Extract of Cimicifuga racemosa (L.) Nutt protects ovarian follicle reserve of mice against in vitro deleterious effects of dexamethasone

The present study aims to investigate if Cimicifuga racemosa (L.) Nutt extract (CIMI) reduces deleterious effects of dexamethasone (DEXA) in ovaries cultured in vitro. Mouse ovaries were collected and cultured in DMEM+ only or supplemented with 5 ng/mL of CIMI, or 4 ng/mL DEXA, or both CIMI and DEXA. The ovaries were cultured at 37.5°C in 5% CO2 for 6 days. Ovarian morphology, follicular ultrastructure, and the levels of mRNA for Bax, Bcl-2, and Caspase-3 were evaluated. The results showed that DEXA reduced the percentage of morphologically normal follicles, while CIMI prevented the deleterious effects caused by DEXA. In addition, DEXA negatively affected the stromal cellular density, while CIMI prevented these adverse effects. Ovaries cultured with DEXA and CIMI showed similar levels of mRNA for Bax, Bcl-2, and Caspase-3 compared to those cultured in control medium, while ovaries cultured with DEXA had increased expression of the above genes. Additionally, the ultrastructure of the ovaries cultured with CIMI was well preserved. Thus, the extract of CIMI was able to prevent the deleterious effects caused by DEXA on cultured mouse ovaries.

Sialic acid as the potential link between lipid metabolism and inflammation in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis

In the modern world, cardiovascular diseases have a special place among the most common causes of death. Naturally, this widespread problem cannot escape the attention of scientists and researchers. One of the main conditions preceding the development of fatal cardiovascular diseases is atherosclerosis. Despite extensive research into its pathogenesis and possible prevention and treatment strategies, many gaps remain in our understanding of this disease. For example, the concept of multiple low-density lipoprotein modifications was recently stated, in which desialylation is of special importance. Apart from this, sialic acids are known to be important contributors to processes such as endothelial dysfunction and inflammation, which in turn are major components of atherogenesis. In this review, we have collected information on sialic acid metabolism, analyzed various aspects of its implication in atherosclerosis at different stages, and provided an overview of the role of particular groups of enzymes responsible for sialic acid metabolism in the context of atherosclerosis.

ORAL CANCER NOVEL TREATMENTS AND APPROACHES

The aggressive tumour known as oral cancer can metastasize, produce a high fatality rate, and infect nearby tissue. Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, for example, are common treatment options that, when used in clinical settings, have both minimal drawbacks and major side effects. Currently, oral therapeutic medication delivery using targeted drug administration is proving to be effective. In recent years, an effective alternative therapy known as “nanomedicine,” or using nanoplatforms to deliver drugs for the treatment of cancer, has evolved. Thanks to the use of nanoplatforms, drug delivery to the tumour site can be done precisely and with minimal drug degradation in the body. As a result, the drug's toxicity is diminished, its concentration at the tumour site is elevated, and its distribution to other organs is kept to minimum. We present a contemporary review of the development medication delivery targeted for the treatment of oral cancer in this article different oral delivery systems, including as cyclodextrins, liposomes, hydrogel-based forms, and nanolipids are highlighted and explored. Biomimetic systems, such as therapeutic vitamins, proteins, exosomes, and virus-like particles, with a focus on cancer treatment, are also described. The study concludes with a brief analysis of future applications for nanoplatforms in the treatment of oral cancer

Characterization of the anopheline vector breeding habitats: Implications for elimination of malaria in tribal inhabited Car Nicobar Island

Background & objectives: Malaria is an important public health problem in Andaman & Nicobar archipelago. Among the three districts, Nicobar is the most endemic district where API is >2. In this district, the malaria incidence in Car Nicobar Tehsil has declined steadily over the past 10 years. A renewed initiative to consolidate this gain is being made with the ultimate objective of achieving zero indigenous transmission of malaria in Car Nicobar. So, the present study undertook a close environmental monitoring of water bodies for assessing changes in the risk potential of mosquito vector breeding habitats which can augment the elimination programme. Methods: The breeding habitats of anopheline mosquitoes were sampled in 16 areas of Car Nicobar Island for eight time periods during 2017-2020. Along with anophelines, various associated water parameters (n=60) were estimated, viz. physicochemical (n=13), and biological, which included culicine mosquito immatures, insect predators (n=5), phytoplanktons (n=31) and zooplanktons (n=10). Results: In the 16 study sites, overall 1126 surface water stagnating bodies constituting 21 different habitat types were surveyed. Of these, 17 were positive for anopheline breeding. Water bodies from three villages were consistently found to be positive for anopheline breeding. However, early instars of anopheline larvae were more abundant compared to the late instars. Four anopheline species were recorded, including Anopheles sundaicus, A. barbirostris, A. insulaeflorum and A. subpictus, in which 48 per cent were A. sundaicus. Multivariable analysis indicated that anopheline density was significantly higher in permanent water bodies than in temporary habitats (P<0.05) (high risk of anophelines). The highest pH (?8.2), dissolved solids (?0.39) levels showed significantly (P<0.05) decreased larval densities (lower risk of breeding), adjusted with breeding sites and season. Nitrite levels increased (P=0.022) larval densities. Interpretation & conclusions: The present study facilitated estimating the productive period of a larval habitat enabling target larval sources to reduce adult populations. Implementing larviciding strategy before monsoon season is presumably the most cost-effective strategy. The output can be utilized for environmental monitoring of mosquito breeding risk in other malaria endemic areas, particularly where medium/large water bodies are the predominant breeding sites for malaria vectors.

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C): a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical characteristics, treatment, and outcomes

Abstract Objective: The clinical cases of patients with multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) were analyzed via a systematic review and meta-analysis of the clinical findings, treatments, and possible outcomes of articles retrieved via database searches. Sources: The authors searched the PubMed, Scielo, Web of Science, Science Direct, EMBASA, EBSCO, and Scopus databases for articles containing the keywords "multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children" or "MIS-C" or "PIMS-TS" or "SIMP" and "COVID-19" or "SARS-CoV-2" published between December 1st, 2019 and July 10th, 2021. Patient characteristics, tissue and organ comorbidities, the incidence of symptoms after COVID-19 infection, treatment, and patient evolution in the articles found were evaluated. The data were abstracted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Findings: In total, 98 articles (2275 patients) were selected for demographics, clinical treatment, and outcomes of patients diagnosed with MIS-C. The average age of children with MIS-C, 56.8% of whom were male, was of nine years. Fever (100%), gastrointestinal (GI) (82%), and abdominal pain (68%) were the decisive symptoms for the diagnosis of MIS-C. Shock and/or hypotension were common in patients with MIS-C. Cardiac symptoms (66%) predominated over respiratory (39%) and neurological (28%) symptoms. MIS-C treatment followed the common guidelines for treating children with septic shock and Kawasaki disease (KD) and proved to be effective. Conclusions: This meta-analysis highlights the main clinical symptoms used for the diagnosis of MIS-C, the differences between MIS-C and KD, and the severity of the inflammatory process and urgency for hospital care.

Clinical and laboratory findings in sheep experimentally poisoned by Palicourea marcgravii and the use of magnesium chloride with possible therapeutic effect on poisoning

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to examine the efficacy of magnesium chloride therapy in sheep experimentally poisoned by Palicourea marcgravii and describe the clinical and laboratory findings that may aid in early ante mortem diagnosis of this poisoning. P. marcgravii is an important plant within a group of 22 species in Brazil that cause sudden death. Its toxic component is sodium monofluoroacetate. It was observed that a time for evolution of poisoning was longer in our study compared to other studies that used the same dose of P. marcgravii in sheep. However, all animals that were poisoned and subsequently treated with magnesium chloride died. The sheep presented characteristic clinical signs before death in addition to other signs that have not been previously described for this type of poisoning, such as abdominal breathing, coughing, head pressing, and nystagmus. This is the first evaluation of hematological parameters of sheep poisoned by P. marcgravii. Leukocytosis with neutrophilia, hyperfibrinogenemia, and hyperglycemia, associated with hypophosphatemia and elevated levels of serum aspartato aminotransferase (AST), glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH), urea, creatinine, creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), were observed. Additionally, changes were noted in necropsy, such as engorged jugular, large vessel congestion, pulmonary edema. Histological examination revealed vacuolar hydropic degeneration in the distal twisted uriniferous tubules in the kidneys, similar to those reported in previous studies on P. marcgravii poisoning.

RESUMO: O presente estudo objetivou verificar a eficácia terapêutica do cloreto de magnésio em ovinos intoxicados experimentalmente por Palicourea marcgravii e descrever os achados clínicos e laboratoriais que possam auxiliar no diagnóstico precoce ante mortem dessa intoxicação. P. marcgravii é a principal planta dentro de um grupo de 22 espécies que causam morte súbita no Brasil e seu princípio tóxico é o monofluoracetato de sódio. Durante o procedimento, observou-se maior tempo de evolução em relação a outros trabalhos utilizando-se a mesma dose da P. marcgravii em ovinos, entretanto todos os animais intoxicados e posteriormente tratados com cloreto de magnésio vieram a óbito. Os ovinos apresentaram sinais clínicos característicos antes da morte, associados a sinais nunca antes descritos nesse tipo de intoxicação, como respiração abdominal, tosse, head pressing e nistagmo. Trata-se da primeira avaliação dos parâmetros hematológicos de ovinos intoxicados por P. marcgravi. Foi observado leucocitose com neutrofilia, hiperfibrinogemia e hiperglicemia, associado a elevação dos valores séricos de AST, GLDH, ureia, creatinina, CK, LDH e hipofosfatemia. À necropsia foram notadas alterações como jugular ingurgitada, congestão de grandes vasos, edema pulmonar. Histologicamente havia degeneração hidrópica vacuolar nos túbulos uriníferos contorcidos distais no rim, semelhantes às já relatadas em estudos anteriores, na intoxicação por P. marcgravii.

Does Academic Performance Affect the Perceived Value of Mentorship, and Mentor s Influence on Student s Satisfaction? A Cross Sectional Study

An effective mentorship can greatly help medical students in achieving personal and professional success, and satisfaction. Mentorship efforts are therefore gaining increasing importance in medical education. It is important to make a realistic appraisal of factors that can affect the outcome of mentorship exercise, so that specific improvement in mentorship strategy can be made. Academic performance correlates with students’ ability to handle learning stress, and their professional and personal competence. This study aims at identifying the perceived value of mentorship in medical students. MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted among graduate medical students at the College of Medicine, Majmaah University, in October 2019. The mentees completed an anonymous questionnaire about the perceived quality of the mentorship. Academic performance was evaluated from Garde Point Average (GPA), whether the student has repeated one or more years in the college, and the number of academic papers published by the student. Kruskal–Wallis test was used to determine significant differences among groups. Two-tailed p-value was used to evaluate the statistical significance. ResultsThe questionnaire was sent to 337 mentees. The response rate was 67.7 % and the average age of mentees was 21.9 ± 1.4 years. 276 (98 %) mentees were unmarried and 171 (61 %) were men. 78 (27.7 %) mentees had a GPA of 4.5 - 5. 76 (27.0 %) mentees repeated one or more years in the college. 214 (75.9 %) mentees did not have any publication. More men than women had one or more published papers (men 29.2 % vs women 15.2 % , p = 0.04), The median score of Mentorship Relationship Structure (MRS) for the GPA 2 - 2.5 was 8 (IQR = 15) and it increased to 25 (IQR = 12.2) in the group with GPA 4.5 - 5 (p = 0.004). On MRS, there was no effect of repeating a year in college or the number of papers published (both, p > 0.05). ConclusionsThe mentees with extremely low and high GPA can have different perceived quality of the mentorship. The mentorship exercise should be customized to address the specific needs and motivational status of mentees with low and high GPA.

Markers of Inflammation in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis

Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by local and systemic effects of inflammation while osteoarthritis is aninflammatory degenerative disorder of joints. A wide range of inflammatory markers are implicated in pathogenesis of rheumatoidarthritis and osteoarthritis as a consequence of persistent imbalance between pro- and anti-inflammatory immune mechanisms,leading to chronic inflammation. Hence the present study is an attempt to estimate the levels of serum ceruloplasmin , C-reactiveprotein (CRP) and rheumatoid factor (RF) factor as inflammatory markers in serum of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritispatients and compare them with normal healthy controls. Materials and Methods: Serum ceruloplasmin was estimated byspectrophotometric method while serum C-reactive protein and RA factor were detected using agglutination test in thirty patientsof rheumatoid arthritis ,osteoarthritis and age and sex matched healthy controls each were included in the study. Results:Significant increase in ceruloplasmin was observed (p<0.0001) in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis as compared to healthycontrols and in that especially ceruloplasmin was more elevated in rheumatoid arthritis than osteoarthritis. C-reactive proteinwas found to be positive in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis and none of the controls. RF factor was found positive inrheumatoid arthritis and none of the osteoarthritis and controls. Conclusion: There was increased level of serum ceruloplasmin inthe patients with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. C-reactive protein and RF factor was found to be positive in rheumatoidarthritis while C-reactive protein was found to be positive in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. These findings suggest apossible role of these inflammatory markers in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis.

Impact of multidimensional interventions on quality of life and depression among older adults in a primary care setting in Brazil: a quasi-experimental study

Objective: To evaluate the impact of multidimensional interventions on quality of life (QoL) and depressive symptoms in Brazilian older adults living in the community. Methods: Longitudinal, quasi-experimental study of older adults receiving conventional primary health care (PHC). The interventions were designed in response to a first round of data collection and validated through pilot testing in groups of older adults from another community. The validated interventions were then applied to an intervention group (IG). To measure their effect, we used the Medical Outcomes Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) quality of life scale and the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-30). Results: The sample comprised 118 participants. IG participants exhibited significant improvement in several QoL domains (SF-36): mental health (p = 0.010), general health perceptions (p = 0.016), and physical functioning (p = 0.045). No such improvement occurred in controls (p > 0.050). The prevalence of depression (GDS-30) fell from 36.7 to 23.3% in the IG, despite no significant difference (p = 0.272). Controls also reported a reduction in depressive symptoms, but only from 44.8 to 41.4% (p = 0.112). Conclusions: This multidimensional intervention was associated with significant improvement in mental health, general health perceptions, and physical functioning in a sample of Brazilian older adults. Clinical trial registration: RBR-92dbtx.

Starvation-induced Changes in Memory Sensitization, Habituation and Psychosomatic Responses

Starvation is a global challenge. Nutritional status of an organism may influence its psychosocial behavior and other nervous system processes like motor responses and its ability to learn and memorize. This study determined the impact of starvation-induced stress on memory sensitization, habituation and psychosomatic responses in an experimental animal design. 25 wistar rats were randomly sampled and grouped into 1-control, 2-feed after 6 hours deprivation, 3-feed after12 hours deprivation, 4-feed after 18 hours deprivation and 5-feed after 24 hours deprivation. Behavioral tests carried out included the multiple maze tests and elevated plus maze test. Grip strength test was performed to determine neuromuscular response and endurance in all groups. Biochemical investigation of brain stress markers was done on the last day of the study. There was a significant (P≤0.05) enhancement in memory processes and anxiolytic behavior after 6 hours feed deprivation. An increase in antioxidants after 6 hours feed deprivation was suspected to be a compensatory response. A progressive decrease in memory facilitation, anxiolytic behavior and muscular strength was reported after 12, 18 and 24 hours feed deprivation. The increase in habituation and decrease in psychosomatic response was observed and appreciated as the duration of feed deprivation was increased. This study provided evidence about a possible link between memory processes and stress-related alterations in calcium, magnesium and nitric oxide. Starvation may impairlearning, memory and motor responses, but this tendency is dependent on the extent of feed deprivation and nutrient depletion.

Cervical Cancer Knowledge and Screening among Schooling and Uneducated Females within Tamale-Ghana

Background:Cervical cancer, one of the gynecological cancers, is a serious health concern in Ghana. To improve the chances of survival and treatment outcomes for this condition, early screening and detection is the best remedy. Comprehensive knowledge and positive attitude highly influence acceptability and uptake of screening methods.Objective:To assess the knowledge about cervical cancer and screening practice among females in secondary and tertiary institutions and uneducated females in Tamale-Ghana. Methods:Females (n = 300) between the ages of 15 and 49 years, comprising 100 participants in three categories (senior high school, tertiary institution and the non-educated) were recruited into the study. Data was gathered through a semi-structured questionnaire, and analyzed by descriptive statistical methods.Short Research Article Results:Approximately 61.3% of the participants have heard about cervical cancer, 33.1% and 29.9% of themgot the information from school and the media respectively. Of those who have heard about cervical cancer, only 19.3% had considerable general knowledge about the condition. A significant association (p= 0.02) was observed between educational level and knowledge about cervical cancer. Meanwhile, only 5.3% of the 300 participants were previously screened for cervical cancer. Lack of information about cervical cancer was the most reported reason (46.6%) for not attending cervical cancer screening. Conclusion: Proactive intervention is requiredin the study area towards preventing new diagnosis through mass education, establishment of cervical cancer control programs, as well as screening and treatment centers

Central nervous system and analgesic profiles of Lippia genus

Abstract Many people use medicinal plants to relieve disorders related to the central nervous system, such as depression, epilepsy, anxiety and pain, even though the effectiveness of most of them has not yet been proven through scientific studies. Plants of the Lippia genus, Verbenaceae, are widely used in ethnobotany as a food, for seasoning and in antiseptic remedies. They are also marketed and used for the treatment of different types of pain, including stomach ache, abdominal pain and headache, as well as being used as sedatives, anxiolytics and anticonvulsants. Despite their widespread use, there are no reviews on the central nervous system profile of plants of this genus. Therefore, the databases Medline-PubMed, Embase, Scopus and Web of Science were searched using the terms Lippia and biologic activity. Thirty-five papers were found. Eleven species of Lippia showed central nervous system activity, with leaves and the aerial parts of plants being the most commonly used, especially in aqueous and ethanol extracts or volatile oil. The species are composed mainly of terpenoids and phenylpropanoids, including polyketides, flavonoids and in less quantity some alkaloids. Although several species of Lippia present analgesic activity, most studies have not explored the mechanisms responsible for this effect, however, there is some evidence that volatile oils and constituents of the extracts may be responsible for the relief of some CNS disorders, but the effects on pain modulation seem to be the most exploited so far.

Intraarticular Involvement By Synovial Sarcoma: First Diagnosed On Synovial Fluid Aspiration

Synovial Sarcoma is a soft tissue neoplasm having incidence 6%- 10%.Malignant cells in synovial fluid aspiration is extremely rare. Only 5%cases have been reported to have joint cavity involvement. We report a case of synovial fluid malignant effusion of knee joint in a 35 year old male who presented with a left popliteal fossa swelling. Synovial fluid aspiration revealed tumor cell clusters with anaplastic morphology .Subsequent biopsy showed spindle cell tumor consistent with synovial sarcoma. This is a rare presentation of synovial sarcoma with the presence of malignant cells in synovial fluid

Dna Topoisomerases: A Review On Their Functionalaspects In Cell Division

DNA is double helical macromolecule which carries all the genetic information and it is usually found enveloped inside a nucleus. The DNA helix relaxes and supercoils itself frequently in order to derive information from the genes during processes like transcription, condensation, replication and recombination, which require mutable or immutable alterations to cause the separation of the two DNA strands. Due to problems caused by the helical structure of DNA, these topoisomerase enzymes perform the required DNA uncoiling. Their role in cell cycle is also significant as their mutation leads to failure of anaphase separation (1, 2). In the present review, the important roles of DNA topoisomerases and their inevitable role in cell growth and cell cycle are discussed viz. how they function in cell proliferation and what are the results when different inhibitors are added to the cells, affecting cell cycle at various checkpoints .

Theimagingfeaturesofintracranialmedulloepithelioma / 实用放射学杂志

Objective Toanalyzetheimagingfeaturesofmedulloepitheliomaforfurtherunderstanding.Methods Theimaging findingsof12casesofmedulloepitheliomaprovedbypathologywereanalyzedretrospectively.Results Thelesionswerelocatedin cerebralhemisphere(6),cerebellum (3),ventricularsystem (3),andalloftheminvolvedbothgrayandwhitematter.Thefeatures includedlargegrosstumorvolume,clearboundaryandperitumoraledema(8/12).Othersincludedcystic-solidlesions(11/12),completelysolidlesion (1/12),andiso-orslightlyhyper-densitywithcalcificationonCTscan.ThetypicalfeatureofMRIwas "mid-lakeisland"sign,and solidcomponentshowediso-orhypo-intensityonT1WI,isoorhyper-intensityonT2WIwithhemorrhageandnecrosis,aswellasthe tumorshowedobviousheterogeneousenhancementaftercontrast.Cystcomponentshowedthin-wallring-enhancement.Conclusion Thetypicalfeatureofthemedulloepitheliomaisthe "mid-lakeisland"sign.Thetumorhasalargevolume,andthe majorityshow cystic-solidlesions.Aboveall,medulloepitheliomashouldbeconsideredifthereisasolid-cysticlesionwithclearboundaryatchildren andadolescents.

Biochemical Characterization and Antibiotic Susceptibility of Coagulase Negative Staphylococci Isolates from Exudates and Body Fluids

Coagulase negative Staphylococci (CoNS) are increasingly being recognized as significant nosocomial pathogens, partly due to the growing appreciation of this group of organisms as opportunistic pathogens or due to increase in the use of transient or permanent medical devices in seriously ill and immunocompromised patients. Aims and Objectives 1) Isolation of CoNS from exudates and body fluids. 2) Biochemical characterization of CoNS. 3) Antibiotic susceptibility pattern of CoNS. Method 180CoNS isolated from various exudates and body fluids such as pus, wound swabs, endotracheal secretions, sputum, branchialaspitate, and central lining tube were collected. All the CoNS isolates were processed in the Microbiology Laboratory and identified by colony morphology, gram staining, catalase, slide, tube coagulase test, anaerobic acid from mannitol, and deoxyribonuclease. Bacitracin (0.04 U) and furazolidone (100 μg) susceptibilities were done to exclude Micrococcus and Stomatococcus spp. The following biochemical tests were done for the speciation of the CoNS: urease test, phosphatase test, polymyxin B disc test, novobiocin disk test, ornithine decorboxylase test, mannitol to acid, Voges-Proskauertest, mannose fermentation, trehalose fermentation and antibiotic susceptibility testing. Result Out of 180 isolates, 78 are Staphylococcus epidermidis (43.3%), 63 are Staphylococcus hemolyticus (35%), 21 are Staphylococcus hominis (11.6%), and 18 are Staphylococcus lugdunensis (10.0%). Maximum number of CoNS were isolated from pus specimens (58.33%), followed by wound swabs (18.33%). A total of 164out of 180 strains were negative for both bound and free coagulase. A total of 60 strains were bound coagulase slow positive and free coagulase negative. S. epidermidis was the most frequent isolate and 68 S. epidermidis isolates were identified if ornithine decorboxylase was considered positive, while negative 10 S. epidermidis isolates required inclusion of trehalose and mannitol for speciation. Antibiotic susceptibility testing showed maximum resistance to penicillin (78.3) followed by chloramphenicol (41.6%). No resistance to vancomycin was seen. Conclusion: The study revealed S. epidermidis is the predominant CoNS from endotracheal secretions and also pus samples. S. hemolyticus was isolated from pus and central lining tubes, S. hominis and S. lugdunensis were isolated mainly from wound swabs. The present study suggests if coagulase-ve Staphylococci are repeatedly isolated from patients with infection they should be taken seriously and ABST done on these isolates for proper diagnosis and treatment especially in nosocomial infections.

Lung Cancer Stem Cells-An Update

Lung cancer is regarded as one of the most common cancers in the world with a worldwide occurrence of approximately 1.8 million cases and an estimated mortality of 1.6 million in 2012 alone.1 In the United States, there are approximately 2,25,000 new cases of lung cancer with over 1,60,000 deaths annually. Lung cancer is a very serious problem of the Indian subcontinent, especially in the lower socioeconomic subgroups. In India lung carcinoma is the 5th most common tumor and 2nd most common tumor in the males as per the ICMR [Indian Council Of Medical Research] registry of 2002.It accounts for 6.9% of new cancer cases detected each year.3 The importance of study of stem cells and cancer stem cells lays in CSC acting as prognostic and therapeutic markers. It is a known fact that there are innate stem cells present in the lining of the bronchial epithelium, at the carina and alveolar lining which help in regeneration of lungs post injury , however there are present similar cells which post driver mutations are christened CSC and help in cancer survival, growth and chemo resistance. CSC also known as “cancer stem-like cells” (CSLCs), or “tumor-initiating cells” (TICs) are heterogeneous cell population comprising of a small subpopulation of cancer cells with the property of self-renewal and differentiation. CSCs are thought to be responsible for cancer initiation, progression, metastasis, recurrence, and drug resistance.Important CSC under study in lung are, CD 133, ALDH 1, CD 44,ABCG2 etc.

Salivary Egfr As Biomarker For Oral Cancer & Pre-Cancer :A Case Control Study

Oral cancer is one of the leading cause of cancer in India, new diagnostic modalities for early diagnosis and treatment will increase the survival of the patients. The present study was carried out with an aim to evaluate salivary levels of EGFR in oral cancer and pre-cancer as tumor marker. For this purpose an observational case-control study was carried out in which a total of 72 subjects were enrolled.Of these 24 (33.3%) were patients of premalignant oral lesions and 24 (33.3%) were patients of malignant oral lesions& 24 (33.3%) subjects were normal healthy controls. Demographic information and clinical data was obtained, estimation for EGFR was performed in saliva. In premalignant cases, buccal mucosa was the most common site involved (87.50%) whereas in malignant cases tongue was the most common site involved (n=10;41.67%). Mean salivary EGFR levels were higher in malignant cases (0.23±0.17 pg/ml) and low in controls (0.10±0.19 pg/ml). Mean EGFR levels in premalignant cases were 0.12±0.22 pg/ml. statistically, this difference was not significant (p=0.052). Statistically, no significant difference in mean EGFR levels among different TNM stages could be seen (p=0.145). EGFR levels showed a potential to discriminate between malignant and premalignanat cases but this difference was statistical insignificant due to lower sample size.