Synovial Fluid Proteomic Signatures in Different Subtypes of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) encompasses distinct inflammatory subtypes such as polyarticular (pJIA), oligoarticular (oJIA), systemic onset (sJIA) and enthesitis-related arthritis (ERA). The molecular mechanisms underlying these subtypes remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the differential protein expression in synovial fluid (SF) across these subtypes of JIA using high-throughput proteomics to identify potential diagnostic biomarkers.

Human oral pharmacokinetics of 4-hydroxy isoleucine and dosage simulation studies for predicting its pharmacodynamics in diabetes.

Introduction: 4-hydroxy isoleucine (4-HIL), a potent glucose-lowering agent and insulin secretagogue, is widely available in nutraceutical market as fenugreek seed extract formulations. This study aims to elucidate the oral pharmacokinetics (PK) of 4-HIL in healthy human volunteers to standardize its dose and dosing regimen, ensuring its potential for effective diabetes management.

Methodology: Twelve healthy volunteers received a single oral administration of 150 mg of 4-HIL as fenugreek seed extract tablets.

Functional and Physiological Implications of Oligopeptide Transporters: Potential Targets for Pharmacological Interventions.

Peptide transporters are important plasma membrane proteins that facilitate the cellular uptake of di- and tripeptides in addition to various peptidomimetic drugs. The proton-coupled oligopeptide transporter (POT) family consists of mainly four transporter proteins, which include two H -coupled oligopeptide transporters known as PEPT1 (SLC15A1) and PEPT2 (SLC15A2), along with two peptide/histidine transporters referred to as PHT1 (SLC15A4) and PHT2 (SLC15A3). These transporters play an important role in the drug delivery process in mammalian tissues.

Role of Endocannabinoids in Glaucoma: A Review.

Aims: A review of the published literature was done to understand the role of endocannabinoids in glaucoma.

Background: As evidence mounts that intraocular pressure (IOP) is not the only factor in the pathogenesis and progression of glaucoma, a look into other aspects is the need of the hour. From the first instance of a drop in IOP linked to marijuana in the 1970s to the present, research has been ongoing, mostly in animals and models, with a scarcity of human studies, to delve into the world of the endocannabinoid system (ECS).

Role of oral bio-enhanced curcumin in dry eye disease.

Purpose: To assess the role of oral bio-enhanced curcumin in dry eye disease (DED).

Design: Randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled clinical study conducted at a tertiary eye center.

Methods: Forty patients of bilateral mild to moderate DED were randomized in two groups - group A (topical carboxy methyl cellulose QID + oral placebo) and group B (topical carboxy methyl cellulose QID + oral bio-enhanced curcumin).

Adjunct Topical Human Immunoglobulin IgG Therapy in Dry Eye Disease.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of topical human IgG eye drops (4 mg/mL) as adjunct therapy in eyes with moderate to severe refractory dry eye disease (DED).

Methodology: A prospective, longitudinal, open label, dual cohort study of patients with chronic DED of moderate to severe grade comprise of OSIG therapy group cohort on topical immunoglobulin IgG 0.4% four times daily, as adjunctive therapy for one year, to study the role of OSIG therapy in comparison with conventional treatment.

Adiponectin mediated metabolic and sphingolipid alterations in preventing endothelial dysfunction.

Endothelial dysfunction is an early indicator of atherosclerosis. Adiponectin, a hormone secreted by adipose tissue with insulin-sensitizing and anti-inflammatory properties, offers protection against atherosclerosis. This study investigated the metabolic and sphingolipid alterations in endothelial cells linked to the protective effects of adiponectin against endothelial dysfunction.

Topical low-dose heparin in ocular Stevens Johnson Syndrome and associated molecular correlations: A randomized controlled pilot study.

Purpose: To elucidate the efficacy of topical low dose heparin (LDH) as an adjuvant therapy in of sub -chronic and chronic ocular Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and its effect on Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) associated markers.

Design: A prospective randomized controlled pilot trial.

Methods: 72 clinically diagnosed SJS cases were recruited into sub-chronic and chronic groups.

Cognitive Impairment in Primary Open Angle Glaucoma: A Case-Control Study.

Prcis: Cognitive impairment in multiple domains was observed in primary open angle glaucoma patients as compared with age and gender-matched healthy controls.

Objective: Evaluation of cognitive impairment in individuals with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG).

Methods: In this case-control study, individuals with POAG (cases, n=70) were compared with age-matched and sex-matched healthy individuals (controls, n=70) using detailed ophthalmological evaluation, cognitive assessment, and serum cortisol level.

Gut-resident regulatory T cells (GTregs) play a pivotal role in maintaining bone health under postmenopausal osteoporotic conditions.

Osteoporosis is a skeletal condition characterized by the deterioration of bone tissue. The immune system plays a crucial role in maintaining bone homeostasis and combating the development of osteoporosis. Immunoporosis is the term used to describe the recent convergence of research on the immune system's role in osteoporosis.

Atropine (0.05%) for rapid progressive childhood myopia (ARM study).

Purpose: This study aims to assess the effectiveness of atropine 0.05% for myopia control among children exhibiting (documented) rapid myopia progression (>0.75D/year).

Evaluation of topical 1% posaconazole therapy in refractory fungal keratitis.

Purpose: The primary objective was to evaluate the clinical response of refractory cases of fungal keratitis to topical 1% posaconazole therapy.

Methods: Prospective longitudinal non-randomized open label dual-cohort study of 70 eyes of refractory fungal keratitis, 35 were recruited as posaconazole treatment (PCZ) group for topical 1% posaconazole therapy and compared to 35 eyes on conventional antifungal therapy. Study parameters included demographic and treatment details, visual acuity, comprehensive slit-lamp biomicroscopy, clinical photography, ASOCT at recruitment and weekly (week 1, 2, 3 and 4 after treatment initiation).

Comparative Evaluation of Topical Monotherapy (Natamycin or Natasol) and Combination Therapy (Natamycin and Voriconazole) in Mild-Moderate Fungal Keratitis.

Purpose: To compare the efficacy of monotherapy (natamycin 5% or Natasol 1%) versus combination therapy (natamycin 5% and voriconazole 1%) in the treatment of mild-moderate fungal keratitis.

Methods: In a prospective, comparative, interventional study, 60 eyes of 60 patients with mild-moderate fungal keratitis were included and randomized in 3 groups based on the topical antifungal therapy received: group 1, natamycin 5%; group 2, Natasol 1% (1% w/v aqueous natamycin); and group 3, combination of natamycin 5% and voriconazole 1%.

Results: 51 of 60 cases (85%) resolved with medical management only.

Antiseptic efficacy and plasma chlorhexidine levels following two different methods of application of 1% aqueous chlorhexidine gluconate for skin disinfection in preterm newborns: a randomized controlled trial.

Objective: Many neonatal units have started using Chlorhexidine gluconate for neonatal skin antisepsis. However, there is in-vitro evidence of inhibition of neurite growth. The current study aimed to compare two methods of its local application, for the extent of systemic absorption and antiseptic efficacy.

Organic cation transporter 1 in the lacrimal gland facilitates the entry of systemic drugs causing ocular surface toxicity.

Many of the daily systemic medications (parenteral and oral) used to treat various diseases are known to cause ocular toxicities - leading to vision loss. How these medications gain entry into the eye despite the ocular barriers is an important question to be addressed. Various reports show almost 30-40 % of systemic drugs causing ocular toxicity are organic cation in nature.

Transmethylation and Oxidative Biomarkers in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Cross Sectional Study.

We aimed to investigate the potential role of biomarkers of transmethylation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) by comparing them with that of typically developing children (TDC) controls. We also tried to correlate them with severity of autism, sensory issues, behavioural comorbidities and developmental quotients 119 with ASD and 52 age and sex matched typically developing children (TDC) controls were enrolled excluding those with chronic-illness or on any antioxidant therapy/multivitamins/anti-epileptic drugs. Median levels of biomarkers - serum homocysteine, cysteine, methionine, urine uric acid-to-creatinine ratio, arterial lactate, serum vitamin E, vitamin B12, folate, Nε-carboxymethyllysine, Nω- carboxymethylarginine (CMA), dityrosine and MTHFR C677T polymorphism were calculated.

Impact of Social Restrictions During COVID-19 on the Aquatic Levels of Antimicrobials and Other Drugs in Delhi.

The relative contribution of factors responsible for the environmental exposure of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) is of interest for appropriate remedial measures. This study was carried out to evaluate the post-lockdown levels of APIs in water resources, in comparison to our previously published study from 2016. The environmental levels of 28 drugs from different classes were analyzed in surface water (Yamuna River), aquifers, and leachate samples collected from 26 locations in Delhi-NCR using the previously validated liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) methods.

Pharmacokinetic-Pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) Analysis of Second-Line Anti-Tubercular Drugs in Indian Children with Multi-Drug Resistance.

Objectives: To conduct a thorough pharmacokinetic (PK) - pharmacodynamic (PD) analysis of second-line anti-tubercular therapy (ATT) in children diagnosed with multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB).

Methods: Twenty-seven children undergoing second-line ATT, including kanamycin (KM, n = 13), fluoroquinolones (FQs, n = 26), ethionamide (ETH, n = 20), para amino salicylic acid (PASA, n = 4), and cycloserine (CS, n = 15), were sampled at 0 (pre-dose), 1, 2, 3, and 4 h post-drug administration. Plasma drug levels were determined using a mass spectrometer and the collected dataset underwent non-compartmental PK analysis using PK solver ver2.

Evaluation of adjuvant role of topical cyclosporine 1% in acute Stevens-Johnson syndrome: a randomised control trial.

Purpose: To evaluate the role of topical cyclosporine A 1% (CsA) as an adjuvant therapy in patients with acute Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS).

Methods: This is a randomised controlled trial in which 44 patients (88 eyes) with acute SJS, presenting within 3 months from the onset of the disease, were enrolled and randomised. Group A (n=44 eyes) patients received treatment with topical CsA 1% along with standard therapy consisting of topical corticosteroids, antibiotics and lubricants.

Nanomicelles empower natamycin in treating fungal keratitis: An in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo study.

Fungal infections of cornea are important causes of blindness especially in developing nations with tropical climate. However, the challenges associated with current treatments are responsible for poor outcome. Natamycin is the only FDA-approved antifungal drug to treat fungal keratitis, but unfortunately due to its poor water solubility, it is available as suspension.

Endocannabinoids and cortisol in plasma, aqueous and tear samples of primary angle closure glaucoma versus controls.

Purpose: To compare the levels of endocannabinoids (EC) in plasma, aqueous humor and tears, cortisol in plasma and aqueous, in primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG) and controls, while comparing the quality of life in both groups.

Methods: A total of 60 patients, ≥40years of age, with a diagnosis of PACG or cataract, 30 in each group were recruited. They were subjected to a detailed ophthalmic evaluation, a WHO Quality of Life Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire answering and collection of tear, aqueous and blood samples.

Effect of CYP2C19 polymorphism on response to bortezomib-based therapy in multiple myeloma patients.

Background: Bortezomib, a commonly used anti-myeloma drug, is metabolized by liver microsomal enzymes which may be polymorphic and responsible for lack of response in 30% patients. Hence, the association of CYP2C19 polymorphism with treatment response was explored in this study.

Methods: Treatment naive multiple myeloma (MM) patients, eligible for bortezomib-based induction treatment, were recruited as per the inclusion - exclusion criteria.

Analysis and remediation of phthalates in aquatic matrices: current perspectives.

Phthalic acid esters (PAEs) are high production volume chemicals used extensively as plasticizers, to increase the flexibility of the main polymer. They are reported to leach into their surroundings from plastic products and are now a ubiquitous environmental contaminant. Phthalate levels have been determined in several environmental matrices, especially in water.

Calotropis procera extract inhibits prostate cancer through regulation of autophagy.

Current treatment options available for prostate cancer (PCa) patients have many adverse side effects and hence, new alternative therapies need to be explored. Anticancer potential of various phytochemicals derived from Calotropis procera has been studied in many cancers but no study has investigated the effect of leaf extract of C. procera on PCa cells.