Unveiling the therapeutic potentialities and chemical characterization of methanolic Merremia vitifolia (Burm.f) Hallier f. stem extract: A Multi-faceted investigation via in vitro, in vivo, and in silico approaches.

Current study focused on Merremia vitifolia an ethnomedicinal plant, aiming to explore its medicinal properties comprehensively. Through qualitative and quantitative analysis, the study investigated the phytochemical components of M. vitifolia stem extract and assessed its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antidepressant, anxiolytic, locomotor, and antidiarrheal activities. The evaluation involved a combination of in vitro, in vivo, and in silico approaches. In-vitro antioxidant activity was determined using the DPPH scavenging assay, while anti-inflammatory activity was assessed via a protein denaturation assay. In-vivo experiments included tests for antidepressant effects (FST, TST), anxiolytic effects (EPM, HBT), locomotor effects (OFT, HCT), and analgesic activity (formalin-induced licking test and acetic acid-induced writhing test). Additionally, the antidiarrheal effect was evaluated through castor oil-induced diarrhea and gastrointestinal motility tests. Fifteen bioactive compounds were identified based on their biological activities from GC/MS data and subjected to in silico molecular docking; ADME/T profiling and pass prediction. MEMVS had an IC50 value of 74.97 µg/mL and MEMVS elicited 77.17 ± 0.39 % inhibition protein denaturation compared to standard (87.23 ± 0.30 %) at 500 µg/mL. In addition, MEMVS induced a dose-dependent reduction in analgesic, neuropharmacological assay, inhibition in diarrheal feces count, and intestinal motility with a significant value (aP< 0.001). In computer-aided investigation, all compounds adhere to Lipinski's rule of five and demonstrate highest binding affinity to isolates compared to standard drugs, confirming laboratory findings. Research findings suggest that MEMVS holds promising potential, as a multifaceted therapeutic agent, exhibiting antioxidant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-diarrheal and neuropharmacological properties. However, further investigation is needed to fully harness its medicinal benefits.

Autophagy as a targeted therapeutic approach for skin cancer: Evaluating natural and synthetic molecular interventions.

Skin cancer, a prevalent malignancy worldwide, poses significant health concerns owing to its increasing incidence. Autophagy, a natural cellular process, is a pivotal event in skin cancer and has advantageous and detrimental effects. This duality has prompted extensive investigations into medical interventions targeting autophagy modulation for their substantial therapeutic potential. This systematic review aimed to investigate the relationship between skin cancer and autophagy and the contribution and mechanism of autophagy modulators in skin cancer. We outlined the effectiveness and safety of targeting autophagy as a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of skin cancer. This comprehensive review identified a diverse array of autophagy modulators with promising potential for the treatment of skin cancer. Each of these compounds demonstrates efficacy through distinct physiological mechanisms that have been elucidated in detail. Interestingly, findings from a literature search indicated that none of the natural, synthetic, or semisynthetic compounds exhibited notable adverse effects in either human or animal models. Consequently, this review offers novel mechanistic and therapeutic perspectives on the targeted modulation of autophagy in skin cancer.

Evaluation of artificially contaminated fish with formaldehyde under laboratory conditions and exposure assessment in freshwater fish in Southern Bangladesh.

Formalin can be added as preservative to fresh foods to prevent spoilage and extend shelf life. Formalin contains 37-40% formaldehyde, which is classified as carcinogenic to humans. To assess the public health risk associated with formaldehyde exposure in freshwater fish in Southern Bangladesh, formaldehyde concentrations (mg/kg) were determined in tilapia, Indian major carp rui, Chinese carp and a minor carp from local market and in laboratory simulations (0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0% formaldehyde solution for 5, 15, 30 and 60 min) with spectrophotometric and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods. A food frequency questionnaire was used to collect fish consumption (kg/kg BW. d) data from 400 respondents. A probabilistic exposure assessment was conducted using @Risk®7.0 software. Fish treated with formalin at increasing concentrations and exposure time showed increased trends of formaldehyde acquisition irrespective of fish species and analytical methods used (p < .05). Compared to spectrophotometry, the HPLC method was shown to be more sensitive and is therefore the preferred method for formalin quantification. Maximum exposure to formaldehyde (0.28 mg/kg BW. d) was calculated for tilapia using HPLC analysis. Margin of exposure (MoE) provides high priority (<10,000) for tilapia and Indian major carp rui at P99 under spectrophotometric analysis whereas as determined using HPLC, tilapia had MoE values much lower than 10,000 at P99, P95 and P90 (both total population and consumers). Exposure to formaldehyde associated with freshwater fish consumption is a public health concern in Southern Bangladesh and needs further assessment and risk management strategies.

Long-term results of primary syndactyly correction by the trilobed flap technique.

This paper describes the long term results of a surgical technique used for correction of syndactyly. This technique has been practised by the senior author since 1987 and was published in 1990. The technique involves the use of a dorsal trilobed flap for the reconstruction of the commissure and zig-zag incisions for the fingers. This technique does not require the use of skin grafts. This technique has been used in 62 webs in 44 patients. In this total group, there were 30 patients of primary hand syndactyly with 40 webs. Seventeen patients of primary syndactyly with 25 webs were followed up. The follow-up of these patients ranged from 2 years to 12 years. The long term results reveal a simple, effective technique which does not require the use of skin grafts, and is associated with good functional and far superior cosmetic results.

Encapsulated fat necrosis: a case of 'thigh mouse'.

Encapsulated fat necrosis is a rare condition with clinical features that closely resemble a lipoma. The aetiology and pathogenesis are not fully understood but the condition has a distinctive histological appearance. We describe a case of encapsulated fat necrosis that exhibited unusual mobility. The literature is also reviewed.