Comparative analyses for beta human chorionic gonadotropin

Serum Beta human chorionic gonadotropin (BhCG) was measured in 25 healthy controls and 75 cases with gestational trophoblastic neoplasms and testicular tumor using RIA kit from BARC, Bombay and ELISA kit from Abbott Diagnostics, USA. Regression Analysis of the values obtained for controls and cases by both the methods were statistically significant P 0.001.     

Effect of Vitamin B<Subscript>12</Subscript> and Folate on Homocysteine levels in colorectal cancer

Folate and cobalamin (Vitamin B₁₂) are two essential micronutrients involved in one-carbon metabolism, which affects heart disease, neural tube defects and cancer. Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, the key enzyme involved in one carbon metabolism produces methyl tetrahydrofolate from methylene tetrahydrofolate, which in turn donates methyl group to homocysteine to generate methionine. There exist two common low function polymorphic variants of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene involving nucleotides 677 C→T and 1298 A→C, which are associated with hyperhomocysteinemia. These polymorphisms are also linked with increased risk for certain cancers such as breast cancer and at the same time providing a protective effect on colorectal cancer. In this case control study, we have evaluated levels of folic acid, vitamin B₁₂ and homocysteine in patients with colorectal cancer. Folate and homocysteine levels did not differ significantly between the two groups; however an increasing trend was noticed with increase in homocysteine levels. Vitamin B₁₂ levels were increased in cases compared to control group.     

Evaluation of immunohistochemistry and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay for HER-2/neu expression in breast carcinoma

HER-2 is overexpressed in approximately 20–30% of invasive Breast Cancer. ECD of the HER-2 protein is frequently cleaved and released into the circulation, where it can be detected by ELISA in up to 45% of patients with metastatic breast cancer. The objective of our study was to compare the current methods for the detection of HER-2 protein. Tissue HER-2 levels were studied in 100 breast cancer patients by IHC and compared with serum HER-2 levels by ELISA. IHC frequency was 29%. Serum HER-2 ECD was positive in 42% of patients. A statistically significant correlation was observed. HER-2 detected by IHC correlates significantly with serum HER-2 levels detected by ELISA. Thus, ELISA is a reliable and economical tool to assess the HER-2 status in tumors, when breast tissue sample is not available.     

Diagnosis and treatment children and adolescents with autism and ADHD

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism are neurodevelopmental disorders that emerge in childhood. There is increasing recognition that ADHD and autism frequently co-occur. Yet, questions remain among clinicians regarding the best ways to evaluate and treat co-occurring autism and ADHD. This review outlines issues relevant to providing evidence-based practice to individuals and families who may be experiencing difficulties associated with co-occurring autism and ADHD. After describing the complexities of the co-occurrence of autism and ADHD, we present practical considerations for best practice assessment and treatment of co-occurring autism and ADHD. Regarding assessment, this includes considerations for interviewing parents/caregivers and youth, using validated parent and teacher rating scales, conducting cognitive assessments, and conducting behavior observations. Regarding treatment, consideration is given to behavioral management, school-based interventions, social skills development, and the use of medications. Throughout, we note the quality of evidence that supports a particular component of assessment or treatment, highlighting when evidence is most relevant to those with co-occurring autism and ADHD across stages of development. In light of the current evidence for assessment and treatment of co-occurring autism and ADHD, we conclude by outlining practical implications for clinical and educational practice.     

Influence of learning techniques on information processing

The present study establishes the fact that effective information processing is dependent on the learning techniques one adopts. A sample of 100 students in the age group from 13 to 17 including boys and girls were chosen. They were divided into two groups of control and experimental. To the experimental group, certain specific learning techniques were taught for a period of six months. The same group was tested taking blood samples to study the neuro transmitter serotonin levelshenme before and after adopting learning techniques. Results of the study proved that there is significant relationship between learning techniques and the information processing ability of an individual.     

A Pilot clinical study to evaluate the effect of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Emblica officinalis</Emphasis> extract (Amlamax™) on markers of systemic inflammation and dyslipidemia

Emblica officinalis Gaertn., commonly known as the Indian gooseberry or “Amla”, has been used as health food for centuries in India and other Asian countries. The biological effects of amla have been attributed to the antioxidant properties of the low-molecular weight hydrolysable tannins present in the fruit. Amlamax™ is a purified, standardized, dried extract of amla containing about 35% galloellagi tannins along with other hydrolysable tannins. Our earlier studies on rabbits showed significant reduction in total cholesterol and triglycerides as well as increase in HDL. The present study extends these results to human volunteers. Two doses of the extract were evaluated — 500 mg and 1000 mg per day for 6 months. Blood samples were collected at the 3rd and 6th months showed reduction in total and LDL cholesterols and enhancement of beneficial HDL cholesterol. In addition, blood CRP levels, a marker for inflammation, were also significantly reduced. Since dyslipidemia and inflammation are the two major components of cardiovascular diseases, the present results must be considered encouraging and indicate the potential of Amlamax™ in the management of heart diseases.     

Prevalence of +405G>C,−1154G>A Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Polymorphism in Breast Cancer

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays an important role in the development of Breast Cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of polymorphisms in the VEGF gene on prognosis of Breast Cancer patients. This study comprised 200 patients with histologically confirmed cases of Breast cancer and 200 controls. Genotyping of the VEGF gene polymorphisms at +405G>C,−1154G>A, were performed by PCR-RFLP analysis. Preoperative plasma VEGF levels were determined by ELISA. Amongst both cases and controls, the genotypic distribution of the individual SNPs were all in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. Mean VEGF level was significantly elevated in cases compared to controls (t = 8.248; P < 0.001). No significant association was found between +405G>C,−1154G>A VEGF polymorphism and Breast Cancer. Logistic regression analysis revealed that 405GG & 1154GG were associated with higher levels of VEGF.     

Serum concentration of trace elements in patients with lymphoid malignancy

The role of trace elements especially copper and zinc in carcinogenisis and in relation to disease activity have been studied. Pretreatment levels of serum copper and zinc were found to be altered in patients with Non Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) and Hodgkin's disease (HD) when compared to the control group. Serum copper concentration significantly increased with the stage of the disease and was useful to predict relapse and response to therapy. Serum concentration of zinc could be related to the extent of disease, but its predictive value for relapse is doubtful. A much more significant marker was found to be the ratio of copper to zinc, which significantly correlated with the stage of the disease, in response to therapy and in predicting relapse. Superoxide dismutase could not be correlated with the stage of the disease.     

Correlation study of Carcino Embryonic Antigen &; Cancer Antigen 15.3 in pretreated female breast cancer patients

Carcino Embryonic Antigen (CEA) and Cancer Antigen 15.3 (CA15.3) are the most common tumor markers in breast cancer patients. Measurement of circulating tumor markers is a non-invasive quantitative method. Serum levels of CEA and CA 15.3 were studied in female breast cancer patients prior to treatment. To evaluate the utility of these markers, 207 Breast carcinoma patients belonging to all the stages were considered. Healthy age matched 75 female individuals formed the control group. The serum levels of CEA and CA 15.3 were analyzed by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Results were taken and compared with stages, tumor size, node and grade. The serum CA 15.3 levels were significant in all the study parameters whereas serum CEA levels showed no significant changes with any of the parameters. Measurement of serum CA 15.3 levels showed significant correlation (24.8%) with advanced stages and larger tumor sizes, whereas serum CEA levels did not show any significant correlation in breast cancer patients prior to treatment.     

Serum levels of bone alkaline phosphatase in breast and prostate cancers with bone metastasis

BALP activity in the sera of metastatic patients of breast and prostate malignancy has increased significantly. Our studies with patients in India conform the earlier reports that BALP may have a useful complementary role in the early diagnosis of bone metastases.