Nicotine Free Herbal Composition for Smoking De-Addiction - A Placebo Controlled, Double Blind, Randomized, Multicentric Clinical Study.

Background: Smoking is a major predisposing factor for many health problems including cancers, vascular disorders, etc., To quit smoking is the only solution to prevent them. Various medicinal and non-medicinal methods are used worldwide for the same. The present study evaluates the effect of a nicotine free herbal formulation containing ingredients like Mucuna pruriens, Withania somnifera, Bacopa monnieri, etc., for cessation of smoking and its effects on other health parameters related to smoking. Materials and Methods: The present study was a placebo controlled, double blind, randomized, and multi-centric clinical study conducted at three clinical sites in India. After ethical approval and informed consent, all participants were given Smotect Tablets or Placebo tablets in a dose of 2 tablets twice daily for 90 days. A total of 103 participants (52 in trial group and 51 in placebo group) completed the study. Evaluation of cessation of smoking was done along with other parameters like measurement of lung capacity, clinical assessment, and laboratory investigations before and after the study. Results: A significant reduction in smoking as well as in the alveolar Carbon monoxide (p < 0.05) and Carboxyhemoglobin levels (p < 0.05) were observed with the use of Smotect tablets as compared to placebo over a period of 90 days. Significant improvement was also observed in quality of life, energy and stamina levels, and reduction of stress level. Smotect tablets were found to be safe without causing any adverse effects. Conclusion: Smotect Tablets is an effective and safe remedy for cessation of smoking and reducing other effects related to smoking.

Targeting bioenergetics is key to counteracting the drug-tolerant state of biofilm-grown bacteria.

Embedded in an extracellular matrix, biofilm-residing bacteria are protected from diverse physicochemical insults. In accordance, in the human host the general recalcitrance of biofilm-grown bacteria hinders successful eradication of chronic, biofilm-associated infections. In this study, we demonstrate that upon addition of promethazine, an FDA approved drug, antibiotic tolerance of in vitro biofilm-grown bacteria can be abolished. We show that following the addition of promethazine, diverse antibiotics are capable of efficiently killing biofilm-residing cells at minimal inhibitory concentrations. Synergistic effects could also be observed in a murine in vivo model system. PMZ was shown to increase membrane potential and interfere with bacterial respiration. Of note, antibiotic killing activity was elevated when PMZ was added to cells grown under environmental conditions that induce low intracellular proton levels. Our results imply that biofilm-grown bacteria avoid antibiotic killing and become tolerant by counteracting intracellular alkalization through the adaptation of metabolic and transport functions. Abrogation of antibiotic tolerance by interfering with the cell's bioenergetics promises to pave the way for successful eradication of biofilm-associated infections. Repurposing promethazine as a biofilm-sensitizing drug has the potential to accelerate the introduction of new treatments for recalcitrant, biofilm-associated infections into the clinic.

Functional design of pH-responsive folate-targeted polymer-coated gold nanoparticles for drug delivery and in vivo therapy in breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Curcumin has been widely used owing to its various medicinal properties including antitumor effects. However, its clinical application is limited by its instability, poor solubility and low bioavailability. Folic acid (FA)-functionalized nanoformulations may enhance the sustained release of an anticancer drug (curcumin) by tumor-specific targeting to improve therapeutic benefit. This study aims to design a nanoconjugate (NC) comprised of folate-curcumin-loaded gold-polyvinylpyrrolidone nanoparticles (FA-CurAu-PVP NPs) for targeted delivery in breast cancer model systems. METHODS: We developed curcumin-loaded FA-functionalized Au-PVP NCs by layer-by-layer assembly. The folic acid-curcumin Au-PVP NCs (FA-CurAu-PVP NCs) were characterized by ultraviolet-visible spectra, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis. In vitro anticancer and antimigratory effects of NCs were examined by performing MTT and wound migration assays. The in vivo antitumor efficacy of NCs was investigated using a preclinical breast cancer orthotopic mouse model. RESULTS: Curcumin (40 µg/mL) was loaded along with conjugation of folate onto Au-PVP NPs to form FA-CurAu-PVP NCs. The size and charge of the NCs were increased gradually through layer-by-layer assembly and showed 80% release of curcumin at acidic pH. The NC did not show aggregation when incubated with human serum and mimicked an intrinsic peroxidase-like property in the presence of 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine substrate. The MTT data using these NCs showed efficient anticancer activity at lower doses in estrogen/progesterone receptor (ER/PR)-negative cells compared with ER/PR-positive cells. Furthermore, the NCs did not show cytotoxicity at the investigated concentration in human breast epithelial and mouse fibroblast cell lines. They showed inhibitory effects on cell migration and high antitumor efficacy in in vivo analysis. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that folate-based tumor targeting using CurAu-PVP NCs is a promising approach for tumor-specific therapy of breast cancer without harming normal cells.

Dashavidha Parikshya Bhava (tenfold of investigation) according to Acharya Charaka - An ancient method of research.

Research follows a scientific way of establishing facts. All those methods which are used by the researcher during the course of studying the research problem are termed as research methods. The scientific method implies an objective, logical, and systematic method. Research is an organized endeavor. Like any other organized work, research requires proper planning, that systematizes the research work. It eliminates aimless intellectual wandering. Database of knowledge creation and its classification gives a definite structure to any literature. However, it needs a proper research methodology, without which the structure is incomplete. Ayurveda experts have followed certain research methods and methodology. The traditionally established truths need to be validated in scientific manner. Validation of ancient methods of investigation or research will ultimately lead to establishment of Ayurveda as a science which will contribute to broad domain of Indian research methodology. The critical scientific approach of Ayurveda is evident from various ancient methods. Proper planning before performance of any task is always advised by authoritative persons. Acharya Charaka has given Dashavidha Parikshya Bhava, i.e. tenfold of investigation which are necessary for accomplishment of task without intellectual wandering. The desired objectives can be achieved if proper planning is done beforehand. This study is an attempt to establish the applicability of Dashavidha Parikshya Bhava, i.e. tenfold of investigation in planning of research mentioned in Charaka Samhita.

A causal relationship between knowledge of Sanskrit language and results of Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery examination: An analytical study.

INTRODUCTION: Education in the field of Ayurveda is regulated by the Central Council of Indian Medicine (CCIM). The weightage of Sanskrit subject in first Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and surgery (BAMS) course has been decreased from 250 marks to 100 marks by CCIM notification in 2012. Decrease in weightage of marks of Sanskrit subject from 250 marks to 100 marks may affect the knowledge of Sanskrit subject. AIMS: To established a causal relationship between knowledge of Sanskrit language and results of Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery examination. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Comparisons of knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) scores and average marks in BAMS examination of two groups of students of 2nd and 3rd year BAMS and who have passed 1st year BAMS professional examination with Sanskrit subject of either 250 marks or 100 marks regarding were done. The relationship between prior exposure to Sanskrit at school level and average marks in BAMS examinations was also assessed through this study. It was a cross-sectional KAP questionnaire study. KAP questionnaire to assess KAP toward Sanskrit subject was developed and was reviewed by expert faculties. A total of 200 students of various Ayurvedic colleges from Mumbai and Navi Mumbai were enrolled in the study. The data was analyzed by appropriate statistical tests. RESULTS AND OBSERVATION: It was observed that in spite of decrease in weightage of marks of Sanskrit subject, there was no significant difference in KAP score as well as average marks in BAMS examination in both the groups. There was significant difference in number of students who had studied Sanskrit subject and who had not studied it at school level. There were significant differences in KAP score and average marks in BAMS examination in those two groups. CONCLUSION: Students who have studied Sanskrit at school level find it easier to get good marks in BAMS examination, and particularly Sanskrit subject. Due to less weightage of Sanskrit subject, although syllabus is not decreased to that extent; there is very limited scope to ask various questions to judge the understanding level of students. Existing or previous syllabus of Sanskrit do not make any difference in understanding of subject and also in marks in University examination.

Biomimetic Salmonella: A Next-Generation Therapeutic Vector?

Designing bacterial vectors for cancer therapy represents a major challenge. Recent studies have explored novel strategies to balance benefit and safety. A study by Mercado-Lubo et al. has developed a next-generation concept combining bacterial properties with nanoparticles, demonstrating efficacy in combination with chemotherapeutics.