Wound Healing Potential of Couroupita guianensis Aubl. Fruit Pulp Investigated on Excision Wound Model

Wound care management aims at stimulating and improving healing process without scar formation. Although various plants have been reported to possess wound healing properties in tribal and folklore medicines, there is a lack of scientific data to validate the claim. In this aspect, it becomes inevitable to prove the efficacy of naturally derived products at pharmacological levels. Couroupita guianensis as a whole plant has been reported to exhibit wound healing activity. The leaves and fruit of this plant have been utilized in folkloric medicine to cure skin diseases and infections for many years. However, to the best of our knowledge, no scientific studies have been conducted to verify the wound healing properties of C. guianensis fruit pulp. Therefore, the present study seeks to investigate the wound healing potential of C. guianensis fruit pulp using an excision wound model in Wistar albino male rats. This study indicated that the ointment prepared from crude ethanolic extract of C. guianensis fruit pulp facilitated wound contraction that were evidenced by a greater reduction in the wound area and epithelialization period and increased hydroxyproline content. The experimental groups treated with low and mid dose of C. guianensis ethanol extract (CGEE) ointments had shown a wound closure of 80.27% and 89.11% respectively within 15 days, which is comparable to the standard betadine ointment which showed 91.44% healing in the treated groups. Further, the extract influenced the expression of genes VEGF and TGF-β on post wounding days that clearly explained the strong correlation between these genes and wound healing in the experimental rats. The animals treated with 10% CGEE ointment showed a significant upregulation of both VEGF and TGF-β as compared with other test and standard groups. These findings provide credence to the conventional application of this plant in the healing of wounds and other dermatological conditions, and may represent a therapeutic strategy for the treatment of wounds.

Development and Validation of Stability Indicating RP-HPLC Method for Quantitative Estimation of Tofacitinib in Tofacitinib Tablets Dosage Form

Aim: The main intention of the research work is to develop an effective, sensitive, economical and uncomplicated reverse phase HPLC technique for the estimation of Tofacitinib in Tofacitinib tablets dosage form. Study Design: HPLC based quantification studies. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Chemistry, Acharya Nagarjuna University, Nagarjuna Nagar, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, between August 2022 and November 2022. Methodology: Estimation of Tofacitinib in Tofacitinib tablets dosage form. The separation was achieved by using a stationary phase Kromasil C18 (150 x 4.6 mm, 5µ) and the mobile phase consisted of pH 4.0 phosphate buffer and acetonitrile in the ratio of (80:20 volume/volume). The flow rate was 1.5 mL/min. Tofacitinib was detected using UV detector at the wavelength of 215 nm. Column temperature 25°C and sample temperature 25°C and injection volume 20µL, run time was 20 minutes. Results: As there is no meddling between blank and placebo at the retention time of Tofacitinib. Degradation study results were shown significant degradation was observed in alkali (base) stress condition. Hence it can be concluded that Tofacitinib is sensitive to alkali. To obtain system exactitude, a study was conducted with six replicate injections. %RSD was estimated from the peak areas of Tofacitinib found to be 0.16% respectively. The relative standard deviation for method exactitude was found to be 5 mg and 10 mg is 0.26% and 0.75%. The proposed HPLC technique was linear over the range of 24.88-74.64 µg/mL, the correlation coefficient was found to be 1.0000. The accuracy studies were shown as % recovery for Tofacitinib 50% to150% level. The limit of % recovered shown is in the range of 98 and 102% and the results obtained were found to be within the limits. Hence the method was found to be accurate. The solution stability of the standard and samples are stable upto 48 hrs on a bench top and refrigerator (2-8°C). The technique is robust for changes like flow rate, column oven temperature, pH variation and the organic phase of the mobile phase. Performed the filter validation for sample solution 0.45 µm PVDF filterers are suitable for filtration. The technique has authenticated as per ICH instructions and all the validation parameters are satisfy the ICH Q2 specification acceptance limits. Conclusion: The urbanized technique was validated for various parameters as per ICH guidelines like accuracy, precision, linearity, specificity, system suitability, solution stability and robustness. The results obtained were within the acceptance criteria. So, it can be concluded that the developed method is simple, precise, cost-effective, eco-friendly, and safe and can be successfully employed for the routine analysis of Tofacitinib in bulk and pharmaceutical dosage forms.

Non-covalent functionalization of triazine framework decorated over reduced graphene oxide as a novel anode catalyst support for glycerol oxidation

The electrocatalytic performance of platinum-gold(Pt-Au) nanoparticles decorated non-covalent functionalization of triazine framework derived from poly(cyanuric chloride-co-biphenyl) over reduced graphene oxide (Poly(CC-co-BP)-RGO) was carried out for glycerol in basic medium and their oxidized products were analysed to support the enhanced activity. The surface morphology and the composition of the catalyst were obtained using X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The electrooxidation results illustrate that the Pt-Au/Poly(CC-co-BP)-RGO catalyst exhibits improved catalytic activity and stability when compared to that of Pt/Poly(CC-co-BP)-RGO, Pt/Poly(CC-co-BP) and Pt/RGO catalysts. The better performed Pt-Au/Poly(CC-co-BP)-RGO catalyst was used as electrode material for the fabrication of single test direct alkaline glycerol fuel cell. The fuel cell performance was tested by varying the concentration of glycerol and the temperature of the cell. The maximum power density of 122.96 mWcm^-2 was obtained for Pt-Au/Poly(CC-co-BP)-RGO catalyst in single direct alkaline glycerol fuel cell under the optimum concentration of 2.0 M glycerol at 70 °C.

A Newly Developed Reverse Phase-High Performance Liquid Chromatography Method for the Assay of Dexmethylphenidate and Serdexmethylphenidate with PDA

Aims: The present application is a Newly Validated Reverse Phase-High Performance Liquid Chromatography Method for the Assay of Dexmethylphenidate and Serdexmethylphenidate with PDA. Study design: Mentioned study is a quick, rapid, economical, precise, and accurate reverse phase- high performance liquid chromatographic method for estimating Dexmethylphenidate and Serdexmethylphenidate. Place and duration of study: The present assay was carried out at the Shree icon Pharma laboratories PVT.ltd, Vijayawada, AP, and India, from December 2020 to February 2021. Methodology: The stationary phase Agilent C18 column with dimensions of 150x4.6mm, 3.5 was used for chromatography and pH-2.5 ammonium acetate buffer with orthophosphoric acid: acetonitrile in a 50:50 ratio used as a buffer. The detection wavelength was 265nm, and the flow rate was 1mL/min. The strategy was justified according to ICH guidelines Results: Dexmethylphenidate and Serdexmethylphenidate had retention periods of 4.258 and 5.629 minutes, respectively. For the estimation of Dexmethylphenidate and Serdexmethylphenidate, the method has been validated for linearity, accuracy, precision, stability tests, and forced degradation studies including acid, base, hydrolysis, peroxide, and thermal degradation. By multiplying the quality six times, the system's suitability parameter was investigated, and they were well within reasonable limits. The regression coefficient of the two drugs was found to be 0.999 during the linearity study, which was performed at 10% to 150 percentage points. Precision results for Dexmethylphenidate and Serdexmethylphenidate were 0.54 and 1.24, respectively. The drugs were recovered at a rate of 98-102 percent, which is within the acceptable range. Conclusion: The validation results were found to be satisfactory. It was clear that the proposed method was suitable for routine quality control and analysis of pharmaceutical preparations.

A modification of the classical dautrey's procedure - A case report

Rationale:

The rationale was to establish a permanent surgical solution for nonreducing dislocations of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

Patient Concerns:

The patient presents with a long-standing history of chronic subluxation of the TMJ bilaterally, with the need to forcibly manipulate and reduce the dislocated jaw.

Diagnosis:

Chronic recurrent dislocation of the TMJ.

Treatment:

A modified Dautrey's procedure was performed on the right side, with the osteotomized segment being transferred medially and inferiorly.

Outcome:

After 5 years of follow-up, there was no incidence of recurrent dislocation.

Take-away Lesson:

This modification is a viable option in both unilateral and bilateral reducing and nonreducing dislocations.

A Novel Modification of the Sagittal Split Osteotomy as an Access Osteotomy

Pathologies present in the central zone of the mandible are difficult to access, primarily because of the presence of the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) and the need to remove a large corticocancellous component to reach the area of interest. Many times, this bony window is replaced as a free graft and there is complete resorption in the long term or even rejection of the graft causing a bony defect which can weaken the mandible. Furthermore, the damage to the IAN is profound. To try and avoid these comorbidities the traditional sagittal split osteotomy was modified to access a central osteoma impinging on the IAN and the successful removal of the same without any comorbidities such as paraesthesia or loss of bone structure. We believe that this modification can be used for other scenarios such as benign cysts and difficult presentations of impacted teeth.

Copper Oxide/Hydroxide Nanomaterial Synthesized from Simple Copper Salt

The copper oxide, CuO, and copper hydroxide, Cu(OH)2 nanomaterials have been prepared by a simple copper salt aqueous solution reaction. The powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed the successful formation of Cu(OH)2 and CuO nanoparticles. The average crystallite size of these Cu(OH)2 and CuO nanoparticles was estimated and found to be around 17[Formula: see text]nm (Cu(OH)2) and 10[Formula: see text]nm (CuO). The surface morphology and size of the CuO particles were confirmed by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and High-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM). The Raman analysis, dielectric and conductivity of CuO nanoparticles have been performed. The frequency variation of the capacitance (real dielectric constant) and dielectric loss was studied. The capacitance of the CuO nanoparticles is high at low frequencies and decreases rapidly when the frequency is increased. The frequency dependent ac conductivity follows Johnscher’s power law.

Ultrasound Assisted One-pot and Sequential Synthesis of 3-methylene-isoindolin-1-ones and their in vitro Evaluation

BACKGROUND

3-Methyleneisoindolin-1-one derivatives containing a pyridin-2-ylmethyl substituent on their ring nitrogen were designed as potential bioactive agents. A one-pot synthesis of these compounds was achieved via sequential C-C coupling, followed by C-Si bond cleavage and subsequent tandem C-C/C-N bond forming reaction under ultrasound irradiation.

METHOD

The methodology involved coupling of (trimethylsilyl)acetylene with iodoarenes in the presence of 10% Pd/C-CuI-PPh3-Et3N in MeOH followed by treating the reaction mixture with K2CO3 in aqueous MeOH, and finally coupling with 2-iodo-N-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)benzamide. The in vitro evaluation of these compounds was performed to identify some initial hit molecules one of which showed dose dependent inhibition of PDE4B.

Nonlinear convection of binary liquids in a porous medium

Thermal convection of binary mixtures in a porous medium is studied with stress-free boundary conditions. The linear stability analysis is studied by using the normal mode method. The effects of the material parameters have been studied at the onset of convection. Using a multiple scale analysis near the onset of the stationary convection, a cubic-quintic amplitude equation is derived. The influence of the Lewis number and the separation ratio on the supercritical-subcritical transition is discussed. Stationary front solutions and localized states are analyzed at the Maxwell point. Near the threshold of the oscillatory convection, a set of two coupled complex cubic-quintic Ginzburg-Landau type amplitude equations is derived, and implicit analytical expressions for the coefficients are given.

Ultrasound Assisted Synthesis of 3,4-Diyne Substituted Isocoumarin Derivatives: Identification of Potential Cytotoxic Agents

BACKGROUND

The 3,4-diyne substituted isocoumarins have been designed, synthesized and explored as potential anti-proliferative agents.

METHOD

Ultrasound assisted synthesis of these compounds was carried out by using a three-step method involving (i) Pd/C-Cu catalyzed cross-coupling between the methyl 2-iodobenzoate and buta- 1,3-diynylbenzene followed by (ii) I2-mediated electrophilic cyclization of the resultant 2-(alk-1- ynyl)benzoate ester and (iii) subsequent alkynylation of 4-iodo-3-(phenylethynyl)-isocoumarin under Pd/C-Cu catalysis.

CONCLUSION

The synthesized compounds showed promising growth inhibition when tested against MDA-MB 231 and K562 cancer cell lines.

Microencapsulation and Nanoencapsulation: A Review

Encapsulation is a process of enclosing the substances within an inert material which protects from environment as well as control drug release. Recently, two type of encapsulation has been performed in several research. Nanoencapsulation is the coating of various substances within another material at sizes on the nano scale. Microencapsulation is similar to nanoencapsulation aside from it involving larger particles and having been done for a greater period of time than nanoencapsulation. Encapsulation is a new technology that has wide applications in pharmaceutical industries, agrochemical, food industries and cosmetics. In this review, the difference between micro and nano encapsulation has been explained. This article gives an overview of different methods and reason for encapsulation. The advantages and disadvantages of micro and nano encapsulation technology were also clearly mentioned in this paper.

Ameloblastic carcinoma: A case series

Ameloblastic carcinoma is a rare odontogenic tumor exhibiting not only features of ameloblastoma, but also features of carcinoma. Clinical dissemination of this lesion is more aggressive and rapid than that of ameloblastoma and it can metastasize to the lung or regional lymph node. Histologically, there are features of both ameloblastoma and carcinoma. <50 cases have been reported until 2011. We report a series of six cases with our treatment modalities.

Insecticidal compounds from Rhizophoraceae mangrove plants for the management of dengue vector Aedes aegypti

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES

Mosquito control is facing a threat due to the emergence of resistance to synthetic insecticides. Insecticides of botanical origin could serve as potential alternatives in future. Larvicidal efficacies of different parts of mangrove plants belonging to Rhizophoraceae family were tested against the late IV instar larvae of dengue vector, Aedes aegypti.

METHODS

Different plant parts (leaf, bark, root, stilt root, hypocotyl and flower) of Rhizophoraceae family mangrove plants (Bruguiera cylindrica, Ceriops decandra, Rhizophora mucronata and R. apiculata) were collected from Karangadu southeast coast of India. The larval mortality was observed after 24 h exposure. Repellency bioassays were carried out in a 10 Χ 10 Χ 3 m room at 27- 35°C and 60- 80% RH. The bark (A3 and E1) and stilt root (A3 and E4) fractions of R. mucronata with different concentrations (0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1, 2 and 4 mg/cm) were applied on one arm.

RESULTS

The stilt root crude extract of R. mucronata showed maximum larvicidal activity (LC50 value 0.0275 ± 0.0066 μg/ml and LC90 = 0.0695 ± 0.156 μg/ml) followed by the bark extract (LC50 value of 0.03 ± 0.0076 μg/ml and LC90 = 0.0915 ± 0.156 μg/ml). Column chromatographic fractions of R. mucronata bark extracts (E1) showed maximum larvicidal activity (LC50 = 0.0496 ± 0.0085 μg/ml and LC90 = 0.1264 ± 0.052 μg/ml) followed by the acetone extract (LC50 = 0.0564 ± 0.0069 μg/ml and LC90 = 0.1187 ± 0.05 μg/ml). Ethanolic fraction (E4) of R. mucronata stilt root extracts showed maximum larvicidal activity (LC50 = 0.0484 ± 0.0078 μg/ml and LC90 = 0.1191 ± 0.025 μg/ml) followed by acetone fraction (A3) (LC50 = 0.0419 ± 0.0059 μg/ml and LC90 = 0.0955 ± 0.069 μg/ml). Repellent activity of R. mucronata stilt root and bark extracts (A3) showed maximum percentage of protection (97.5%) with 9.1 h protection time at 4 mg concentration of the stilt root extract. Moreover, ethanolic fraction of the stilt root (E4) extract showed maximum percentage of protection (100%) with 10 h protection time at 4 mg concentration. GC-MS analysis revealed that R. mucronata possesses variety of biopesticidal compounds.

INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION

The results as well as the significance of this preliminary investigation highlight the importance of R. mucronata as a novel source for natural insecticidal products.

Palliative chemotherapy in head and neck squamous cell cancer - What is best in Indian population? A time without symptoms, treatment toxicity score based study

BACKGROUND

Patients with recurrent and metastatic head and neck Squamous Cell Cancer (HNSCC) have poor prognosis with limited treatment options. In view of decimal prognosis, the treatment decision should include quality of life (QOL) issues, cost-effectiveness besides the response rates and survival.

AIM

Present retrospective analysis was conducted to evaluate efficacy (disease-free survival), pharmacoeconomics, and toxicity profile of four (4) different regimens, viz. gefitinib alone, gefitinib with methotrexate, methotrexate alone, or 5-FU with cisplatin.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Case records between 2007 September and 2008 September were analyzed, 68 patients were found suitable for analysis. Patients received gefitinib (250 mg/day), methotrexate as 50 mg intramuscular weekly or a combination of the same or 5-FU 750 mg/m(2)/day for 4 days along with cisplatin 75 mg/m(2)/day on day 1 in 21-day cycle.

RESULTS

A total of 68 patients received therapy. Fifty-one patients have clinically meaningful response (stable disease + complete + partial responses) (75%) and had symptomatic improvement. The median progression-free survival was significantly superior in responders (those who achieved partial or complete response) (8.4 months vs. 3.1 months, P=0.001). Methotrexate with gefitinib had maximum median survival and better overall QOL compared to the other treatment regimens. Weekly methotrexate is relatively cost-effective followed by methotrexate with gefitinib and gefitinib alone. 5-FU with cisplatin in our experience does not appear so attractive in view of high complication rates (when given in full doses) and prolonged hospital stay.

CONCLUSION

Based on the results of this retrospective analysis, methotrexate weekly as single agent or in combination with gefitinib appears as an attractive alternative regimen for patients with metastatic HNSCC including those having poor performance status. A prospective study was planned and submitted to the local ethics committee based on above results to validate these results and compare methotrexate and gefitinib arm with 5-FU + cisplatin.

Isolation and synthesis of analgesic and anti-inflammatory compounds from Ochna squarrosa L

Two new furanoflavonoids (1, 2), one new chalcone dimer (3) along with six known compounds, chrysophanol, 5-O-methyl squarrosin, 5-methoxy furano[4'',5'',6,7]flavone, calodenone, lophirone A and lophirone H were isolated from the ethyl acetate-soluble fraction of methanol extract of root bark of Ochna squarrosa. Chrysophanol, calodenone, lophirone A and lophirone H were isolated from this plant for the first time. The structures of all the isolated compounds were confirmed by 1D and 2D spectroscopic data. These compounds were tested for analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity. All the new compounds showed good analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity. A simple and facile method for the cleavage of benzyl ethers using I(2) in trigol is also reported.

Isolation and Synthesis of Isodihydropiperlonguminine

The hexane extract of dried fruits of Piper longum on fractionation afforded a new alkamide, isodihydropiperlonguminine and two phenyl propanoic acid derivatives. The structures of these compounds are established based on spectroscopic evidence and synthesis.

Detection of anti-nuclear antibodies from filter paper blood clots using indirect immunoenzyme technique: preliminary experience and results

BACKGROUND

The facilities to detect antinuclear antibodies (ANA) patterns in patients with systemic rheumatic diseases/connective tissue disorders (CTD) using indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) technique (the gold standard) are sparse; the technique is technically difficult and expensive. A simpler technique, such as the indirect immunoenzyme (IIE) which uses light microscopy, ought to be evaluated for widespread use in our setting.

OBJECTIVE

To study the feasibility and relevance of IIE in demonstrating ANA patterns, both from serum and filter paper blood clots (FPBC), in patients with CTD.

METHODS

In this pilot study, ANA were detected from sera and FPBC of 21 patients with proven CTD using IIE; paired FPBC and serum samples were simultaneously collected in 10 patients. All samples, coded randomly, were tested by IIE and IIF, along with positive and negative controls.

RESULTS

Using IIE, the results of the ANA patterns obtained from FPBC eluates and sera were similar; homogenous (SLE-6, PSS-1, RA-4), speckled (SLE-8, PSS-2, Overlap CTD-1) and centromere (PSS-1). Four SLE patients showed mixed pattern; sensitivity of IIE for lupus was hundred percent. On comparing the results with the serum IIF, the Kappa statistic of agreement was 1 (perfect) and 0.4 (fair) for FPBC-IIF and FPBC-IIE respectively; the results matched between serum IIF and FPBC-IIE in 8 of the 10 paired samples tested.

CONCLUSIONS

IIE can demonstrate ANA both from sera and FPBC. This pilot study besides demonstrating positive trends for further probe also creates an awareness for such a feasible technique. However a larger sample size would be required to carry out its evaluation as an alternative to IIF and as a screening technique.

A chromatographic study of leaf phenolic compounds in two Citrus interspecific hybrids and their parents

Two interspecific F1 hybrids of Citrus species were examined for inheritance of leaf phenolic compounds. Both the hybrids revealed a reduced number of compounds compared with those of the parents. In addition, the spot pattern of each taxon offered a basis for analysis of inheritance pattern. Due to the production of clones with a consequent reduction in the number of sexual offspring by nucellar embryony in these plants, the unusual pattern of inheritance observed in the hybrids could not be categorized as either a product of disturbed Mendelian ratios or as transgressive segregation affecting only a few individuals in the segregating generations.