Background: Neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, and ischemic stroke are major causes of global disability and mortality. Neuroinflammation and oxidative stress play central roles in their pathogenesis. Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE), particularly the standardized formulation EGb 761, contains flavonoids and terpenoids that exert antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and mitochondrial-protective effects. These pleiotropic actions position GBE as a promising candidate for neuroprotection. Summary: This narrative review synthesizes evidence from preclinical and clinical studies on the neuroprotective actions of GBE. Experimental data demonstrate that GBE attenuates oxidative stress by scavenging reactive oxygen species and enhancing endogenous antioxidant defenses, while simultaneously downregulating pro-inflammatory mediators through NF-κB inhibition and NLRP3 inflammasome suppression. Additional benefits include stabilization of mitochondrial function, modulation of neurotransmission, and prevention of apoptosis. Preclinical models consistently show improvements in cognition, motor function, and neuronal survival across diverse disease contexts. Clinical findings, however, are mixed: some randomized trials report improved cognition and functional outcomes in dementia and Parkinsonism, whereas others show no superiority over placebo. Variability in study design, extract standardization, and treatment regimens contribute to these discrepancies. Key Messages: GBE exerts multifaceted neuroprotective effects through combined antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, mitochondrial, and neurotransmitter-modulating actions. Preclinical evidence strongly supports its role in mitigating pathological processes underlying Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, and ischemic injury. But clinical outcomes remain inconsistent. GBE holds potential as a safe, multi-target adjunctive therapy for complex central nervous system disorders, but translation into consistent clinical practice requires further validation.

Diabetes is a global health problem and a chronic endocrine disorder, and nonhealing wounds in diabetic individuals place a substantial burden on healthcare systems. Various approaches have been employed for the management of diabetic wounds. Traditional medical systems such as Ayurveda and Indian folk medicine have long utilised honey (H), ghee (G), Glycyrrhiza glabra (GG), and Nerium indicum (NI) for wound treatment. However, their individual or combined effects on diabetic wounds remain inadequately characterised. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of these traditional medicines, applied singly or in combination, in promoting the healing of excision and incision wounds in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats (STZ-induced model). Biomechanical, histological, and immunohistochemical parameters were assessed at two time points: Days 8 and 16 for excision wounds and Days 6 and 11 for incision wounds. The results revealed increased wound-breaking strength, accelerated epithelialisation, earlier wound closure, enhanced vascularity, and more orderly collagen rearrangement in the treated groups, accompanied by modulation of IL-1β and myofibroblast activity, which was consistent with improved inflammatory regulation and tissue remodelling. Compared to the diabetic controls, certain treatment groups—ghee (re-epithelialisation of the excision wounds) and NI (vascularity assessment)—although showed trends toward improvement, the difference did not reach statistical significance. Among the test materials, honey-treated animals consistently demonstrated favourable outcomes across multiple parameters, while other treatment groups, including GG, also showed improvements compared with the control. These findings provide evidence for the efficacy of these traditional medicines in diabetic wound healing and offer an integrated evaluation of their effects in a diabetic model. Furthermore, the insights obtained from this study may facilitate future investigations into the underlying mechanisms and support the development of therapeutically relevant strategies for managing complex diabetic wounds.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) stands as a prevalent complication in the eye resulting from diabetes mellitus, predominantly associated with high blood sugar levels and hypertension as individuals age. DR is a severe microvascular complication of both type I and type II diabetes mellitus and the leading cause of vision impairment. The critical approach to combatting and halting the advancement of DR lies in effectively managing blood glucose and blood pressure levels in diabetic patients; however, this is seldom achieved. Both human and animal studies have revealed the intricate nature of this condition involving various cell types and molecules. Aside from photocoagulation, the sole therapy targeting VEGF molecules in the retina to prevent abnormal blood vessel growth is intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy. However, a substantial portion of cases, approximately 30–40%, do not respond to this treatment. This review explores distinctive pathophysiological phenomena of DR and identifiable cell types and molecules that could be targeted to mitigate the chronic changes occurring in the retina due to diabetes mellitus. Addressing the significant research gap in this domain is imperative to broaden the treatment options available for managing DR effectively.

Background: Honey, ghee, Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (GG), and Nerium indicum Mill. (NI) have been effectively used in Ayurveda and Indian folk medicine for healing both normal and diabetic wounds. However, the exact biochemical and molecular mechanisms involved are less discussed. The present study explores the wound healing efficacy of these traditional medicines in normal and diabetic rats using biochemical and molecular parameters. Materials and Methods: Normal and Streptozotocin-induced diabetic Wistar rats were used for the study and inflicted with excision wounds. The test materials, i.e., honey, ghee, GG, and NI, were topically applied to the wounds singly and in combinations (H+G: Honey+Ghee and Tot -combination of all test materials). On the 8(th) and 16(th) days of healing, biochemical and molecular parameters were assessed using the tissues procured from the wound site. We quantified the levels of hydroxyproline and antioxidants (CAT-Catalase, GSH-Glutathione, SOD -Superoxide dismutase, MDA-Malondialdehyde). We also measured the mRNA expression of growth factors, i.e., Transforming Growth Factor -beta (TGF beta), fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), Platelet -Derived Growth Factor (PDGF), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Results: Biochemical analysis showed enhanced hydroxyproline levels in both normal and diabetic wounds treated with the test materials. The groups treated with GG in normal and NI and Tot in diabetic wounds showed statistically significant findings ( p <0.05). Different study materials showed significant antioxidant properties at different intervals of wound healing. Similarly, different test materials enhanced the expression of different growth factors at the wound site. Conclusion: Result indicates that the wound healing properties of these natural traditional medicines are through their antioxidant and growth factor enhancing capability at the wound site.

Epilepsy, a chronic non-communicable disease of the brain, is one of the most common neurological diseases globally that affects people of all ages. The existence of medical, neurological, psychiatric, and cognitive comorbidities has always undermined the available advanced treatment strategies for epilepsy. New-generation antiepileptic drugs being less successful in completely controlling the seizures and observance of complex diseases, including drug-resistant cases, have provided scope for integrating and incorporating the therapeutic modalities of Ayurveda, the ancient Indian art of holistic medicine, in the effective management of epilepsy. Epilepsy can be correlated to Apasmara, described in the classics of Ayurveda as the transient appearance of unconsciousness with loathsome expression due to derangement of memory, intelligence, and mind. The multifaceted therapeutic approach of Ayurveda, which involves pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic measures, purificatory and pacifying procedures, herbal and herbo-mineral formulations, disease, and host-specific approaches, have enhanced the potential of not only relieving symptoms but also modifying the pathophysiology of the disease. Newer paradigms of research in Ayurveda, along with holistic and integrative approaches with contemporary medicine, can not only benefit the existing healthcare system but also impact future healthcare management in epileptology research. This cursory literature review is an earnest attempt to identify, evaluate, and summarize various studies and provide a comprehensive insight into the potential of Ayurveda in understanding and treating epilepsy.

INTRODUCTION:Wet oral environment may have deleterious effects on performance of the composites due to influences of water sorption and solubility. The study evaluated the hydrolytic degradation caused because of water sorption and solubility of silorane and methacrylate-based dental composites. METHODS:Ten disc samples (2 mm × 10 mm) were prepared. Samples were analyzed for water solubility and sorption according to ISO 4049:2000 regulations and tested for mass gain or loss following immersion in water or in artificial saliva at 1 day, 15 days, and 30 days period. Student's 't' test, repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Tukey's post-hoc tests determined statistical significance of the experimental results with global significance set at P = 0.05. RESULTS:Considerable sorption and solubility was observed with time in both materials on immersion. Silorane composites showed lower water sorption and solubility than methacrylate-based composite (MBC). Artificial saliva demonstrated higher sorption and solubility compared to distilled water. CONCLUSION:Silorane composites display enhanced hydrolytic stability even after a month of immersion in contrast to conventional methacrylate-based composites (MBCs), making it a better alternative to MBC resins clinically.

Axillary arch is an anatomical variant musculo-tendinous structure that originates from the latissimus dorsi muscle and often inserted to the pectoralis major muscle. Being musculo-tendinous, its one end is generally muscular and another end is tendinous. Here we report a variant muscular arch with its both ends muscular and were joined by an intermediate tendinous slip; thus, the name digastricus axillary arch. This variant form of axillary arch was encountered unilaterally in an elderly female cadaver and appeared to be compressing the neurovascular structures at the vicinity of axilla. Presence of axillary arch known to cause various complications such as brachial plexus compression, hyperabduction syndrome, thoracic outlet syndrome etc. The clinicians, therefore must have a prior knowledge of rare existence of axillary arch muscle before considering differential diagnosis in the patients presenting upper extremity neurovascular symptoms without demonstrable compressions Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 23 No. 02 April’24 Page : 542-545

This study investigates the therapeutic effect of petroleum ether fraction of Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (PE-TFG) seed extract in ovariectomized rats fed with high-fat diet. Rats were randomly grouped into sham ovariectomy (S.OVX), ovariectomy + high-fat diet (OVX + HFD), and treatment groups. The blood samples were collected, and lipid profile, glucose, hepatic markers, and inflammatory markers were estimated. Liver, kidney, and common carotid artery were isolated for histopathological observations. Liver samples were tested for antioxidant, oxidative stress markers, mRNA expression of adiponectin, and PPAR-γ. PE-TFG treatment significantly decreased total cholesterol (18%), LDL (20%), hepatic markers (28%), leptin (17%), TNF-α (21%), and increased mRNA expression of adiponectin and PPAR-γ. There was also micro- and macro-hepatic steatosis, inflammation in the liver, deteriorated tubules in the kidney, and increased tunica intima and media thickness of the common carotid artery. These pathological alterations were reversed with PE-TFG administration. This impact might be linked to phytoestrogens and other components in PE-TFG such as diosgenin, phenols, and flavonoids.

Introduction and Aim: The Circle of Willis (CoW) is an arterial hexagon in the interpeduncular fossa formed by the basilar and internal carotid arteries. It permits anastomotic circulation between that two-arterial system. Variations in the pattern and the calibre of the arteries that make up the CoW were common. Few noted variations include hypoplasia or aplasia of either one or both posterior or anterior communicating arteries, aplasia, or fenestrations of the anterior communicating artery. Considering the surgical importance of this arterial circle, as it allows equalization of blood flow between the two sides of the brain, this observational study was done to identify the variations in the formation pattern and the gross morphometry of CoW. Materials and Methods: Thirty radiological images of patients undergoing neurovascular imaging for various reasons in the Department of Radiology and patients were obtained for the study. Results: Among the 30 studied CT and MR angiographic images, 21 (73.3%) of the circles exhibit the usual pattern of CoW formation, and the remaining 9 (27.7%) showed variations. Among the 30 radiological images, 25 (83.33%) were complete circles, 4 (13.33%) were incomplete in the posterior part and 1 (3.33%) was incomplete in the anterior part of the CoW. Conclusion: Understanding the typical formation of CoW and its variations is essential in the surgical correction of a few intracranial emergencies like hemorrhage, infarction, aneurysms, and other neurovascular surgeries of the brain.

Abstract The subclavian artery is a significant branch of the aortic arch. We present a rare case of a bilateral variation in the branching pattern of the subclavian artery, observed in an adult male cadaver aged 70 years. On both the sides of the neck, all the branches of the subclavian artery took their origin from its first part. There was a rare occurrence of a cervicodorsoscapular trunk, which gave rise to superficial cervical, suprascapular, and dorsal scapular arteries. The same branching pattern was observed on the left side of the neck, with the presence of another cervicodorsoscapular trunk. Thyrocervical trunk and transverse cervical artery were both absent from the cervical region bilaterally. The inferior thyroid artery was a direct branch from the subclavian artery. Knowledge regarding variations of the subclavian artery is very important as lateral cervical region arteries are important for flap harvesting in plastic and reconstruction surgery. Preoperative radiologic evaluation of pedicles might help in choosing the optimal flap design, prevent ischemic complications, and help to improve overall treatment outcomes.

Supplementary Figures 1-7, Table 1 from MAGE-A, mMage-b, and MAGE-C Proteins Form Complexes with KAP1 and Suppress p53-Dependent Apoptosis in MAGE-Positive Cell Lines

Morphometrics of the hard palate is an important aspect of forensic anthropology and odontology. Palatine triangle is a triangular area in the hard palate formed by the palatine processes of the maxillae, which can aid intraoral bone grafts. We present the osteological measurements of the palatine triangle (maxillary palate) based on sex, compare it with other hard palate parameters, and establish the correlation between them. Seventy-seven male skulls and 36 female skulls were examined. Various morphometric measurements of the hard palate and palatine triangle were performed meticulously. Mean and standard deviation of each parameter were computed for groups using SPSS 16.0. Relationships between all parameters were analyzed using Pearson’s rank correlation test. The mean palatine length was 38.84 ± 3.75 mm in males and 37.22 ± 4.12 mm in females; the mean palatine breadth was 31.36 ± 2.61 mm in males and 29.78 ± 3.07 mm in females. The mean area of the palatine triangle was 600.88 ± 80.16 mm2 in male skulls and 547.96 ± 94.28 mm2 in the female skulls. Statistically significant difference in various measurements of the palatine triangle and hard palate between the male and female skulls was noted. Leptostaphyline (narrow palate) was the most prominent type of palate. The area of the palatine triangle showed a strong positive correlation between the total length and breadth of the palate for both male and female skulls. A strong positive correlation was also observed between the palate length and the palatine triangle length. Palatine index and palate breadth had a statistically significant moderate linear relationship. The maxillary palate length, breadth, and area of the palatine triangle were higher in males when compared to females in South Indian origin skulls. Most of the skulls had a narrow palate. The results of this metric analysis of the palatine triangle may lead to a new concept of anatomical research into studying the hard palate, which can be used for sexual dimorphism.

Trigonella foenum-graecum known as fenugreek, is a widely used spice and an abundant source of phytoestrogens. Fenugreek has a wide range of pharmacological effects, such as hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, obesity, antioxidant activity, osteoporosis, anti-inflammatory, and antirheumatic effects. Phytoestrogens are one of the constituents of fenugreek. These are nonsteroidal compounds that resemble the structure of 17β -estradiol and can bind to the ERα and ERβ estrogen receptors. It acts as an estrogen receptor modulator, producing antiestrogenic and/or estrogenic effects. The protective effect was also apparent in the cellular architecture of the kidney, liver, and common carotid artery. Several beneficial effects are ascribed to the phytoestrogens present in fenugreek. In the present review, we focused on the medicinal values of phytoestrogens in fenugreek

It has been identified that most medical students are dissatisfied with current embryology teaching, and they often find embryology learning difficult. The present study was conducted to evaluate the perception of faculty and undergraduate medical students regarding the existing teaching-learning practices in embryology. The present cross-sectional study involved faculty, undergraduate, and postgraduate students engaged in embryology teaching-learning. The study was conducted in two steps. In the first step, the undergraduates were provided with a semi-structured questionnaire that addressed the practices of embryology teaching- learning in the current medical curriculum. The responses were recorded using a Likert scale. In the second step, the participants were invited to answer an open-ended question on improving the teaching-learning practices of embryology. The study involved 50 faculty, 232 medical undergraduates, and 15 postgraduate students. Most participants (76.1%) agreed that human embryology is essential in understanding anatomical variations, congenital anomalies, and clinical ailments. Although embryology is interesting to study, it is not easy to comprehend, as stated by most students (52.24%). They also felt that embryology is often neglected while learning Anatomy (70.73%). Ways to improve the embryology teaching-learning practices assessed in step two identified the following themes: image and video-assisted learning, experiential learning, 3D-models assisted learning, case-based learning, specimen-based learning, assessment-based learning, and smallgroup teaching. Embryology teaching-learning is an integral part of the Anatomy curriculum. Therefore, there is a need to reform the existing methodologies of embryology teaching-learning to enhance student engagement. Seeking students and faculty’s perceptions about the current practices of embryology teaching and its impact on their learning becomes useful. This study intents to utilize the feedback gained in improving the process of imparting embryology knowledge and will assist in a positive learning experience for the students.

Introduction: The ingredients from the dental restoratives are known to leach and elicit a host response. The prerequisite to deem a material biocompatible requires its toxicologic evaluation. The study was performed to analyze the probable toxicity resulting from silorane-based composite (SBC) with methacrylate-based composite (MBC). Materials and Methods: The in vitro cytotoxicity test, methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay, evaluated the cell viability and proliferation rate of dental pulp cells (DPCs). The extirpated pulp was cultured in α-MEM-containing supplements and incubated at 37°C. DPCs were subjected to varying doses of SBC or MBC at different time intervals after attaining confluence and monitored for proliferation and viability via MTT assay. An independent Student t test was performed to compare the effect of composites on the DPC. The cytotoxicity levels were compared using one-way analysis of variance and posthoc Tukey multiple comparison test at 5% level of significance and P-value of <0.05. Results: DPC exposed to MBC showed higher viability than SBC. The MTT assay reported the number of viable cells as (>90%) in the first 24 hours. The count significantly reduced by the end of 48 hours (minimum 65% in 25 μg/ml) at all concentrations (P < 0.05). SBC had lower survival than MBC in all concentrations and periods. Except at 5 μg/ml concentration at 48 hours in SBC, no statistically significant values were reported. Conclusion: DPCs are prone to the cytotoxicity caused by dental composite. In contrast to MBC, the cytotoxicity of SBC declines overtime.

Background and aim: Trigonella foenum-graecum L. seeds (TFG) are used as spices in Indian cuisine. In Indian traditional medicine, TFG is used to treat diabetes, dyslipidemia, obesity, arthritis, cancer, digestive disorders, and postmenopausal conditions. Pathophysiology of postmenopausal diseases involves low-grade systemic inflammation. The purpose of this study is to investigate the prophylactic effect of petroleum ether fraction of TFG-extract (PE-TFG) on inflammatory markers, and histopathological changes in ovariectomized rats (OVX-rats) fed with a high-fat diet (HFD). Experimental procedure: OVX female Sprague Dawley rats were used for the study. Three weeks after ovariectomy, rats were randomized in different groups and administered PE-TFG, atorvastatin, diosgenin, 17 beta-estradiol for 12 weeks along with HFD. The sham-operated rats (S.OVX) were fed with a standard pellet diet. At the end of 12-weeks, rats were sacrificed, and blood samples were used to estimate lipid profile, glucose, hepatic markers, TNF-alpha, and leptin. Liver, kidney, and common carotid artery were isolated for testing oxidative stress markers, mRNA expression of adiponectin, PPAR-gamma, and histopathological changes. Results: Administration of PE-TFG significantly decreased (P < 0.05) total cholesterol, LDL, hepatic markers, leptin, TNF-alpha and improved mRNA expression of adiponectin and PPAR-gamma in HFD-fed OVX-rats. Further, micro and macro hepatic steatosis, inflammation, glomerular hypertrophy, degenerated tubules in kidney, increased tunica intima, and media thickness of common carotid artery and the pathological changes were not significant upon PE-TFG administration compared to S.OVX-rats. Conclusion: PE-TFG protects cellular inflammation and metabolic alternations in HFD-fed OVX-rats and thus can be explored further in postmenopausal diseases as a prophylactic agent. (C) 2021 Center for Food and Biomolecules, National Taiwan University. Production and hosting by Elsevier Taiwan LLC.

As impairment of memory and ischemic brain injury is more common in female of menopausal age, the current study aims to evaluate the protective role of fenugreek seed extract and choline-Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on cognitive behavior, oxidative stress and neurodegeneration in ovariectomized-cerebral ischemic rats. Cerebral ischemia was induced by bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO) surgery to ovariectomized adult female wistar rats. Fenugreek, choline-DHA and combination of fenugreek with choline-DHA was supplemented for 30days after ovariectomy and continued for 14 more days after BCCAO surgery. Effect of this supplementation on learning and memory, brain oxidative stress and neurodegeneration in the CA1, CA3 hippocampal sub-regions were analyzed. Ovariectomized-cerebral ischemic rats demonstrated learning and memory impairment when subjected to passive avoidance task. Further, these rats also had increased brain oxidative stress, and neurodegeneration in CA1, CA3 sub-regions of hippocampus. Conversely, combined supplementation of fenugreek with choline-DHA to ovariectomized-cerebral ischemic rats exhibited a significant improvement in their learning and memory abilities, with reduced oxidative stress and neurodegeneration in CA1 and CA3 sub-regions of hippocampus.