Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Gallic Acid, A Phenolic Compound, Exerts Anti-Angiogenic Effects Via The Pten/Akt/Hif-1Α/Vegf Signaling Pathway In Ovarian Cancer Cells, Zhiping He, Allen Y. Chen, Yon Rojanasakul, Gary O. Rankin, Yi Charlie Chen

Gary O. Rankin

Gallic acid (GA), a polyphenol, is widely found in numerous fruits and vegetables, particularly in hickory nuts. In the present study, we found that gallic acid, a natural phenolic compound isolated from fruits and vegetables, had a more potent growth inhibitory effect on two ovarian cancer cell lines, OVCAR-3 and A2780/CP70, than the effect on a normal ovarian cell line, IOSE-364. These results demonstrated that GA selectively inhibits the growth of cancer cells. Gene expression was examined by ELISA and western blot analysis, and gene pathways were examined by luciferase assay. It was found that GA inhibited VEGF secretion and …

Myricetin Inhibits Proliferation Of Cisplatin-Resistant Cancer Cells Through A P53-Dependent Apoptotic Pathway, Haizhi Huang, Allen Y. Chen, Xingqian Ye, Bingyun Li, Yon Rojanasakul, Gary O. Rankin, Yi Charlie Chen

Gary O. Rankin

Cisplatin is a commonly used drug for cancer treatment by crosslinking DNA, leading to apoptosis of cancer cells, resistance to cisplatin treatment often occurs, leading to relapse. Therefore, there is a need for the development of more effective treatment strategies that can overcome chemoresistance. Myricetin is a flavonoid from fruits and vegetables, showing anticancer activity in various cancer cells. In this study, we found myricetin exhibited greater cytotoxicity than cisplatin in two cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer cell lines, OVCAR-3 and A2780/CP70, and it was less cytotoxic to the normal ovarian cell line IOSE-364. Myricetin selectively induced apoptosis in both cisplatin-resistant cancer …

Giant Synovial Cell Sarcoma Of The Thorax In A 46-Year-Old Man: A Case Report., Saulat Hasnain Fatimi, Taimur Saleem

Saulat Fatimi

Background:Although synovial cell sarcoma is a common tumor of the extremities, its occurrence in the thorax has been less frequently documented. Case Presentation: A 46-year-old Pakistani man presented with a 2 month history of progressively increasing cough and left lower chest pain. Initial evaluation was done using a chest x-ray, the Patient was found to have a large mass involving the lower portion of the left chest. A computed tomography scan was performed next which showed a large mass involving the left chest wall with invasion into the pericardium and left hemidiaphragm. En bloc surgical resection of the tumor was …

Radiation Induced Tumor Lysis Syndrome In Patients With Leukemia, Imtiaz A. Malik, Paul Vellozo, Mohammad Khurshid, M. Ata Khan

Mohammad Khurshid

Tumour lysis syndrome is a catastrophic complica­lion of treatment of certain neoplasms. It is usually seen with the tumours that have high growth fractions, increased bulk and extreme sensitivity to cytotoxic therapy. Most commonly it occurs in association with hematologic malignancies such as lymphomas and leukaemias. Rarely it has been observed with solid tumours like small cell lung cancer, seminoma and carcinoma of the breast. The syndrome develops due to massive cell lysis occurring within a few hours to a few days of starting the cytotoxic therapy. It is characterized by hyperuricemia, hyperkalemia, hyperphosphatemia and hypocalcaemia. Acute renal failure, cardiac …

Lack Of Benefit Of Granulocyte Macrophage Or Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor In Patients With Febrile Neutropenia, T. Siddiqui, I. A. Burney, A. Salam, G. N. Kakepoto, Mohammad Khurshid, R. A. Smego

Mohammad Khurshid

Objectives: To compare the clinical benefits of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) or granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) plus standard supportive care to supportive care alone among cancer patients with febrile neutropenia. Methods: Clinical data were collected retrospectively from 148 consecutive cancer patients with neutropenia and fever. Patients had hematologic (i.e., acute leukemias or lymphoproliferative disorders) or non-hematologic malignancies (i.e., solid tumors including carcinoma of breast, lung, or colon). Clinical variables analyzed included: age and sex; underlying malignancies; chemotherapy regimens; symptoms at time of presentation; duration of fever prior to study enrollment; days from chemotherapy until administration of GM-CSF or G-CSF; …

Flow Cytometric And Demographic Analysis Of T Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia In Pakistani Population., M R. Khawaja, S S. Allana, N N. Akbaral, S N. Adil, M. Khurshid, Shahid Pervez

Mohammad Khurshid

Background: This study was carried out to analyze the proportion of T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (TALL) among all acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in Pakistani population and its correlation with the demographic features. Accuracy of cell surface markers used in flow cytometric analysis of the leukemic cells was also determined. Methods: Data of 209 consecutive cases of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) presenting between July 1995 and July 2003 was analyzed. Flow cytometry was performed on all ALL cases using the standard protocols. TALL markers included CD3, CD5 and CD7. Results: Proportion of TALL among known ALL Pakistani patients was 17.22%. …

Effect Of L-Type Calcium Channel Blocker (Amlodipine) On Myocardial Iron Deposition In Patients With Thalassaemia With Moderate-To-Severe Myocardial Iron Deposition: Protocol For A Randomised, Controlled Trial, Amarah Shakoor, Maaman Zahoor, Alina Sadaf, Najveen Alvi, Zehra Fadoo, Arjumand Rizvi, Farheen Quadri, Fateh Ali Tipoo, Mohammad Khurshid, Zaffar Sajjad, Steven Colan, Babar S Hasan

Mohammad Khurshid

Introduction: Sideroblastic cardiomyopathy secondary to repeated blood transfusions is a feared complication in thalassaemia. Control of myocardial iron is thus becoming the cornerstone of thalassaemia management. Recent evidence suggests a role for L-type Ca2+ channels in mediating iron uptake by the heart. Blocking the cellular iron uptake through these channels may add to the benefit of therapy to standard chelation in reducing myocardial iron. We aim to determine the efficacy of amlodipine (a calcium channel blocker) as an adjunct to standard aggressive chelation in retarding myocardial iron deposition in thalassaemics with or without cardiomyopathy.Outcomes: The primary outcome is to compare …

Efficacy Of A Home Made Quality Control Serum, Rukbsana Lalani, Ayesha Molla, Mohammad Khurshid

Mohammad Khurshid

With increasing automation in Clinical Laboratories, the requirements for quality control material have greatly increased in order to monitor performance. The constant use of commercial control material is not economically feasible for many countries because of non-availability or the high cost of these materials. Here we describe a simple technique to prepare Home Made Quality Control serum using blood from polycythaemic patients. This preparation is stable for about six months without any alterations in the concentration of any of the chemical constituents. Extensive use of Home Made Quality Control sera in our laboratories have saved about 69% of the amount …

Cardiovascular Risk Factors In School Children From Low Middle Income Families In Karachi, Pakistan, Salma H. Badruddin, A. Molla, Mohammad Khurshid, S. Vaz, S. Hassanali

Mohammad Khurshid

Serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and trigly cerides (TG) were determined on 239 school children aged 5-19 years belonging to lower middle class families. The mean TC, LDL-C, HDL-C and TG ranged from 3.70-4.37 mmol/L, 2.17- 2.70 mmol/L, 0.94-1.14 mmol/L, 1.07-1.26 mmol/L respectively. In general, girls had higher TC, LDL-C and HDL-C levels. There was no significant difference in the TG levels between boys and girls. Thirty-three percent of the girls and 22% of the boys had TC level _4.4 mmol/L, the level at which dietary intervention is recommended …

Anaemia In Pregnancy: Occurrence In Two Economically Different Clinic Populations Of Karachi, Saadiya Aziz Karim, Mohammad Khurshid, Javed H. Rizvi

Mohammad Khurshid

According to previous WHO standards, anaemia in pregnancy denoted a haemoglobin level of 11.0 gms/dl or less, but this is now considered to be variable1 as it differs from country to country depending on local reference ranges and socio-economic conditions. Each country should “lay down minimal acceptable standards” below which an individual is considered to be anaemic, taking into account the available fmancial and manpower resources and other health needs of the country2. There is a wide divergence in the quoted prevalence of anaemia in Pakistan and neigh­bouring countries.3-6 This study was undertaken to determine a range of haemoglobin levels …

Anaemia In Pregnancy - Its Cause In The Underprivileged Class Of Karachi, Saadiya Aziz Karim, Mohammad Khurshid, A.M. Memon, Sadiqua N. Jafarey

Mohammad Khurshid

A prospective study of the frequency and type of anaemia amongst poor urban parturients of Karachi was done. It was performed at 2 large teaching hospitals over the time span January to September, 1990. Out of 318 women studied, 104(32.7%) were anaemic (Hb levels <10gm/dl). The type of anaemia was assessed. Iron deficiency predominated and was seen amongst 63.5% of the anaemic population. There was an even distribution of other kinds of anaemia amongst the remainder of the population

Maternal And Fetal Complications Of Antiphospholipid Syndrome: A Case Report With Long-Term Follow-Up, Tahira Naru, Mohammad Khurshid, Zafar Nazir

Zafar Nazir

We report a case of a 26- year old woman having antiphospholipid syndrome in pregnancy with long-term follow up. She presented with recurrent miscarriages, venous thrombosis, avascular necrosis of femoral head, mid-cerebral artery infarction and skin ulcers. Antiphospholipid syndrome is a recognized disorder of pregnancy. Diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion when evaluating women with recurrent pregnancy losses and vascular thrombosis. A low dose aspirin combined with heparin can reduce morbidity and improves the pregnancy outcome.

Capsaicin Displays Anti-Proliferative Activity Against Human Small Cell Lung Cancer In Cell Culture And Nude Mice Models Via The E2f Pathway, Kathleen C. Brown, Theodore R. Witte, W. Elaine Hardman, Haitao Luo, Yi C. Chen, A. Betts Carpenter, Jamie K. Lau, Piyali Dasgupta

Kathleen C. Brown

Background: Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is characterized by rapid progression and low survival rates. Therefore, novel therapeutic agents are urgently needed for this disease. Capsaicin, the active ingredient of chilli peppers, displays antiproliferative activity in prostate and epidermoid cancer in vitro. However, the anti-proliferative activity of capsaicin has not been studied in human SCLCs. The present manuscript fills this void of knowledge and explores the anti-proliferative effect of capsaicin in SCLC in vitro and in vivo. Methodology/Principal Findings: BrdU assays and PCNA ELISAs showed that capsaicin displays robust anti-proliferative activity in four human SCLC cell lines. Furthermore, capsaicin potently …

The Flavonoid Nobiletin Inhibits Tumor Growth And Angiogenesis Of Ovarian Cancers Via The Akt Pathway, Jianchu Chen, Allen Y. Chen, Haizhi Huang, Xingqian Ye, William D. Rollyson, Haley E. Perry, Kathleen C. Brown, Yon Rojanasakul, Gary O. Rankin, Piyali Dasgupta, Yi Charlie Chen

Kathleen C. Brown

Despite its importance, the death rate of ovarian cancer has remained unchanged over the past five decades, demanding an improvement in prevention and treatment of this malignancy. With no known carcinogens, targeted prevention is currently unavailable, and efforts in early detection of this malignancy by screening biomarkers have failed. The inhibition of angiogenesis, also known as angioprevention, is a promising strategy to limit the growth of solid tumors, including ovarian cancers. Nobiletin, a polymethoxy flavonoid compound isolated from the tiansheng plant, has been shown to inhibit the growth of multiple types of human cancers. However, there are no reports involving …

Multiple Myeloma Vaccination Patterns In A Large Health System: A Pilot Study, Andinet Alemu, Maharaj Singh, Chris Blumberg, John O. Richards, Martin K. Oaks, Michael A. Thompson

Aurora Internal Medicine Residents

Purpose Common reasons for hospitalization and death in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) are infections. As patients with MM are living longer and are treated with immunomodulatory drugs, there is a need to immunize against vaccine-preventable diseases and ultimately determine the efficacy of these vaccines. We evaluated vaccination practice patterns in MM patients at our health system using electronic medical records and data analytics. Methods This institutional review board-approved study retrospectively reviewed patients with MM who visited the health system from May 2012 to May 2014. Data collected included demographics, influenza vaccination (FV) and pneumonia vaccination (PV) history, hospitalization episodes …

Multiple Myeloma Vaccination Patterns In A Large Health System: A Pilot Study, Andinet Alemu, Maharaj Singh, Chris Blumberg, John O. Richards, Martin K. Oaks, Michael A. Thompson

Maharaj Singh, PhD

Purpose

Common reasons for hospitalization and death in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) are infections. As patients with MM are living longer and are treated with immunomodulatory drugs, there is a need to immunize against vaccine-preventable diseases and ultimately determine the efficacy of these vaccines. We evaluated vaccination practice patterns in MM patients at our health system using electronic medical records and data analytics.

Methods

This institutional review board-approved study retrospectively reviewed patients with MM who visited the health system from May 2012 to May 2014. Data collected included demographics, influenza vaccination (FV) and pneumonia vaccination (PV) history, hospitalization episodes …

Impact Of The C-Mybe308g Mutation On Mouse Myelopoiesis And Dendritic Cell Development, Peter Papathanasiou, Sawang Petvises, Ying-Ying Hey, Andrew C Perkins, Helen C O'Neill

Helen O'Neill

Booreana mice carrying the c-Myb308G point mutation were analyzed to determine changes in early hematopoiesis in the bone marrow and among mature cells in the periphery. This point mutation led to increased numbers of early hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs), with a subsequent reduction in the development of B cells, erythroid cells, and neutrophils, and increased numbers of myeloid cells and granulocytes. Myelopoiesis was further investigated by way of particular subsets affected. A specific question addressed whether booreana mice contained increased numbers of dendritic-like cells (L-DC subset) recently identified in the spleen, since L-DCs arise in vitro by direct …

Frequency Of Primary Solid Malignant Neoplasms In Both Sexes, As Seen In Our Practice, Zubair Ahmad, Najamul Sahar Azad, Nausheen Yaqoob, Akhtar Husain, Aamir Ahsan, Ambreen Nasir Khan, Rashida Ahmed, Naila Kayani, Shahid Pervez, Sheema H. Hassan

Zubair Ahmad

Background: To determine the frequency of various histologic types of primary solid malignant neoplasms in males and females, in our practice, in a large series of surgical biopdies.

Method: A retrospective study of 20,000 consecutive surgical biopsies in the section of Histopathology, Aga Khan University Hospital (AKU), Karachi, in 2004.

Results: Squamous cell carcinoma of oral cavity was the commonest malignant neoplasm in males followed by diffuse Large B cell, Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and Prostatic adenocarcinoma. In females, infiltrating Ductal carcinoma of the breast was overwhelmingly the commonest malignant neoplasm followed by Squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity and esophagus. …

Colorectal Carcinoma, Extent And Spread In Our Population. Resection Specimens Give Valuable Information, Zubair Ahmad, Rooma Idrees, Rashid Ahmed, Naila Kayani, Shahid Pervez, Sheema Habibul Hasan

Zubair Ahmad

Objective: To acquire information about the extent and spread of colorectal carcinomas in our population by examining colon and colorectum resection specimens received.

Methods: All colon and colorectum resection specimens received in the section of Histopathology, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi from January 1, 2003 to July 31, 2003 were included in the study.

Results: Eighty five resection specimens were received during the study period, 69.41% patients were males, and 30.59% were females. The mean age for males was 49 years and for females 48 years. Tumor location was in left colon (58.82%), and in right colon (41.18%). The average …

Aplastic Anemia: Clinicohaematological Features, Treatment And Outcome Analysis, Rabia Wali, Zehra Fidoo, Salman Adil, Muhammad Ahmed Naqvi

Salman Naseem Adil

Objective: To determine the clinicohaematological features, treatment and outcome of children diagnosed with aplastic anemia at a single institution. Study Design: Observational study. Place and Duration of Study: The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from January 1999 till December 2008. Methodology: Medical records of children aged less than 15 years of age diagnosed with aplastic anemia were reviewed. Clinicohaematological features, treatment and its response to therapy and outcome were recorded. Results were described in percentages. Results: Ninety patients were diagnosed to have aplastic anemia (AA); 65 were male during the study period. Age ranged from 1 to 15 years. Fever …

Frequency Of Primary Solid Malignant Neoplasms In Both Sexes, As Seen In Our Practice, Zubair Ahmad, Najamul Sahar Azad, Nausheen Yaqoob, Akhtar Husain, Aamir Ahsan, Ambreen Nasir Khan, Rashida Ahmed, Naila Kayani, Shahid Pervez, Sheema H. Hassan

Rashida Ahmed

Background: To determine the frequency of various histologic types of primary solid malignant neoplasms in males and females, in our practice, in a large series of surgical biopdies.

Method: A retrospective study of 20,000 consecutive surgical biopsies in the section of Histopathology, Aga Khan University Hospital (AKU), Karachi, in 2004.

Results: Squamous cell carcinoma of oral cavity was the commonest malignant neoplasm in males followed by diffuse Large B cell, Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and Prostatic adenocarcinoma. In females, infiltrating Ductal carcinoma of the breast was overwhelmingly the commonest malignant neoplasm followed by Squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity and esophagus. …

Retinoblastoma Tells The Story Of Our Health Care System, Irshad Soomro, Muhammad Nadeem Khan, Suhail Muzaffar, Naila Kayani, Shahid Pervez, Akbar Shah Hussainy, Rashida Ahmed, Sheema H. Hasan

Rashida Ahmed

Objective: To review cases of retinoblastoma. Setting: Department of Pathology Aga Khan University Hospital Karachi. Method: Twenty three specimens from cases of retinoblastoma received over a period of eight years were routinely processes and stained with haematoxylin and Eosin stain Other stains were used for tuberculosis and melanin. Immunochemistry was resorted to in undifferentiated tumors. Results: Over 60% cases of retinoblastoma were diagnosed after 5 years and nine cases showed involvement of opti-nerve. Conclusion: Late diagnosis of retinoblastoma effects the stage of the tumors and the prognisis.

Pakistan - Country Profile Of Cancer And Cancer Control 1995-2004, Yasmin Bhurgri, Asif Bhurgri, Sania Nishter, Ashfaq Ahmed, Ahmed Usman, Shahid Pervez, Naila Kayani, Rashida Ahmed, Sheema H. Hassan, Ahmed Riaz, Hadi Bhurgri, Imtiaz Bashir

Rashida Ahmed

No abstract provided.

Frequency And Characteristics Of Breast Lymphomas Presenting To A Tertiary Care Hospital, Pakistan, Nausheen Yaqoob, Shahid Pervez, Naila Kayani, Rashida Ahmed, Zubair Ahmed, Sheema Hasan

Rashida Ahmed

Objective: To assess the relative frequency of (primary and secondary) mammary lymphomas presenting to a tertiary care hospital, Pakistan and its categorization according to WHO classification of lymphoid neoplasms. Methods: All NHLs (nodal and extra nodal) diagnosed in the section of histopathology during 1992-2004 were retrieved and reviewed. All patients (n=30) diagnosed with lymphomatous involvement of the breast were selected. Distinction between primary and secondary breast lymphomas was not made owing to lack of availability of clinical information. Results: A total of 5637 breast malignancies were diagnosed in our department during the study period of 10 years and the total …

Theaflavin-3, 3'-Digallate Decreases Human Ovarian Carcinoma Ovcar-3 Cell-Induced Angiogenesis Via Akt And Notch-1 Pathways, Not Via Mapk Pathways, Ying Gao, Gary O. Rankin, Youying Tu, Yi Charlie Chen

Gary O. Rankin

Theaflavin-3, 3'-digallate (TF3) is a black tea polyphenol produced from polymerization and oxidization of the green tea ployphenols epicatechin gallate and (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) during fermentation of fresh tea leaves. TF3 has been reported to have anticancer properties. However, the effect of TF3 on tumor angiogenesis and the underlying mechanisms are not clear. In the present study, TF3 was verified to inhibit tumor angiogenesis. Compared with EGCG, TF3 was more potent. TF3 inhibited human ovarian carcinoma OVCAR-3 cell-induced angiogenesis in human umbilical vein endothelial cell model and in chick chorioallantoic membrane model. TF3 reduced tumor angiogenesis by downregulating HIF-1α and VEGF. …

Physician Role In Physical Activity For African-American Males Undergoing Radical Prostatectomy For Prostate Cancer, Faustine Williams, Kellie R. Imm, Graham A. Colditz, Ashley J. Housten, Lin Yang, Keon L. Gilbert, Bettina F. Drake

Faustine Williams

Purpose Physical activity is recognized as a complementary therapy to improve physical and physiological functions among prostate cancer survivors. Little is known about communication between health providers and African-American prostate cancer patients, a high risk population, regarding the health benefits of regular physical activity on their prognosis and recovery. This study explores African-American prostate cancer survivors’ experiences with physical activity prescription from their physicians. Methods Three focus group interviews were conducted with 12 African-American prostate cancer survivors in May 2014 in St. Louis, MO. Participants’ ages ranged from 49 to 79 years, had completed radical prostatectomy, and their time out …

Addressing Racial Disparities In Breast Cancer Treatment Delays: An Application Of Group Model Building (Gmb), Faustine Williams, Nancy Zoellner, Maisha Flannel, L. Noel, J. Habif, P. Hovmand, Sarah Gehlert

Faustine Williams

No abstract provided.

Geographical Location And Stage Of Breast Cancer Diagnosis: A Systematic Review Of The Literature, Faustine Williams, Aimee S. James, Stephen Jeanetta

Faustine Williams

Objective: To examine systematically the literature on the effect of geographical location variation on breast cancer stage at diagnosis, race/ethnicity, and socioeconomic status.

Methods. Eight electronic databases were searched using combination of key words. Of the 312 articles retrieved from the search, 36 studies from 12 countries were considered eligible for inclusion.

Results. This review identified 17 (47%) of 36 studies in which breast cancer patients residing in geographically remote/rural areas had more late-stage diagnosis than urban women. Ten (28%) studies reported higher proportions of women diagnosed with breast cancer resided in urban than rural counties. Nine …

Identifying Disparities In Colorectal Cancer Screening Rates In Milwaukee-Based Academic And Nonacademic Clinics, Jasmine Wiley, Jonathan J. Blaza, Will Lehmann, Deborah Simpson, Jeffrey A. Stearns, Shelby L. Pischke, Tracy L. Greiten

Will Lehmann, MD

Background: The Institute for Healthcare Improvement’s Triple Aim focuses on improving the patient’s experience of care, improving population health and reducing the per capita cost of health care. Health care systems and providers continuously seek to improve quality of care through understanding what percentage of their patients are achieving quality-of-care standards for various indicators, including immunizations, tobacco cessation, asthma and cancer screening. As health care moves toward reimbursing for value-based care, deepening our understanding of patient population characteristics within each of these conditions is vital to continuous quality improvement.

Purpose: To determine if there are race/ethnicity/age/preferred language (REAL) disparities in …

Peritoneal Lymphomatosis: The Failure Of Occam’S Razor, Ranjit R. Nair Md, Nicole M. Agostino Do, Shereen M F Gheith Md, Usman Shah Md

Shereen M.F. Gheith, M.D., PhD.

No abstract provided.