An observational study of the efficacy of azithromycin in erythema annulare centrifugum.

Erythema annulare centrifugum (EAC) is a form of figurate erythema consequent to a cutaneous hypersensitivity reaction to an underlying agent. In the present study, we aimed to assess the role of oral azithromycin in cases of idiopathic EAC. We performed an open trial of azithromycin in 10 patients with idiopathic EAC. Histopathological examination of biopsies was performed to exclude any alternative diagnosis and to assess the depth of the infiltrate. Patients were administered oral azithromycin 250 mg once daily until clinical resolution of the disease, and followed up regularly to monitor for possible relapse. Histopathological examination of the 10 biopsies revealed superficial pattern in 3, deep pattern in 2 and mixed pattern in the remaining 5. Of the 10 patients, 8 responded to azithromycin 250 mg, with no relapse during follow-up. Oral azithromycin might be a promising therapy in cases of idiopathic EAC. Cases with a superficial pattern respond earlier than cases with a deep pattern.

Hospital-based Surveillance of Rotavirus Diarrhea among Under- five Children in Chandigarh.

In a prospective hospital-based surveillance of 958 under five children admitted with acute gastroenteritis in Chandigarh (May 2011 to July 2012), 239 stool samples were collected. Rotavirus antigen was detected in 18.8% of samples by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Genotypes G1P[8] (53.3%), G12P[6] (15.6%) were prevalent, and G3 not detected.

Steering microtubule shuttle transport with dynamically controlled magnetic fields.

Nanoscale control of matter is critical to the design of integrated nanosystems. Here, we describe a method to dynamically control directionality of microtubule (MT) motion using programmable magnetic fields. MTs are combined with magnetic quantum dots (i.e., MagDots) that are manipulated by external magnetic fields provided by magnetic nanowires. MT shuttles thus undergo both ATP-driven and externally-directed motion with a fluorescence component that permits simultaneous visualization of shuttle motion. This technology is used to alter the trajectory of MTs in motion and to pin MT motion. Such an approach could be used to evaluate the MT-kinesin transport system and could serve as the basis for improved lab-on-a-chip technologies based on MT transport.

Inhibition of FOXC2 restores epithelial phenotype and drug sensitivity in prostate cancer cells with stem-cell properties.

Advanced prostate adenocarcinomas enriched in stem-cell features, as well as variant androgen receptor (AR)-negative neuroendocrine (NE)/small-cell prostate cancers are difficult to treat, and account for up to 30% of prostate cancer-related deaths every year. While existing therapies for prostate cancer such as androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), destroy the bulk of the AR-positive cells within the tumor, eradicating this population eventually leads to castration-resistance, owing to the continued survival of AR-/lo stem-like cells. In this study, we identified a critical nexus between p38MAPK signaling, and the transcription factor Forkhead Box Protein C2 (FOXC2) known to promote cancer stem-cells and metastasis. We demonstrate that prostate cancer cells that are insensitive to ADT, as well as high-grade/NE prostate tumors, are characterized by elevated FOXC2, and that targeting FOXC2 using a well-tolerated p38 inhibitor restores epithelial attributes and ADT-sensitivity, and reduces the shedding of circulating tumor cells in vivo with significant shrinkage in the tumor mass. This study thus specifies a tangible mechanism to target the AR-/lo population of prostate cancer cells with stem-cell properties.

hPso4/hPrp19: a critical component of DNA repair and DNA damage checkpoint complexes.

Genome integrity is vital to cellular homeostasis and its forfeiture is linked to deleterious consequences-cancer, immunodeficiency, genetic disorders and premature aging. The human ubiquitin ligase Pso4/Prp19 has emerged as a critical component of multiple DNA damage response (DDR) signaling networks. It not only senses DNA damage, binds double-stranded DNA in a sequence-independent manner, facilitates processing of damaged DNA, promotes DNA end joining, regulates replication protein A (RPA2) phosphorylation and ubiquitination at damaged DNA, but also regulates RNA splicing and mitotic spindle formation in its integral capacity as a scaffold for a multimeric core complex. Accordingly, by virtue of its regulatory and structural interactions with key proteins critical for genome integrity-DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair, DNA interstrand crosslink repair, repair of stalled replication forks and DNA end joining-it fills a unique niche in restoring genomic integrity after multiple types of DNA damage and thus has a vital role in maintaining chromatin integrity and cellular functions. These properties may underlie its ability to thwart replicative senescence and, not surprisingly, have been linked to the self-renewal and colony-forming ability of murine hematopoietic stem cells. This review highlights recent advances in hPso4 research that provides a fascinating glimpse into the pleiotropic activities of a ubiquitously expressed multifunctional E3 ubiquitin ligase.

ACK1/TNK2 tyrosine kinase: molecular signaling and evolving role in cancers.

Deregulated tyrosine kinase signaling alters cellular homeostasis to drive cancer progression. The emergence of a non-receptor tyrosine kinase (non-RTK), ACK1 (also known as activated Cdc42-associated kinase 1 or TNK2) as an oncogenic kinase, has uncovered novel mechanisms by which tyrosine kinase signaling promotes cancer progression. Although early studies focused on ACK1 as a cytosolic effector of activated transmembrane RTKs, wherein it shuttles between the cytosol and the nucleus to rapidly transduce extracellular signals from the RTKs to the intracellular effectors, recent data unfold a new aspect of its functionality as an epigenetic regulator. ACK1 interacts with the estrogen receptor (ER)/histone demethylase KDM3A (JHDM2a) complex, which modifies KDM3A by tyrosine phosphorylation to regulate the transcriptional outcome at HOXA1 locus to promote the growth of tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer. It is also well established that ACK1 regulates the activity of androgen receptor (AR) by tyrosine phosphorylation to fuel the growth of hormone-refractory prostate cancers. Further, recent explosion in genomic sequencing has revealed recurrent ACK1 gene amplification and somatic mutations in a variety of human malignancies, providing a molecular basis for its role in neoplastic transformation. In this review, we will discuss the various facets of ACK1 signaling, including its newly uncovered epigenetic regulator function, which enables cells to bypass the blockade to major survival pathways to promote resistance to standard cancer treatments. Not surprisingly, cancer cells appear to acquire an 'addiction' to ACK1-mediated survival, particularly under stress conditions, such as growth factor deprivation or genotoxic insults or hormone deprivation. With the accelerated development of potent and selective ACK1 inhibitors, targeted treatment for cancers harboring aberrant ACK1 activity may soon become a clinical reality.

Association of plasma proteins at multiple stages of glycation and antioxidant status with erythrocyte oxidative stress in patients with type 2 diabetes.

This study examines the individual stages of plasma protein glycation, antioxidant status and their association with erythrocyte oxidative stress in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Study was carried out on blood from 70 patients with T2DM and 40 healthy age- and gender-matched volunteers. Biomarkers of plasma protein glycation (fructosamine, protein carbonyls, advanced glycation end products [AGEs], amyloid), antioxidant status (thiols, total antioxidant capacity and erythrocyte oxidative parameters), osmotic fragility, lipid peroxidation (LPO), reduced glutathione (GSH) and catalase were determined. Plasma glycation markers were higher in T2DM patients than in healthy volunteers: fructosamine 578 vs. 525 micromol/mL; carbonyl 21.23 vs. 18.84 nmol/mg protein (P < or = 0.01); AGEs 213.94 vs. 178.27 AU/mg protein (P < or = 0. 05); and amyloid 0.53 vs. 0.40 A530 nm (P < 0.01). Plasma antioxidant status was significantly reduced in patients with diabetes compared to the healthy volunteers, with lower plasma protein thiols (1.16 vs. 1.36 nmol/mg protein; P < 0.01) and total antioxidant capacity (26 vs. 34 micromol; P < 0.01). Erythrocytes from the patient group were found to show greater oxidative damage, with elevated numbers of fragile cells and increased LPO, and reduced GSH level. Among the glycation markers, positive correlations were evident between fructosamine and amyloid (r = 0.350, P < 0.001) and AGEs and amyloid (r = 0.070). Plasma glycation markers showed negative correlation with plasma antioxidant status while positive correlation was demonstrated between erythrocytes fragility and AGEs and amyloid. Erythrocyte LPO levels correlated positively with amyloid. These data suggest that increased levels of multiple plasma protein glycation products in T2DM patients play a key role in reduced plasma antioxidant status and amplified erythrocyte oxidative damage.

Fabricating feeding plate in CLP infants with two different material: a series of case report.

Feeding is a family's biggest concerns when a child is born with cleft lip and/or palate. The goal for that child is to have as near normal feeding as possible. This report presents fabrication of feeding plates in two infants born with cleft lip and palate using two different materials.

Internal podalic version for neglected shoulder presentation with fetal demise.

In modern obstetrics, the role of internal podalic version (IPV) is limited to delivery of the second twin. A retrospective study was conducted to assess the efficacy of IPV in singleton neglected shoulder presentation with fetal demise. Women with live fetuses, previous CS or contracted pelvis were excluded. The procedure involved repositioning the prolapsed hand under anaesthetic followed by breech extraction. 12 women were identified over a 19 month period and all underwent successful IPV. One woman had a postpartum haemorrhage. We conclude that, in singleton pregnancies with a transverse lie, IPV has a role to play in the delivery of dead fetuses.

Effect of '61-points relaxation technique' on stress parameters in premenstrual syndrome.

Premenstrual Syndrome is a psychoneuroendocrine stress related disorder and more than 300 treatment modalities for PMS show that the existing remedies have not provided satisfactory help to relieve PMS. 61-points relaxation exercise (61-PR), a relatively less known hatha yoga technique, is a successful means of stress relaxation and is expected to relieve PMS as well. The present study was conducted on 50 clinically healthy women volunteers who were in their reproductive age group and in their premenstrual period, from which a control group (n = 20) and a PMS group (n = 30) based on the symptoms were identified. In both groups basal heart rate (HR/min), systolic (SBP; mmHg) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP; mmHg), electromyogram (EMG; mV), electrodermal galvanic activity (EDG; microv), respiratory rate (RR/min) and peripheral temperature (T; degrees F) were recorded and the subjects were taken through a guided 61-PR. The symptoms and parameters were re-recorded after the 61-PR. In control group, the basal HR was 82.06 +/- 8.07, SBP 111.95 +/- 8.23, DBP 76.8 +/- 6.42, EMG 4.08 +/- 2.99, EDG 9.77 +/- 3.29, RR 15.60 +/- 3.77 and T was 97.86 +/- 0.63. After 10 minutes of 61-PR, HR (77.27 +/-10.85, P < 0.05), SBP (107.35 +/- 7.41, P < 0.05), DBP (75.25 +/-7.57, P < 0.05), EMG (2.07 +/- 1.90, P < 0.05), EDG (8.06 +/- 2.87, P < 0.05), RR (16.00 +/- 4.12, P < 0.05) fell significantly and T (97.97 +/- 0.64, P > 0.05) rose significantly. In the PMS group, the basal HR was 90.61 +/- 8.46, SBP 122.5 +/- 11.52, DBP 83.53 +/- 8.26, EMG 5.79 +/-2.75, EDG 13.14 +/- 6.54, RR 19.13 +/- 3.76 and T was 93.43 -/+ 5.29. After 10 minutes of 61-PR, HR (75.58 +/- 10.11, P < 0.0001), SBP (114.53 +/- 9.70, p < 0.0001), DBP (77.46 +/- 8.68, P < 0.0001), EMG (2.56 +/- 1.77, P < 0.0001), EDG (10.64 +/- 5.72, P < 0.0001), and RR (16.13 +/- 3.76, P < 0.0001) declined to a much greater extent and T (93.49 +/- 5.28, P < 0.0001) rose more significantly. These results suggest a reduction in sympathetic activity by 61-PR, also the high basal sympathetic tone present in subjects of PMS group due to stress is considerably reduced by relaxation. 61-PR is effective in providing relief from PMS and may be a useful adjuvant to medical therapy of PMS and other stress disorders.

Transaxillary endoscopic excision of benign breast lumps: a new technique.

BACKGROUND: Benign breast lumps affect 10% of women in their lifetimes. Despite a favorable natural history enabling surveillance as an option, surgical excision continues to be popular. Avoiding a scar on the breast is an inherent feminine desire. Because the breast is a part with a high charge in the culture, women seek to keep it away from the surgical knife. Numerous minimally invasive approaches have evolved as a result of this psychology. These leave much to be desired. Circumareolar incision at best camouflages the scar, which still is sited on the breast. This scar is subject to the same sequelae as any other breast scar. The axilla, an anatomically contiguous space, provides easy access for endoscopic breast surgery. The authors used this access to excise benign breast lumps endoscopically. This spared the breast from a scar. METHODS: Between January 2002 and March 2005, 14 women with benign breast lumps underwent surgery. Transaxillary endoscopic excision of 18 such lumps was performed. RESULTS: A total of 14 women with 18 benign breast lumps underwent surgery. The mean operative time per patient was 66.78 min (range, 40-110 min). No axillary injury, bleeding, technical difficulty, surgical emphysema, conversion, hematoma, or rehospitalization occurred. All the women expressed their satisfaction and happiness with the operation. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic excision of benign breast lumps is a safe and patient-friendly procedure.

Salt preference: age and sex related variability.

Salt preference was assessed in 60 adults of 18-21 yrs of age (30 males and 30 females) and in 60 children of 7-12 yrs of age (30 boys and 30 girls). Subjects rated the preference on Likert scale for popcorns of five salt concentrations (OM, 1M, 2M, 3M and +3M). Statistical analysis using Two way ANOVA revealed statistically significant effect of age and sex on salt preference (F4,100 = 15.027, P < 0.01) and One Way ANOVA revealed statistically significant sex difference in salt preference of adults (F4,50 = 16.26, P < 0.01) but no statistically significant sex difference in salt preference of children (F4,50 = 4.08, P > 0.05). Dietary experiences during development and more physical activity in children may be responsible for higher salt preference in children while finding no sex variability in children favours the role of sex hormones in salt preference of male and females.

Ovarian ligament adenomyoma: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Adenomyoma is a benign tumour composed of smooth muscle and benign endometrium. These tumours typically originate within the uterus. An extra-uterine adenomyoma is a rare entity. CASE: We report a case of extra-uterine adenomyoma of the ovarian ligament, which was an incidental finding during a total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy for a benign ovarian tumour in a postmenopausal woman. The mass was round with uterine-type smooth muscle and scattered functional endometrial glands and stroma. DISCUSSION: Only seven other cases of an extra-uterine uterine-like mass are reported in the literature. There have been no cases of adenomyoma in the ovarian ligament reported until now. CONCLUSION: It is most likely that this uterine-like mass arose from the tissues of the secondary müllerian system.