Cell and molecular targeted therapies for diabetic retinopathy.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) stands as a prevalent complication in the eye resulting from diabetes mellitus, predominantly associated with high blood sugar levels and hypertension as individuals age. DR is a severe microvascular complication of both type I and type II diabetes mellitus and the leading cause of vision impairment. The critical approach to combatting and halting the advancement of DR lies in effectively managing blood glucose and blood pressure levels in diabetic patients; however, this is seldom achieved. Both human and animal studies have revealed the intricate nature of this condition involving various cell types and molecules. Aside from photocoagulation, the sole therapy targeting VEGF molecules in the retina to prevent abnormal blood vessel growth is intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy. However, a substantial portion of cases, approximately 30-40%, do not respond to this treatment. This review explores distinctive pathophysiological phenomena of DR and identifiable cell types and molecules that could be targeted to mitigate the chronic changes occurring in the retina due to diabetes mellitus. Addressing the significant research gap in this domain is imperative to broaden the treatment options available for managing DR effectively.

Electro-chemical studies of Zn doped nickel oxide nanoparticles synthesized via solution combustion method using green and chemical fuels.

This study presents a new green solution combustion method (aloe vera gel extract as fuel) and chemical method (glucose as fuel) to synthesise Zn-doped nickel oxide nanoparticles (Zn:NiO NPs). The face centered cubic crystal structure (FCC) phase was validated by PXRD, while the produced samples' spongy, spherical, agglomerated, and porous characteristics were shown by electron microscopy. The energy band gap values of 4.21 eV and 4.09 eV, respectively, were deduced for green and chemically synthesized Zn:NiO NPs. The reversibility was demonstrated by cyclic voltammetry with a lower EO-ER value for the green-Zn:NiO electrode. The studies on electrochemical impedance confirmed strong conductivity for the NPs by demonstrating a low charge transfer resistance. The Zn:NiO NPs are easily convertible into a stable electrode material that may be used in supercapacitors. According to the findings, Zn:NiO is an economical and promising material for use in supercapacitors in the future.

Insights into the Biological Activities and Substituent Effects of Pyrrole Derivatives: The Chemistry-Biology Connection.

Pyrrole, with its versatile heterocyclic ring structure, serves as a valuable template for generating a diverse range of lead compounds with various pharmacophores. Researchers and scientists globally are intrigued by pyrrole and its analogues for their broad pharmacological potential, prompting thorough investigations aimed at advancing human welfare. This comprehensive review delves into the diverse activities exhibited by pyrrole compounds, encompassing their synthesis, reactions, and pharmacological properties alongside their derivatives. In addition to detailing the characteristics of pyrrole and its derivatives within the context of green chemistry, the review also examines microwave-assisted reactions. It provides insights into their chemical structures, natural occurrences, and potential applications across various domains. Furthermore, the article investigates structural alterations of pyrrole compounds and their implications on their functionality, highlighting their versatility as foundational elements for both functional materials and bioactive compounds. Ultimately, the review underscores the imperative for continued research and development in the realm of pyrrole compounds to unearth novel activities and advantages.

Dexmedetomidine as an Adjunct to Propofol in Patients Undergoing Elective Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio-Pancreaticography - A Double-blind Randomized Controlled Study.

Background: Propofol is the drug of choice for procedural sedation. The addition of α2 agonist dexmedetomidine may improve the safety profile of the procedure by providing stable hemodynamics, better sedation quality, and decreasing the side effects of each drug during elective endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreaticography (ERCP). Materials and Methods: Eighty patients aged between 18 and 60 years were distributed randomly into two groups. The dexmedetomidine + propofol group (group DP) received an injection of dexmedetomidine at the dose of 1 mcg/kg in 100 mLsaline, and the propofol group (group P) received plain 100 mL normal saline over 10 min. Subsequently, both groups received a bolus dose of injection propofol 1 mg/kg as sedation, and a modified observer's assessment of alertness/sedation score (MOASS) score was assessed, followed by infusion at the rate of 50 mcg/kg/min during the procedure. A rescue bolus dose (20 mg) of propofol was administered when the patient showed signs of inadequate sedation or analgesia in both groups. Cardiovascular and respiratory parameters were recorded every 10 min throughout the procedure. Post-procedure modified Aldrete score was evaluated for 30 min, and the endoscopist's score was noted at the end of the procedure. Results: There was a significant difference (P = 0.001) in the additional number of rescue doses of propofol administered in group DP (3.47 ± 0.77) as compared to group P (8.78 ± 1.11). The total dose of propofol was lower in group DP (316.59 ± 43.29 mg) than in group P (443 ± 41.1 mg) with P value = 0.001. Statistically significant differences in the hemodynamic values were observed in group DP during infusion (P value < 0.05) of dexmedetomidine and throughout the procedure (P < 0.05) when compared with group P. Endoscopists graded the satisfaction score as very high (3.477 ± 0.77) in group DP. Conclusion: The addition of dexmedetomidine to propofol during ERCP provided better and safer sedation.

Trigonella foenum-graecum L. seed extract modulates biochemical and histomorphological changes in therapeutic model of high-fat diet-fed ovariectomized rats.

This study investigates the therapeutic effect of petroleum ether fraction of Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (PE-TFG) seed extract in ovariectomized rats fed with high-fat diet. Rats were randomly grouped into sham ovariectomy (S.OVX), ovariectomy + high-fat diet (OVX + HFD), and treatment groups. The blood samples were collected, and lipid profile, glucose, hepatic markers, and inflammatory markers were estimated. Liver, kidney, and common carotid artery were isolated for histopathological observations. Liver samples were tested for antioxidant, oxidative stress markers, mRNA expression of adiponectin, and PPAR-γ. PE-TFG treatment significantly decreased total cholesterol (18%), LDL (20%), hepatic markers (28%), leptin (17%), TNF-α (21%), and increased mRNA expression of adiponectin and PPAR-γ. There was also micro- and macro-hepatic steatosis, inflammation in the liver, deteriorated tubules in the kidney, and increased tunica intima and media thickness of the common carotid artery. These pathological alterations were reversed with PE-TFG administration. This impact might be linked to phytoestrogens and other components in PE-TFG such as diosgenin, phenols, and flavonoids. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-023-03707-8.

A Computational Study of Famciclovir Derivatives Against Thymidine Kinase as a Molecular Target for the Development of Novel Anticancer Drugs via Suicide Gene Therapy Concepts.

BACKGROUND: The viral thymidine kinase (TK) phosphorylates the antiviral medication famciclovir (FCV), which treats herpes simplex virus (HSV-TK). The phosphorylated FCV destroys the infected cells by preventing cellular DNA synthesis. OBJECTIVE: We hypothesize that FCV impurity, which is a related substance to FCV, should be efficient in killing cells independent of HSV-TK and is currently the most widely used suicide agent for gene therapy of cancer. METHODS: This study proposes the binding affinity of these derivatives for the active site of TK through molecular docking to a protein (PDB ID: 1W4R). The derivatives' reliability was ensured through the in-silico preliminary drug designing model by screening their Lipinski rule of five violations, if any, ADMET prediction for their profile using online tools. Using MOE 2009.10 computational software, we performed molecular docking of approximately 22 famciclovir derivatives alongside the famciclovir drug. RESULTS: Our results suggest that these derivatives are indicative of possible chemical stability irrespective of all the parameters used to evaluate the selected derivatives as a possible drug candidates for their cytotoxicity. FC20 (i.e., 2-(2-(2-((1-(9-(4-Acetoxy-3-(acetoxymethyl)butyl)-2-amino-9Hpurin- 8-yl)ethyl)amino)-9H-purin-9-yl)ethyl)propane-1,3-diyl diacetate) and FC21 (i.e., 2-Amino-1,9- dihydro-9-(4-hydroxybutyl)-6H-purin-6-one), showed maximum and minimum scores of -26.95 and - 7.21 kcal/mol, respectively when compared to famciclovir (-15.4122 kcal/mol). CONCLUSION: Considering that there might be a cytotoxicity effect due to competition between protein TK and the suicidal gene of famciclovir derivatives. The outcome of the study proved that the FCV impurity could successfully modify an HSV-TK-dependent antiviral drug into an anti-tumor drug. Further, it can be used for the design and development of novel compounds of FCV impurity that could be cytotoxic agents if properly delivered to cancer cells.

Bilateral variation in the branching pattern of the subclavian artery: an unusual finding with clinical implications.

The subclavian artery is a significant branch of the aortic arch. We present a rare case of a bilateral variation in the branching pattern of the subclavian artery, observed in an adult male cadaver aged 70 years. On both the sides of the neck, all the branches of the subclavian artery took their origin from its first part. There was a rare occurrence of a cervicodorsoscapular trunk, which gave rise to superficial cervical, suprascapular, and dorsal scapular arteries. The same branching pattern was observed on the left side of the neck, with the presence of another cervicodorsoscapular trunk. Thyrocervical trunk and transverse cervical artery were both absent from the cervical region bilaterally. The inferior thyroid artery was a direct branch from the subclavian artery. Knowledge regarding variations of the subclavian artery is very important as lateral cervical region arteries are important for flap harvesting in plastic and reconstruction surgery. Preoperative radiologic evaluation of pedicles might help in choosing the optimal flap design, prevent ischemic complications, and help to improve overall treatment outcomes.

A artéria subclávia é um ramo significativo do arco da aorta. Apresentamos um caso raro de variação bilateral do padrão de ramificação da artéria subclávia, observada em um cadáver adulto do sexo masculino de 70 anos. Em ambos os lados do pescoço, todos os ramos da artéria subclávia originavam-se de sua primeira parte. Houve rara ocorrência de tronco escapular cervical dorsal, que deu origem às artérias cervical superficial, supraescapular e escapular dorsal. O mesmo padrão de ramificação foi observado no lado esquerdo do pescoço, com a presença de tronco escapular cervical dorsal. O tronco tireocervical e a artéria cervical transversa estavam ausentes em ambas as regiões cervicais direita e esquerda. A artéria tireóidea inferior consistia em um ramo direto da artéria subclávia. O conhecimento das variações da artéria subclávia é fundamental, pois as artérias da região cervical lateral são importantes para a obtenção de retalhos em cirurgias plásticas e reconstrutivas. A avaliação radiológica pré-operatória dos pedículos pode ajudar na escolha do desenho ideal do retalho, prevenir complicações isquêmicas e ajudar a melhorar o resultado geral do tratamento.

Bilateral variation in the branching pattern of the subclavian artery: an unusual finding with clinical implications / Variação bilateral no padrão de ramificação da artéria subclávia: um achado incomum com implicações clínicas

Abstract The subclavian artery is a significant branch of the aortic arch. We present a rare case of a bilateral variation in the branching pattern of the subclavian artery, observed in an adult male cadaver aged 70 years. On both the sides of the neck, all the branches of the subclavian artery took their origin from its first part. There was a rare occurrence of a cervicodorsoscapular trunk, which gave rise to superficial cervical, suprascapular, and dorsal scapular arteries. The same branching pattern was observed on the left side of the neck, with the presence of another cervicodorsoscapular trunk. Thyrocervical trunk and transverse cervical artery were both absent from the cervical region bilaterally. The inferior thyroid artery was a direct branch from the subclavian artery. Knowledge regarding variations of the subclavian artery is very important as lateral cervical region arteries are important for flap harvesting in plastic and reconstruction surgery. Preoperative radiologic evaluation of pedicles might help in choosing the optimal flap design, prevent ischemic complications, and help to improve overall treatment outcomes.

Resumo A artéria subclávia é um ramo significativo do arco da aorta. Apresentamos um caso raro de variação bilateral do padrão de ramificação da artéria subclávia, observada em um cadáver adulto do sexo masculino de 70 anos. Em ambos os lados do pescoço, todos os ramos da artéria subclávia originavam-se de sua primeira parte. Houve rara ocorrência de tronco escapular cervical dorsal, que deu origem às artérias cervical superficial, supraescapular e escapular dorsal. O mesmo padrão de ramificação foi observado no lado esquerdo do pescoço, com a presença de tronco escapular cervical dorsal. O tronco tireocervical e a artéria cervical transversa estavam ausentes em ambas as regiões cervicais direita e esquerda. A artéria tireóidea inferior consistia em um ramo direto da artéria subclávia. O conhecimento das variações da artéria subclávia é fundamental, pois as artérias da região cervical lateral são importantes para a obtenção de retalhos em cirurgias plásticas e reconstrutivas. A avaliação radiológica pré-operatória dos pedículos pode ajudar na escolha do desenho ideal do retalho, prevenir complicações isquêmicas e ajudar a melhorar o resultado geral do tratamento.

New Visionary in Upper Airway Surgeries-THRIVE, a Tubeless Ventilation.

THRIVE stands for Transnasal Humidified Rapid Insufflation Ventilatory Exchange. Usage of THRIVE technique is common in emergency settings and of late its usage in upper airway surgeries is gaining popularity. (1) To determine the operative time, total anaesthesia time, safety and efficacy of THRIVE in patients undergoing upper airway surgeries for varied pathologies. (2) To assess the surgeon's satisfaction and patients post-operative comfort. An observational study was from May 2019 to Oct 2020. Study was conducted through a detailed proforma which consists of patient demographic details, physical status, co-morbidities and various domains to assess the safety and efficacy of THRIVE. A total of 32 patients were divided into four groups depending on the type of surgery. We had 18 patients in microlaryngeal excision, six in direct laryngoscopy and biopsy, four in tracheostomy and four in balloon dilatation for subglottic stenosis groups. The mean operation time was 16 ± 2 min in the first three groups and 29 ± 0.8 in the fourth group. All the patients underwent successful surgeries without any episodes of desaturation, without complications and with good surgical satisfaction. THRIVE with appropriate safety precautions can be tried in patients undergoing various upper airway surgeries of short duration. All the patients in our study maintained stable vital parameters throughout the surgery. Initial results with the use of THRIVE as per our study and other studies are definitely encouraging to use THRIVE in upper airway surgeries with varied pathologies.

Modulation of inflammatory markers by petroleum ether fraction of Trigonella foenum-graecum L. seed extract in ovariectomized rats.

This study evaluates the modulation of inflammatory markers by petroleum ether fraction of Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (PE-TFG) seed extract in ovariectomized rats. The HPTLC method was used for standardization and to quantify the diosgenin in PE-TFG. For testing PE-TFG in rats, the total duration of treatment was 12-weeks, and the rats were sacrificed on week 12. The tissue samples such as blood, liver, heart, and aorta were isolated for testing inflammatory markers such as adiponectin, leptin, PPAR-γ, TNF-α, lipid profile, hepatic markers, antioxidants, and oxidative stress markers. The PE-TFG treatment decreased the elevation of total cholesterol, triglyceride, AST, and ALT. Upon PE-TFG treatment, there was a significant increase in adiponectin and PPAR-γ mRNA expression. Leptin and TNF-α were normal after treatment with PE-TFG seed extract. Further, micro-steatosis of hepatocytes marked glomerular hypertrophy in the kidney and increased thickness of tunica intima and media of common carotid artery was reversed after treatment with PE-TFG. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Trigonella foenum-graecum L. is a curative plant used to treat inflammatory conditions like diabetes, obesity, dyslipidemia, arthritis, cancer, and digestive disorders. In our study, PE-TFG supplementation has a protective effect on OVX-induced inflammation, oxidative stress, mRNA expression of adiponectin and PPAR-γ, hepatic steatosis, and decreased thickness of tunica intima and media of common carotid artery.

Supplementation of fenugreek with choline-docosahexaenoic acid attenuates menopause induced memory loss, BDNF and dendritic arborization in ovariectomized rats.

Cognitive impairment due to natural or surgical menopause is always associated with estrogen deficiency leading to reduced brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Reduced BDNF levels in menopause affect neuronal maturation, survival, axonal and dendritic arborization and the maintenance of dendritic spine density. Conventional long-term estrogen replacement therapy reported causing the risk of venous thromboembolism and breast cancer. To overcome these undesirable effects, phytoestrogens have been used in menopause-induced condition without the risk of side effects. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation of fenugreek seed extract (FG) either alone or in combination with choline-DHA on BDNF and dendritic arborization of pyramidal neurons in CA1 and CA3 regions of the hippocampus in ovariectomized rats. Female Wistar rats of 9-10 months old were divided into six groups as normal control (NC); ovariectomy (OVX); OVX + FG; OVX + choline-DHA; OVX + FG + choline-DHA; and OVX + estradiol. All the groups, except NC, were ovariectomized. After 2 weeks of ovariectomy, dietary supplementation was initiated for a period of 30 days. After supplementation, behavioral studies, BDNF levels and dendritic arborization were estimated. Ovariectomized (OVX) rats showed reduced BDNF levels, dendritic branching points and dendritic intersections of pyramidal neurons in CA1 and CA3 regions of the hippocampus. OVX rats supplemented with FG with choline-DHA showed significantly improved BDNF levels, dendritic branching points and dendritic intersections. These results are demonstrating that FG with choline-DHA supplementation can be an alternative for estrogen replacement therapy to modulate menopause-induced learning and memory deficits.

Enhanced photocatalytic and electrochemical performance of TiO2-Fe2O3 nanocomposite: Its applications in dye decolorization and as supercapacitors.

This work reveals a green combustion route for the synthesis of TiO2, Fe2O3 and TiO2-Fe2O3 nanocomposites as photocatalysts for decolorization of Titan Yellow (TY) and Methyl Orange (MO) dyes at room temperature in aqueous solution concentration of 20 ppm under UV-light irradiation. We observed that the TiO2-Fe2O3 nanocomposite shows superior photocatalytic activity for TY dye compared to pure TiO2 and Fe2O3. Rate constant (k) values of TiO2, Fe2O3 and TiO2-Fe2O3 for TY and MO are 0.0194, 0.0159, 0.04396 and 0.00931, 0.00772 0.0119 kmin-1 respectively. The surface area and pore volume of TiO2-Fe2O3 nanocomposite were found to be 71.56 m2/g and 0.076 cm3/g, respectively as revealed by BET studies. From the Barrett-Joyner-Halenda (BJH) plot, the mean pore diameter of TiO2-Fe2O3 nanoparticles was found to be 2.43 nm. Further, the TiO2-Fe2O3 nanocomposite showed good electrochemical behavior as an electrode material for supercapacitors when compared to pure TiO2 and Fe2O3 nanoparticles resulted in stable electrochemical performance with nearly 100% coulombic efficiency at a scan rate of 10 mV/s for 1000 cycles. Interestingly, the novelty of this work is that the designed supercapacitors showed stable electrochemical performance even at 1000th cycle, which might be useful for rechargeable supercapacitor applications. The electrochemical properties of the nanocomposites were compared by the data obtained by cyclic voltammograms, charge-discharge tests and electrochemical impedance spectroscopic studies. These results demonstrated that the TiO2-Fe2O3 nanocomposite showed stable performance compared to TiO2 and Fe2O3 nanoparticles at current density of 5 Ag-1.

Influence of traditional medicines on the activity of keratinocytes in wound healing: an in-vitro study.

Natural medicinal systems such as Ayurveda and folk medicine has remedies for wound management. However, the exact cellular and extracellular mechanisms involved in the healing process and its influence on keratinocytes is less discussed. Therefore, the present study was designed to evaluate the effect of certain natural wound healing medicines on the biology of the keratinocytes/HaCaT cells. Test materials such as honey (H), ghee (G), aqueous extracts of roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra (GG) and leaves of Nerium indicum (NI) were considered. The HaCaT cells were treated with the test materials singly and in combinations (H+G, all combined [Tot]) for a specific period (24, 48, and 72 hours). The cells were then subjected to cytotoxicity/proliferation and migration/scratch assays. All the test materials, except NI, were non-cytotoxic and showed increased cell proliferation at variable concentrations. Significant observations were made in the groups treated with honey (100 µg/ml at 48 hours, P<0.05; 1,000 µg/ml at 72 hours, P<0.05), GG (all concentrations at 48 hours, P<0.05; 750 µg/ml at 72 hours, P<0.05), H+G (250 µg/ml at 24 hours, P<0.001; 500 µg/ml at 48 and 72 hours, P<0.05), and Tot (50 µg/ml at 24, 48 and 72 hours, P<0.01). In the in-vitro wound healing assay, all the treated groups showed significant migration and narrowing of the scratch area by 24 and 48 hours (P<0.001) compared to control. The results obtained from the present study signifies the positive influence of these natural wound healing compounds on keratinocytes/HaCaT cells.

Influence of traditional medicines on the activity of keratinocytes in wound healing: an in-vitro study / 대한해부학회지

Natural medicinal systems such as Ayurveda and folk medicine has remedies for wound management. However, the exact cellular and extracellular mechanisms involved in the healing process and its influence on keratinocytes is less discussed. Therefore, the present study was designed to evaluate the effect of certain natural wound healing medicines on the biology of the keratinocytes/HaCaT cells. Test materials such as honey (H), ghee (G), aqueous extracts of roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra (GG) and leaves of Nerium indicum (NI) were considered. The HaCaT cells were treated with the test materials singly and in combinations (H+G, all combined [Tot]) for a specific period (24, 48, and 72 hours). The cells were then subjected to cytotoxicity/proliferation and migration/scratch assays. All the test materials, except NI, were non-cytotoxic and showed increased cell proliferation at variable concentrations. Significant observations were made in the groups treated with honey (100 µg/ml at 48 hours, P<0.05; 1,000 µg/ml at 72 hours, P<0.05), GG (all concentrations at 48 hours, P<0.05; 750 µg/ml at 72 hours, P<0.05), H+G (250 µg/ml at 24 hours, P<0.001; 500 µg/ml at 48 and 72 hours, P<0.05), and Tot (50 µg/ml at 24, 48 and 72 hours, P<0.01). In the in-vitro wound healing assay, all the treated groups showed significant migration and narrowing of the scratch area by 24 and 48 hours (P<0.001) compared to control. The results obtained from the present study signifies the positive influence of these natural wound healing compounds on keratinocytes/HaCaT cells.

Influence of age on arsenic-induced behavioral and cholinergic perturbations: Amelioration with zinc and α-tocopherol.

This study was planned to determine arsenic (As) (10 mg/kg body weight given through oral gavage) induced behavioral and cholinergic perturbations in three different age groups of rats; young (postnatal day 21), adult (3 months), and aged (18 months) at 7 days post-acute exposure ( n = 6 for each of the four groups of all three age points). Further, we also evaluated the ameliorative effect of essential metal zinc (Zn; 0.02% through drinking water) and an antioxidant, α-tocopherol (vitamin E; 125 mg/kg body weight through oral gavage) against As-induced neurotoxicity. As exposure showed significant alterations in behavioral functions (open-field behavior, total locomotor activity, grip strength, exploratory behavior, and water maze learning). Cholinergic studies in three brain regions (cerebral cortex, cerebellum, and hippocampus) of different age groups also showed significant increase in acetylcholine levels and a decrease in acetylcholinesterase activity. These effects were more pronounced in hippocampus followed by cerebral cortex and cerebellum. Among the three different age points, aged animals were found to be more vulnerable to the As-induced toxicity as compared to young and adult animals suggesting that As neurotoxicity is age dependent. These As-induced alterations were significantly reversed following supplementation with Zn or vitamin E. However, vitamin E was found to elicit greater protection as compared to Zn in restoring the altered behavioral and cholinergic perturbations, providing evidence for As-induced oxidative damage.

Additional Muscle Slip of Bicipital Aponeurosis and its Anomalous Relationship with the Median Cubital Vein.

The cubital region of the arm is a common site for recording blood pressure, taking blood for analysis and administering intravenous therapy and blood transfusions. During the routine dissection of a 70-year-old male cadaver at the Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Karnataka, India, in 2015, it was observed that the aponeurotic insertion of the biceps brachii muscle divided into two slips. The medial slip fused normally with the deep fascia of the forearm, while flexor carpi radialis muscle fibres originated from the lateral slip. There was also a single vein in the forearm, the cephalic vein, which bifurcated to form the median cubital vein and the cephalic vein proper. The median cubital vein, further reinforced by the radial vein, passed deep to the two slips of the bicipital aponeurosis and then continued as the basilic vein. During venepuncture, medical practitioners should be aware of potential cubital fossa variations which could lead to nerve entrapment syndromes.

Effects of Lead in Various Preparatory Stages of Nagabhasma on Function and Histopathology of Cornu Ammonis of Hippocampus.

INTRODUCTION: Heavy metals are frequently used in the preparations of traditional/folk medicines. One such preparation in Ayurveda is Nagabhasma, in which lead is the main ingredient. Lead is non-essential element to the human body and is known toxic substance to many organ systems. However, it is claimed that, the highly toxic metallic lead will be converted into health beneficial organo-metallic compound when raw lead is subjected to various traditional methods of purification during preparation as mentioned in the ancient medicinal system. AIM: The present study is designed to evaluate the effect of such detoxification of lead in various stages of authentically prepared Nagabhasma on the learning and memory. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using half of the human equivalent doses of traditionally prepared Nagabhasma, at intermittent stages of its preparation were fed orally to healthy Wistar rats for 30 days. After treatment, the immediate effect and residual effect after 2 months was evaluated by subjecting them to passive avoidance test. Then rats were sacrificed and hippocampus was collected for histopathological evaluation. RESULTS: Pure lead treated animals showed deficit in learning and memory which is indicated by spending more time in the dark compartment in passive avoidance test. However, animals treated with stage 1 to 4 Nagabhasma showed gradual increase in the memory and learning. This observation is substantiated by the findings of the histopathology of the Cornu Ammonis (CA) region of hippocampus. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study indicate that, the metallic toxicity of the lead used in the preparation of bhasma was gradually decreased from stage 1 to stage 4 of preparation. Therefore, the traditional way of preparing the metallic bhasma is very critical in eliminating the possible health hazardous metallic lead toxicity.

Rare variations in the Origin, Branching Pattern and Course of the Celiac Trunk: Report of Two Cases.

Multiple anomalies in the celiac arterial system presents as rare vascular malformations, depicting deviations of the normal vascular developmental pattern. We found a common left gastro-phrenic trunk and a hepato-spleno-mesenteric trunk arising separately from the abdominal aorta in one cadaver. We also found a common hepatic artery and a gastro-splenic trunk arising individually from the abdominal aorta in another cadaver. Even though many variations in the celiac trunk have been described earlier, the complex variations described here are not mentioned and classified by earlier literature. Knowledge of such variations has significance in the surgical and invasive arterial radiological procedures in the upper abdomen.

A Comparison Between Phorbol 12 Myristate 13 Acetate and Phorbol 12, 13 Dibutyrate in Human Melanocyte Culture.

INTRODUCTION: Melanocyte culture is an integral part of the studies of skin biology and cosmetic applications. After the introduction of selective medium for the culture of human melanocyte using Phorbol 12-myristate13-acetate (PMA) in 1982, a lot of methods of culturing were tried but till date PMA is a preferred mitogen because of its cost effectiveness compared to growth factors. We have tried to preliminarily evaluate the efficacy of another phorbol ester, Phorbol 12, 13-dibutyrate (PDBu) in melanocyte culture because of its less hydrophobic nature compared to PMA. This property minimizes the trace amount of mitogen in cell culture after washing off and hence does not interfere in other biological assays. AIM: To evaluate the differences in the melanocyte survival rate, morphology and mitotic index when grown in media supplemented with PMA and PDBu. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Foreskins were collected from children undergoing circumcision. Epidermal cells were isolated from foreskin and cultured using PMA and PDBu. Melanocytes in culture were monitored for the better establishment and documented. In proliferative assay, melanocytes were treated with PMA and PDBu for 24, 48 and 72 hours and proliferation was measured using 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay method. RESULTS: When cultured, melanocytes acquired proliferative status and bipolar morphology quicker in PDBu medium than in PMA medium. Keratinocytes survived as contamination in PMA medium whereas PDBu medium had minimal keratinocytes. MTT assay showed that PDBu has higher proliferative induction capacity than PMA. In even lower concentration of PDBu in medium, melanocytes survived till 72 hours without significant cell loss in compared to PMA medium. CONCLUSION: PDBu can be a valuable replacement for PMA in human melanocyte culture. Higher proliferation induction, unfavourable to keratinocyte survival and less hydrophobicity make PDBu a promising alternative for quicker establishment of pure human melanocyte cultures especially in cosmetic in vitro experimental dermatology.

Rare variations in the Origin, Branching Pattern and Course of the Celiac Trunk: Report of Two Cases

Multiple anomalies in the celiac arterial system presents as rare vascular malformations, depicting deviations of the normal vascular developmental pattern. We found a common left gastro-phrenic trunk and a hepato-spleno-mesenteric trunk arising separately from the abdominal aorta in one cadaver. We also found a common hepatic artery and a gastro-splenic trunk arising individually from the abdominal aorta in another cadaver. Even though many variations in the celiac trunk have been described earlier, the complex variations described here are not mentioned and classified by earlier literature. Knowledge of such variations has signifi cance in the surgical and invasive arterial radiological procedures in the upper abdomen.