Aptamers in oncology: a diagnostic perspective

Nucleic acid sequences can produce a wide variety of three-dimensional conformations. Some of these structural forms are able to interact with proteins and small molecules with high affinity and specificity. These sequences, comprising either double or single stranded oligonucleotides, are called 'aptamers' based on the Greek word aptus, which means 'to fit'. Using an efficient selection process, randomised oligonucleotide libraries can be rapidly screened for aptamers with the appropriate binding characteristics. This technology has spawned the development of a new class of oligonucleotide therapeutic products. However, while interest among pharmaceutical companies continues to grow with some candidates already in clinical trials and one in the market, there appears to be some reluctance to fully explore the diagnostic potential of this technology. This article will review aptamer developments in diagnostics, compare them with other oligonucleotide therapeutics and highlight both potentials and pitfalls of technological development in this area

Serum anti-Mullerian hormone and homocysteine in premenopausal females with and without cardiovascular disease

Background: The objective of this study is to assess the association of anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) and homocysteine (Hcy) levels in premenopausal females with and without cardiovascular disease.Methods: A case control study was conducted in premenopausal, menopausal and normal fertile females (n=30) with and without cardiovascular disease in a tertiary care hospital and research centre in central India. Fasting sample obtained was assessed for AMH and Hcy levels. Results were compared and data was analyzed.Results: The levels of AMH and Hcy were significantly altered in premenopausal and menopausal females as compared to normal fertile females. Moreover, there was a weak correlation when intergroup comparison was made between the parameters in females with and without cardiovascular disease.Conclusions: A prospective study with a larger sample size to assess levels of AMH need to be performed to provide insight in premenopausal females for the early detection cardiovascular disease

Reticulocyte Count and Platelet Count as Predictors of Morphological Remission/Hemopoitic Recovery in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) after Induction Chemotherapy

Objectives: To determine the predictive values of reticulocyte and platelet count for remission in cases of acute lymphoblastic leukemia after induction therapy.   Materials and Methods:This cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the department of hematology, MTI Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar. All cases of ALL referred to the department for remission after taking induction therapy, irrespective of age and gender were included. Relevant information wascollected on a predesigned proforma prepared in accordance with the objectives of the study.   Results: A total of 84 cases referred for remission were included, 56(66.7%) were males and 28 (33.3%) were females. 50(59.5%) cases were in the age range of 5-18 years. The mean with a standard deviation of the age of patients was 15+ 4 years. 75(89.3%) of the cases were classified into ALL-1) by FAB classification. 50(59.5%) of the referred cases had achieved morphological remission by bone marrow aspiration. There was a statistically significant rise in Platelet count of the remission vs non-remission cases (p-0.001). Again there was a statistically significant difference in the retic count of the cases with remission (p-0.05). We observed a statically significant downhill moderate correlation ofretic count with remission (in termsof blast count of BM aspiration) (p-0.04, r:-0.32). Platelet count also had an inverse significant correlation with remission ( p-0.01, r:-0.37). The diagnostic roles of the peripheral platelet count and retic yielded an area under curves of (0.768 and 0.648 respectively) to predict remission.We observed that the retic count and platelet count havebeen shown to have strong predictive valuesfor remission in ALL with interaction values of (R= 0.28**, ΔR²=0.02, p=0.08). Similarly, an increase in platelet also has a strong predictive value for remission in ALL cases with interaction values of (R= 0.41**, ΔR²=0.16, p=0.001)   Conclusion: In ALL cases of post-induction therapy, The peripheral blood reading for an increase in Retic and platelet count predictsremission with 95% confidence. These values if strictly observed can reduce the frequency of invasive procedures like bone marrow aspiration.   Keywords: ALL, Remission, Reticulocyte count, Platelet count

Reticulocyte Count and Platelet Count as Predictors of Morphological Remission/Hemopoitic Recovery in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) after Induction Chemotherapy

Objectives: To determine the predictive values of reticulocyte and platelet count for remission in cases of acute lymphoblastic leukemia after induction therapy.   Materials and Methods:This cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the department of hematology, MTI Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar. All cases of ALL referred to the department for remission after taking induction therapy, irrespective of age and gender were included. Relevant information wascollected on a predesigned proforma prepared in accordance with the objectives of the study.   Results: A total of 84 cases referred for remission were included, 56(66.7%) were males and 28 (33.3%) were females. 50(59.5%) cases were in the age range of 5-18 years. The mean with a standard deviation of the age of patients was 15+ 4 years. 75(89.3%) of the cases were classified into ALL-1) by FAB classification. 50(59.5%) of the referred cases had achieved morphological remission by bone marrow aspiration. There was a statistically significant rise in Platelet count of the remission vs non-remission cases (p-0.001). Again there was a statistically significant difference in the retic count of the cases with remission (p-0.05). We observed a statically significant downhill moderate correlation ofretic count with remission (in termsof blast count of BM aspiration) (p-0.04, r:-0.32). Platelet count also had an inverse significant correlation with remission ( p-0.01, r:-0.37). The diagnostic roles of the peripheral platelet count and retic yielded an area under curves of (0.768 and 0.648 respectively) to predict remission.We observed that the retic count and platelet count havebeen shown to have strong predictive valuesfor remission in ALL with interaction values of (R= 0.28**, ΔR²=0.02, p=0.08). Similarly, an increase in platelet also has a strong predictive value for remission in ALL cases with interaction values of (R= 0.41**, ΔR²=0.16, p=0.001)   Conclusion: In ALL cases of post-induction therapy, The peripheral blood reading for an increase in Retic and platelet count predictsremission with 95% confidence. These values if strictly observed can reduce the frequency of invasive procedures like bone marrow aspiration.   Keywords: ALL, Remission, Reticulocyte count, Platelet count

Environmental Funding by European Foundations : Volume 6

The 6th edition of this research into environmental funding by European foundations is the most comprehensive report to date on environmental philanthropy in Europe. The report is based on 2021 grants data from 126 of the largest environmental foundations in Europe. The mapping analyses the 8,518 environmental grants made in 2021 by these foundations, worth a combined 1.6 billion.This is more than double the value of the grants analysed in the previous edition of this research. The report covers topics ranging from thematic focus of environmental grantmaking, to geographical distribution, to approaches to change and environmental discourses taken by funders, among others. It concludes with issues for foundations to consider as the world reckons with the current environmental and climate crisis.

NEW WINE IN OLD BOTTLES: An Analysis of Pakistan's Conflict in the Pashtun Tribal Areas

The Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) of Pakistan have regained prominence in recent years because of the U.S.' "war on terror" against Al-Qaeda. The Government of Pakistan, backed by the U.S. and NATO, is involved in a bloody conflict with Taliban sympathizers and other violence entrepreneurs in FATA. But this is not the first time that such a conflict has occurred in Pakistan's frontier. For nearly a century, the British experimented with various policies and strategies to try and incorporate the tribes who resisted what they considered foreign invasion. This thesis will examine the current conflict in the historical context, and analyze the relationship between economic development and conflict, specifically in Waziristan, where many of the violence entrepreneurs stem from. It will examine the social, political and economic structure of the Pashtun society and analyze the impact of war on women, one of the most marginalized groups in society

Bone mineral changes during pregnancy: a cross-sectional study

Background: Changes in bone mineral density during pregnancy are not widely studied because of the risk of radiation hazard to the fetus. But newer technology like DEXA has made it possible to measure bone density accurately with low dose radiations which are safe even during pregnancy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in maternal bone turnover markers and bone mineral content at forearm during pregnancy.Methods: A total of 32 pregnant women with singleton pregnancy of more than thirty five weeks gestational age and thirty non-pregnant, non-lactating women as controls were recruited. Baseline blood investigations, serum calcium, serum alkaline phosphatase and DEXA of the forearm at ultra-distal, mid radius and proximal 1/3rd of radius were done at the time of recruitment into the study.Results: Bone mineral density of forearm of pregnancy group was compared with non-pregnant, non-lactating control group to see the effect of pregnancy. Bone turnover markers like serum calcium and serum ALP were also compared among pregnancy group and controls. The mean bone mineral density of controls at ultra-distal radius was 0.437±0.058g/cm2, while in pregnant women it was 0.431±0.58g/cm2 that was not statistically significant. Bone mineral density at mid radius in control was 0.599±0.051g/cm2 and in pregnant women it was 0.597±0.048 g/cm2 with no significant difference. BMD at proximal 1/3rd radius in controls was 0.670±0.36 g/cm2 as compared to pregnant women where it was 0.660±0.036 g/cm2 without any statistical significance. Total BMD at forearm in control and pregnant women was 0.586±0.035 and 0.582±0.036 respectively and again there was no statistically significant difference.Conclusions: There is no significant impact of pregnancy on bone mineral density of forearm. Although more bone areas need to be investigated for the further confirmation