Search

Carrageenan (car-), used in the pharmaceutical as well as food industry, is a marine sulfated polysaccharide. Car-, used in the pharmaceutical as well as food industry, is a marine sulfated polysaccharide. The carrageenan blends (CB) of kappa (κ-), iota (ι-), and lambda (λ-) of 50/50 weight by weight are multipurpose and biocompatible hydrophilic polymers. They have been subjected to the adsorption of copper (Cu2+) ions. The aim of the study was to conduct extensive rheological and mechanical studies rendering them suitable for biological purposes. The rheology was conducted at various temperatures using a frequency curve, frequency sweep, loss modulus, and storage modulus analysis. Models of rheology like Ostwald, Bingham, and Modified Bingham models were utilized. The rheological results demonstrated non-Newtonian/pseudo-plastic behavior at various temperatures. The models of rheology demonstrated good flow properties and rheological performance of these materials. These materials could be exploited for their application in pharmaceuticals, food, and cosmetics. Thus, our study reflects that these CB can be safely exploited in the healthcare, pharmaceutical, and food industry. However, further studies should be conducted to evaluate their effectiveness in clinical studies.

It is evident that inflammation and metabolic syndrome instigated by diabetes mellitus can precipitate diabetes-induced neuropathy (DIN) and pain. In order to find an effective therapeutic method for diabetes-related problems, a multi-target-directed ligand model was used. 6-Hydroxyflavanone (6-HF) carrying anti-inflammatory and anti-neuropathic pain potential due to its quadruplicate mechanisms, targeting cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX), and opioid and GABA-A receptors was investigated. The anti-inflammatory potential of the test drug was confirmed utilizing in silico, in vitro, and in vivo tests. A molecular simulation approach was utilized to observe the interaction of 6-HF with the inflammatory enzyme COX-2 as well as opioid and GABA-A receptors. The same was confirmed via in vitro COX-2 and 5-LOX inhibitory assays. In vivo tests were performed to analyze the thermal anti-nociception in the hot-plate analgesiometer and anti-inflammatory action in the carrageenan-induced paw edema model in rodents. The potential anti-nociceptive effect of 6-HF was evaluated in the DIN model in rats. The Naloxone and Pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) antagonists were used to confirm the underlying mechanism of 6-HF. The molecular modeling studies revealed a favorable interaction of 6-HF with the identified protein molecules. In vitro inhibitory studies revealed that 6-HF inhibited the COX-2 and 5-LOX enzymes significantly. The 6-HF at dosages of 15, 30, and 60 mg/kg substantially reduced heat nociception in a hot plate analgesiometer as well as carrageenan-induced paw edema in rodent models. The authors discovered that 6-HF had anti-nociception properties in a streptozotocin-induced diabetic neuropathy model. According to the findings of this study, 6-HF was demonstrated to diminish inflammation caused by diabetes as well as its anti-nociception effect in DIN.

Suicide and self-harm are very common among adolescents, especially females in western and Asian countries. The Psychosocial predictors, along with hopelessness and non-suicidal harm, have not been studied properly before. Therefore, there is a need to address these issues. The objective of the study was to ascertain the psychosocial and clinical features predicting suicide attempts and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) in adolescents with major depression in Pakistan. The Methodology comprised of Adolescent patients (n = 121) with major depressive disorder who were hospitalized in the LRH (Lady Reading Hospital), Peshawar. The patient’s clinical symptoms, family role (family responsibilities), quality of life, physical health and relationship with friends and family members were evaluated. Participants’ suicidal thoughts and behaviors and NSSI (self-inflicted, deliberate self-harm with no intent of suicide) were analyzed and assessed during hospitalization and followed up for 28 weeks. Poor family functions, as well as family problems and social problems, were the causative agents for adolescent’s high suicidality and non-suicidal self-harm. A history of Non-suicidal self-harm treatment is a clinical marker for suicidality. The previous suicidal attempts should be evaluated in depressed juvenile patients as indicators of future suicidal intent and behavior. Both suicidal and NSSI during the therapy and after treatment persisted in depressed adolescents who participated in the study. Major causes of suicide among our study participants were lost friend(s), drug abuse, living alone or not living with the family, disturbed parental marriage, sexual abuse, and other domestic problems.