Synthesis and Structural Properties of Nanocrystalline (Pb1-xBix)S Thin Films

Nanocrystalline (Pb1-xBix)S thin films were successfully deposited on suitably cleaned glass substrate at constant room temperature, using the chemical bath deposition technique. After deposition the films were also annealed at 4000C for 1 hour in air. The crystal structures of the films were determined by X-ray diffraction studies. The films are adherent to the substrate and well crystallized according to cubic structure with the preferential orientation (200). The crystallite size of the pure PbS thin films at optimized deposition time 30 min was found to be 40.4 nm, which increased with Bi content in pure nanocrystalline PbS thin films. The surface roughness of the films was measured by AFM studies. Experiments showed that the growth parameters, doping and annealing influenced the crystal structure of the films. Key word: A. Thin films, B. Chemical synthesis C. Atomic force microscopy, D. X-ray diffraction Corresponding author. Tel: +91 788 2323997; Fax: +91 788 2210163 Email address: [email protected]

Histomorphological spectrum of meningeal tumours and its association with MIB-1 labelling index

Background: Meningiomas are extremely common, slow growing tumours originating from meningeal covering of brain and spinal cord. They are mostly encountered in middle or later adult life. Females are affected more commonly than males. Grading of meningiomas based on histological features has certain limitations in predicting exact biological behavior hence ancillary studies like immunohistochemistry can be used to predict the nature of the lesion. Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in pathology department in our institute. Total 105 cases, diagnosed as meningioma between October 2019 to May 2021 were included in the study. Immuno-staining was performed using MIB-1 antibody against ki67 antigen. Various statistical test methods like chi square test, unpaired t test and spearman’s rho correlation were used to evaluate the significant value. Results: Among 105 patients analysed there were 78.09% females (mean LI 4.01±3.25%) and 21.91% males (mean LI 3.17±2.64%). Mean age of presentation was 53.14 years and most common subtype was transitional meningioma with 51.43% cases. Histological grading revealed 95.24% WHO grade 1 tumor (mean LI- 3.33±2.22%), 4.76% WHO grade 2 (mean LI- 13.80±2.28%) and no case of WHO grade 3. There was correlation between values of MIB-1 LI and histological grade. Some differences for MIB-1 labelling index were found among the subtypes of meningioma of same grade. Conclusions: The MIB-1 is one important tool in addition to routine histological evaluation. High MIB-1 LI indicates higher grade of meningioma

Impact of Shodhana on <em>Semecarpus anacardium</em> Nuts

Semecarpus anacardium is classified in Ayurveda under the category of toxic plants. However, this toxic plant is reported to possess anti-inflammatory activity, anti-arthritic effect, antioxidant activity, antimicrobial activity, anti- carcinogenic activity, hypoglycemic activity, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, and hypolipidemic activity etc. All these activities are attributed to its various constituents like phenolic compounds, flavonoids, carbohydrates, alkaloids, steroids, etc. In Ayurveda, a series of pharmaceutical procedures which converts a poisonous drug into a safe and therapeutically effective medicine is termed as Shodhana. Shodhana improves the yield, decreases the phenolic and flavonoid content; and converts toxic urushiol into nontoxic anacardol derivative thereby reducing toxicity of nuts of Semecarpus anacardium. There are reports of alteration in pharmacology and phytochemistry of nuts of Semecarpus anacardium due to Shodhana

Butea monosperma Reduces Haloperidol and Sulpiride Induced Hyperprolactinemia in Rats

Background: Prolonged administration of neuroleptic drugs cause disrupted D dopamine receptor which leads to increased prolactin level, causes gyanaecomastia. Presently, dopamine receptor agonist is the choice of treatment for hyperprolactinemia. Aim and Objectives: The study aims to determine the antihyperprolactinemic effect of methanolic extract of Butea monosperma (MEBM) against haloperidol (HPL) and sulpiride (SPD) induced hyperprolactinemia and to correlate with its active constituents. Material and Methods: To induce hyperprolactinemia HPL 5 mg/kg for 16 continuous days and SPD 20 mg/kg for 28 continuous days was administred. MEBM 200 mg/kg/day and 400 mg/kg/day were administered for 16 and 28 days respectively half an hour before administration of HPL and SPD. The serum prolactin (PRL) level, dopamine (DA) level and antioxidant status in the rat brain, hematological parameters were measured and histological examination of the anterior pituitary gland, adrenal gland and spleen were done. In addition, antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were also estimated. Results: MEBM decreases serum PRL level and increased DA level in brain significantly. Further, MEBM also restored SOD and CAT status significantly. The inflammatory markers induced by HPL and SPD were suppressed by MEBM. Discussion: Neuronal DA inhibition by neuroleptic drugs decreases the release of DA which leads to hyperprolactinemia. MEBM (butrin) may activate DA neurones to ameliorate hyperprolactinaemia. The dopaminergic, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effect of MEBM may be attributed to its anti-hyperprolactinemic effect. Conclusion: Butea monosperma possesses anti-hyperprolactinemic effect which may be attributed to its marker constituent like Butrin

Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Associated Vasculitis: A Glimpse into The Future

Background: A class of uncommon IgG4-related systemic diseases known as vasculitis caused by antineutrophil cytosolic antibodies (ANCA) is distinguished by the enlargement of small to large blood vessels. Objective: This review article offers an in-depth analysis of the most recent developments in ANCA-associated vasculitis, covering a range of topics from pathophysiology and diagnostics to treatment and long-term results.&nbsp; &nbsp;Methods: In this review we investigated the existing work on ANCA associated vasculitis by different sources such as Science Direct, Scopus, Pubmed, Web of Science, Google scholar and SciHub. Results: A number of diseases, including eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), and granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), can have significant morbidity and mortality if they are not appropriately diagnosed and treated. Understanding the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and curative options for ANCA-associated vasculitis have advanced significantly during the past ten years. The development of specific immunosuppressive medications has been largely responsible for the remarkable evolution in recent years in the treatment of ANCA-associated vasculitis. Conclusion: This review article has provided a detailed examination of the therapy for AAV, alternatives available, including induction and maintenance regimens, as well as the accompanying advantages and disadvantages. Additionally, the growing importance of biologic drugs like rituximab was examined, emphasizing its potential as supplements or replacements for traditional medical treatments

Formulation and optimization of Retapamulin loaded PLGA nanoparticles for burn wounds

In the present study, PLGA nanoparticles (PLGA-NP) of retapamulin (RP) were prepared and optimized by studying the effect of various formulation and process variables for effective delivery at burn wound site. Drug loaded PLGA-NP were successfully prepared and characterized by TEM, XRD and DSC study. Formulation and process variables like surfactant concentration, drug concentration, polymer concentration etc. showed significant effect on the particle size, entrapment efficiency and drug loading. PLGA-NP exhibited prolonged drug release following Higuchi release kinetics (R2= 0.9907). In vitro study demonstrated systemic escape of drug from PLGA-NP which might eliminate side effects associated with topical exposure through conventional treatment. Further retention of activity of entrapped drug was confirmed by in vitro antimicrobial assay. Optimized PLGA nanoparticle of Retapamulin was incorporated into PVA-Chitosan hydrogel slurry and casted into film to prepare multiphase hydrogel.Thus, present optimized system can be effectively used for delivery of drug at burn wound site in especially compromised wounds.&nbsp