Humans , Male , Female , Ophthalmology , Biometry/methods , Vision, Ocular , Vision Tests , Optical Imaging , Cataract
Background The most crucial step in the management of type 2 diabetes is identifying its pathogenesis and progression. Fat accumulation in the pancreas and decreased parenchymal volume can influence pancreatic function due to insulin resistance or ß-cell dysfunction. This study aims to find out the difference in pancreatic volume and fat content by using contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) between normal subjects and patients with different durations of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods This was a cross-sectional study. Patients who underwent CECT abdomen for the evaluation of conditions other than pancreatic origin were included. The study group was divided into three subgroups according to the duration of diabetes as <5 years, 5 to 10 years, and >10 years. In total, 40 nondiabetic controls were included. Pancreatic fat volume and parenchymal volume were measured in cm 3 using CECT. Correlation between pancreatic parenchymal and fat volume with the duration of T2DM as well as with levels of hemoglobin A1c, random blood sugar, serum triglyceride, low-density lipoproteins, and high-density lipoproteins was done. Results T2DM patients had significantly ( p < 0.001) lower pancreatic parenchymal volume (mean value of 57.08 ± 8.26 cm 3 in diabetics and 72.23 ± 3.41 cm 3 in controls) and higher pancreatic fat volume (mean value of 3.08 ± 1.90 cm 3 in diabetics and 0.67 ± 0.27cm 3 in controls) as compared to nondiabetic controls. In patients with T2DM, as the duration of T2DM increased, pancreatic parenchymal volume decreased and pancreatic fat volume increased. Conclusion Reduction in pancreatic volume and fat deposition may have a role in the onset and progression of diabetes. Determining the pancreatic volume and fat content would be useful for identifying high-risk patients and determining the pathogenesis of the development of diabetes.
Pesticides play a crucial role in modern agriculture, aiding in the protection of crops from pests and diseases. However, their indiscriminate use has raised concerns about their potential adverse effects on human health and the environment. Pesticide residues in food and water supplies are a serious health hazards to the general public since long-term exposure can cause cancer, endocrine disruption, and neurotoxicity, among other health problems. In response to these concerns, researchers and health professionals have been exploring alternative approaches to mitigate the toxic effects of pesticide residues. Bioactive substances called nutraceuticals that come from whole foods including fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices have drawn interest because of their ability to mitigate the negative effects of pesticide residues. These substances, which include minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, and polyphenols, have a variety of biological actions that may assist in the body's detoxification and healing of harm from pesticide exposure. In this context, this review aims to explore the potential of nutraceutical interventions as a promising strategy to mitigate the toxic effects of pesticide residues.
Microplastics and nanoplastics are abundant in the environment. Further research is necessary to examine the consequences of microplastic contamination on living species, given its widespread presence. In our research, we determined the toxic effects of PET microplastics on Drosophila melanogaster at the cellular and genetic levels. Our study revealed severe cytotoxicity in the midgut of larvae and the induction of oxidative stress after 24 and 48 h of treatment, as indicated by the total protein, Cu-Zn SOD, CAT, and MDA contents. For the first time, cell damage in the reproductive parts of the ovaries of female flies, as well as in the accessory glands and testes of male flies, has been observed. Furthermore, a decline in reproductive health was noted, resulting in decreased fertility among the flies. By analyzing stress-related genes such as hsp83, hsp70, hsp60, and hsp26, we detected elevated expression of hsp83 and hsp70. Our study identified hsp83 as a specific biomarker for detecting early redox changes in cells caused by PET microplastics in all the treated groups, helping to elucidate the primary defense mechanism against PET microplastic toxicity. This study offers foundational insights into the emerging environmental threats posed by microplastics, revealing discernible alterations at the genetic level.
BACKGROUND: The studies have shown that GS given after assessment of the entire prostate gland on the radical prostatectomy specimen may differ from GS given after examination of a small sample from needle core biopsy. We conducted this study to assess discrepancies in the Gleason score between NCB and RP specimens and to find out the correlation between the clinical stage and pathological stage. METHODS: The study included 174 patients with carcinoma prostate which underwent robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). Pre-operative Gleason score was determined on 12-core biopsy samples under trans-rectal ultrasound (TRUS) guidance. The Gleason score obtained from the radical prostatectomy specimen was compared with that of the NCB Gleason score to find out differences. RESULTS: The preoperative Gleason score (GS) ranges from 6 to 9 with a mean GS of 6.97 ± 1.02. The post-operative GS ranges between 6 and 10 with mean and GS of 7.5 ± 1.10. On the pre-operative assessment of biopsy specimens, 70 (43.2%) patients had a GS of 6, while 44 patients had a GS of 7 (27.1%) and 48 (29.8%) patients had a GS of more than 7. On the postoperative assessment of specimens, 31 (19.1%) patients had post-operative GS of 6, while 66 (41%) patients had GS of 7 and 74 (41.1%) patients had GS of more than 7. When pre-operative GS and post-operative GS were compared, no changes were observed in the GS of 79 patients, whereas 83 patients showed the difference in GS, with 75 patients showing up-gradation and eight patients marked as down-graded. CONCLUSION: concordance between biopsy and the pathology results directly affects the prognosis of the patient. The results of our study demonstrated the rate of discordance between Gleason scores obtained from transrectal prostate biopsy and RP surgical specimens. This rate brings into question the accuracy of the chosen treatment.
Proteomic profiling is an effective way to identify biomarkers for Parkinson's disease (PD). Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) has direct connectivity with the brain and could be a source of finding biomarkers and their clinical implications. Comparative proteomic profiling has shown that a group of differentially displayed proteins exist. The studies performed using conventional and classical tools also supported the occurrence of these proteins. Many studies have highlighted the potential of CSF proteomic profiling for biomarker identification and their clinical applications. Some of these proteins are useful for disease diagnosis and prediction. Proteomic profiling of CSF also has immense potential to distinguish PD from similar neurodegenerative disorders. A few protein biomarkers help in fundamental knowledge generation and clinical interpretation. However, the specific biomarker of PD is not yet known. The use of proteomic approaches in clinical settings is also rare. A large-scale, multi-centric, multi-population and multi-continental study using multiple proteomic tools is warranted. Such a study can provide valuable, comprehensive and reliable information for a better understanding of PD and the development of specific biomarkers. The current article sheds light on the role of CSF proteomic profiling in identifying biomarkers of PD and their clinical implications. The article also explains the achievements, obstacles and hopes for future directions of this approach.
Neurodegenerative Diseases , Parkinson Disease , Humans , Parkinson Disease/diagnosis , Parkinson Disease/cerebrospinal fluid , Cerebrospinal Fluid Proteins , Proteomics , Biomarkers/cerebrospinal fluid
INTRODUCTION: We present our initial experience with robot-assisted reconstructive surgeries with the Da Vinci Xi robotic system for benign ureteric pathologies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective review of prospectively collected data of patients who underwent robot-assisted reconstructive procedures for benign diseases of the ureter at our department from April 2018 to November 2022. Demographic and perioperative details were recorded. Patients were followed up and surgical success was evaluated on the basis of symptomatic, functional, and radiological improvement. RESULTS: A total of 34 patients underwent robot-assisted reconstructions for benign ureteric pathologies by various techniques. Mean age, body mass index (BMI), hospital stay and follow-up duration were 36 years, 24.1 kg/m2, 5.29 days, and 7.08 months respectively. Procedures included pyeloplasty in eight, primary ureteroneocystostomy (UNC) in seven, Psoas hitch UNC in five, Boari flap UNC in six, Ureteroureterostomy in four, ureterocalicostomy in two and ileal ureteral transposition in two patients. Mean docking time, total operative time, and estimated blood loss were 31.5 min, 178 min, and 64.3 ml, respectively. All patients had radiologic or functional improvement on follow-up after 6 months. CONCLUSION: Robot-assisted reconstructive surgery for benign ureteric and bladder pathologies imparted excellent short-term outcomes without major complications with all the advantages of a minimally invasive approach.
ABSTRACT: Crossing vessels is one of the important causes of pelviureteric junction obstruction (PUJO). Accessory lower polar vessels are commonly seen with congenital PUJO, but they are not always the cause of obstruction. We incidentally encountered a variation in the lower polar crossing vessel while doing laparoscopic pyeloplasty in a patient with congenital PUJO. We encountered a right accessory lower polar artery and vein along with a right gonadal artery arising from the accessory right renal artery and right gonadal vein draining into the right lower polar crossing accessory renal vein. Knowledge of variations in genitourinary vasculature is important in the current era to prevent inadvertent complications.
BACKGROUND: Gefitinib (GFN) is an Epithelial Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) inhibitor, and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved medication to treat lung cancer. However, this investigation aimed to produce and characterize Gefitinib (GFN)-loaded chitosan and soy lecithin nanoparticles (NPs) modified with D-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate mono ester (TPGS) and assess their therapeutic potential against HepG2 liver cell lines. METHODS: Chitosan, a cationic polymer with biocompatible and biodegradable properties, was combined with soy lecithin to develop the NPs loaded with GFN using a self-organizing ionic interaction methodology. RESULTS: The entrapment efficiency and drug loading were found to be 59.04±4.63 to 87.37±3.82% and 33.46±3.76 to 49.50±4.35%, respectively, and results indicated the encapsulation of GEN in NPs. The pH of the formulations was observed between 4.48-4.62. Additionally, all the prepared NPs showed the size and PDI range of 89.2±15.9 nm to 799.2±35.8 nm and 0.179±0.065 to 0.455±0.097, respectively. The FTIR bands in optimized formulation (GFN-NP1) indicated that the drug might be contained within the NP's core. The SEM photograph revealed the spherical shape of NPs. The kinetic release model demonstrated the combination of diffusion and erosion mechanisms. The IC50 value of GFN and GFN-NP1 formulation against the HepG2 cell lines were determined and found to be 63.22±3.36 µg/ml and 45.80±2.53 µg/ml, respectively. DAPI and PI staining agents were used to detect nuclear morphology. CONCLUSION: It was observed that the optimized GFN-NP1 formulation successfully internalized and inhibited the growth of HepG2 cells. Hence, it can be concluded that the prepared NPs can be a new therapeutic option for treating liver cancer.
