STUDY ON MULTIPOTENT MEDICINAL ASPECTS OF SCHIMA WALLICHII (BARK) FROM NAGALAND, NE INDIA

Objective: The present study focuses on the multipotent medicinal aspects of Schima wallichii bark. Methods: The ethanol and water extracts of the plant were investigated its phytochemical, antibacterial, antioxidant, and anticoagulant as per the standard method. Results: S. wallichii bark extract was effective against Staphylococcus aureus. It was also found to be a good antioxidant having an IC50 value of 98.7 in ethanolic extract. Further, the water extract increased in prothrombin time to 57.7 s against normal (12.3 s). The different phytochemicals, namely tannin, saponins, steroids, terpenoids, flavonoids, and glycosides, were present. Since the findings showed very less percent inhibition in comparison to curcumin-treated cells, thus both the extracts were both not effective in the antiproliferative assay. Conclusion: We conclude that this plant is a good candidate for developing a natural drug

Analysis of Nutritional Components, Antioxidant Activity and Antimicrobial Activity of Citrus Aurantiifolia (Christm.) Swingle of Assam, India

Citrus aurantiifolia (Christm.) Swingle, mostly known as the Key lime or Mexican lime.  In Assam, it is known as ‘Gol Nemu’, which is a small, evergreen citrus tree having significant place in the botanical geography of Assam, India. The present study is concentrated on the analysis of the nutritional components, antioxidant activity, and antimicrobial properties of Citrus aurantiifolia (Christm.) Swingle, cultivated in the region of Kamrup District, Assam, India. The results of this research provide scientific understanding of Citrus aurantiifolia as an abundant source of nutrients like soluble carbohydrate, soluble protein, free fatty acids, vitamin C, along with potent antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The illumination of this study could have implications for its implementation in both nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries, as well as in encouraging its consumption for enhanced well-being

Detection of Nucleoside/Nucleotide Drug Resistant Mutants in Liver Cancer Cases: An Experience from India

Abstract Use of nucleoside and nucleotide analogues to treat patients infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) has been found to be associated with mutations in the polymerase gene of the virus. The current study was carried out in HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cases to trace the presence of drug-related mutants. A total of 75 HBV-related HCC cases were included for the study as per Bruix et al., 2001 EASL guidelines. HBV viral DNA was isolated by the previously standardized manual phenol-chloroform methods. The 3.2 kb genome of HBV was amplified by six sets of overlapping primers. The amplicons were sequenced commercially [Macrogen, South Korea (ABI PRISM)]. Sequences for the polymerase gene were analyzed using commercial bioinformatics software (http://www.hepseq.org/Public/Tool/annotator_tool.php). The different drug-resistant mutations detected were confirmed twice, ahead of reporting. Four drug-resistant mutations were detected in total: L80I (lamivudine), N236T (adefovir), I169T (entecavir) and A181V (lamivudine/adefovir). Interestingly, all four of the drug-resistant mutants were found in genotype D of HBV. The low number (only four) of drug-resistant mutations detected in this study population can be attributed to the fact that most of the cases were not treated and presented late. This study's findings confirm the presence of previously reported drug-resistant mutations in the HBV genome infecting Indian patients; however, its associations with late stage disease and with the virus genotype D, in particular, need to be further studied in a larger population

Can social media infographics create dental health awareness?

Social media is a double-edged sword! The choice remains in the user as to whether they use it for a mere source of entertainment or to receive beneficial information. However, then, the credibility of the content given out plays a pivotal role. In such a scenario, what can make Gen Z benefit? Educated minds can bridge this gap by giving out reliable scientific data. Maintenance of oral hygiene is one such common yet neglected routine. The efficiency of social media in generating awareness about oral hygiene is assessed in the current pilot study, using an online questionnaire-based survey. The results showed that the median of scores of individuals knowledge before and after showing the infographic were 3.5 and 6.0, respectively (P = 0.05). Thus, suggesting social media to be an effective oral health awareness-creating tool

Synthesis and structural assessment of new mixed (n-heteroligand)fluoro complexes of cobalt(II). Evidence for ligand synthesis at the metal site

Mixed-ligand fluorocobaltates(II), with N-donor co-ligands [Co(N2H4)2F2]. 2H2O, [Co(dmpz)F2(H2O)2] . 2H2O, [phenH[CoF3(phen)]. 8H2O and [bipyH][CoF3 (bipy)]. 6H2O (dmpz = 3,5-dimethylpyrazole, PHEN = 1,10-phenanthroline and bipy 2,2'-bipyridine) have been synthesized from the reaction of a solution of Co(OH)2 in 40% HF with hydrazine at pH ≤ 5. Attempts to synthesize the CoII-dmpz-F complex with simultaneous synthesis of the ligand 3,5-dimethylpyrazole (dmpz) on a cobalt(II) centre involving reactions among Co(acac)2, F- and N2H4 or CoF2(N2H4)2, F- and acacH (acacH = acetylacetone) resulted in the formation of [Co(dmpz)F2(H2O)2] . 2H2O and CO(dmpz')2 (dmpz' = dmpz - H), respectively, demonstrating the formation of the ligand on the metal. The comparative strength of the Co---N and Co---O bonds is discussed. The compounds have been characterized by elemental analyses, chemical determination of the oxidation state of cobalt, conductance and magnetic susceptibility measurements, pyrolysis, IR and electronic spectral studies. The complex ion in each case has a distorted octahedral structure, but discrete in [Co(N2H4)2F2], and polymeric containing F- as the bridging ligand in other cases. Some of the differences of the fluorocomplexes from those of the other halides have been highlighted

Fluoro and mixed-ligand fluoro complexes of copper(II). A new synthesis of KCuF<SUB>3</SUB>, and synthesis and physico-chemical studies of new mixed-ligand fluorocuprates(II), A[CuF(SO<SUB>4</SUB>)].nH<SUB>2</SUB>O (A = Na, n=2; A=K or NH<SUB>4</SUB>, n=3)

White crystalline KCuF3 has been synthesized from the reaction of Cu(OH)2 with KHF2 and a small amount of 40% HF at pH &#8804; 4, while the synthesis of blue fluoro(sulphato)cuprates(II), Na[CuF(SO4)]. 2H2O, K[CuF(SO4)].3H2O and NH4[CuF (SO4)].3H2O, has been accomplished by reacting Cu(OH)2 with AF and A2SO4 (A = Na, K or NH4), in the ratio of 1:1:1, in the presence of a small amount of 40% HF. Alternative synthesis of the latter involving reactions among Cu(OH)2, F-, and SCN-, and H2O2 or SO2(g) and H2O2 gave CuSCN and Cu11[Cu1SO3]2. 2H2O, respectively, instead of the desired product. The compounds have been characterized by elemental analyses, chemical determination of the oxidation state of copper, magnetic susceptibility and ESR measurements, IR, laser Raman (LR), and electronic spectroscopic studies. The complex [CuF(SO4)]- species has a distorted octahedral polymeric structure containing both F- and SO42- as bridging ligands

Alternative Routes to the Synthesis of Chevreul's Salt, CuII[CuI(SO3)]2.2H2O

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Lung function decline: A cohort study in a population exposed to coal dust

ABSTRACT Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), is characterized by coughing, shortness of breath, sputum production, rapid breathing, wheezing, and weight loss due to the energy required for labored breathing. COPD includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema chronic bronchitis -inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes emphysema -permanent destruction of the alveoli. Chronic respiratory diseases have a pre-eminent role in the health conditions of people residing near coalmine areas with implications for morbidity and excess mortality from specific causes. Atmospheric pollution from anthropogenic sources such as coal mining, industrial sources is a serious worldwide concern as it is associated with adverse health effects.The aim of this study was to find a correlation between coal dust and reductions in lung function. An environmental health survey was conducted in and around the surrounding areas of opencast coal mine, Tirap to determine the prevalence of various respiratory symptoms and to assess pulmonary function among the villagers. Although cigarette smoking is the main environmental risk factor, only about 15% of smokers develop clinically significant disease suggesting other influences on disease expression. We screened 412 individuals during surveys at the coal mine site, Assam to find out possible occurrences of COPD and associated environmental risk factors, mainly coal dust exposure. Lung function test was done with a portable spirometer. COPD was diagnosed on the basis ATS guidelines. The subjects were categorized into COPD (Smokers and Non-Smokers) and Non-COPD (Smokers and Non-Smokers). Air quality was monitored using Respirable Dust Sampler and analyzed for Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter (RSPM), SO2 and NO2.Coal dust exposure was a potential factor in development of COPD

Comparison of Antimicrobial Efficacy of Garlic, Ginger, Cardamom Oil and Chlorhexidine against Streptococcus mutans: An In-vitro Study

Introduction: Essential herbs such as garlic, ginger, and cardamom have shown antimicrobial activity with no potential adverse effects and are cost-effective. Despite these advantages, the efficacy of these agents needs to be tested against common oral pathogenic microorganisms to ensure that if found effective, they can be used in clinical settings. Aim: To evaluate and compare the effectiveness of garlic, ginger, and cardamom oils on Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) against chlorhexidine. Materials and Methods: An in-vitro study was conducted at Bharati Vidyapeeth Dental College and Hospital, Navi Mumbai, in the Department of Microbiology and Bharati Vidyapeeth College of Pharmacy, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India from January 2023 to September 2023. Oil extracts of garlic, ginger, and cardamom were loaded onto sterile filter paper discs measuring 6 mm in diameter in concentrations of 50 μL, 100 μL, and 200 μL. Additionally, 2% chlorhexidine (control group) was loaded onto similar sterile paper discs. The discs were dried and placed aseptically on culture media plates inoculated with S. mutans, and the plates were then incubated at 37°C overnight. Subsequently, the zones of inhibition were measured in millimeters. Results: Ginger oil exhibited the highest zone of inhibition, measuring 25 mm, followed by cardamom oil and garlic oil measuring 18 mm and 12 mm, respectively, at a concentration of 200 μL. The zone of inhibition measured for 100 μL concentrations of garlic, ginger, and cardamom oils were 7 mm, 16 mm, and 13 mm, respectively. For 50 μL concentrations of the oils, the zones of inhibition for garlic, ginger, and cardamom were 0 mm, 13 mm, and 9 mm, respectively. The zone of inhibition shown by chlorhexidine was 22 mm for concentrations of 50 μL, 100 μL, and 200 μL. Conclusion: Essential oil extracts from ginger, cardamom, and garlic were found to have antimicrobial activity against S. mutans, with ginger oil showing the highest effectiveness, followed by cardamom oil and garlic oil