Digital simulation of a Costas loop demodulator in Gaussian noise and CW interference

A digital computer model of a Costas loop has been employed to study the effects of Gaussian noise and continuous-wave interference on the detection of biphase modulated signals. The dependence of bit-error probability, mean-square error between input and output, phase-error variance and threshold on signal-to-Gaussian-noise power ratio, interference-to-Gaussian-noise power ratio and frequency offset of the interference have been investigated and compared with previously obtained experimental results. The model has been verified for its accuracy in the case of no noise and when Gaussian noise is present at its input --Abstract, Page ii

EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF STANDARDIZED CINNAMON BARK EXTRACT FOR THE PREVENTION OF CHEMOTHERAPY-INDUCED WEIGHT LOSS AND ALOPECIA IN PATIENTS WITH BREAST CANCER: A RANDOMIZED, DOUBLE-BLIND, AND PLACEBO-CONTROLLED STUDY

Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of IND02 (standardized Cinnamon bark extract) supplementation for the prevention of side effects of cancer chemotherapy in female patients with breast cancer. Methods: The study was conducted using double-blind, placebo-controlled design in 34 female breast cancer patients during the first 4 consecutive 21-day cycles of the standard chemotherapy regimen. The active treatment (IND02 capsules, 400 mg, one capsule, and thrice a day) or matching placebo was orally administrated in randomized (1:1 ratio) patients. The efficacy outcome measures were reduction in chemotherapy-induced weight loss, alopecia (hair fall), and other side effects. The safety outcome measures were hematology, ECG, vital signs, adverse event monitoring, and laboratory safety measurements. Results: The patients on the treatment with IND02 had shown significant protection from chemotherapy-induced severe weight loss (cachexia) and alopecia (reduced hair density and % hairs in the anagen phase, and increased % hairs in telogen phase) which was seen in the placebo group. IND02 treatment was found safe and well-tolerated during the study. Conclusion: Concomitant use of IND02 in breast cancer patients during breast cancer chemotherapy showed a clinical promise regarding efficacy and safety in preventing chemotherapy-induced weight loss and alopecia

TO STUDY THE QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS AND IMAGES OF HINGUL DURING THE SHODHAN PROCESS

Rasaacharya were well known about the toxic effect produce due to use of mineral in their impure form. For removing this toxic effect they mentioned various Shodhan (purification) processes in their books. Shodhan process plays a very significant role in purification of Rasa dravya like Hingul for internal administration. In this study Shodhan of Hingul by Kshalan process is performed which is mentioned in book of Rasatarangini. Because of the need of purification & standardization in Ayurveda we do ICP-AES for Elemental qualitative analysis and FEG-SEM for images.After doing ICP-AES test there are elements like Yttrium (Y), Zirconium (Zr), Vanadium (V), Ytterbium (Yb), in the sample of first Kshalan water, which were done after completion of seven Bhavana. These elements were not found in the sample of Raw Hingul and sample of after seven Bhavana of Hingul. After doing repeated Kshalan process these elements were not found in any sample except the first Kshalan water sample. In the water sample of first Kshalan, found 23 elements and after the seven Kshalan, and got only 16 elements. Hence the impurities may be removed after the Kshalan process.After doing a FEG-SEM test we found there are changes in the images and particle in each step of Shodhan process of different samples. Because of continuous Bhavana particle size were reduced

Delayed bowel perforation following suprapubic catheter insertion

BACKGROUND: Complications of suprapubic catheter insertion are rare but can be significant. We describe an unusual complication of a delayed bowel perforation following suprapubic catheter insertion. CASE PRESENTATION: A gentleman presented with features of peritonitis and feculent discharge along a suprapubic catheter two months after insertion of the catheter. CONCLUSION: Bowel perforation is the most feared complication of suprapubic catheter insertion especially in patients with lower abdominal scar. The risk may be reduced with the use of ultrasound scan guidance

The prevalence of headache may be related with the latitude: a possible role of Vitamin D insufficiency?

According to recent observations, there is worldwide vitamin D insufficiency (VDI) in various populations. A number of observations suggest a link between low serum levels of vitamin D and higher incidence of chronic pain. A few case reports have shown a beneficial effect of vitamin D therapy in patients with headache disorders. Serum vitamin D level shows a strong correlation with the latitude. Here, we review the literature to delineate a relation of prevalence rate of headaches with the latitude. We noted a significant relation between the prevalence of both tension-type headache and migraine with the latitude. There was a tendency for headache prevalence to increase with increasing latitude. The relation was more obvious for the lifetime prevalence for both migraine and tension-type headache. One year prevalence for migraine was also higher at higher latitude. There were limited studies on the seasonal variation of headache disorders. However, available data indicate increased frequency of headache attacks in autumn–winter and least attacks in summer. This profile of headache matches with the seasonal variations of serum vitamin D levels. The presence of vitamin D receptor, 1α-hydroxylase and vitamin D-binding protein in the hypothalamus further suggest a role of vitamin D deficiency in the generation of head pain

Ferric carboxymaltose in the management of anemia due to non-obstetric conditions in women: a sub-group analysis of a large multi-center real-world study/PROMISE from India

Background: Real-world data on the efficacy and safety of intravenous ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) for treating iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in Indian women is limited. Methods: This was a sub-group analysis of the real-world PROMISE study, which analyzed data of women who received FCM for the management of IDA due to non-obstetric causes. Hematological parameters were retrieved from the charts at baseline and at 4±1 week and analyzed for the whole sub-group and by the severity of anemia. Results: In 442 women with anemia, Hb and serum ferritin improved by 2.77 gm/dl and 62.07 µg/l, respectively (p<0.001 for both) at 4 weeks. There was a significant increase in red blood cell (RBC) count, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) (p<0.001 for all). In 192 subjects with severe anemia, there was a significant increase in Hb by 3.19 gm/dl, serum ferritin by 61.67 µg/l, RBC count, hematocrit, and MCV (p<0.001 for all); and MCH (p=0.002). In 226 subjects with moderate anemia, there was a significant increase in Hb by 2.41 gm/dl, serum ferritin by 62.75 µg/l, and MCV (p<0.001 for all); and MCH (p=0.003). No subject had mild anemia. No new safety signals or serious adverse events were reported. Physicians rated the efficacy and safety of FCM as very good to good in 94.1 and 94.2% of subjects, respectively. Conclusions: In Indian women, FCM effectively and safely corrects IDA due to non-obstetric causes, in a short span of 4 weeks.

The matrix protein Fibulin-3 promotes KISS1R induced triple negative breast cancer cell invasion

Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer mortality. In particular, triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) comprise a heterogeneous group of basal-like tumors lacking estrogen receptor (ERa), progesterone receptor (PR) and HER2 (ErbB2). TNBC represents 15-20% of all breast cancers and occurs frequently in women under 50 years of age. Unfortunately, these patients lack targeted therapy, are typically high grade and metastatic at time of diagnosis. The mechanisms regulating metastasis remain poorly understood. We have previously shown that the kisspeptin receptor, KISS1R stimulates invasiveness of TNBC cells. In this report, we demonstrate that KISS1R signals via the secreted extracellular matrix protein, fibulin-3, to regulate TNBC invasion. We found that the fibulin-3 gene is amplified in TNBC primary tumors and that plasma fibulin-3 levels are elevated in TNBC patients compared to healthy subjects. In this study, we show that KISS1R activation increases fibulin-3 expression and secretion. We show that fibulin-3 regulates TNBC metastasis in a mouse experimental metastasis xenograft model and signals downstream of KISS1R to stimulate TNBC invasion, by activating matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) and the MAPK pathway. These results identify fibulin-3 as a new downstream mediator of KISS1R signaling and as a potential biomarker for TNBC progression and metastasis, thus revealing KISS1R and fibulin-3 as novel drug targets in TNBC

Prospective multi-center trial utilizing electronic brachytherapy for the treatment of endometrial cancer

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>A modified form of high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy has been developed called Axxent Electronic Brachytherapy (EBT). EBT uses a kilovolt X-ray source and does not require treatment in a shielded vault or a HDR afterloader unit. A multi-center clinical study was carried out to evaluate the success of treatment delivery, safety and toxicity of EBT in patients with endometrial cancer.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A total of 15 patients with stage I or II endometrial cancer were enrolled at 5 sites. Patients were treated with vaginal EBT alone or in combination with external beam radiation.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The prescribed doses of EBT were successfully delivered in all 15 patients. From the first fraction through 3 months follow-up, there were 4 CTC Grade 1 adverse events and 2 CTC Grade II adverse events reported that were EBT related. The mild events reported were dysuria, vaginal dryness, mucosal atrophy, and rectal bleeding. The moderate treatment related adverse events included dysuria, and vaginal pain. No Grade III or IV adverse events were reported. The EBT system performed well and was associated with limited acute toxicities.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>EBT shows acute results similar to HDR brachytherapy. Additional research is needed to further assess the clinical efficacy and safety of EBT in the treatment of endometrial cancer.</p

The initial experience of electronic brachytherapy for the treatment of non-melanoma skin cancer

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Millions of people are diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC) worldwide each year. While surgical approaches are the standard treatment, some patients are appropriate candidates for radiation therapy for NMSC. High dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy using surface applicators has shown efficacy in the treatment of NMSC and shortens the radiation treatment schedule by using a condensed hypofractionated approach. An electronic brachytherapy (EBT) system permits treatment of NMSC without the use of a radioactive isotope.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Data were collected retrospectively from patients treated from July 2009 through March 2010. Pre-treatment biopsy was performed to confirm a malignant cutaneous diagnosis. A CT scan was performed to assess lesion depth for treatment planning, and an appropriate size of surface applicator was selected to provide an acceptable margin. An HDR EBT system delivered a dose of 40.0 Gy in eight fractions twice weekly with 48 hours between fractions, prescribed to a depth of 3-7 mm. Treatment feasibility, acute safety, efficacy outcomes, and cosmetic results were assessed.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Thirty-seven patients (mean age 72.5 years) with 44 cutaneous malignancies were treated. Of 44 lesions treated, 39 (89%) were T1, 1 (2%) Tis, 1 (2%) T2, and 3 (7%) lesions were recurrent. Lesion locations included the nose for 16 lesions (36.4%), ear 5 (11%), scalp 5 (11%), face 14 (32%), and an extremity for 4 (9%). Median follow-up was 4.1 months. No severe toxicities occurred. Cosmesis ratings were good to excellent for 100% of the lesions at follow-up.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The early outcomes of EBT for the treatment of NMSC appear to show acceptable acute safety and favorable cosmetic outcomes. Using a hypofractionated approach, EBT provides a convenient treatment schedule.</p

Role of endothelial Nox2 NADPH oxidase in angiotensin II-induced hypertension and vasomotor dysfunction

NADPH oxidase (Nox)-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) are known to be involved in angiotensin II-induced hypertension and endothelial dysfunction. Several Nox isoforms are expressed in the vessel wall, among which Nox2 is especially abundant in the endothelium. Endothelial Nox2 levels rise during hypertension but little is known about the cell-specific role of endothelial Nox2 in vivo. To address this question, we generated transgenic mice with endothelial-specific overexpression of Nox2 (Tg) and studied the effects on endothelial function and blood pressure. Tg had an about twofold increase in endothelial Nox2 levels which was accompanied by an increase in p22phox levels but no change in levels of other Nox isoforms or endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). Basal NADPH oxidase activity, endothelial function and blood pressure were unaltered in Tg compared to wild-type littermates. Angiotensin II caused a greater increase in ROS production in Tg compared to wild-type aorta and attenuated acetylcholine-induced vasorelaxation. Both low and high dose chronic angiotensin II infusion increased telemetric ambulatory blood pressure more in Tg compared to wild-type, but with different patterns of BP change and aortic remodeling depending upon the dose of angiotensin II dose. These results indicate that an increase in endothelial Nox2 levels contributes to angiotensin II-induced endothelial dysfunction, vascular remodeling and hypertension