All Articles

Unusual cutaneous toxicity after prolonged use of Hydroxyurea in polycythemia vera: a case report

Abstract:

Hydroxyurea (HU) is commonly used for the long-term treatment of patients with chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms. The drug is usually well tolerated in the large majority of subjects, although systemic and/or localized toxicities have seldom been reported. Here we report a case of unusual cutaneous toxicity due long-term use of HU in a patient with polycythemia vera.

Haematological Disturbances in Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever - its Pathogenesis and Management Perspectives

Abstract:

Haemorrhage is common to both dengue fever (DF) and dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF). Thrombocytopaenia is exceedingly common, while prolonged partial thromboplastin time and reduced fibrinogen concentration are the other abnormal haemostatic indices evident from early in the disease course. These haematological abnormalities correlate better with the timing and severity of plasma leakage rather than the clinical haemorrhagic manifestations. Blood products including prophylactic platelet transfusions are hardly required in the management of DHF. Judicious fluid therapy is the most effective intervention to prevent complications and bleeding in DHF. Concealed haemorrhage is an important complication requiring early recognition and blood transfusions to improve outcomes. Understanding the pathogenesis of coagulopathy and the significance of altered haemostatic indices, and its co-relation to disease severity and phase of DHF, is essential for appropriate intervention...

Superior Sclera Versus Temporal Corneal on Steep Axis Incision to Correct Pre-Existing Corneal Astigmatism Less Than 1.5 D

Abstract:

Cataract is the leading cause of blindness worldwide. Even in an uneventful cataract surgery, surgically induced astigmatism remains the major hurdle in attaining good unaided visual acuity post surgery. If pre-existing corneal astigmatism is not corrected at the time of surgery, it will result in more postoperative astigmatism; therefore, it is important to correct pre-existing corneal astigmatism.

Culturally Tailored Nutrition and Lifestyle Intervention can Effectively Reduce the Cardio-Metabolic Risk Factors in Korean Migrants Living in Australia

Abstract:

The risk levels of chronic diseases are increasing among Asian migrants in Western countries compared to their origin-country counterparts. This study evaluates the impact of an 8-week nutrition and lifestyle intervention on cardio-metabolic risk factors in Korean migrants living in Melbourne, Australia. Thirty participants aged 32-62 years completed the program. Self-reported food intake and physical activity, anthropometric and blood pressure measurements, and biomarkers of cardio-metabolic risk were assessed. An initial training session and four consequent nutrition advice sessions were provided for all participants. There was a significant reduction in the waist and hip circumferences. Positive changes were also observed in plasma lipid profiles, calcium intake and frequency of physical activities. These findings demonstrate that a culturally appropriate nutrition and lifestyle intervention can be successfully delivered to reduce the cardio-metabolic risk fact...

Breakfast Cereal and Nutrition Education on Body Mass Index and Diet Quality in Elementary School Children: A Pilot Study

Abstract:

Skipping breakfast has been associated with an increased risk of obesity. This randomized controlled pilot study tested whether emphasizing breakfast consumption, in conjunction with nutrition counseling, would improve weight status and dietary quality in children.

Oxidative Telomere Attrition, Nutritional Antioxidants and Biological Aging

Abstract:

Telomeres are strings of DNA that are not themselves genes but that extend every chromosome beyond its last gene. Terminal telomeres are sacrificed during every mitotic event in human cells (“telomere attrition”), preserving the functional genome despite the “end replication problem.” However, the “telomeric theory of biological aging” suggests that when an individual cell has reproduced itself a sufficient number of times (the “Hayflick limit”), some the its telomeres have become critically shortened (“telomeric crisis”) and cannot completely “cap off” a chromosome, and any further attempts to replicate such a chromosome would produce damaged DNA and a dysfunctional cell (“cellular aging”). As cells enter telomeric crisis, they usually initiate intracellular signaling cascades that arrest DNA replication and mitotic activity, converting biologically active cells into inactive cells (“cellular senescence”). The progressive accum...

Serrated Lesions of Colorectum: A New Pathway in Colorectal Carcinogenesis

Abstract:

Colorectal polyps were traditionally classified as hyperplastic or adenomatous polyps. Adenomatous polyps were thought to be the precursor lesions of most of the colorectal cancers, but later serrated lesions were recognized as precursors of nearly one-third of colorectal cancers. Serrated lesions are a distinct group of polyps with special morphologic and histologic properties and a different carcinogenesis pathway to colorectal cancers. They are pale, flat or depressed lesions which may result in failure of detection on colonoscopy. So the endoscopist should be aware of these lesions and should follow the patients according to the surveillance guidelines.

Current Status of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs in Colorectal Cancer Prevention

Abstract:

This review synthesizes evidence on NSAIDs and colorectal cancer prevention. It balances chemopreventive efficacy against gastrointestinal and cardiovascular risks, and considers selective COX‑2 inhibitors, dosing, and candidate populations for risk‑benefit.

Mechanisms Associated with Acquisition of Resistance to Butyrate-Induced Apoptosis in Colorectal Cancer Cells Using Gene Expression Analysis

Abstract:

Colorectal cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers worldwide and its prevalence can be reduced by changes to lifestyle and diet. Fermentation of dietary fibre by the gut microbiota and formation of short chain fatty acids, in particular butyrate, is widely thought to play a role in preventing development of the disease. Despite butyrate’s known pro-apoptotic effects, a subpopulation of cancer cells is able to overcome these anti-neoplastic effects of colonic luminal butyrate to proliferate and establish tumours in vivo. In this study, a time course analysis of HT29 and HT29-BR cells treated with butyrate was conducted and global gene expression analysis was used to identify novel mechanisms associated with butyrate-induced apoptosis and in the acquisition of butyrate resistance. Bioinformatic analysis of the data identified deregulated O-GlcNAcylation activity and disruption to gene transcription by BRD4 as possible factors involved with butyrate-in...

Influence of Education Sources on Osteoporosis Knowledge and Calcium Intake in Adult Women: A cross sectional Study

Abstract:

Osteoporosis prevention among women requires obtaining proper knowledge early in life about the disease, risk factors and treatments. This study compares specific education sources to osteoporosis knowledge and calcium intake. Online survey usinga convenience sampling was performed with women between ages 18 and 40. The survey measured osteoporosis knowledge, calcium consumption, and specific education source within categories of age, school classes, television, radio, newspaper, magazine, Internet, and in-person. Multiple regression analysis determined influential education sources for osteoporosis knowledge and calcium intakes. Osteoporosis knowledge was suboptimal (13.8 ± 3.3, as a score higher than 16 defined as “adequate”) and average daily calcium intake was 1315.1 ± 609.9 mg. Age and newspaper had greatest contribution towards osteoporosis knowledge, while Internet, school classes and radio were most influential resources on calcium intake...