition in in vitro. Intravenous administration of Van-RΔF in mice with bacterial thigh infection showed enhanced efficacy (double) compared with Van alone, which indicates its high potential for further development.
Currently, microbial infections have become the most prevalent threat to human health. In the past few decades, researchers have tried different strategies to deal with these infections by developing new antimicrobial agents and/or improving the efficacy of already available antimicrobial agents. Controlled delivery of antimicrobial agents using nanosized vehicle systems has shown great promise in antimicrobial therapy. The authors have developed an ultrashort, modified, peptide-based nanoparticle system that can load vancomycin and release it in a controlled and sustained manner. Unlike other polymer-based nanoparticles, these dipeptide-based nanoparticles are easy to synthesize and highly biocompatible in nature. Vancomycin delivered via these peptide-based nanoparticles showed higher antibacterial activity than the drug alone. These results clearly indicated the high potential of this nanoformulation for further development as a delivery vehicle system for efficient antimicrobial therapy.
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Nanopartículas , Infecciones Estafilocócicas , Ratones , Animales , Vancomicina , Dipéptidos/uso terapéutico , Infecciones Estafilocócicas/tratamiento farmacológico , Staphylococcus aureus , Antibacterianos , Pruebas de Sensibilidad MicrobianaRESUMEN
<b>Introduction:</b> Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) has been suggested as a gold standard for managing complex wounds and to reduce the time of healing and overall morbidity and mortality of the patient. </br></br> <b>Aim:</b> We have done a retrospective study to observe the outcome in patients managed with negative pressure wound therapy for varied etiologies. </br></br> <b> Methods:</b> Patients with complicated wounds including lower limb wounds post-debridement, upper limb wounds post-debridement, postoperative abdominal wound dehiscence, abdominal and chest abscess wounds post-debridement and amputation stumps, managed with negative pressure wound therapy were studied on the basis of wound outcome, total hospital stay, days of NPWT application and pressure and mode of NPWT. </br></br> <b>Results:</b> A total of 42 patients with complicated wounds were included in the study. Mean hospital stay was 16.2 days and mean NPWT application time was 8.29 days with NPWT being applied on average for 3.91 days post-procedure like debridement or amputation or after wound dehiscence in which debridement was not done. As many as 41.5% of wounds were closed with suturing, 48.8% healed by secondary intention and 9.8% were covered with split-thickness skin grafts. A significant observation was made for lower pressure being used for abdominal wound dehiscence (75 mmHg) compared to other wounds on limbs (mean 98.33 mmHg) (P < 0.001). Re-debridement after the 1st cycle of NPWT was needed in 40% of wounds managed with intermittent mode compared to 6.2% in continuous mode (P = 0.028). </br></br> <b>Conclusion:</b> NPWT can reduce and manage wound complications with improvement in the quality of life of patients when used at an appropriate time with knowledge of its mechanism and functionality.
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Terapia de Presión Negativa para Heridas , Humanos , Calidad de Vida , Estudios Retrospectivos , Procedimientos Neuroquirúrgicos , Complicaciones Posoperatorias , IndiaRESUMEN
The use of hydrogels as scaffolds for three-dimensional (3D) cell growth is an active area of research in tissue engineering. Herein, we report the self-assembly of an ultrashort peptide, a tetrapeptide, Asp-Leu-IIe-IIe, the shortest peptide sequence from a highly fibrillogenic protein TDP-43, into the hydrogel. The hydrogel was mechanically strong and highly stable, with storage modulus values in MPa ranges. The hydrogel supported the proliferation and successful differentiation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in its matrix as assessed by cell viability, calcium deposition, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and the expression of osteogenic marker gene studies. To check whether the hydrogel supports 3D growth and regeneration in in vivo conditions, a rabbit critical bone defect model was used. Micro-computed tomography (CT) and X-ray analysis demonstrated the formation of mineralized neobone in the defect areas, with significantly higher bone mineralization and relative bone densities in animals treated with the peptide hydrogel compared to nontreated and matrigel treatment groups. The ultrashort peptide-based hydrogel developed in this work holds great potential for its further development as tissue regeneration and/or engineering scaffolds.
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Densidad Ósea , Hidrogeles , Animales , Conejos , Hidrogeles/farmacología , Microtomografía por Rayos X , Péptidos/farmacologíaRESUMEN
In this work, we use a chemical method to design novel 2D-material/0D-quantum dot (MoS2/SnS) heterostructures. Furthermore, the unique 2D/0D heterostructure enhanced the NO2 gas-sensing capability 3 times and increased the sensing recoverability by more than 90%. Advanced characterization tools such as SEM, TEM, XRD, and AFM confirm the formation of MoS2/SnS heterojunction nanomaterials. Using AFM data, the average thickness of the MoS2 layer was found to be 5 nm. The highest sensor response of 0.33 with good repeatability was observed at 250 ppb of NO2. Sensing characterization reveals the ultra-fast response time, that is, 74 s, at 50 ppb of NO2. The limit of detection for detecting NO2 was also found to be very low, that is, 0.54 ppb, by using MoS2/SnS heterostructures. The theoretical calculations based on density functional theory well corroborated and quantified the intermolecular interaction and gas adsorption on the surface of MoS2/SnS.
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Purple urine bag syndrome (PUBS) is benign pathology but an alarming symptom to the patients and his/her relatives because of purple discoloration of urine in collecting bag and tubing. Colour of the urine is purple because of tryptophan metabolite named Indigo and Indirubin. In urinary tract infection, sulphatase and phosphatase producing bacteria involved in pathogenesis of PUBS. Here, we discuss a case of 60 year male patient with spinal cord injury with neurogenic bladder presented in surgical emergency with purple colour urine in urobag.
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BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to clinically evaluate and compare the clinical success and the relative bone healing of the implants which are placed using a flapless procedure and compare it to those placed by the conventional flap technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted with ten patients that were randomly divided into two groups. Group A included patients with immediately placed implants after extraction with flap elevation. Group B included patients with immediately placed implants after extraction without any flap elevation. The clinical parameters recorded were Plaque index, Modified Gingival Index, Early Wound Healing Index, Buser's criteria, Distance between implant shoulder and the crestal bone (DIB), and Radiographic Examination in a standardized manner to evaluate changes for the DIB values. RESULTS: There was an improvement in Plaque Score from baseline to 1 month and baseline to abutment placement (6 months), which was statistically significant, but the plaque score from 3 months to abutment placement (6 months) was statistically nonsignificant in both the group. There was an increase in modified gingival score from baseline to 3 months, baseline to abutment placement (6 months), and 3 months to abutment placement (6 months), which was statistically significant in both the groups. The DIB scores in Group A recorded at baseline to 6 months were 2.80 ± 0.57 and 1.90 ± 0.42, respectively, showing a mean difference of -0.90 and P = 0.001 in comparison. Whereas, the DIB scores in Group B at baseline to 6 months were 3.20 ± 0.57 and 2.50 ± 0.50, respectively, showing a mean difference of -0.70 and P = 0.001 in comparison. The DIC scores in Group A at baseline to 6 months were 1.60 ± 0.54 and 0.00 ± 0.00, respectively, showing a mean difference of -1.60 and P = 0.003 in comparison, Whereas the DIC scores in Group B at baseline to 6 months were 1.40 ± 0.54 and 0.00 ± 0.00, respectively, showing a mean difference of -1.40 and P = 0.005 in comparison. CONCLUSION: Implants placed in fresh extraction sockets with and without mucoperiosteal flap elevation can be successfully done with augmentation procedures. Short-term survival rates and clinical outcomes of both groups were similar and appeared to be predictable treatment modalities.
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Brunner's gland hamartoma (or Brunneroma) is an uncommon tumour with an incidence of <0.01%, accounting for approximately 5-10% of benign duodenal tumours. Usually asymptomatic, it may manifest occasionally with duodenal obstruction or upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage and rarely with biliary fistulation, cholestatic jaundice and intussusception. It may be associated with uraemia and chronic pancreatitis. The diagnosis is usually confirmed by imaging studies and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Surgical excision or endoscopic resection is preferred for symptomatic large hamartomas. Here we report a case of 45-year-old man presenting with features of pancreatitis and gastric outlet obstruction due to a large Brunner's gland hamartoma, on his endoscopic, radiologic, surgical and pathologic findings.
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Glándulas Duodenales/patología , Neoplasias Duodenales/complicaciones , Obstrucción de la Salida Gástrica/etiología , Hamartoma/complicaciones , Pancreatitis/etiología , Glándulas Duodenales/diagnóstico por imagen , Glándulas Duodenales/cirugía , Neoplasias Duodenales/diagnóstico por imagen , Neoplasias Duodenales/patología , Neoplasias Duodenales/cirugía , Obstrucción de la Salida Gástrica/diagnóstico por imagen , Obstrucción de la Salida Gástrica/patología , Obstrucción de la Salida Gástrica/cirugía , Hamartoma/diagnóstico por imagen , Hamartoma/patología , Hamartoma/cirugía , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Pancreaticoduodenectomía , Pancreatitis/diagnóstico por imagen , Pancreatitis/patología , Pancreatitis/cirugía , Resultado del TratamientoRESUMEN
<b>Introduction:</b> Gall bladder (GB) small cell carcinoma (SCC) comprises 0.5% of all gall bladder cancers. It carries a poor prognosis in view of its aggressive nature. <br><b>Case report:</b> We here report a case of small cell carcinoma of GB in a female who presented with obstructive jaundice. Examination revealed a hard lump in the right upper abdomen. Tumour markers showed raised CA 19-9. Staging CECT of the thorax and abdomen reported polypoidal enhancing wall thickening of the gall bladder with multiple metastatic deposits close to the pancreatic head encasing the main portal vein and common bile duct. Histopathology report was suggestive of small cell carcinoma, which was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Patient was referred to the Oncology Department for palliative chemotherapy.
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<b>Introduction:</b> Gall bladder (GB) small cell carcinoma (SCC) comprises 0.5% of all gall bladder cancers. It carries a poor prognosis in view of its aggressive nature. <br><b>Case report:</b> We here report a case of small cell carcinoma of GB in a female who presented with obstructive jaundice. Examination revealed a hard lump in the right upper abdomen. Tumour markers showed raised CA 19-9. Staging CECT of the thorax and abdomen reported polypoidal enhancing wall thickening of the gall bladder with multiple metastatic deposits close to the pancreatic head encasing the main portal vein and common bile duct. Histopathology report was suggestive of small cell carcinoma, which was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Patient was referred to the Oncology Department for palliative chemotherapy.
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Carcinoma de Células Pequeñas/patología , Neoplasias de la Vesícula Biliar/patología , Neoplasias Primarias Múltiples/patología , Carcinoma de Células Pequeñas/diagnóstico por imagen , Femenino , Neoplasias de la Vesícula Biliar/diagnóstico por imagen , Humanos , Persona de Mediana Edad , Neoplasias Primarias Múltiples/diagnóstico por imagenRESUMEN
Bezoars are indigestible foreign material in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). A phytobezoar is a mass of plant material, while a trichobezoar consists of matted hair. This is found most commonly in the stomach in children who chew their long hair. When a gastric trichobezoar extends to the duodenum or jejunum, this is known as Rapunzel syndrome (RS), after a famous Brothers' Grimm fairy tale. Our patient presented with haematemesis, localised peritonitis, a palpable epigastric mass, coagulopathy, severe anaemia and deranged liver function tests. An abdominal computed tomography scan was suggestive of a bezoar; gastroduodenoscopy confirmed the diagnosis. Treatment of trichobezoars normally involve endoscopic removal or gastrotomy and psychiatric intervention. They may also cause haematemesis, gastric outlet obstruction, gastric ulceration and perforation, multiple jejuno-jejunal intussusception, acute pancreatitis and cholestatic jaundice. Trichobezoar was first reported in the 18th century by Baudamant in a 16-year-old boy. RS was first described in 1968.
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Bezoares/diagnóstico , Estómago/diagnóstico por imagen , Bezoares/patología , Bezoares/fisiopatología , Bezoares/cirugía , Femenino , Gastroscopía , Humanos , Laparotomía , Estómago/patología , Estómago/cirugía , Tomografía Computarizada por Rayos X , Resultado del Tratamiento , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
AIM: To assess the role of red cell distribution width as a marker to predict tumor burden in gallbladder cancer (GBC). METHODS: One hundred and twenty-eight patients with newly diagnosed GBC were included in the study. Peripheral blood samples were obtained, and red cell distribution width (RDW) was assessed. Tumor markers and other biochemical parameters were also recorded. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Quantitative variables were summarized using mean and standard deviation or median and interquartile range based on the normality of the distribution. The association of RDW with stage of tumor was analyzed using Chi-square test. All statistical tests were interpreted for significance using a cutoff value of P < 0.05. RESULTS: RDW showed a positive correlation with total bilirubin, total leukocyte count, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (P < 0.002), but not with platelet count (P < 0.643). RDW showed a significant correlation with tumor markers CA 19-9 (P < 0.003), carcinoembryonic antigen (P < 0.003), and CA 125 (P < 0.002). In Stage IVB, there were significantly more patients with high RDW (78%) than normal RDW (21.8%). However, the results were not statistically significant (P < 0.073). CONCLUSION: In the present study, we have utilized RDW for correlation with tumor markers in carcinoma gallbladder and as a predictor of stage. We demonstrated higher levels of RDW with advanced stages of GBC. Overall, the study suggested that RDW may be utilized as a surrogate biomarker to predict tumor burden and disease in patients with GBC.
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Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most malignant form of brain tumor posing a major threat to cancer amelioration. Temozolomide (TMZ) resistance is one of the major hurdles towards GBM prognosis. Oxidative stress and ECM remodeling are the two important processes involved in gaining chemo-resistance. Here, we established NFE2L2, an important member of oxidative stress regulation elevated in resistant cells, to be playing a transcriptional regulatory role on MMP-2, an ECM remodeling marker. This link led us to further explore targeted molecules to inhibit NFE2L2, thus affecting MMP-2, an important member promoting chemo-resistance. Thus, diosgenin was proposed as a novel NFE2L2 inhibitor acting as an alternative strategy to prevent the high dose administration of TMZ. Combinatorial therapy of diosgenin and TMZ significantly reduced the dosage regimen of TMZ and also showed affectivity in hitherto TMZ resistant GBM cells. GBM cells underwent apoptosis and early cell cycle arrest with significant reduction in MMP-2 levels. Thus preclinical validation of molecular interaction between diosgenin and NFE2L2 down-regulating MMP-2, EMT markers and promoting apoptosis, offers rationale for new therapeutic horizons in the field of glioblastoma management.