Multifaceted role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), a large family of calcium-dependent zinc-containing endopeptidases, are involved in the tissue remodeling and degradation of the extracellular matrix. MMPs are widely distributed in the brain and regulate various processes including microglial activation, inflammation, dopaminergic apoptosis, blood-brain barrier disruption, and modulation of α-synuclein pathology. High expression of MMPs is well documented in various neurological disorders including Parkinson\u27s disease (PD), Alzheimer\u27s disease (AD), Japanese encephalitis (JE), and Glaucoma. Although potentially critical, the role of MMPs in neuronal disorders is under-investigated. The present review summarizes the role of MMPs in neurodegeneration with a particular emphasis on PD, AD, JE, and Glaucoma

Intensity modulated radiotherapy in carcinoma cervix with metastatic para-aortic nodes: an institutional experience from a Regional Cancer Centre of Eastern India

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer is a major health problem, especially in developing countries like India. Extended field radiotherapy (EFRT) for cancer cervix treatment remains a challenging task for radiation oncologists. In the last decade studies have shown that EFRT using intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) is feasible in treating gynaecological malignancies but there is a dearth of literature on this specific topic from this part of the world where patient profile differs greatly in several aspects from that of the western world. The aim of the study was evaluation of treatment response and toxicity profile in cases of carcinoma cervix with metastatic para-aortic nodes treated with intensity modulated radiotherapy technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study the treatment records of 45 para-aortic node positive cervical cancer patients treated with EFRT (IMRT) and concurrent cisplatin were analysed for evaluation of loco-regional control and toxicities. RESULTS: Forty-four patients received full course of treatment. Among those 44 patients, 93.2% achieved complete response. Overall, the treatment was tolerated well and toxicities were within acceptable limits. Acute grade 3-4 toxicities were observed mostly in the form of anaemia and leucopenia. Most common late toxicities were those of small and large intestine. CONCLUSION: EFRT with concurrent chemotherapy was successfully delivered for para-aortic nodes positive cervical cancer patients in Indian scenario where under-nutrition, infection, anaemia and several other factors adversely influence treatment outcome. Pelvic and para-aortic control rates were satisfactory. The technique was associated with an acceptable acute and late toxicity profile

ZnO flowers by forced hydrolysis of ammonium zinc complex on hot glass substrates

A simple solution growth method for preparing nanostructured ZnO flower-like particles has been developed. The method is based on the forced hydrolysis of aqueous solution of tetra ammonium zinc complex [Zn(NH 3

Morfološke razlike plodnih izrastkov na sporo-trofofilu vrste Helminthostachys zeylanica (L.) Hook

The evolutionary history of Ophioglossaceae is enigmatic mainly because fossils of the family trace back only from the earliest Tertiary. Phylogenetic analyses indicate that Helminthostachys is sister to the broadly defined Botrychium. Generally the sporophore of Botrychium is a pinnately compound, whereas it is simple in Helminthostachys. Here examples of different Helminthoistachys are represented which show double or triple spikes with some variations. Plants showing variations in their spike morphology are also grown normally. Variations of Helminthostachys spike morphology indicate a tendency to form a compound sporophore structure and in that way have a strong relationship with Botrychium.Evolucijski razvoj družine kačjejezikovk (Ophioglossaceae) je precej skrivnosten, saj prve fosilne ostanke predstavnikov družine najdemo šele iz zgodnjega terciarja. Filogenetske raziskave kažejo, da je monotipični rod Helminthostachys sestrski sicer širše definiranemu rodu mladomesečin (Botrychium). Na splošno je fertilni ali plodni del sporotrofofila pri rodu Botrychium pernato deljen, medtem ko je pri rodu Helminthostachys valjast in enostaven. V študiji so predstavljeni različni osebki vrste Helminthostachys zeylanica z enim ali več plodnimi izrastki. Osebki, ki kažejo na variacijo v obliki trosnih izrastkov rastejo v naravnem okolju. Različna morfologija plodnega-trosnega dela sporotrofofila pri rodu Helminthostachys nakazuje tendenco k tvorbi pernato deljenih trosnih izrastkov, kar je znak sorodnosti omenjenega rodu z rodom Botrychium