Microorganism-mediated bioremediation of dyes from contaminated soil: Mechanisms, recent advances, and future perspectives

Many methods have been proposed for the remediation of dye-contaminated soils, a widespread form of environment pollution. Bioremediation, it is hoped, can combine ecological benefits with efficiency of dye decontamination. We review the types and sources of dye contaminants; their possible effects on plant, animal, and human health; and emerging strategies for microbial bioremediation. Challenges, limitations, recommendations for future research, and prospects for large-scale commercialization of microbial bioremediation are discussed.

A Retrospective Study Comparing Laparoscopic Transabdominal Cerclage: Pre-Pregnancy Versus in Pregnancy With Their Reproductive Outcomes and Safety

OBJECTIVES

To compare the efficacy of laparoscopic transabdominal cerclage (TAC) pre-pregnancy and laparoscopic TAC in pregnancy in treating cervical insufficiency.

METHOD

A retrospective analytical study comparing outcomes of laparoscopic TAC pre-pregnancy with laparoscopic TAC in pregnancy. A total of 178 patients who underwent laparoscopic TAC at our hospital were enrolled in the study. In total, 122 patients underwent interval cerclage, and 56 patients underwent cerclage during pregnancy.

RESULTS

A total of 178 patients who met the inclusion criteria were included in the analysis. Second-trimester abortions decreased by 50%, with an overall increase in full-term live births (32.53%) in patients undergoing laparoscopic TAC pre-pregnancy. The fetal survival rate was around 90% and 85% with laparoscopic TAC pre-pregnancy and laparoscopic TAC in pregnancy, respectively. Although the obstetric outcomes of laparoscopic TAC pre-pregnancy and in pregnancy were comparable, laparoscopic TAC pre-pregnancy was safer than laparoscopic TAC in pregnancy due to the complications associated with the procedure during pregnancy.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic TAC pre-pregnancy yielded better reproductive outcomes than laparoscopic TAC in pregnancy and was associated with fewer perioperative complications.

RSM-based modelling for predicting and optimizing the rheological and mechanical properties of fibre-reinforced laterized self-compacting concrete

A sustainable method to reduce the use of natural resources and the negative effects of the concrete industry on the environment is to use waste lateritic aggregate in self-compacting concrete and evaluate its fresh, mechanical and durability characteristics. Using RSM's central composite design (CCD), Thirteen different SCC mixtures have been designed with varying input factor combinations (LA: 0-100%, PPF: 0-2%) and tested for eight responses (rheological properties, like slump flow, V-funnel time, and T500; mechanical properties, like compressive, split-tensile, and flexural strengths, and durability properties like drying shrinkage and rapid chloride penetration test). The analysis of variance (ANOVA) test was performed to determine the accuracy of the mathematical models developed following the experimental results. ANOVA was used to verify eight response models (seven quadratic and one linear). The inclusion of laterite aggregate has been found to linearly reduce the workability of fresh concrete. Self-compacting concrete will have a lower V-funnel value if any combination of components falls below these two limit values (31% LA and 1.12% PPF). The area bounded by the 760-mm contour line and the graph axes recorded the highest slump flow at (28% LA and 1.26% PPF). Similarly, SCC with a lower T500 value will be produced by any combination of components below these two limit values (25% LA and 1.11% PPF). By replacing 28.5% of the granite aggregate with laterite aggregate and adding 1.24% polypropylene fiber, the compressive strength of M30 grade self-compacting concrete increased by 12.33% after 28 days. A similar strength gain of 7.89% was seen in the splitting tensile by replacing 28% of the granite aggregate with laterite aggregate and adding 1.46% polypropylene fiber over the control mix, and a flexural strength gain of 14.46% was seen by replacing 31.4% of laterite aggregate and adding 1.2% polypropylene fiber, respectively. The low drying shrinkage values are related to a combination of LA concentration (34.4% replacement) and PPF (1.31%) and minimum chloride ingress is located in the region with a LA concentration (30.5% replacement) and a PPF content (1.26%), The projected optimal data were verified experimentally with an error rate of less than 5%. Thus, it is highly recommended that the created model be adequate and capable of optimizing both the experimental and analytical values. It is recommended that the utilization of 25% LA and 1% PPF in lateritic self-compacting concrete provides optimum outcomes for the construction industry in the field of civil engineering.

Novel Hystero-laparoscopic Technique for LNG-IUD Fixation in Women with High Risk of Expulsion and Desiring to Save the Uterus

Introduction

LNG-IUD although used extensively for its non-contraceptive indications like abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB), dysmenorrhoea and fibroid uterus, one of the major drawbacks is the high expulsion rates, especially among adenomyotic and fibroid uterus.

Material and Methods

Altius Hospitals, Bangalore have developed a new technique of LNG-IUD fixation, which employs hystero-laparoscopy and usage of a long port closure needle with delayed absorbable sutures.

Conclusion

It ensures proper placement and fixation of the LNG-IUD to the uterine cavity, reduces the expulsion rates and has the advantages of being a day care procedure.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13224-023-01788-2.

Pharmaceutical/Biomedical applications of electrospun nanofibers - Comprehensive review, attentive to process parameters and patent landscape

Nanotechnology is a new science and business endeavour with worldwide economic benefits. Growing knowledge of nanomaterial fabrication techniques has increased the focus on nanomaterial preparation for various purposes. Nanofibers are one-dimensional nanomaterials having distinct physicochemical properties and characteristics. Nanofibers are nanomaterial types with a cross-sectional dimension of tens to hundreds of nanometres. They may create high porosity mesh networks with significant interconnections among pores, making them suitable for advanced applications. Electrospinning stands out for its ease of use, flexibility, low cost, and variety among the approaches described in the literature. The most common method for making nanofibers is electrospinning. This article extensively describes and summarizes the impact of various process variables on the fabrication of nanofibers. Special attention has been given to scientific and patent prospection to confirm the research interests in nanofibers.

A review on algae biosorption for the removal of hazardous pollutants from wastewater: Limiting factors, prospects and recommendations

Heavy metals, dyes and pharmaceutical pollutants in water environment are considered as serious threat to the human and animal health globally. Rapid development of industrialization and agricultural activities are the major source for eliminating the toxic pollutants into the aquatic environment. Several conventional treatment methods have been suggested for the removal of emerging contaminants from wastewater. Algal biosorption, among other strategies and techniques, is demonstrating to be a limited technical remedy that is more focused and inherently more efficient and helps remove dangerous contaminants from water sources. The different environmental effects of harmful contaminants, including heavy metals, dyes, and pharmaceutical chemicals, as well as their sources, were briefly compiled in the current review. This paper provides a comprehensive definition of the future possibilities in heavy compound decomposition by using algal technology, from aggregation to numerous biosorption procedures. Functionalized materials produced from algal sources were clearly proposed. This review further highlights the limiting factors of algal biosorption to eliminate the hazardous material. Finally, this study showed how the existence of algae indicates a potential, effective, affordable, and sustainable sorbent biomaterial for minimizing environmental pollution.

Drug target of natural products and COVID-19: how far has science progressed?

The new coronavirus [severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)] that caused a viral disease with a high risk of mortality (coronavirus disease 2019) was found toward the end of 2019. This was a significant acute respiratory syndrome. In a brief period, this virus spread throughout the entire planet, causing tremendous loss of life and economic damage. The process of developing new treatments takes time, and there are presently no recognized specific treatments to treat this infection. The most promising participants, who subsequently developed into prospective leads, were dropped from the clinical research in their latter phases. Medication that has previously acquired permission may only be repurposed for use for various medical reasons following a thorough investigation for safety and effectiveness. Because there are now no effective treatments available, natural products are being used haphazardly as antiviral medications and immunity boosters. The fundamental statement that most natural compounds have powerful antiviral action does not apply to SARS-CoV-2. Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus infections are inhibited by natural treatments. According to an in silico study, the virus' nonstructural proteins, including PLpro, Mpro, and RdRp, as well as structural proteins like the spike (S) protein, have been shown to have a strong affinity for several natural products and to be inhibited by them. The virus also suggests that it is a valid candidate for therapeutic research since it utilizes the intracellular angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor of the host cell. In this study, interesting targets for SARS-CoV-2 medication development are explored, as well as the antiviral properties of some well-known natural compounds.

Optimization of process parameters for fabrication of electrospun nanofibers containing neomycin sulfate and Malva sylvestris extract for a better diabetic wound healing

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most concerning conditions, and its chronic consequences are almost always accompanied by infection, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Reducing excessive reactive oxygen species and the wound's inflammatory response is a necessary treatment during the acute inflammatory phase of diabetic wound healing. Malva sylvestris extract (MS) containing nanofibers containing neomycin sulfate (NS) were synthesized for this investigation, and their impact on the healing process of diabetic wounds was assessed. Using Design Expert, the electrospinning process for the fabrication of NS nanofibers (NS-NF) was adjusted for applied voltage (X₁), the distance between the needle's tip and the collector (X₂), and the feed rate (X₃) for attaining desired entrapment efficacy [EE] and average nanofiber diameter (ND). The optimal formulation can be prepared with 19.11 kV of voltage, 20 cm of distance, and a flow rate of 0.502 mL/h utilizing the desirability approach. All the selected parameters and responses have their impact on drug delivery from nanofibers. In addition, M. sylvestris extracts have been added into the optimal formulation [MS-NS-NF] and assessed for their surface morphology, tensile strength, water absorption potential, and in vitro drug release studies. The NS and MS delivery from MS-NS-NF has been extended for more than 60 h. M. sylvestris-loaded nanofibers demonstrated superior antibacterial activity compared to plain NS nanofibers. The scaffolds featured a broad aspect and a highly linked porous fibrous network structure. Histomorphometry study and the in vitro scratch assay demonstrate the formulation's efficacy in treating diabetic wound healing. The cells treated with MS-NS-NF in vivo demonstrated that wound dressings successfully reduced both acute and chronic inflammations. To improve the healing of diabetic wounds, MS-NS-NF may be regarded as an appropriate candidate for wound dressing.

A review on biological methodologies in municipal solid waste management and landfilling: Resource and energy recovery

Rapid industrialization and urbanization growth combined with increased population has aggravated the issue of municipal solid waste generation. MSW has been accounted for contributing tremendously to the improvement of sustainable sources and safe environment. Biological processing of MSW followed by biogas and biomethane generation is one of the innumerable sustainable energy source choices. In the treatment of MSW, biological treatment has some attractive benefits such as reduced volume in the waste material, adjustment of the waste, economic aspects, obliteration of microorganisms in the waste material, and creation of biogas for energy use. In the anaerobic process the utilizable product is energy recovery. The current review discusses about the system for approaching conversion of MSW to energy and waste derived circular bioeconomy to address the zero waste society and sustainable development goals. Biological treatment process adopted with aerobic and anaerobic processes. In the aerobic process the utilizable product is compost. These techniques are used to convert MSW into a reasonable hotspot for resource and energy recovery that produces biogas, biofuel and bioelectricity and different results in without risk and harmless to the ecosystem. This review examines the suitability of biological treatment technologies for energy production, giving modern data about it. It likewise covers difficulties and points of view in this field of exploration.

Removal of toxic heavy metals using genetically engineered microbes: Molecular tools, risk assessment and management strategies

The direct release of industrial effluent into the water and other anthropogenic activities causes water pollution. Heavy metal ions are the primary contaminant in the industrial effluents which are exceptionally toxic at low concentrations, terribly disturb the endurance equilibrium of activities in the eco-system and be remarkably hazardous to human health. Different conventional treatment methodologies were utilized for the removal of toxic pollutants from the contaminated water which has several drawbacks such as cost-ineffective and lower efficiency. Recently, genetically modified micro-organisms (GMMs) stand-out for the removal of toxic heavy metals are viewed as an economically plausible and environmentally safe technique. GMMs are microorganisms whose genetic material has been changed utilizing genetic engineering techniques that exhibit enhanced removal efficiency in comparison with the other treatment methodologies. The present review comments the GMMs such as bacteria, algae and fungi and their potential for the removal of toxic heavy metals. This review provides current aspects of different advanced molecular tools which have been used to manipulate micro-organisms through genetic expression for the breakdown of metal compounds in polluted areas. The strategies, major limitations and challenges for genetic engineering of micro-organisms have been reviewed. The current review investigates the approaches working on utilizing genetically modified micro-organisms and effective removal techniques.

Development of nanobiomaterial for wound healing based on silver nanoparticles loaded on chitosan hydrogel

The objective of this study was to develop nanobiomaterial containing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) for wound healing. AgNPs were synthesized using Saussurea lappa (Sl) aqueous root extract as reducing agent and were characterized physico-chemically using UV-vis spectral studies, XRD, FESEM, TEM, FTIR spectral analysis, DLS, and TG-DSC. Sl AgNPs production was optimized using response surface methodology. The cytotoxicity of Sl AgNPs was assessed by THP1 cell lines, which showed that Sl AgNPs were nontoxic with an IC50 of 151.10 μg/mL at 24 h. For topical application, Sl AgNPs was loaded on chitosan hydrogel was characterized through spreadability, in vitro release, antibacterial activity, swelling behavior, and SEM analysis. The chitosan Sl AgNPs hydrogel was subjected acute dermal toxicity test using Wistar albino rats and was found to be nontoxic. The excisional wound model was created along with Pseudomonas aeruginosa as an inoculant in Wistar albino rats. The chitosan Sl AgNPs hydrogel treated rats showed excellent wound healing qualities, lower bacterial counts, and enhanced production of connective tissues. Our findings strongly suggest that AgNPs synthesized from Saussurea lappa root extract loaded on chitosan hydrogel possibly applied for the remedy of infectious wounds at a concentration of 0.1 mg of Sl AgNPs/g of hydrogel.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-021-03030-0.

Irinotecan Engineered Proniosomes: In vitro and In vivo Characterization

Objective: The focus of this research has been to improve efficacy, decrease tolerance and increase the irinotecan pharmacokinetic profile. Methods: Proniosomesformulated with various surfactants, cholesterol and dicetyl phosphate using the slurry method. A slurry process was used to prepare proniosomes with maltodextrin as the carrier by using surfactants span 20, span 60, tween 20 and tween 80. Results: The preparations were characterized in terms of shape and specific surface area, entrapment efficacy, in vitro release studies, in vivo tissue diffusion and stability testing. The proniosome surface was found to be smoother in nature showing thin and compact layer with skim milk powder. For formulation 2 (73.94±2.8%), the maximum entrapment efficacy was found. Conclusion: The formulation 3 obtained the desired maximum release profile within 24 hours (98.06%). The in vivo tissue distribution studies for the proniosomes reveal that the drug was preferentially targeted to liver followed by the alveolus and lymphatic system.Stability studies have indicated that the most acceptable condition for storage of the formulation 2 was 4o C. Proniosomes provide an acceptable method to the carrier for targeted therapy. These can be held at specific sites and can release the drug for a prolonged period of time.

A Simple Bioanalytical Method for Simultaneous Estimation of Amlodipine and Celecoxib in Rat Plasma by High Performance Liquid Chromatography

A simple, precise, rapid and accurate UFLC method has been developed with due validation for the simultaneous estimation of Amlodipine besylate and Celecoxib in rat plasma. The separation has been taken place by C18 Eclipse plus column at 1ml/min flow rate. The mobile phase comprises of 20 mM sodium acetate buffer of pH 4.5 adjusted with glacial acetic acid and methanol (30:70% v/v). The effluents were monitored at 228 nm with a total run time of 15min. The retention time of Amlodipine besylate and celecoxib were found to be 7.69 min and 10.69 min respectively. The extraction of drugs have been achieved by protein precipitation technique with methanol as a solvent. The detection concentration was linear over 60-420 ng/ml for Amlodipine besylate and 600-4200 ng/ml for Celecoxib. Regression equation of Amlodipine besylate and Celecoxib were found to be y = 30.996x + 520.29 & y = 39.722x + 23706 with regression coefficient 0.9944 & 0.9941 respectively using unweighted and weighted linear regression with a weighting factor of 1/x0, 1/x, 1/✓x and 1/x2. The percentage recoveries were found to be 88.52±1.276 to 93.06±2.872 for Amlodipine & 89.40±0.728 to 94.05±0.221 for Celecoxib. This liquid chromatography method was extensively validated for linearity, accuracy precision, and stability studies.

O22: CONJUGATED IRON NANOPARTICLES AS THERAPEUTIC CARRIERS FOR SPECIFIC TARGETING OF CANCER CELLS

Introduction

Precision medicine with minimal side effects remains the goal of cancer therapy. Iron oxide nanoparticles are non-toxic, successful carriers of substances, targeting tissues and delivering high payloads of conjugated agents. Interfering RNA (siRNA) disrupts protein expression, an effective treatment e.g. for hereditary amyloidosis. This study tested transferrin-conjugated dopamine-coated iron oxide nanoparticle (TF-dpFe3O4) delivery of siRNA to cells overexpressing transferrin receptor (TFR).

Method

Cells were cultured in FBS-DMEM/F12. Fe3O4 nanoparticles were prepared by co-precipitation, dopamine coated +/- transferrin conjugation. LDH/MTT assays assessed cell viability responses to [TF-dpFe3O4] or [dpFe3O4]. Protein expression was examined by PAGE, densitometry and immunofluorescence. Targeting efficacy was determined by MEK2 gene silencing using siRNA-conjugated TF-dpFe3O4 or dpFe3O4.

Result

T-47D cells expressed high levels of TFR and MEK2. No significant effect on cell viability was observed with ≤2.5mg/mL TF-dpFe3O4 or dpFe3O4. By conventional transfection, 10nM siRNA lowered MEK2 expression levels to 25% (48hr); levels rebounded to 50% by 72hr. 10nM siRNA-conjugated TF-dpFe3O4 (2.5mg/mL) reduced MEK2 expression by 50% (72hr) without rebound; expression of a-tubulin (control) was unaffected. In contrast, as MEK2 levels decreased, TFR levels increased 2.2-fold (72hrs).

Conclusion

TF-dpFe3O4 nanoparticles are safe/efficient vehicles for delivering siRNA to cancer cells over-expressing TFR. Over 72hrs, protein expression of MEK2 reduced by 50%, a target superior to conventional methods. Notably: as the MAPK pathway was inhibited, increases in TFR levels were observed, suggesting adaptations to damage or stress.

Take-home message

TF-dpFe3O4 nanoparticles are a safe and efficient vehicle for delivering siRNA to cancer cells over-expressing TFR, allowing for successful targeting and inhibition of MAPK pathway proteins, such as MEK2, that drive tumour growth.

Small interfering RNA for cancer treatment: overcoming hurdles in delivery

In many ways, cancer cells are different from healthy cells. A lot of tactical nano-based drug delivery systems are based on the difference between cancer and healthy cells. Currently, nanotechnology-based delivery systems are the most promising tool to deliver DNA-based products to cancer cells. This review aims to highlight the latest development in the lipids and polymeric nanocarrier for siRNA delivery to the cancer cells. It also provides the necessary information about siRNA development and its mechanism of action. Overall, this review gives us a clear picture of lipid and polymer-based drug delivery systems, which in the future could form the base to translate the basic siRNA biology into siRNA-based cancer therapies.

Fumaric acid incorporated Ag/agar-agar hybrid hydrogel: A multifunctional avenue to tackle wound healing

Wound and its treatment is one of the major health concerns throughout the globe. Various extrinsic and intrinsic factors can influence the dynamics of healing mechanism. One such extrinsic factor is moist environment in wound healing. The advantages of optimum hydration in wound healing are enhanced autolytic debridement, angiogenesis and accelerated cell proliferation and collagen formation. But hydrated wounds often end up with patient's uncomfortability, associated infection, and tissue lipid peroxidation. Healing process prefers antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and optimum moist microenvironment. Here, we have synthesized fumaric acid incorporated agar-silver hydrogel (AA-Ag-FA); characterized by UV-Visible spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy and TEM. The surface morphology is evaluated through SEM. The size of the silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) was found to be 10-15 nm. The hydrogel shows potential antibacterial effect against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa which are predominantly responsible for wound infection. The gel shows reasonable antioxidant property evaluated through 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Topical application of the gel on the wound site heals the wound at much faster rate even compared to standard (Mega heal, Composition: Colloidal silver 32 ppm hydrogel) gel. Histological analysis reveals better tissue proliferation (i.e. epithelialization), more granulation tissue formation, neovascularisation, fibroblast and mature collagen bundles. The lipid peroxidation of wound tissue estimated through malondialdehyde (MDA) assay was found to be reasonably less when treated with AA-Ag-FA hydrogel compared to standard (Mega heal). Cytotoxicity of the samples tested through MTT assay and live-dead cell staining shows its nontoxic biocompatibility nature. In our hydrogel scaffold, the bio-degradable agar-agar provides the moist environment; the Ag NPs inside the gel acts as bactericidal agent and fumaric acid facilities the antioxidant and angiogenesis path implicitly.

Laparoscopic Transabdominal Cervical Cerclage by Broad Ligament Window Technique

Laparoscopic transabdominal cerclage (LTAC) is a well documented procedure for cervical incompetence. In this article we have done a detailed stepwise description of LTAC by broadligament window technique. This technique makes the procedure simpler, safer and easy to reproduce.

Clinical Profile and Outcome of Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome in Hemodialysis Patients

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a clinico-radiologic entity characterized by headache, altered level of consciousness, seizures, visual disturbances, and reversible vasogenic subcortical edema. Hypertension and renal failure are well known principal risk factors for the development of PRES. However, risk factors and outcome of PRES has not been studied in patients on maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). The objective of this study is to characterize the factors predisposing to the development of PRES in patients on MHD. We performed a retrospective analysis in patients of MHD who were diagnosed with PRES between August 1, 2013, and July 31, 2015. Those with a history of cerebrovascular accidents/stroke, and epilepsy were excluded. We analyzed the clinical details, course, and laboratory data. One year follow-up data were noted in recurrence of PRES and mortality. A total of 18 patients were included for the final analysis. Of these, 13 (72%) patients were males. Majority of these patients were young and mean age was 21.1 years (6–50 years). Most of the PRES episodes developed shortly after initiation of MHD with mean duration of 2 months after initiation of MHD (1 month–3 years). All 18 patients had resistant hypertension. Eight (45%) patients had infection at the time of PRES episodes. Four patients had catheter-related bloodstream infection, 1 had pneumonia and 3 patients were recently diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis. Four (22%) patients developed recurrence of PRES and all these episodes developed within 2 months of index event. Seven (39%) patients underwent renal transplantation, and all received triple immune suppression and had uncontrolled hypertension in the perioperative period. However, none of these patients developed PRES after transplantation. All these patients had been maintaining stable graft function in the follow-up. All episodes of PRES were of generalized tonic–clonic seizure type and 6 of them presented as status epilepticus. None of them had any neurological sequel and no mortality at the end of 1 year. PRES is not uncommon in patients on MHD. Uncontrolled hypertension and infection are common predisposing factors. Renal transplantation is safe and not adversely affected by prior episodes of PRES in MHD.

Standard preoperative analgesia with or without fascia iliaca compartment block for femoral neck fractures

PURPOSE

To compare the visual analogue score (VAS) for pain in patients with femoral neck fracture who received standard preoperative analgesia with or without fascia iliaca compartment block (FICB).

METHODS

In patients with femoral neck fracture, 69 patients who received standard preoperative analgesia (regular paracetamol 1g 4 times a day, codeine 60 mg 4 times a day, and opioid 10 mg 2 hourly as required) were compared with 50 patients who received standard preoperative analgesia plus FICB. VAS for pain at rest and on movement (hip flexion) was assessed before FICB and 15 minutes, 2 and 8 hours after FICB. The amount of additional opioid required and the incidence of opioid overdose (necessitating administration of naloxone) were determined.

RESULTS

VAS for pain was significantly lower after standard analgesia plus FICB than standard analgesia alone (p=0.001). The analgesic effect (pre-score minus post-score) of standard analgesia plus FICB did not differ between genders (p=0.57) or fracture patterns (p=0.79). 19 (38%) patients with standard analgesia plus FICB required no additional opioid analgesia. Compared with standard analgesia alone, addition of FICB reduced the mean dose of opioid from 6.2 to 2.0 (p=0.001) and the number of opioid overdose from 7.2% to 0% (p=0.001). No patient had any complication following FICB.

CONCLUSION

In patients with femoral neck fracture, FICB reduced the need for additional opioid analgesia and avoided the risk of opioid overdose and respiratory depression.

A novel high-performance liquid chromatography-electron spray ionization-mass spectrometry method for simultaneous determination of guggulsterones, piperine and gallic acid in Triphala guggulu

“Triphalaguggulu” is an important Ayurvedic formulation comprising of Guggulu, that is, Commiphora wightii (Arn.) Bhandari as a base wherein powdered fruits of triphala, that is, Phyllanthus emblica L., Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb and Terminalia chebula Retz, along with powdered fruit of Piper longum L. are compounded. This polyherbal preparation has been strongly recommended in chronic inflammation, piles, and fistula. However, due to the complexity of compound formulation standardization of commercial products is challenging. In the present communication marker-based standardization of “Triphalaguggulu” preparation using gallic acid (for triphala), piperine (for P. longum L.) and guggulsterones (for guggulu) is reported. These compounds of diverse chemistry were successfully separated on a Waters HR-C18 column by isocratic elution with methanol and water (80:20 v/v) as mobile phase at the flow rate of 1.0 mL/min coupled with photodiode array detector. These optimal chromatographic conditions were used for simultaneous quantification of gallic acid, guggulsterones (E and Z) and piperine in commercial samples by high-performance liquid chromatography-electron spray ionization-mass spectrometry and method was validated as per ICH guidelines.

Comparison of conventional and supported liquid extraction methods for the determination of sitagliptin and simvastatin in rat plasma by LC-ESI-MS/MS

Three extraction methods were compared for their efficiency to analyze sitagliptin and simvastatin in rat plasma by LC–MS/MS, including (1) liquid–liquid extraction (LLE), (2) solid phase extraction (SPE) and (3) supported liquid extraction (SLE). Comparison of recoveries of analytes with different extraction methods revealed that SLE was the best extraction method. The detection was facilitated with ion trap-mass spectrometer by multiple reactions monitoring (MRM) in a positive ion mode with ESI. The transitions monitored were m/z 441.1→325.2 for simvastatin, 408.2→235.1 for sitagliptin and 278.1→260.1 for the IS. The lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) was 0.2 ng/mL for sitagliptin and 0.1 ng/mL for simvastatin. The effective SLE offers enhanced chromatographic selectivity, thus facilitating the potential utility of the method for routine analysis of biological samples along with pharmacokinetic studies.

Ameliorating activity of ginger (Zingiber officinale) extract against lead induced renal toxicity in male rats

Lead poisoning has been known to be associated with structural and functional abnormalities of multiple organ systems of human body. The aim of this investigation was to study the renal protective effects of ginger (Zingiber officinale) extract in lead induced toxicity rats. In this study renal glutathione (GSH) level, glutathione peroxidase (GPX), glutathione-s-transferase (GST), and catalase enzymes were measured in lead nitrate (300 mg/kg BW), and lead nitrate plus ginger extract (150 mg/kg BW) treated rat groups for 1 week and 3 weeks respectively. The glutathione level and GSH dependent antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-s-transferase, and catalase significantly (P < 0.05) increased in ginger extract treated rat groups. In addition, histological studies showed lesser renal changes in lead plus ginger extract treated rat groups than that of lead alone treated rat groups. These results indicate that ginger extract alleviated lead toxic effects by enhancing the levels of glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-s-transferase and catalase.

Evaluation of phenolic content and antioxidant potency in various parts of Cassia auriculata L.: a traditionally valued plant

Presence of polyphenolic content in various part of the plant exhibit wide pharmacological activities including antioxidant activity. The present study was designed to evaluate the phenolic contents (total phenols, flavonoid and tannins) and antioxidant properties of ethanolic extracts of flower, leaf, pod, bark and root obtained from Cassia auriculata. Ethanolic extracts of various parts of C. auriculata obtained by sonication extraction techniques are studied for their phenolic contents and DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazine) radical scavenging assay as well as total antioxidant assays using UV visible spectrophotometer. Among the various parts of the plant studied, bark showed significant content of phenolics, flavonoids and tannins followed by the root, leaf, flower and pod. Even bark extract exhibited highest antioxidant capacity in DPPH assay followed by root, leaf, flower and pod with a value of 766.7, 679.3, 644.9, 572.5 and 474.7 mg vitamin C equivalent antioxidant capacity (mg VCEAC)/sample, respectively. In addition, mg VCEAC values obtained from the total antioxidant assay was in the increasing order of bark > root > leaf > flower > pod. Moreover, a strong correlation was also found between phenolic contents and antioxidant values indicating their influence in the found antioxidant activity, hence the bark extract can be employed as an ideal candidate for herbal based pharmaceutical product. Results of the present study also emphasize variation in the chemical composition as well as biological activity ensuring the importance of proper selection of particular part of the plant to evaluate their therapeutic potency.

Ethanolic extract of Commiphora mukul gum resin attenuates streptozotocin-induced alterations in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in rats

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Commiphora mukul gum resin ethanolic extract (CMEEt) administration against altered activities of key enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism, lipid metabolism and changes in glycogen content (liver and muscle) and lipids (liver and heart) in streptozotocin (STZ) induced insulin deficient diabetic Wistar albino rats. Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of STZ (55 mg/kg body wt) to male Wistar rats. The animals were divided into four groups: Control (C), control-treated (C+CM), diabetic (D) and diabetic-treated group (D+CM). Diabetic-treated and control-treated rats were treated with C. mukul gum resin ethanolic extract (CMEEt) in 2 ml distilled water, orally (200 mg/kg body weight/day for 60 days). At the end of the experimental period, biochemical parameters related to carbohydrate and lipid metabolism were assayed. The significant enhancement in tissue lipids (heart and liver) total cholesterol, triglycerides, phospholipids and free fatty acids of diabetic rats were nearer to normalized in diabetic treated rats (D+CM). Alterations in the activities of enzymes of glucose metabolism (hexokinase, phosphofructokinase, pyruvate kinase, and glucose-6-phosphatase, fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase) and lipid metabolism (fatty acid synthase, malic enzyme and lipoprotein lipase) as observed in diabetic (D) rats were prevented with CMEEt administration. In conclusion, our findings indicate improvement of glucose and lipid metabolisms in STZ induced diabetic rats by treatment with Commiphora mukul and suggest that the plant can be used as an adjuvant for the prevention and/or management of insulin deficiency and disorder related to it.