Oxidative Stress in Dilated Cardiomyopathy Caused by MYBPC3 Mutation

Cardiomyopathies can result from mutations in genes encoding sarcomere proteins including MYBPC3, which encodes cardiac myosin binding protein-C (cMyBP-C). However, whether oxidative stress is augmented due to contractile dysfunction and cardiomyocyte damage in MYBPC3-mutated cardiomyopathies has not been elucidated. To determine whether oxidative stress markers were elevated in MYBPC3-mutated cardiomyopathies, a previously characterized 3-month-old mouse model of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) expressing a homozygous MYBPC3 mutation (cMyBP-C(t/t)) was used, compared to wild-type (WT) mice. Echocardiography confirmed decreased percentage of fractional shortening in DCM versus WT hearts. Histopathological analysis indicated a significant increase in myocardial disarray and fibrosis while the second harmonic generation imaging revealed disorganized sarcomeric structure and my

Evaluation of anti-ulcer activity of Samanea saman (Jacq) merr bark on ethanol and stress induced gastric lesions in albino rats

Objective : To evaluate the antiulcer activity of Samanea saman (Jacq) Merr bark on ethanol and stress induced gastric lesions in albino rats. Materials and Methods : Gastric lesions were induced in rats by oral administration of absolute ethanol (5 ml/kg) and stress induced by water immersion. The antiulcer activity of methanolic extract of Samanea saman (Jacq) Merr bark (100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg) was compared with standard drugs. The parameters studied were ulcer index, gastric juice volume, pH, free acidity and total acidity. Result : Samanea saman (Jacq) Merr showed a dose dependent curative ratio compared to ulcer control groups. The extract at 400 mg/kg showed significant anti ulcer activity which is almost equal to that of the standard drug in both models. The volume of acid secretion, total and free acidity was decreased and pH of the gastric juice was increased compared to ulcer control group. Conclusions : The present study indicates that Samanea saman (Jacq) Merr bark extracts have potential anti ulcer activity

BIFC and QFC promoted rapid and cleaner aromatization of 1,4-dihydropyridines under solvent-free condition

Journal of Heterocyclic Chemistry444973-977JHTC

A proactive model to predict osteoporosis: An artificial immune system approach

Osteoporosis disease is caused by hormonal changes, vitamin D, and calcium deficiency. With current technologies, the identification of osteoporosis requires many tests with the support of medications. Bone mineral density is a typical measure implemented using a DEXA scan which can be very costly. Such high technology equipment is usually not accessible for remote people, and thus a low-cost screening system is very appealing. This article proposes an osteoporosis prediction system that effectively determines its possibility of occurrence based on essential factors such as smoking habits and calcium level so that the people at high risk can be referred to access the DEXA scanner. Our proposed system is implemented by an improved version of the artificial immune system, enabling care providers to take precautionary measures at the right time to avoid the early development of osteoporosis. The experiments demonstrated a promising result of 94% prediction accuracy that proved its usefulness in identifying people with potential osteoporosis in the future

Status of universal drug susceptibility testing in pulmonary tuberculosis patients initiated on treatment in an Urban setting, South India

Introduction: Early initiation of drug susceptibility testing (DST) guided anti-tuberculosis treatment benefits the patient in terms of better treatment outcomes and possibly reduces the transmission of tuberculosis (TB) disease in the community. To determine the status of universal DST (UDST) coverage in smear-positive pulmonary TB patients (PTB) initiated on treatment under the TB program in Greater Chennai Corporation. In addition, the barriers and facilitators for UDST were explored. Material and Methods: The data of PTB patients who were initiated on anti-TB treatment from July to December 2019 was abstracted from the NI-KSHAY database of TB Program. The barriers and facilitators for UDST were explored in 5 focus group discussions (FGDs) among the TB program healthcare workers (HCW). UDST coverage was based on the availability of Cartridge-based Nucleic Acid Amplification test (CBNAAT) results in the NI-KSHAY database. Results: The CBNAAT result was available for 1628 (82.6%) of the 1970 smear-positive PTB patients. Non-availability of CBNAAT results was significantly higher among the older age group (>50 years), in female PTB patients, and the Private Sector. Issues with sputum collection, transport of specimens, and receipt of results were highlighted by the HCWs for the non-availability of UDST results. Conclusion: Universal DST coverage in smear-positive PTB patients initiated on treatment in 2019 in Chennai was optimal as per National Strategic Plan for TB elimination UDST target of 80% for the year 2020 but with scope for improvement. The low UDST coverage in the private sector, among female patients and older age groups, needs to be addressed