Role of miRNAs in Brain Development.

Non-coding RNAs that are small in size, called microRNAs (miRNAs), exert a conse-quence in neutralizing gene activity after transcription. The nervous system is a massively ex-pressed organ, and an expanding body of research reveals the vital functions that miRNAs play in the brain's growth and neural activity. The significant benefit of miRNAs on the development of the central nervous system is currently shown through new scientific methods that concentrate on targeting and eradicating vital miRNA biogenesis pathways the elements involving Dicer and DGCR8. Modulation of miRNA has been associated with numerous essential cellular processes on neural progenitors, like differentiation, proliferation, and destiny determination. Current re-search discoveries that emphasize the significance of miRNAs in the complex process of brain development are included in this book. The miRNA pathway plays a major role in brain devel-opment, its operational dynamics, and even diseases. Recent studies on miRNA-mediated gene regulation within neural discrepancy, the circadian period and synaptic remodeling are signs of this. We also discussed how these discoveries may affect our comprehension of the fundamental processes behind brain diseases, highlighting the novel therapeutic opportunities miRNAs pro-vide for treating various human illnesses.

Overview of processed excipients in ocular drug delivery: Opportunities so far and bottlenecks.

Ocular drug delivery presents a unique set of challenges owing to the complex anatomy and physiology of the eye. Processed excipients have emerged as crucial components in overcoming these challenges and improving the efficacy and safety of ocular drug delivery systems. This comprehensive overview examines the opportunities that processed excipients offer in enhancing drug delivery to the eye. By analyzing the current landscape, this review highlights the successful applications of processed excipients, such as micro- and nano-formulations, sustained-release systems, and targeted delivery strategies. Furthermore, this article delves into the bottlenecks that have impeded the widespread adoption of these excipients, including formulation stability, biocompatibility, regulatory constraints, and cost-effectiveness. Through a critical evaluation of existing research and industry practices, this review aims to provide insights into the potential avenues for innovation and development in ocular drug delivery, with a focus on addressing the existing challenges associated with processed excipients. This synthesis contributes to a deeper understanding of the promising role of processed excipients in improving ocular drug delivery systems and encourages further research and development in this rapidly evolving field.

Changes in mitochondrial function parallel life history transitions between flight and reproduction in wing polymorphic field crickets.

Mitochondria serve as critical producers of both cellular energy and metabolic precursors for biosynthesis required for organismal growth, activity, somatic maintenance, and reproduction. Consequently, variation in mitochondrial function is commonly associated with variation in life histories both within and across species. For instance, flight-capable, long-winged crickets have mitochondria with larger bioenergetic capacities than flightless, short-winged crickets investing in early lifetime fecundity instead of flight. However, we do not know whether differences in mitochondrial function associated with life history are fixed or result from flexible changes in metabolism throughout the life cycle. We measured mitochondrial function of fat body tissue across early adulthood of long-winged and short-winged crickets from two species of wing-polymorphic field crickets (Gryllus firmus and Gryllus lineaticeps). Fat body is a multifunctional organ that supports both flight and reproduction in insects. Consistent with flexibility in mitochondrial function specific for alternative life histories, the capacity for oxidative phosphorylation increases in mitochondria throughout early adulthood in the fat body of long-winged but not short-winged crickets. Furthermore, fat body mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation capacities declined rapidly when long-wing crickets degraded their flight muscles and initiated large-scale oogenesis. This finding suggests that shifts in tissue function require a concurrent shift in mitochondrial function and that tissue-specific functional constraints may underpin the flight-oogenesis trade-off. In conclusion, changes in mitochondrial bioenergetics form a component of alternative life histories, indicating that mitochondrial function is dynamic and set to a level that matches current and future energy demands and biosynthetic requirements of life history.

Assessment of Stability of Prothrombin Time, International Normalized Ratio, and Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time Under Different Storage Conditions in Human Plasma.

Background In this study, we aimed to determine the effects of storage time and temperature on commonly performed coagulation tests such as prothrombin time (PT), international normalized ratio (INR), and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) in human plasma. Methodology Whole blood samples from 100 patients were collected in a 3.2% sodium citrate vacutainer. The blood was centrifuged within two hours of collection at 2,000 g for 10 minutes, and the platelet-poor plasma (PPP) obtained was analyzed for PT, INR, and APTT tests at zero hours (baseline) and repeated at 12 hours, 24 hours, and 36 hours on a fully automated coagulation analyzer at various storage conditions (room temperature, refrigerator, and freezer). The results were categorized into two groups: group 1 comprised results with normal coagulation profile and group 2 comprised results with abnormal coagulation profile. The percentage change of the results from baseline (zero hours) for PT, INR, and APTT tests was also studied. A percentage change of more than ±10% from baseline was considered as a clinically significant change. Results In this study, a total of 95 PPP samples were evaluated. The median age of all patients was 44 years (range: 19-65 years). The male-to-female ratio was 0.9:1. The baseline PT, INR, and APTT values were 12.1 seconds, 1.06, and 26.5 seconds, respectively, in group 1, whereas the baseline PT, INR, and APTT values were 19.1 seconds, 1.80, and 36.0 seconds, respectively, in group 2. In the freezer, the samples were stable for PT, INR, and APTT tests at 12 hours, 24 hours, and 36 hours showing a change of <10% from baseline at all three time-points. In the refrigerator, the samples were stable for PT and INR tests for up to 24 hours showing a change of <10% from baseline. In comparison, the samples for the APTT test were not stable at 12 hours, 24 hours, and 36 hours showing a change of 12.1%, 15.5%, and 17.9%, respectively, from the baseline (zero hours). Finally, at room temperature, the samples deteriorated at 12 hours for all coagulation parameters (PT, INR, and APTT). Conclusions The patient plasma samples for PT, INR, and APTT tests could be safely stored for up to 36 hours in the freezer. In the refrigerator, samples for PT and INR tests could be safely stored for up to 24 hours while the samples for APTT deteriorated at 12 hours. All patient samples for PT, INR, and APTT tests deteriorated at 12 hours at room temperature.

Phlebotomy for obtaining platelet-rich fibrin autograft in children for pediatric dental procedures: Parental views, understanding, and acceptance.

BACKGROUND: The negative perception of parents toward invasive dental procedures has always created a barrier in delivering successful treatment to pediatric patients. Surprisingly, little is known about the perspective of parents and the impact of demographic and psychological factors guiding their decision. AIM: To evaluate the acceptability of phlebotomy for obtaining platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) to be used in pediatric endodontic procedures among parents of children. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study design was used for the survey. The design involved interviewing the parents of children aged 3 to 14 years, who fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were indicated for regenerative pulp therapy using PRF. MATERIALS AND METHOD: The sample included one hundred and fifty shortlisted parents who were made to answer questionnaires on sociodemographic data and psychological variables. A single pediatric dentist educated the parents individually on the procedure, risks, and benefits of PRF, following which parental consent and views were recorded in the developed performa. RESULTS: Consent of 63.3% was recorded at the end of the study. Parenting pattern and parental dental anxiety were found to have significant correlation with the treatment acceptance. CONCLUSION: It is the responsibility of the pediatric dentist to communicate the treatment strategies in a manner that is acceptable to the parents for which a thorough knowledge about parental factors is necessary. This study helps in identifying such factors and highlights the importance of demonstration aids in parental education and motivation.

Anthelmintic and Analgesic Activities of Trachyspermum Khasianum H. Wolff.

OBJECTIVES: Trachyspermum khasianum H. Wolff is a rare medicinal plant characteristically used by the traditional healers in traditional medicine for the treatment of throat-pain, toothache, and stomach ache. The study was designed to determine the anthelmintic and analgesic properties of the aerial parts of Trachyspermum khasianum H. Wolff (Family Apiaceae). The aqueous and ethanol extract of T. khasianum H. Wolff was prepared and subjected for evaluation to determine the possible therapeutic effects. METHODS: Anthelmintic activities of the extracts were determined by observing the time taken to paralyze and the time taken for the death of earthworms (Eisenia foetida) as compared to the standard drug-Albendazole (20 mg/ml) and control. Analgesic potential of the extracts was evaluated using Eddy's hot plate method to understand the analgesic activity in rats (Wistar rats) at 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg body weight doses and compared with the standard reference (Diclofenac sodium 10 mg/kg of animals). RESULTS: The extracts showed a significant dose-dependent anthelmintic effect at the different concentrations (10, 20, and 40) mg/ml, compared to that of the standard drug (20 mg/ml). Also, the results suggested that the plant extracts possess significantly analgesic activity in rats. CONCLUSION: The studies indicate that Trachyspermum khasianum shows anthelmintic and potent analgesic activities. Further research should be carried out to identify the specific phytoconstituents responsible for both analgesic and anthelmintic activities and its possible mechanism of action.

A giant mediastinal thymolipoma: a rare pathological entity.

Thymolipoma is a rarely seen benign pathological entity of anterior mediastinum and constitutes of around 2-7% of thymic tumors. They usually present as soft tissue mass composed of mature adipose tissue and thymic tissue, which are clinically silent most of the time, i.e., the reason they reach to a larger dimension before diagnosis. Preoperaative diagnosis is always challenging for the thymolipoma. We wish to report a case of the soft tissue mass of anterior mediastinum in a young male, which on surgical exploration and final histopathological examination was diagnosed as thymolipoma.

Nanoemulsion-Based Transdermal Drug Delivery System for the Treatment of Tuberculosis.

BACKGROUND: The nanoemulsion based carriers are the most suitable delivery systems for poorly soluble drugs to improve the drugs solubility, permeation of drugs and ultimately increase bioavailability by transdermal therapeutic system. The nanoemulsion for poorly soluble drugs is admirable and offered several advantages over others drug delivery. METHODS: For nanoemulsions formulation, they have to deliver the energetic element at the specific organ with nominal uneasiness. Because of the prevention of hepatic first pass uptake transdermal course excel usual crest and trough plasma shape that usually comfort the administration. The antitubercular drugs relate to the formulation of Poly DL-Lactide-Co-Glycolide nanoparticles having an active substance encapsulated within and that the encapsulated substances are stable with respect to each other. CONCLUSION: The present study aimed to explore the challenges and methods in order to increase the solubility of poorly aqueous soluble drug for improved bioavailability alongwith relative study of toxicity problems related to anti-tubercular drug.

N-benzoate-N' salicylaldehyde ethynelediamine: a new fluorescent sensor for Zn2+ ion by "off-on" mode.

Imbalance of zinc ion (Zn(2+)) in human body causes diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's and therefore Zn(2+) estimation in biological fluids has diagnostic values. Fluorescence "off-on" sensors have advantages of high sensitivity and in situ application over other sensors. A new fluorescent "off-on" Zn(2+) sensor, N-benzoate-N' salicylaldehyde ethynelediamine (L), has been synthesisied. In 1:1(v/v) CH3OH:PBS (PBS = phosphate buffer solution), L shows ca. 20 times enhancement in fluorescence intensity on interaction with Zn(2+), due to snapping of photoinduced electron transfer (PET) process, which is selective over metal ions - Na(+), K(+), Ca(2+), Ni(2+), Cu(2+), Cd(2+), Hg(2+) and Pb(2+). These metal ions either individually or all together does not interfere the sensing ability of L towards Zn(2+). A 1:1 interaction between L and Zn(2+) ion with binding constant 10(4.25) has been established from spectroscopic data.

Salicylaldehyde phenylhydrazone: a new highly selective fluorescent lead (II) probe.

The fluorescence intensity of salicylaldehyde phenylhydrazone (L), in 1:1 (v/v) CH3OH:H2O was enhanced by ca. 100 times with a blue shift in emission maximum, on interaction with Pb(2+) ion. No enhancement in fluorescent intensity of L was observed on interaction with metal ions - Na(+), K(+), Ca(2+), Cu(2+), Ni(2+), Zn(2+), Cd(2+) and Hg(2+). This signal transduction was found to occur via photoinduced electron transfer (PET) mechanism. A 1:1 complexation between Pb(2+) and L with log ß = 7.86 has been proved from fluorescent and UV/Visible spectroscopic data. The detection limit of Pb(2+) was calculated to be 6.3 × 10(-7) M.

N,N,N,N-tetradentate macrocyclic ligand based selective fluorescent sensor for zinc (II).

N,N,N,N-tetradentate macrocyclic ligand (L) has been synthesized by the condensation of benzil and semicarbazide and characterized. On excitation by light of wavelength 350 nm, L exhibited a fluorescent peak at λ(max) = 454 nm, which showed ca 6 times enhancement in intensity with a blue shift on interaction with Zn(2+). L has been found to act as a selective fluorescent sensor for zinc(2+) ion over a host of other metal ions such as- Cd(2+), Pb(2+), Hg(2+), Ca(2+), Fe(2+), Na(2+), Co(2+), Mn(2+), Cu(2+) and Ni(2+), in 1:1 CH(3)OH:H(2)O. A 1:1 complex formation between L and Zn(2+) was proved. The enhancement in the fluorescence could be explained on the basis of Photo induced electron transfer (PET) mechanism with log ß = 1.86.

A new highly sensitive and selective fluorescent cadmium sensor.

Condensation product (L) of salicylaldehyde and semicarbazide behaves as a fluorescent sensor for Cd(2+) ion, in 1:1 DMSO:H(2)O, over Mn(2+), Fe(2+), Ni(2+), Co(2+), Cu(2+), Pb(2+) and Hg(2+) ions. The emission peak of L at λ(max) = 520 nm, on excitation with 420 nm wavelength photons, showed an enhancement in intensity of ca 60-fold when interacted with Cd(2+) ion. The intensity was however found to remain unaltered when interacted with metal ions--Mn(2+), Fe(2+), Ni(2+), Co(2+), Cu(2+), Pb(2+) and Hg(2+). The intensity increases by approximately 20 fold on interaction with Zn(2+) ion. The increase in the fluorescent peak can be explained on the basis of photo induced electron transfer (PET) mechanism. A 1:1 complexation between Cd(2+) and L with log ß = 4.25 has been proved.