Integrated positron emission tomography/computed tomography fusion imaging: an emerging gold standard in lung cancer.

Positron emission tomography (PET) has emerged as an important diagnostic tool in the management of lung cancers. Although PET is sensitive in detection of lung cancer, but FDG (2-deoxy-2- 18 fluro-D-glucose) is not tumor specific and may accumulate in a variety of nonmalignant conditions occasionally giving false positive result. Addition of CT to PET improves specificity foremost, but also sensitivity in tumor imaging. Thus, PET/CT fusion images are a more accurate test than either of its individual components and are probably also better than side-by-side viewing of images from both modalities. PET/CT fusion images are useful in differentiating between malignant and benign disease, fibrosis and recurrence, staging and in changing patient management to more appropriate therapy. With analysis and discussion it appears that PET/ CT fusion images have the potential to dramatically improve our ability to manage the patients with lung cancer and is contributing to our understanding of cancer cell biology and in development of new therapies.

Effect of malathion on reproductive system of male rats.

The pesticides are one of the most potentially harmful chemicals liberated in the environment in an unplanned manner Malathion is widely used as a potent pesticide in many countries and has been shown to produce some adverse health effects. A study was conducted to asses the effects of malathion on the male reproductive system of wistar rats. The pesticide was administered to rats orally at dose levels of 50, 150 and 250 mg/kg/body wt/day for 60 days. In comparison to the control rats, there was a significant reduction in the weight of testes, epididymis, seminal vesicle and ventral prostate. Testicular and epididymal sperm density were decreased in the animals treated with malathion. Pre and post fertility test showed 80% negative results after treatment Biochemical profile of the testis revealed a significant decline in the contents of sialic acid and glycogen. Whereas a significant increase in the protein content of testis and testicular cholesterol was observed. The activity of testicular enzyme acid phosphatase increased significantly while decreased alkaline phosphatase activity was found. Malathion also suppressed the level of testosterone significantly Results of the present study clearly suggest that malathion induce toxic effects on the male reproductive system of rats.

Hepato and nephrotoxicity in rat exposed to endosulfan.

The indiscriminate and injudicious use of pesticides particularly endosulfan in agriculture and animal husbandry practices has considerably increased the risk of human health hazard. The present work was therefore undertaken to evaluate the toxic effect of endosulfan on the vital organs viz. liver and kidney of rat. Oral administration of endosulfan at the dose level of 10 mg/kg b.wt./day for two and four weeks showed toxic interference with the biochemistry and histology of rat liver and kidney. The biochemical parameters viz. Aspartate amino transferase, alanine amino transferase, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin urea and creatinine were increased which clearly showed the hepato and nephrotoxic effect of endosulfan. Histopathologically the size of liver was increased, sinusoidal dilation, pyknotic nuclei, cytoplasmic degranulation and various nuclear aberrations were observed. Similarly pathological alterations viz. chronic glomerulonephritis, glomerulosclerosis, odenoma and glomerulus deposits were observed in the kidney.

Hypolipidaemic effects of Curcuma longa L and Nardostachys jatamansi, DC in triton-induced hyperlipidaemic rats.

Fifty per cent ethanolic extract of Curcuma longa (tuber) and Nardostachys jatamansi (whole plant) feeding elevates HDL-cholesterol/total cholesterol ratio. The extracts also caused a significant reduction in the ratio of total cholesterol/phospholipids. Curcuma longa exhibited better cholesterol and triglyceride lowering activity [Ch = -85%; Tg = -88%] as compared to N. jatamansi in triton-induced hyperlipidaemic rats. In view of the protective action of HDL against heart disease and atherogenecity, C. longa consumption is recommended.

Prevention of aortic lesions and hyperlipidaemia by alfalfa seed extract in cholesterol fed rabbit.

Extract of alfalfa seed (ethanolic 50 % v/v) prevents the development of plaque formation and hyperlipidaemia in cholesterol fed rabbits. It inhibits the elevation of serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, phospholipids, LDL-cholesterol and total cholesterol/phospholipid ratio, while HDL-cholesterol/total cholesterol ratio increases, which is associated with a reduced incidence of atherosclerosis. Further reduction in total cholesterol and phospholipid contents of liver and heart muscle are suggestive of a beneficial role of the seed extract. The possible mechanisms of action are discussed.

Antiatherosclerotic effects of alfalfa meal ingestion in chicks: a biochemical evaluation.

Feeding Alfalfa seed extract to chicks resulted in significant reduction of total cholesterol, phospholipid, triglyceride, LDL-Cholesterol and VLDL-cholesterol. Simultaneously, an increased in the HDL-cholesterol/total cholesterol ratio occurred with reduction in total cholesterol and phospholipid contents of liver and (ventricular) muscle of the heart. Results obtained with alfalfa seed extract ingestion were evaluated with a standard drug, compound, clofibrate.