Phacoemulsification, pinhole pupilloplasty, and pre-Descemet's endothelial keratoplasty for keratoconus with Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy

The comorbidity of keratoconus with Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy with cataract is a rare clinical combination. We present an amalgamation of surgical techniques to manage the above clinical conditions and its complications in single setting. The modified triple procedure, namely, the phacoemulsification, pinhole pupilloplasty, and pre-Descemet's endothelial keratoplasty (PDEK) in the order of description is followed in single sitting. Lens removal by phacoemulsification, correction of irregular astigmatism by pinhole pupilloplasty (pinhole optics), and exchanging the endothelial layer for PDEK forms the main segments of the triple procedure. This combination of techniques may decrease the risk of multiple surgeries and its related complications. Moreover, it will allow the patient for faster visual rehabilitation by improving the uncorrected visual acuity and visual quality.

A Novel Intelligent Hybrid Optimized Analytics and Streaming Engine for Medical Big Data

Medical data processing is exponentially increasing day by day due to the frequent demand for many applications. Healthcare data is one such field, which is dynamically growing day by day. In today's scenario, an enormous amount of sensing devices and data collection units have been employed to generate and collect medical data all over the world. These healthcare devices will result in big real-time data streams. Hence, healthcare-based big data analytics and monitoring have gained hawk-eye importance but needs improvisation. Recently, machine and deep learning algorithms have gained importance to analyze huge amounts of medical data, extract the information, and even predict the future insights of diseases and also cope with the huge volume of data. But applying the learning models to handle big/medical data streams remains to be a challenge among the researchers. This paper proposes the novel deep learning electronic record search engine algorithm (ERSEA) along with firefly optimized long short-term memory (LSTM) model for better data analytics and monitoring. The experimentations have been carried out using Apache Spark using the different medical respiratory data. Finally, the proposed framework results are contrasted with existing models. It shows the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity like 94%, 93.5%, and 94% for less than 5 GB dataset, and also, more than 5 GB it provides 94%, 92%, and 93% to prove the extraordinary performance of the proposed framework.

A standardized black pepper seed extract containing β-caryophyllene improves cognitive function in scopolamine-induced amnesia model mice via regulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and MAPK proteins

β-caryophyllene (BCP), a natural sesquiterpene present in plants, is a selective agonist of cannabinoid receptor type-2 (CB2) of the endocannabinoid system. In this study, we have prepared an extract from Piper nigrum (black pepper) seeds using supercritical fluid extraction, standardized to contain 30% BCP (Viphyllin^TM ). The beneficial effects of prophylactic treatment with Viphyllin on cognitive functions were demonstrated in Scopolamine-induced dementia model mice. Male Swiss albino mice (25-30 g) were administered with Viphyllin (50 mg and 100 mg/kg body weight p.o.) or donepezil (1.60 mg/kg) for 14 days. Subsequently, cognitive deficits were induced by treating the animals intraperitoneally with Scopolamine (0.75 mg/kg). The cognitive behavior of mice was evaluated using a novel object recognition test (NORT) and Morris water maze (MWM) test. The brain homogenates were studied for biochemical parameters including cholinesterase activities and antioxidant status. Western blot analysis was performed to investigate the mechanism of action. Viphyllin dose dependently improved the recognition and spatial memory and cholinergic functions in Scop-treated mice. The extract was found protective against Scop-induced oxidative damage and histopathologic changes in the brain. At 100 mg/kg Viphyllin markedly reduced the proBDNF/mBDNF ratio (p < .05) and augmented the TrkB expression (p < .01). Viphyllin (100 mg/kg) was found to be neuroprotective by reducing the Scop-induced upregulation of p-JNK and p-p38 MAPK proteins, Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, and caspase activation in the brain. Viphyllin also exerted anti-inflammatory effects by downregulating Cox-2, TNF-α, and NOS-2 in Scop-induced mice (p < .05). To summarize, our data encourage Viphyllin as a functional ingredient/dietary supplement for brain health and cognition. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Black pepper is a culinary spice having several medicinal attributes. Essential oils in the seeds of the plant give aroma and flavor to it. Here we have prepared an extract from the seeds of black pepper using supercritical fluid extraction, characterized for the presence of β-caryophyllene (not <30%). This research work further validates the neuroprotective mechanism of the extract in Scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment model mice. The findings from this study strongly suggest the beneficial neuroactive properties of black pepper seed extract having the presence of BCP, a CB2 receptor agonist. It can thus be used potentially as a functional food ingredient for cognition and brain function.

Rapidly progressive dementia in the COVID‐19 era

Background

Rapidly progressive dementias(RPD) are conditions that typically cause dementia over weeks or months.¹ Due to the current COVID‐19 pandemic, it has become difficult for dementia caregivers on the one hand, and relevant detailed examination and management in the hospitals worldwide, on the other. Recent studies shows that ApoE e4 genotype is associated with both dementia and delirium². Hence further research into the possible genetic link between dementia and COVID‐19 is the need of the hour.

Method

We studied two elderly male patients, aged 66 and 68 years, presenting with memory decline of recent events, untimely and non‐sequential Activities of Daily Living and apathetic alongwith way finding difficulty and errors in money transactions. One patient also had forgetfulness of handwashing and face hygiene measures, and of using preventive face masks in public places as advised for public health during COVID‐19 outbreak. On examination, vitals were stable and normal fundus examination with no fever, dry cough or tiredness, and no evidence of Increased Intracranial Pressure(ICP). MMSE score was 16/30 and 17/30 respectively, recent memory and visuospatial skills were impaired and slowness of activities were present. Motor examination was normal, with no focal or non‐focal neurological deficit or sensory impairment. All routine tests were normal. Neuroimaging with contrast in one patient showed well defined hyperdense mass lesion of size 4.0*3.5*3.0 cms. showing heterogenous contrast enhancement in left parieto‐occipital lobes with moderate perilesional edema suggestive of astrocytoma (intermediate type).

Result

High index of suspicion of Space occupying lesions should be made in the background of RPD even in the absence of focal or non focal neurological deficit or without signs of raised ICP.

Conclusion

Most of the etiologies causing RPD especially surgical causes, if diagnosed early and promptly are reversible and treatable. The double hit of dementia and COVID‐19 pandemic necessitates further research globally. References: 1) Paterson RW, Takada LT, Geschwind MD. Diagnosis and treatment of rapidly progressive dementias. Neurol Clin Pract. 2012;2(3):187–200. 2) Kuo C‐L, Pilling LC, Atkins JL, Kuchel GA, Melzer D. ApoE e2 and aging‐related outcomes in 379,000 UK Biobank participants. medRxiv [Internet]. 2020: 2020.02.12.20022459.

Method Development and Validation for the Determination of Caffeine: An Alkaloid from Coffea arabica by High-performance Liquid Chromatography Method

Objective:

The present study was investigated to develop and validate a reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography method for the determination of caffeine from bean material of Coffee arabica.

Materials and Methods:

The separation was achieved on a reversed-phase C18 column using a mobile phase composed of water: methanol (50:50) at a flow rate of 1.0 mlmin-1. The detection was carried out on a UV detector at 272 nm. The developed method was validated according to the requirements for International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH) guidelines, which includes specificity, linearity, precision, accuracy, limit of detection and limit of quantitation.

Results:

The developed method validates good linearity with excellent correlation coefficient (R2 > 0.999). In repeatability and intermediate precision, the percentage relative standard deviation (% RSD) of peak area was less than 1% shows high precision of the method. The recovery rate for caffeine was within 98.78% - 101.28% indicates high accuracy of the method. The low limit of detection and limit of quantitation of caffeine enable the detection and quantitation of caffeine from C. arabica at low concentrations.

Conclusion:

The developed HPLC method is a simple, rapid, precisely, accurately and widely accepted and it is recommended for efficient assays in routine work.

SUMMARY

A simple, accurate, and sensitive high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for caffeine from Coffea arabica has been developed and validated. The developed HPLC method was validated for linearity, specificity, precision, recovery, limits of detection, and limits of quantification by the International Conference on Harmonization guidelines. The results revealed that the proposed method is highly reliable. This method could be successfully applied for routine quality work analysis.

Abbreviation Used:C. arabica: Coffee arabica, ICH: International Conference on Harmonisation, % RSD: Percentage Relative Standard Deviation, R2: Correlation Coefficient, ppm: Parts per million, LOD: Limits of detection, LOQ: Limits of quantification, SD: Standard deviation, S: Slope, RP-HPLC: Reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography, v/v: Volume per volume.

Simultaneous determination of rutin, isoquercetin, and quercetin flavonoids in Nelumbo nucifera by high-performance liquid chromatography method

Objective:

The present study was investigated to provide a documentary evidence for the determination of rutin, isoquercetin, and quercetin flavonoids from the flora of Nelumbo nucifera by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC).

Materials and Methods:

RP-HPLC analysis was performed by gradient elution with a low-pressure gradient using 0.5% acetic acid: acetonitrile as a mobile phase with a flow rate of 1.0 ml/min. The separation was done at 26°C using a Kinetex XB-C18 column as stationary phase and the detection wavelength at 356 nm. The proposed method was validated as per International Conference on Harmonisation guidelines with respect to specificity, linearity, precision, accuracy, limit of detection (LOD), and limit of quantification (LOQ).

Results:

The validated results were within the acceptable limits. In specificity, the retention time of rutin, isoquercetin, and quercetin peak in the sample was matched with the reference standard peak and showed good resolution. An excellent linearity was obtained with correlation coefficient (r) higher than 0.999. In precision, the repeatability and intermediate showed <1.0% of % relative standard deviation of peak area percentage indicating high precision and accurate. The recovery rate for rutin, isoquercetin, and quercetin was between 99.85%–101.37%, 101.90%–103.24%, and 101.74%–106.73%, respectively. The lower LOD and LOQ of rutin, isoquercetin, and quercetin enable the detection and quantitation of these flavonoids in N. nucifera at low concentrations.

Conclusion:

The developed analytical method is convenient for the determination of flavonoids content in herbal drugs.

Rapid Development and Validation of Improved Reversed-Phase High-performance Liquid Chromatography Method for the Quantification of Mangiferin, a Polyphenol Xanthone Glycoside in Mangifera indica

Mangiferin, a polyphenolic xanthone glycoside from Mangifera indica, is used as traditional medicine for the treatment of numerous diseases. The present study was aimed to develop and validate a reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method for the quantification of mangiferin from the bark extract of M. indica. RP-HPLC analysis was performed by isocratic elution with a low-pressure gradient using 0.1% formic acid: acetonitrile (87:13) as a mobile phase with a flow rate of 1.5 ml/min. The separation was done at 26°C using a Kinetex XB-C18 column as stationary phase and the detection wavelength at 256 nm. The proposed method was validated for linearity, precision, accuracy, limit of detection, limit of quantification, and robustness by the International Conference on Harmonisation guidelines. In linearity, the excellent correlation coefficient more than 0.999 indicated good fitting of the curve and also good linearity. The intra- and inter-day precision showed < 1% of relative standard deviation of peak area indicated high reliability and reproducibility of the method. The recovery values at three different levels (50%, 100%, and 150%) of spiked samples were found to be 100.47, 100.89, and 100.99, respectively, and low standard deviation value < 1% shows high accuracy of the method. In robustness, the results remain unaffected by small variation in the analytical parameters, which shows the robustness of the method. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis confirmed the presence of mangiferin with M/Z value of 421. The assay developed by HPLC method is a simple, rapid, and reliable for the determination of mangiferin from M. indica.

Unpredicted formation of copper(ii) complexes containing 2-thiophen-2-yl-1-thiophen-2-ylmethyl-1H-benzoimidazole and their most promising in vitro cytotoxicity in MCF-7 and HeLa cell lines over cisplatin

An in situ reaction of CuCl₂·2H₂O, o-phenylenediamine, thiophene-2-carbaldehyde and sodium azide in methanol afforded complex 1a.

5-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-amine

In the title compound, C9H9N3O2, the dihedral angle between the aromatic rings is 8.64 (10)°. The crystal structure features inversion-related dimers linked by pairs of N—H...N hydrogen bonds, generatingR22(8) loops. A further N—H...N hydrogen bond links the dimers into (100) sheets.

Methyl 2-(benzoyloxy)benzoate

In the title compound, C15H12O4, the arene rings are inclined at an angle of 65.97 (6)°. The pendant methyl ester substituent has an extended conformation. In the crystal, molecules are linked by C—H...π interactions, forming chains propagating along theb-axis direction. The chains are linkedviaoffset π–π interactions [intercentroid distance = 3.640 (1) Å], forming sheets parallel to (10-1).

Synthesis and an angiolytic role of novel piperazine-benzothiazole analogues on neovascularization, a chief tumoral parameter in neoplastic development

A novel series of benzoic acid N'-[2-(4-benzothiazol-2-yl-piperazin-1-yl)-acetyl]-hydrazides 6a-j were synthesized and characterized by IR, (1)H, (13)C NMR, elemental and mass spectral analyses. The in-vitro cytotoxicity and cell viability assay of the synthesized compounds 6a-j were evaluated against Dalton's lymphoma ascites (DLA) cells. Our results showed that compound 6c with a bromo group on phenyl ring has showed promising antiproliferative efficacy. Further investigation of compound 6c on in-vivo treatment model depicts the increased tumor suppression through inhibition of angiogenesis.

Effect of trichloromethane on the bond strengths between acrylic teeth and different heat-cured denture bases: a comparative study

AIM

This study is to evaluate the role of 1:1 v/v 30% trichloromethane and monomer solvent in enhancing the durability of bonding between cross-linked acrylic teeth and different heatcured denture bases with or without mechanical preparations made on ridge lap portion of the artificial teeth.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two high impact denture base resin materials (Trevalon HI, DeTrey, UK, and DPI Tuff, Mumbai) and one nonhigh impact denture base resin material (DPI Quick Set, Mumbai) were selected to form three groups. Each group contains 30 specimens prepared by five different methods. A mixture of 30% trichloromethane and monomer, mixed in the ratio of 1:1 and applied for 1 minute on the ridge lap area of experimental specimens of methods--B, C, D and E (Specimens of method--A being control group, where no alterations were made at the ridge lap portion of acrylic teeth) before curing. Hounsfield universal testing machine is employed to evaluate the comparative bond strengths.

RESULTS

No significant difference was seen in bond strengths between specimens of experimental methods in all groups. When each group was assessed separately method B specimens in group 1 (739.2 N), group 2 (758 N) and method D specimens in group 3 (729 N) showed highest mean bond strengths. Control group specimens showed the least bond strength (400-460 N) in all groups with more adhesive failures.

CONCLUSION

Ridge lap portion of the specimens treated with chemical solvent as in method B showed increased bond strength in groups 1 and 2. Hence, this is a preferred method.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Evaluation of effect of different chemical and mechanical preparations at the ridge lap areas of acrylic teeth before acrylization helps the clinician and technician to overcome the problem of debonding of teeth from denture bases and in turn provides better quality prosthesis to the patient.

Protective Effect of Nardostachys jatamansi Against Radiation-induced Damage at Biochemical and Chromosomal Levels in Swiss Albino Mice

The effect of 100 mg of ethanol extract of Nardostachys jatamansi was studied on the mice exposed to 6 Gy electron beam radiation. Treatment of mice with 100 mg of Nardostachys jatamansi extract for 15 days before irradiation reduced the symptoms of radiation sickness when compared with the nondrug treated irradiated groups. The irradiation of animals resulted in an elevation in lipid peroxidation and reduction in glutathione, total antioxidants and antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase and catalase activities. Irradiated group had shown micronucleus in the bone marrow cells. Treatment of mice with Nardostachys jatamansi extract before irradiation caused a significant depletion in lipid peroxidation followed by significant elevation in reduced glutathione, total antioxidants, glutathione peroxidase and catalase activity. It also showed a reduction in the micronucleus formation in the bone marrow cells. Our results indicate that the radioprotective activity of Nardostachys jatamansi extract may be due to free radical scavenging and increased antioxidant level in mice.