Ultrasonic synthesis of green lipid nanocarriers loaded with Scutellaria barbata extract: a sustainable approach for enhanced anticancer and antibacterial therapy.

Ultrasonic manufacturing has emerged as a promising eco-friendly approach to synthesize lipid-based nanocarriers for targeted drug delivery. This study presents the novel ultrasonic preparation of lipid nanocarriers loaded with Scutellaria barbata extract, repurposed for anticancer and antibacterial use. High-frequency ultrasonic waves enabled the precise self-assembly of DSPE-PEG, Span 40, and cholesterol to form nanocarriers encapsulating the therapeutic extract without the use of toxic solvents, exemplifying green nanotechnology. Leveraging the inherent anticancer and antibacterial properties of Scutellaria barbata, the study demonstrates that lipid encapsulation enhances the bioavailability and controlled release of the extract, which is vital for its therapeutic efficacy. Dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy analyses confirmed the increase in size and successful encapsulation post-loading, along with an augmented negative zeta potential indicating enhanced stability. A high encapsulation efficiency of 91.93% was achieved, and in vitro assays revealed the loaded nanocarriers' optimized release kinetics and improved antimicrobial potency against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, compared to the free extract. The combination of ultrasonic synthesis and Scutellaria barbata in an eco-friendly manufacturing process not only advances green nanotechnology but also contributes to sustainable practices in pharmaceutical manufacturing. The data suggest that this innovative nanocarrier system could provide a robust platform for the development of nanotechnology-based therapeutics, enhancing drug delivery efficacy while aligning with environmental sustainability.

Identifying Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets by Multiomic Analysis for HNSCC: Precision Medicine and Healthcare Management.

Background: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is one of the major types of cancer, with 900,000 cases and over 400,000 deaths annually. It constitutes 3-4% of all cancers in Europe and western countries. As early diagnosis is the key to treating the disease, reliable biomarkers play an important role in the precision medicine of HNSCC. Despite treatments, the survival rate of cancer patients remains unchanged, and this is mainly due to the failure to detect the disease early. Thus, the objective of this study is to identify reliable biomarkers for head and neck cancers for better healthcare management. Methods: In this study, all available, curated human genes were screened for their expression against HNSCC TCGA patient samples using genomic and proteomic data by various bioinformatic approaches and datamining. Docking studies were performed using AutoDock or online virtual screening tools for identifying potential ligands. Results: Sixty genes were short-listed, and most of them show a consistently higher expression in head and neck patient samples at both the mRNA and the protein level. Irrespective of human papillomavirus (HPV) status, all of them show a higher expression in cancer samples. The higher expression of 30 genes shows adverse effects on patient survival. Out of the 60 genes, 12 genes have crystal structures and druggable potential. We show that genes such as GTF2H4, HAUS7, MSN, and MNDA could be targets of Pembrolizumab and Nivolumab, which are approved monoclonal antibodies for HNSCC. Conclusion: Sixty genes are identified as potential biomarkers for head and neck cancers based on their consistent and statistically significantly higher expression in patient samples. Four proteins have been identified as potential drug targets based on their crystal structure. However, the utility of these candidate genes has to be further tested using patient samples.

Atrazine Toxicity: The Possible Role of Natural Products for Effective Treatment.

There are various herbicides which were used in the agriculture industry. Atrazine (ATZ) is a chlorinated triazine herbicide that consists of a ring structure, known as the triazine ring, along with a chlorine atom and five nitrogen atoms. ATZ is a water-soluble herbicide, which makes it capable of easily infiltrating into majority of the aquatic ecosystems. There are reports of toxic effects of ATZ on different systems of the body but, unfortunately, majority of these scientific reports were documented in animals. The herbicide was reported to enter the body through various routes. The toxicity of the herbicide can cause deleterious effects on the respiratory, reproductive, endocrine, central nervous system, gastrointestinal, and urinary systems of the human body. Alarmingly, few studies in industrial workers showed ATZ exposure leading to cancer. We embarked on the present review to discuss the mechanism of action of ATZ toxicity for which there is no specific antidote or drug. Evidence-based published literature on the effective use of natural products such as lycopene, curcumin, Panax ginseng, Spirulina platensis, Fucoidans, vitamin C, soyabeans, quercetin, L-carnitine, Telfairia occidentalis, vitamin E, Garcinia kola, melatonin, selenium, Isatis indigotica, polyphenols, Acacia nilotica, and Zingiber officinale were discussed in detail. In the absence of any particular allopathic drug, the present review may open the doors for future drug design involving the natural products and their active compounds.

Radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation-induced behavioral changes and their possible basis.

The primary objective of mobile phone technology is to achieve communication with any person at any place and time. In the modern era, it is impossible to ignore the usefulness of mobile phone technology in cases of emergency as many lives have been saved. However, the biological effects they may have on humans and other animals have been largely ignored and not been evaluated comprehensively. One of the reasons for this is the speedy uncontrollable growth of this technology which has surpassed our researching ability. Initiated with the first generation, the mobile telephony currently reaches to its fifth generation without being screened extensively for any biological effects that they may have on humans or on other animals. Mounting evidences suggest possible non-thermal biological effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR) on brain and behavior. Behavioral studies have particularly concentrated on the effects of RF-EMR on learning, memory, anxiety, and locomotion. The literature analysis on behavioral effects of RF-EMR demonstrates complex picture with conflicting observations. Nonetheless, numerous reports suggest a possible behavioral effect of RF-EMR. The scientific findings about this issue are presented in the current review. The possible neural and molecular mechanisms for the behavioral effects have been proposed in the light of available evidences from the literature.

Fenugreek seed extract ameliorates cognitive deficits in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Background Natural medicinal plants have been the focus of current research for developing neuroprotective agents to be used in the diabetes-linked cognitive dysfunction. Trigonella foenum-graecum seeds (known as fenugreek, methi in Hindi), is a well-known traditional medicinal herb and possesses anti-diabetic, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Purpose This study was undertaken to explore the ameliorative effects of T. foenum-graecum seed extract on diabetes-induced cognitive dysfunction. Methods Experimental diabetes was induced by administering a single dose of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg) through intraperitoneal dose. Cognitive function was assessed using a T-maze and the Morris water maze. Lipid peroxidation levels and oxidative stress in the hippocampus was measured. Quantification of hippocampal CA1 and CA3 regions was done using cresyl violet stain. Results Diabetic rats demonstrated learning and memory impairment, which was evident from poor performance in behavioral tasks, i.e. T-maze and Morris water maze tasks. Learning and memory impairment in diabetic animals is associated with increased blood glucose levels, increased oxidative stress in the hippocampus and decreased number of neurons in the CA1 and CA3 regions of the hippocampus. The diabetic rats administered with T. foenum-graecum showed improved performance in behavioral tasks, and these changes were associated with decreased blood glucose levels, decreased oxidative stress in the hippocampus, and decreased neuronal loss from the CA1 and CA3 regions of the hippocampus. Conclusion In conclusion, administration of T. foenum-graecum seed extract ameliorates diabetes-linked cognitive dysfunction in rats by decreasing blood glucose levels, reducing lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress in the hippocampus, and preventing neuronal loss from the hippocampus.

Anti-Atherosclerotic Potential of Aqueous Extract of Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark against Glucocorticoid Induced Atherosclerosis in Wistar Rats.

INTRODUCTION: Atherosclerosis is one of the major causes of disability of blood vessels which can result in development of many cardiovascular disorders. There is a strong association between atherosclerosis and insulin resistance and dyslipidemia. AIM: To study the anti-atherosclerotic potential of C. zeylanicum bark extract in insulin resistance associated atherosclerosis and worsened Atherogenic Index (AI) associated with dyslipidemia, which are the predominant complications of steroid diabetes in Wistar rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A sum of 36 rats were categorized into five study groups and one plain control. In a 12 day study period, respective drug treatments were given every day throughout the study period whereas, dexamethasone dosage was started from day seven onwards. On day 12, fasting blood samples were collected and processed for lipid estimation and the determined values were also used to assess AI further. Animals were sacrificed under ether anaesthesia and the aorta was dissected away for its measurement and histopathological findings. One-way ANOVA was used to analyse the data and multiple comparison was done, interpreted based on Post-Hoc Scheffe test. RESULTS: High dose of dexamethasone (8 mg/kg/i.p) in Dexa Control (DC) group produced significant dyslipidemia, increased risk of atherogenicity (p<0.05) and caused severe thickening (78.5% compared to Plain Control (PC) of wall of aorta. Rosiglitazone (ROSI) (8 mg/kg and 16 mg/kg) and C. zelanicum (CZE) extract treatments (500 mg/kg and 250 mg/kg) significantly prevented dyslipidemia, well maintained AI compared to dexa control (p<0.05). However, both the CZE treatments protected the aorta from atherosclerosis (40.3% and 30.2% compared to DC) and significantly prevented the dyslipidemia and reduced the risk of atherogenicity compared to ROSI treatment (p<0.05). Although, the CZE did not show difference in significance in maintaining very low density lipoprotein when compared to ROSI (p>0.05). The atherosclerotic changes were completely absent in both the CZE treatments whereas, ROSI treatments did not prevented the atherosclerosis of aorta completely as they showed moderate and mild atherosclerotic changes in the aorta. CONCLUSION: The aqueous extract of C. zelanicum bark exhibited marked protection against dexamethasone induced atherosclerosis and also minimized the atherogenic risk in Wistar rats.

The Impact of Eating and Exercise Frequency on Weight Gain - A Cross-Sectional Study on Medical Undergraduate Students.

INTRODUCTION: Diverse factors influence an individual's ability to successfully achieve and maintain energy balance consistent with a healthy body weight. Eating frequency is one among the varied feature that thought to have a direct impact on the body weight gain. AIM: The present cross-sectional study has been carried out with the intention of awareness of food habit that specifically emphasize the frequency of eating and its effect on weight gain of an individual. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study involved 265 medical undergraduate students. Faculty validated close ended questionnaire was distributed to the students and the responses given by them were then analysed. Statistical evaluation of data with Spearman correlation coefficient (r) was done. RESULTS: Among the total 265 participants, 177 (66.8%) were noted to have normal Body Mass Index (BMI 18.5-24.9). Out of them, 113 (64%) found to have eating frequency 3-4 meals/day, 44 (25%) with 1-2 meals/day, 18 (10%) with 5-6 meals/day and 2 (1%) with more than 6 meals/day. Low positive correlation (r=0.09) between mean frequency of eating and the number of subjects with normal BMI was observed. CONCLUSION: An increase in the eating frequency can also be correlated with an increased prevalence of normal BMI individuals provided adequate physical exercise.

Superficial Ulnar Artery Associated with Anomalous Origin of the Common Interosseous and Ulnar Recurrent Arteries.

Occurrence of vascular variations in the upper limb is not uncommon and is well described in the medical literature. However, occurrence of superficial ulnar artery associated with unusual origin of the common interosseous and ulnar recurrent arteries is seldom reported in the literature. In the present case, we report the anomalous origin of common trunk of common interosseous, anterior and posterior ulnar recurrent arteries from the radial artery, in a male cadaver. Further, ulnar artery had presented superficial course. Knowledge of anomalous arterial pattern in the cubital fossa reported here is clinically important during the angiographic procedures and plastic surgeries.

Protective effect of ascorbic acid and Ginkgo biloba against learning and memory deficits caused by fluoride.

Fluoride is present in the ground water, World Health Organization permitted level of fluoride in the ground water is 0.5 ppm. Tooth pastes, mouth washes, tea and sea fish are the sources of fluoride. Exposure to these multiple sources results in several adverse effects in addition to the fluorosis. The present study aimed to test the effect of vitamin C and Ginkgo biloba against the behavioural deficits caused by fluoride. Rats were divided into five groups with six animals in each group (n = 6). Control group received ordinary tap water with 0.5 ppm of fluoride, the remaining groups received 100 ppm of fluoride for 30 days prior to fluoride exposure. Two groups of animals received 100 mg/kg body weight of vitamin C and G. biloba for 15 days prior to fluoride exposure. After 45 days, behavioural studies (T-Maze, passive avoidance) were conducted on the experimental animals. The results of the present study showed no behavioural deficits in the control group of animals however, the rats that received fluoride water exhibited impairment in their spatial learning and memory deficits. The deficits are not marked in the vitamin C and G. biloba groups. To conclude chronic exposure to high levels of fluoride causes severe impairment in the spatial learning and memory, these deficits can be ameliorated with the vitamin C and G. biloba.

Unusual Communications between the Cutaneous Branches of Ulnar Nerve in the Palm.

Variations of dorsal and volar digital cutaneous branches of ulnar nerve are of tremendous clinical importance for successful regional nerve blocks, skin flaps, carpal tunnel release and placement of electrodes for electrophysiological studies. With the aforementioned clinical implications it is worth to report the variations of cutaneous branches of ulnar nerve. In the current case, we have encountered a rare variation (Kaplan`s anastomosis) of ulnar nerve, in the right upper limb. We have noticed that the dorsal cutaneous branch of ulnar nerve divided into three branches, the lateral two branches supplied the skin of the medial one and half fingers of the dorsum of hand. The medial branch established communications with the superficial branches of ulnar nerve and distributed to the skin of the one and half fingers of the volar aspect of hand. The possible outcome of this communications is discussed. Course and distribution of ulnar nerve on the contralateral side was found to be normal.

Multiple variations in the pelvic vasculature - a case report.

A thorough knowledge of possible variations of pelvic vasculature is very useful for surgeons, gynaecologists, radiologists, urologists and orthopaedic surgeons. We report multiple vascular variations in the left half of the pelvis of an adult male cadaver. Iliolumbar artery arose from the main trunk of the internal iliac artery. Posterior division of the internal iliac artery gave two lateral sacral arteries and a superior gluteal artery. The anterior division of the internal iliac artery gave origin to superior vesical, inferior vesical, inferior gluteal and internal pudendal arteries. The internal pudendal artery gave origin to a common trunk before leaving the pelvis. The common trunk divided into middle rectal artery and deep artery of the penis. The obturator artery took origin from the inferior epigastric artery and descended downward to the pelvis and left the pelvis by passing through the obturator foramen. Most of the other veins accompanying the arteries joined to form a plexus on the superior surface of the pelvic diaphragm. This plexus condensed to form anterior and posterior divisions of the internal iliac vein. Apart from this, the posterior part of the plexus drained directly into the common iliac vein through a large unnamed vein.

Double gallbladder completely enclosed in a cystogastric fold of peritoneum.

Double gallbladder is one of the rare congenital anomalies of the gallbladder. Failure to detect an accessory gallbladder hampers diagnosis and treatment of cholecystitis, which might result in recurrent attacks of cholecystitis. In addition, presence of peritoneal folds extending from the stomach and duodenum to the gallbladder is very rare. Here we report the presence of a double gallbladder enclosed in a cystogastric fold of the peritoneum. During cadaveric dissection, we observed a cystogastric peritoneal fold that extended from the lesser curvature of the stomach and the first part of the duodenum to the gallbladder. The left end of the peritoneal fold merged with the lesser omentum. It enclosed two gallbladders: the main gallbladder and a small accessory gallbladder. The accessory gallbladder was a small pouch with its fundus attached to the main gallbladder by fibrous tissue, and its duct opened into the main cystic duct.

Appraisal of the effect of brain impregnation duration on neuronal staining and morphology in a modified Golgi-Cox method.

BACKGROUND: Golgi-Cox staining method is considered as one of the best neurohistological and fascinating staining techniques to reveal the cytoarchitecture of the brain. Requirement of longer time (more than a month), laborious section processing steps, requirement of sophisticated equipment's and costly ready to use kits limits extensive use of this technique. NEW METHOD: The need for a modified staining technique is to overcome some of these hurdles. Here we describe a modification of Golgi-Cox staining involving reduced impregnation time (7 days), omitting tissue dehydration steps, and alterations in section processing steps. Different impregnation duration (7 days, 14 days, 1 month, 6 months and 10 months) effects on optimized staining of dorsal hippocampus and basolateral amygdala were investigated. RESULTS: Modified Golgi-Cox staining method was found to be effective in staining rat hippocampus and amygdala. Impregnation for 7 days, 14 days and 1 month resulted in giving good results and they were comparable. However, artifacts were slightly elevated with 6 months group but not extensively. Impregnation for 10 months negatively affected the staining process. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHOD(S): Compared to existing methods the current method was found to be cost effective, fast, reliable and can be executed in labs where infrastructure is limited. CONCLUSIONS: Current modification considerably benefitted in obtaining better results (good clarity and lesser artifact) in a short time. Longer impregnated brain sections were found to be unsuitable for morphometric evaluation due to more stain precipitation and artifact. The modified technique can be used to study cellular architecture in other brain regions.

Unilateral duplication of vas deferens: a cadaveric case report.

Duplication of vas deferens is a rare congenital anomaly. All previously reported cases of this rare anomaly were identified during procedures such as orchiepexy, inguinal hernia repair, vasectomy, varicocoelectomy, and radical prostatectomy. Here, we report a case of unilateral duplicated vas deferens noted in an adult cadaver during regular dissection for medical students. The right spermatic cord contained 2 separate and completely developed cord-like structures. Both cords communicated separately with the tail of the epididymis. When traced cranially, both traversed the inguinal canal as content of the spermatic cord and finally fused at the level of the deep inguinal ring. No other variations were found in the testis or epididymis, and no variations were seen in the left spermatic cord. In addition, no associated renal abnormalities were noted.

High origin of an ulnar artery--development and surgical significance.

Variations in the main arteries of the upper limb are common and these anomalies can be of substantial interest to orthopedic surgeons, plastic surgeons, radiologists and anatomists. We present here a case of a high origin of the ulnar artery from the brachial artery found during anatomical dissection of a right upper limb of a 50-year-old man. This superficial ulnar artery, after running over the bicipital aponeurosis in the cubital fossa superficial to the flexor muscles in the forearm terminated as the superficial palmar arch in the hand. The embryological and clinical importance of the anomalous ulnar artery is discussed.

A common trunk of origin of the right testicular and middle suprarenal arteries with a retrocaval course.

A common trunk of origin of the right testicular and middle suprarenal arteries with a retrocaval course was observed during the dissection of a male cadaver. The Common trunk (CT) arose from the anterior aspect of the abdominal aorta (AA) at the level of the right renal artery (RRA) and after a short course behind the inferior vena cava (IVC), the CT divided into right testicular and middle suprarenal arteries. The middle suprarenal artery (MSA) passed upwards behind the IVC to the right suprarenal gland. The right testicular artery (RTA) descended posterior to the RRA and anterior to the IVC. It then continued on its normal route distally with the right testicular vein. The awareness of such variations of testicular and middle suprarenal arteries and their unusual origin and course might complicate the interpretation of angiograms and surgical procedures in the posterior abdominal area.

Bilateral variant testicular arteries with double renal arteries.

BACKGROUND: The testicular arteries normally arise from the abdominal aorta. There are reports about the variant origin of these arteries. Accessory renal arteries are also a common finding but their providing origin to testicular arteries is an important observation. The variations described here are unique and provide significant information to surgeons dissecting the abdominal cavity. CASE PRESENTATION: During routine dissection classes of abdominal region of a 60-year-old male cadaver, we observed bilateral variant testicular arteries and double renal arteries. CONCLUSION: Awareness of variations of the testicular arteries such as those presented here becomes important during surgical procedures like varicocele and undescended testes.

Multiple variations of the urogenital vascular system in a single cadaver: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: The knowledge of renal vascular anatomy and its variations are very much essential in case of renal transplantation, renal surgeries, uroradiology, gonadal color doppler imaging, in surgeries of aneurysm of abdominal aorta, in gonadal surgeries. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a rare combination of vascular variations in a 48 years old male cadaver, included the retroaortic left renal vein opening in to the left common iliac vein, an accessory renal artery arising from the left common iliac artery which supplied the lower end of left kidney and left testicular artery originating from left renal artery. Clinical and embryological back ground of the above mentioned variations have been discussed in this paper. CONCLUSION: A deeper understanding of the urogenital vascular variations and their special relations to adjacent vessels is especially significant in avoiding the complications in clinical operation and examination and in recognizing the causes of urinary and genital disorders.

Morphometry of posterior cerebral artery: embryological and clinical significance.

Posterior cerebral artery, terminal branch of basilar artery joins the posterior communicating artery to help complete the circulus arteriosus cerebri in human beings. A study of 89 formalin-fixed brain specimen of either sex and of Indian origin has showed that the mean length and diameter of the posterior cerebral artery was 6.75 +/- 1.482 mm and 1.7 +/- 0.7 mm respectively. Anomalous origin of the posterior cerebral artery was the only variation found during the present study. The incidence of occurrence of the particular variant was 2.2%. The variation did not have any sex or side predilection.

Unusual origin of dorsal nerve of penis and abnormal formation of pudendal nerve--clinical significance.

The nerve roots of the sacral plexus are fascinating and critical in the functions of defecation, micturition, parturition, and even participate in the mechanism of male sexual functions of erection and ejaculation. During our routine cadaveric dissection of the right gluteal region of a 45-year-old male cadaver, we came across an unusual origin of the dorsal nerve of the penis (DNP) and abnormal formation of the pudendal nerve. The clinical aspects of the particular variations are discussed.