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Corrosion significantly threatens the structural integrity of steel-based constructions like buildings and industrial units. Traditional corrosion inhibitors, such as chromates, are associated with environmental and health risks. This has led to a growing interest in environmentally sustainable alternatives, with plant extracts emerging as promising candidates. These extracts are widely available, sustainable, and eco-friendly. This review aims to explore the potential of plant extracts as corrosion inhibitors for various types of steel. After examining current scientific literature, over 40 plant extracts have been identified that exhibit corrosion inhibition properties. These extracts have been thoroughly analyzed to understand their effectiveness in preventing corrosion. The review elucidates the mechanisms by which these extracts interact with metal surfaces to form protective layers, effectively hindering the corrosion process. In this review, we focus on the challenges associated with utilizing plant extracts as inhibitors, including optimal extract concentration and temperature considerations., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper. Dr Anjanapura V Raghu., (© 2024 The Authors.)

Tooth movement in orthodontic therapy is connected to the frictional force that is created as the wire passes over the bracket. It is possible for teeth to move quickly when friction is at a minimum. Wires coated with nanoparticles have been found to reduce friction as a result of current developments in the orthodontics sector. Having an antimicrobial property is an added benefit. To reduce the friction generated by brackets, wires, and bands by lessening their cytotoxicity, this study examines the potential use of TiO2 nanoparticles in orthodontics. A monolayer of L929 was utilized in an indirect cytotoxicity test to evaluate the cytotoxicity of the coated orthodontic wire. The absence of reactive zones in our sample data demonstrates that TiO2 is not cytotoxic. Considering the results of our study, we conclude that TiO2 is secure for use as a coating for orthodontic devices., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright: © 2024 Journal of Pharmacy and Bioallied Sciences.)

Endoscopic optic nerve decompression is a highly effective and reliable approach for patients with select cases of optic neuropathy. It reduces the hydrostatic pressure and helps in relieving the compressive forces within the intracanalicular portion of the optic nerve consequently preserving and arresting the deterioration of vision. The advantages of the endoscopic approach over other procedures include preservation of olfaction, quick recovery, lack of external scars and less morbidity. The objective of the study is to assess the surgical outcome of endoscopic optic nerve decompression in patients with traumatic and atraumatic optic neuropathy. The case records of consequent patients attending ENT department with defective vision due to traumatic and atraumatic causes were reviewed. The outcome was measured in terms of improvement in visual acuity by log MAR scale. Among the 14 patients studied, 57% were females and the median age of presentation was 33 years. As compared to preoperative baseline visual acuity, the overall improvement was achieved in 11 patients, with an effective rate of 78.5% postoperatively. Patients presenting with no light perception and residual vision had significant improvement in visual acuity after surgery. Trans-nasal endoscopic surgery helps in decompressing the optic nerve with proper exposure of the orbital apex and optic canal without any intracranial or intra-orbital complications. Further, being a minimally invasive procedure has great advantage in cases of optic neuropathy., Competing Interests: Conflict of InterestNIL., (© Association of Otolaryngologists of India 2023. Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.)

The aim of the study was to determine the post surgical outcomes in pediatric adenotonsillar hypertrophy with OSA using portable polysomnography (PSG), OSA 18 Questionnaire and Quality of life (QoL) scores. Secondly to correlate the subjective outcomes with objective scores of polysomonography. A prospective, single-arm, nonrandomized, single center study was performed at a tertiary care centre on children aged 3-12 years (n = 30) with adenoid hypertrophy/ tonsillar hypertrophy/adenotonsillar hypertrophy and symptoms suggestive of OSA. All subjects underwent appropriate surgical intervention. A portable PSG and OSA 18 questionnaire evaluation was performed pre surgery and 06 weeks post surgery to assess objective and clinical assessment for OSA. The mean age of children enrolled in the study was 8.68 ± 3 years. The mean pre treatment AHI was 12.56 ± 13.16 which improved to 1.72 ± 1.53 post surgery and was statistically significant ( p  < 0.05, Wilcoxon signed rank test). There was a statistically significant improvement in other PSG indices such as RDI and ODI post surgery also. The mean total symptom score (TSS) and QoL score also showed a statistically significant improvement post treatment ( p  < 0.05). However there was no correlation between the PSG and OSA 18 questionnaire scores pre and post surgery. Children with OSA like symptoms can undergo a portable polysomnography pre and post surgery to demonstrate severity of OSA and objectively monitor improvement in OSA post treatment. In the absence of availability of PSG, OSA 18 questionnaire is a suitable alternative to monitor disease severity and outcomes. Further studies may plan to include impact of paediatric OSA on other function such as the cardiac, dentition & malocclusion and neurocognitive function., (© Association of Otolaryngologists of India 2022, Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.)

Context: The city of Chennai is one of the largest metropolitan cities in India where apart from a large traditional population, there has been a continuous migration from rural areas and growing sophistication in lifestyle. Twinning rates trend in the present world would be interesting to study., Aims: The aim of the present study was to analyse the twinning rate in the city of Chennai, the distribution amongst various city zones and the present trends in the co-relation between the maternal age of the twins with the zygosity., Settings and Design: A population-based study was conducted on twin births in various corporation Zones in the Chennai Metropolitan, between 2010 and 2012. As per the Chennai corporation and Health Department register, there were a total of 2,32,884 births registered in the city of which 4,500 were twin births over the 3 years. Only 1371 pairs were found residing in Chennai at the time of study, and hence, a study was conducted on this population only., Satistical Analysis Used: The data were analysed with Epiinfo software., Results: A twining rate of 19.3 per 1000 births was observed as per Corporation records. In the present study, the sample of 150 pairs, 34 pairs (22.6%) comprised of monozygotic (MZ) twins and 116 pairs (77.3%) comprised of dizygotic twins giving a ratio of 1:3. The maternal age groups 25-30 and 30-35 years comprised of the maximum twinning rates. Most twin births were of the first order. An analysis of Weinberg's Differential Rule method to determine zygosity showed a significant difference compared to the Questionnaire method., Conclusions: The twinning rate observed in Chennai in the present study is interestingly very high, compared to the overall twinning rate reported in the past in the state of Tamilnadu. The Wienberg's Differential method for zygosity determination is again found to be questionable. The zygosity proportion, maternal age and parity relations are not very different from previously available data., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright: © 2022 Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care.)

Organisational competitive procurement environment positively impacts prices while supply side factors also determine participation in bidding. With strong competition costs come down. Instances of low competition in equipment purchase in the apex tertiary care hospital led to this study aimed at determining procurement practices, competition in procurement and its determinants. Review of tender records for three financial years (2011-2014) was conducted to ascertain procurement practices and resulting competition. Sellers' perspective on factors determining participation was captured through a questionnaire. Although four bids per tender were received only two qualified technically emphasising need for broad based specifications. Both sellers and peer staff also feel that specifications are not broad based. Regression analysis showed that one unit increase in bid led to six per cent price reduction. Increase in number of equipment led to an increase in the number of bids received but no price decrease. Pre-bid meetings have no effect on the price offered. Quality of tender document and feasible demonstration are modifiable bidding factors. Procuring agencies need to be transparent to reflect an organisationally supported competitive environment. The future research directions are interventional studies on specifications, pre-bid meetings and increasing transparency.

Purpose: The negligence of oral health combined with barriers in accessing adequate oral care is more commonly encountered in children with sensory deficits. In a developing country like India, there is a severe lacuna in data regarding the oral health status and treatment needs in this group of population. The purpose of this study is to assess the oral health status and treatment needs of children with sensory deficits, using WHO criteria of Basic Oral Health Survey Methods, 1997., Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using the WHO criteria (Basic Oral Health Survey, 1997); questionnaire data regarding the demographic profile, oral hygiene status, degree of sensory impairment were recorded and tabulated. The Chi-square test was used to determine whether there existed a significant difference in the oral health status. The confidence interval was set at 95% and alpha error was assumed at 0.05., Results: Among the 742 sensory deficit children examined, 371 children are visually impaired and 371 are hearing impaired. Gingival bleeding and poor oral hygiene is diagnosed in more than 70% of the visually impaired children. The prevalence of trauma is estimated to be 8% in children, who are visually impaired. In the hearing impairment group, gingival bleeding because of inadequate oral hygiene is seen in 58% of the population examined. There is no statistically significant difference in the dental caries status between visually impaired and hearing impaired children (P > 0.05). There is also no statistically significant difference in the restorative treatment need and trauma status between visually impaired and hearing impaired children (P > 0.05)., Conclusion: The present study shows a high prevalence of gingival diseases and dental caries in the special health care group children. The study signifies a wide spread presence of unmet treatment needs among children in this study population., Competing Interests: None

Quantum dots have now become the most important candidates and widely exploited as promising architectures for use as diagnostic and imaging agents in biomedicine and as semiconductors in the electronics industry. This article emphasizes on the aqueous synthesis of water soluble CdSe/CdS/ZnS core/shell/shell quantum dots with L-cysteine and mercaptopropionic acid as capping agent and their observed properties have been compared. The biocompatibility of the assynthesized quantum dots have also been analyzed through the cytotoxicity study using MTT assay. The structural, morphological and optical properties of these quantum dots have been examined through X-ray diffraction (XRD), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), UV-Visible absorption spectroscopy (UV-Vis) and Photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL). The capping of L-cysteine and mercaptopropionic acid on the quantum dots has been confirmed from Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). XRD results demonstrated the formation of hexagonal wurtzite structure for L-cysteine and cubic zinc blende structure for mercaptopropionic acid capped CdSe/CdS/ZnS quantum dots. From the optical measurements, it is observed that there is a considerable increase in the photoluminescence intensity of L-cysteine capped quantum dots than MPA. The HRTEM images revealed the narrow size distribution and in addition, L-cysteine capped quantum dots were found to be more biocompatible than mercaptopropionic acid capped quantum dots which would provide new opportunities for applications in bioimaging and biolabelling.

Current study focusses on the concomitant production of fatty acid methyl ester (FAME, biodiesel) and exopolysaccharides (EPS) from Scenedesmus abundans cell factory in flat panel photobioreactor using cost effective harvesting strategy. Parallel mini and medium scale flat panel photobioreactors (PBRs) with special gas sparging system enabling high gas to liquid mass transfer and efficient mixing were designed. Biomass titer of 6.9 g/l with overall biomass productivity of 1.2 g/l/day was achieved with constant high light intensity of 2162 µE/m 2 /s in growth phase (134 h) using optimum nutrient concentration. FAME concentration of 1.53 g/l was achieved after 15 days of nitrogen deprivation condition with productivity of 67 mg/l/day. The EPS production of 236 mg/l with a yield of 37 mg/g biomass was achieved. The strain proved its capability to produce multiproducts simultaneously in a single stage PBR by natural autoflocculation harvesting technology., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The present study was performed to investigate the photocatalytic efficiency of the titania (TiO 2 ) nanotubes (NTs) powder prepared via rapid breakdown anodization sensitized individually with Ni, Pd and Pt metal nanoparticles (NPs). The TiO 2 NTs powder had the length of 5-6 μm, with the outer diameter between 20 and 25 nm and the wall thickness of 3-4 nm as observed in the scanning and transmission electron microscopes. The crystal structure analysis employing X-ray diffraction indicated the presence of Pt, Pd and Ni NPs in face-centered cubic phase over the anatase TiO 2 NTs powder. The photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) was carried out with these photocatalysts. As a result, the performance of the 2 at.% Pt-loaded Pt-TiO 2 NTs nanocomposite was determined to be superior on comparison to other photocatalysts under the current investigation. Fourier-transform infrared spectra confirmed the absence of any adsorption of MB or degraded products onto the surface of all the photocatalysts. The electron paramagnetic resonance analysis substantiated the e - transfer interaction from the conduction band of TiO 2 NTs to Fermi level of Pt NPs has resulted in the better photodegradation process. The possible degradation mechanism using Pt-TiO 2 NTs nanocomposites is discussed.

A three-dimensional regression analysis attempted to model mesozooplankton (MSP) biomass using sea surface temperature (SST) and chlorophyll-a (Chl-a). The study was carried out from January 2014 to July 2015 in the southwestern Bay of Bengal (BoB) and sampling was carried out on board Sagar Manjusha and Sagar Purvi. SST ranged from 26.2 to 33.1 °C while Chl-a varied from 0.04 to 6.09 μg L -1 . During the course of the study period, there was a weak correlation (r = 0.32) between SST and Chl-a statistically. MSP biomass varied from 0.42 to 9.63 mg C m -3 and inversely related with SST. Two kinds of approaches were adopted to develop the model by grouping seasonal datasets (four seasonal algorithms) and comprising all datasets (one annual algorithm). Among the four functions used (linear, paraboloid, the Lorentzian and the Gaussian functions), paraboloid model was best suited. The best seasonal and annual algorithms were applied in the synchronous MODIS-derived SST and Chl-a data to estimate the MSP biomass in the southwestern BoB. The modelled MSP biomass was validated with field MSP biomass and the result was statistically significant, showing maximum regression coefficient for the seasonal algorithms (R 2  = 0.60; p = 0.627; α = 0.05), than the annual algorithm (R 2  = 0.52; p = 0.015, α = 0.05).

Rationale: Depression associated with obesity remains an interesting area to study the biological mechanisms and novel therapeutic intervention., Objectives: The present study investigates the effect of a novel 5-HT 3 receptor antagonist 3-methoxy-N-p-tolylquinoxalin-2-carboxamide (QCM-4) on several pathogenic markers of depression associated with obesity such as plasma insulin resistance, hippocampal cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), serotonin (5-HT) concentrations, hippocampal neuronal damage, and p53 protein expression in high-fat-diet (HFD)-fed mice., Methods: Obesity was experimentally induced in mice by feeding with HFD for 14 weeks followed by administration of QCM-4 (1 and 2 mg/kg, p.o.)/standard escitalopram (ESC) (10 mg/kg, p.o.)/vehicle (10 ml/kg, p.o.) for 28 days. Behavioral assays such as sucrose preference test (SPT); forced swim test (FST); elevated plus maze (EPM); biochemical assays including oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT), insulin, cAMP, BDNF, and 5-HT concentrations; and molecular assays mainly histology and immunohistochemistry (IHC) of p53 protein in the dentate gyrus (DG), CA1, and CA3 regions of hippocampus in HFD fed mice were performed., Results: Chronic treatment with QCM-4 in HFD-fed mice reversed the behavioral alterations in SPT, FST, and EPM. QCM-4 showed poor sensitivity for plasma glucose, improved insulin sensitivity, increased hippocampal cAMP, BDNF, and 5-HT concentrations. In the hippocampal DG, CA1, and CA3 regions, QCM-4 treatment improved the neuronal morphology in the histopathology and inhibited p53 protein expression in IHC assay in HFD-fed mice., Conclusion: QCM-4 attenuated the depressive-like phenotype in HFD-fed mice by improving behavioral, biochemical, and molecular alterations through serotonergic neuromodulation.

Background: The chance of discovering foreign object in a root canal is more commonly seen in children. Foreign objects may act as a potential source of infection, which may hinder the complete debridement of root canal. Although the main etiology being an accidental insertion, there are other possibilities such as self-injurious habits which should be ruled out., Case Details: The present article describes two case of foreign object in root canal, their possible etiology and management modalities. The first case reports a usual case of staple pin in root canal of primary teeth. The second case was a broken pin inside anterior permanent teeth. The cases reported highlight the need for proper diagnosis and early management., Conclusion: This case report highlights the need for proper understanding of the etiology in management of foreign body in root canal system.

A new class of hybrid molecules containing cinnamide subunit linked to benzophenone as inhibitors of tubulin polymerization were synthesized and evaluated for their anticancer potential. These hybrids exhibit anticancer activity with IC50 values ranging from 0.06 to 16.3μM. Compounds 4f and 4g possessing fluoro and trifluoromethyl on the cinnamido subunit showed significant cytotoxic activity with IC50 values 0.06 and 0.09μM against HeLa cell line, respectively. These compounds showed cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase of the cell cycle and inhibited tubulin polymerization followed by activation of caspase-3 activity and apoptotic cell death. Further in vitro tubulin polymerization assay showed that the level of tubulin inhibition was comparable to that of 2a for the compounds 4f and 4g. Moreover, Hoechst 33258 staining and DNA fragmentation assay suggested that these compounds induce cell death by apoptosis. Overall, the current study demonstrates that the synthesis of benzophenone linked cinnamide subunit conjugates as promising anticancer agents with G2/M arrest and apoptotic-inducing ability via targeting tubulin., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Few hospitals in India perform regular surveillance for healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and use of indwelling devices and antimicrobials. The aim of this study was to conduct two one-day point prevalence surveys of HAIs and use of indwelling devices and antimicrobials in a large 1800-bed tertiary care hospital in India. The overall prevalence of HAIs was 7%, and surgical site infections were the most common (33%). Indwelling devices were present in 497 (27%) patients, and 915 (50%) patients were receiving antimicrobials. This study helped to generate robust baseline data on the prevalence of HAIs and use of indwelling devices and antimicrobials in the study hospital., (Copyright © 2014 The Healthcare Infection Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Aim: To investigate the risk factors for early childhood caries (ECC) among Indian preschool children., Methods: This case control study recruited 380 children who were divided into two groups based on their def scores. The study group (cases) included children who were diagnosed with ECC (def > 0). The cases were compared with the control group which included children who were caries free (def = 0). Data were statistically analysed using χ (2) test and multiple logistic regression analysis., Results: Risk factors specific to the ECC group were first born child (OR 4.18, 95 % CI 1.98-8.80), snacking more than thrice per day (OR 2.78, 95 % CI 1.41-5.47), bottled drinking water (OR 4.58, 95 % CI 2.13-9.86), use of more than a smear amount of toothpaste (OR 4.99, 95 % CI 2.54-9.81), mother unemployed (OR 3.45, 95 % CI 1.70-6.99) and day care person of the child (OR 8.49, 95 % CI 3.98-18.10)., Conclusions: Most common risk factors were order of birth, snacking more than thrice per day, source of drinking water, use of more than a smear amount of toothpaste, mother's work status and day care person of the child.

The present study was designed to evaluate the antidepressant potential of 5-HT3 receptor antagonist N-n-propyl-3-ethoxyquinoxaline-2-carboxamide (6n). The compound '6n' with optimum log P and pA 2 value identified from a series of compounds synthesized in our laboratory was subjected to forced Swim Test (FST) (1, 2, and 4 mg/kg, i.p) and Tail Suspension Test (TST) (1, 2, and 4 mg/kg, i.p.). The compound '6n' significantly reduced the duration of immobility in mice without affecting the baseline locomotion. Moreover, '6n' (2 mg/kg, i.p.) potentiated the 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)-induced head twitch responses in mice and '6n' at tested dose (1 and 2 mg/kg, i.p.) reversed the reserpine-induced hypothermia in rats. In interaction studies of '6n' with various standard drugs/ligands using FST, '6n' (1 mg/kg, i.p.) potentiated the antidepressant effect of venlafaxine (4 and 8 mg/kg, i.p.) and fluoxetine (10 and 20 mg/kg, i.p.). Additionally, '6n' (1 and 2 mg/kg, i.p.) influenced the effect of harmane (5 mg/ kg, i.p.) as well as reversed the effect of parthenolide (1 mg/kg, i.p.) by reducing the duration of immobility in FST. Furthermore, '6n' (1 mg/kg, i.p.) potentiated the effect of bupropion (10 and 20 mg/kg, i.p.) in TST. Chronic '6n' (1 and 2 mg/kg, i.p.) treatment attenuated the behavioral abnormalities in olfactory bulbectomized rats. In conclusion, these various findings reiterated the antidepressant-like effects of '6n' in behavioral models of depression.

In this study, an attempt has been made to investigate the structure, dynamics, and stability of cyclic peptide nanotubes (CPNTs) formed by the self-assembly of cyclic peptides (CPs) using classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and semiempirical quantum chemistry calculation employing PM6 Hamiltonian with the dispersion correction and hydrogen-bonding interaction (DH2). The structure and energetics of monomer and various oligomeric CPNTs have been investigated by considering the (cyclo-[(D-Ala-L-Ala)(4)]) peptide as the model for CP. Although the formation of CPNTs has been intensively studied, the present study adds valuable information to the de novo design of CPNTs. Various geometrical parameters extracted from the MD simulation reveal that the terminal residues are loosely hydrogen bonded to the inner subunits regardless of degree of oligomerization. The hydrogen bonds present in the inner core regions are stronger than the terminal residues. As the degree of oligomerization increases, the stability of the tube increases due to the hydrogen-bonding and stacking interactions between the subunits. The results show that the binding free energy increases with the extent of oligomerization and reaches saturation beyond pentamer CPNT. In addition, hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions play crucial roles in the formation of CPNTs. Analysis of both structure and energetics of the formation of CPNTs unveils that the self-assembly of dimer, trimer, and tetramer CPNTs are the essential steps in the growth of CPNTs.

Depression remains a challenge in the field of affective neuroscience, despite a steady research progress. Six out of nine basic antidepressant mechanisms rely on serotonin neurotransmitter system. Preclinical studies have demonstrated the significance of serotonin receptors (5-HT(1-3,6,7)), its signal transduction pathways and classical down stream targets (including neurotrophins, neurokinins, other peptides and their receptors) in antidepressant drug action. Serotonergic control of depression embraces the recent molecular requirements such as influence on proliferation, neurogenesis, plasticity, synaptic (re)modeling and transmission in the central nervous system. The present progress report analyses the credibility of each protein as therapeutically relevant target of depression. In vivo interaction studies and knockout models which identified these targets are foreseen to unearth new ligands and help them transform to drug candidates. The importance of the antidepressant assay selection at the preclinical level using salient animal models/assay systems is discussed. Such test batteries would definitely provide antidepressants with faster onset, efficacy in resistant (and co-morbid) types and with least adverse effects. Apart from the selective ligands, only those molecules which bring an overall harmony, by virtue of their affinities to various receptor subtypes, could qualify as effective antidepressants. Synchronised modulation of various serotonergic sub-pathways is the basis for a unique and balanced antidepressant profile, as that of fluoxetine (most exploited antidepressant) and such a profile may be considered as a template for the upcoming antidepressants. In conclusion, 5-HT based multi-targeted antidepressant drug discovery supported by in vivo interaction studies and knockout models is advocated as a strategy to provide classic molecules for clinical trials.

Background: Parthenium hysterophorus is the commonest cause of airborne contact dermatitis in India. Azathioprine has been shown to be effective and safe in parthenium dermatitis, but there are no reports of comparison of steroids and azathioprine in this condition., Aims: To study the therapeutic efficacy of azathioprine versus betamethasone in patients having contact dermatitis to parthenium and compare the side effects of the drugs., Methods: Fifty-five patients of airborne contact dermatitis to parthenium were randomly assigned to treatment with azathioprine 100 mg daily (group A) or betamethasone 2 mg daily (group B), for 6 months in a blinded manner. The patients were evaluated every month for 6 months to determine the response to treatment and side effects and then further followed up for another 6 months to determine any relapse., Results: There were 26 patients in group A and 29 in group B, of which 20 patients of group A and 21 of group B completed the study. Nineteen (95%) patients in group A and all 21 (100%) patients in group B had an excellent response (complete remission) to treatment (P=0.0156 vs. 0.0005). The patients in group B, however, had more adverse effects (Fisher exact, P

Serotonin type 3 (5-HT3) antagonists, which find an unflinching place in the management of nausea and emesis are presently screened for their neuro-pharmacological potential in various animal models. In the present study, 2-(4-methyl piperazin-1-yl)-1,8-naphthyridine-3-carbonitrile (NA-2) with an optimal log P and pA2 value comparable to that of ondansetron was screened in rodent models of depression. The acute and chronic (14 days) treatment of the synthetic compound exhibited antidepressant-like effects at the lower dose levels in mice forced swim test (FST). A typical and similar dose-immobility profile was observed in both mice FST and tail suspension test (TST). Interaction studies in FST revealed the reversal of mCPP induced immobility, attenuation of antidepressant effects of fluoxetine and desipramine. Chronic NA-2 treatment restored the behavioural deficits in olfactory bulbectomized (OBX) rats as indicated by reduction in hyperactivity in novel open field test. This preliminary study points to a serotonergic mechanism behind the antidepressant-like effects of NA-2 and invigorates further investigation of analogous compounds in various other models of depression.

Calcium oxalate (CaOx) stone was induced in rats using 0.75% of ethylene glycol in drinking water for 28 days. Ethylene glycol treated rats showed significant increase in the activities of oxalate synthesizing enzymes such as glycolic acid oxidase (GAO) in liver and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in liver and kidney. CaOx crystal deposition, as indicated by increased excretion of stone-forming constituents in urine, such as calcium, oxalate, uric acid, phosphorus and protein and decreased concentration of inhibitors, such as citrate and magnesium was observed in ethylene glycol induced urolithic rats. Histopathological studies also confirmed the deposition of CaOx crystals. Administration of Aerva lanata aqueous suspension (2g/kg body wt/dose/day for 28 days) to CaOx urolithic rats had reduced the oxalate synthesizing enzymes, diminished the markers of crystal deposition in the kidney. The results of the present study confirmed that A. lanata can be used as an curative agent for urolithiasis.

A series of novel 3-[(4-substituted piperazin-1-yl)alkyl]imidazo[2,1-b][1,3]benzothiazol-2(3H)-ones were prepared by microwave irradiation using alumina as solid support and also by a conventional method. The compounds were characterized by spectral data and the purity was ascertained by microanalysis. The synthesized compounds were evaluated for 5-hydroxytryptamine3 antagonisms in a longitudinal muscle-myenteric plexus preparation from guinea pig ileum against the 5-hydroxytryptamine3 agonist, 2-methyl-5-hydroxytryptamine. Among the test compounds, 3-[2-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)ethyl]imidazo[2,1-b][1,3]benzothiazol-2(3H)-one (3b) showed most favorable 5-hydroxytryptamine3 antagonism (pA2 6.7) in the isolated guinea pig ileum.

The development of serotonin 5-HT3 receptor antagonists dramatically improved the treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Ondansetron, a serotonin 5-HT3 receptor antagonist in combination with dexamethasone is widely used to treat chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. This treatment regimen is effective against acute nausea and vomiting, but fails to control delayed nausea and vomiting. Metoclopramide along with other antiemetics are used to treat delayed nausea and vomiting. The high doses of metoclopramide needed may produce extra pyramidal side effects. The recent developments of 5-HT3 and dopamine D2 dual receptor antagonists have been found to exhibit a broad spectrum of activity against peripherally and centrally acting stimuli, but are not much effective against delayed emesis associated with chemotherapy. In various animal models, neurokinin NK1 receptor antagonists showed promising results against acute and delayed emesis, but the clinical trials revealed that triple therapy (NK1 receptor antagonist, 5-HT3 receptor antagonist and dexamethasone) is superior than standard therapy (5-HT3 receptor antagonist & dexamethasone) or NK1 receptor antagonist alone, in controlling acute as well as delayed nausea and vomiting. Ginger, which is used traditionally for controlling emesis induced by various stimuli, also showed good activity against chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in animal models. Non-pharmacological methods such as acupressure and acustimulation are good adjunct methods in treating nausea and vomiting. Since many mediators are involved in emesis induced by chemotherapy, cocktail treatment is proven to be more efficacious than a single drug, but increases treatment costs. So there is a need of further research in this field to get economically useful methods for the treatment of acute and delayed chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.