BACKGROUND:Aging is a multifactorial process involving cumulative cellular and organ deterioration, largely due to oxidative stress and disrupted homeostasis. These changes lead to increased susceptibility to age-related diseases. Amalaki Rasayana (AR), an ayurvedic formulation from the fruit of Phyllanthus emblica, is traditionally valued for its geroprotective, rejuvenating effects and preventive healthcare. OBJECTIVE:This study scientifically evaluates AR's impact on physiological, biochemical, and molecular markers of aging and functional decline in a rodent model. METHODS:Thirty-six, 10 months old, male Fischer rats, (n = 6) were randomized into normal control (NC) and Amalaki Rasayana (AR) -treated groups, and evaluated at the end of 18, 24, and 30 months of age. Comprehensive assessments including, electrocardiography, histopathology, biochemical assays, and molecular analyses were conducted to evaluate cardiac, renal, hepatic, and neural tissue health. Oxidative stress was quantified by measuring superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activity. Tp53 and p21 gene expressions were quantified by qPCR and bioinformatics. RESULTS:Our results demonstrated pronounced age-associated degenerative changes such as neuronal loss, myocardial fibrosis, renal tubule dilation and glomerular fragmentation in NC rats. In contrast, AR-supplementation maintained heart rate variability, preserved antioxidants superoxide dismutase and catalase activities, and mitigated tissue degeneration across multiple organs. AR modulated the expression of Tp53 and p21 in cardiac and neural tissues, suggesting a role in cellular stress response and longevity pathways. CONCLUSION:Amalaki Rasayana demonstrated potent antioxidant and cytoprotective effects in aging rats, supporting its potential as an adjuvant for healthy aging. These findings highlight AR's promise in attenuating oxidative damage and modulating gene expression, warranting further translational research.

Background and Aims:Paediatric anaesthesia requires specialised skills to manage patients effectively, yet training often falls short of clinical needs. To address this, a survey was conducted among anaesthesia trainees and teachers to identify perceived learning gaps. Methods:A self-administered Google questionnaire was used to gather input on teaching and learning paediatric anaesthesia. Faculty and anaesthesia trainees answered 29 questions, organised into multiple sections. Data were analysed using Jeffreys Amazing Statistical Package (JASP) version 0.16.3 Arnhem; Netherlands. Results:The questionnaire was sent to 567 participants, yielding a 25.30% response rate, with 144 participants responding. Exposure to paediatric anaesthesia had a median score of 3 (good). The opportunity for performing tasks was moderate, at 40%-60%, with 47% of respondents primarily assisting rather than performing tasks. Elective placements in paediatric operating theatres were reported by 25% of students in the first 6 months, 38.19% in the second 6 months, and 36.81% during the second year. Tasks were carried out under direct proactive supervision. A positive correlation was found between mask ventilation and intubation skills, with the highest 'r' value (0.714), indicating that more opportunities for mask ventilation increased the chances for intubation. Teaching methods included interactive lectures for knowledge, hands-on practice for skills, and mentoring for the affective domain. Only 19% of respondents were exposed to children under 1 year. Conclusion:The reliance on direct proactive supervision for procedural skill training until the completion of the postgraduate anaesthesia program is concerning. This highlights the need for a curriculum that prioritises skill development, incorporating entrustment goals, suitable teaching methods, and workplace assessments.

Psoriasis, a persistent inflammatory condition with a complex origin, lacks a definitive cure despite the availability of diverse treatments. Vetpalai thailam (VT), a Siddha formulation, is commonly used for addressing various skin ailments. Analysis via GC-MS of a sample of VT oil unveiled the existence of 65 compounds. These identified phytochemical structures were then examined through molecular docking against the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-17A, resulting in the shortlisting of seven compounds. Among these, four displayed binding potential against TNF-α, while three exhibited similar potential against IL-17A. Further, the individual shortlisted phytochemical and protein complexes were subjected to molecular dynamics and documented their RMSDs, RMSFs, SASA, Rg, MMPBSA, and PCA profiles. Other informatics web tools were employed to predict physicochemical properties, bioactivity, drug-likeness, and toxicity scores. Three compounds identified from VT oil displayed binding potential against IL-17A, showcasing binding energies varied between -8.427 and -6.739 kcal/mol, while four compounds exhibited potential against TNF-α, with binding energies ranging from -9.873 to -8.644 kcal/mol. The physicochemical attributes, bioactivity, compliance with Lipinski's rule of five, and ADMET profiles of the shortlisted compounds demonstrated favorable pharmacokinetic characteristics. Consequently, this research provides valuable insights into the binding ability of phytoconstituents of VT oil against IL-17A and TNF-α, paving the way for the development of novel drugs for the treatment of psoriasis.

Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive malignancy with poor clinical outcomes. Hence cost-effective drugs with fewer side effects as a standard supportive therapy might yield substantial advantages in efficacy and safety. Kadukkai maathirai (KM) is being used as a supplement in hepatocellular carcinoma. We evaluated whether KM has any preventive action on cancer progression in diethyl nitrosamine (DEN) - induced HCC in rats. Methods DEN was injected to produce HCC in rats, which was confirmed after 16 weeks. All the rats were orally administered KM for 4 weeks. Hepatoprotective potential (serum AST, ALT, ALP, Bilirubin) and anticancer efficacy (body weight, nodule count, tumor progression by histopathology, expression of GSTM1 by Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), and In-silico analysis of phytoconstituents against β catenin and LRP analysis were evaluated. Results KM prevented cancer progression against DEN-induced HCC by an increase in GSTM1, a phase II detoxifying enzyme. It significantly reversed altered nodule count, relative liver weight, body weight, and histopathological features of HCC. In silico analysis of phytoconstituents of KM showed that they modulate the intracellular transcription process by inhibiting the armadillo repeat region of β catenin. Conclusions Our results elucidate the potential of KM as a supplement in HCC by reducing nodule count, protecting the liver from further damage, GSTM1 expression, and inhibiting armadillo repeat region of β catenin.

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.

BackgroundMaintaining gut microbial homeostasis is crucial for human health, as imbalances in the gut microbiota (GM) can lead to various diseases, including metabolic syndrome (MS), exacerbated by the use of antipsychotic medications such as olanzapine (OLZ). Understanding the role of the GM in OLZ-induced MS could lead to new therapeutic strategies. This study used metagenomic analysis to explore the impact of OLZ on the GM composition and examined how probiotics can mitigate its adverse effects in a rat model. Changes in weight, blood pressure, and lipid levels, which are key parameters defining MS, were assessed. Additionally, this study investigated serotonin, dopamine, and histopathological changes to explore their possible link with the microbiota-gut-brain axis (MGBA).ResultsOLZ had an antagonistic effect on serotonin and dopamine receptors, and it was consistently found to alter the composition of the GM, with an increase in the relative abundance (RA) of the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes phyla ratio and TM7 genera, indicating that the anticommonsal action of OLZ affects appetite and energy expenditure, contributing to obesity, dyslipidemia and increased blood pressure, which are core components of MS. Hepatic steatosis and intestinal damage in OLZ-treated rat tissues further indicate its role in MS. Conversely, the administration of probiotics, either alone or in combination with OLZ, was found to mitigate these OLZ-induced symptoms of MS by altering the GM composition. These alterations included increases in the abundances of the taxa Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, Prevotella, Blautia, Bacteroides, Bacteroidales, and Ruminococcaceae and a decrease in Firmicute abundance. These changes helped maintain gut barrier integrity and modulated neurotransmitter levels, suggesting that probiotics can counteract the adverse metabolic effects of OLZ by restoring the GM balance. Moreover, this study highlights the modulation of the MGBA by OLZ as a potential mechanism through which probiotics modulate serotonin and dopamine levels, influencing metabolic health.ConclusionThese findings emphasise the significant impact of OLZ on the GM and its contribution to MS. These findings suggest that interventions targeting the GM, such as probiotics, could mitigate the metabolic side effects of OLZ. Future research should focus on developing integrative treatment approaches that consider the health of the gut microbiome in managing antipsychotic-induced adverse effects.

Abstract Background Epilepsy affects ∼60 million people worldwide. Most antiseizure medications in the market act on voltage-gated sodium or calcium channels, indirectly modulating neurotransmitter GABA or glutamate levels or multiple targets. Earlier studies made significant efforts to directly deliver GABA into the brain with varied success. Herein, we have hypothesized to directly deliver exogenous GABA to the brain with epilepsy through extracellular vesicles (EVs) from human GABA-producing cells and their progenitors as EVs largely mimic their parent cell composition. Methods Human neural stem cells (NSCs), medial ganglionic eminence (MGE) cells, and GABAergic interneurons (INs) were generated from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and characterized. EVs were isolated from NSCs, MGE cells, and INs and characterized for size and distribution, morphological features, and molecular markers. Exogenous GABA was passively loaded to the isolated EVs as a zwitterion at physiological pH, and the encapsulated dose of GABA was quantified. Epilepsy was developed through status epilepticus induction in Fisher rats by administration of repeated low doses of kainic acid. The extent of the seizures was measured for 10 h/ day for 3–6 months by video recording and its evaluation for stage III, IV and V seizures as per Racine scale. EVs from INs, MGE cells, and NSCs encapsulated with exogenous GABA were sequentially tested in the 4th, 5th, and 6th months by intranasal administration in the rats with epilepsy for detailed seizure, behavioral and synapse analysis. In separate experiments, several controls including exogenic GABA alone and EVs from INs and MGE cells were evaluated for seizure-controlling ability. Results Exogenic GABA could enter the brain through EVs. Treatment with EVs from INs and MGE cells encapsulated with GABA significantly reduced total seizures, stage V seizures, and total time spent in seizure activity. EVs from NSCs encapsulated with GABA demonstrated limited seizure control. Exogenic GABA alone and EVs from INs and MGE cells individually failed to control seizures. Further, exogenic GABA with EVs from MGE cells improved depressive behavior while partially improving memory functions. Co-localization studies confirmed exogenous GABA with presynaptic vesicles in the hippocampus, indicating the interaction of exogenous GABA in the brain with epilepsy. Conclusion For the first time, the study demonstrated that exogenous GABA could be delivered to the brain through brain cell-derived EVs, which could regulate seizures in temporal lobe epilepsy. It is identified that the cellular origin of EVs plays a vital role in seizure control with exogenous GABA.

Psoriasis is one of the chronic inflammatory conditions with multifactorial aetiology. Even though there are different treatments available, there is no cure for psoriasis. A Siddha polyherbal formulation, Sivanar vembu kuzhi thailam (SVKT), is used to treat various skin diseases. In this study, methanolic extract of SVKT was analysed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) which showed the presence of 86 compounds. They were further subjected to molecular docking to find the effect of SVKT on inflammatory proteins, IL-17A and TNF-α, involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Four shortlisted compounds from SVKT exhibited their inhibitory potential on IL-17A with binding energy varying between -8.2 to -6.6 kcal/mol and three compounds on TNF-α with binding energy varying between -7.8 to -5.6 kcal/mol. Pharmacokinetic properties (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion and Toxicity-ADMET) were also evaluated in silico which showed favourable features. 2-(hydroxymethyl)-6-octylsulfanyloxane-3,4,5-triol and α-Lactose among the shortlisted constituents, inhibited both proteins through exhibiting multiple interactions. Hence this study provides valuable insights into the inhibitory effect of phytochemicals present in SVKT on IL-17A and TNF-α which may pave way to the discovery of new drugs to treat psoriasis.

Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive malignancy with poor clinical outcomes. Hence cost-effective drugs with fewer side effects as a standard supportive therapy might yield substantial advantages in efficacy and safety. Kadukkai maathirai (KM) is being used as a supplement in hepatocellular carcinoma. We evaluated whether KM has any preventive action on cancer progression in diethyl nitrosamine (DEN) - induced HCC in rats. Methods DEN was injected to produce HCC in rats, which was confirmed after 16 weeks. All the rats were orally administered KM for 4 weeks. Hepatoprotective potential (serum AST, ALT, ALP, Bilirubin) and anticancer efficacy (body weight, nodule count, tumor progression by histopathology, expression of GSTM1 by Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), and In-silico analysis of phytoconstituents against β catenin and LRP analysis were evaluated. Results KM prevented cancer progression against DEN-induced HCC by an increase in GSTM1, a phase II detoxifying enzyme. It significantly reversed altered nodule count, relative liver weight, body weight, and histopathological features of HCC. In silico analysis of phytoconstituents of KM showed that they modulate the intracellular transcription process by inhibiting the armadillo repeat region of β catenin. Conclusions Our results elucidate the potential of KM as a supplement in HCC by reducing nodule count, protecting the liver from further damage, GSTM1 expression, and inhibiting armadillo repeat region of β catenin.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is associated with retinal neovascularization, hard exudates, inflammation, oxidative stress and cell death, leading to vision loss. Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (Anti-VEGF) therapy through repeated intravitreal injections is an established treatment for reducing VEGF levels in the retina for inhibiting neovascularization and leakage of hard exudates to prevent vision loss. Although anti-VEGF therapy has several clinical benefits, its monthly injection potentially causes devastating ocular complications, including trauma, intraocular hemorrhage, retinal detachment, endophthalmitis, etc. Methods: As mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and MSC-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) demonstrated safety in clinical studies, we have tested the efficacy of MSC-derived small EVs (MSC-sEVs) loaded anti-VEGF drug bevacizumab in a rat model of DR. Results: The study identified a clinically significant finding that sEV loaded with bevacizumab reduces the frequency of intravitreal injection required for treating diabetic retinopathy. The sustained effect is observed from the reduced levels of VEGF, exudates and leukostasis for more than two months following intravitreal injection of sEV loaded with bevacizumab, while bevacizumab alone could maintain reduced levels for about one month. Furthermore, retinal cell death was consistently lower in this period than only bevacizumab. Conclusion: This study provided significant evidence for the prolonged benefits of sEVs as a drug delivery system. Also, EV-mediated drug delivery systems could be considered for clinical application of retinal diseases as they maintain vitreous clarity in the light path due to their composition being similar to cells.

The study explores the hepatoprotective effect of Kadukkai maathirai (KM) in high fat diet (HFD) induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in rats. Total 54 Sprague Dawley rats were used in the study, 9 groups: Group I – IV kept as normal and test drug control and group V - NAFLD disease model- received HFD for 40 weeks. Group VI – IX received HFD for 40 weeks and then test drugs: Group VI – VIII received KM in three different doses for 45 days. Metformin (standard) was administered to Group IX for 45 days. On day 46, the blood and liver tissue were collected for analysis. KM at 36, 144mg/kg and metformin showed a significant decrease in ALP level, all three doses of KM and metformin showed a significant reduction in direct bilirubin levels. A significant improvement in HDL was observed in all doses of KM and metformin-treated groups. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) findings in KM treated test groups showed significantly reduced plasma glucose levels. The KM treated groups and metformin-treated groups showed a reduction in body weight at 47th week, and significantly reduced relative liver weight when compared with the HFD group. Histopathological evaluation of KM treated groups showed normal architecture of central vein and hepatic cords. Portal triads were also generally normal in their location and pattern. No indication of fatty liver. This study confirms the ability of phytoconstituents present in KM in reversing the metabolic dysfunction and liver pathology seen in NAFLD. Further studies are required to evaluate KM as a therapeutic agent.

Background: In outcome-based education, the components of the curriculum must facilitate the students to attain expected outcomes. Hence, it is imperative to evaluate the components of the curriculum. Objective: The study aimed to develop and validate a comprehensive questionnaire, Manipal Inventory for Curriculum Evaluation (MICE) to evaluate the outcomes of a hybrid physiology curriculum. Methods: The development and validation of the questionnaire consisted of three stages. The first stage comprised generation of items through literature survey. A three-round modified Delphi technique was used in the second stage to gain consensus across the eleven panel members about the items in the questionnaire. The resulted questionnaire was administered to volunteers from first year undergraduate medical students which comprised the third stage. Principal Component Analysis with Varimax rotation and Kaiser Normalization, and Chronbach’s alpha were performed to analyze the data. Results: The preliminary questionnaire had two sections; section one had forty seven items, and section two had six items. After the Delphi rounds, the first section had only forty three items, however, there were no changes in the second section. Factor analysis of the first section resulted in seven factors. One item did not load on any of the components, and hence it was dropped from the questionnaire. Overall reliability was found to be 0.898 for Cronbach’s alpha. Conclusions: The questionnaire MICE was developed with two sections, one focusing on overall curriculum and the other on outcomes. On validation, it was found that the questionnaire had acceptable levels of validity and reliability. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 22 No. 01 January’23 Page : 47-56

Objective:To examine data from studies supporting the clinical efficacy of medical approaches from India traditional systems of medicines like Ayurveda,Unani,Siddha,and Homeopathy for psoriasis using outcome indicators employed in clinical practice and research.Methods:Searches were conducted between December 2019 and September 2020 in databases PubMed,Scopus,Web of Science and Ovid Medline using search terms including traditional,complementary,psoriasis,Kushtha,Ayurveda,Siddha,Unani,Homeopathy and clinical.Controlled trials,case series and case reports published from India were included.Results:Data of 17 selected studies were extracted.Treatment efficacy in terms of improvement in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index(PASI)score or/and percentage reduction in score(PASI 50,PASI 75 and PASI 90)or/and patient-reported outcomes using instruments like Dermatology Life Quality Index and Psoriasis Disability Index were noted.All studies reported good improvement as per the study specific outcome.However,study characteristics,including study design,sample size,follow-up period,inclusion and exclusion criteria were heterogeneous,and the choice of outcome measures was not adequate to conclude the effectiveness of intervention.The use of some herbs as common ingredients in several formulations across different systems of medicines were noted in analyzing individual formulation.Conclusions:Future studies must incorporate a comprehensive study design with specific outcome measures like PASI,PASI 75,PASI 90,quality of life parameters,compliance to medications,adverse reactions,remission period,relapse rate and cost-effectiveness with long term follow-up.The currently available evidence on the roles of these herbs at molecular level in psoriasis is preliminary.

Abstract Introduction Beta thalassemia is an inherited disorder characterised by ineffective erythropoiesis leading to anemia and secondary iron overload. Neutrophils are the first line of innate immune defence against infection is dysfunctional in thalassemia patients. Iron is required for the oxidative response of neutrophils to allow the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, the role of iron contributing to the neutrophil dysfunction is unclear. This is the first study to characterise the neutrophil iron metabolism in β-thalassemia and its association with oxidative burst capacity, phagocytosis, and systemic iron homeostasis. Method Sixteen thalassemia patients and fourteen healthy individuals were recruited in the department of Haematology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India. Neutrophils were purified from human whole blood collected in EDTA tube, using neutrophil magnetic isolation kit (Miltenyi Biotec). Purified population (>95%) was confirmed by the presence of the surface marker CD62L evaluated using flow cytometry. Haematological parameters were analysed according to standard methods. Serum ferritin, iron, soluble transferrin receptor were measured using immunoassay. Serum hepcidin was measured using ELISA. Neutrophil RNA was isolated using trizol method and was reverse transcribed into complementary DNA using QIAGEN kit. The relative quantification of iron related genes were measured using real-time PCR. In oxidative burst assay, neutrophils were incubated with dihydrorhodamine 123 (DHR) and stimulated with Phorbol 12-Myristate 13-Acetate (PMA). Respiratory burst of the cell was analysed by flow cytometry. Phagocytosis and acidification capacity of human neutrophils were quantified using the pHrodo Green Staphylococcus aureus BioParticles kit (Thermo Fisher). Acquisition was performed using the Beckman Coulter(Navios) flow cytometer and analysed using kaluza software. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software. Results We investigated a cohort of β thalassemia Major (n=5), intermedia (n=6) and sickle beta thalassemia (n=5) patients who were on regular iron chelation therapy. The demographic and biochemical parameters are tabulated in Table 1. Serum iron, ferritin levels and transferrin saturation were significantly increased in thalassemia cohort as compared to healthy donors (Fig1a). There was no significant association between ferritin and hepcidin levels. The percentage of neutrophils in thalassemia was significantly reduced incomparision to healthy donors (p=0.032). Oxidative burst capacity of neutrophils from thalassemia major and intermedia patients were significantly decreased (p=0.002) compared to healthy donors upon stimulation with PMA (Fig1b). Neutrophil phagocytosis capacity indicated by the relative amounts of phagocytized fluorescein S.aureus particles were significantly lower in thalassemia patients compared with controls, after 15min/30min incubation (Fig1c). The recognition capacity of neutrophils towards bioparticles significantly decreased at 45-minute incubation in patients (p=0.017) (Fig1d). Serum iron overload and transferrin saturation had negative association with neutrophil phagocytosis capacity (r=-0.714; p=0.045 & r=-0.857; p=0.014), respectively. Neutrophil iron related gene expression was analysed and found significantly lower expression of FPN 1A (FPN1 containing iron regulatory element (IRE)), DMT1B without IRE region and IRP2 respectively (p=0.029, p=0.029 & p=0.016) (Fig1e). FPN1B without IRE region was upregulated in thalassemia patients (p=0.016). Serum ferritin had positive correlation with FPN1B (r=0.786; p=0.036). Soluble transferrin receptor had negative association with DMT1A (containing IRE region) and IRP2 respectively (r=-0.900; p=0.037 and r=-0.750; p=0.052). Aberrant neutrophil function was found in all thalassemia patients. Although oxidative burst activity was decreased in thalassemia major and intermedia patients, sickle β-thalassemia patients had normal burst activity. Systemic iron status had inverse correlation with phagocytosis capacity of neutrophils. Dysregulation of iron transporters in neutrophils was indicated by decreased expression of DMT1 and augmented FPN1B expression, despite systemic iron overload. These findings have to be explored in a larger cohort to elucidate the clinical significance. Figure 1 Figure 1. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Background. The relevance of curriculum mapping to determine the links between expected learning outcomes and assessment is well stated in the literature. Nevertheless, studies confirming the usage of such maps are minimal. Methods. We assessed links through curriculum mapping, between assessments and expected learning outcomes of dental physiology curriculum of three batches of students (2012–14) at Melaka-Manipal Medical College (MMMC), Manipal. The questions asked under each assessment method were mapped to the respective expected learning outcomes, and students’ scores in different assessments in physiology were gathered. Students’ (n = 220) and teachers’ (n=15) perspectives were collected through focus group discussion sessions and questionnaire surveys. Results. More than 75% of students were successful (≥50% scores) in majority of the assessments. There was moderate (r=0.4–0.6) to strong positive correlation (r=0.7–0.9) between majority of the assessments. However, students’ scores in viva voce had a weak positive correlation with the practical examination score (r=0.230). The score in the assessments of problem-based learning had either weak (r=0.1–0.3) or no correlation with other assessment scores. Conclusions. Through curriculum mapping, we were able to establish links between assessments and expected learning outcomes. We observed that, in the assessment system followed at MMMC, all expected learning outcomes were not given equal weightage in the examinations. Moreover, there was no direct assessment of self-directed learning skills. Our study also showed that assessment has supported students in achieving the expected learning outcomes as evidenced by the qualitative and quantitative data.

BACKGROUND:Traditional Siddha Medicine advises using metal-based formulations to treat cancers. In the case of any toxicities during the therapy, Siddha physicians use Vernonia cinerea (VC) whole plant kashayam (crude aqueous extract-CAE) to reverse the toxic effects. AIM:To evaluate the nephroprotective activity of CAE and its fractions in cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity and to assess whether they compromise the anticancer efficacy of cisplatin. MATERIALS AND METHODS:Cisplatin-induced renal damage was induced in Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma (EAC) bearing mice during mild phase of tumor growth. CAE and its butanol (BF) and aqueous (AF) fractions were administered orally from the 5th day for five days. Nephroprotective potential (serum urea, creatinine, renal histology) and effect of VC on cisplatin anticancer efficacy (tumor volume, viable tumor cells, percentage increase in life span (% ILS)) were calculated. RESULT:CAE and its fractions significantly reversed the cisplatin-induced renal damage. CAE and BF treated animals showed regeneration of 50%-75% of proximal tubular cells. Compared to EAC control mice, the % ILS of the cisplatin-treated group was 244% and it was further extended to 379% after CAE administration. The % ILS in the CAE treated group was 1.6 times higher than the cisplatin alone treated group. GC-MS study showed the presence of astaxanthin and betulin. CONCLUSION:CAE of VC reverses cisplatin-induced kidney damage as well as regenerates proximal tubular epithelial cells, without compromising the anticancer effect of cisplatin. When CAE was further fractionated, the nephroprotective activity was retained, but the beneficial anticancer effect of cisplatin was compromised.

Background:. Undergraduate research experience has become increasingly relevant for today's medical students, considering the professional requirements of their challenging future.Methods:. In the mentored student project (MSP) programme at Melaka Manipal Medical College, students undertake a short-term group research project under the guidance of their mentor. After data collection and analysis, students are required to write an abstract, present a poster and also write individual reflective summaries of their research experience. We evaluated the MSP programme using reflective summaries of a batch of undergraduate medical students. Data from 41 reflective summaries were analysed using the thematic analysis approach. The learning outcomes at the third and fourth levels of the Kirkpatrick evaluation model were determined from the summaries.Results:. Students' reflective summaries indicated that they were satisfied with the MSP experience. In all the summaries, there was a mention of an improvement in teamwork skills through MSP. Improved relations with mentors were another relevant outcome. Improvement in communication skills and a positive change related to research attitude were also reported by students.Conclusions:. Reflective summaries as a means to evaluate the MSP programme was found to be an easy, feasible and cost-effective method. The qualitative approach adopted for data analysis enabled the programme coordinators to assess the strengths and barriers of the programme.

This study evaluated the prophylactic effect of Kadukkai maathirai in D-galactosamine (D-gal) induced hepatotoxicity in rats. D-galactosamine (D-gal) 400 mg/kg intraperitoneally was used to induce liver damage in rats. To assess the hepatoprotective effect of KM, three different doses of KM (36, 72 and 144 mg/kg body weight) were used. The hepatoprotective effect of KM was compared with standard drug silymarin (50 mg/kg). The biochemical parameters such as AST, ALT, ALP and total bilirubin were estimated. The livers were dissected out to look for histological changes. KM 144 mg/kg and silymarin showed a significant decrease in AST, ALP and total bilirubin. Both KM and silymarin significantly prevented decrease in liver weight. In KM treated groups, the liver did not show necrosis of hepatocytes, and apoptotic bodies with mild to moderate inflammatory infiltrate in the lobules and portal tracts. Hence, the results of this study confirms the hepatoprotective effect KM in rats.

Introduction: The emphasis in outcome-based education is on the outcomes or the products, and in the context of a medical or dental school, the kind of doctors and dentists it produces becomes the outcome. The young doctors and dentists coming out of these schools need to possess the competencies to practice in an increasingly complex healthcare scenario with changing patient and public expectations. The choice of learning opportunities (teaching-learning method) should be aligned and oriented towards achieving the expected learning outcomes. The current study established the links between learning opportunities and the expected learning outcomes in dental physiology curriculum through curriculum mapping. Method: Learning opportunities were linked to expected learning outcomes by examining the conduct of each of them. Moreover, students’ and teachers’ views were obtained through focus group discussions and interviews. Results: It what learning opportunities provided to students in the form of lectures, problembased learning and practical sessions served its purpose of achievement of expected learning outcomes. Furthermore, valuable suggestions on the improvement of the existing learning opportunities were obtained. Conclusions: The study, therefore, confirmed the link between the learning opportunities and expected learning outcomes.

Introduction Curriculum mapping provides a clear picture of curriculum content, learning opportunities and assessment methods employed to measure the achievement of learning outcomes with their interrelationships. It facilitates educators and teachers to examine the extent to which the curricular components are linked and hence to find out gaps in the curriculum. The objective of the study was, therefore, to evaluate the physiology curriculum of Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) programme through curriculum mapping. Materials and Methods In this study, mapping of the physiology curriculum of three batches of BDS programme was conducted retrospectively. The components of the curriculum used for mapping were expected learning outcomes, curriculum content, learning opportunities, assessments and learning resources. The data were gathered by reviewing office records. Results Descriptive analysis of the data revealed reasonable alignment between the curriculum content and questions asked in examinations for all three batches. It was found that all the expected learning outcomes were addressed in the curriculum and assessed in different assessments. Moreover, the study revealed that the physiology curriculum was contributing to majority of the programme outcomes. Nevertheless, the study could identify some gaps in the curriculum, as well. Conclusion This study revealed that majority of the components of the curriculum were linked and contributed to attaining the expected learning outcomes. It also showed that curriculum mapping was feasible and could be used as a tool to evaluate the curriculum.