Impact of chronic graft-versus-host disease on non-relapse mortality and survival.

Chronic graft-versus-host-disease (cGVHD) is one of the primary causes of morbidity and mortality for patients who undergo allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HCT). In recent years, advancements in allo-HCT have allowed a broader range of patients to receive transplant, particularly older patients. We sought to assess the impact of cGVHD on outcomes in patients undergoing allo-HCT, for older patients as compared to their counterparts. We performed a retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent allo-HCT 1999-2018. Our results showed that those patients who developed cGVHD by D + 180 had an increased risk and incidence of NRM as compared to those patients without cGVHD. There was no significant difference in outcomes for those patients with cGVHD by age (≥60 years old [yo] and <60 yo). These findings suggest the significant morbidity of cGVHD, regardless of age.

Protocol for auxin-inducible protein degradation in C. elegans using different auxins and TIR1-expressing strains.

The auxin-inducible degron (AID) system is a powerful tool to deplete proteins in vivo. Here, we present a protocol for AID-mediated depletion of two proteins (CFI-1/AT-rich interaction domain 3 [ARID3] and Y47D3A.21/density-regulated re-initiation and release factor [DENR]) in C. elegans tissues using different auxins and transport inhibitor response 1 (TIR1)-expressing strains. We describe steps for genetic crossing, sample preparation, fluorescent microscopy, and treatment with either natural (indole-3-acetic acid [IAA]) or synthetic (1-naphthaleneacetic acid, potassium salt [K-NAA]) auxins. We then detail procedures for comparing the degree of CFI-1 depletion in C. elegans neurons upon panneuronal or pansomatic TIR1 expression. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Li et al.1,2.

Facilitating Culturally Competent Breast Imaging Care in South Asian Patients.

South Asians are a rapidly growing subset of the Asian population in the United States. They comprise people from multiple countries with diverse beliefs, languages, and cultural identities and values. The incidence of breast cancer is rising in South Asian women in the United States, with earlier onset and predilection for HER2-enriched tumors. Despite the rising incidence of breast cancer, participation in screening remains lower than other populations. Health care inequities in South Asian women are multifactorial and may be due to traditional health beliefs and practices, language barriers, cultural differences, and lack of overall awareness. Developing a culturally sensitive environment in breast imaging clinic practice can lead to improved patient care and adherence. Given the scarcity of data specific to the South Asian population in United States, there is a need for health service researchers and practice leaders to obtain more high-quality data to understand the needs of South Asian patient populations.

Metal-organic framework/Nb4C3Tx MXene composites for ultrasensitive detection of dopamine.

An easy, in situ growth approach led to the formation of several composites of metal-organic framewoks and Nb4C3Tx MXenes mixed intimately at the submicron scale. The high affinity of MXene surface for dopamine, enhanced by a nanostructuration induced by MOFs, resulted in superior sensing performances. The system exhibited good linearity over the 1-100 nM range, with an excellent limit of detection of 0.2 nM.

Capturing of neurotoxins causing diabetes stress and nervous breakdown in the aqueous medium by naphthazarin esters.

The fear of an increase in blood sugar can be very traumatic. Being diabetic either type I or type II leads to a disorder called diabetes distress having traits of stress, depression, and anxiety. Among risk factors of diabetes mellitus heavy and trace metal toxicity emerges as new risk factors reported in many studies. In this study we target toxic metals, viz., Ni2+, Zn2+, and Cu2+, involved in the pathogenesis of diabetes and diabetic stress with naphthazarin esters. The compounds C1-C3 isolated from the leaves and roots of Arnebia guttata were tested for their metal-binding ability in an aqueous medium in UV-Visible and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies. These probes are well-known naphthoquinones present in the Arnebia species. In the UV-Visible titrations of compounds C1-C3 with Na2+, K2+, Zn2+, Ca2+, Cu2+, Mg2+, Co2+, and Ni2+ ions, significant binding was observed with Ni2+, Cu2+, and Zn2+ ions in MeOH/H2O. There occurs a beautiful formation of red-shifted bands between the 520 to 620 nm range with a synergistic increase in absorbance. Also, the disappearance of proton peaks in the 1H NMR spectrum on addition of metal ions confirmed binding. Compounds C1-C3 isolated from A. guttata came out as potent Ni2+, Zn2+, and Cu2+ sensors that are reportedly involved in islet function and induction of diabetes.

Impact of Virtual Reality on Pain, ROM, Muscle Strength and Quality of Life among Breast Cancer Patients: An Integrative Review of Literature.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women globally, with significant impacts on physical, emotional, and functional well-being. Traditional rehabilitation methods may not fully address the multifaceted challenges faced by breast cancer survivors (BCSs), prompting exploration into innovative approaches such as Virtual Reality (VR) technology. OBJECTIVE: The present review aims to assess the effectiveness of VR in alleviating pain, improving Range of Motion (ROM), enhancing muscle strength, and augmenting the overall quality of life in patients undergoing breast cancer rehabilitation. METHODS: A comprehensive review of existing literature was conducted, focusing on studies investigating the use of VR in breast cancer rehabilitation. PubMed, Scopus, PEDro and Google scholar were searched for articles addressing VR interventions targeting pain management, ROM improvement, muscle strength enhancement, and quality of life enhancement in breast cancer patients. RESULTS: Findings yielded total 12 articles matching the selection criteria. VR technology has shown promising results in addressing the multifaceted needs of breast cancer patients. VR also serves as a distraction tool, positively impacting psychological well-being and mitigating negative psychological symptoms associated with the disease. CONCLUSION: VR represents a non-pharmacological approach to pain management and rehabilitation in breast cancer patients. Its ability to engage emotional, cognitive, and attention processes contributes to its effectiveness in enhancing overall quality of life. Further research is warranted to elucidate the long-term benefits and optimal utilization of VR technology in breast cancer rehabilitation programs.

Multiple UDP glycosyltransferases modulate benzimidazole drug sensitivity in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans in an additive manner.

Xenobiotic biotransformation is an important modulator of anthelmintic drug potency and a potential mechanism of anthelmintic resistance. Both the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans and the ruminant parasite Haemonchus contortus biotransform benzimidazole drugs by glucose conjugation, likely catalysed by UDP-glycosyltransferase (UGT) enzymes. To identify C. elegans genes involved in benzimidazole drug detoxification, we first used a comparative phylogenetic analysis of UGTs from humans, C. elegans and H. contortus, combined with available RNAseq datasets to identify which of the 63 C. elegans ugt genes are most likely to be involved in benzimidazole drug biotransformation. RNA interference knockdown of 15 prioritized C. elegans genes identified those that sensitized animals to the benzimidazole derivative albendazole (ABZ). Genetic mutations subsequently revealed that loss of ugt-9 and ugt-11 had the strongest effects. The "ugt-9 cluster" includes these genes, together with six other closely related ugts. A CRISPR-Cas-9 deletion that removed seven of the eight ugt-9 cluster genes had greater ABZ sensitivity than the single largest-effect mutation. Furthermore, a double mutant of ugt-22 (which is not a member of the ugt-9 cluster) with the ugt-9 cluster deletion further increased ABZ sensitivity. This additivity of mutant phenotypes suggest that ugt genes act in parallel, which could have several, not mutually exclusive, explanations. ugt mutations have different effects with different benzimidazole derivatives, suggesting that enzymes with different specificities could together more efficiently detoxify drugs. Expression patterns of ugt-9, ugt-11 and ugt-22 gfp reporters differ and so likely act in different tissues which may, at least in part, explain their additive effects on drug potency. Overexpression of ugt-9 alone was sufficient to confer partial ABZ resistance, indicating increasing total UGT activity protects animals. In summary, our results suggest that the multiple UGT enzymes have overlapping but not completely redundant functions in benzimidazole drug detoxification and may represent "druggable" targets to improve benzimidazole drug potency.

Enhancing genetic variability in Trigonella species through sodium azide induction: morpho-physiological and chromosomal amelioration.

Plant breeding, aimed at enhancing desired traits, depends on genetic diversity. Mutation breeding is a powerful method of rapidly expanding genetic diversity, facilitating crop improvement, and ensuring food security. In a recent study, researchers evaluated the genetic variability of Trigonella species using different doses of sodium azide (SA) (0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%, 0.8%, and 1.0%) through morphological, physiological, and cytogenetic studies. Morphological variations were observed in cotyledonary leaves, vegetative leaves, and overall plant growth and habit. Several quantitative parameters, such as plant height, fertile branches per plant, pods per plant (or clusters), seeds per pod, and seed yield, increased when treated with 0.2% and 0.4% SA compared to the control. Furthermore, the total chlorophyll content and carotenoids increased in the sample treated with 0.2% SA over the control but decreased with higher concentrations. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that stomatal aperture and seed dimensions increased at lower concentrations of sodium azide treatment. The study found a positive correlation between the different parameters studied in the Trigonella species, as indicated by high r-values. Based on their findings, it was concluded that the genotype of fenugreek can be improved by using 0.2% and 0.4% concentrations of sodium azide. However, the evaluation of observed variants in successive generations is a critical and necessary process to validate their potential as keystones for crop genetic improvements.

Understanding Female and Male Insights in Psychology: Who Thinks What?

Evolutionary psychology is the study of human psychological behavior. During childhood, men and women behave similarly; however, as a child approaches puberty, new physical and behavioral changes emerge. Behavioral psychology focuses on understanding the functioning and thought processes of the human mind. The general population lacks knowledge of basic behavioral differences between men and women, leaving them unaware of their role, limitations, societal responsibilities, resulting in an underestimation of their own natural talents and biology. Thus, people tend to follow societal norms rather than exploring and utilizing their natural talents. The current review was designed and conducted to enforce compression on behavioral psychology in both genders as well as to identify variations in hormonal activity and sexual preferences.

Evading Musculoskeletal Conditions Using Qigong as a Rescue Technique.

Classically, Qigong is a Chinese technique that has been practiced in China for the past 3,000 years for healing the inner self. Qigong, wherein "Qi" means body energy and "Gong" denotes cultivation, regulates the energy flow in the body. The Qigong technique comprises a package of deep breathing training, gentle and rhythmic movement, and muscle-strengthening exercises that heal the body to activate one's internal soul energy. It has demonstrated its efficacy by inducing relaxation, building up stamina, strengthening immunity, appreciating muscle conditioning, and minimizing anxiety and depression. Furthermore, it has been beneficial in improving awareness of joint and movement senses. Specifically, Qigong brings healing by regulating energy flow in the whole-body systems. Moreover, it has exhibited a variety of regenerating effects by inducing emotional and mental relaxation. In today's world, Qigong exercises are being used for treating musculoskeletal disorders that are work- and stress-related by nature. Qigong is practiced globally as deep breathing exercises, and meditation is practiced for peace of mind and spirituality, whereas vigorous practice includes martial arts.

Dietary Influences on Skin Health in Common Dermatological Disorders.

The role of diet in the development of skin disorders is well-established, with nutritional deficiency often identified as a risk factor for skin diseases. Imbalances in the skin can be caused by nutritional deficiencies, excessive intake, insufficient nutrients, and hazardous ingredients. Patients frequently inquire about the impact of dietary patterns on skin health when consulting dermatologists in clinical settings. Simultaneously, the popularity of using nutritional supplements containing vitamins, minerals, and nutraceutical blends has been on the rise. It is crucial for dermatologists, primary care physicians, and other healthcare providers to be acquainted with evidence-based dietary interventions, distinguishing them from those that are more market-driven than truly efficacious. This review explores the modification of diet, encompassing both dietary exclusion and supplementation, as a therapeutic approach for conditions such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, bullous disease, vitiligo, and alopecia areata. A comprehensive literature search, utilizing the PubMed/Medline, Google Scholar, and Medscape databases, was conducted to investigate the relationship between each nutrient and various inflammatory skin diseases. The findings emphasize the significance of a well-balanced and thoughtfully planned diet in supplying adequate amounts of proteins, vitamins, and minerals to support optimal skin health. Additionally, this comprehensive review navigates through various dietary recommendations, offering insights into their multifaceted impacts on the immune system, gut microbiome, and skin health. The goal is to pave the way for informed and targeted dietary interventions for individuals dealing with food allergies and associated skin conditions.

Noninvasive neuromodulatory effect on cognition in individuals with traumatic brain injury: A single-blinded, two-arm parallel randomized clinical trial.

Objectives: The study aimed to compare the effect of cranial electrical stimulation (CES) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in improving cognition among individuals with mild traumatic brain injury. Patients and methods: The pretest-posttest randomized controlled study was conducted between November 2020 and March 2022. Seventy-two patients (64 males, 8 females; mean age: 40.5±9.5 years; range, 18 to 45 years) experiencing cognitive impairment within three months of traumatic brain injury were recruited. Participants were randomly assigned into two groups: Group 1 (CES with cognitive training, n=36) and Group 2 (tDCS with cognitive training, n=36). Participants were blinded in the study. Both groups received 30-min sessions of neuromodulation along with 30 min of cognitive training five days a week for four weeks. The patients were assessed at baseline and at the end of two and four weeks of intervention. The primary outcome measure was the Montreal Cognition Assessment (MoCA), and the secondary outcome measure was the Galveston Orientation Amnesia Test (GOAT). Results: Demographic and baseline characteristics depicted normal distribution for both groups (p>0.05). Within group analyses of both groups demonstrated significant differences for both outcome measures (MoCA: p=0.001; GOAT: p=0.001). Between group analyses of MoCA showed significant improvement with p-value of 0.001 while GOAT exhibited p-value of 0.002 showing significant difference between the two groups. Time group interaction effect and covariance analyses depicted significant improvement with p-value of 0.001 for both outcome measures with excellent effect size >0.80. Conclusion: Cranial electrical stimulation was a more effective noninvasive neuromodulatory device than tDCS in improving cognition among individuals with traumatic brain injury.

Transcriptomic and proteomic profiles of fetal versus adult mesenchymal stromal cells and mesenchymal stromal cell-derived extracellular vesicles.

BACKGROUND: Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) can regenerate tissues through engraftment and differentiation but also via paracrine signalling via extracellular vesicles (EVs). Fetal-derived MSCs (fMSCs) have been shown, both in vitro and in animal studies, to be more efficient than adult MSC (aMSCs) in generating bone and muscle but the underlying reason for this difference has not yet been clearly elucidated. In this study, we aimed to systematically investigate the differences between fetal and adult MSCs and MSC-derived EVs at the phenotypic, RNA, and protein levels. METHODS: We carried out a detailed and comparative characterization of culture-expanded fetal liver derived MSCs (fMSCs) and adult bone marrow derived MSCs (aMSCs) phenotypically, and the MSCs and MSC-derived EVs were analysed using transcriptomics and proteomics approaches with RNA Sequencing and Mass Spectrometry. RESULTS: Fetal MSCs were smaller, exhibited increased proliferation and colony-forming capacity, delayed onset of senescence, and demonstrated superior osteoblast differentiation capability compared to their adult counterparts. Gene Ontology analysis revealed that fMSCs displayed upregulated gene sets such as "Positive regulation of stem cell populations", "Maintenance of stemness" and "Muscle cell development/contraction/Myogenesis" in comparison to aMSCs. Conversely, aMSCs displayed upregulated gene sets such as "Complement cascade", "Adipogenesis", "Extracellular matrix glycoproteins" and "Cellular metabolism", and on the protein level, "Epithelial cell differentiation" pathways. Signalling entropy analysis suggested that fMSCs exhibit higher signalling promiscuity and hence, higher potency than aMSCs. Gene ontology comparisons revealed that fetal MSC-derived EVs (fEVs) were enriched for "Collagen fibril organization", "Protein folding", and "Response to transforming growth factor beta" compared to adult MSC-derived EVs (aEVs), whereas no significant difference in protein expression in aEVs compared to fEVs could be detected. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides detailed and systematic insight into the differences between fMSCs and aMSCs, and MSC-derived EVs. The key finding across phenotypic, transcriptomic and proteomic levels is that fMSCs exhibit higher potency than aMSCs, meaning they are in a more undifferentiated state. Additionally, fMSCs and fMSC-derived EVs may possess greater bone forming capacity compared to aMSCs. Therefore, using fMSCs may lead to better treatment efficacy, especially in musculoskeletal diseases.

Weekly assessment of volumetric and dosimetric changes during volumetric modulated arc therapy of locally advanced head and neck carcinoma: Implications for adaptive radiation therapy-A prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Chemoradiation in head and neck carcinoma (HNC) shows significant anatomical resulting in erroneous dose deposition in the target or the organ at risk (OAR). Adaptive radiotherapy (ART) can overcome this. Timing of significant target and OAR changes with dosimetric impact; thus, most suitable time and frequency of ART is unclear. METHODS: This dosimetric study used prospective weekly non-contrast CT scans in 12 HNC patients (78 scans). OARs and TVs were manually contoured after registration with simulation scan. Dose overlay done on each scan without reoptimization. Dosimetric and volumetric variations assessed. RESULTS: Commonest site was oropharynx. Gross Tumor Volume (GTV) reduced from 47.5 ± 19.2 to 17.8 ± 10.7 cc. Nodal GTV reduced from 15.7 ± 18.8 to 4.7 ± 7.1 cc. Parotid showed mean volume loss of 35%. T stage moderately correlated with GTV regression. CONCLUSION: Maximum GTV changes occurred after 3 weeks. Best time to do single fixed interval ART would be by the end of 3 weeks.

Zuranolone, a neuroactive drug, used in the treatment of postpartum depression by modulation of GABAA receptors.

BACKGROUND: Postpartum depression [PPD] is a prevalent and debilitating mood disorder that affects mothers in the weeks to months after childbirth. Zuranolone (Zurzuvae) is a novel pharmaceutical agent that was approved by the US FDA on 4 August 2023 for the management of PPD. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of zuranolone, focusing on its dosing, chemistry, mechanism of action, clinical trials, adverse drug reaction, and overall conclusion regarding its utility in the management of PPD. It also discusses the recommended dosing strategies to achieve optimal efficacy while minimizing adverse effects as the dosage regimen of zuranolone is critical for its therapeutic application. Moreover, it gives insights into neurobiological pathways involved in PPD. METHODOLOGY: Data from randomized controlled trials and observational studies was collected to provide a comprehensive understanding of zuranolone in the management and treatment of PPD. CONCLUSION: Zuranolone represents a promising therapeutic option for women suffering from postpartum depression. However, ongoing research and post-marketing surveillance are essential to further elucidate its long-term safety and efficacy. The integration of zuranolone into clinical practice may significantly improve the quality of life for mothers facing the challenges of postpartum depression.

Group tele-rehabilitation improves quality of life among subjects with Parkinson's disease: A two arm non-parallel non-randomized clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: Tele-rehabilitation has lately emerged as a promising medium for increasing patient adherence with significant positive results. One of the most prevalent neurological diseases affecting movement is Parkinson's disease (PD), which causes a variety of motor and non-motor symptoms among patients. Consequentially, the study was designed to compare the efficacy of group tele-rehabilitation with individual tele-rehabilitation in improving quality of life (QoL) among subjects with PD. METHOD: A two-group pretest-posttest, non-randomized clinical study recruited 68 subjects and classified them into two groups, i.e., Group A (group therapy, n = 36) and Group B (individual therapy, n = 32). Groups A and B received a supervised protocol consisting of a 40-min session on alternate days/week for twelve weeks via the WhatsApp Messenger application through group and individual therapy, respectively. The Parkinson's disease questionnaire (PDQ-39), mental and physical components of the Short Form Survey (SF-12) were used as primary outcome variables, while the Satisfaction questionnaire was used as a secondary outcome variable. RESULT: The p-values related to within-group analyses were <0.05 except SF-12 PCS >0.05 in Group A and <0.05 in Group B. While the p-values related to between-group analyses were <0.05 except for pre-scores of SF-12 (MCS and PCS). The effect sizes for PDQ-39, SF-12 (MCS), and SF-12 (PCS) were -2.37, 3.36, and 0.66 in Group A and 1.95, 2.69, and 2.03 in Group B, respectively. CONCLUSION: The study concluded that group tele-rehabilitation is more effective in improving QoL among subjects with PD as compared to individual tele-rehabilitation. Clinical trial Registration NoCTRI/2022/04/041818.

Reduced expression of Ankyrin-G and E-cadherin in duodenal mucosal biopsy of subjects with celiac disease.

Confirmatory diagnosis of celiac disease (CD) include histopathology of duodenal biopsy and tissue trans-glutaminase-IgA. Identification of tissue-specific histological markers is warranted to improve the diagnosis. A genetic study in CD identified the association of ankyrin-G that connects E-cadherin with ß2-spectrin in epithelial cells of the duodenal tissue. We attempted to investigate the differential expression of ankyrin-G, E-cadherin and ß2-spectrin in duodenal biopsy of CD subjects compared to non-CD controls. Duodenal tissue was collected from 83 study participants, of which 50 were CD, and 33 were non-CD controls. Whole RNA was isolated from 32 CD and 23 non-CD controls from available tissues, and differential mRNA expression was measured using real-time PCR. Tissue sections from 18 CD cases and 10 non-CD controls were immunostained using monoclonal antibodies. Tissue immunohistochemistry were evaluated for differential expression and pattern of expression. RT-PCR revealed significantly reduced expression of ankyrin-G (fold change=0.63; p=0.03) and E-cadherin (fold change=0.50; p=0.02) among CD subjects compared to non-CD controls. Tissue immunohistochemistry confirmed the reduced expression of ankyrin-G and E-cadherin in CD. Differential expression is grossly limited within the outer columnar epithelial cell layer. Expression fold change of E-cadherin was seen to partially correlate with the serum tTG level (r=0.4; p=0.04). In CD, reduced expression of two key cytoskeletal proteins (ankyrin-G and E-cadherin) in duodenum mucosa was observed, which indicates its implication in disease biology and could be tested as a tissue-specific biomarker for CD. Functional studies may unravel the specific contribution of these proteins in CD pathophysiology.

Deciphering the crystal structure of a novel nanobody against the NEIL1 DNA glycosylase.

Nanobodies (VHHs) are single-domain antibodies with three antigenic CDR regions and are used in diverse scientific applications. Here, an ∼14 kDa nanobody (A5) specific for the endonuclease VIII (Nei)-like 1 or NEIL1 DNA glycosylase involved in the first step of the base-excision repair pathway was crystallized and its structure was determined to 2.1 Šresolution. The crystals posed challenges due to potential twinning and anisotropic diffraction. Despite inconclusive twinning indicators, reprocessing in an orthorhombic setting and molecular replacement in space group P21212 enabled the successful modeling of 96% of residues in the asymmetric unit, with final Rwork and Rfree values of 0.199 and 0.229, respectively.

The combined effect of neuro-modulation and neuro-stimulation on pain in patients with cervical radiculopathy - a double-blinded, two-arm parallel randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Cervical radiculopathy is one of those disabling conditions which results in central and peripheral pain and thus affects the quality of life. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) and exercises produce analgesic effect but their long-term effect has not been available to date. Transcranial Direct Current stimulation (tDCS) is known to produce promising effects on central pain by targeting cortical activity. PURPOSE: To determine the combined effect of tDCS and TENS with exercises on pain and quality of life in patients with cervical radiculopathy. METHOD: Forty four patients (male: female = 26:18) of the age group 18-50 years were recruited and randomly allocated into the experimental group and control group. The experimental group received active anodal tDCS for 20 min with an intensity of 2 mA, while the control group received sham anodal tDCS. TENS over the pain distribution area for 20 min with 5 Hz intensity and 80-150 ms pulse duration followed by neck-specific exercises were given in both groups. This protocol was given 5 days a week for 4 weeks. Pre and post-assessments were obtained through outcome measures that the Numeric Pain Rating Scale and Neck Disability Index for the measurement of pain, functional disability, and quality of life. RESULT: Paired t-test/Wilcoxon-Signed Rank test, and Index and Mann-Whitney U test were used to compare the demographic variables within and across the groups, respectively for Neck Disability for Numeric Pain Rating Scale, keeping the P-value < 0.05 as significant. One-way repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied to determine the between-subject factor differences. Post hoc tests with Bonferroni correction for repeated analyses were performed. Results depicted a significant effect for NDI (P = 0.001 for both groups) and NPRS (P = 0.003 for the experimental group and 0.007 for the control group). Significant Interaction effect (time*group) was observed for NDI (F = 42, 5382.77) and NPRS (F = 42, 1844.57) with a P-value of 0.001 for both outcome measures. Clinical significance was observed for both outcome measures having a mean difference in 50.21 and 4.57 for NDI and NPRS, respectively compared with the established MCID of 13.2 and 2.2 scores for respective outcome measures. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that active tDCS along with TENS and exercise intervention was effective on pain, disability, and quality of life in patients with cervical radiculopathy.

Wheatgrass (Triticum Aestivum) Extract Loaded Chitosan Solid Lipid Nanoparticles: Formulation, Physicochemical Characterisation and Cytotoxic Potential.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of cancer is around the world, and is identified as a multifarious ailment. Amongst the most common reasons for cancer in the world is oxidative stress, and this can be overcome by taking the herbal plant wheatgrass in any form. AIM AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present work is to formulate wheatgrass extract-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles using Box-Behnken design and to investigate the effect of formulation variables. METHODS: Using the hot homogenisation method, the current work plan aimed to develop wheatgrassfilled chitosan solid lipid nanoparticles by means of a Box-Behnken design. This study investigated the effect of three formulation variables on particle size and entrapment efficiency, namely the sodium alginate concentration, the chitosan concentration, and the sonication time. Extraction of wheatgrass was done in a soxhlet extractor, using methanolic extract. Furthermore, the authors have examined recent patents associated with wheatgrass to enhance their comprehension of this herbal plant. RESULTS: The hot homogenisation technique was used to prepare Triticum aestivum extract loaded with solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs). For BBD, all formulations were analysed for particle size, which ranged from 394.4 to 911.2 nm, and for polydispersity index, which ranged from 0.527 to 1.0. Batch code BB SLN-8 was found to be the finest suitable because of a maximum loading capacity of 58.23 ±0.11 % (w/w), maximum entrapment efficiency of 55.12±0.17 % (w/w), and minimum particle size of 394.4nm by using sodium alginate as a surface stabiliser at sonication time ~ 10 min and having maximum percentage yield of 49.87%. During characterisation studies and MCF-6 cell line studies, it was found that wheatgrass has antioxidant potential and is potent against breast cancer. CONCLUSION: As an alternative medicine for cancer, wheatgrass is considered to be effective due to its high antioxidant content.