Abstract: In recent years a new method of combination
treatment for cancer has been developed and studied that has led to
significant advancements in the field of cancer therapy. Hyperthermia
is a traditional therapy that, along with a creation of a medically
approved level of heat with the help of an alternating magnetic AC
current, results in the destruction of cancer cells by heat. This paper
gives details regarding the production of the spherical nanocomposite
PVA/γ-Fe2O3 in order to be used for medical purposes such as tumor
treatment by hyperthermia. To reach a suitable and evenly distributed
temperature, the nanocomposite with core-shell morphology and
spherical form within a 100 to 200 nanometer size was created using
phase separation emulsion, in which the magnetic nano-particles γ-
Fe2O3 with an average particle size of 20 nano-meters and with
different percentages of 0.2, 0.4, 0.5 and 0.6 were covered by
polyvinyl alcohol. The main concern in hyperthermia and heat
treatment is achieving desirable specific absorption rate (SAR) and
one of the most critical factors in SAR is particle size. In this project
all attempts has been done to reach minimal size and consequently
maximum SAR. The morphological analysis of the spherical
structure of the nanocomposite PVA/γ-Fe2O3 was achieved by SEM
analyses and the study of the chemical bonds created was made
possible by FTIR analysis. To investigate the manner of magnetic
nanocomposite particle size distribution a DLS experiment was
conducted. Moreover, to determine the magnetic behavior of the γ-
Fe2O3 particle and the nanocomposite PVA/γ-Fe2O3 in different
concentrations a VSM test was conducted. To sum up, creating
magnetic nanocomposites with a spherical morphology that would be
employed for drug loading opens doors to new approaches in
developing nanocomposites that provide efficient heat and a
controlled release of drug simultaneously inside the magnetic field,
which are among their positive characteristics that could significantly
improve the recovery process in patients.
Abstract: Hemoglobin (HB) indicates anemia level and by
extension may reflect the nutritional level and perhaps the immunity
of an individual. Some antiretroviral drugs like Zidovudine are
known to cause anemia in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA).
A cross sectional study using demographic data and blood specimen
from 218 female commercial sex workers attending antiretroviral
therapy (ART) clinics was conducted between December, 2009 and
July, 2011 to assess the effect of zidovudine on hematologic, and
RNA viral load of female sex workers receiving antiretroviral
treatment in north western Nigeria. Anemia is a common and serious
complication of both HIV infection and its treatment. In the setting of
HIV infection, anemia has been associated with decreased quality of
life, functional status, and survival. Antiretroviral therapy,
particularly the highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), has
been associated with a decrease in the incidence and severity of
anemia in HIV-infected patients who have received a HAART
regimen for at least 1 year. In this study, result has shown that of the
218 patients, 26 with hemoglobin count between 5.1 – 10g/dl were
observed to have the highest viral load count of 300,000 –
350,000copies/ml. It was also observed that most patients (190) with
HB of 10.1 – 15.0g/dl had viral load count of 200,000 – 250,000
copies /ml. An inverse relationship therefore exists i.e. the lower the
hemoglobin level, the higher the viral load count even though the test
statistics did not show any significance between the two (P = 0.206).
This shows that multivariate logistic regression analysis
demonstrated that anemia was associated with a CD4 + cell count
below 50/μL, female sex workers with a viral load above 100,000
copies/mL, who use zidovudine.
Severe anemia was less prevalent in this study population than in
historical comparators; however, mild to moderate anemia rates
remain high. The study therefore recommends that hematological and
virologic parameters be monitored closely in patients receiving first
line ART regimen.
Abstract: There are many perceived advantages of microwave
ablation have driven researchers to develop innovative antennas to
effectively treat deep-seated, non-resectable hepatic tumors. In this
paper a coaxial antenna with a miniaturized sleeve choke has been
discussed for microwave interstitial ablation therapy, in order to
reduce backward heating effects irrespective of the insertion depth
into the tissue. Two dimensional Finite Element Method (FEM) is
used to simulate and measure the results of miniaturized sleeve choke
antenna. This paper emphasizes the importance of factors that can
affect simulation accuracy, which include mesh resolution, surface
heating and reflection coefficient. Quarter wavelength choke
effectiveness has been discussed by comparing it with the unchoked
antenna with same dimensions.
Abstract: Quantitative radiobiological models can be used to
assess the optimum clinical outcome from sophisticated therapeutic
modalities by calculating tumor control probability (TCP) and normal
tissue complication probability (NTCP). In this study two 3D-CRT
and an IMRT treatment plans were developed with an initial
prescription dose of 60 Gy in 2 Gy/fraction to prostate. Sensitivity of
TCP and Complication free tumor control probability (P+) to the
different values of α/β ratio was investigated for various prescription
doses planned to be delivered in either a fixed number of fractions (I)
or in a fixed dose per fraction (II) in each of the three different
treatment plans. High dose/fraction and high α/β value result in
comparatively smaller P+ and IMRT plans resulted in the highest P+,
mainly due to the decrease in NTCP. If α/β is lower than expected,
better tumor control can be achieved by increasing dose/fraction but
decreasing the number of fractions.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to develop a descriptive
profile of the adapted physical activity research using single subject
experimental designs. All research articles using single subject
experimental designs published in the journal of Adapted Physical
Activity Quarterly from 1984 to 2013 were employed as the data
source. Each of the articles was coded in a subcategory of seven
categories: (a) the size of sample; (b) the age of participants; (c) the
type of disabilities; (d) the type of data analysis; (e) the type of
designs, (f) the independent variable, and (g) the dependent variable.
Frequencies, percentages, and trend inspection were used to analyze
the data and develop a profile. The profile developed characterizes a
small portion of research articles used single subject designs, in
which most researchers used a small sample size, recruited children
as subjects, emphasized learning and behavior impairments, selected
visual inspection with descriptive statistics, preferred a multiple
baseline design, focused on effects of therapy, inclusion, and
strategy, and measured desired behaviors more often, with a
decreasing trend over years.
Abstract: The article represents the results of clinical researches
of composite herbal medicinal product based on essential oils of
Sedum plants growing in Kazakhstan in commercial reserves at the
territory of Kazakhstan. The results of comparative analysis are
represented in obstetric-gynecologic practice during combined
therapy for postnatal complications, inflammatory infiltrates in the
area of surgical wounds including wounds after caesarean section.
Abstract: The potential neuroprotective effect of Phyllantus
nuriri against Fe2+ and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) induced oxidative
stress in mitochondria of rats brain was evaluated. Cellular viability
was assessed by MTT reduction, reactive oxygen species (ROS)
generation was measured using the probe 2,7-dichlorofluoresce
indiacetate (DCFH-DA). Glutathione content was measured using
dithionitrobenzoic acid (DTNB). Fe2+ (10μM) and SNP (5μM)
significantly decreased mitochondrial activity, assessed by MTT
reduction assay, in a dose-dependent manner, this occurred in parallel
with increased glutathione oxidation, ROS production and lipid
peroxidation end-products (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances,
TBARS). The co-incubation with methanolic extract of Phyllantus
nuriri (10-200 μg/ml) reduced the disruption of mitochondrial
activity, gluthathione oxidation, ROS production as well as the
increase in TBARS levels caused by both Fe2+ and SNP in a dose
dependent manner. HPLC analysis of the extract revealed the
presence of gallic acid (20.540.01), caffeic acid (7.930.02), rutin
(25.310.05), quercetin (31.280.03) and kaemferol (14.360.01).
This result suggests that these phytochemicals account for the
protective actions of P. niruri against Fe2+ and SNP -induced
oxidative stress. Our results show that P. nuriri consist important
bioactive molecules in the search for an improved therapy against the
deleterious effects of Fe2+, an intrinsic producer of reactive oxygen
species (ROS), that leads to neuronal oxidative stress and
neurodegeneration.
Abstract: Cortisol is essential to the regulation of the immune
system and yawning is a pathological symptom of multiple sclerosis
(MS). Electromyography activity (EMG) in the jaw muscles typically
rises when the muscles are moved and with yawning is highly
correlated with cortisol levels in healthy people. Saliva samples from
59 participants were collected at the start and after yawning, or at the
end of the presentation of yawning-provoking stimuli, in the absence
of a yawn, together with EMG data and questionnaire data: Hospital
Anxiety and Depression Scale, Yawning Susceptibility Scale,
General Health Questionnaire, demographic, health details. Exclusion
criteria: chronic fatigue, diabetes, fibromyalgia, heart condition, high
blood pressure, hormone replacement therapy, multiple sclerosis,
stroke. Significant differences were found between the saliva cortisol
samples for the yawners, t (23) = -4.263, p = 0.000, as compared with
the non-yawners between rest and post-stimuli, which was nonsignificant.
Significant evidence was found to support the Thompson
Cortisol Hypothesis suggesting that rises in cortisol levels are
associated with yawning. Further research is exploring the use of
cortisol as an early diagnostic tool for MS. Ethics approval granted
and professional code of conduct, confidentiality, and safety issues
are approved therein.
Abstract: Although, lanthanum carbonate has not been approved
by the FDA for treatment of hyperphosphatemia, we prospectively
evaluated the efficacy of the combination of Calcium hydroxyapatite
(CHAp) and Lanthanum Carbonate (LaC) for the treatment of
hyperphosphatemia on mice. CHAp was prepared by co-precipitation
method using Ca(OH)2, H3PO4, NH4OH with calcination at 1200ºC.
Lanthanum carbonate was prepared by chemical method using
NaHCO3 and LaCl3 at low pH environment, below 4.0. The
structures were characterized by FTIR spectra and SEM -EDX
analysis. The study group included 16 subjects-mice divided into four
groups according to the administered substance: lanthanum carbonate
(group A), CHAp (group B), lanthanum carbonate + CHAp (group C)
and salt water (group D). The results indicate a phosphate decrease
when subjects (mice) were treated with CHAp and lanthanum
carbonate (0.5% CMC), in a single dose of 1500 mg/kg. Serum
phosphate concentration decreased [(from 4.5 ± 0.8 mg/dL) to
4.05 ± 0.2 mg/dL), P < 0.01] in group A and in group C (to 3.6
± 0.2 mg/dL) at 12 hours from the administration. The combination
of CHAp and lanthanum carbonate is a suitable regimen for
hyperphosphatemia treatment because it avoids both the
hypercalcemia of CaCO3 and the adverse effects of CHAp.
Abstract: Background: The objectives of this study were to
assess patient’s knowledge of appropriate sublingual glyceryl
trinitrate (GTN) use as well as to investigate how patients commonly
store and carry their sublingual GTN tablets. Methodology: This was
a cross-sectional survey, using a validated researcher-administered
questionnaire. The study involved cardiac patients receiving
sublingual GTN attending the outpatient and inpatient departments of
Taiping Hospital, a non-academic public care hospital. The minimum
calculated sample size was 92, but 100 patients were conveniently
sampled. Respondents were interviewed on 3 areas, including
demographic data, knowledge and use of sublingual GTN. Eight
items were used to calculate each subject’s knowledge score and six
items were used to calculate use score. Results: Of the 96 patients
who consented to participate, majority (96.9%) were well aware of
the indication of sublingual GTN. With regards to the mechanism of
action of sublingual GTN, 73 (76%) patients did not know how the
medication works. Majority of the patients (66.7%) knew about the
proper storage of the tablet. In relation to the maximum number of
sublingual GTN tablets that can be taken during each angina episode,
36.5% did not know that up to 3 tablets of sublingual GTN can be
taken during each episode of angina. Fifty four (56.2%) patients were
not aware that they need to replace sublingual GTN every 8 weeks
after receiving the tablets. Majority (69.8%) of the patients
demonstrated lack of knowledge with regards to the use of sublingual
GTN as prevention of chest pain. Conclusion: Overall, patients’
knowledge regarding the self-administration of sublingual GTN is
still inadequate. The findings support the need for more frequent
reinforcement of patient education, especially in the areas of
preventive use, storage and drug stability.
Abstract: Content Based Image Retrieval (CBIR) coupled with
Case Based Reasoning (CBR) is a paradigm that is becoming
increasingly popular in the diagnosis and therapy planning of medical
ailments utilizing the digital content of medical images. This paper
presents a survey of some of the promising approaches used in the
detection of abnormalities in retina images as well in
mammographic screening and detection of regions of interest
in MRI scans of the brain. We also describe our proposed
algorithm to detect hard exudates in fundus images of the
retina of Diabetic Retinopathy patients.
Abstract: This experimental study evaluates the effect of using
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Multidimensional Self-
Concept Model (MSCM) in a drug prevention programme to increase
resiliency and reduce aggression among at-risk youth in Malaysia. A
number of 60 (N=60) university students who were at-risk of taking
drugs were involved in this study. Participants were identified with
self-rating scales, Adolescent Resilience Attitude Scale (ARAS) and
Aggression Questionnaire. Based on the mean score of these
instruments, the participants were divided into the treatment group,
and the control group. Data were analyzed using t-test. The finding
showed that the mean score of resiliency was increased in the
treatment group compared to the control group. It also shows that the
mean score of aggression was reduced in the treatment group
compared to the control group. Drug Prevention Programme was
found to help in enhancing resiliency and reducing aggression among
participants in the treatment group compared to the controlled group.
Implications were given regarding the preventive actions on drug
abuse among youth in Malaysia.
Abstract: Doxorubicin, also known as Adriamycin, is an
anthracycline class of drug used in cancer chemotherapy. It is used in
the treatment of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, multiple myeloma, acute
leukemia, breast cancer, lung cancer, endometrium cancer and ovary
cancers. It functions via intercalating DNA and ultimately killing
cancer cells. The major side effects of doxorubicin are hair loss,
myelosuppression, nausea & vomiting, oesophagitis, diarrhea, heart
damage and liver dysfunction. The minor modifications in the
structure of compound exhibit large variation in the biological
activity, has prompted us to carry out the synthesis of sulfonamide
derivatives. Sulfonamide is an important feature with broad spectrum
of biological activity such as antiviral, antifungal, diuretics, antiinflammatory,
antibacterial and anticancer activities. Structure of the
synthesized compound N-(1-methyl-2-oxo-2-N-methyl anilinoethyl)
benzene sulfonamide confirmed by proton nuclear magnetic
resonance (1H NMR),13C NMR, Mass and FTIR spectroscopic tools
to assure the position of all protons and hence stereochemistry of the
molecule. Further we have reported the binding potential of
synthesized sulfonamide analogues in comparison to doxorubicin
drug using Auto Dock 4.2 software. Computational binding energy
(B.E.) and inhibitory constant (Ki) has been evaluated for the
synthesized compound in comparison of doxorubicin against Poly
(dA-dT).Poly (dA-dT) and Poly (dG-dC).Poly (dG-dC) sequences.
The in vitro cytotoxic study against human breast cancer cell lines
confirms the better anticancer activity of the synthesized compound
over currently in use anticancer drug doxorubicin. The IC50 value of
the synthesized compound is 7.12 μM whereas for doxorubicin is 7.2
μM.
Abstract: The management of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)
eradication is still a matter of discussion, full effectiveness is rarely
achieved, and it has many adverse effects. The use of probiotics may
be associated with better eradication rates and possibly prevention of
adverse events due to antibiotic therapy. The present clinical study
was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of a specially designed
fermented milk product, containing Bifidobacterium lactis B420, on
the eradication of H. pylori infection in a prospective, randomized,
double-blind, controlled study in humans. Four test fermented milks
(FM) were specially designed in which counts of viable cells in all
products were 10^10 Log CFU. 100 mL-1 for Bifidobacterium lactis -
Bifidobacterium species 420. 190 subjects infected with H. pylori,
with previous diagnosis of functional dyspepsia according to Rome
III criteria entered the study. Bifidobacterium lactis B420,
administered twice a day for 90 days was not able to eradicate H.
pylori in Brazilian patients with functional dyspepsia.
Abstract: The development of Drugs Delivery System (DDS)
has been widely investigated in the last decades. In this paper, first a
general overview of traditional and modern wound dressing is
presented. This is followed by a review of what scientists have done
in the medical environment, focusing on the possibility to develop a
new alternative for DDS through transdermal pathway, aiming to
treat melanoma skin cancer.
Abstract: Background: The effectiveness of mirror therapy
(MT) has been investigated in acute hemiplegia. The present study
examines whether MT, given during chronic stroke, was more
effective in promoting motor recovery of the lower extremity and
walking speed than standard rehabilitation alone. Methods: The study
enrolled 30 patients with chronic stroke. Fifteen patients each were
assigned to the treatment group and the control group. All patients
received a conventional rehabilitation program for a 4-week period.
In addition to this rehabilitation program, patients in the treatment
group received mirror therapy for 4 weeks, 5 days a week. Main
measures: Passive ankle joint dorsiflexion range of motion, gait
speed, Brunnstrom stages of motor recovery, plantar flexor muscle
tone by Modified Ashworth Scale. Results: No significant difference
was found in the outcome measures among groups before treatment.
When compared with standard rehabilitation, mirror therapy
improved Ankle ROM, Brunnstrom stages and waking speed
(p < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences between
two groups on MAS (P > 0.05).Conclusion: Mirror therapy combined
with a conventional stroke rehabilitation program enhances lowerextremity
motor recovery and walking speed in chronic stroke
patients.
Abstract: Advanced head and neck cancers are aggressive
tumours, which require aggressive treatment. Treatment efficiency is
often hindered by cancer cell repopulation during radiotherapy,
which is due to various mechanisms triggered by the loss of tumour
cells and involves both stem and differentiated cells. The aim of the
current paper is to present in silico simulations of radiotherapy
schedules on a virtual head and neck tumour grown with biologically
realistic kinetic parameters. Using the linear quadratic formalism of
cell survival after radiotherapy, altered fractionation schedules
employing various treatment breaks for normal tissue recovery are
simulated and repopulation mechanism implemented in order to
evaluate the impact of various cancer cell contribution on tumour
behaviour during irradiation. The model has shown that the timing of
treatment breaks is an important factor influencing tumour control in
rapidly proliferating tissues such as squamous cell carcinomas of the
head and neck. Furthermore, not only stem cells but also
differentiated cells, via the mechanism of abortive division, can
contribute to malignant cell repopulation during treatment.
Abstract: VACTERL association is a rare disorder with various
congenital malformations. The aetiology remains unknown.
Combination of at least three congenital anomalies of the following
criteria is required for diagnosis: vertebral defects, anal atresia,
cardiac anomalies, tracheo-esophageal fistula, renal anomalies, and
limb defects. The first case was 1-day old male neonate with multiple
congenital anomalies was bore from 28 years old mother. The mother
had history of pregnancy with lymphocyte therapy. His anomalies
included: defects in thoracic and lumbar vertebral, anal atresia,
bilateral hydronephrosis, atrial septal defect, and lower limb
abnormality. Other anomalies were cryptorchidism and nasal canal
narrowing. The second case was born with 32 weeks gestational age
from mother with history of pregnancy with lymphocyte therapy. He
had thoracic vertebral defect, cardiac anomalies and renal defect.
diagnosis based on clinical finding is VACTERL association. Early
diagnosis is very important to investigation and treatment of other
coexistence anomalies. VACTERL association in mothers with
history of pregnancy with lymphocyte therapy has suggested possibly
of relationship between VACTERL association and this method of
pregnancy.
Abstract: Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are one of the major
treatment modalities that play important role in the management of a
number of different cancers. This study for the first time evaluates the
toxicity of these treatment modalities and its impact on quality of life
of cancer patients in Pakistan. The study also for the first time
determines what cancer patients of different ages and cancer stages
believe would be an effective intervention to manage their
psychosocial needs and treatment induced toxicity. The article also
provides evidence based approach for the use of variety of
interventions to mange cancer treatment induced morbidity and
toxicity. In light of the present study and reviewed research data,
evidence based recommendations are also made for selection of
appropriate interventions to manage Pain, Nausea and Vomiting,
Anxiety and Depression, Fatigue and Overall QOL of cancer
survivors.
Abstract: A game for training of breath (TRABR) for continuous
monitoring of pulmonary ventilation during the patients’ therapy
focuses especially on monitoring of their ventilation processes. It is
necessary to detect, monitor and differentiate abdominal and thoracic
breathing during the therapy. It is a fun form of rehabilitation where
the patient plays and also practicing isolated breathing. Finally the
game to practice breath was designed to evaluate whether the patient
uses two types of breathing or not.