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Background: Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) is a heterogeneous and debilitating illness. Symptom dimensions of OCD lend homogeneous avenues for research. Variations in one's appraisal of thoughts and emotions can influence symptom dimensions and impairment. However, little is known about the combined influence of these appraisals in OCD. A clear understanding of these relationships has putative treatment implications. Aim: The aim of the study is to examine the associations among obsessive beliefs, emotional appraisals, and OCD symptom dimensions in adults. Materials and Methods: We examined 50 drug-naive/drug-free adults with active OCD. Symptom dimensions and impairment were assessed using the Dimensional Yale–Brown Obsessive–Compulsive Severity Scale. Obsessive beliefs and emotional appraisals were studied using the Obsessive Beliefs Questionnaire-44 and Perception of Threat from Emotion Questionnaire. Results: Tobit regression analysis showed the differential association of obsessive beliefs and symptom dimensions – perfectionism/certainty associated with contamination and responsibility/threat estimation associated with aggressive obsessions. Impairment was associated with dimensional symptom severities and with the perception of threat from anger. This association remained even after controlling for depression severity and obsessive beliefs. Conclusions: OCD symptom dimensions are heterogeneous in underlying obsessive beliefs. Emotional appraisals contribute significantly to impairment alongside symptom severity. Emotion-focused interventions must be included in the psychotherapeutic interventions for OCD.

Purpose: During the ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic, there have been treatment gaps for common physical and mental disorders due to vast reasons like lockdowns, poor convenience, fear of getting COVID infection, and economic restraints. Hence, to reduce the treatment gap and, also to limit exposure to COVID-19 infections, telemedicine in the form of telephonic and internet consultations has been increasingly adopted worldwide. Our centre also started telepsychiatry to cater for the needs of patients with pre-existing mental health disorders to ensure regular follow-up and compliance with prescriptions. The study aimed to assess the level of patient satisfaction through online psychiatric services (Telepsychiatry). Methods: Ethical clearance for the present study was granted by the research cell of the study centre. The sample consisted of 100 patients with pre-existing mental health disorders. This was a single-point cross-sectional study for 6 months. Hospital Information system (HIS) software, which is used to manage the patient's appointment schedule, relevant clinical and lab details along with follow-up prescriptions was used to follow the selected patients for study purposes. This software also provides a digital platform for video calls for online consultation. Client Satisfaction Questionnaires-8 (CSQ-8) were applied to collect patient data for analysis. Result: The mean total CSQ-8 score of the study sample was 21.01±5.80 (8-32), which indicates a low to moderate level of satisfaction with online psychiatric services. Most patients (45%) reported low satisfaction levels followed by 37% of the patients who reported moderate levels of satisfaction. Only 18% of the patients reported higher satisfaction with online psychiatric services. Conclusion: Despite the psychiatrist's ability to deliver adequate professional advice and psychoeducation through online psychiatric services, the patient’s level of satisfaction was moderate to low. This suggests a need to design standard protocols and guidelines for consultation through online psychiatric services to enhance the patient’s level of satisfaction.

Introduction: Solanum nigrum (Linn) is known as Makoy and Black night shade. It is found in India and in cultivated ground. This plant has been reported for hepatoprotective, antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiseptic, narcotic, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, CNS depressant, molluscidal, antiulcer, cardiac depressant, immunomodulatory and antioxidant activities. It is widely used as expectorant, anodyne, vulnerary, digestive, laxative, diuretic, cardiotonic, depurative, diaphoretic, febrifuge, swelling, wounds, ulcer, dyspepsia, ophthalmic disorder, vomiting, cardiac disorder, leprosy, skin disease, fever, splenomegaly, hemorrhoids, hoarseness, nephropathy, dropsy, gonorrhea.Leaves are use as poultice for rheumatic an gouty joints, decoction of berries and flower useful in cough, erysipelas, rat bite, bronchitis, pulmonary tuberculosis, fever, diarrhea, ophthalmopathy and hydrophobia. Root bark is useful in diseases of ear, eye, nose and hepatitis. Material and methods: For anti-inflammatory activity adult wister rats of both sexes weighing between 200-250g was used for experiment. Group-1 received 0.5% CMC suspension (control) group 2, 3 and 4 received methanolic extracts (125, 250 and 375 mg/kg) of S. nigrum respectively. Group 5 received diclofenac (reference standard 1mg/kg). The antioxidant activity of the fruit of S. nigrum was determined by using a method based on the reduction of methanolic solution of colored free radical 1, 1 di phenyl-1-2 picryl hydrazyl (DPPH). Result and discussion: Methanolic extract of Solanum nigrum Linn. fruit has shown antioxidant activity in vitro DPPH Method. The methanolic extract of S. nigrum (375 mg/kg) prevented the formation of edema induced by carrageenan and thus showed significant anti-inflammatory activity (p

Introduction: Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder, involving group of nerve cells, or neurons, in the brain. Many classes of antiepileptic drugs are being prescribed and used by the stake holders but most of them are associated with serious side effects and toxicity. There is a strong need of new antiepileptic molecules with less side effects and toxicity. Objective: A series of aryl acid hydrazones of Isonicotinic acid hydrazide (RINH1 -RINH14) were synthesized and evaluated for Anticonvulsant activity. Material and Method: Compounds (RINH1 -RINH14) were synthesized by refluxing Isonicotinic acid hydrazide with different substituted benzaldehydes/ substituted acetophenones in absolute ethanol. Melting points of all synthesized compounds were monitored by open glass-capillary tube method on Digital Melting point apparatus and are uncorrected. The synthesized compounds were tested for anticonvulsant potential using MES and scPTZ whereas neurotoxicity was determined using Rotarod model. Result and Discussion: At 100mg/kg compound RINH10 have shown 29% protection at both 0.5hr and 4.0 time interval .At 300mg/kg and 0.5 hr, compounds RINH4 and RINH10 showed 100% and 50 % protection respectively. Compounds RINH4 and RINH10 have better anti MES activity proving that halogens have prominent contribution in Anticonvulsant activity. In scPTZ screen, all synthesized Acid hydrazone (RINH1- RINH14 ) did not show any protection at 30, 100,300 mg/kg , at 0.5 hr and 4.0 hr duration .In rotorod test i.e neurotoxicity screen, compound RINH5, RINH6 , RINH10 have shown toxicity. Conclusion: The synthesized new molecules were proved to be having anticonvulsant activity with less signs of neurotoxicity.

Background and Objectives: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related stigma is present at all levels which act as critical barriers for effectively addressing it. This also influences the treatment uptake and under or nonparticipation in treatment available. In view of this, the present study was aimed to assess the stigma of otherwise healthy individuals of the community toward HIV infection/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Methods: The study was conducted on 100 healthy individuals. Their responses were taken on a self-designed semi-structured questionnaire. Results: The results showed that there is more perceived stigma as compared to enacted stigma. Nearly 46% of the individuals feel that HIV-infected persons should be blamed for their illness and 41% individuals feel that they will feel ashamed if they have HIV. It was also seen that older adults. (between 46 and 55 years) had more stigma as compared to the younger adults (between 16 and 25 years). The educated individuals still have stigma to a certain extent. Most of the individuals would like to tell their partner if they were diagnosed with HIV. Participants were divided into two groups on the basis of their level of education. (12 years of formal education). Stigma related to HIV/AIDS was compared among these two groups, and there was no significant difference in the level of stigma in these distinctly different educational groups. Conclusion: There is still stigma present to a certain extent in the society in the educated and urban individuals. Level of stigma may not be significantly different in people with educational difference. Stigma needs to be addressed for prevention and better management of HIV/AIDS.

Convolvulus pluricaulis Choisy is a perennial wild herb commonly found on sandy & rocky areas under xerophytic conditions in northern India. It is a reputed drug of ayurveda and reported to posses antioxidant, brain tonic, nervine tonic, laxative and has been used in anxiety, neurosis, epilepsy, insomnia, burning sensation, oedema and urinary disorders. In the present study, methanolic extract of whole plant of Convolvulus pluricaulis Choisy was evaluated for antioxidant activity by using 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picryl- hydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging model and anticonvulsant activity by using maximal electroshock seizure model. In antioxidant activity, ascorbic acid was used as standard agent while results of anticonvulsant studies were compared with phenytoin. Results of antioxidant activity have demonstrated significant free radical scavenging effect for methanolic extract of Convolvulus pluricaulis Choisy. IC50 value of methanolic extract was observed as 41.00μg/ml as compared to 2.03μg/ml of ascorbic acid. Methanolic extract of C. pluricaulis was evaluated for anticonvulsant activity at 250, 500 and 1000mg/kg. Experimental results have shown that at the dose of 500 and 1000mg/kg, C. pluricaulis didn't abolish the hind limb extension, but reduced the mean recovery time from convulsion.

A series of thiosemicarbazones of halogen substituted benzaldehydes, benzophenone and acetophenone were synthesized using an appropriate synthetic route and characterized by thin layer chromatography and spectral analysis. The anticonvulsant activity of synthesized compounds was established in three seizures models which includes maximal electroshock (MES), subcutaneous pentylene tetrazole (scPTZ) induced seizures and minimal neurotoxicity test. Five compounds out of 21 exhibited protection in MES test while only one compound showed protection in scPTZ screen. Two compounds were found to be active in minimal clonic seizure (6Hz) model. Compound PS6 i.e. 2-(3-bromobenzylidene)-N-(4-chlorophenyl) hydrazinecarbothioamide emerged as the most active compound with MES ED50 of more than 50mg/kg and pI greater than 12, which is found to be better than the prototype drug, Phenytoin. The compound has shown neuroprotection in kainic acid model with IC50 value of 40.97 µM. It has also shown mild activation effect on CYP 269 and CYP 2C9 enzymes, indicating the usefulness of thiosemicarbazones as anticonvulsants.

A series of ten compounds (Compounds J(1)-J(10)) of (±) 3-menthone aryl acid hydrazone was synthesized and characterized by thin layer chromatography and spectral analysis. Synthesized compounds were evaluated for anticonvulsant activity after intraperitoneal (i.p) administration to mice by maximal electroshock (MES) and subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole (scPTZ) induced seizure method and minimal clonic seizure test. Minimal motor impairment was also determined for these compounds. Results obtained showed that four compounds out of ten afforded significant protection in the minimal clonic seizure screen at 6 Hz. Compound J(6), 4-Chloro-N-(2-isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexylidene) benzohydrazide was found to be the most active compound with MES ED(50) of 16.1 mg/kg and protective index (pI) of greater than 20, indicating that (±) 3-menthone aryl acid hydrazone possesses better and safer anticonvulsant properties than other reported menthone derivatives viz. menthone Schiff bases, menthone semicarbazides and thiosemicarbazides.

A series of aryl acid hydrazones of substituted aromatic acid hydrazides (D 1 to D 20) were synthesised and evaluated for anticonvulsant activity. Aryl acid hydrazones of Nicotinic acid hydrazide (D 8, D 9, and D 10) have displayed excellent protection in maximal electroshock screen. These compounds have also exhibited excellent binding properties with Lys 329 residue of gamma amino butyrate amino transferase (GABA-AT) in Lamarckian genetic algorithm based flexible docking studies. Compound D 8, N 1-(4-chlorobenzylidene) nicotinohydrazide was found to be the most potent analog with ED50 value of 16.1 mg/kg and protective index (PI = TD50/ED50) value of >20, which was much greater than that of the prototype drug phenytoin (PI = 6.9). It has shown free binding energy value of −10.20 kcal/mol and inhibition constant (Ki) value of 33.30 nM for GABA-AT, indicating that aryl acid hydrazones of nicotinic acid hydrazide could be considered as a new pharmacophore in the design of novel anticonvulsant drugs.

A series of novel (+/-) 3-menthone semi carbazides (1-7) and thiosemicarbazides synthesized using an appropriate synthetic route and characterized by thin layer chromatography and spectral analysis. The anticonvulsant activity of synthesized compounds was established after intraperitoneal administration in three seizure models in mice which include maximal electroshock seizure (MES), subcutaneous pentylene tetrazole (scPTZ) induced seizure and minimal neurotoxicity test. Seven compounds exhibited protection in both models and N(1) - (4-fluorophenyl) - N(4)- (menth-3-one) semicarbazide (4) emerged as the most active compound with MES ED(50) of 44.15mg/kg and scPTZ ED(50) of 38.68mg/kg at 0.25h duration. These compounds were found to elevate gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) levels in the midbrain region, thus indicating that (+/-) 3-menthone semicarbazides could be considered as a lead molecule in designing of a potent anticonvulsant drug.

A series of Schiff bases of menthone has been synthesized using an appropriate synthetic route and characterized using Thin Layer Chromatography and spectral analysis. The synthesized compounds were evaluated for anticonvulsant activity against maximal electro shock (MES) and strychnine induced seizures model in rats. The neurotoxicity and behavioral depressant studies were also carried out using rotorod and tail suspension methods. Results obtained show that, 84% of the compounds afforded significant protection in the MES screen whereas none of them found to be active in strychnine induced seizures. Schiff base with napthyl amine was found to be most active in the series showing activity in the dose of 10 mg/kg in MES test. Majority of the compounds were found to be active in behavioral depressant screening.

A series of twelve compounds (Compounds RNH1–RNH 12 ) of acid hydrazones of pyridine-3-carbohydrazide or nicotinic acid hydrazide was synthesized and evaluated for anticonvulsant activity by MES, scPTZ, minimal clonic seizure and corneal kindling seizure test. Neurotoxicity was also determined for these compounds by rotarod test. Results showed that halogen substitution at meta and para position of phenyl ring exhibited better protection than ortho substitution. Compounds RNH 4 and RNH 12 , were found to be the active analogs displaying 6Hz ED50 of 75.4 and 14.77 mg/kg while the corresponding MES ED50 values were 113.4 and 29.3 mg/kg respectively. In addition, compound RNH12 also showed scPTZ ED50 of 54.2 mg/kg. In the series, compound RNH 12 with trifluoromethoxy substituted phenyl ring was the most potent analog exhibiting protection in all four animal models of epilepsy. Molecular docking study has also shown significant binding interactions of these two compounds with 1OHV, 2A1H and 1PBQ receptors. Thus, N-[(meta or para halogen substituted) benzylidene] pyridine-3-carbohydrazides could be used as lead compounds in anticonvulsant drug design and discovery.