Genomic insights into heart health: Exploring the genetic basis of cardiovascular disease.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are considered as the leading cause of death worldwide. CVD continues to be a major cause of death and morbidity despite significant improvements in its detection and treatment. Therefore, it is strategically important to be able to precisely characterize an individual's sensitivity to certain illnesses. The discovery of genes linked to cardiovascular illnesses has benefited from linkage analysis and genome-wide association research. The last 20 years have seen significant advancements in the field of molecular genetics, particularly with the development of new tools like genome-wide association studies. In this article we explore the profound impact of genetic variations on disease development, prognosis, and therapeutic responses. And the significance of genetics in cardiovascular risk assessment and the ever-evolving realm of genetic testing, offering insights into the potential for personalized medicine in this domain. Embracing the future of cardiovascular care, the article explores the implications of pharmacogenomics for tailored treatments, the promise of emerging technologies in cardiovascular genetics and therapies, including the transformative influence of nanotechnology. Furthermore, it delves into the exciting frontiers of gene editing, such as CRISPR/Cas9, as a novel approach to combat cardiovascular diseases. And also explore the potential of stem cell therapy and regenerative medicine, providing a holistic view of the dynamic landscape of cardiovascular genomics and its transformative potential for the field of cardiovascular medicine.

Molecular dynamics study on the interaction of phosphorus building gypsum /surfactant composites.

While surfactants are widely used in phosphogypsum, their interactions with the phosphogypsum-water interface remain unclear. This study investigates the impact of three types of surfactants, namely polycarboxylate-based surfactant (PCE-TPEG), naphthalene-based surfactant (NS), and melamine-based surfactant (MS), on the performance of phosphorus building gypsum (PBG). Additionally, a nanoscale model of the PBG-surfactant-water interface is constructed using molecular dynamics to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the interaction between different surfactants and PBG at multiple scales. The results demonstrate that all surfactants enhance the mechanical properties of PBG. PCE-TPEG exhibits the most pronounced improvement. In the model, PCE-TPEG molecules likely undergo comb-like adsorption, while NS and MS molecules tend to adsorb on both ends of the crystal plane. Changes in the potential difference between CaSO4·2H2O and H2O, as well as between CaSO4·2H2O and the surfactant, play a crucial role in adsorption. PCE-TPEG, NS, and MS molecules tend to spread horizontally in a vacuum state. With the addition of water molecules, they transition to spatial adsorption. Ca2+ easily interacts with -COO- and -SO3- groups, leading to reduced migration and flexibility of the main chain. The adsorption process of surfactants at the gypsum-water interface occurs spontaneously and Electrostatic forces are the main driving factor. This study contributes to a more comprehensive understanding on the behaviour of the phosphorus building gypsum/surfactant composites.

Effect of dietary inclusion of mealworm frass on growth, hematology, and serum biochemistry of sheep.

Frass is the main component of worm by-product which exhibit anti-microbial and anti-pathogenic properties. In the present study, we assessed the possibility of mealworm frass in sheep feeding regime and evaluated its effect on health and growth performance of sheep. A total of 09 experimental sheep (18-24 months of age) were grouped into three categories (T1, T3, and T3); each group comprised 3 animals including 2 males and 1 female. Group T1 was considered control, group T2 contains 75% commercial feed and 25 mealworm frass, and T3 was 50:50 of commercial feed and mealworm frass. The sheep in group T2 showed average weight gain of 2.9 kg; however, when the dietary inclusion increased up to 50% of mealworm frass or decreased up to 50% of concentrate feed, the average weight gain decreased up to 2.01 kg (group T3). Moreover, the sheep fed with 25% mealworm frass exhibited the lowest feed refusal percentage (6.33%) in total duration of the dietary period (6 weeks). The highest volume of RBC was found in blood collected from sheep fed within group T2 (10.22 1012/L ± 0.34), followed by sheep fed in group T3 (8.96 × 1012/L ± 0.99) (P < 0.05). Significantly (P < 0.05) highest MCV volume in fL (femtoliter) was found in group T2 (32.83 ± 0.44) followed by group T3 (31.23 ± 0.23). The animals in group T3 showed significantly (P < 0.05) highest MCHC volume (40.47 g/dL ± 0.62) followed by group T2 (38.77 ± 0.97). Similar trend was found in MPV (fL); significantly (P < 0.05) highest MPV volume was found in group T3 (12.63 ± 0.09) followed by group T2 (12.53 ± 0.33). Significantly (P < 0.05) high serum phosphorous (P) (6.00 ± 0.29), TG (60.03 ± 3.11), and TP (7.63 g/dL ± 0.23) levels were found in group T3, followed by animals in group T2. We can conclude that inclusion of mealworm frass to replace 25% commercial concentrate feed improved the growth rate and overall health status of the sheep. The present study laid a foundation for the utilization of the mealworm frass (waste product) in ruminant feeding.

Comprehensive Approaches of Nanoparticles for Growth Performance and Health Benefits in Poultry: An Update on the Current Scenario.

Currently, providing nutritious food to all people is one of the greatest challenges due to rapid human population growth. The global poultry industry is a part of the agrifood sector playing an essential role in food insecurity by providing nutritious meat and egg sources. However, limited meat production with less nutritional value is not fulfilling the higher market demands worldwide. Researchers are focusing on nanobiotechnology by employing phytosynthesized mineral nanomaterials to improve the growth performance and nutritional status of broilers as these mineral nanoparticles are usually absorbed in greater amounts from the gastrointestinal tract and exert enhanced biological effects in the target tissues of animals with greater tissue accumulation. These mineral nanoparticles are efficiently absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract and reach essential organs via blood. As a result, it enhances growth performance and nutritional value with less toxicity and tremendous bioavailability properties. In this review, the research work conducted in the recent past, on the different aspects of nanotechnology including supplementation of mineral nanoparticle in diet and their potential role in the poultry industry, has been concisely discussed.

Characterization and Evaluation of Antimicrobial Potential of Trigonella incise (Linn) Mediated Biosynthesized Silver Nanoparticles.

The goal of the research was to explore a new green method used to synthesize silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) from an aqueous extract of Trigonella incise, which serves as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The obtained results showed an 85% yield of nanoparticles by using 2:5 (v/v) of 5% plant extract with a 0.5 M solution of AgNO3. Different techniques were used to characterize the synthesized Ag NPs, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and UV-visible spectroscopy. The UV-visible spectra of green synthesized silver nanoparticles showed maximum absorption at a wavelength of 440 nm. The FT-IR studies revealed the stretching oscillation frequency of synthesized silver nanoparticles in the absorption band near 860 cm-1. Similarly, the bending and stretching oscillation frequencies of the NH function group were assigned to the band in the 3226 cm-1 and 1647 cm-1 regions. The bending vibration of C-O at 1159 cm-1 confirmed the carbonyl functional group that was also assigned to the small intensity band in the range of 2361 cm-1. The X-ray diffraction analysis of Ag NPs revealed four distinct diffraction peaks at 2θ of 38°, 45°, 65° and 78°, corresponds to (111), (200), (220) and (311) of the face-centered cubic shape. The round shape morphology of Ag NPs with a mean diameter in the range 20-80 nm was analyzed via SEM images. Furthermore, the nanoparticles showed more significant antimicrobial activity against Salmonella typhi (S. typhi) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) with an inhibition zone of 21.5 mm and 20.5 mm at 6 µg/mL concentrations, respectively, once compared to the standard reference. At concentrations of 2 µg/mL and 4 µg/mL, all of the bacterial strains showed moderate activity, with inhibition zones ranging from 11 mm to 18.5 mm. Even at high concentrations of AgNPs, S. typhi showed maximum resistance. The best antifungal activity was observed by synthesized Ag NPs against Candida albicans (C. albicans) with 21 mm zone of inhibition, as compared to a standard drug which gives 22 mm of inhibition. Therefore, we conclude that the antibacterial and antifungal activities showed satisfactory results from the synthesized Ag NPs.

Cross-Talk between Obesity and Diabetes: Introducing Polyphenols as an Effective Phytomedicine to Combat the Dual Sword Diabesity.

Obesity-associated diabetes mellitus, a chronic metabolic affliction accounting for 90% of all diabetic patients, has been affecting humanity extremely badly and escalating the risk of developing other serious disorders. It is observed that 0.4 billion people globally have diabetes, whose major cause is obesity. Currently, innumerable synthetic drugs like alogliptin and rosiglitazone are being used to get through diabetes, but they have certain complications, restrictions with severe side effects, and toxicity issues. Recently, the frequency of plant-derived phytochemicals as advantageous substitutes against diabesity is increasing progressively due to their unparalleled benefit of producing less side effects and toxicity. Of these phytochemicals, dietary polyphenols have been accepted as potent agents against the dual sword "diabesity". These polyphenols target certain genes and molecular pathways through dual mechanisms such as adiponectin upregulation, cannabinoid receptor antagonism, free fatty acid oxidation, ghrelin antagonism, glucocorticoid inhibition, sodium-glucose cotransporter inhibition, oxidative stress and inflammation inhibition etc. which sequentially help to combat both diabetes and obesity. In this review, we have summarized the most beneficial natural polyphenols along with their complex molecular pathways during diabesity.

Green Fabrication of Silver Nanoparticles using Euphorbia serpens Kunth Aqueous Extract, Their Characterization, and Investigation of Its In Vitro Antioxidative, Antimicrobial, Insecticidal, and Cytotoxic Activities.

The silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized via green synthesis approach using Euporbia serpens Kunth aqueous extract. The synthesized AgNPs were characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy and Furrier Transformer Infra-Red spectroscopy to justify the reduction and stabilization of AgNPs from its precursors. AgNPs characteristic absorption peak was observed at 420 nm in the UV-visible spectrum. The SEM and TEM analysis demonstrated the spherical shape of the synthesized nanoparticles with particle sizes ranging from 30 nm to 80 nm. FTIR transmission bands at 2920 cm-1, 1639 cm-1, 1410 cm-1, 3290 cm-1, and 1085 cm-1 were attributed to C-H, C=O, C-C, N-H, and C-N functional groups, respectively. XRD peaks could be attributed to (111), (200), (220), and (311) crystalline plane of the faced-centered cube (FCC) crystalline structure of the metallic silver nanoparticles. The AgNPs showed good antibacterial activity against all the tested bacteria at each concentration. The particles were found to be more active against Escherichia coli (E. coli) with 20 ± 06 mm and Salmonella typhi (S. typhi) with 18 ± 0.5 mm zone of inhibition in reference to standard antibiotic amoxicillin with 23 ± 0.3 mm and 20 ± 0.4 mm zone of inhibition, respectively. Moderate antifungal activities were observed against Candida albicans (C. albicans) and Alternaria alternata (A. alternata) with zone of inhibitions 16.5 mm and 15 mm, respectively, compared to the standard with 23 mm of inhibition. Insignificant antifungal inhibition of 7.5 mm was observed against Fusarium gramium (F. gramium). All the tested concentrations of AgNPs showed comparable % RSA with the standard reference ascorbic acid in the range sixty percent to seventy five percent. The percent motility at 3 hours postincubation showed quick response and most Tetramorium caespitum were found deceased or paralyzed. Similarly, the percent mortality showed a linear response at concentration and time. It was observed that 1 µg/mL to 2 µg/mL concentration of AgNPs displayed a significant cytotoxic activity against Artemia salina with LD50 of 5.37 and 5.82, respectively.

Twin Mixed Local Anesthesia in Third Molar Surgery - Randomized Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the clinical efficacy of injection of 2 long-acting amide local anesthetic agents - bupivacaine and ropivacaine with and without 4 mg dexamethasone in patients undergoing third molar extraction. METHODS: A prospective randomized double blind controlled trial was conducted among 68 patients with impacted mandibular third molars. Group A and B were the control groups and received 1.8 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine hydrochloride and 0.75% ropivacaine hydrochloride, respectively. Group A1 and B1 were experimental groups and received modified twin mixes which were 1.8 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine hydrochloride + 1mL/4mg dexamethasone and 0.75% ropivacaine hydrochloride + 1 mL/4mg dexamethasone, respectively. Visual analog pain scale, mouth opening measurement and facial swelling were assessed at the time of injection and postoperative days 1, 3, and 7. RESULTS: The mean visual analogue scale score for pain on local anesthesia injection was found to be less in both experimental groups- Group A1 (2.94) and B1 (2.41) as compared to control groups- Group A (3.59) and B (3.06). The durations of soft tissue anesthesia were higher as compared to their respective controls for both Group A1 and B1. Patients in both control groups A and B had an increased postoperative swelling, pain and trismus. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative and postoperative comfort in both the experimental groups were higher than those for control groups, thereby establishing the clinical efficacy of both modified twin mixes for use in surgical extraction of mandibular third molars.

Effective Antiplasmodial and Cytotoxic Activities of Synthesized Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using Rhazya stricta Leaf Extract.

In the present study, zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles were prepared using ZnCl2.2H2O as a precursor, via green route using leaf extract of Rhazya stricta as capping and reducing agent. The prepared ZnO nanoparticles were examined using UV-visible spectrophotometer (UV-Vis), Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction spectrometer (XRD), and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The UV-Vis absorption spectrum at 355 nm showed an absorption peak, which indicates the formation of ZnO NPs. The FT-IR spectra analysis was performed to identify the potential biomolecule of the as-prepared ZnO NPs. The FT-IR spectra showed peaks at 3455, 1438, 883, and 671 cm-1 in the region of 4000-500 cm-1, which indicates -OH, NH, C-H, and M-O groups, respectively. The SEM images showed aggregation of ZnO nanoparticles with an average size of 70-90 nm. The XRD study indicated that the ZnO NPs were crystalline in nature with hexagonal wurtzite structure and broad peaks were observed at 2 theta positions 31.8°, 34.44°, 36.29°, 47.57°, 56.61°, 67.96°, and 69.07°. The synthesized ZnO NPs were found to be good antiplasmodial with a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 3.41 µg/mL. It is concluded from the current study that the ZnO NPs exhibited noble antiplasmodial activity, and for the improvement of antiplasmodial medications, it might be used after further in vivo studies.

Improving the quality and in vitro fertilization rate of frozen-thawed semen of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) bulls with the inclusion of vitamin B12 in the cryopreservation medium.

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of vitamin B12 in cryopreservation medium on frozen-thawed semen of buffalo (Bubalus Bubalis) bulls. Semen from five bulls (fertility-proven) were diluted in five aliquots not supplemented (control), or supplemented with 1, 2, 4, or 5 mg/mL of vitamin B12 and evaluated using the Computer Assisted Sperm motion Analysis, antioxidant enzymes, lipid peroxidation (LPO), reactive oxygen species (ROS), ATP concentrations, and in vitro fertilization rate (%). Sperm progressive motility, rapid velocity (%), mitochondrial potential, and acrosome integrity were greater (P < 0.05) with supplementation of 4, and 5 mg/mL vitamin B12 than the control sample. Similarly, compared with the control, samples with 5 mg/mL vitamin B12 supplementation had markedly greater average-path, straight-line, and curved-line velocities (µm/sec). Semen samples supplemented with 2, 4 and 5 mg/mL vitamin B12 had greater concentrations of GPx (U/mL) and SOD (U/mL), whereas LPO (µM/mL) was less (P < 0.05) compared with the control sample. Seminal plasma ROS concentrations (104/25 × 106) were less in the 5 mg/mL vitamin B12 supplemented than control sample. Semen samples supplemented with 5 mg/mL of vitamin B12 had greater concentrations of ATP than control and the 1 mg/mL vitamin B12 supplemented sample. Semen samples supplemented with 5 mg/mL of vitamin B12 had greater plasmalemma and DNA integrities (%) than the control sample. In summary, vitamin B12 supplementation augments semen quality, as evidenced by values for CASA variables, antioxidant enzymes, and ATP concentrations, which may occur as a consequence of inhibition in LPO and ROS production by buffalo spermatozoa.

Primary and Secondary Prevention Strategies for Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Patients with Left Ventricular Assist Device: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis.

Recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) is a common complication following left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. Our study aimed to estimate the comparative efficacy of different pharmacologic interventions for the prevention of GIB, through a network meta-analysis (NMA). A total of 13 observational studies comparing six strategies. Among those, 4 were for primary, and 9 were for secondary prevention of GIB. On NMA, thalidomide (Hazard ratio [HR]: 0.016, Credible interval [CrI]I: 0.00053-0.12), omega-3-fatty acid (HR:0.088, CrI: 0.026-0.77), octreotide (HR: 0.17, CrI: 0.0589-0.41) and danazol (HR:0.17, CrI: 0.059-0.41) reduced the risk of GIB. The use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin II receptor blocker (ACEi/ARB) and digoxin were not associated with any significant reduction. Based on NMA, combining indirect treatment comparisons, thalidomide, danazol, and octreotide treatments were associated with decreased risk of recurrent GIB. Additionally, Omega 3 fatty acids were associated with a lower risk of the primary episode of GIB in the LVAD patient population.

Phytochemical composition, biological potential and enzyme inhibition activity of Scandix pecten-veneris L.

OBJECTIVE: Scandix pecten-veneris L. is a less studied wild edible herb and is considered an extinct plant species in many parts of the world. This study was designed to evaluate its phytochemical composition and biological potential of S. pecten-veneris L. METHODS: Phytochemicals including alkaloids, flavonoids, polyphenols, and tannins were determined in extracts of S. pecten-veneris. Antioxidant activity was determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), while reducing power was tested by ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. Antimicrobial activity against seven bacterial and four fungal strains was evaluated using agar well diffusion assay. Enzymes inhibition study was performed for urease, phosphodiesterase-I, and catalase-II. RESULTS: S. pecten-veneris showed moderate antiradical activity and reducing potential of hydroxyl radicals to about 20% of the initial value. The antioxidant activity of various extracts of S. pecten-veneris showed a linear correlation with total phenolic contents in the order of water>n-butanol>chloroform>ethyl acetate>methanol extracts. S. pecten-veneris leaves showed the highest inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus aureus while the highest antifungal activity was observed against Candida albicans. The plant extract was most potent against urease enzymes but showed moderate activity against phosphodiestrase-I and carbonic anhydrase-II. CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrate that in addition to its culinary uses, S. pecten-veneris has good medicinal potential and hence could be used for treating some specific health ailments.

Effect of olive oil on transdermal penetration of flurbiprofen from topical gel as enhancer.

The present study was conducted to formulate and evaluate flurbiprofen transdermal gel. A standard calibration curve was constructed to obtain a regression line equation to be used for finding out the concentration of drug in samples. Olive oil was used as penetration enhancer and was added in different concentrations to some selected formulations to see its enhancement effect on in vitro drug release profiles. The prepared gels were evaluated for several physico-chemical parameters to justify their suitability for topical use. The in vitro drug release studies were carried out by using Franz cell diffusion apparatus across both synthetic membrane and excised albino rabbit skin. In order to investigate the drug release mechanism a kinetic approach was made by employing Korsmeyer kinetic model to the in vitro drug release profiles of flurbiprofen. The flurbiprofen topical gels were successfully prepared and could be beneficial for topical use.

Development of a novel ketoprofen transdermal patch: effect of almond oil as penetration enhancers on in-vitro and ex-vivo penetration of ketoprofen through rabbit skin.

The aim of the study was to formulate and evaluate topically applied ketoprofen gels and patches and to see the effect of naturally occurring almond oil as penetration enhancer on the penetration of ketoprofen through artificial membrane/rabbit skin. Prior to ketoprofen gel and patch formulation, the particle size and particle size determination of ketoprofen was analyzed by Particle size analyzer (Horiba LA300). Ketoprofen gels and patches were formulated and almond oil was added in several concentrations i.e. 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, 2.5% and 3%. The formulated gels were evaluated by several parameters like pH, spreadibility, consistency, homogeneity, skin irritation and drug content determination. In vitro drug permeation studies from transdermal gels and patches were carried out across artificial membrane and rabbit skin by using Franz Cell Apparatus (PermeGear, USA). Kinetics model was employed to the release patterns of ketoprofen from gel and patches in order to investigate the drug transport mechanism. The cumulative amount of drug penetrated from different formulations was statistically evaluated by using One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Stability study was performed for various batches of ketoprofen transdermal gel. Almond oil as penetration enhancer in various concentrations significantly enhances the penetration of drug from transdermal gels and patch across synthetic membrane/rabbit skin but was most significant when used in 3% concentration.

Investigation of antitussive and toxicological activity of Ballota limbata in mice.

CONTEXT: Ballota limbata Benth. (Lamiaceae) (syn, Otostegia limbata Hook.f.) is a species grown in the North West Frontier Province and the lower hills of West Punjab, Pakistan. Ballota species are renowned for their antispasmodic, antiulcer, diuretic, vermifuge, and especially sedative effects. However, little is known about the biological activity of B. limbata. OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of antitussive activity and safety profile of dried B. limbata extract. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Whole air-dried plants were partitioned with various solvents and the butanol fraction was subjected to antitussive evaluation using a sulfur dioxide (SO(2))-induced cough model in mice. Codeine and dextromethorphan were used as positive control. Safety profile of the testing material was established using standard toxicity tests. RESULTS: B. limbata extract inhibited cough provoked by SO(2) gas in mice in a dose-dependent manner. The extract exhibited maximum protection against SO(2)-induced cough after 60 min of administration. B. limbata offered maximum cough suppressive effects, that is, number of coughs during 60 min was 11.66 ± 1.2 (mean ± SEM), after s.c. administration of 800 mg/kg, as compared with codeine 10 mg/kg, s.c., dextromethorphan 10 mg/kg, s.c., and saline showing a frequency of cough of 11.75 ± 1.18, 12.25 ± 0.83, and 46.25 ± 1.52, respectively. LD(50) value of B. limbata was greater than 5000 mg/kg. No sign of neural impairment was observed at antitussive doses and the extract has been well-tolerated at higher doses. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that the extract of B. limbata has shown strong cough suppressive effect in mice without yielding any notable toxicity.

Effect of L-arginine therapy on plasma NO2 and NO3 levels, and blood pressure in uremic rabbits.

BACKGROUND: Normal kidney function is regulated by Nitric oxide (NO) and Superoxide (O2-) in the body, and consequently controls blood pressure. Nitric Oxide promotes natriuresis and diuresis, and therefore results in reduction of blood pressure. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of L-arginine supplementation on blood pressure, urinary protein, nitrite and nitrate in addition to blood urea, serum creatinine and creatinine clearance in uremic rabbits. METHODS: This study was carried out in the Department of Biochemistry Basic Medical Sciences Institute, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi. A total of 48 rabbits were included in the study. Twenty-four of the rabbits on surgical intervention were prepared as uremic and so became hypertensive as well. Two groups were uremic, one group was given L-arginine and the other was remained untreated. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure was measured on week 0, week 2, week 4, and week 6, while blood and urine was collected on week 0 and week 6. RESULTS: On supplementation with L-arginine to uremic rabbits systolic and diastolic blood pressures were decreased significantly. Nitrite/nitrate and urinary protein were corrected to some extent while blood urea and serum creatinine were unaffected. CONCLUSION: L-arginine has a beneficial role as blood pressure lowering agent in uremic rabbits. It corrects NO2/NO3 plasma level and proteinuria which is indicator of renal failure.

Chemical and biological investigations of Delonix regia (Bojer ex Hook.) Raf.

In this study, five compounds, lupeol (1), epilupeol (2), ß-sitosterol (3), stigmasterol (4) and p-methoxybenzaldehyde (5) were isolated from the petroleum ether and dichloromethane fractions of a methanolic extract of the stem bark of Delonix regia. Antimicrobial screening of the different extracts (15 µg mm-2) was conducted by the disc diffusion method. The zones of inhibition demonstrated by the petroleum ether, carbon tetrachloride and dichloromethane fractions ranged from 9-14 mm, 11-13 mm and 9-20 mm, respectively, compared to kanamycin standard with the zone of inhibition of 20-25 mm. In brine shrimp lethality bioassay, the carbon tetrachloride soluble materials demonstrated the highest toxicity with LC50 of 0.83 µg mL-1, while petroleum ether and dichloromethane soluble partitionates of the methanolic extract revealed LC50 of 14.94 and 3.29 µg mL-1, respectively, in comparison with standard vincristine sulphate with LC50 of 0.812 µg mL-1. This is the first report on compounds separation from D. regia, their antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity.

Single-dose versus single-day antibiotic prophylaxis for orthognathic surgery: a prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prophylactic value of single-dose antibiotic prophylaxis on postoperative infection in patients undergoing orthognathic surgery, compared to single-day antibiotics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred fifty patients were included in the study; 57 males and 93 females were divided into 2 groups with 75 in each group. Group 1 received a single dose of antibiotic prophylaxis and group 2 received a single day of antibiotic prophylaxis. These patients were assessed for rates of infection postoperatively after orthognathic surgery. RESULTS: Seven patients (9.3%) in group 1 developed infection, whereas 2 patients (2.6%) in group 2 developed infection. The difference in rates of infection in both groups was of interest but not statistically significant (P > .05). CONCLUSION: The results from the present study show that there is a clinically significant difference, but no statistically significant difference, between single-dose antibiotic prophylaxis and single-day antibiotic prophylaxis in reducing the rates of infection in orthognathic procedures. We recommend further studies with a larger sample size to determine whether there truly is no statistical difference between both groups.

Anticonvulsant activities of nutmeg oil of Myristica fragrans.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the anticonvulsant activity of the volatile oil of nutmeg, the dried seed kernel of Myristica fragrans Houtt, using well-established animal seizure models and to evaluate its potential for acute toxicity and acute neurotoxicity. The volatile oil of nutmeg (nutmeg oil) was tested for its effects in maximal electroshock, subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole, strychnine and bicuculline seizure tests. All the experiments were performed at the time of peak effect of nutmeg oil. Nutmeg oil showed a rapid onset of action and short duration of anticonvulsant effect. It was found to possess significant anticonvulsant activity against electroshock-induced hind limb tonic extension. It exhibited dose dependent anticonvulsant activity against pentylenetetrazole-induced tonic seizures. It delayed the onset of hind limb tonic extensor jerks induced by strychnine. It was anticonvulsant at lower doses, whereas weak proconvulsant at a higher dose against pentylenetetrazole and bicuculline induced clonic seizures. Nutmeg oil was found to possess wide therapeutic margin, as it did not induce motor impairment when tested up to 600 microL/kg in the inverted screen acute neurotoxicity test. Furthermore, the LD(50) (2150 microL/kg) value was much higher than its anticonvulsant doses (50-300 microL/kg). The results indicate that nutmeg oil may be effective against grand mal and partial seizures, as it prevents seizure spread in a set of established animal models. Slight potentiation of clonic seizure activity limits its use for the treatment of myoclonic and absence seizures.

A pharmacological and toxicological evaluation of Haloxylon recurvum.

Haloxylon recurvum Bunge ex Boiss (Chenopodiaceae) is distributed chiefly from the Mediterranean region to Central and South Asia and traditionally applied externally for a variety of disorders. We investigated the in vivo toxic potential of crude methanolic extract of the whole plant and its n-hexane, chloroform, butanol, ethylacetate and aqueous soluble fractions by determining their acute toxicity and acute neurotoxicity in mice using Lorke's method and inverted screen test. In vitro studies were also conducted in order to investigate its antilipoxygenase, antibacterial and antifungal activities. All the fractions showed a narrow margin of safety in mice, except the aqueous fraction, which did not produce any mortality even at the highest tested dose (5000 mg kg(-1)). At non-lethal doses, only the aqueous fraction (TD(50) 1264 mg kg(-1)) was found to produce neurotoxicity in mice. In in vitro lipoxygenase inhibition assay, the ethylacetate fraction showed the most significant inhibitory activity. Crude methanolic extract and its butanol soluble fraction showed the most potent antifungal and antibacterial activity for all the materials tested. Thus, this report verifies the traditionally reported toxicity of this plant, as the majority of its components have exhibited a narrow margin of safety, however, they have been found active in in vitro studies, therefore, further studies are required in order to isolate the most active toxic compounds and differentiate them from these fractions.