Indian Psychiatric Society multicentre study: Diagnostic patterns, comorbidity and prescription practices for patients with Dementia.

Background: There are more than 5 million people with dementia in India. Multicentre studies looking at details of treatment for people with dementia In India are lacking. Clinical audit is a quality improvement process which aims to systematically assess, evaluate, and improve patient care. Evaluating current practice is the key to a clinical audit cycle. Aim: This study aimed to assess the diagnostic patterns and prescribing practices of psychiatrists for patients with dementia in India. Method: A retrospective case file study was conducted across several centers in India. Results: Information from the case records of 586 patients with dementia was obtained. Mean age of the patients was 71.14 years (standard deviation = 9.42). Three hundred twenty one (54.8%) were men. Alzheimer's disease (349; 59.6%) was the most frequent diagnosis followed by vascular dementia (117; 20%). Three hundred fifty five (60.6%) patients had medical disorders and 47.4% patients were taking medications for their medical conditions. Eighty one (69.2%) patients with vascular dementia had cardiovascular problems. Majority of the patients (524; 89.4%) were on medications for dementia. Most frequently prescribed treatment was Donepezil (230; 39.2%) followed by Donepezil-Memantine combination (225; 38.4%). Overall, 380 (64.8%) patients were on antipsychotics. Quetiapine (213, 36.3%) was the most frequently used antipsychotic. Overall, 113 (19.3%) patients were on antidepressants, 80 (13.7%) patients were on sedatives/hypnotics, and 16 (2.7%) patients were on mood stabilizers. Three hundred nineteen (55.4%) patients and caregivers of 374 (65%) patients were receiving psychosocial interventions. Conclusions: Diagnostic and prescription patterns in dementia which emerged from this study are comparable to other studies both nationally and internationally. Comparing current practices at individual and national levels against accepted guidelines, obtaining feedback, identifying gaps and instituting remedial measures help to improve the standard of care provided.

Fabrication of α-Fe2O3 Nanostructures: Synthesis, Characterization, and Their Promising Application in the Treatment of Carcinoma A549 Lung Cancer Cells.

In the present work, iron nanoparticles were synthesized in the α-Fe2O3 phase with the reduction of potassium hexachloroferrate(III) by using l-ascorbic acid as a reducing agent in the presence of an amphiphilic non-ionic polyethylene glycol surfactant in an aqueous solution. The synthesized α-Fe2O3 NPs were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, dynamic light scattering, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry. The powder X-ray diffraction analysis result confirmed the formation of α-Fe2O3 NPs, and the average crystallite size was found to be 45 nm. The other morphological studies suggested that α-Fe2O3 NPs were predominantly spherical in shape with a diameter ranges from 40 to 60 nm. The dynamic light scattering analysis revealed the zeta potential of α-Fe2O3 NPs as -28 ± 18 mV at maximum stability. The ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry analysis shows an absorption peak at 394 nm, which is attributed to their surface plasmon vibration. The cytotoxicity test of synthesized α-Fe2O3 NPs was investigated against human carcinoma A549 lung cancer cells, and the biological adaptability exhibited by α-Fe2O3 NPs has opened a pathway to biomedical applications in the drug delivery system. Our investigation confirmed that l-ascorbic acid-coated α-Fe2O3 NPs with calculated IC50 ≤ 30 µg/mL are the best suited as an anticancer agent, showing the promising application in the treatment of carcinoma A549 lung cancer cells.

Clay minerals identification in rock varnish by XRD: A one-step reduction approach.

Rock varnishes are known to be fine, dark, glossy submicron films found in deserts bare rock surfaces. The oxides and hydroxides of manganese and iron bind together the clay minerals present in the varnish layer. The processes of oxide-hydroxide accumulation at varnish sites are due to iron and manganese oxidizing bacteria which may require clay minerals for additional nutrition. Quantification and identification of clay minerals in this biofilm is needed to understand its formation. Past attempts to analyze the mineralogical composition of rock varnish have led to inconclusive results as varnish is a submicron thin layer composed of a complex mineral matrix. The elimination of non-crystalline cementing groups comprising of free iron oxides is a key step in the identification of many types of clay minerals, particularly in soil/sediment mineral studies.•The Fe-Mn oxide-hydroxide coatings, acting as cementing materials, can be easily removed using a one-step reduction method employing Na2S2O4 at 70 °C, leading to separation of clay minerals.•We have taken the lead from earlier reported Jackson (1958) method, wherein a combination of reagents was used such as sodium acetate, sodium citrate, hydrogen peroxide, sodium bicarbonate, and sodium dithionite for removing carbonate, organic carbon and Fe-Mn oxy-hydroxide coatings respectively from sediment grains to segregate individual grains from each other.•Our modification helps in the unveiling of clay minerals from a solid substrate and reports the X-ray diffraction peaks, which are elsewise hard to detect and therefore earlier studies are inconclusive.

Growth Kinetic Study of Tannic Acid Mediated Monodispersed Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized by Chemical Reduction Method and Its Characterization.

The complex process of nanoparticle formation in an aqueous solution is governed by kinetics and thermodynamic factors. This paper describes a room-temperature growth kinetic study and evaluation of thermodynamic activation parameters of monodispersed silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized in alkaline medium by chemical reduction method using AgNO3 as a source of Ag+ ions and tannic acid (TA) as a reductant (reducing agent) as well as a capping or stabilizing agent in the absence of any other external stabilizer. A simple and conveniently handled reaction process was monitored spectrophotometrically to study the growth kinetics in an aqueous solution as a function of the concentration of silver ion, hydroxide ion, and TA, respectively. The neutral nucleophilic group donates the electron density via a lone pair of electrons to Ag+ ions for the reduction process, i.e., for the nucleation of AgNPs colloid. Also, a few silver ions form a silver oxide, which also facilitates the nucleation center to enhance the growth of AgNPs colloid. The decrease and increase in rate constant on varying the TA concentration showed its adsorption onto the surface of metallic AgNPs and stabilized by polygalloyl units of TA and were the main elements to control the growth kinetics. Consequently, stabilized TA-mediated AgNPs are formed using the electron donated by quinone form of TA followed by a pseudo-first-order reaction. Apart from this, nanoparticles formed were characterized using UV-visible spectrophotometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and powder X-ray diffraction techniques to confirm its formation during the present kinetic study.

Anticancer potency of copper(II) complexes of thiosemicarbazones.

Being a structural and catalytic cofactor in a number of biological pathways, copper accumulates in tumors owing to selective permeability of the cancer cell membranes. Copper(II) ion forms the active centers in a large number of metalloproteins. The coordination of Schiff's base ligands to the metal ion results in the high extent of increase in anticancer activity. The copper(II) complexes can cleave DNA through oxidative and hydrolytic pathways, cell apoptosis via intrinsic reactive oxygen species (ROS) mediated mitochondrial pathway due to excessive production of ROS and hence, are found more active than Ni and Pt complexes. Flexible Cu(I/II) redox behavior helps the copper complexes to form more potent, clinically effective and less toxic copper based antiproliferative drugs of lower IC50 value and higher growth inhibitory activity. Copper(II) complexes of thiosemicarbazones of Isatin, Pyridine, Benzoyl pyridine, Diacetyl/Dimethyl glyoxal, Acetophenone/Acetoacetanalide, Thiazole/Pyrazole, Quinoline, Carboxybenzaldehyde, Cinnamaldehyde/Cuminaldehyde, Citronellal, Chromone, Pyridoxal, 8-Ethyl-2-hydroxytricyclo (7.3.1.02,7) tridecan-13-one, Acyl Diazines, Naphthalene, Proline, 5-Formyluracil, 2-Hydroxy-8-propyltricyclo (7.3.1.02,7) tridecan-13-one, 9-cis-Retinal, Curcumin, Helicin (Salicylaldehyde-ß-D-glucoside), Thiophene carboxaldehyde, Salicylaldehyde, Iminodiacetate, and 3-Formyl-4-hydroxy benzenesulfonic acid have been found to exhibit more anticancer activity toward HCT116, MCF7, A549, U937, HeLa, HepG2, SGC-7901, A2780 cell lines than that of their corresponding thiosemicarbazones and standard topoisomerase-II inhibitors.

Sodhana: An Ayurvedic process for detoxification and modification of therapeutic activities of poisonous medicinal plants.

Ayurveda involves the use of drugs obtained from plants, animals, and mineral origin. All the three sources of drugs can be divided under poisonous and nonpoisonous category. There are various crude drugs, which generally possess unwanted impurities and toxic substances, which can lead to harmful health problems. Many authors have reported that not all medicinal plants are safe to use since they can bear many toxic and harmful phytoconstituents in them. Sodhana (detoxification/purification) is the process, which involves the conversion of any poisonous drug into beneficial, nonpoisonous/nontoxic ones. Vatsanabha (Aconitum species), Semecarpus anacardium, Strychnos nux-vomica, Acorus calamus, Abrus precatorius etc., are some of the interesting examples of toxic plants, which are still used in the Indian system of medicine. Aconite, bhilawanols, strychnine, ß-asarone, abrin are some of the toxic components present in these plants and are relatively toxic in nature. Sodhana process involves the purification as well as reduction in the levels of toxic principles which sometimes results in an enhanced therapeutic efficacy. The present review is designed to extensively discuss and understand the scientific basis of the alternative use of toxic plants as a medicine after their purification process.

Detoxification of Croton tiglium L. seeds by Ayurvedic process of Sodhana.

OBJECTIVE: Croton tiglium seeds, known as Jamalgota in Hindi, Marathi, and Urdu is well-known for its toxicity (severe purgative action). In Ayurvedic texts, the plant is known as Kumbhini and is used for the treatment of constipation after Sodhana (detoxification process) of the seeds with Godugdha (cow milk). MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the present study, C. tiglium seeds were purified with cow milk as reported in Ayurvedic classics. Phorbol esters equivalent to phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) and crotonic acid contents were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography method in the seeds of C. tiglium before and after the purification process. RESULTS: The content of the phorbol ester equivalent to PMA in unpurified and purified sample was found to be 5.2 mg/100 g and 1.8 mg/100 g of dried seeds of C. tiglium, respectively. The quantity of crotonic acid in unpurified seeds of C. tiglium was found to be 0.102 mg/100 g of dried seeds while it was absent in the purified seed extract of C. tiglium. CONCLUSION: The toxicity of C. tiglium seeds may be due to the presence of phorbol esters and crotonic acid along with other constituents. These constituents are oil soluble and may be removed by cow milk during the process of Sodhana. Reduction in the level of these constituents after the purification decreases the toxicity of C. tiglium seeds. Reduction in the oily content from the seeds of C. tiglium during the purification process is also supported by the results obtained from the physiochemical parameters.

Ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Tephrosia purpurea.

Tephrosia purpurea (L.) Pers. is popularly known as 'Sarapunkha' in classical Ayurvedic texts. It is a perennial plant belonging to the family Fabaceae, and occurs throughout the Indian subcontinent. T. purpurea is traditionally used to treat splenomegaly, cirrhosis, cough and cold, abdominal swelling and as an antidote in the Ayurvedic system of medicine. Phytochemical investigations indicate the presence of semiglabrin, pongamole, lanceolatins A and B, rutin, lupeol, and ß-sitosterol. Flavonoids including (+)-tephrorin A and B, (+)-tephrosone, an isoflavone, 7, 4'-dihydroxy-3', 5'-dimethoxyisoflavone and a chalcone, (+)-tephropurpurin were isolated from the whole plant. Pharmacological activities of different parts of the plant reported include anti-inflammatory, antiulcer, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiallergic, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, antitumor and insect repellent activity. In the present review, the literature on the phytochemical and pharmacological investigations of Tephrosia purpurea (L.) Pers. are summarized to August, 2012.

Anticancer activity of the roots of Ichnocarpus frutescens R. Br. and isolated triterpenes.

The roots of Ichnocarpus frutescens along with roots of Cissampelos pareira, Bauhinia vahlii and Ardisia solanacea are processed together and given orally to cure stomach cancer by the tribes of Chotanagpur and Santhal parganas of Bihar, India. In vitro anticancer activity of the residue from methanolic extract of roots of I. frutescens (MIF) and isolated triterpenes were evaluated by 3-(4, 5-dimethyl thiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay using MCF-7, BEL-7402, SPC-A-1 and SGC-7901 cancer cell lines. MIF showed significant anticancer activity on four cancer cell lines with IC50 values 163.5±3.58, 156.3±2.95, 142.6±2.60 and 112.4±1.85 respectively as compared to vehicle treated control. Ursolic acid showed anticancer activity on four cancer cell lines with IC50 values 8.5±0.29, 9.9±0.12, 8.1±0.40 and 6.2±0.23 respectively, while IC50 values for α-amyrin on four cancer cell lines was found to be 7.2±0.12, 8.2±0.29, 7.6±0.06 and 5.0±0.12 respectively.

Ichnocarpus frutescens Ameliorates Experimentally Induced Convulsion in Rats.

The present study was carried out to evaluate the anticonvulsant activity and probable mechanism of action of the methanol root extract from I. frutescens (MEIF) using different experimental animal models. Anticonvulsant activity of the single dose of MEIF (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, p.o.) was evaluated in maximal electroshock- (MES-), pentylenetetrazole- (PTZ-), and isoniazid- (INH-) induced convulsions models in rats. The levels of γ-amino butyric acid (GABA), glutamate, GABA-transaminase (GABA-T) activity and oxidative stress markers were measured in pretreated rat's brain homogenate to corroborate the mechanism of observed anticonvulsant activity. MEIF (200-400 mg/kg, p.o.) protected the animals in all the behavioral models used. Pretreatment of MEIF (200-400 mg/kg, p.o.) and diazepam (1.0 mg/kg, i.p.) to the animals in INH-induced convulsion model showed 100% and 80% protection, respectively, as well as significant restoration of GABA and glutamate level in the rat's brain. MEIF and vigabatrin (50 mg/kg, i.p.) reduced the PTZ-induced increase in the activity of GABA-T (46%) in the brain. Further, MEIF reversed the PTZ-induced increase in lipid peroxidase (LPO) and decrease in reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities. The findings of this study validate the anticonvulsant activity of I. frutescens.

Anti-inflammatory activity of ethanol extract of Vitex glabrata leaves.

Vitex glabrata (Verbenaceae) is commonly employed for the treatment of various ailments in traditional medicine. In this study, ethanol extract of Vitex glabrata (EEVG) was evaluated for the anti-inflammatory activity using carrageenan-induced paw edema and cotton pellet induced granuloma formation in rat models. EEVG showed significant anti-inflammatory activity in rats in dose dependant manner. At a dose of 400 mg/kg, p.o. maximum effect was observed and was comparable (p<0.05) to that of diclofenac sodium (standard, 50 mg/kg, p.o.). Results of the study suggested that the anti-inflammatory activity of EEVG may be due to inhibition of prostaglandins synthesis and cessation of inflammatory events like fibroblast cell formation, neutrophils infiltration, and accumulation of fluids. Therefore, this study provides a support for the plant in the management of inflammatory related disorders.