Corrigendum to "One pot sets another boiling: A case of social learning perspective about leader self-serving behaviour and followers self-serving counterproductive work behaviour" [Heliyon 9 (3), March 2023, Article e14611].

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14611.].

One pot sets another boiling: A case of social learning perspective about leader self-serving behaviour and followers self-serving counterproductive work behaviour.

Self-Serving leadership is a global phenomenon and requires both literary and practical attention to understand how it unfolds and impacts organizations. More specifically the investigation of this underexplored dark side of leadership in Pakistani service sector organizations has its unique significance. So, in this regard, the current study took the initiative to investigate the relationship between a Leader's self-serving behaviour and a follower's self-serving counterproductive work behaviour. Moreover, the underlying mechanism of self-serving cognitive distortions was proposed, with followers' Machivellianism strengthening the indirect relationship between leaders' self-serving behaviour with self-serving counterproductive work behaviour through the self-serving cognitive distortions. The proposed theoretical framework was explained by the Social Learning theory. This study adopted a survey method with the collection of data by utilizing the convenience sampling method, in three-time waves with peer-reported self-serving counterproductive work behaviours. The data was analyzed by utilizing confirmatory factor analysis to establish discriminant and convergent validity. Moreover, the hypotheses testing was done utilizing Hayes Process Macro 4 (Mediation) and 7(Moderated Mediation). The results proved that the self-serving cognitive distortions mediated the relationship between the leader's self-serving behaviour and the follower's self-serving counterproductive work behaviours. Moreover, it was established that the High Mach tendencies strengthed the indirect positive relationship between a leader's self-serving behaviour with self-serving counterproductive work behaviour through the self-serving cognitive distortions. It is important to note that the current study provides a view to the practitioners that formulation of effective policies and systems for identifying and discouraging the tendencies of Leaders' self-serving behaviour and employing people with low Mach Tendencies can avoid the self-serving counterproductive work behaviours harming the overall welfare of the organization.

Comparison of PAP smear and liquid based cytology as a screening method for cervical carcinoma.

Objectives: To compare conventional PAP smear (CPS) and liquid-based cytology (LBC) for cervical carcinoma screening at a tertiary care hospital of South Punjab, Pakistan. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nishtar Hospital, Multan, Pakistan from January 2021 to June 2021. We included a total of 265 women aged between 20 to 65 years who, presented with complaints related to cervical lesion and unhealthy cervix. The CPS and LBC methods were applied for screening of cervical carcinoma. Findings of both CPS and LBC were compared with histopathological findings to find out sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value for both techniques. Results: In a total of 265 women, mean age was noted to be 45.4±6.8 years. White discharge per vagina was the commonest presenting complaint noted in 12 (46.8%) patients. Satisfactory smears were found in significantly more cases with LBC in comparison to CPS (p<0.001). Sensitivity CPS and LBC for the detection of low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) were found to be 71.8% and 87.2% while for high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL), sensitivity of CPS and LBC were 61.9% and 76.2% respectively. Specificity of CPS and LBC for the detection of LSIL was found to be 97.9% and 98.7% while for HSIL, specificity of CPS and LBC was 98.7% and 99.2% respectively. Conclusion: In comparison to conventional CPS, LBC was found to be better in terms of adequacy of smear and identification of LSIL and HSIL.

Treatment success with two doses of methotrexate vs single dose of methotrexate in Ectopic Tubal Pregnancy.

Objectives: To compare the success rates and safety of two-doses of methotrexate versus single dose of methotrexate in ectopic tubal pregnancy. Methods: This was an open-label, randomized controlled trial done at "The Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Nishtar University Hospital, Multan" from January 2020 to July 2021. A total of 100 women (50 in each group), aged 20 to 35 years with a tubal ectopic pregnancy were enrolled. All patients were randomly allocated to either single-dose or two-dose methotrexate protocol. Cases were evaluated for treatment success, side effects, beta-human chorionic gonadotrophin (ß-hCG) resolution time and treatment satisfaction. Results: In a total of 100 cases, mean age was 29.6±4.5 years. Mean serum ß -hCG levels at baseline was 1212±78 mIU/ml. Treatment success was noted among 43 (86.0%) cases of single-dose group versus 45 (90.0%) cases (p=0.5382). Duration of ß -hCG resolution time was significantly shorter in two-dose group (23.0±12.1 days versus 28.2±12.8 days, p=0.0394). No significant difference was noted in methotrexate associated side effects in both study groups (p=0.9996). Overall, mean satisfaction score was 4.0±1.3 (out of 5). Conclusion: Although, ß -hCG resolution time was significantly low in two-dose protocol but single-dose methotrexate offered comparable success rates versus two-dose protocol. Side effects were mild and comparable in both methotrexate treatment protocols. Methotrexate was found to be effective in the medical management of ectopic pregnancy.

Identification and primary distribution of Citrus viroid V in citrus in Punjab, Pakistan.

BACKGROUND: Citrus plants are prone to infection by different viroids which deteriorate their vigor and production. Citrus viroid V (CVd-V) is among the six citrus viroids, belongs to genus Apscaviroid (family Pospiviroidae) which induces symptoms of mild necrotic lesions on branches and cracks on trunk portion. METHODS AND RESULTS: A survey was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of CVd-V in core and non-core citrus cultivated areas of Punjab, Pakistan. A total of 154 samples from different citrus cultivars were tested for CVd-V infection by RT-PCR. The results revealed 66.66% disease incidence of CVd-V. Citrus cultivars Palestinia Sweet lime, Roy Ruby, Olinda Valencia, Kaghzi lime, and Dancy were identified as new citrus hosts of CVd-V for the first time from Pakistan. The viroid infection was confirmed by biological indexing on indicator host Etrog citron. The reported primers used for the detection of CVd-V did not amplify, rather showed non-specific amplification, which led to the designing of new primers. Whereas, new back-to-back designed primers (CVd-V AF1/CVd-V AR1) detected CVd-V successfully and obtained an expected amplified product of CVd-V with 294 bp. Sequencing analysis confirmed the new host of CVd-V showing 98-100% nucleotide sequence homology with those reported previously from other countries while 100% sequence homology to the isolates reported from Pakistan. Based on phylogenetic analysis using all CVd-V sequences in GenBank, two main CVd-V groups (I and II) were identified, and newly identified isolates during this study fall in the group I. CONCLUSION: The study revealed that there are some changes in the nucleotide sequences of CVd-V which made difficult for their detection using reported primers. All isolates of Pakistan showed high sequence homology with other isolates of CVd-V from Iran and USA whereas; the isolates from China, Japan, Tunisia, and Africa are distantly related. It is evident that CVd-V is spreading in all citrus cultivars in Pakistan.

Fourier transform infrared spectrometer analysis and antimicrobial screening of ethanolic extract of Operculina terpathum from cholistan desert.

Aim of present study was to assess pharmacological (antioxidant, antibacterial & antifungal) potential of Operculina terpathum seeds. Ethanolic extract was prepared and its phytochemical evaluation show the different chemical compounds such as carbohydrates, phenols, tannin, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, steroids, alkaloids and proteins. FTIR spectra showed the presence of organic acids, hydroxyl and phenolic compounds, amino groups, aliphatic compounds, functional groups such as amide, ketone, aldehyde, aromatics and halogen compounds. Antioxidant activity of the Operculina terpathum alcoholic extract was performed by DPPH method and it showed 97.13%whereas IC50±SEM (µg/ml) was 1.425±0.16. Antibacterial activity was performed against different bacterial strains and results were comparable with that of standard. Maximum antibacterial activity was exhibited by Bacillus subtillis (28.33±2 mm) and Bacillus pumilus (25.33±2 mm) respectively. Antifungal activity was also performed and it showed maximum activity against Aspergillus flavous and Candida albicans6±1, 5±1mm respectively. These results showed that Operculina terpathum has good antibacterial and antifungal activity against different microbes and it could be used as an alternative to antibiotics, as the antibiotics resistance is very common now a days.

Efficacy of letrozole versus clomiphene citrate on ovulation induction in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Objectives: To compare the efficacy of letrozole (LTZ) vs clomiphene citrate (CC) for ovulation induction in patients having polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted at The Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Nishtar Medical University Hospital, Multan, Pakistan from January 2021 to June 2021. A total of 78 women aged 18 to 30 years, diagnosed having PCOS were enrolled. In Group-A, 39 women were given LTZ, 5mg for five days of menstrual cycle. In Group-B, 39 women were given CC, 100mg for five days of menstrual cycle. All patients underwent transvaginal scan (TVS) for the evaluation of efficacy in terms of ovulation induction. Results: Overall mean age was noted to be 25.41±2.84 years. Most of the patients, 51 (65.4%) belonged to rural area of residence. There were 52 (66.7%) patients with BMI less than 25 kg/m2. Overall, mean duration of infertility was found to be 2.62±0.74 years. Among 70 patients who completed the follow ups and analyzed regarding efficacy, in Group-A, efficacy was noted in 23 (59.0%) patients in comparison to 14 (35.9%) in Group-B (p=0.0413). Mean endometrial thickness was significantly better in Group-A versus Group-B (8.1±1.5 mm vs. 6.8±1.9 mm, p=0.0022). Conclusion: Aiming ovulation induction, letrozole in comparison to clomiphene citrate was found to have significantly better efficacy among women having anovulatory PCOS.

Gut-Thyroid axis: How gut microbial dysbiosis associated with euthyroid thyroid cancer.

Thyroid cancer in humans has a fast-growing prevalence, with the most common lethal endocrine malignancy for unknown reasons. The current study was aimed to perform qualitative and quantitative investigation and characterization of the gut bacterial composition of euthyroid thyroid cancer patients. The fecal samples were collected from sixteen euthyroid thyroid cancer patients and ten from healthy subjects. The PCR-DGGE was conducted by targetting the V3 region of 16S rRNA gene, as well as real-time PCR for Bacteroides vulgatus, E.coli Bifidobacterium, Clostridium leptum and Lactobacillus were carried. High-throughput sequencing of V3+V4 region of 16S rRNA gene was performed on Hiseq 2500 platform on 20 (10 healthy & 10 diseased subjects) randomly selected fecal samples. The richness indices and comparative diversity analysis showed significant gut microbial modification in euthyroid thyroid cancer than control. At phylum level, there was significant enrichment of Firmicutes, Verrucomicrobia, while a significant decrease in Bacteroidetes was detected in the experimental group. At family statistics, significant high levels of Ruminococcaceae and Verrucomicrobiaceae, while the significant lower abundance of Bacteroidaceae, Prevotellaceae, Porphyromonadaceae, and Alcaligenaceae was after observed. It also found that the significantly raised level of Escherichia-Shigella, Akkermansia [Eubacterium]_coprostanoligenes, Dorea, Subdoligranulum, and Ruminococcus_2 genera, while significantly lowered genera of the patient group were Prevotella_9, Bacteroides and Klebsiella. The species-level gut microbial composition showed a significantly raised level of Escherichia coli in euthyroid thyroid cancer. Thus, this study reveals that euthyroid thyroid cancer patients have significant gut microbial dysbiosis. Moreover, Statistics (P<0.05) of each gut microbial taxa were significantly changed in euthyroid thyroid cancer patients. Therefore, the current study may propose new approaches to understanding thyroid cancer patients' disease pathways, mechanisms, and treatment.

Fourier transform infrared spectrometer analysis and antimicrobial screening of ethanolic extract of Operculina terpathum from cholistan desert

Aim of present study was to assess pharmacological (antioxidant, antibacterial & antifungal) potential of Operculina terpathum seeds. Ethanolic extract was prepared and its phytochemical evaluation show the different chemical compounds such as carbohydrates, phenols, tannin, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, steroids, alkaloids and proteins. FTIR spectra showed the presence of organic acids, hydroxyl and phenolic compounds, amino groups, aliphatic compounds, functional groups such as amide, ketone, aldehyde, aromatics and halogen compounds. Antioxidant activity of the Operculina terpathum alcoholic extract was performed by DPPH method and it showed 97.13%whereas IC50±SEM (μg/ml) was 1.425±0.16. Antibacterial activity was performed against different bacterial strains and results were comparable with that of standard. Maximum antibacterial activity was exhibited by Bacillus subtillis (28.33±2 mm) and Bacillus pumilus (25.33±2 mm) respectively. Antifungal activity was also performed and it showed maximum activity against Aspergillus flavous and Candida albicans6±1, 5±1mm respectively. These results showed that Operculina terpathum has good antibacterial and antifungal activity against different microbes and it could be used as an alternative to antibiotics, as the antibiotics resistance is very common now a days. (AU)

Oral versus Vaginal Micronized Progesterone for the Treatment of Threatened Miscarriage.

OBJECTIVES: This study was planned with an aim to find out the effectiveness of oral versus vaginal micronized progesterone for the treatment of threatened miscarriage. METHODS: This randomized controlled trial was conducted at The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nishtar Hospital Multan, from August 2019 to January 2020. A total of 136 pregnant women, aged 18 to 45 years having vaginal bleeding were included and divided into two groups (68 women in each group). Participants in the Group-A were given oral micronized progesterone as 200mg twice a day while Group-B participants were given vaginal progesterone suppository 400mg once a day. All women were followed up until 20th week of their pregnancy. Outcome was labeled as prevention of miscarriage if woman had no bleeding per vagina and pregnancy went beyond 20th weeks of gestation. RESULTS: In a total of 136 women enrolled, mean age was noted to be 30.85+3.34 years. Overall, mean gestational age was noted to be 9.3+2.7 weeks. A total of 98 women (49 in each group) completed the follow up and were included in the final analysis regarding outcome. Among Groups-A, 45 (91.8) had prevention of miscarriage while 4 (9.2%) had miscarriage in comparison to 36 (73.5%) in Group-B had prevention of miscarriage whereas 13 (26.5%) had miscarriage and this difference was statistically significant in between the both study groups as women in Group-A had significantly better outcome in terms of prevention of miscarriage. (P value = 0.0164). CONCLUSION: The use of oral micronized progesterone was found to be significantly more effective than vaginal progesterone in women with threatened miscarriage.

Analysis of Cesarean Sections using Robson's Ten Group Classification System.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze trends of CSs and evaluating them according to Robson's Ten Groups Classification System (TGCS) at a leading government tertiary care hospital of South Punjab, Pakistan. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nishtar Medical University Hospital, Multan Pakistan, from October 2019 to March 2020.The study population included a total of 167 women who underwent CS in the hospital during the specified study period. For each case, we collected data regarding maternal characteristics and pregnancy-related information. The dependent variable was Robson classification group. RESULTS: Overall, mean age was 26.53+5.1 years. Majority of the women, 116 (69.5%) belonged to urban areas of residence, 74 (44.3%) gestational aged between 37-42 years while 108 (64.7%) had history of cesarean section. Most of the patients, 85 (50.9%) turned out to be from TGCS Group-10. Group-5 and Group-1 were the 2nd and 3rd most common group, accounted for 24 (14.4%) and 19 (11.4%) cases respectively. Previous cesarean section (20.4%) and fetal distress (19.8%) were found to be most common indications leading to cesarean section. CONCLUSION: As per Robson's Ten-Group Classification, Group-10 and Group-5 were found to be the most contributing among deliveries done. Previous cesarean section and fetal distress were the most common indications of cesarean section.

Maternal and Perinatal outcome after Ramadan Fasting.

OBJECTIVE: To determine maternal and perinatal outcome after Ramadan fasting during pregnancy. METHODS: This cross sectional study was conducted at The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nishtar Hospital, Multan from May to October 2019. A total of 226 women attending labour room, aged 18-35 years, having gestational amenorrhoea 15 - 40 weeks of gestation were included. Women who fasted for more than 15 days were compared with those who did not fast or fasted for less than 15 days in the month of Ramadan. Demographical profile along with maternal and perinatal outcomes were compared between the study groups considering p value less than 0.05 as significant. RESULTS: Out of 226 women, 58 (25.7%) fulfilled the criteria to be included in the fasting group while remaining 168 (74.3%) were slotted in the non-fasting group. There was no difference (p value > 0.05) in between the both group with respect to demographical characteristics except significantly less women were employed in the fasting group (p value=0.0246). No statistical difference was found in terms of maternal or perinatal outcomes between both the study groups. CONCLUSION: Fasting women were not found to have poor maternal and fetal outcomes when compared to non-fasting women.

3D QSAR pharmacophore-based virtual screening for the identification of potential inhibitors of tyrosinase.

Tyrosinase plays an important role in melanin biosynthesis and protects skin against ultraviolet radiations. Functional deficiency of tyrosinase results in serious dermatological diseases. Tyrosinase also participates in neuromelanin formation in the human brain, which leads to neurodegeneration resulting in Parkinson's disease. In fruits and vegetables, tyrosinase plays a critical role in senescence, causing undesired browning that results in faster deterioration and shorter shelf lines. The only commercially available tyrosinase is mushroom tyrosinase and it shows the highest homology to the mammalian tyrosinase. Although kojic acid is currently used as a tyrosinase inhibitor, they have serious side effects such as dermatitis, carcinogenesis and hepatotoxicity. Therefore, in order to develop a more active and safer tyrosinase inhibitor, 3D QSAR pharmacophore models were generated based on experimentally known inhibitors. The pharmacophore model, Hypo1, was developed with a large cost difference, high correlation coefficient and low RMS deviation. Hypo1 showed a good spatial arrangement; consisting of five-point features including two hydrogen bond acceptor, one hydrogen bond donor and two hydrophobic features. Hypo1 was further validated by cost analysis, test set and Fisher's randomisation method. Hypo1 was used as a 3D query for screening the in-house drug-like databases, and the hits were further selected by applying ADMET, Lipinski's rule of five and fit value criteria. To identify binding conformations, the obtained hits were subjected to molecular docking. Finally, molecular dynamics simulations revealed the appropriate binding modes of hit compounds. To conclude, we propose the final three hit compounds with new structural scaffolds as a virtual candidate as tyrosinase inhibitors.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Preparation of microemulsion containing Lycopersicon esculentum extract: In vitro characterization and stability studies.

Lycopene, the active component of Lycopersicon esculentum species, has been reported for the protecting capabilities against ultra-violet induced skin pigmentation, antioxygen and antityrosinase activities. In the present study, extract of tomato fruit was obtained from the Lycopersicon esculentum plant using solvent system comprised of hexaneethanol-acetone. The phyto chemical active constituent lycopene was then identified by spectrophotometric technique at 470nm. Micro emulsions were developed containing different ratio of water, isopropyl myristate (oil), tween 80 and propylene glycol as surfactant and co-surfactant respectively via pseudoternary phase diagram. Various physicochemical tests were performed including globular size, conductivity, viscosity, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), refractive index (RI) and pH measurement for the formulation characterization. Results of physical and chemical stability studies showed that the micro emulsion with proportion of surfactant: co-surfactant of 2:1 (Smix) was found to be optimized formulation and with enhanced stability. Therefore, concluded that the stability of the micro emulsion was dependent on the proportions of surfactant co-surfactant, water and oil in the preparation.

Association between emotional intelligence and academic success among undergraduates: A cross-sectional study in KUST, Pakistan.

The study investigated the association between emotional intelligence and academic success among undergraduates of Kohat University of Science & Technology (KUST), Pakistan. A sample of 186 students who were enrolled during the semester Fall 2015 to Spring 2018 was selected through a random sampling technique. A cross-sectional, descriptive and correlational research methods were employed in this study. A standardized tool "Emotional Intelligence Scale" was employed for the collection of information from the undergraduates. Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of the students was considered as academic success. Data were collected through personal visits. Statistical tools i.e., simple percentage, mean, standard deviation, ANOVA, Pearson's product-moment correlation and multiple linear regression were employed to reach the desired research outcomes. The findings revealed that there was a strong positive relationship (r = 0.880) between emotional intelligence and academic success among undergraduate students. The multiple linear regression analysis showed that self-development (Beta = 0.296), emotional stability (Beta = 0.197), managing relations (Beta = 0.170), altruistic behaviour (Beta = 0.145), and commitment (Beta = 0.117) predict academic success of undergraduates positively. The findings suggest that the emotional intelligence of the undergraduate students may be further improved so that their academic performance may further be enhanced.

Topical microemulsion containing Punica granatum extract: its control over skin erythema and melanin in healthy Asian subjects.

INTRODUCTION: Punica granatum is apotent source of polyphenolic compounds with strong free radicals scavenging activity. The skin lightening effects of Punica granatum are assumed due to ellagic acid which acts by chelating copper at the active site of tyrosinase. AIM: To explore a topical microemulsion (O/W) of pomegranate (Punica granatum) extract for its control on skin erythema and melanin. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Microemulsions were formulated using a polysorbate surfactant (Tween 80(®)) along with cosurfactant (propylene glycol) and were characterized regarding their stability. The placebo microemulsion (without extract) and the active microemulsion (containing Punica extract) were applied in a split face fashion by the volunteers (n = 11) for a period of 12 weeks. Skin erythema and melanin were measured at baseline and after every 15 days to determine any effect produced by these formulations. RESULTS: Active formulation showed a significant impact on skin erythema and melanin (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study reveals that a suitable topical formulation like microemulsion could employ the Punica granatum extract for conditions where elevated skin melanin and erythema have significantly prone skin physiology.

Selective deposition of dietary α-lipoic acid in mitochondrial fraction and its synergistic effect with α-tocoperhol acetate on broiler meat oxidative stability.

The use of bioactive antioxidants in feed of broiler to mitigate reactive oxygen species (ROS) in biological systems is one of promising nutritional strategies. The aim of present study was to alleviate ROS production in mitochondrial fraction (MF) of meat by supplemented dietary antioxidant in feed of broiler. For this purpose, mitochondria specific antioxidant: α-lipoic acid (25 mg, 75 mg and 150 mg) with or without combination of α-tocopherol acetate (200 mg) used in normal and palm olein oxidized oil (4%) supplemented feed. One hundred and eighty one day old broiler birds were randomly divided into six treatments and provided the mentioned feed from third week. Feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR) remained statistically same in all groups while body weight decreased in supplemented groups accordingly at the end of study. The broiler meat MF antioxidant potential was significantly improved by feeding supplemented feed estimated as 1,1-di phenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity, 2,2-azinobis-(3- ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS+) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). The maximum antioxidant activity was depicted in group fed on 150 mg/kg α-lipoic acid (ALA) and 200 mg/kg α-tocopherol acetate (ATA) (T4) in both breast and leg MF. Moreover, TBARS were higher in leg as compared to breast MF. Although, oxidized oil containing feed reduced the growth, lipid stability and antioxidant potential of MF whilst these traits were improved by receiving feed containing ALA and ATA. ALA and ATA showed higher deposition in T4 group while least in group received oxidized oil containing feed (T5). Positive correlation exists between DPPH free radical scavenging activity and the ABTS + reducing activity. In conclusion, ALA and ATA supplementation in feed had positive effect on antioxidant status of MF that consequently diminished the oxidative stress in polyunsaturated fatty acid enriched meat.

Profound hypernatremia due to central diabetes insipidus.

Diabetes insipidus is a rare endocrine disorder in paediatric patients. Polyuria is a cardinal manifestation that is extremely difficult to recognize in diapered infants. Careful urine quantification is the key to diagnosis in appropriate clinical setting. We report a case of a 4 months old infant presenting with an acute life threatening event following an episode of vomiting and decreased oral intake. She had profound hypernatremia which persisted after stabilization. Polyuria unrecognized by the mother was revealed by 24-hour urine output measurement. A diagnosis of diabetes insipidus was made after appropriate laboratory investigations including serum and urine osmolality. The central nature of the disease was confirmed by neuroimaging which showed holoprosencephaly.

Moyamoya disease.

A 4 years old boy presented with acute left hemiplegia. Preliminary neuroimaging suggested an arterial ischemic process. Clinical and laboratory evaluation excluded haematologic, metabolic and vasculitic causes. Cerebral angiography confirmed the diagnosis of Moyamoya disease. Treatment included physiotherapy and close follow-up for recurrence.

Formulation and evaluation of antisebum secretion effects of sea buckthorn w/o emulsion.

PURPOSE: This study was designed to formulate and evaluate the anti-sebum secretion effects of a topical skin-care cream (w/o emulsion) of sea buckthorn versus its vehicle (Base) as control. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Concentrated sea buckthorn (H.rhamnoides) fruit extract was entrapped in the inner aqueous phase of w/o emulsion. Base containing no extract and a Formulation containing 1% concentrated extract of H.rhamnoides was formulated. Lemon oil was incorporated to the odor. Both the Base and the Formulation were stored at different storage conditions for a period of 4 weeks to predict their stability. Different stability parameters i.e.; physical stability, centrifugation, and pH were monitored at different time intervals. Both the Base and the Formulation were applied to the cheeks of 10 healthy human volunteers (n=10) for a period of 8 weeks. RESULT: The expected organoleptic stability of creams was achieved from 4 weeks in-vitro study period. Odor disappeared with the passage of time due to volatilization of lemon oil. The pH of the Formulation showed significant (P = 0.0002) decline due to high concentration of organic acids present in sea buckthorn. Similarly the Formulation showed statistically significant (P < 0.05) effects on skin sebum secretion. CONCLUSION: The in vitro results showed a good stability over 4 weeks of observation period of both the Base and Formulation and the Formulation has anti sebum secretion effects over 8 weeks of observation period.