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Chronic diseases like cancer and diabetes are the major public health concerns of India and worldwide. Nowadays, plant-derived products are in great demand for the treatment of these diseases. Pumpkin seeds are traditionally implicated for their pharmacological properties, as exemplified by benign prostatic hyperplasia. Earlier, pumpkin seed proteins were extracted by the Osborne method, and their functional and nutritional qualities were evaluated. Here, the aim is to assess in vitro, the anticancer and antidiabetic properties of seed protein fractions. HepG2, MDA-MB-231, and MCF-7 cell lines were treated with water-soluble (WF) and alkali-soluble fractions (AF) to assess cytotoxicity, while pancreatic β-cells and insulin resistance (IR) – HepG2 cell lines were treated with WF to evaluate the antidiabetic potential. WF and AF showed cytotoxic effects towards HepG2 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines, suggesting apoptosis-mediated anticancerous activity. WF potentiates glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in pancreatic β-cells, in a dose-dependent manner. In IR-HepG2 cell line studies, control, metformin, and WF-treated groups showed uptake of glucose, when compared to the diabetic group, which is well-correlated with the upregulated expressions of GLUT2 and GLUT4 transporters in these groups. These results indicate that proteins from WF and AF may have anticancerous and antidiabetic properties and thus have the potential to utilize pumpkin proteins in the management of cancer and diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Charge injection and transport layers with optimum carrier transport properties are essential for stable and efficient organic light-emitting diode (OLED) devices. Herein, we report two tetraphenylethylene-diphenylamine derivatives, TPOMe and TPOSt having four and two methoxy substituents, respectively, and explore their potential as solution-processable hole injection layers (HILs) for OLEDs. Standard, Alq3-based green OLEDs with a simple device design were used to demonstrate the properties of the synthesized HILs, in comparison with a commercially available standard HIL, m-MTDATA. TPOMe-based device exhibited a current efficiency of 4.2 cd A−1, while TPOSt-based device showed 3.81 cd A−1 at 10 mA cm−2. Both the above devices showed better performance compared to a control device fabricated with the standard HIL, m-MTDATA, which showed a relatively lower current efficiency value (1.70 cd A−1 at 10 mA cm−2). Similarly, the maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE) of TPOMe (1.77%) and TPOSt (1.55%) were higher than that of the m-MTDATA-based device (1.40%). Although m-MTDATA device has better luminance and hole mobility compared to TPOMe and TPOSt devices, the optimum charge balance in the latter devices leads to better current efficiency and EQE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amorphous coordination polymers (CPs) are one of the important classes of porous materials, that are gaining attention and providing us with an exciting opportunity to synthesize novel functional materials. Amorphous CPs have practical applications in the domain of material science for a wide range of applications, including biomedical, supercapacitors, gas storage, drug delivery, pollution control, and many others. Though several metal ions and ligands are available, the synthesis of CP with a biocompatible metal ion zirconium and a bidentate ligand, an amino acid (L-Asparagine) offers an eco-friendly CP with high surface area for a variety of applications. Herein, we report the synthesis of amorphous Zr-CPsAsn using three different pH conditions using modifiers namely, acid, base, and neutral which are thermally stable up to 250 °C. The role of pH modifiers in tuning the surface and pore environment is studied in detail using the BET, FESEM, and EDX analyses and the results are compared. It is interesting to the role of an acidic modifier, which tunes the surface area, and the basicity improves the pore environment, comparatively. Amorphous CPs and innovative synthesis have received attention in recent studies because of their potential and possible applications in a variety of material sciences fields, specifically, heavy metal ion adsorption in water remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Virgin coconut oil (VCO) and cod liver oil (CLO) possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects. The objective of the study was to test the ability of a blend (BLO) of VCO and CLO to improve endurance performance in the mouse model. The nutritional profile, viscosity, and free fatty acid (FFA) content were analysed. Mice were randomly divided into the four groups: control, VCO, CLO, and BLO group. Endurance studies were carried out for 4 weeks. The endurance potential was investigated based on exhaustive swimming, forelimb grip strength test, biochemical, histological, and molecular analyses. As expected, the BLO contained essential fatty acids such as polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), Vitamin A, and Vitamin E. The viscosity, triglyceride, and FFA content were 54mPas, 95%, and 0.6%, respectively. Animal studies showed no toxicity in tissues. The BLO-supplemented group demonstrated substantially higher score in exhaustive swimming and forelimb grip strength test, a decrease in the serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), malondialdehyde (MDA), and creatine kinase (CK) levels, a substantial decrease in fibrotic changes in the liver, skeletal muscle, and heart, with more glycogen deposits in the skeletal muscle and elevated expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) coactivator (PGC)-1α compared to the controls. These results suggest that, the BLO improves the endurance potential via activation of PGC-1α signalling and may be used as a food supplement to improve an athlete's endurance potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional parotidectomy incision was devised by Blair (1912) which was modified by Bailey (1941). Over the years various approaches and techniques have evolved to improve the aesthetic outcome and at the same time for complete disease clearance with reduced complications. In this study, we evaluated the feasibility of our mini-incision parotidectomy technique along with the surgical and quality of life (QOL) outcomes. This prospective case series was conducted at Apollo Hospitals, Bangalore over a period of 2 years (June 2018-August 2020) and includes 20 patients. The surgical outcomes were assessed in terms of feasibility of mini-incision technique with respect to levels of parotid involved and functional outcomes in terms of presence or absence of complications like facial palsy (temporary or permanent), seroma and Frey's syndrome. Patient related quality of life (QOL) outcomes were assessed in terms of post-operative pain score, patient comfort score and cosmetic score by using numerical rating scale-11 (NRS-11). The mini-incision parotidectomy technique is feasible for lesions in all the parotid levels and conversion or lengthening of incision was not needed in any of the cases. 2(10%) patients had temporary facial palsy (House-Brackman grade III) which was recovered within 3 weeks after surgery. One patient (5%) with adenoid cystic carcinoma had permanent facial palsy. Out of 20 patients 2(10%) had seroma and 1(5%) patient presented with Frey's syndrome. Mean post-operative pain score at 0, 6 and 24 h were 4.8, 3.4 and 1.8 out of 10 respectively. Mean comfort score was 9 out of 10 and mean cosmetic score was 9.5 out of 10. Mini-incision parotidectomy technique can render improved functional as well as aesthetic outcomes after parotidectomy without compromising the surgical clearance of the disease process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IgG4 related disease (IgG4-RD) is a fibro-inflammatory disease, with tendency to affect any organ of the body. However, few cases affecting the skull base have been reported in literature. We report one such case in an elderly male, who presented us with a mass lesion in the skull base that mimicked nasopharyngeal malignancy. On thorough clinical history, examination, and investigations, IgG4 Related disease was diagnosed and treatment was started for it. The patient responded well to the treatment and is on follow up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant-mediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has emerged as a feasible alternative to traditional chemical synthesis and its popularity is growing due to its eco-friendly, easy fabrication, and cost-effective features. In this study, aqueous (Aq) and ethanol (E) bark (B) extracts of A. ferruginea (AF) are used to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by sunlight method, and the respective AgNPs are named as AFBAqNPs and AFBENPs. The dark violet-colored silver nanoparticles formed are characterized using various spectral techniques (UV–Vis, FTIR, XRD, FE-SEM, EDS, HR-TEM, DLS and Zeta potential). Antioxidant activity is measured using the DPPH technique and quorum sensing screening is done. The UV–Vis spectra of the synthesized AgNPs exhibits an absorption peak between 420 and 457 nm. The fluorescence analysis shows the emission spectrum of 779 and 894 nm at 390 and 450 nm excitation wavelengths for AFBAqNPs and AFBENPs, respectively. The reduction and capping of AgNPs are due to the phytochemicals present in the bark extract. The FTIR and XRD results reveal their crystalline nature and FCC structure. The HR-TEM images divulge the size of AFBAqNPs, and AFBENPs as ~ 19.73 and 12.33 nm in which AFBENPs have a bimodal size and distribution, with smaller spherical particles with the size of 2.60 nm. The size of AFBAqNPs and AFBENPs are 162.2 and 35.8 nm, respectively, according to FE-SEM. The stability measured via zeta potential of AFBAqNPs and AFBENPs is − 26.1 and 5.9 mV correspondingly. The antioxidant activity of AFBAqNPs is higher (64%) when compared to AFBENPs (56%). Anti-quorum sensing activity for both AgNPs is found to be moderate against Chromobacterium violaceum (ZOI: 7–11 mm) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ZOI: 11–14 mm). The strong emission peaks observed at different excitation indicated that both AgNPs (AFBENPs: λextn: 895 nm, AFBAqNPs: (λextn: 779 nm) are excitation dependent. This is the first report on the synthesis, fluorescence effects and biological applications of nanoparticles from this medicinal plant. The results of this study suggest that the AgNPs from A. ferruginea can be used to develop new drugs for the control of P. aeruginosa-related infections, and more research is needed to identify the characteristic molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mammography is considered to be the gold standard for screening and detection of breast malignancies. Among different biochemical markers used to detect carcinoma of breasts, p63 has been widely popularized for its effectiveness in the detection of myoepithelial cells which are an important indicator of breast benignity. In this study, we plan to statistically analyze and correlate the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) 4 subcategories grading on mammogram imaging with p63 immunostaining. A total of 80 patients were taken into the study within a period of two years (2016–2018) after ensuring the inclusion and exclusion criteria. They were further sorted into different BI-RADS 4 subcategories, i.e., taking into consideration X-ray mammogram and tomosynthesis findings, 57 samples were categorized as low suspicion (BI-RADS 4A), while 12 were classified as intermediate (BI-RADS 4B), and the remaining 11 samples were categorized as highly suspicious (BI-RADS 4C). Although considered to be leaning toward malignancy, a BI-RADS reading of 4 (namely 4A—low suspicion, 4B—moderate suspicion, and 4C—high suspicion for malignancy) needs further evaluation for accurate diagnosis. There have been cases within our own observation where a lesion that is highly suspicious of malignancy has turned out to be a benign finding. Further, evaluating the expression of a p63 marker can help prevent mutilating surgeries for indeterminate lesions. The present study has been conducted to study the correlation of tomosynthesis grading of lesions that has been categorized from low-to-high suspicion, with a p63 immunostaining pattern in these lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Rosai–Dorfman disease is a rare disorder caused by benign proliferation of histiocytes and thus also called sinus histiocytosis with massive lymphadenopathy. It is typically known to involve lymph nodes but can also affect extra nodal sites with breast involvement being extremely rare. This disease is known to mimic malignancy clinically and on imaging. The final verdict is through histopathological evaluation. Case presentation: We present a case of a 21-year-old female who presented with a palpable suspicious lump in right breast. Ultrasound, mammogram and MRI breast were done followed by fine needle aspiration, which showed lymphocytes and occasional histiocytes, which is suggestive of a lymphoid process. Surgical excision was done due to high suspicion of low-grade angiosarcoma in spite of a negative cytology. Diagnosis of Rosai–Dorfman disease was concluded after histopathological evaluation and was further confirmed by immunohistochemical staining by immunohistochemical markers S-100 and CD68. Conclusion: Rosai–Dorfman disease can present as low-grade angiosarcoma clinically as well as on imaging. There is a need for high level of suspicion to rule out benign mimics of malignancy to avoid radical surgery. Final diagnosis is by histopathology along with immunohistochemical staining. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Facial nerve identification is considered to be a crucial step in parotid surgery as inadvertent injury to the nerve will lead to facial paralysis. Multiple landmarks are described in literature to identify the facial nerve during parotid surgery but controversies remain as the consistency and accuracy of these landmarks vary. Numerous studies exist in literature but they fail to address a single landmark that is most reliable to identify the facial nerve during parotid surgery. The purpose of this study is to find reliable landmarks for identification of the main trunk of facial nerve during parotid surgery by evidence gathered by cadaveric dissection and intraoperative study during parotid surgery and develop a systematic approach to identify the facial nerve trunk. This prospective study included 41 cadavers (82 parotid regions) and 20 patients with parotid pathology who underwent parotidectomy. We evaluated the feasibility of our C-M-S technique to identify the main trunk of facial nerve in both anatomical and surgical study. The relationship of landmarks (tragal pointer, tympanomastoid suture, superior border of posterior belly of digastric muscle) to the facial nerve trunk was assessed and the shortest distance between them from the facial trunk was measured using a slide caliper. The measurements were compared between the anatomical and surgical study. The main trunk of facial nerve was successfully identified in all cases using C-M-S technique in both anatomical and surgical study. Distance of facial nerve trunk to tragal pointer was more in the cadaveric sample (13.04 ± 5.238 mm) compared to live patients (9.95 ± 3.967 mm) with statistically significant difference (p = 0.036). The mean distance of tympanomastoid suture and posterior belly of digastric muscle to the facial nerve trunk was similar in anatomical and surgical study with p value of 0.877 and 0.083 respectively. The tympanomastoid suture, posterior belly of digastric muscle and tragal pointer are the most useful landmarks for facial nerve identification during parotid surgery. In our study we found that the tympanomastoid suture line is the most consistent landmark present in all our cases and being closest to the facial nerve trunk in both anatomical and surgical study. Further we recommend using the "C-M-S technique" in order to locate the main trunk of the facial nerve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the efficacy of oral paracetamol and oral ibuprofen for the management of acute headache in children with migraine without aura. Methods: This randomized-controlled trial was done at the Pediatric department of a public hospital in India between 20 May, 2017 and 22 March, 2018, and enrolled children (aged 6–12 y) with Migraine without aura as per International Classification for Headache Disorders, 3rd edition (ICHD-3) criteria. The 50 patients (21 females, mean age 9.9 y) consecutively enrolled were randomized by block randomization to two study groups, with one group (n = 25) receiving oral paracetamol (15 mg/kg/dose) and the other group (n = 25) oral ibuprofen (10 mg/kg/dose), at home, during a single episode of acute migraine headache. The study drugs were dispensed in a blinded fashion. Pain-freedom (score of zero in a 0–10 Visual analogue pain scale) and Pain-relief (≥2-point reduction from the baseline) two-hours after the study drug intake were the primary outcomes. Side-effects to the study drugs were actively solicited. Non-parametric tests for paired data were used. Results: The two groups were similar at baseline. Forty-three children (22 paracetamol group and 21 ibuprofen group) completed the study. Both pain-freedom (32% vs. 28%, P = 0.77) and pain-relief (80% vs. 80%, P = 0.86) were not significantly different between the Paracetamol and Ibuprofen groups, respectively. Ten (23.2%) children had a side-effect due to the study drug, with no significant difference between the groups (13.6% vs. 33.3%; P = 0.11). Conclusions: Both paracetamol and ibuprofen are effective and safe for the treatment of acute migraine attacks in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]