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Purpose: Chronic otitis media (COM) is one of the common infectious diseases of the middle ear caused by bacterial or viral pathogens. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the efficacy of boric acid (BA) in the treatment of COM by comparing topical 4% and 8% BA applications with systemic ciprofloxacin in a Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) inoculation-induced model of COM in rats. Materials and Methods: Forty-two Sprague Dawley rats were divided into seven equal groups. The COM model was created with P. aeruginosa. Clinical, histopathological and, immunohistochemical comparisons were performed between the control, COM, topical 4% and 8% BA treatment, a systemic ciprofloxacin treatment, and topical 4% and 8% BA contact groups. Results: In the COM model, moderate edema, inflammation, degeneration and moderate tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) expression were detected with the application of 4% BA. Mild edema, inflammation, degeneration, and mild TNF-α expression were detected with 8% BA application. Conclusion: Both 4% and 8% BA treatment provided significant clinical, histopathological and immunohistochemical improvement. The application of 8% BA was found to exhibit greater therapeutic efficacy, with no harmful effect on the middle ear mucosa.

Background and aim: Psoriasis (Ps) is a chronic skin inflammatory disorder, that progresses to scaly-red dermal plaque formations associated with inflammation. Divya-Kayakalp-Vati (DKV) and Divya-Kayakalp-Oil (DKO) are traditional Ayurveda herbo-mineral formulations, that are prescribed for the treatment of inflammatory dermal ailments. In the present study, we evaluated the efficacy of Divya-Kayakalp-Vati and Divya-Kayakalp-Oil (DKV-O) combined treatment in ameliorating Ps-like skin inflammation under in-vitro and in-vivo conditions. Experimental procedure: Efficacy of DKV-O was analyzed in λ-carrageenan-treated Wistar rats paw edema and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA)-treated CD-1 mouse ear edema models through physiological and histopathological analysis. Mode of action for the DKV-O was studied in LPS-stimulated THP-1 cells through pro-inflammatory cytokine analysis. Observed effects were correlated to the phytochemicals constituents of DKV-O analyzed using the HPLC method. Result and conclusion: DKV and DKO formulations were individually found to contain phytochemicals Gallic acid, Catechin, Berberine, Curcumin, Phenol and Benzoic acid. DKV-O treatment significantly reduced the paw volume and edema in Wistar rats stimulated through λ-carrageenan-treatment. Furthermore, DKV-O treatment significantly reduced the ear edema and enhanced biopsy weight, epidermal thickness, inflammatory lesions and influx of neutrophils stimulated by TPA-treatment in CD-1 mice. DKV alone ameliorated the LPS-stimulated release of Interleukin (IL)-6, IL-17A, IL-23, and Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha cytokines in the THP-1 cells.Taken together, DKV-O showed good efficacy in ameliorating acute systemic inflammation stimulated by effectors such as, λ-carrageenan and TPA in animal models. Hence, Divya-Kayakalp-Vati and Divya-Kayakalp-Oil co-treatment can be further explored as an anti-inflammatory treatment against dermal diseases like psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.

Acharya Balkrishna,1,2 Sudeep Verma,1 Sachin Sakat,1 Kheemraj Joshi,1 Siva K Solleti,1 Kunal Bhattacharya,1 Anurag Varshney1,2 1Drug Discovery and Development Division, Patanjali Research Institute, Haridwar, 249 405, Uttarakhand, India; 2Department of Allied and Applied Sciences, University of Patanjali, Patanjali YogPeeth, Haridwar, 249 405, Uttarakhand, IndiaCorrespondence: Anurag Varshney, Drug Discovery and Development Division, Patanjali Research Institute, NH-58, Haridwar, 249405, Uttarakhand, India, Tel +91 1334-244107 x7458, Fax +91 1334 244805, Email anurag@prft.co.inPurpose: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory disease that varies in signs and symptoms in different individuals. General symptoms include dryness of the skin, itching, and development of red to brownish-gray patches. Divya-Kayakalp-Vati (DKV) and -Oil (DKO) are Indian polyherbal compositions prescribed for treating inflammatory skin diseases. In the present study, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory efficacy of DKV and DKO co-treatment (DKV-O) in ameliorating Oxazolone (OXA)-stimulated AD-like inflammation and pro-inflammatory cytokine release in a Swiss albino mouse model.Methods: Phytochemical profiling of the DKV and DKO were done using Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (LC-MS) QToF. Swiss albino mice were sensitized for 7 days and treated with OXA in their ear region. Stimulated and control animals were orally treated with DKV and topically with DKO. Anti-inflammatory efficacy of DKV-O was determined in OXA-treated animals through physiological, histopathological, and biochemical parameter analysis.Results: DKV and DKO formulations individually contained 39 and 59 phytochemicals, respectively. Many of the phytochemicals have been reported to have anti-inflammatory activities. In the OXA-sensitized Swiss albino mice, combined treatment with DKV-O, and separately with Dexamethasone (positive control) significantly reduced the OXA-stimulated ear edema, biopsy weight, and epidermal thickness. DKV-O further reduced OXA-stimulated induction of inflammatory lesions, neutrophil influx, and release of Interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and myeloperoxidase.Conclusion: Finally, DKV-O co-treatment showed good pharmacological effects in ameliorating AD-like inflammation through the modulation of inflammatory cell influx and release of soluble mediators. Therefore, DKV-O treatment can be used as a suitable polyherbal therapeutic against AD-like inflammatory diseases.Keywords: inflammation, oxazolone, phytochemical profile, pro-inflammatory cytokines, histopathological analysis, biochemical analysis

Abstract GeSn alloys are promising materials for CMOS-compatible mid-infrared lasers manufacturing. Indeed, Sn alloying and tensile strain can transform them into direct bandgap semiconductors. This growing laser technology however suffers from a number of limitations, such as poor optical confinement, lack of strain, thermal, and defects management, all of which are poorly discussed in the literature. Herein, a specific GeSn-on-insulator (GeSnOI) stack using stressor layers as dielectric optical claddings is demonstrated to be suitable for a monolithically integration of planar Group-IV semiconductor lasers on a versatile photonic platform for the near- and mid-infrared spectral range. Microdisk-shape resonators on mesa structures were fabricated from GeSnOI, after bonding a Ge0.9Sn0.1 alloy layer grown on a Ge strain-relaxed-buffer, itself on a Si(001) substrate. The GeSnOI microdisk mesas exhibited significantly improved optical gain as compared to that of conventional suspended microdisk resonators formed from the as-grown layer. We further show enhanced vertical out-coupling of the disk whispering gallery mode in-plane radiation, with up to 30% vertical out-coupling efficiency. As a result, the GeSnOI approach can be a valuable asset in the development of silicon-based mid-infrared photonics that combine integrated sources in a photonic platform with complex lightwave engineering.

Background: Paclitaxel (PTX) is a known chemotherapeutic agent, used to treat different types of cancers. However, it leads to neuropathic pain in a sizeable proportion of the patients. Currently, analgesics, opioids, tricyclic antidepressants and anticonvulsants are prescribed for PTX-mediated chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). However, these treatments have acute side-effects, creating a need for safer alternative treatment option. Method: PTX-mediated CIPN has nociceptive outcomes, like, allodynia and hyperalgesia with an underlying inflammatory and oxidative causes. The herbo-mineral medicine, Divya-Peedantak-Vati (DPV) is known for its effectivity against joint pain and inflammatory disorders in Ayurveda, a traditional Indian system of medicine. Therefore, anti-neuropathic potential of DPV was assessed in PTX-induced neuropathic CD-1 mice, with allodynia and hyperalgesia, as the clinically relevant endpoints. DPV was investigated for its nociception-modulatory and anti-inflammatory effects under in vivo and in vitro conditions. Results: DPV treatment exhibited notable anti-allodynic and anti-hyperalgesic effects in a dose dependent manner, and displayed prominent anti-oxidant effects in the sciatic nerve of the study animals. It also moderated, in a dose dependent manner, the levels of cytokine, interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) induced nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) signaling. Conclusions: The novelty of this study lies in the demonstration of the anti-neuropathic potential and elucidation of anti-neuropathic mode-of-action of an herbal medicine. Taken together, this study showed that DPV could well be an effective alternative healing option for PTX-mediated CIPN.

Introduction: Ototoxicity refers to cellular damage or function impairment developing in the inner ear in association with any therapeutic agent or chemical substance, and still represents the principal side-effect restricting the use of cisplatin. Objective: The aim of this study was to perform a biochemical, functional and histopathological investigation of the potential protective effect of eugenol against cisplatin-induced ototoxicity. Methods: The study was performed with 24 female Sprague Dawley rats. Distortion product otoacoustic emissions tests were performed on all animals, which were randomized into four equal groups. A single intraperitoneal dose of 15 mg/kg cisplatin was administered to cisplatin group, while the eugenol group received 100 mg/kg eugenol intraperitoneal for five consecutive days. 100 mg/kg eugenol was administered to cisplatin + eugenol group for 5 days. On the third day, these rats were received a single dose of 15 mg/kg cisplatin. The control group was given 8 mL/kg/day intraperitoneal saline solution for five days. The distortion product otoacoustic emissions test was repeated 24 h after the final drug administration. All animals were sacrificed, and the cochleas were subsequently used for biochemical and histopathological examinations. Results: Cisplatin caused oxidative stress in the cochlea, impaired the cochlear structure and significantly reduced signal noise ratio levels. Administration of eugenol together with cisplatin reversed these effects and provided functional, biochemical and histopathological protection. Conclusion: The study findings represent the first indication in the literature that eugenol may protect against ototoxicity by raising levels of antioxidant enzymes and lowering those of oxidant parameters. Resumo: Introdução: A ototoxicidade refere-se ao dano celular ou comprometimento da função da orelha interna associado a qualquer agente terapêutico ou substância química e ainda representa o principal efeito colateral que restringe o uso da cisplatina. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar uma investigação bioquímica, funcional e histopatológica do potencial efeito protetor do eugenol contra a ototoxicidade induzida pela cisplatina. Método: O estudo foi realizado com 24 ratos fêmeas Sprague Dawley. Testes de emissões otoacústicas por produto de distorção foram realizados em todos os animais, os quais foram randomizados em quatro grupos iguais. Uma única dose intraperitoneal de 15 mg/kg de cisplatina foi administrada ao grupo cisplatina, enquanto o grupo eugenol recebeu 100 mg/kg de eugenol intraperitoneal por cinco dias consecutivos. Foram administrados 100 mg/kg de eugenol ao grupo cisplatina + eugenol durante 5 dias. No terceiro dia, estes ratos receberam uma dose única de 15 mg/kg de cisplatina. O grupo controle recebeu 8 mL/kg/dia de solução salina intraperitoneal por cinco dias. O teste de emissões otoacústicas por produto de distorção foi repetido 24 horas após a administração final do medicamento. Todos os animais foram sacrificados e as cócleas foram posteriormente utilizadas para exames bioquímicos e histopatológicos. Resultados: A cisplatina causou estresse oxidativo na cóclea, prejudicou a estrutura coclear e reduziu significativamente os níveis da relação sinal/ruído. A administração de eugenol juntamente com a cisplatina reverteu esses efeitos e forneceu proteção funcional, bioquímica e histopatológica. Conclusão: Os achados do estudo representam a primeira indicação na literatura de que o eugenol pode proteger contra a ototoxicidade, eleva os níveis de enzimas antioxidantes e diminui os níveis dos parâmetros oxidantes. Keywords: Cisplatin-induced ototoxicity, Eugenol, DPOAE, Oxidative stress, 8-Hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine, Palavras-chave: Ototoxicidade induzida pela cisplatina, Eugenol, EOAPD, Estresse oxidativo, 8-Hidroxi-2′-deoxiguanosina

Introduction: Cisplatin is an antineoplastic agent widely used in the treatment of a variety of cancers. Ototoxicity is one of the main side-effects restricting the use of cisplatin. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective efficacy of gallic acid, in biochemical, functional and histopathological terms, against ototoxicity induced by cisplatin. Methods: Twenty-eight female Sprague Dawley rats were included. Rats were randomly assigned into four groups of seven animals each. Cisplatin group received a single intraperitoneal dose of 15 mg/kg cisplatin. Gallic acid group received intraperitoneal gallic acid at 100 mg/kg for five consecutive days. Cisplatin + gallic acid group received intraperitoneal gallic acid at 100 mg/kg for five consecutive days and a single intraperitoneal dose of 15 mg/kg cisplatin at 3rd day. A control group received 1 mL intraperitoneal saline solution for five consecutive days. Prior to drug administration, all rats were exposed to the distortion product otoacoustic emissions test. The test was repeated on the 6th day of the study. All rats were then sacrificed; the cochleas were removed and set aside for biochemical and histopathological analyses. Results: In cisplatin group, Day 6 signal noise ratio values were significantly lower than those of the other groups. Also, malondialdehyde levels in cochlear tissues were significantly higher, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities were significantly lower compared to the control group. Histopathologic evaluation revealed erosion in the stria vascularis, degeneration and edema in the connective tissue layer in endothelial cells, impairment of outer hair cells and a decrease in the number of these calls. In the cisplatin + gallic acid group, this biochemical, histopathological and functional changes were reversed. Conclusion: In the light of our findings, we think that gallic acid may have played a protective role against cisplatin-induced ototoxicity in rats, as indicated by the distortion product otoacoustic emissions test results, biochemical findings and immunohistochemical analyses. Resumo: Introdução: A cisplatina é um agente antineoplásico amplamente usado no tratamento de vários tipos de câncer. A ototoxicidade é um dos principais efeitos colaterais que restringem o uso da cisplatina. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a eficácia protetora do ácido gálico, em termos bioquímicos, funcionais e histopatológicos, contra a ototoxicidade induzida por cisplatina. Método: Vinte e oito ratas Sprague-Dawley foram incluídas. As ratas foram distribuídas aleatoriamente em quatro grupos de sete animais cada. O grupo cisplatina recebeu uma única dose intraperitoneal de 15 mg/kg de cisplatina. O grupo ácido gálico recebeu ácido gálico via intraperitoneal a uma dose de 100 mg/kg durante cinco dias consecutivos. O grupo cisplatina + ácido gálico recebeu ácido gálico via intraperitoneal a uma dose de 100 mg/kg durante cinco dias consecutivos e uma única dose intraperitoneal de 15 mg/kg de cisplatina no terceiro dia. O grupo controle recebeu 1 mL de solução salina via intraperitoneal por cinco dias consecutivos. Antes da administração do fármaco, todos os ratos foram expostos ao teste de emissões otoacústicas - produto de distorção. O teste foi repetido no sexto dia do estudo. Todos os ratos foram então sacrificados; as cócleas foram removidas e reservadas para análises bioquímicas e histopatológicas. Resultados: No grupo cisplatina, os valores da relação sinal-ruído do dia 6 foram significativamente mais baixos aos dos outros grupos. Além disso, os níveis de malondialdeído nos tecidos cocleares foram significativamente mais altos, e as atividades de superóxido dismutase e glutatione peroxidase foram significativamente mais baixas em comparação com o grupo controle. A avaliação histopatológica revelou erosão na estria vascular, degeneração e edema na camada de tecido conjuntivo em células endoteliais, comprometimento das células ciliadas externas e diminuição do número dessas células. No grupo cisplatina + ácido gálico, estas alterações bioquímicas, histopatológicas e funcionais foram revertidas. Conclusão: Tendo em vista os nossos achados, consideramos que o ácido gálico pode ter desempenhado um papel protetor contra a ototoxicidade induzida por cisplatina em ratas, conforme indicado pelos resultados do teste emissões otoacústicas - produto de distorção, achados bioquímicos e análises imuno-histoquímicas. Keywords: Cisplatin-induced ototoxicity, Gallic acid, Oxidative stress, DPOAE, Palavras-chave: Ototoxicidade induzida por cisplatina, Ácido gálico, Estresse oxidativo, EOAPD

Abstract Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disorder that affects joints of hands and feet and introduces injury in secondary organs such as cardiac tissue. In the present study, we induced RA in male Balb/c mice (CAIA) using collagen-antibody cocktail (C-Ab) and lipopolysaccharide intraperitoneal injections. Induction of RA in the animals was detected through the loss of body weight, food, and water consumption, pedal edema, increased arthritis score of the paw and ankle, increase in radiological and histological lesion score of ankle and knee joints and enhanced pain perception in the C-Ab induced RA animals. Ashwashila is a herbo-mineral medicine from Indian Ayurvedic system. Human equivalent doses of Ashwashila (ASHW) and standard of care, Methotrexate were given to the CAIA animals for two weeks. ASHW treatment significantly reversed the effect of C-Ab with reduced pedal edema, arthritis score, radiological and histological lesion scores in ankle-joint, knee-joint and articular cartilage, reduced pain perception. These effects were comparable with the Methotrexate treatment. In human monocytic (THP-1) cells, ASHW was found to be biocompatible at in-vitro test doses. The anti-arthritis mechanism of action for ASHW was established through the suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α; and upstream regulator, NF-κB. Taken together, we show the pre-clinical efficacy of ASHW in reducing RA associated symptoms by controlling inflammation and suggest it as a potential therapeutic candidate for rheumatoid arthritis.

The widely used cancer treatment, chemotherapy, causes severe long-term neuropathic pain in 30–40% cases, the condition clinically known as chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). Approved conventional analgesics are sometimes ineffective, while others like opioids have undesirable side effects like addiction, seizures, and respiratory malfunctioning. Tricyclic antidepressants and anticonvulsants, although exhibit anti-allodynic effects in neuropathy, also have unpleasant side effects. Thus, alternative medicines are being explored for CIPN treatment. Despite scattered reports on different extracts from different plants having potential anti-allodynic effects against CIPN, no established medicine or formulation of herbal origin exists. In this study, efficacy of an herbal decoction, formulated based on ancient medicinal principles and protocols for treating neuropathic pain, Divya-Peedantak-Kwath (DPK), has been evaluated in a paclitaxel (PTX)-induced peripheral neuropathic mouse model. We observed that DPK has prominent anti-allodynic and anti-hyperalgesic effects and acts as a nociceptive modulator for CIPN. With exhibited antioxidative effects, DPK restored the redox potential of the sciatic nerves to the normal. On histopathological evaluation, DPK prevented the PTX-induced lesions in the sciatic nerve, in a dose-dependent manner. It also prevented inflammation by modulating the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines involved in CIPN pathogenesis. Our observations evinced that DPK can alleviate CIPN by attenuating oxidative stress and concomitant neuroinflammation through immune modulation.

Divya Sarva-Kalp-Kwath (SKK) is a poly-herbal ayurvedic medicine formulated using plant extracts of Boerhavia diffusa L. (Nyctaginaceae), Phyllanthus niruri L. (Euphorbiaceae), and Solanum nigrum L. (Solanaceae), described to improve liver function and general health. In the present study, we have explored the hepatoprotective effects of SKK in ameliorating carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced liver toxicity using in-vitro and in-vivo test systems. Chemical analysis of SKK using Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (LC-MS-QToF) and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) revealed the presence of different bioactive plant metabolites, known to impart hepatoprotective effects. In human hepatocarcinoma (HepG2) cells, co-treatment of SKK with CCl4 effectively reduced the hepatotoxicity induced by the latter. These effects were confirmed by studying parameters such as loss of cell viability; release of hepatic injury enzymatic biomarkers- aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP); and changes in reactive oxygen species and in mitochondrial membrane potentials. In-vivo safety analysis in Wistar rats showed no loss in animal body weight, or change in feeding habits after repeated oral dosing of SKK up to 1,000 mg/kg/day for 28 days. Also, no injury-related histopathological changes were observed in the animal's blood, liver, kidney, heart, brain, and lung. Pharmacologically, SKK played a significant role in modulating CCl4 induced hepatic injuries in the Wistar rats at a higher dose. In the 9 weeks' study, SKK (200 mg/kg) reduced the CCl4 stimulated increase in the release of enzymes (ALT, AST, and ALP), bilirubin, total cholesterol, and uric acid levels in the Wistar rats. It also reduced the CCl4 stimulated inflammatory lesions such as liver fibrosis, lymphocytic infiltration, and hyper-plasticity. In conclusion, SKK showed pharmacological effects in improving the CCl4 stimulated liver injuries in HepG2 cells and in Wistar rats. Furthermore, no adverse effects were observed up to 10× higher human equivalent dose of SKK during 28-days repeated dose exposure in Wistar rats. Based on the literature search on the identified plant metabolites, SKK was found to act in multiple ways to ameliorate CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity. Therefore, polyherbal SKK medicine has shown remarkable potentials as a possible alternative therapeutics for reducing liver toxicity induced by drugs, and other toxins.

Objective:The frequency of metabolic syndrome is increasing in both children and adults. In addition to metabolic complications such as obesity, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome may affect all systems of the body. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of metabolic syndrome on hearing in childhood.Methods:A prospective, controlled study was performed on 38 obese children diagnosed with metabolic syndrome and 34 healthy children. Anthropometric measurements and biochemical studies were performed. All individuals underwent pure-tone audiometry, tympanogram, and transient evoked otoacoustic emission (TEOAE) tests. The hearing thresholds of the patients were compared with healthy volunteers.Results:There was no significant difference in terms of age and gender between the groups (p>0.05). There was no significant difference in mean hearing levels between the groups. When frequencies were compared, significantly increased hearing threshold levels were determined at low frequencies in children with metabolic syndrome. Analysis of the TEOAE results elicited no statistically significant variation in terms of signal-to-noise ratio values, signal amplitudes, or test reproducibility values between the study groups.Conclusion:Identification of the potential hearing losses early by means of detailed hearing examinations in children with metabolic syndrome is important. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to examine the effect of metabolic syndrome on hearing in this age group.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by circumscribed, red, thickened plaques with overlying silvery white scales. It is associated with the release of pro-inflammatory mediators that lead to the development of edema and distress. Here we show the anti-inflammatory and anti-psoriatic efficacies of a neutraceutical sea buckthorn oil (SBKT) derived from the fruit pulp of Hippophae rhamnoides. Chemical analysis of the SBKT showed the presence of 16 major saturated, mono-, and polyunsaturated fatty acids components, imparting significant nutritional values. Efficacy of the SBKT in modulating psoriasis and associated inflammation was first tested in vitro using human monocytic (THP-1) cells. SBKT induced cytotoxicity at a dose of ≥25 µl/ml. Treatment of the lipopolysaccharide-stimulated THP-1 cells with SBKT subdued the enhanced release of intracellular reactive nitrogen species and expression of NF-κB protein, in a concentration-dependent manner. This was accompanied by a reduction in the release of downstream pro-inflammatory cytokines: Interleukin-1ß and interleukin-6. Tumor necrosis factor-α released in the stimulated THP-1 cells were also inhibited by SBKT dose of 5 µl/ml. In vivo oral and topical treatment with SBKT in the Carrageenan-stimulated paw edema model, showed a significant decrease in paw volume and edema. In the 12-O tetradecanoyl phorbol 13-acetate (TPA) stimulated CD-1 mice psoriasis-like model, concurrent oral and tropical SBKT treatments substantially reduced ear edema and ear biopsy weights. Histopathologically, significant reduction in ear epidermal thickness and skin lesion scores was observed in the SBKT-treated animals. In conclusion, SBKT showed anti-inflammatory and anti-psoriasis-like efficacies in healing chemical-induced inflammation and psoriasis. The possible mode of action of SBKT was found through inhibition of reactive nitrogen species, and downregulation of NF-κB protein and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Thus, the present data suggest that Sea buckthorn oil can be used as an anti-inflammatory and anti-psoriatic nutraceutical.

Mucociliary clearance (MC) is one of the main defense mechanisms of the nasal respiratory mucosa. The purpose of this study was to determine changes occurring nasal MC in patients with sinusitis, and how medical treatment affects changes in MC, and to identify an appropriate topical solution with positive effects on MC for use in the treatment of sinusitis by examining the effects of various topical solutions on MC. 60 patients diagnosed with rhinosinusitis at the ear, nose and throat clinic were included in this prospective study. Patients were randomly assigned into groups. Group 1 (n:10) received no topical treatment. Group 2 (n:10) was administered with fluticasone propionate, Group 3 (n:10) received mometasone furoate and Group 4 (n:10) received oxymetazoline. Group 5 (n:10) received isotonic sea water for nasal irrigation, while Group 6 (n:10) received isotonic Ringers solution for nasal irrigation. Group 7 represented the control group (non-sinusitis). The saccharin test was used to determine nasal mucociliary clearance times. The saccharin test was performed before and on the 2nd week of treatment in all groups. Basal MCT and 2nd week MCT values were compared in all groups. When measurements performed 20 min and 14 days after administration of topical agents were compared with basal values, mean MCT values at 20 min. and 14 days were shorter in all groups compared to mean basal MCT values. However, the difference between 20-min, 14th day and basal MCT values was only statistically significant in the oxymetazoline and isotonic Ringers solution groups (p [Med-Science 2018; 7(1.000): 1-4]

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is defined as a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disorder that causes damage to limb joints and progressive injuries to secondary organs. Medical practitioners prescribe Methotrexate (MTX) as standard care medicine for treating RA. However, the long-term application of MTX has shown to have adverse health-related effects. Divya Amvatari Ras (DAR), an Indian Ayurvedic herbo-mineral formulation, has been described in ancient texts to provide relief from RA inflammation associated distress. Therefore, in the present study, we explored the biocompatibility, anti-inflammatory, and anti-arthritic efficacy of DAR using in vivo and in vitro disease models. Using carrageenan (CA)-stimulated Wistar rat paw edema model, we showed a reduction in inflammation-induced paw edema at human equivalent dose of DAR. Anti-rheumatic efficacy of DAR was studied using collagen-antibody cocktail (C-Ab) Induced Arthritis (CAIA) mouse model. The onset of RA in the CAIA mice was determined using parameters such as the increase in arthritis score, and induction of disease associated lesions in the ankle and knee joints, and increase in mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia. Treatment of CAIA animals with a human equivalent dose of DAR significantly reversed the RA-associated pathogenesis. These effects were comparable with the standard of care RA drug, MTX. DAR acted at multiple levels of inflammation associated with RA to reduce progressive pathogenesis. Animal serum biochemistry showed DAR was capable of ameliorating RA induced increase in liver enzyme Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) and pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin 6 (IL-6). In the lipopolysaccharide stimulated THP-1 cells, DAR was found to inhibit the release of IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, and upstream inflammatory gene regulatory protein, NFκB. The study endorsed the anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory activity of the Indian Traditional herbo-mineral medicine, DAR. These results also confirm that DAR was highly biocompatible and would show minimal health-related side effects than those associated with standard of care MTX. Taken together, we show that the DAR could be utilized as a promising alternative or complementary therapy for treating rheumatoid arthritis.

One of the most common cause of hearing loss depends on noise overexposure. Noise is a stress factor that has auditory, psychological and physiological effects. Noise causes overproduction of stress hormones, sleep disturbances and impairment of cellular immunity. The effect of noise that inflicts organic damage on the human hearing system varies depending on intensity, and duration of the noise and individual susceptibility. There are several anatomical and physiologic abnormalities caused by noise overexposure. These abnormalities vary from the minimal loss of metabolic activities of hair cells and stiffness of stereocilia to total loss of organ of corti and the auditory nerve. The opportunity to treat and prevent noise induced hearing loss may increase with the clarification of the mechanism of cochlear damage in noise. Understanding of these mechanisms is important for development of new agents for treatment or prevention of noise induced hearing loss. In this report, we reviewed the pathological changes of the cochlea in noise induced hearing loss in the light of the literature. [Med-Science 2015; 4(4.000): 2967-74]

Choanal atresia is the unilateral or bilateral obstruction of the passage between nasal cavity and nasopharynx. Transnasal surgery of choanal atresia in a patient with unilateral choanal atresia diagnosed accidentally during operation of septorinoplasti for septal deviation and external nasal deformity in Plastic Surgery Clinic is presented. A 25-year-old female referred to plastic surgery clinic with external nasal deformity and difficulty in breathing through nose. Although concha bullosa at middle concha and polipoid degeneration at lower concha are observed in computerized tomography of paranasal sinus, the patient referred to our clinic. In physical examination, due to advanced septal deviation, endoscopic examination of left nasal cavity could not be established. It was planned to examine the left nasal cavity in operating room after septoplasty. In the endoscopic examination after septoplasty, choanal atresia at left nasal cavity observed. Atresia was repaired with transnasal approach. At follow-up period, the choanal opening was intact. Unilateral choanal atresia is a disorder which can reach at the adolesant ages without diagnosis. Although the symptoms of the disease can be interfere in lots of diseases, the diagnosis is simple with nasal endoscopic examination. If nasal endoscopic examination is difficult because of nasal septal deviation, it must be performed in operating room before ending the operation to reveal the additional disorders. [Med-Science 2015; 4(1.000): 2073-9]

The aim of this study is to determine some parameters such as the structure of foreign body, age of patient etc. in patients with foreign body in their nasal cavity. The patients who referred to our hospital with foreign body in their nasal cavity between November 2013 and November 2014 are included to study. Data were collected retrospectively from patients records. 80 patients had foreign body in their nasal cavity. 45(%56.25) of them have foreign body in right nasal cavity, while 35 have in left one (%43.75). 48 of the patients were male (%60), 32 of them were female (%40). The foreign bodies were more common in early ages. 28 of patients (%35) were between age 0-2, 32 of them (%40) were between age 2-4, 15 of them (%19) were between age 5-8 and 5 of them (%6) were older than 8 years old. The foreign bodies mostly consist of little plastic substances (18 patients, %22.5), beans (16 patients %20), paper particles (12 patients, %12) and sponge (7 patients, %8.75). Only 5 of patients had complication of epistaxis after removal of foreign body. Foreign bodies in nasal cavity are common disorders of pediatric population. Although it is generally easy to remove foreign bodies from nasal cavity, it must be also considered that, all foreign bodies of nasal cavity have potential risk to obstruct the airway. Because of this, the foreign body in the nasal cavity is an emergency situation. [Med-Science 2015; 4(1.000): 2065-72]

Shaykh Muhammad Rif`at is one of the famous reciters in Egypt in the era of the 90's. His stature continues evident after officially been invited as a qari to the opening ceremony of Qari al-Misriyyah Idha`at in 1934. During his involvement in the world of Quranic recitation, Shaykh Muhammad Rif`at had recited the Quran in the mosque of Fadil Basha for 25 years. His determinations to deliver and spread Holy Quran with an intermediate reading in mosques, haflah-haflah and ma’tam also have strongly influenced the next generations of qurra’. Many of the reciters like Shaykh Mustafa Isma`il, Shaykh Abu al-`Aynin Sha`isha', Shaykh `Abdul Fattah and others recognize that he has the greatness and uniqueness of its own in the art of reading the Quran. This is evidenced by some of the titles given to him as Amir al-Qurra’, Qitharah al-Sama’ and Sawt al-Malaikah by his contemporary reciters. After Shaykh Muhammad Rif`at died in 1950, then relics of his recited turath were uncovered which compiled by his friend, Zakaria Basha and compatriot Muhammad Khamis, as they managed to gather a total of 278 cds contains 19 chapters with the duration of 21 hours.