Background: Hemoglobinopathies are among the most common inherited monogenic disorders worldwide, with significant prevalence in India, particularly in tribal and rural populations. Gujarat reports a high burden of both β-thalassemia and sickle cell disorders. Aim: To evaluate the spectrum and clinico-hematological profile of hemoglobinopathies in a tertiary care hospital. Methods: A retrospective and prospective descriptive study was conducted over four years (Jan 2021 to Dec 2024) at a tertiary hospital in Gujarat. A total of 100 confirmed cases of hemoglobinopathies were analyzed. Complete blood count and peripheral smear were performed in a NABL accredited laboratory, and data were analyzed. Results: The most common hemoglobinopathy was β-thalassemia trait (44), followed by sickle cell disorders (27) and sickle cell trait (24). Rare variants included HbES (1) and HbD-Punjab trait (1 ). Two cases of homozygous β-thalassemia were identified in children under 10 years. Clinical features included pallor, fever, and jaundice, particularly in sickle disorders and thalassemia major. Most cases belonged to OBC, SC, and ST communities. Conclusion: Hemoglobinopathies remain a significant public health challenge in Gujarat, with β-thalassemia trait being the most prevalent. Hemoglobin electrophoresis is a cost-effective screening tool that should be integrated into antenatal, premarital, and adolescent health programs. Genetic counselling and molecular follow-up are essential for long-term disease reduction.
Carbonate apatite (CO₃Ap) has evolved as a promising alloplastic bone graft material in periodontal and implant therapies due to its superior biological properties. Unlike hydroxyapatite (HA) and β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP), CO₃Ap mimics the mineral composition of natural bone, with carbonate substitution improving its resorption by osteoclasts and promoting bone turnover. Fabricated via a dissolutionprecipitation reaction using calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) precursors, CO₃Ap maintains structural integrity while avoiding thermal decomposition that occurs with other manufacturing processes. The low crystallinity, high specific surface area, and dense microstructure contribute to the enhanced osteoblast differentiation and bone matrix formation. Histological studies have demonstrated CO₃Aps superior bone regeneration capacity compared to HA and β-TCP, with faster healing and greater bone volume observed in animal models. Its honeycomb architecture further supports osteoconductivity by facilitating cellular activity and nutrient flow. CO₃Aps versatility extends to applications in ridge augmentation, sinus lifts, and guided tissue regeneration. Coating titanium implants with CO₃Ap improves osseointegration and mechanical stability, while its mesoporous microspheres offer potential as drug carriers for antibiotics and bioactive molecules. Despite its advantages, CO₃Ap faces limitations such as brittleness and high solubility. Future research aims to optimize its physicochemical properties and develop cost-effective fabrication methods. Composite materials incorporating CO₃Ap with polymers, collagen, or platelet concentrates may further enhance its clinical utility. Overall, CO₃Ap represents a significant advancement in bone grafting materials, with potential for widespread application in regenerative dentistry and tissue engineering.
Introduction Aim: Systemic inflammation is implicated in Parkinson's disease (PD) pathogenesis, but evidence regarding peripheral cytokine levels remains inconsistent. This meta-analysis aimed to summarize the available data on peripheral blood cytokine concentrations in PD patients compared to healthy controls (HCs), and investigate key moderator variables that may affect cytokine concentrations. Materials Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted across multiple electronic databases from August 06 to August 26, 2025. Eligible studies reporting peripheral blood cytokine levels in PD patients and a matched HC group, were included. Data from 100 studies, comprising 7,369 PD patients and 10,978 HCs, were extracted, and the meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model, with effect sizes expressed as standardized mean differences (Hedges' g). Results: Concentrations of interleukin-6, tumour necrosis factor, interleukin-1 beta, and C-reactive protein were elevated in PD patients relative to HCs. In contrast, no significant differences were observed for interleukin-2, interleukin-4, interleukin-8, and interleukin-10. Subgroup analyses revealed that the analytical methodology, sample source (serum, plasma, or cerebrospinal fluid), and geographic origin of the study population significantly influenced effect sizes, whereas patient age, motor severity (UPDRS-III), and disease stage (Hoehn Yahr) did not demonstrate a significant moderating effect. Conclusion: This meta-analysis confirms a distinct peripheral inflammatory profile in PD, characterized by elevated levels of specific pro-inflammatory cytokines. The findings underscore the potential role of systemic inflammation in PD pathophysiology and highlight methodological and demographic variables as key sources of heterogeneity in the literature, which must be considered in future biomarker studies.
Background: The International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) defines pain as an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage or described in terms of such damage. The primary goal of analgesia is to eliminate the cause of pain but this is not always possible so analgesics are used to treat pain symptomatically. This study aims to scientifically validate the anti-nociceptive activity of stem of Rubia cordifolia using rodent models. Materials and methods: Ethanolic extract of Rubia cordifolia (EERC) stem was used for evaluating the anti-nociceptive activity in Wistar albino rats. Ethanolic extract of Rubia cordifolia stem was used at a dose of 100 and 200 mgkg. Distilled water 10 mlkg was used as vehicle control. Anti-nociceptive activity was evaluated by performing hot water tail immersion test and Eddys hot plate method comparing with Diclofenac (10mgkg) as the standard drug. The data was analyzed using one way ANOVA (analysis of variance) followed by Tukey Krammer test. P value Results: Ethanolic extract of Rubia cordifolia stem at a dose of 200mgkg showed a significant analgesic efficacy in hot water tail immersion test and Eddys hot plate method. Additionally, the results were closely comparable to the standard drug diclofenac. Conclusion: Ethanolic extract of Rubia cordifolia stem shows promising anti-nociceptive activity in Wistar albino rats, suggesting that it could be a valuable natural alternative for pain relief but further studies are necessary to confirm its safety and effectiveness in broader clinical settings.
Recent advancements in nanotechnology have revolutionized biomedical research, offering innovative solutions for disease management. The synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using phyto-extracts has gotten significant attention due to its environmentally benign and economical approach. Momordica cymbalaria, a well-known therapeutic properties containing plant, was utilized for the biosynthesis of AgNPs. Extensive phytochemical analyses, including qualitative and quantitative assessments, were conducted to determine the presence of bioactive constituents facilitating nanoparticle synthesis. A range of micro spectroscopic methods were utilized to characterize the MCAgNPs. Furthermore, their potential anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties were evaluated through in vitro assays. The results suggest that Momordica cymbalaria mediated AgNPs exhibit promising biological activity, making them potential candidates for therapeutic applications in inflammation-related diseases.
