GABAergic implications in anxiety and related disorders.

Evidence indicates that anxiety disorders arise from an imbalance in the functioning of brain circuits that govern the modulation of emotional responses to possibly threatening stimuli. The circuits under consideration in this context include the amygdala's bottom-up activity, which signifies the existence of stimuli that may be seen as dangerous. Moreover, these circuits encompass top-down regulatory processes that originate in the prefrontal cortex, facilitating the communication of the emotional significance associated with the inputs. Diverse databases (e.g., Pubmed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Google Scholar) were searched for literature using a combination of different terms e.g., "anxiety", "stress", "neuroanatomy", and "neural circuits", etc. A decrease in GABAergic activity is present in both anxiety disorders and severe depression. Research on cerebral functional imaging in depressive individuals has shown reduced levels of GABA within the cortical regions. Additionally, animal studies demonstrated that a reduction in the expression of GABAA/B receptors results in a behavioral pattern resembling anxiety. The amygdala consists of inhibitory networks composed of GABAergic interneurons, responsible for modulating anxiety responses in both normal and pathological conditions. The GABAA receptor has allosteric sites (e.g., α/γ, γ/ß, and α/ß) which enable regulation of neuronal inhibition in the amygdala. These sites serve as molecular targets for anxiolytic medications such as benzodiazepine and barbiturates. Alterations in the levels of naturally occurring regulators of these allosteric sites, along with alterations to the composition of the GABAA receptor subunits, could potentially act as mechanisms via which the extent of neuronal inhibition is diminished in pathological anxiety disorders.

Study effect of probiotics and prebiotics on treatment of OVA-LPS-induced of allergic asthma inflammation and pneumonia by regulating the TLR4/NF-kB signaling pathway.

Asthma is a common respiratory disease, and immune system dysregulation has direct relevance to asthma pathogenesis. Probiotics and prebiotics have immunomodulatory effects and can regulate immune responses and may attenuate allergic reactions. Therefore, in this study, we explored the role of probiotics and prebiotics in regulating acute airway inflammation and the TLR4/NF-kB pathway. Allergic asthma model of BALB/c mice was produced and treated with probiotics (LA-5, GG, and BB-12) and prebiotics (FOS and GOS). Then AHR, BALF cells count, EPO activity, IL-4, 5, 13, 17, 25, 33, as well as IFN-γ, total and OVA-specific IgE, IgG1, Cys-LT, LTB4, LTC4, and TSLP levels were measured. Also, the GTP/GOT assay was performed and gene expression of Akt, NLR3, NF-kB, PI3K, MyD88, TLR4, CCL11, CCL24, MUC5a, Eotaxin, IL-38, and IL-8 were determined. Finally, lung histopathological features were evaluated. Treatment with probiotics could control AHR, eosinophil infiltration to the BALF and reduce the levels of immunoglobulins, IL-17, GTP and also decrease mucus secretion, goblet cell hyperplasia, peribronchial and perivascular inflammation and also, EPO activity. It could reduce gene expression of TLR4 and CCL11. On the other hand, IL-38 gene expression was increased by both probiotic and prebiotic treatment. Treatment with probiotics and prebiotics could control levels of IL-4, 5, 13, 25, 33, leukotrienes, the gene expression of AKT, NLR3, NF-κB, MyD88, MUC5a. The prebiotic treatment could control peribronchial inflammation and PI3K gene expression. Both of the treatments had no significant effect on the GOT, TSLP and IL-8, eotaxin and CCL24 gene expression. Probiotics and prebiotics could induce tolerance in allegro-inflammatory reactions and alter immune responses in allergic conditions. Probiotics could also modulate cellular and humoral immune responses and prevent allergic disorders.

Partial occlusion of left axillary artery in a patient undergoing robot-assisted radical cystectomy.

Robot-assisted surgeries are associated with steep positions which provide free operative field to surgeons; however, it becomes more challenging to the anaesthesiologists. In robot-assisted surgery, the patient is not usually accessible after docking in of robot, so monitors, circuits and tubes should be tightly secured and confirmed before handing over the patient to the surgeons. We report a patient with partial left axillary artery occlusion in a patient posted for robot-assisted radical cystectomy.

Implication of Coformer Structural Diversity on Cocrystallization Outcomes of Telmisartan with Improved Biopharmaceutical Performance.

Crystal engineering approach was utilized for the development of different multicomponent solid forms of telmisartan (TEL) to improve its oral bioavailability. In this context, two cocrystals, gentisic acid (GA) and maleic acid (MA), while two eutectic mixtures, para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) and adipic acid (AA), were successfully prepared and characterized by different analytical tools. Both the cocrystals exhibited characteristic heterosynthons, viz. OHacid⋯Narom and OHacid⋯O, to propagate new network. Structural features of coformers has been correlated with the outcomes of cocrystallization approach. Coformers having auxiliary functionality in addition to complementary functional groups have high propensity to generate cocrystals. However, multicomponent where auxiliary functionality is lacking, such combinations, is shown to form eutectic mixtures owing to strong homomeric interaction. Besides, the developed cocrystals and eutectic mixtures showed higher aqueous solubility (3-5.5-fold) and intrinsic dissolution rate (1-2.6-fold) over pure TEL. In vivo studies also revealed significant improvement in relative bioavailability (2-2.6-fold). The study also shed light on the implications of eutectic mixtures in mitigating the solubility issues of drugs which are often considered negative results of cocrystallization strategy.

Retrospective Evaluation of Patients Who Leave against Medical Advice in a Tertiary Teaching Care Institute.

CONTEXT: Discharge against medical advice or leave against medical advice (DAMA or LAMA) is a global phenomenon. The magnitude of LAMA phenomenon has a wide geographical variation. LAMA reasons are an area of concern for all involved in health-care delivery system. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to evaluate cases of LAMA retrospectively in a tertiary teaching care institute (1) to find the magnitude of LAMA cases (2) to evaluate demographic and patient characteristics of these cases. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We screened hospital record of a referral institute over 1 year after approval from IEC and ICMR, New Delhi. Patient demographics and disease characteristics were noted and statistically analyzed after compilation. RESULTS: A total of 47,583 patients were admitted in the year 2015 through emergency and outpatient department. One thousand five hundred and fifty-six (3.3%) patients got DAMA. The mean age of patient excluding infants was 46.64 ± 20.55 years. There were 62.9% of males. Average hospital stay of these cases was 4.09 ± 4.39 days. Most of the patients (70%) belonged to medical specialties and had longer stay as compared to surgical specialties. Most of LAMA patients were suffering from infections, trauma, and malignancies. Most of the patients had LAMA from ward (62%) followed by Intensive Care Unit (ICU) (28.8%) and emergency (9.2%). In 592 (38%) of LAMA patients, the reason for leaving was not clear. The common cited reasons for LAMA were financial (27.6%) and poor prognosis (20.5%). CONCLUSIONS: About 3.3% of patients left hospital against medical advice in our retrospective analysis. Most of these cases did so from ward followed by ICU. Financial reasons and expected poor outcome played a significant role.

Antithrombocytopenic and immunomodulatory potential of metabolically characterized aqueous extract of Carica papaya leaves.

CONTEXT: Carica papaya Linn. (Caricaceae) leaf (CPL) juice has long been traditionally used in ethnomedicine for dengue fever. OBJECTIVE: The study examines the effects of standardized CPL aqueous extract (SCPLE) on platelet count, extramedullary haematopoiesis (EMH), and immunomodulation in cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced animal model of thrombocytopenia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The extract was analyzed for myricetin, caffeic acid, trans-ferulic acid, and kaempferol using HPTLC for standardization followed by UPLC-qTOF/MS fingerprinting for metabolite signature. The effects of SCPLE (50 and 150 mg/kg p.o.) on proliferative response of platelet count and total leucocyte count (TLC) were observed up to 14 days in Wistar rat. However, delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH), haemagglutination titre (HT), and in vivo carbon clearance were examined as immunomodulatory parameters in albino mice at 150 mg/kg p.o. against CP. RESULTS: The quantitative HPTLC estimation of SCPLE showed the presence of myricetin, caffeic acid, trans-ferulic acid, and kaempferol up to 280.16 ± 5.99, 370.18 ± 6.27, 1110.86 ± 2.97, and 160.53 ± 2.48 (µg/g), respectively. Twenty-four metabolites were identified using UPLC-qTOF/MS. Oral administration of SCPLE (150 mg/kg) in thrombocytopenic rats exhibited significant (p < 0.01) increase in thrombocytes (1014.83 × 103 cells/mm3), DTH response (0.16 ± 0.004), and phagocytic index (63.15% increase) as compared to CP-induced thrombocytopenia group. Histopathological studies showed minimal fibrosis in spleen histology. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest CPL can mediate the release of platelets providing the means for the treatment and prevention of dengue.

Dexmedetomidine as an adjunctive analgesic to ropivacaine in pectoral nerve block in oncological breast surgery: A randomized double-blind prospective study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Pectoral nerve block (Pecs) using local anesthetic (LA) agent is a newer analgesic technique for breast surgeries. This study further evaluates the effect of addition of dexmedetomidine to LA agent on total duration of analgesia and postoperative morphine consumption. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 60 American Society of Anesthesiologist Grade I and II female patients with age ≥18 years, scheduled for oncological breast surgery, were enrolled in the study. Patients were randomized into two equal groups of 30 each. Group R (n = 30) received ultrasound (US)-guided Pecs block with 30 ml of 0.25% ropivacaine. Group RD (n = 30 patients) received US-guided Pecs block with 30 ml of ropivacaine 0.25% and dexmedetomidine 1 µ/kg body weight. Duration of analgesia and total postoperative morphine consumption was noted in 24 h period. Unpaired t-test and Chi-square test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: A statistically highly significant increase in total duration of analgesia (in minutes) was recorded in Group RD as compared to Group R (469.6 ± 81.5 in Group RD and 298.2 ± 42.3 in Group R) (P = 0.000). Total postoperative morphine consumption in mg was also statistically significantly lower in Group RD as compared to Group R (14.8 ± 2.4 in Group RD and 21.6 ± 3.1 in Group R) (P = 0.000). No patient under study reported any adverse effects. CONCLUSION: Addition of 1 µ/kg dexmedetomidine to 0.25% ropivacaine for Pecs block increases the duration of analgesia and decreases postoperative morphine consumption.

Thrombotic microangiopathy following a white-lipped pit viper envenomation.

Certain snake envenomation patients with consumptive coagulopathy, termed venom-induced consumption coagulopathy, develop thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA). Due to predominant renal involvement, TMA is said to resemble haemolytic uraemic syndrome and is treated with haemodialysis. We present a case of a young male who presented to the emergency department after being bitten by a white-lipped pit viper (Trimeresurus albolabris). He developed heart failure in addition to acute kidney injury secondary to TMA. He was treated with 30 vials of anti-snake venom according to national guidelines and underwent haemodialysis. Despite haemodialysis, the patient's ventilatory parameters continued to worsen, necessitating invasive mechanical ventilation. Thus, he was initiated on plasma exchange therapy, to which the patient responded well. TMA has not been reported in Trimeresurus envenomations yet, to the best of our knowledge. Additionally, plasma exchange therapy can be considered an adjunctive therapy for snakebite patients who develop TMA.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis: A Rare Complication of Type 3c Diabetes.

Recently termed pancreoprivic diabetes, type 3c diabetes refers to high blood sugar values secondary to disease of the exocrine pancreas. The disease is most commonly misdiagnosed as type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and is overlooked by physicians and the general public. Chronic pancreatitis (CP) accounts for most cases of type 3c diabetes. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a rare occurrence in type 3c diabetes as both alpha and beta cell dysfunction occur concurrently. In this case, the major hormones involved in lipolysis and ketone body production would be catecholamines, cortisol, and growth hormone. We report a case of a 37-year-old female with a history of endocrine pancreatic insufficiency secondary to CP who presented with DKA, one of the life-threatening but preventable complications of diabetes. Noncompliance with insulin and concurrent urinary tract infection were the inciting factors. Her condition improved with DKA management according to standard protocol, intravenous antibiotics, and other supportive care. She got discharged after optimization of insulin therapy, with proper advice for home blood sugar monitoring and regular follow-up. A patient with pancreatic pathology may present to the emergency with DKA as the first manifestation, and if not properly evaluated, the diagnosis of type 3c diabetes can be missed.

Pharmacokinetic Drug Interactions of Piperine: A Review of Pre-clinical and Clinical Studies.

Piperine (amide alkaloid) derived from pepper is globally utilized in diverse conventional and traditional systems of medicine. The co-administration of piperine has been observed to induce subtle modifications in the absorption, membrane transport, and drug metabolism of several high-efficacy medicines. The occurrence of medication interactions might have a notable impact on the pharmacokinetic parameters, resulting in either a favorable or unfavorable pharmacological effect. This comprehensive pharmacokinetic drug interaction evaluation of piperine encompasses a total of 34 scholarly articles (specific for pharmacokinetic interactions), consisting of 62 studies (56 preclinical studies and 6 clinical investigations). In this study, we propose that piperine has the ability to increase the bioavailability and bioactive molecules of a natural origin of a variety of medications, making it an effective bioenhancer. By enhancing bioavailability, piperine can reduce the required dosage, lower drug costs, minimize the occurrence of drug resistance, and mitigate dose-dependent side effects associated with various medications such as ciprofloxacin, ampicillin, metronidazole carbamazepine, curcumin, and oxytetracycline. However, a limited number of published studies have indicated a reduction in bioavailability following oral administration of isoniazid, puerarin, diltiazem, desacetyldiltiazem, and magnolol in combination with piperine or pepper/Trikatu (containing piperine majorly). Several other critical studies have demonstrated that there is no significant variation in pharmacokinetic characteristics along with piperine. The medications containing piperine have led to significant modifications in their pharmacokinetic properties, finally yielding advantageous outcomes for drugs with low bioavailability. Additionally, these alterations have resulted in reduced side effects and extended half-life (T1/2) for specific drugs.

Clinical and laboratory parameters as predictors of mortality in patients with chronic liver disease presenting to emergency department- a cross sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that Asia and Africa have the highest Chronic Liver Disease (CLD) mortality rate. Cirrhosis, responsible for 22.2 fatalities per 100,000 people, is India's 10th most common cause of mortality. The increasing prevalence of chronic liver disease necessitates a study to identify predictive factors for patients who visit the emergency department. Identifying elements that enhance the predictive value of mortality in unstable patients with CLD complications is important in emergency departments. This study aims to determine Clinical and Laboratory Parameters as mortality predictors in adult chronic liver disease patients. METHODOLOGY: The study was conducted at the emergency department of a tertiary healthcare center in Northern India. Patients with chronic liver disease above 18 years of age who satisfied the inclusion criteria were clinically evaluated. Clinical and demographic details were collected, and data was analyzed. RESULTS: Two hundred thirty-six patients were enrolled. The mean age was 50.77 ± 14.26 years. 78.4% of the participants were men. Abdominal distension, affecting 59.7% of patients, was the most common presenting ailment, followed by melena and hematemesis, affecting 41.9% and 32.6%, respectively. The mean stay in the emergency department was 10.29 ± 8.10 h. Refractory septic shock, the leading cause of mortality, accounts for 69.2% of all deaths, alongside grade 4 hepatic encephalopathy and massive Upper Gastrointestinal (UGI) bleeding, as identified in our study. Factors such as altered mental sensorium, high respiratory rate, low SpO2, increased heart rate, low systolic blood pressure, low diastolic blood pressure, and low Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) on Emergency Department (ED) arrival are significantly associated with mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic liver disease, a prevalent condition in India, most commonly seen in middle aged men and lower socioeconomic groups. The parameters independently associated with mortality in our study were presence of altered mental sensorium, Glasgow coma scale, Child Pugh class and need for ICU admission. Understanding the presentation pattern, and mortality predictors can help ED physicians in managing acute events and follow-ups.

A case study to investigate the effects of Chlorhexidine mouthwash on serum cytokines levels in children with Asthma.

Asthma is an airways inflammatory disease and the most common chronic disease of childhood, which causes most hospital visits and placing a heavy financial burden on families and communities. Interleukins 4, 5 and 13, play a central role in the pathogenesis of asthma. Given the importance of oral hygiene in asthmatic patients and IL-4 and 5 are involved in the inflammatory process of periodontitis, the effect of chlorhexidine as mouthwash on asthma attacks in children on serum cytokines is necessary. In this study, 375 children with asthma were divided into two groups using or non-using chlorhexidine. Blood samples were taken and cytokines were measured by ELISA. From 375 patients, 17 patients were excluded. In this study, 171 males and 187 females participated and there were 180 patients in asthma group and 178 patients in asthma/Chlorhexidine group. The levels of IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 had no significant difference (p > 0.05) between Asthma and Asthma/Chlorhexidine groups. Using chlorhexidine as mouthwash in children with asthma had no effect on the type 2 cytokines and may not trigger an asthma attack via allergo-inflammatory mechanism.

The diagnostic accuracy of point-of-care ultrasound parameters for airway assessment in patients undergoing intubation in emergency department-an observational study.

BACKGROUND: Endotracheal intubation is an essential resuscitative procedure in the emergency setting. Airway assessment parameters such as the Mallampati classification are difficult to perform in an emergency setting. As point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) assessment of airway parameters does not require patients to perform any mandatory action, ultrasound may become the potential first-line noninvasive airway assessment tool in the emergency department (ED). The use of POCUS in the ED has not been sufficiently studied. Using POCUS in airway assessment for predicting difficult intubation may be the next step in successful airway management. METHODOLOGY: The study was an observational study conducted at the ED of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (Rishikesh). The treating emergency physician recorded the patient history and systemic examination along with an indication for intubation. The POCUS assessment of airway parameters pre-epiglottis to epiglottic vocal cord ratio (Pre-E/E-VC), tongue thickness, hyomental distance, and distance from skin to the hyoid bone was performed by the study investigator. During laryngoscopy, Cormack-Lehane (CL) grading was assessed. The data was entered and analyzed. RESULTS: Seventy patients who required intubation in the ED were enrolled in the study. Among the study population, 48.6%, 28.6%, 14.3%, 1.4%, and 7.1% were classified with the following CL grading: 1, 2a, 2b, 3a, and 3b, respectively. At a cutoff of ≥ 1.86, Pre-E/E-VC predicts difficult laryngoscopy (AUC 0.835) with a sensitivity of 83% and a specificity of 94%. At a cutoff of ≥ 5.98 cm, tongue thickness predicts difficult laryngoscopy (AUC 0.78) with a sensitivity of 83% and a specificity of 88%. At a cutoff of hyomental distance ≤ 6 cm, it predicts difficult laryngoscopy with a sensitivity of 83% and a specificity of 88%. All parameters can act as a promising tool for predicting difficult laryngoscopy, with the single best parameter being Pre-E/E-VC. CONCLUSION: Assessment of the airway with POCUS may be helpful to the emergency physician when the clinical airway assessment parameters fail to predict difficult laryngoscopy as most patients requiring intubation are uncooperative. Assessment of the parameters in our study Pre-E/E-VC, tongue thickness, and hyomental distance can act as a promising tool for predicting difficult laryngoscopy in the emergency scenario.

From LncRNA to metastasis: The MALAT1-EMT axis in cancer progression.

Cancer is a complex disease that causes abnormal genetic changes and unchecked cellular growth. It also causes a disruption in the normal regulatory processes that leads to the creation of malignant tissue. The complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and epigenetic variables influences its etiology. Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) have emerged as pivotal contributors within the intricate landscape of cancer biology, orchestrating an array of multifaceted cellular processes that substantiate the processes of carcinogenesis and metastasis. Metastasis is a crucial driver of cancer mortality. Among these, MALAT1 (Metastasis-Associated Lung Adenocarcinoma Transcript 1) has drawn a lot of interest for its function in encouraging metastasis via controlling the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) procedure. MALAT1 exerts a pivotal influence on the process of EMT, thereby promoting metastasis to distant organs. The mechanistic underpinning of this phenomenon involves the orchestration of an intricate regulatory network encompassing transcription factors, signalling cascades, and genes intricately associated with the EMT process by MALAT1. Its crucial function in transforming tumor cells into an aggressive phenotype is highlighted by its capacity to influence the expression of essential EMT effectors such as N-cadherin, E-cadherin, and Snail. An understanding of the MALAT1-EMT axis provides potential therapeutic approaches for cancer intervention. Targeting MALAT1 or its downstream EMT effectors may reduce the spread of metastatic disease and improve the effectiveness of already available therapies. Understanding the MALAT1-EMT axis holds significant clinical implications. Therefore, directing attention towards MALAT1 or its downstream mediators could present innovative therapeutic strategies for mitigating metastasis and improving patient prognosis. This study highlights the importance of MALAT1 in cancer biology and its potential for cutting back on metastatic disease with novel treatment strategies.

Characterization, quantification and stability of differently prepared amorphous forms of some oral hypoglycaemic agents.

The study deals with the investigation of possible differences induced in the physicochemical properties within the amorphous forms prepared by different methods. Enthalpy of solution measured by solution calorimetry was utilized to highlight the differences prevailing within the amorphous forms and to determine the percentage of amorphous content. Emphasis is laid on the quantification and physical stability of these forms. Amorphization was induced in poorly water-soluble oral hypoglycaemic agents (repaglinide, gliclazide and glipizide), by quench cooling, vaporization under reduced pressure and lyophilization. The amorphous nature was evident from a halo pattern in powder X-ray diffraction. A glass transition event is evident in differential scanning calorimetry thermograms of the amorphous forms of the three drugs. As expected, the amorphous forms show improvement in solubility and dissolution profiles. On subjecting these amorphous forms to different relative humidities at 25°C for three months and subsequent analysis showed that amorphous form of repaglinide prepared by quench cooling is most stable and has the potential to be formulated without any additive while amorphous form of gliclazide tends to devitrify pointing towards its unstable nature.

Graduating from Laboratory to Operating Rooms-the Way Forward for Future Surgeons!

Background: Changing healthcare and social scenarios are reducing the learning opportunities of surgical postgraduates in our country. Majority of surgical training centers in the developed world use laboratory training as an integral part of their curricula. However, in India, most of surgical residents are still trained by traditional apprenticeship model. Aims: To describe the role of laboratory training in improving the competency of surgical postgraduates. Settings and Design: Laboratory dissection was used as an educational intervention for postgraduates in tertiary care teaching hospital. Methods and Material: Thirty-five (35) trainees from various surgical subspecialties performed cadaveric dissection led by senior faculty members. The perceived knowledge and operative confidence of trainees were assessed before and three weeks after the course using a five-point Likert scale. A structured questionnaire was administered to explore the experience of training. Results were tabulated in percentage and proportion. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was applied to find any difference between pre and post perception of knowledge and operative competence of participants. Results: Thirty four (34/35; 96%) were males; 65.7% (23/35) trainees demonstrated improvement in knowledge level after dissection (p < 0.0001) and 74.3% (26/35) in operative confidence (p < 0.0001). Majority believe that cadaveric dissection helps to improve knowledge of procedural anatomy (33/35; 94.3%) and enhances technical skill (25/35; 71.4%). Thirty participants (86%) rated cadaveric dissection as the best tool for surgical training of postgraduates better than operative manuals, surgical videos, and virtual simulators. Conclusions: Laboratory training including cadaveric dissection is feasible, relevant, effective, and acceptable to postgraduate surgical trainees with few disadvantages, which can be taken care of. Trainees felt it should be made part of curriculum.

Bioactive Compound-Loaded Nanocarriers for Hair Growth Promotion: Current Status and Future Perspectives.

Hair loss (alopecia) has a multitude of causes, and the problem is still poorly defined. For curing alopecia, therapies are available in both natural and synthetic forms; however, natural remedies are gaining popularity due to the multiple effects of complex phytoconstituents on the scalp with fewer side effects. Evidence-based hair growth promotion by some plants has been reported for both traditional and advanced treatment approaches. Nanoarchitectonics may have the ability to evolve in the field of hair- and scalp-altering products and treatments, giving new qualities to hair that can be an effective protective layer or a technique to recover lost hair. This review will provide insights into several plant and herbal formulations that have been reported for the prevention of hair loss and stimulation of new hair growth. This review also focuses on the molecular mechanisms of hair growth/loss, several isolated phytoconstituents with hair growth-promoting properties, patents, in vivo evaluation of hair growth-promoting activity, and recent nanoarchitectonic technologies that have been explored for hair growth.

An insight into thermodynamic relationship between polymorphic forms of efavirenz.

PURPOSE: The aim of the work is to study the crystallization of efavirenz to understand the preferential formation of various polymorphic forms, to establish their identity, to study the transformation between the polymorphic forms on heating and to determine their free energy. METHODS: Slow crystallization from different solvents under controlled conditions was employed to prepare various crystalline forms. The TGA and DSC were used to study their thermal behavior and inter-conversion of these forms. The calorimetrically determined enthalpies of solution and solubility data are utilized to determine the transition temperatures. RESULTS: Six polymorphic forms of efavirenz are identified and characterized completely. The TGA scans of all the forms did not show any mass loss indicating absence of hydrate or solvate. The thermally induced transformations are observed in the DSC scans of five forms II-VI indicating them to be metastable which are converted to stable higher melting forms. The melting temperature and enthalpy of fusion of lower melting (FormL) and higher melting forms (FormH) reveal that four of these polymorphic pairs are monotropically related. The enthalpies of solution of FormL are found to be more exothermic as compared to corresponding FormH. The transition temperature (Tt) determined using enthalpy of solution and solubility data was found to be higher than the melting of both the forms except for polymorphic pair VIL/VIH. The effect of ΔCp on transition temperature is also reported. CONCLUSIONS: The form I is found to be thermodymanically most stable but least soluble. The forms II-V are metastable and are converted irreversibly to stable forms. The enthalpy of fusion rule and virtual transition temperature provided complementary evidence for the existence of monotropy in these polymorphic pairs. However, enantiotropy is demonstrated in VIL/VLH pair and is well established in our study. NOVELTY: The present study reveals the thermodynamic aspects of various isolated polymorphic forms of efavirenz. Solution calorimetry along with other techniques is used to study the transformation of one form to another. The emphasis is laid on determination of transition temperature of various polymorphic pairs which has not been reported earlier.

Essential Oils as Potential Source of Anti-dandruff Agents: A Review.

BACKGROUND: Dandruff is a frequent occurring scalp problem that causes significant discomfort to approximately 50% population at some stage of life, especially post-puberty and preadult age. OBJECTIVES: In this review, we aim to summarise the recent findings regarding anti-fungal properties of herbal essential oils against pathogens involved in dandruff prognosis. METHODS: A literature search of studies published between 2000 and 2020 was conducted over databases: PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Science Direct. Literature was explored using the guidelines given in Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). RESULTS: Dandruff, characterised by clinical symptoms of dryness, pruritis, scaly, and flaky scalp, is considered as a primary manifestation of seborrheic dermatitis. Amongst various etiological and pathophysiological factors, significant role of yeasts, primarily, species of Malassezia, Candida, has been strongly correlated with dandruff, while incidences of M. furfur, M. restricta and M. globosa are high compared to others. Due to relapse of symptoms with withdrawal of conventional anti-dandruff products, patients find best alternatives in natural products. Essential oils of herbal origin such as tea tree oil, lime oil, rosemary oil, have gained global importance in dermatology. These oils are rich in aromatic secondary metabolites, especially terpenes and phenolic components that impart substantial antimicrobial properties and resisting biofilm production. CONCLUSION: On the basis of the available information, we can conclude that essential oils have huge potential to be developed as anti-dandruff products, however, further studies are warranted to establish their efficacy in dandruff cure.

A Rare Case of Endolymphatic Sac Tumour: Clinical, Radiological, Pathological and Immunohistochemical Findings with Review of Literature.

Endolymphatic sac tumour (ELST) is a rare low grade malignant epithelial tumour of the petrous temporal bone, thought to arise from papillary epithelium of the endolymphatic sac. They may occur sporadically or in association with Von-Hippel Lindau disease. ELST is extremely rare neoplasm with benign histopathological appearance and clinically destructive behaviour. Because of the rarity of this tumour, it can easily be confused with other tumours such as paraganglioma, middle ear adenoma, metastatic carcinomas or choroid plexus papilloma. We report here a rare case of ELST with review of literature and discuss the differentiating features of ELST from its mimickers, showing a papillary configuration.