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BACKGROUND: The ultrasound guided brachial plexus block is a precise technique of providing anaesthesia & post op analgesia in surgical procedures involving upper limb. This study was conducted to compare two doses of dexmedetomidine given as adjuvant to 0.5% ropivacaine in ultrasound guided brachial plexus block in upper limb surgeries. METHODS : This was a randomised control trial carried out in 60 patients, 18-60 years of age of both sexes posted for upper limb surgeries . Patients were randomly divided into two groups of 30 patients each. Group A received 0.5% Ropivacaine 25 mL plus 30 micrograms dexmedetomedine (0.3 mL) plus 4.7 mL distilled water and Group B received 0.5% Ropivacaine 25 mL plus 50 micrograms (0.5 mL) dexmedetomedine plus 4.5 mL distilled water. Patients were assesed for onset and duration of sensory and motor block, time of rescue analgesia, hemodynamic responses and complications or any side effects. RESULT : Onset of sensory and motor block in Group A was 10.07 ± 0.69 mins and 14.23 ± 0.77 mins respectively while in Group B was 7.47 ± 0.63 mins and 10.0 ± 0.83 mins respectively. Mean duration of sensory block in Group A was 654.40 ± 28.42 mins and in Group B was 942.0 ± 54.32 mins while mean duration of motor block in Group A was 537.03 ± 27.07 mins and Group B was 798.67 ± 67.84 mins. CONCLUSION : We concluded that, 50 micrograms of dexmedetomedine when compared with 30 micrograms of dexmedetomedine with 0.5% ropivacaine produced early onset of both sensory and motor block, longer duration of sensory and motor block and longer postoperative pain relief. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Darchini (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) is a bark of a cinnamon plant that belongs to the Lauraceae family. Cinnamon is a rich tasting and aromatic spice used by different cultures worldwide. Recently, many phytochemicals were discovered and obtained from Darchini. Numerous experimental research using these phytochemical components have established several therapeutic actions. In addition, it possesses useful medicinal properties and is considered a remedy for indigestion, flatulency, depletion of innate heat, respiratory diseases, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological disorders. A manual literature search of classical Unani manuscripts was carried out to acquire information on temperament (Mizaj), pharmacological activities and medicinal applications of Darchini. In addition, all accessible material on phytochemical, physiochemical and pharmacological studies have been collected using an extensive review of internet sources such PubMed, Google Scholar and Science Direct. The aim of this review article is to further highlight the discovered pharmacological effect and medicinal values of Cinnamomum zeylanicum as per the Unani literature as well as scientific research. Based on scientific studies regarding its phytochemical components, it is beneficial for various ailments. Darchini also has a beneficial effect on some gynaecological disorders such as amenorrhoea, dysmenorrhoea, leucorrhoea, menorrhagia, prolapse, and vaginosis. However, there is need to conduct experimental and clinical study to validate their effectiveness and safety in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In India, the cosmetics industry has expanded significantly because of changing lifestyles and increased awareness. In terms of earning the most money from the personal care and cosmetics industry in 2021, India is ranked fourth globally. Many cosmetics sold in India include ingredients that cannot be used on humans. Objective: To assess knowledge, attitudes, and practice toward the uses of cosmetics and cosmetovigilance in India. Methods: A cross‑sectional study was conducted, from April to May 2022, among the general population living in the Delhi NCR region, India. Study questionnaires (printed and survey link) were distributed in public as well as at workplaces for the survey. Results: Around 268 (54.78%) females and 223 (45.21%) males participated in the survey. Amongst the total respondents ‑ 407 (83%) agreed that they are using cosmetic products on a daily basis, females 229 (85.44%), being the majority users compared to males 178 (80%), with a significant P value = 0.011. Most of the people reported side effects of shampoos ‑ 7.13% (hair fall, hair thinning, dryness of the scalp, itching), followed by allergic reactions to moisturizers ‑ 5.70%. Conclusion: Because of the right safety and effectiveness mentorship of cosmetics, regulatory agencies and stakeholders should adopt this broadly. Cosmetovigilance needs to be put into practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: FLLL-32, a synthetic analog of curcumin, is a potent inhibitor of STAT3’s constitutive activation in a variety of cancer cells, and its anticancer properties have been demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo. It is also suggested that it might have other pharmacological activities including activity against different parasites. Aim: This study therefore investigated the in vitro antiparasitic activity of FLLL-32 against four pathogenic Babesia species, B. bovis, B. bigemina, B. divergens, and B. caballi, and one Theileria species, Theileria equi. In vivo anti-Babesia microti activity of FLLL-32 was also evaluated in mice. Methods: The FLLL-32, in the growth inhibition assay with a concentration range (0.005–50 μM), was tested for it’s activity against these pathogens. The reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) assay was used to evaluate the possible effects of FLLL-32 treatment on the mRNA transcription of the target B. bovis genes including S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase and histone deacetylase. Results: The in vitro growth of B. bovis, B. bigemina, B. divergens, B. caballi, and T. equi was significantly inhibited in a dose-dependent manner (in all cases, p < 0.05). FLLL-32 exhibits the highest inhibitory effects on B. bovis growth in vitro, and it’s IC50 value against this species was 9.57 μM. The RT-PCR results showed that FLLL32 inhibited the transcription of the B. bovis S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase gene. In vivo, the FLLL-32 showed significant inhibition (p < 0.05) of B. microti parasitemia in infected mice with results comparable to that of diminazene aceturate. Parasitemia level in B. microti-infected mice treated with FLLL-32 from day 12 post infection (pi) was reduced to reach zero level at day 16 pi when compared to the infected non-treated mice. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated the antibabesial properties of FLLL32 and suggested it’s usage in the treatment of babesiosis especially when utilized in combination therapy with other antibabesial drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen causing severe infection in animals and humans. This study aimed to determine the ecological distribution and prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) P. aeruginosa isolated from dairy cattle, the environment, and workers' hand swabs. Samples (n = 440) were collected from farms and households (n = 3, each). Rectal swabs, udder skin swabs, milk, workers' hand swabs, feed, water, water sources, and beddings were collected. Samples were subjected to the bacterial identification of P. aeruginosa via 16S rRNA. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) was detected either phenotypically using an antibiotic susceptibility test or genotypically with AMR resistance genes (ARGs) such as drfA, sul1, and ermB. P. aeruginosa was detected on dairy farms and households (10.3–57.5%, respectively), with an average of 23.2%. The resistance of dairy farm strains was observed against sulfamethoxazole, imipenem, cefepime, piperacillin–tazobactam, and gentamycin (100%, 72.7%, 72.7%, 68.8%, and 63.3%, respectively). Meanwhile, the resistance of household strains was observed against sulfamethoxazole, imipenem, amoxicillin, gentamicin, cefepime, and erythromycin by 91.3%, 82.6%, 75.4%, 75.4%, 68.1%, and 63.8%, respectively. The susceptibility of farm strains was detected against norfloxacin, ciprofloxacin, and levofloxacin (90.9%, 84.8%, and 72.7%, respectively). Meanwhile, the susceptibility of household strains was detected against ciprofloxacin, amikacin, and norfloxacin (100%, 84.1%, and 72.5%, respectively). About 81.4% of P. aeruginosa strains were MDR. ARGs (drfA, sul1, and ermB) were detected in farm strains (48.5%, 72.7%, and 24.4%, respectively) and household strains (50.7%, 72.5%, and 47.8%, respectively). Almost all P. aeruginosa had MAR over 0.2, indicating repeated application of antibiotics. P. aeruginosa prevalence was fivefold higher in households than on farms. MDR strains were higher amongst household strains than farm strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Technology-enhanced learning settings are changing quickly and complexly in the contemporary digital era, making it possible for students with disabilities to learn more effectively than before. The words "multisensory" and "media" together, however, suggest that this strategy entails incorporating several sensory modalities in educational media to improve learning experiences for children with disabilities. It can entail integrating visual, aural, tactile, and kinesthetic elements to meet various learning requirements and styles. This article examines how Mulsemedia, one of these cutting-edge technologies, enhances learning methodologies, improving the teaching and learning of unique pedagogies and emphasizing teaching and learning-related modules for students with special needs. The researchers used a qualitative research design to understand and review the ten papers with secondary data based connected to mulsemedia in special education: A novel teaching approach for the next generation. The article also describes the extremely encouraging outcomes of case studies conducted with engineering students with disabilities in several schools in India. This critical article finds that multimedia-enhanced instruction significantly improves special students' learning experiences and ability to learn new information for future development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Byline: Shagufta. Naaz, Nishant. Sahay, Sarfaraz. Ahmad, Adil. Asghar Sir, Second-generation supraglottic airway devices (SADs) are routinely used nowadays to perform laparoscopic cholecystectomy as they have a gastric channel to [...]

The current study evaluated the inhibitory effect of Moringa oleifera leaves methanolic extract (MOL) against the in vitro growth of Babesia bovis (B. bovis), B. caballi, B. bigemina, and Theileria equi (T. equi), as well as in vivo growth of B. microti in mice. Active principles of MOL extract were determined using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS). MOL's anti-piroplasm efficacy was assessed both in vitro and in vivo using the SYBR Green I fluorescence assay. Every 96 hours, the hematological parameters, including red blood cell count (RBCs; 104/UL), hemoglobin content (HGB; g/dl), and hematocrit percent (HCT; %), in the treated mice were monitored using a Celltac MEK6450 automated hematological analyzer. LC-MS of MOL revealed that the most abundant polyphenolic catechism found in the MOL extract was isoquercetin and rutin. MOL inhibited B. bovis, B. caballi, B. bigemina, and T. equi in vitro growth in a dose-dependent way, with IC50 values of 45.29 ± 6.14, 19.16 ± 0.45, 137.49 ± 16.07, and 9.29 ± 0.014 μg/ml, respectively. MOL's in vitro antibabesial activity was enhanced when administrated simultaneously with either diminazene aceturate (DA) or MMV665875 compound from malaria box. In mice infected by B. microti, a combination of MOL and a low dose of DA (12.5 mg·kg−1) resulted in a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in B. microti growth. These findings suggest that MOL is an effective herbal anti-piroplasm therapy, especially when combined with a low dosage of either DA or MMV665875. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ficus religiosa L., a member of the Moraceae family, is a medicinal plant having a number of pharmacological properties. The anti-inflammatory and analgesic actions of an ethanolic extract of F. religiosa bark FRE (at 100 and 200mg/kg dosages) and the biomarker component quercetin QC (at 5 and 10mg/kg doses) were investigated. The estimate of quercetin was carried by using an HPTLC analysis of FRE. Additionally, qualitative and quantitative screening for key important phytocomponents was done using dried, ground plant stem barks. By using molecular docking, the molecular interaction profile with several anti-inflammatory drug targets was examined. Both the FRE as well as QC showed a substantial decline in paw volume when compared with the relevant control groups (p<0.01 & p<0.001). Following the administration of acetic acid to mice, the FRE and QC both demonstrate a substantial lengthening of the paw licking or leaping towards Eddy's hot plate as well as a decrease in the number of writhes (p<0.01 & p<0.001). This study supports the use of these herbs in conventional medicine to treat pain and inflammation by through similar mechanism as compound quercetin (QC). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The safe and effective option for the therapeutic management of psoriasis was attempted by preparing transferosomes of Betamethasone valerate (BV) and incorporating into formulation of gel to get more skin permeation, more effectiveness in drug entrapment and sustained release. Batches of experimental design of transferosome containing 100 mg of BV were produced by using Lipova E 80 and Span 20 as surfactant in varying quantities and incorporated in 1.5% HPMC gel base. Formulation was optimized to attain maximum drug entrapment, % drug release, ex-vivo permeation, pH, viscosity, spreadability and extrudability. The size and stability was ascertained by using Zeta sizer and and TEM was utilized to assess the surface morphology. The optimized formulation entrapped 59.87 % of the drug, pH 6.57, the average size of the particle was found to be 108.93 nm and viscosity were 436.19 centipoise.The residual analyses by gas chomatography confirms the elimination of formulation's organic solvent and stability studies were conducted in accordance of the ICH guidelines. The developed formulation showed diffusion of BV through the rat's skin at sustained rate for 10 hrs while marketed preparation sustained for 7 hrs only. It promises of localized action at the affected psoriatic sites for prolonged period with better release characteristics as compared to marketed formulation. The optimized formulation was found to be stable during the period of study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are the foremost cause of morbidity as well as mortality. This necessitates a system of surveillance that can effectively and efficiently monitor the effect of drugs on the general population. The role of pharmacovigilance (PV) is paramount in ensuring drug safety through spontaneous ADR reporting. Data collection in the current research was carried out by an anonymous, online 36-item self-report questionnaire amongst a sample of 351 working healthcare professionals (HCPs) across different regions of Jazan Province, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The current sample comprised 54.4% males and 45.6% females, having an age range of 26–57 years, and was conducted between August 21 and October 21, 2022. Participants were recruited using the convenience snowball sampling technique. The participants' awareness of PV as well as spontaneous ADR reporting, had a significant association with having <40 years of age (χ2 = 27.40 ; p < 0.001), being pharmacists (χ2 = 212.20; p < 0.001), with more than five years of experience (χ2 = 40.80 ; p < 0.001), having Masters (or) Doctorate/Fellowship (χ2 = 171.94; p < 0.001), and having their practice located in an urban area (χ2 = 50.30 ; p < 0.001). It was also observed that most participants with excellent awareness of PV and spontaneous ADR reporting also demonstrated excellent attitudes (χ2 = 147.70; p < 0.001). Similarly, it was also seen that almost all (97%) of the study sample with excellent attitudes towards PV and spontaneous ADR reporting also demonstrated excellent practices (χ2 = 250.73; p < 0.001). Our results demonstrate a need for designing and conducting educational programs, providing training and conducting workshops for all the HCPs to improve their awareness towards PV and spontaneous ADR reporting while also highlighting the need and importance of having positive attitudes towards spontaneous ADR reporting. Cooperation between different HCPs should be encouraged to improve their practices towards spontaneous ADR reporting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Angiotensin-(1–12) [Ang-(1–12)] serves as a primary substrate to generate angiotensin II (Ang II) by angiotensin-converting enzyme and/or chymase suggests it may be an unrecognized source of Ang II-mediated microvascular complication in hypertension-mediated retinopathy. We investigated Ang-(1–12) expression and internalization in adult retinal pigment epithelial-19 (ARPE-19) cultured cells. We performed the internalization of Ang-(1–12) in ARPE-19 cells in the presence of a highly specific monoclonal antibody (mAb) developed against the C-terminal end of the Ang-(1–12) sequence. Methods: All experiments were performed in confluent ARPE-19 cells (passage 28–35). We employed high-performance liquid chromatography to purify radiolabeled, 125I-Ang-(1–12) and immuno-neutralization with Ang-(1–12) mAb to demonstrate Ang-(1–12)'s internalization in ARPE-19 cells. Internalization was also demonstrated by immunofluorescence (IF) method. Results: These procedures revealed internalization of an intact 125I-Ang-(1–12) in ARPE-19 cells. A significant reduction (∼53%, P < 0.0001) in 125I-Ang-(1–12) internalization was detected in APRE-19 cells in the presence of the mAb. IF staining experiments further confirms internalization of Ang-(1–12) into the cells from the extracellular culture medium. No endogenous expression was detected in the ARPE-19 cells. An increased intensity of IF staining was detected in cells exposed to 1.0 μM Ang-(1–12) compared with 0.1 μM. Furthermore, we found hydrolysis of Ang-(1–12) into Ang II by ARPE-19 cells' plasma membranes. Conclusions: Intact Ang-(1–12) peptide is internalized from the extracellular spaces in ARPE-19 cells and metabolized into Ang II. The finding that a selective mAb blocks cellular internalization of Ang-(1–12) suggests alternate therapeutic approaches to prevent/reduce the RPE cells Ang II burden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concerns regarding the possible hazards to human health have been raised by the growing usage of silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) in a variety of applications, including industrial, agricultural, and medical applications. This in vivo subchronic study was conducted to assess the following: (1) the toxicity of orally administered SiNPs on the liver, kidneys, and adrenal glands; (2) the relationship between SiNPs exposure and oxidative stress; and (3) the role of magnesium in mitigating these toxic effects. A total of 24 Sprague Dawley male adult rats were divided equally into four groups, as follows: control group, magnesium (Mg) group (50 mg/kg/d), SiNPs group (100 mg/kg/d), and SiNPs+ Mg group. Rats were treated with SiNPs by oral gavage for 90 days. The liver transaminases, serum creatinine, and cortisol levels were evaluated. The tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels were measured. Additionally, the weight of the organs and the histopathological changes were examined. Our results demonstrated that SiNPs exposure caused increased weight in the kidneys and adrenal glands. Exposure to SiNPs was also associated with significant alterations in liver transaminases, serum creatinine, cortisol, MDA, and GSH. Additionally, histopathological changes were significantly reported in the liver, kidneys, and adrenal glands of SiNPs-treated rats. Notably, when we compared the control group with the treated groups with SiNPs and Mg, the results revealed that magnesium could mitigate SiNPs-induced biochemical and histopathologic changes, confirming its effective role as an antioxidant that reduced the accumulation of SiNPs in tissues, and that it returns the levels of liver transaminases, serum creatinine, cortisol, MDA, and GSH to almost normal values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]