Explore the vast range of titles available.

Objective: Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a progressive and predominantly lethal form of several interstitial lung diseases with limited current therapeutics; it is, therefore, essential to develop a simple, homogeneous, and noninvasive disease model to investigate possible anti-fibrotic approaches. The present study is designed to develop oropharyngeal aspiration (OPA) model of bleomycin (BLM)-induced PF as a simple and alternative to intratracheal (IT) administration of BLM in Swiss mice strain. Materials and Methods: Mice were divided into two groups, BLM-treated and normal control. BLM via OPA (2 IU/kg) was used to induce PF. Water for injection was used as a vehicle in control animals. Body weights were measured once in a week, and the study was continued for 21 days. At the end of the study, animals were euthanized and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was collected and subjected to lymphocytes count, estimation of albumin and protein levels. Lung tissues were collected, and various biochemical assays (malondialdehyde, glutathione, nitric oxide, hydroxyproline) and molecular techniques including ELISA and Western blot were performed to investigate the effect of OPA-BLM. Further, histopathology and Masson's trichrome staining techniques were performed in lung sections. Results: OPA administration of BLM in Swiss mice significantly induced PF, evident from lung index and morphology. Several oxidative stress parameters and hydroxyproline assay revealed the significant (P < 0.05) induction of PF. Further results obtained from histopathology, Masson's trichrome staining, ELISA, and Western blot confirmed the significant induction of PF via OPA-BLM. Conclusion: BLM administration by OPA route in Swiss mice can be used as a simple, homogeneous, and noninvasive model of inducing PF and to investigate the effect of various anti-fibrotic agents as an alternative to IT-BLM.

There are more than 5 million people with dementia in India. Multicentre studies looking at details of treatment for people with dementia In India are lacking. Clinical audit is a quality improvement process which aims to systematically assess, evaluate, and improve patient care. Evaluating current practice is the key to a clinical audit cycle. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic patterns and prescribing practices of psychiatrists for patients with dementia in India. A retrospective case file study was conducted across several centers in India. Information from the case records of 586 patients with dementia was obtained. Mean age of the patients was 71.14 years (standard deviation = 9.42). Three hundred twenty one (54.8) were men. Alzheimer's disease (349; 59.6) was the most frequent diagnosis followed by vascular dementia (117; 20). Three hundred fifty five (60.6) patients had medical disorders and 47.4 patients were taking medications for their medical conditions. Eighty one (69.2) patients with vascular dementia had cardiovascular problems. Majority of the patients (524; 89.4) were on medications for dementia. Most frequently prescribed treatment was Donepezil (230; 39.2) followed by Donepezil-Memantine combination (225; 38.4). Overall, 380 (64.8) patients were on antipsychotics. Quetiapine (213, 36.3) was the most frequently used antipsychotic. Overall, 113 (19.3) patients were on antidepressants, 80 (13.7) patients were on sedatives/hypnotics, and 16 (2.7) patients were on mood stabilizers. Three hundred nineteen (55.4) patients and caregivers of 374 (65) patients were receiving psychosocial interventions. Diagnostic and prescription patterns in dementia which emerged from this study are comparable to other studies both nationally and internationally. Comparing current practices at individual and national levels against accepted guidelines, obtaining feedback, identifying gaps and instituting remedial measures help to improve the standard of care provided.

There are more than 5 million people with dementia in India. Multicentre studies looking at details of treatment for people with dementia In India are lacking. Clinical audit is a quality improvement process which aims to systematically assess, evaluate, and improve patient care. Evaluating current practice is the key to a clinical audit cycle. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic patterns and prescribing practices of psychiatrists for patients with dementia in India. A retrospective case file study was conducted across several centers in India. Information from the case records of 586 patients with dementia was obtained. Mean age of the patients was 71.14 years (standard deviation = 9.42). Three hundred twenty one (54.8) were men. Alzheimer's disease (349; 59.6) was the most frequent diagnosis followed by vascular dementia (117; 20). Three hundred fifty five (60.6) patients had medical disorders and 47.4 patients were taking medications for their medical conditions. Eighty one (69.2) patients with vascular dementia had cardiovascular problems. Majority of the patients (524; 89.4) were on medications for dementia. Most frequently prescribed treatment was Donepezil (230; 39.2) followed by Donepezil-Memantine combination (225; 38.4). Overall, 380 (64.8) patients were on antipsychotics. Quetiapine (213, 36.3) was the most frequently used antipsychotic. Overall, 113 (19.3) patients were on antidepressants, 80 (13.7) patients were on sedatives/hypnotics, and 16 (2.7) patients were on mood stabilizers. Three hundred nineteen (55.4) patients and caregivers of 374 (65) patients were receiving psychosocial interventions. Diagnostic and prescription patterns in dementia which emerged from this study are comparable to other studies both nationally and internationally. Comparing current practices at individual and national levels against accepted guidelines, obtaining feedback, identifying gaps and instituting remedial measures help to improve the standard of care provided.

ABSTRACT Background: There are more than 5 million people with dementia in India. Multicentre studies looking at details of treatment for people with dementia In India are lacking. Clinical audit is a quality improvement process which aims to systematically assess, evaluate, and improve patient care. Evaluating current practice is the key to a clinical audit cycle. Aim: This study aimed to assess the diagnostic patterns and prescribing practices of psychiatrists for patients with dementia in India. Method: A retrospective case file study was conducted across several centers in India. Results: Information from the case records of 586 patients with dementia was obtained. Mean age of the patients was 71.14 years (standard deviation = 9.42). Three hundred twenty one (54.8%) were men. Alzheimer's disease (349; 59.6%) was the most frequent diagnosis followed by vascular dementia (117; 20%). Three hundred fifty five (60.6%) patients had medical disorders and 47.4% patients were taking medications for their medical conditions. Eighty one (69.2%) patients with vascular dementia had cardiovascular problems. Majority of the patients (524; 89.4%) were on medications for dementia. Most frequently prescribed treatment was Donepezil (230; 39.2%) followed by Donepezil-Memantine combination (225; 38.4%). Overall, 380 (64.8%) patients were on antipsychotics. Quetiapine (213, 36.3%) was the most frequently used antipsychotic. Overall, 113 (19.3%) patients were on antidepressants, 80 (13.7%) patients were on sedatives/hypnotics, and 16 (2.7%) patients were on mood stabilizers. Three hundred nineteen (55.4%) patients and caregivers of 374 (65%) patients were receiving psychosocial interventions. Conclusions: Diagnostic and prescription patterns in dementia which emerged from this study are comparable to other studies both nationally and internationally. Comparing current practices at individual and national levels against accepted guidelines, obtaining feedback, identifying gaps and instituting remedial measures help to improve the standard of care provided.

Background: Uvaria narum (UN) is known to have antipyretic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antimalarial properties. The antidiabetic properties of UN remains unexplored. The current study has been aimed at understanding the antidiabetic property of UN extract on an in vitro model using 3T3-L1 cell line. Methods: Methanolic extract of UN was prepared, and its cytotoxic effect on 3T3-L1 cells was assessed. Glucose uptake and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) translocation in 3T3-L1 cell line on treatment with the extract was evaluated against a standard drug, metformin. α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibition activities of the extract were also assayed with acarbose as the standard drug. Results: Treatment with UN extract had no cytotoxic effect on the cells. UN extract showed a good percentage inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities. UN extract showed 71.31% inhibition and the control drug Acarbose exhibited 88.54% inhibition in α-amylase activity. Furthermore, the extract showed 79.11% inhibition when Acarbose exhibited 87.35% inhibition in α-glucosidase activity. IC50values were also determined. Further, on treatment with the extract, 75.49% of 3T3-L1 cells took up glucose and 70.67% had GLUT4 expression. Conclusion: UN extract enhances glucose uptake and GLUT4 expression, inhibits α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities, thereby demonstrating the antidiabetic properties in vitro.

Background: Numerous synthetic drugs have been recommended as a remedy for diabetes, but their role in hypoglycemic effects are diverse. The side effects associated with these drugs due to their extended use led scientists to find unconventional medicines with no or little side effects. Aim: This study was aimed at assessment of in vitro antidiabetic activities of methanolic extract of Litsea lancifolia leaves by using 3T3L1 cell line. Materials and Methods: The cytotoxic effect of the leaf extract was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The glucose uptake-inducing capabilities and its correlation with glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) translocation were measured by flow cytometry in 3T3L1 cells. In addition, the inhibitory effect of L. lancifolia leaf extract on α-amylase activity and α-glucosidase activity was determined by colorimetric methods. Results: Different concentrations of L. lancifolia leaf extract did not show any toxicity on 3T3L1 cells, after the treatment for 24h. On stimulation with leaf extract, 60.22% and 86.26% of 3T3L1 cells showed glucose uptake and GLUT4 expression, respectively. The colorimetric assays showed that the methanolic leaf extract of L. lancifolia has a significant inhibitory effect on the activity of α-amylase enzyme and α-glucosidase enzyme with inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 248.65 µg/mL and 229.61 µg/mL, respectively. Conclusion: On the basis of the results of this study, it is evident that L. lancifolia leaf extract showed promising anti-diabetic effect when compared to the standard drugs metformin and acarbose and was nontoxic to 3T3L1 cells. Thus, it can be further investigated to recommend as a possible alternative treatment in antidiabetic applications.

In practice the behavior of the Bow-Arrow-Archer system termed 'interior ballistics' and the arrow in flight termed ‘exterior ballistics' are complicated. In order to understand the mechanics of archery computer models are required. The musculoskeletal simulation is becoming a popular method in the research field of biomechanics to estimate muscle activity from body motion. The objective of this study is to conduct biomechanically correct musculoskeletal transient response under archery dynamic loading. This simulation aims to find the movement patterns in working postures, amount of muscle activity, individual muscle forces and the amount of glenohumeral and sternoclavicular joint reactions established during archery performance. The work presented discusses the anatomical body arrangements and conducts bio mechanically correct simulation. Initially a C3D file was generated with makers specified on the upper body to generate the archery motion. The C3D file contains the synchronized 3D and analog data. It also helps in standardizing the interchange of information. The C3D file is imported into human mannequin model which provides a platform for performing musculoskeletal simulation. Repetitive use of shoulder joint for archery performance results in micro traumas of shoulder joint. Over-use of the shoulder which, through repetitive harmful movements, can bring about micro traumatic lesions of the rotator. Knowledge on the position of the arm and forearm during injury, the degree of muscle contraction or relaxation and the direction and momentum of the archer helps in determining the severity of injury. Musculoskeletal simulation gives additional information about mechanism and force of the injury, thus helping in describing the pathoanatomy. We use Electromyography (EMG) which provides easy access to physiological processes that cause the muscle to generate force, produce movement and accomplish the countless functions that allow us to interact with the world around us. The muscle interactions are further co-related with the simulation results. The response of the accessory muscles and primary muscles forces during archery draw back are examined by EMG driven biomechanical models. By simulating the model one can analyze the causes for most common shoulder pain observed in archer. For each analysis, the system stores the maximum stress of muscle at any point of the movement. The simulation estimates the optimum parameters to eliminate stress overloading on the muscles and investigates muscle efforts and joint forces depending on postures.

Background: Diabetes is an endocrine disorder that results in altered carbohydrate, protein, and lipid metabolism. Several synthetic drugs used to treat diabetes have adverse effects on prolonged usage. This has given the impetus to the search for alternative medicines with no or less side effects. The plants of Orchidaceae family have displayed antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, and antidiabetic activity. However, their antidiabetic properties are yet to be explored. Materials and Methods: The in vitro antidiabetic properties of Dactylorhiza hatagirea leaf extract were studied by biochemical assays such as α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition assays and in vitro cellular assays such as glucose uptake assay and glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4) expression studies in 3T3-L1 cell line. Results: The methanolic extract of D. hatagirea, at varying concentrations (25 μg-400 μg/mL), did not exhibit cytotoxicity against 3T3-L1 cell line after 24 h of incubation. Methanolic extract of D. hatagirea leaves showed significant inhibition of α-Amylase and α-Glucosidase enzymes. After 24 h of exposure of 3T3-L1 cells to 100 μg/mL of D. hatagirea leaf extract and 100 μM of metformin, the relative expression rates of GLUT4 receptor were elevated when compared with untreated cells. The results also revealed that the amount of 2-(N-(7-Nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl) Amino)-2-Deoxyglucose taken up by 3T3-L1 cells treated with D. hatagirea leaf extract and metformin is higher than that of untreated cells. Conclusion: Our results suggest that methanolic extract of D. hatagirea leaves has potential antidiabetic activity and could be a plausible resource for antidiabetic agents.

Background:Easy availability, relatively low cost with fewer side effects, has made the herbal extracts/fractions/pure compounds as prominent source of medicinally important molecules. Dioscorea villosa L. commonly known as wild yam belongs to the family Dioscoreaceae and has been used in various parts of India to treat joint pain, arthritis, and various other diseases. However, its role in wound healing has not been documented so far. In the current study, the in vitro wound healing capabilities of D. villosa were examined using L929 cells. Materials and Methods:Methanolic extraction of D. villosa leaves was prepared by applying inexpensive maceration method. 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay was used to analyze the cytotoxicity of D. villosa extract and in vitro wound healing capabilities were investigated by applying scratch assay. The qualitative measurement of different secondary metabolites was determined by standard biochemical assays. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was performed to identify the possible wound healing components present in the methanolic leaf extract of D. villosa, and the antioxidant properties of the plant extract were evaluated by α,α-diphenyl-β-picrylhydrazyl and ferric reducing antioxidant power assays. Furthermore, the possible molecular factors involved in the proliferation and migration of fibroblast in the presence of D. villosa extract was determined by flow cytometry technique. Results:The experiments to analyze the cytotoxic effect of D. villosa on L929 cells revealed that at the highest concentration used, i.e., 500 μg/mL after 48 h of incubation, 96.06% ± 0.42% of the cells were viable. The results of the scratch assay revealed that 125 μg/mL of plant extract induced the migration in 88.58% of fibroblast cells. Through GC-MS analysis, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory molecules such as 1 H-Indole-2,3-dione (Isatin) and Dexamethasone have been identified. In addition, flow cytometry data showed the influence of plant extract on the expression of Collagen-1 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta, which play a major role in the wound healing processes. 125 μg/mL of plant extract induced Collagen-1 in 22.18% cells and TGF-beta in 80.77% of cells, respectively. Conclusion:The presence of potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory molecules and capability to induce the expression of fundamental wound healing molecular factors TGF-beta and collagen-1 in fibroblast cells, endorsed D. villosa as a potential wound healing agent. Abbreviations used:DA: Dioscorea villosa; LDH: Lactate dehydrogenase; ECM: Extra Cellular matrix; DMSO: Dimethyl sulfoxide; DMEM: Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium; FBS: Fetal bovine serum; FITC: Fluorescein isothiocyanate. D-PBS: Dulbecco's phosphate-buffered saline; FACS: Fluorescent activated cell sorter; MTT: 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide; μg: Micrograms; ng: Nanogram; mL: milliliter; SD: Standard Deviation; hEGF: Human epidermal growth factor.