Assessment of anti-psoriatic activity of bakuchiol-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles-based gel: design, characterization, and mechanistic insight via NF-kB signaling pathway.

The aim of the current study is to evaluate the anti-psoriatic potential of bakuchiol (Bak) loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) via modulating inflammatory and oxidative pathways. Bak-loaded SLNs were prepared using hot homogenization method and characterized by various spectroscopic techniques. Bak-SLNs suspension was formulated into gel using Carbopol. Different in vivo assays were executed to explore the role of inflammatory markers and oxidative enzymes in psoriasis. DLS (dynamic light scattering) analysis showed suitable particle size, zeta potential, and polydispersity index (PDI) of developed formulation. TEM (transmission electron microscopy) reveal the spherical shape of Bak-SLNs particles. The release studies confirmed the sustained release of Bak-SLNs-based gel. UV-B-induced psoriatic Wistar rat model showed significant anti-psoriatic effect of Bak via regulating inflammatory markers (NF-kB, IL-6, IL-4, and IL-10) and levels of anti-oxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), and glutathione-S-transferase (GST). Furthermore, RT-qPCR analysis confirms that Bak downregulates the expression of inflammatory markers, while histology and immunohistology results also confirm the anti-psoriatic effect of Bak. The study indicates that Bak-loaded SLNs-based gel significantly downregulates the level of cytokines and interleukins involve in NF-kB signaling cascade; hence, it can prove to be a novel therapeutic approach to cure psoriasis.

Pharmacokinetics and toxicity profiling of 4-(methylthio)butyl isothiocyanate with special reference to pre-clinical safety assessment studies.

4-(methylthio)butyl isothiocyanate (4-MTBITC) also called erucin is abundantly present in the seeds of Eruca sativa plant closely related to cruciferous vegetables rich in isothiocyanates. We have previously reported the molecular targets of 4-MTBITC, but no acute, subacute and subchronic toxicity studies have been carried out to evaluate its safety. The non-everted gut sac method was used to study intestinal absorption and it revealed the highest absorption of 4-MTBITC in the jejunum. Dose-dependent pharmacokinetic parameters were observed in rats given 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg oral doses of 4-MTBITC. At the highest dose of 40 mg/kg, Cmax was 437.33 µg/ml and Tmax was 30 min, suggesting quick absorption and delayed elimination with elimination constant, 0.0036 ± 0.0002min-1. In a 14 days toxicity study, the mean LD50 of 4-MTBITC was 500 mg/kg body weight. After 28 and 90 days of treatment with 4-MTBITC (2.5, 10, 40 mg/kg/day), significant increases were observed in SGOT, cholesterol, and antioxidant enzymes. The levels of glycine, alanine and lysine were markedly increased in the liver tissue, thereby indicating that the liver was the target organ of 4-MTBITC induced toxicity in female animals. The histopathological examination of liver, kidney, and lung tissues revealed little focal necrosis, apoptosis, and reduction in the levels of amino acids involved in cellular metabolic pathways, indicating the anti-proliferative potential of 4-MTBITC against rapidly growing cells.

Assessment of barriers and motivators to online learning among medical undergraduates of Punjab.

BACKGROUND: The current corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to the disruption of academic activities including medical education which has made online learning only available options for continuing education worldwide. Online learning has its own limitations, which are further amplified if not implemented properly. Hence, there is a need to assess various barriers faced in the implementation of effective online learning. OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study was to identify the barriers and motivators in online learning among medical undergraduates. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This internet-based cross-sectional study was conducted among medical undergraduates of Punjab. The data collection tool was a semi-structured self-made questionnaire prepared using "Google Forms," which was then circulated in the WhatsApp groups of the students. Received responses were imported to the Microsoft Excel sheet and statistical analysis was done. RESULTS: Out of the 592 participants, 533 (90%) faced some kind of problem in online learning. Major among them were lack of personal interaction with teachers (52%), distractions at home (43.6%), technology failure (43.2%), limited access to the Internet (39.2%), visual fatigue (38.5%), and increased workload (25%). Benefits perceived were the comfortable environment of home (41%), easy accessibility of recorded lectures (36.8%), and the opportunity to keep in touch with studies (35%). CONCLUSIONS: The online learning process is not a replacement for routine classroom teaching and clinical postings in medical education. However, it can supplement routine teaching, especially during current COVID-19 pandemic-like situations. Most of the students (90%) were facing some kind of difficulty in the online learning process due to unplanned and sudden shifts. Therefore, it is necessary to identify and eliminate the various barriers to make online learning effective.

Biotechnological interventions and genetic diversity assessment in Swertia sp.: a myriad source of valuable secondary metabolites.

The genus Swertia (Family: Gentianaceae) has cosmopolitan distribution which is present in almost all the continents except South America and Australia. Swertia genus has been renowned as one of the potent herbal drugs in the British, American, and Chinese Pharmacopeias as well as well-documented in the Indian traditional medicinal systems, viz. Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani. Many species of this genus have therapeutic properties and have been used traditionally in the treatment of a number of health ailments viz. hepatitis, diabetes, inflammation, bacillary dysentery, cancer, malaria, fever etc. This genus is industrially important medicinal plant that has been used as a principal component in numerous marketed herbal/ polyherbal formulations. Medicinal usage of Swertia is endorsed to the miscellaneous compounds viz. xanthones, irridoids, seco-irridoids, and triterpenoids. A chain of systematic isolation of bio-active compounds and their diverse range of pharmacological effects during last 15-20 years proved this genus as industrially important plant. Due to the various practices of the Swertia species, annual demand is more than 100 tons per year for this important herb which is continuously increasing 10% annually. The market value rises 10% by the year as there is increased demand in national and international market resulted in adulteration of many Swertia spp. due to paucity of agricultural practices, exomorphological, phytochemical, and molecular characterization. Thus, efficient biotechnology methods are prerequisite for the mass production of authentic species, sustainable production of bio-active compounds and ex situ conservation. A chain of systematic biotechnological interventions in Swertia herb during last 20 years cover the assessment of genetic diversity, in vitro sustainable production of bio-active compounds and mass propagation of elite genotypes via direct and indirect organogenesis. This review attempts to present the comprehensive assessment on biotechnological process made in Swertia over the past few years. KEY POINTS: • Critical and updated assessment on biotechnological aspects of Swertia spp. • In vitro propagation and genetic diversity assessment in Swertia spp. • Biosynthesis and sustainable production of secondary metabolites in Swertia spp.

Nonmedical Factors and Health-Related Quality of Life in CKD in India.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Patient-reported outcomes have gained prominence in the management of chronic noncommunicable diseases. Measurement of health-related quality of life is being increasingly incorporated into medical decision making and health care delivery processes. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS: The Indian Chronic Kidney Disease Study is a prospective cohort of participants with mild to moderate CKD. Baseline health-related quality of life scores, determined by the standardized Kidney Disease Quality of Life 36 item instrument, are presented for the inception cohort (n=2919). Scores are presented on five subscales: mental component summary, physical component summary, burden, effect of kidney disease, and symptom and problems; each is scored 0-100. The associations of socioeconomic and clinical parameters with the five subscale scores and lower quality of life (defined as subscale score <1 SD of the sample mean) were examined. The main socioeconomic factors studied were sex, education, occupation, and income. The key medical factors studied were age, eGFR, diabetes, hypertension, and albuminuria. RESULTS: The mean (SD) subscale scores were physical component summary score, 43±9; mental component summary score, 48±10; burden, 61±33; effects, 87±13; and symptoms, 90±20. Among the socioeconomic variables, women, lower education, and lower income were negatively associated with reduced scores across all subscales. For instance, the respective ß-coefficients (SD) for association with the physical component summary subscale were -2.6 (-3.4 to -1.8), -1.5 (-2.2 to -0.7), and -1.6 (-2.7 to -0.5). Medical factors had inconsistent or no association with subscale scores. The quality of life scores also displayed regional variations. CONCLUSIONS: In this first of its kind analysis from India, predominantly socioeconomic factors were associated with quality of life scores in patients with CKD.

Simple drop cast method for enumeration of bacteriophages.

Phage enumeration is a basic prerequisite for application of phages in industrial, medical and other processes. Double layer agar (DLA) plaque assay is the classical method employed for isolation, detection as well as enumeration of phage particles in a solution. However, DLA method is considered cumbersome due to its specific temperature requirements and need for one petriplate with two agar layers for each phage sample. We are proposing a drop cast method for enumeration of phages which is comparatively easier and cost effective than classical DLA method as single layer of agar without any specific temperature condition is required. Added advantage of this method is that 7-10 dilutions of phage suspension can be enumerated on a single agar plate in contrast to one dilution per plate as required in DLA method. Although standard deviation in phage count was higher in the proposed method than DLA method, still drop cast method provided first-approximation phage titer which can be further validated by DLA method for more accuracy. Hence, the present method can be considered reliable, easy and cost effective for determining approximate phage count in an unknown phage suspension.

Assessment of Lingual Concavities in Submandibular Fossa Region in Patients requiring Dental Implants-A Cone Beam Computed Tomography Study.

AIM: The present study was aimed at assessing the lingual concavities in the submandibular fossa region in patients requiring dental implants with the help of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study included 140 patients who visited the department with the missing mandibular posterior teeth. CBCT images were obtained using planmeca machine. Cross sections of 1 mm of submandibular fossa in the region of 1st and 2nd molar were studied and Type I to III lingual concavities were analyzed by a radiologist. RESULTS: Type I lingual concavity (< 2 mm) was seen in 23%, type II (2-3 mm) in 62% and Type III (> 3 mm) in 15% of patients. The difference was significant (p < 0.05). Males had slightly higher mean ± S.D value at 1st molar (2.6 mm ± 0.94) and 2nd molar (2.8 mm ± 0.90) on the left side and (2.7 mm ± 0.92) at 1st molar and (2.9 mm ± 0.93) at 2nd molar on the right side. The difference was nonsignificant (p > 0.05). Females had mean ± S.D value at 1st molar (2.3 mm ± 0.90) and (2.5 mm ± 0.92) at 2nd molar on the left side and (2.4 mm ± 0.91) at 1st molar and (2.8 mm ± 0.93) at 2nd molar. The difference was nonsignificant (p > 0.05. The difference between both genders was statistically nonsignificant (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Type I bone is the best for placing an implant. The chances of complications are more in type II and III bone. CBCT provides necessary information before planning implant in the edentulous area. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is the best radiographic aid which is effective in delineating different types of bone in the mandibular posterior region.

Brain delivery of intranasal in situ gel of nanoparticulated polymeric carriers containing antidepressant drug: behavioral and biochemical assessment.

This study was aimed for brain delivery of Tramadol HCl (centrally acting synthetic opioid) following intranasal administration for treatment of depression. Chitosan nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared by ionic gelation method followed by the addition of developed NPs with in the Pluronic and HPMC-based mucoadhesive thermo-reversible gel. Developed formulation optimized based on the various parameters such as particle size, entrapment efficiency, in vitro release study. Depression induction was done by forced swim test and evaluated by various behavioral and biochemical parameters. Furthermore, results showed significantly increased in locomotors activity, body weight as compared to control group. It also showed alteration in biochemical parameters such glutathione level and catalase levels significantly increased other than lipid peroxidation and nitrite level was found to be decreased after intranasal administration of formulation. Thus, intranasal TRM HCl NP-loaded in situ gel was found to be a promising formulation for the treatment of depression.