The data show that subcutaneous sodium salicylate injections are an effective symptomatic treatment for OA of the thumb. The results provide a basis for further physiological and therapeutic research in this area.

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Context:Prāṇāyāma, the fourth limb of ancient aṣṭāṅga yoga consists of breathing techniques which produce various physiological and psychological effects. Though various types of prāṇāyāma and their effects have been scientifically established, Bhrāmarī prāṇāyāma (Bhr.P) is the one whose effects still remain understated.Aims:The present study was conducted to find the effects of Bhrāmarī prāṇāyāma practice on pulmonary function in healthy adolescents.Study Design:Randomized control trial.Subjects and Methods:90 healthy adolescents including 32 females and 58 males participated in the study. They were randomly divided into Bhr.P group (n = 45) and Control group (n = 45) by a simple lottery method. Pulmonary function test was done at baseline and at end of 12th week using RMS Helios spirometry. Prāṇāyāma group students were trained to do Bhr.P as 3 to 4 breaths/min for 5 min followed by 2 min rest. This was one cycle and in this way, they were instructed to do five cycles each time for 45 minutes five days in a week. Control group students were not allowed to practice any kind of exercise throughout the study period.Statistical Analysis:Student paired and unpaired T tests were used to analyse the intra group and intergroup differences using R statistical software.Results:A significant (P < 0.05) improvement in all pulmonary function parameters; FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC ratio, FEF 25%-75% and PEFR was seen in the Bhr.P group than the control group adolescents. Slow vital capacity (SVC) and Maximum Voluntary Volume (MVV) also showed significant improvement in the prāṇāyāma group.Conclusions:Bhrāmarī Prāṇāyāma practice is effective in improving the pulmonary function among the adolescents which could be utilized for further clinical studies.

In recent years, nanotechnology has received extraordinary attention as the demands of today’s modern lifestyle are actively changing every day. The need for a sustainable environment and process is the prerequisite today for any advancement. Nanoparticles and its application have extended its wings into various fields. Researchers across the globe are constantly exploring the applications of NPs, especially those of metallic NPs. Among the metallic NPs, silver NPs has received special attention owing to their excellent physical and chemical properties. Nanobiotechnology has opened avenues for such a sustainable and environment-friendly progress. So, in this review, we have summarized the different methods employed in synthesising AgNPs, with special focus on the biological synthesis. This approach is of importance because of its advantages such as use of nontoxic compounds, inexpensive process, and high stability of products obtained in comparison to the other approaches. Several biomolecules of interest such as microbes and plant extracts that are used for synthesis are discussed in detail. The recent advancements in the environmental application of these biologically synthesised NPs include remediation of heavy metals and sensing, as catalysts in toxic dye degradation, remediation of waste water, and also, as a pesticidal agent for crop protection. Although AgNPs have been used in several sectors of research and industries, relevance to the environment is prominent owing to the impact it makes on the humans and all forms of life on earth.

In recent decades, research in nanomaterial specific to biodegradation has gained attraction owing to its physicochemical characteristics. Biodegradation is the main strategy used in the management of wastes. The role of nanoparticles helps in controlling the biodegradation rate. The biodegradation might not be quite effective in certain cases like high chemical deposition, due to its toxic nature towards microorganisms. The conventional strategies demonstrated a limited use of nature source, and this could be overcome through microbes and enzyme-based biodegradation. Nanoparticles have improved the biodegradation rate through low-density polyethylene development, thereby corrupting microbes. Thus, a major problem is confronted. Though innovation in science had a great impact in everyone’s life, it also has a negative impact through the increased use of toxic materials. Recent development and use of biodegradable nano-based compounds have led to many secured forms of nanomedicines. In this review, we would discuss the more recent findings of nanoparticles related to biodegradation applications and elaborate how their characteristics could influence in various biomedical applications.

Aldose reductase (ALR2) activation in the polyol pathway has been implicated as the primary mechanism for the progression of diabetic retinopathy. Most of the aldose reductase inhibitors (ARIs), used for the treatment of diabetic complications, were withdrawn due to ineffective treatment and adverse side effects caused by nonspecificity. Epalrestat, a carboxylic acid inhibitor, is the only ARI used for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy, though associated with minor side effects to 8% of the treated population. Our study exploited the interactions of Epalrestat-ALR2 crystal structure for the identification of specific phytocompounds that could inhibit human lens ALR2. 3D structures of plant compounds possessing antidiabetic property were retrieved from PubChem database for inhibition analysis, against human lens ALR2. Among the shortlisted compounds, Agnuside and Eupalitin-3-O-galactoside inhibited lens ALR2 with IC50 values of 22.4 nM and 27.3 nM, respectively, compared to the drug Epalrestat (98 nM), indicating high potency of these compounds as ALR2 inhibitors. IC50 concentration of the identified ARIs was validated in vitro using ARPE-19 cells. The in silico and in vitro approaches employed to identify and validate specific and potent ALR2 inhibitors resulted in the identification of phytocompounds with potency equal to or better than the ALR2 inhibiting drug, Epalrestat.

Objective: The objective of this research was to determine early advanced glycation end-product (AGE) inhibition by natural aldose reductase inhibitors (ARIs), quercetin and catechin. Methods:The assay mixture (4 ml) consisted of 2 ml of 50 mM phosphate-buffered saline (pH 7.4), 50 µg/µl bovine serum albumin (BSA), and 2 mM glucose with or without the inhibitor. The test samples were treated with three different concentrations (10 mM, 20 mM, and 40 mM) of quercetin and catechin. High-throughput screening-based assay was adapted to perform the BSA-glucose test to determine the induction of AGE formation and its inhibition by quercetin, and catechin, using the fluorescence of the AGE-BSA sample at excitation and emission wavelengths of 350 and 450 nm. Result:The ARIs, quercetin and catechin inhibited early glycation with an inhibitory concentration value of 15.58 mM and 35.01 mM, respectively. Conclusion:The suppression of AGEs formation by natural inhibitors of aldose reductase would provide an alternative approach to the control of diabetic complications.

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