323 research outputs found
Utilizing biomarkers in colorectal cancer: an interview with Ajay Goel
No full text Ajay Goel speaks to Rachel Jenkins, Commissioning Editor. Ajay Goel, PhD, is a Professor and Director, Center for Gastrointestinal Research, and Director, Center for Translational Genomics and Oncology, at the Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. Dr Goel has spent more than 20 years researching cancer and has been the lead author or contributor to over 240 scientific articles published in peer-reviewed international journals and several book chapters. He is also a primary inventor on more than 15 international patents aimed at developing various biomarkers for the diagnosis, prognosis and prediction of gastrointestinal cancers. He is currently using advanced genomic and transcriptomic approaches to develop novel DNA- and miRNA-based biomarkers for the early detection of colorectal cancers. In addition, he is researching the prevention of gastrointestinal cancers using integrative and alternative approaches, including botanical products such as curcumin (from turmeric) and boswellia. Dr Goel is a member of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) and the American Gastroenterology Association (AGA) and is on the international editorial boards of several journals including Gastroenterology, Clinical Cancer Research, Carcinogenesis, PLoS ONE, Scientific Reports, Epigenomics, Future Medicine, Alternative Therapies in Heath and Medicine and World Journal of Gastroenterology. He is also actively involved in peer-reviewing activities for more than 100 international scientific journals and various grant review panels of various national and international funding organizations. His research has been actively funded by various private and federal organizations, including funding from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) at the NIH, American Cancer Society (ACS) and other state organizations. He has won more than dozen awards and honors, including the Union of European Gastroenterology Federation's Distinguished Researcher Award, multiple Poster of Distinction Awards from the AGA, and Visiting Professorships from various national and international academic institutions and academic bodies. Some of his key research interests include: Understanding the basic genetics and epigenetic basis of gastrointestinal cancers; Use of epigenetic markers, both DNA and RNA, for the early detection of colorectal, pancreatic and other gastrointestinal cancers; Personalized medicine and treatment of gastrointestinal cancers; Chemoprevention, using complementary and alternative approaches using nutraceuticals such as curcumin, green tea, resveratrol and other botanicals. </jats:p
Alternative technique of cervical spinal stabilization employing lateral mass plate and screw and intra-articular spacer fixation
No full textAim: The author discusses an alternative technique of segmental cervical spinal fixation. Material and Methods: The subtleties of the technique are discussed on the basis of experience with 3 cases with a follow-up of between 30 and 36 months. Technique: The technique involves debridement of facetal articular cartilage, distraction of facets, jamming of ′Goel spacer′ into the articular cavity and fortification of the fixation by lateral mass plate and screw fixation. The ′double-insurance′ method of fixation is safe for vertebral artery, nerve roots and spinal neural structures and the fixation is strong. Conclusions: The discussed technique is safe and provides a strong fixation and a ground for ultimate arthrodesis
Author Reply Re: Goel A. Research training during residency. Indian J Urol 2017;33:257-8
No full textAlkali-free bioactive glass composition, U.S. Patent 9,238,044
No full textThe present invention relates to development of bioactive glass/glass-ceramic composition that are able to promote a fast deposition layer of carbonated hydroxyapatite upon immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF) for time periods as short as one hour. Such composition might include fluorides, and a variety of oxides (or their precursor compounds), such as Na2O—Ag2O—SrO—CaO—MgO—ZnO—P2O5—SiO2—Bi2O3—B2O3—CaF2, be prepared by the melt route or by the sol-gel process, with the specific composition and the preparation route selected according to the intended functionalities, which can present controlled biodegradation rate and bactericidal activity. The powders derived from glass melts purred in cold water (frits) may completely densify by sintering at temperatures up to 800° C. without devitrification, resulting in bioglass compacts with high flexural strength (˜85 MPa). The bioactive glass powders prepared by sol-gel densify at lower temperatures due to their higher specific surface area and reactivity
It's an Ad, Ad, Ad World - Strategies of tobacco industry in India to diffuse tobacco control efforts- An unholy nexus
No full textWorld Health Organization (WHO) recommends prohibition of advertisements, promotion and sponsorship of tobacco to reverse tobacco epidemic. Tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship (TAPS) is also banned under India's Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003, with few exceptions. Despite the Act and increasing evidence of advertising linked with smoking behaviours, tobacco companies indulge in it brazenly to neutralise tobacco control efforts and normalize its use, making it seem like any other consumer product. The companies aim at creating a brand franchise for their product through advertisements. Point of sale promotion account for more than three-fourth of marketing spends by tobacco companies. Although India has been a frontrunner in tobacco control, it faced huge legal challenge from the tobacco industry. There is a need to regulate tobacco business by compulsory registration and licensing of tobacco vendors and also effective implementation of Indian Act. Besides, the gap in current research from developing countries on how restrictions on advertising impact tobacco use and its associated behaviour, monitor tobacco industry activity, map vendors and access of products, and economic impact of restrictions on tobacco promotions at POS needs to be fulfilled. Without these measures it will be challenging to counter nefarious, cash-rich and truant tobacco industry
Deletion of Nedd4-2 results in progressive kidney disease in mice
No full textNEDD4-2 (NEDD4L), a ubiquitin protein ligase of the Nedd4 family, is a key regulator of cell surface expression and activity of the amiloride-sensitive epithelial Na⁺ channel (ENaC). While hypomorphic alleles of Nedd4-2 in mice show salt-sensitive hypertension, complete knockout results in pulmonary distress and perinatal lethality due to increased cell surface levels of ENaC. We now show that Nedd4-2 deficiency in mice also results in an unexpected progressive kidney injury phenotype associated with elevated ENaC and Na⁺Cl⁻ cotransporter expression, increased Na⁺ reabsorption, hypertension and markedly reduced levels of aldosterone. The observed nephropathy is characterized by fibrosis, tubule epithelial cell apoptosis, dilated/cystic tubules, elevated expression of kidney injury markers and immune cell infiltration, characteristics reminiscent of human chronic kidney disease. Importantly, we demonstrate that the extent of kidney injury can be partially therapeutically ameliorated in mice with nephron-specific deletions of Nedd4-2 by blocking ENaC with amiloride. These results suggest that increased Na⁺ reabsorption via ENaC causes kidney injury and establish a novel role of NEDD4-2 in preventing Na⁺-induced nephropathy. Contrary to some recent reports, our data also indicate that ENaC is the primary in vivo target of NEDD4-2 and that Nedd4-2 deletion is associated with hypertension on a normal Na⁺ diet. These findings provide further insight into the critical function of NEDD4-2 in renal pathophysiology.Tanya L Henshall, Jantina A Manning, Omri S Alfassy, Pranay Goel, Natasha A Boase, Hiroshi Kawabe and Sharad Kuma
From Tainted to Sainted: the Interracial Marriage as Cultural Evangelism
No full textThe article talks about interracial relationships viewed as cultural evangelism. The author mentions that viewing interracial marriage as the ultimate indicator of racial progress leaves the cognitive imprint that underlies all race relations. Professor Goel introduces the four archetypes of interracial relations that emanated from the four historical institutions such as the Civilized White and Colored Savage, the White Colonizer and Colored Subject, the White Master and Colored Slave, and the White Missionary and Colored Heathen. An analysis of the social and legal aspects of interracial marriages and interracial families is also presented
Community-based organisations: role in settling immigrants
No full textIt has been well acknowledged in the literature that successful settlement of new arrivals (both international and interstate) and their families is crucial for theirintegration and well-being in a host society. This will also result in population sustainability and meetingindustry requirements in regional areas. This chapter posits that community-based organisations (CBOs) are in a unique position to provide settlement services which are socially inclusive and evolve community participation under immigration department policy guidelines. Thechapter illustrates how a community development approach is a useful theory/constructto guide the practice of a community-based organisation that isproviding settlement services to new immigrants. This is demonstrated by using a case study of the 'Settling our Future' program provided through one of the community-basedorganisations in aregional city of South Australia.The author demonstrates that community development principles and approaches are the backbone of providing effective servicesto meet the needs of new arrivals in the regional town. The chapterfurther examines the role of the community development worker as a facilitator in establishing, developing and sustaining these initiatives which have a community basis
Author Reply Re: Goel A. Research training during residency. Indian J Urol 2017;33:257-8
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