Therapeutic benefit of palmitoylethanolamide in the management of neuropathic pain

Background: Neuropathic pain is defined by International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) as “Pain caused by a lesion or disease of the somatosensory nervous system”. Elderly patients generally have high incidence of chronic neuropathic pain. The safe and effective treatment for chronic pain is a large public health concern. Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is an endogenously produced amide cannabimimetic compound with tissue protection and anti-inflammatory activity. Objectives: The aim & objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) in patients suffering from Neuropathic/Chronic Pain. Study Designed: Prospective Study. Materials and Methods: The Study was conducted in the Neurosurgery unit of Surgery Department in Gandhi Medical College & Associated Hamidia Hospital, Bhopal. A total no. of 150 patients aged 20-78 years were included in the study and divided into two groups, group I (Study group) and the group II (Control group) PEA was given to group I to evaluate the effect of PEA in neuropathic pain. Result: We studied 150 patients with PEA for 60 days in a dose of 354 mg orally three times (TDS) a day for first 10 days and then two times (BID) a day for 50 days. It is available in India by the name of Palmiges. PEA was associated with greater pain reduction in the study group compared to the placebo controlled group. The primary outcome measured was the mean pain reduction evaluated by VAS scale. Conclusion: PEA seems to be useful in the treatment of neuropathic / chronic pain and it is well tolerated in patients in study group. Palmiges PEA reduces the inflammation in neuropathic pain, which results in lowering/reduction of neuropathic pain. Controlled trials are further needed to prove efficacy and reliability and also to find out the adverse reaction associated with the drug

Post Traumatic Glioma: An association questioned

Post traumatic glioma has been a matter of debate. Few reports favor its occurrence in previous head injury scar, subsequently developing into glioma. Here we report a case of young patient presented with headache, seizures and gradual loss of vision. On investigation found to have brain tumor. Patient had head injury occurred 3 yrs back. It fulfills all the criteria required to establish traumatic origin, further supporting the association

Genetic Divergence Study in Different Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Genotypes under Irrigated and Drought Stress Condition

Thirty rice genotypes were evaluated to study genetic divergence under irrigated and drought stress conditions in randomized block design at Bagusala farm, M. S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, CUTM, Odisha, during summer 2019. The main objective of this experiment was to identify reproductive phase drought tolerant genotypes through study the effect of drought stress on yield, yield attributing and biochemical traits performance of selected genotypes using Mahalanobis D2 statistics. Set of 30 genotypes were grouped in to five and nine clusters under irrigated and drought situation. Under irrigated conditions cluster-Ⅰ was largest cluster with 22 genotypes followed by cluster-Ⅱ includes 5 genotypes cluster-Ⅲ, IV and V each consisted with only one genotype. Under drought condition, genotypes were grouped into nine different clusters, cluster-Ⅰ was the largest cluster involving 20 genotypes followed by cluster-Ⅱ having 3 genotypes whereas, cluster-Ⅲ, IV, Ⅴ, Ⅵ, Ⅶ, Ⅷ and Ⅸ were recorded with single genotype. The maximum intra cluster distances under irrigated conditions were found in cluster- Ⅱ (27111.9) followed by cluster-Ⅰ (17587.7). Whereas, in case of stress cluster-Ⅱ had maximum distance (21110.9) fallowed by cluster-Ⅰ (17957.8). Under irrigated maximum inter-cluster distances recorded between cluster-Ⅱ and Ⅴ (62310.8) followed by cluster-Ⅳ and Ⅴ (57656.0). In case of stress maximum inter cluster distances recorded between cluster -Ⅱ and Ⅶ (69865.5) fallowed by cluster- Ⅷ and Ⅸ (67848.9), cluster-Ⅱ and Ⅸ (65239.2). Under irrigate conditions highest manifestation towards genetic divergence was exhibited by chlorophyll followed by plant yield, 1000 grain weight, proline, number of spikelets, carbohydrates, grain weight, phenols, panicle length, panicle weight, flavonoids, number of filled grains, plant height and number of tillers. In case of drought stress, maximum percentage contribution towards to the genetic divergence was observed for Proline followed by carbohydrates, plant height, plant yield, grain weight, chlorophyll, number of spikelets, flavonoids, 1000grain weight, filled grains, phenols, panicle weight, panicle length and number of tillers, while other trait like root length did not contribute to the total divergence. The genotypes grouped under cluster Ⅰ, Ⅲ, Ⅴ, Ⅷ namely MTU1010, MTU1075, MTU1224, RNR2465 and Manipur black rice exhibited maximum drought tolerance under stress conditions. These genotypes can be used as the donor parents for development of drought tolerant lines in crop improvement programme

Safeguarding Agriculture: A Comprehensive Review of Plant Protection Strategies

The rapidly evolving landscape of agriculture faces myriad challenges, including pests, diseases, and environmental factors that jeopardise global food security. The urgency of these challenges necessitates innovative plant protection strategies that are both effective and environmentally sustainable. This review offers a comprehensive examination of the advancements and considerations in plant protection, from traditional methods to modern technological approaches. Traditional practices, although eco-friendly, often fall short in efficacy and scalability. The advent of chemical solutions such as pesticides revolutionised plant protection but brought about environmental and health concerns. Biological controls offer a middle-ground, leveraging natural predators and bio-pesticides to combat agricultural threats. Technology is playing an increasingly critical role in shaping the future of plant protection. Sensor technologies and drones are enabling precision agriculture, enhancing the monitoring and application of protection measures. Genetic engineering holds the promise of creating crops resistant to pests and diseases, albeit amid ethical and safety debates. Integrated Pest Management (IPM), a balanced, eco-friendly approach, is gaining traction, supported by case studies that validate its effectiveness and adaptability. Meanwhile, policy and regulation are evolving to better govern the use of chemicals, promote sustainability, and address the impacts of climate change on agriculture. This review explores future trends, particularly the influence of emerging technologies such as nanotechnology and IoT, and potential shifts in global policies towards more sustainable practices. It argues for the imperative of integrating these multifaceted approaches, guided by robust policies and regulations, to achieve the dual objectives of high agricultural yield and environmental conservation. It aims to provide a holistic understanding and guide future directions in plant protection strategies, emphasising the importance of adaptability, sustainability, and integration in facing the challenges of tomorrow