Food preservatives can break food safety worldwide; herein, we studied the mitigating effect of Ficus carica (FC) on hepato-renal injury resulting from monosodium glutamate (MSG) or metanil yellow (MY) as a common food preservative. Rats were assigned into five groups; Control, MSG (400 mg/kg), MY (200 mg/kg), FC+MSG (received FC plus MSG), and FC+MY group (received FC plus MY). The antioxidant properties of FC were evaluated. The results revealed the antioxidant potency of FC leave extract. MSG/MY evoked a hepato-renal injury indicated by marked elevations in their biochemical functions. Besides, oxidative damage was also initiated represented by significant increases in MDA levels and decreases in GSH content and SOD activity accompanied by apoptotic cascade (increases in Bax/Bcl2 ratio and caspase3 expression). The molecular docking ascertained the interaction between MSG/MY and cellular antioxidants. However, FC was able to reduce the MSG/MY-induced oxidative stress, apoptosis, and histopathological alterations as well as improve the liver and kidney functions. In the molecular docking model, the natural bioactive compounds of FC explored high affinities for binding with Bax and caspase-3 abrogating the induced apoptosis. The antioxidant potential of FC mitigated the hepato-renal damage in rats caused by MSG or MY.

This study investigates the potential protective effects of eugenol on cecal ligation puncture (CLP) induced sepsis rat model. CLP was used to induce sepsis in rats and then treated with eugenol at doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg, i.p. for a duration of 7 days. Effects of eugenol was observed on survival rates, markers of oxidative stress, inflammatory cells, and markers in rats. Further network pharmacology study was performed to assess the possible targets for eugenol in the management of sepsis. An interaction study of selected proteins, that is, ADORA2A and HDAC8, with eugenol was observed with a docking study. The eugenol-treated group showed an improvement in the survival rate in the sepsis group of rats. Treatment with eugenol ameliorates oxidative stress, inflammatory mediators, and cells in sepsis rats. Histopathological changes (spleen and lung tissue) were observed to be ameliorates in group of rats treated with eugenol versus the sepsis group. Network pharmacology suggest the 14 common target of interaction between eugenol and sepsis, which was further observed for immunomodulation molecular pathway of sepsis with STRING pathway and gene ontology study. Docking study shows binding strength of ADORA2A-eugenol and HDAC8-eugenol complex was observed to be -6.5 and -5.6 kcal/mol, respectively. Data of investigation concludes that eugenol enhances survival rate in sepsis in rats by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, as it promotes the immune cell function and neutrophil trapping to xenobiotics and is digested by enhancing oxidative stress in immune cells.

N-nitrosodiethylamine (ND) is an extremely toxic unavoidable environmental contaminant. CopperII-albumin (CuAB) complex, a newly developed Cu complex, showed antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential. Hereby, we explored the plausible neuroprotective role of CuAB complex toward ND-evoked neurotoxicity in mice. Twenty-four male mice were sorted into 4 groups (6 mice each). Control group, mice were administered oral distilled water; and CuAB group, mice received CuAB complex at a dose of 817 µg/kg orally, three times weekly. In ND group, ND was given intraperitoneally (50 mg/kg body weight, once weekly for 6 w). CuAB+ND group, mice were administered a combination of CuAB and ND. The brain was quickly extracted upon completion of the experimental protocol for the evaluation of the oxidative/antioxidative markers, inflammatory cytokines, and histopathological examination. Oxidative stress was induced after ND exposure indicated by a reduction in GSH and SOD1 level, with increased MDA level. In addition, decreased expression of SOD1 proteins, Nrf2, and 5-HT mRNA expression levels were noticed. An apoptotic cascade has also been elicited, evidenced by overexpression of Cyt c, Cl. Casp 3. In addition, increased regulation of proinflammatory genes (TNF-α, IL-6, iNOS, Casp1, and NF-κB (p65/p50); besides, increment of protein expression of P-IKBα and reduced expression of IKBα. Pretreatment with CuAB complex significantly ameliorated ND neuronal damage. Our results recommend CuAB complex supplementation because it exerts neuroprotective effects against ND-induced toxicity.

Introducing dental polymers has accelerated biotechnological research, advancing tissue engineering, biomaterials development, and drug delivery. Polymers have been utilized effectively in dentistry to build dentures and orthodontic equipment and are key components in the composition of numerous restorative materials. Furthermore, dental polymers have the potential to be employed for medication administration and tissue regeneration. To analyze the influence of polymer-based investigations on practical medical trials, it is required to evaluate the research undertaken in this sector. The present review aims to gather evidence on polymer applications in dental, oral, and maxillofacial reconstruction.

Background: Present investigation evaluates the neuroprotective effect of Trachyspermum ammi essential oil (TAEO) against monosodium glutamate induced excitotoxicity. Methods: Glutamate excitotoxicity was induced in rats by administrating monosodium glutamate [MSG; 2 g/kg body weight, intraperitoneally (i.p.)] for seven days and further animals were grouped into the following groups along with respective treatments: Group 1: Normal healthy control animals without any treatment; Group 2: MSG-2 g/kg, intraperitoneally (i.p.)+vehicle treated disease control animals; Group 3: MSG-2 g/kg, intraperitoneally (i.p.)+TAEO 250 mg/kg orally; Group 4: MSG-2 g/kg, intraperitoneally (i.p.)+500 mg/kg; Group 5: MSG-2 g/kg, intraperitoneally (i.p.)+D-cycloserine 10 mg/kg, i.p. Effect of TAEO was estimated on motor and cognitive function, oxidative stress parameters and Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in the brain tissue of excitotoxicity rat model. Moreover ss-Amyloid deposition on the brain tissue was estimated using Congo Red staining. Results: There was significant improvement in motor and cognitive function in TAEO group in comparison with the negative control group, which was observed to be reversed in TAEO+N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) treated agonist. Treatment with TAEO ameliorates the altered parameters of oxidative stress and activity of AChE in the brain tissue of excitotoxicity rats. ss Amyloid deposition was observed to be reduced in TAEO treated group as compared with negative control group. However, this effect of TAEO was reversed in the brain tissue of TAEO+NMDA agonist treated group. Conclusions: Hence, the data of the present study suggested that the TAEO treatment improves the motor and cognitive function in MSG-induced excitotoxicity in rat model by reducing oxidative stress and formation of ss-Amyloid plaque by targeting NMDA receptor.

Objectives Present report evaluates the protective effect of geraniol on high fat diet (HFD) induced obesity in rats and also determines the molecular mechanism of it. Methods Rats were induced with obesity with administration of HFD for four weeks and geraniol 200 and 400 mg/kg p.o. was administered for the next four week in the respective groups. Blood glucose and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), lipid profile was estimated in the geraniol treated HFD induced obesity in rats. Moreover, docking study was performed to determine the specific mechanism of geraniol by targeting HMG-CoE A reductase (in silico). Results There was significant increase in body weight and amelioration in altered serum glucose and lipid profile were observed in the geraniol treated group than negative control group. Weight of organs and adipose tissue isolated from different regions of the body was reduced in geraniol treated group than negative control. Moreover, geraniol interact with HMG-CoA reductase having binding energy −5.13. Conclusions In conclusion, data of the report reveals that geraniol reduces obesity by promoting the conversion of white adipose tissue (WAT) to brown adipose tissue (BAT), as it interacts with HMG-CoA reductase in HFD induced obesity in rats.

Melamine (ML), a chemical substance of high nitrogen content, is used as a food adulterant. Former evidences implied that ML could induce a variety of toxic effects including neurotoxicity and cognitive impairment. Therefore, the aim of this study was to delineate the protective effect of the nootkatone (NK) against ML-induced neural adverse effects. Rats were orally pretreated with NK (5 and 10 mg/kg) prior to the oral administration of ML (700 mg/kg) for a period of 28 days. Our findings unveiled remarkable alleviating effect of NK on MK-induced neurobehavioral disturbance in open field test. Furthermore, NK lessened ML-caused increases in the acetylcholine esterase level in the brain tissue of exposed rats. NK also decreased the neural oxidative stress as represented by elevated levels of SOD, CAT, and GSH along with decreased MDA and NO levels. Upregulated mRNA expression levels of neural NRF-2 and HO-1 were noticed after NK administration. Remarkable anti-inflammatory impact was prominent by decreased neural IL-1β, and TNF-α along with downregulated NF-κB and TLR-4 gene expression levels in NK-treated rats. Noteworthily, pre-treatment with NK decreased the immune reaction of RAGE and HMGB-1 induced by oral ML exposure. Brain histological examination validated the obtained biochemical and molecular results. To sum up, these outcomes reveal that NK successfully alleviated the neural damage induced by ML via blocking of oxidative stress, and inflammatory signaling pathways. Consequently, our study may suggest NK as a new effective therapeutic supplement for treatment of ML-mediated neurotoxicity in rats via inhibition of HMGB-1-RAGE/TLR-4/NF-κB.

The word neurodegeneration rightly refers to the degenerative changes in nerve cell structure and so in its functions too. The main characteristics of these neurodegenerative disorders are relentless progression and decline in cognition. Epilepsy is one of the neurodegenerative disorders that affects a major portion of people around the world and the common form of focal epilepsy is Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). According to researchers the major cause for nerve cell degeneration is the excess production of free radicals. Preventing their action or quenching them will make a big deal in preventing neurodegeneration. As research work in relation to neurodegeneration is very much limited in India, we aimed one as an initiative. As herbs are always well known for their antioxidant activity with negligible side effects, we planned to apply one of the well-known herb, Acorus calamus and studied the potency of it in maintaining the antioxidant enzyme levels. The aim of this study in particular is to analyze the preventive role of Acorus calamus and its active ingredient Beta asarone in neurodegeneration than treating neurodegeneration in epileptic rat models. For the same, we selected eight groups of animals.

Introduction: Obesity has become a large health problem globally and a major risk factor contributing to a number of diseases. It is suggested in Saudi Arabia for obese adults to use Orlistat and Metformin; in addition to dieting and doing physical activity. However, there are limited studies on the regular practices of weight-loss among Saudi people especially with the aid of weight lowering medication. Objectives: The aims of this study are to evaluate the practice of using weight lowering medications and to describe self-reported side effects of using these medications among Saudi females. Methods: A cross-sectional study carried out on Saudi females whom were approached to answer a set of self-administered questionnaires. The survey covers several aspects that will aid the study’s topic such as the demographic data, previous or current use of weight loss medication and any side effects from using the medication. The collected data were then analyzed using SPSS program. Results: There were 820 participants (647 electronic submissions and 173 by paper). The results showed that among them 21.3% were using weight lowering medication, while dieting and exercising were the main methods used to lose weight (64.1% and 61.5% respectively). In addition, the most common drug used for losing weight was Orlistat (26.4%). Furthermore, the most frequent self-reported side effect for using these kinds of drugs was oily spotting (25.9%). Interpretation and conclusion: Saudi females were found to use weight lowering medications and it was related to several factors such as the BMI and the ages of participants, however dieting and exercising were the main methods reported for weight loss.

The trigeminal nerve has the largest territory of sensory innervation across the head and neck. It leaves the lateral pons through a large lateral sensory and small medial motor root. Root Entry Zone is an anatomical landmark of great functional hierarchy where variants in nervous tract trajectories and arterial loops, may result in neurovascular conflicts leading to neuralgias. The sensory root holds clinical significance because it innervates sensory receptors of the head and neck. This case reports a cadaveric brain stem with significant loss/ hypotrophy of left trigerminal nerve fibers. Such forfeit (weather due to congenital hypotrophy or postnatal lesion) can lead to variable degree of sensory loss along the nerve course and the innervation of mastication apparatus, change in of cerebellopontine angel and cistern volumes. The clinical outcomes of missing fibers might be not only hold symptomatic indicators for neurosurgeons but also morphologic benchmarks for biological anthropologists. These incidental findings are noteworthy to understand the causes, intricacies and clinical consequences of such neuroscience dilemmas. The case reported here might have presented with perplexing neurosensory ambiguities while alive and leaves ground of speculation for anatomists and neurologists. It is fundamental to identify spatial relations between different portions of the nervous tract, (especially while establishing possible vascular contact conflicts) that could explain lesser known Trigerminus syndromes. In future, high spatial resolution imaging would allow the study of each portion of the trigeminal nerve, recognizing with more clarity the anatomical variants or pathological elements.

Chickenpox is a well-recognized viral infection worldwide, caused by varicella zoster virus. It is primarily considered a benign childhood disease and adult infections are not often seen. However, in some cases, it can involve adult population; targeting previously non-vaccinated adults and immune-compromised patients. In adult pox cases, risk of hospitalization and death is significantly increased [1]. Varicella is a highly contagious pathogen that can transfer from one person to another by direct contact, inhalation of aerosols from vesicular fluid of skin lesions and through infected respiratory secretions. An infected individual with varicella can spread the disease starting 1-2 days before rash onset until the varicella vesicles have crusted. The incubation period typically lasts 10 to 21 days from exposure to the virus until developing the disease. This case is unique because it involves an immune-competent, otherwise healthy, young adult male with history of proper varicella vaccination during childhood. Yet, he developed chickenpox infection from some unknown source in his adult life. Considering the known tendency of markedly increased morbidity and mortality among adult pox cases; on the contrary to childhood varicella; such un-conventional presentations merit reporting to avoid misdiagnoses and /or delayed treatment in routine dermatology clinics.

Background: Previous reports suggest prevalence of high stress levels and psychological morbidity among medical students. This study aimed to elucidate factors for Perceived Stress (PS), role of Emotional Intelligence (EI) in the experience of PS and its association with academic background and satisfaction with career choice among medical students. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Riyadh-Medical-College-Saudi-Arabia on First (n = 40) and Final year (n = 35) Female medical undergraduates during year 2015. Students were administered Schutteu0027s Emotional Intelligence Inventory and Cohenu0027s Perceived Stress Scale. Additional information was collected on participant demographics, previous qualification in higher education and career satisfaction level. Basic descriptive statistics –correlation u0026 regression were used for data analysis. Results: The survey had a 99% response rate. Seniors were more stressed than Juniors. Although there was no significant difference for EI scores between the two ...

Alzheimer disease (AD)is one of the most common causes of dementia in individuals older than 60 years. Several susceptibility genes for AD have been reported earlier, but by far,the strongest genetic risk factor for late onset Alzheimer disease (LOAD) is apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype, with the e4 allele being an AD risk factor and the e2 allele being protective. Therapeutic strategies based on APOE and APOE receptors should aim to target influencing APOE/Aβ interactions, APOE structure, APOE lipidation, LDLR receptor family member function, and signaling.  This paper will explain the intertwined roles of ABCA1 and APOE in understanding the molecular and pathophysiological mechanisms of Alzheimers disease. It will extensively describe the normal and disease-related biology connecting APOE, APOE receptors in AD and provide novel insights into AD prognosis and treatment.

Polycythaemia Vera or erythrocytosisis a medical condition with high concentration of red blood cells. The thicker blood is less able to travel through blood vessels and organs. Most symptoms of polycythaemia are related tothis sluggish blood flow. Moderate symptoms of polycythaemia include headache, blurredvision, red skin, tiredness, elevated blood pressure, dizziness, abdominal discomfort, bleeding problems, gout and itchy skin although more severe medical events like vas-occlusion, thrombosis and strokes may occur. This case reports a 50 year old female with an unusual presentation of polycythemia vera in the form of abrupt onset &one-day-old' history of massive hematemesis with otherwise unremarkable physical exam except caput medusa around umblicus. A diagnosis of Polythythaemiavera complicated by portal vein thrombosis induced portal hypertension was finally made.Patients with polycythemia vera are at high risk of vaso-occlusive events. While the etiology of events in polycythemic patients is likely to be multifactorial, hemodilution is potentially beneficial. Attending clinicians should be well aware of the unlikely associations and squeal of thrombotic events in polycythemia vera like portal venous occlusion and hypertension.

Background: De Quervain's tenosynovitis is a common cause of wrist pain in pregnant and postpartum females. This study provides objective evidence regarding the therapeutic efficacy of phonophoresis in treating de Quervain's disease during pregnancy. Methods: In a single blind, randomised, controlled trial (n = 50), ketoprofen phonophoresis was given to the intervention group and conventional ultrasound (US) was given to controls, coupled with thumb splint immobilisation, and supervised strengthening and stretching exercises for 1 month. Symptomatic and functional improvement was assessed by visual pain analogue, grip, tip, key, and palmer pinch scales. Results: There was a statistically significant improvement in the intervention group compared to the control group in grip and pinch strength, and pain reduction. Conclusion: Ketoprofen phonophoresis as an adjunct to supervised exercise and splint immobilisation is a safe and effective therapy for de Quervain's tenosynovitis during pregnancy. Phonophoresis augments the benefits of US in terms of reducing pain and inflammation, and improving functional strength.

The human skull is a complex structure, which at birth is made up of 44 separate bony elements. Gross skull morphology and variations occurring in its important foramina (anomalous presence, absence, agenesis or multiplication) represent an interesting field of research, in order to achieve better comprehension of the embryological development of cranio-facial skeleton and the fate of its neuro-vascular content. Such anomalies may be asymptomatic in some cases while in others, they may carry important medical implications such as occurrence of atypical motor syndromes and influence the outcomes of modern neurosurgery. This case reports of an adult Asian female's dry skull that presented with two extremely rare foramen variations; the 'presence of bilateral caroticoclinoid foramen' and the 'bilateral absence of mental foramen'. To the best of author's knowledge, no similar case with co-existence of both variants in the same skull has been cited before in medical literature. This merits it's reporting as ostial variations of the cranial base and lower jaw hold diagnostic, surgical and developmental relevance for practicing clinicians, biological anthropologists and embryologists.

Background/aims: To assess the retinal arterial tortuosity and the association between tortuosity and certain health indices in healthy young to middle aged Indians. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 80 fundus (right and left eyes) of 40 healthy adults aged 18 to 45 years, (18 M, 22 F; mean age 35.1yrs) who were characterized by determination of retinal arterial tortuosity using a three-level grading scale (straight, wavy, tortuous),after screening for arterial blood pressure and diabetes. Results: Higher grades of tortuosity were common among the study subjects, 20 (25 %) had straight retinal arteries, 24 (30 %) had wavy arteries and 36(45%) had tortuous arteries when reported as the average of right and left eyes because the correspondence between right and left eyes was high. Increasing values of mean arterial blood pressure were associated with decreasing levels of retinal arterial tortuosity even in pre-hypertensive individuals while age, sex and gender did not significantly contribute towards dimorphism. Conclusion: Considerable variations in retinal vasculature in terms of tortuosity can be observed among young healthy subjects. Determinants of disparities in retinal arterial layout are mainly associated with blood pressure levels while age, gender and right vs left laterality do not appear to much affect the wavy patterns of vessels in this study population. Assessment of retinal vascular tortuosity can provide a means of monitoring systemic health to recognize what determines how retinal vessels are laid out early in life, before systemic risk factors and clinical disease have developed.

Background: Student's perceptions of educational environment significantly impacts their academic progress and sense of wellbeing. In the backdrop of changing medical education trends in Saudi-Arabia, with a shift from traditional to innovative curricula and federal emphasis on women in higher education; we wished to objectively assess whether the learning environment of a newly established 'all female' medical section was of acceptable standards according to perceptions of students.Aim: To assess pedagogical environment using DREEM's inventory in order to elucidate program strengths/weaknesses and promote conductive learning.Results: Our Mean DREEM score (96.57/200) was lower than scores of most medical institutions in Saudi-Arabia as well as other countries. Seniors were more stressed than juniors, with poor social support systems. Teachers were generally viewed as knowledgeable but authoritarian. Significant differences (p<0.05) existed in teaching and social domains among 2nd and 3rd level students.Conclusion: Undeniably, educational lapses exist in our female medical section. Reflective analysis of significant DREEM sub-domains can provide insights into problem areas for understanding behaviors and designing remedial strategies. Poor scores despite excellent physical infrastructure and facilities hint that we need to focus on our human resources and policy models if we hope to achieve quality in environments and uniformity in standards.

Aim: Significant clinical associations during subtle and overt illness as well as proven effects of demographics and heredity on retinal vascular appearance call for a comprehensive analysis of retinal blood vessels that is more structured and objective than currant observer-driven techniques. Attending to this gap in information, the present study aims to describe the normal morphology of retinal arteries among healthy north Indian subjects.Materials and methods: 800 digitalized fundus images from 400 north Indian subjects (180 M & 220 F; mean age 35 years) were quantitatively analyzed based on selective geometric and topographical parameters (distance, direction, tortuosity, branching) of the four retinal quadrant arteries through sophisticated semi automated digital asset management software techniques.Results: Tortuosity and branching were more extensive in temporal than nasal quadrants, with a tendency for delayed on-start of arteriolar subdivisions, farther away from the optic disc and superior papillary trunks were positioned at keener angles than inferior trunks. A certain degree of dimorphism existed among eye sides and genders.Conclusion: This study has elucidated retinal vascular geometrics of healthy Indians, a knowledge that can improve our understanding of regular features and natural variants in retinal vasculature. Morphological findings of this research will hopefully facilitate anatomists and clinicians in describing 'what's normal' in health and aid in differentiating it from the abnormal in case of disease. The potential utility of diagnostic and predictive fundus vascular screening in populations for appraisal of health risks mirrored in early retinal changes is a worthwhile direction to explore. Copyright (C) 2013, Anatomical Society of India. Published by Reed Elsevier India Pvt. Ltd. All rights reserved.

Eyes are the portals through which one can glimpse signs of certain health problems. Retinal microvascular signs are common fundus findings in the general population; even in individuals without hypertension or diabetes. This paper provides new insights into the clinical significance of retinal microvascular signs in adults with elevated blood pressure so as to aid in identifying susceptible individuals with certain retinopathy signs who need further referral and systemic assessment for appropriate risk reduction therapy. It provides evidence based information on the systemic associations of hypertensive retinopathy signs, classification of these signs, clinical guidelines for hypertension management and critiques some famous 'population-based' studies describing the relationship of retinal microvascular signs, as quantified from fundus photographs, to various systemic diseases in the general population and discusses their relevance in context of current hypertension management.