miRNAs, piRNAs, and lncRNAs: A triad of non-coding RNAs regulating the neurovascular unit in diabetic retinopathy and their therapeutic potentials.

Diabetic Retinopathy (DR), a leading complication of diabetes mellitus, has long been considered as a microvascular disease of the retina. However, recent evidence suggests that DR is a neurovascular disease, characterized by the degeneration of retinal neural tissue and microvascular abnormalities encompassing ischemia, neovascularization, and blood-retinal barrier breakdown, ultimately leading to blindness. The intricate relationship between the retina and vascular cells constitutes a neurovascular unit, a multi-cellular framework of retinal neurons, glial cells, immune cells, and vascular cells, which facilitates neurovascular coupling, linking neuronal activity to blood flow.

Adiponectin-induced activation of ERK1/2 drives fibrosis in retinal pigment epithelial cells.

Adiponectin (APN), a vasoactive cytokine produced by adipocytes, has emerged as a critical player in retinal diseases. Renowned for its antioxidant, anti-angiogenic, and anti-inflammatory properties, APN levels are closely linked to metabolic disorders, such as insulin resistance, obesity, and diabetic retinopathy (DR). Our previous work demonstrated that APN is similar in efficiency as Avastin in limiting neovascularization in retinal endothelial cells.

piRNAs in the human retina and retinal pigment epithelium reveal a potential role in intracellular trafficking and oxidative stress.

Long considered active only in the germline, the PIWI/piRNA pathway is now known to play a significant role in somatic cells, especially neurons. In this study, piRNAs were profiled in the human retina and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Furthermore, RNA immunoprecipitation with HIWI2 (PIWIL4) in ARPE19 cells yielded 261 piRNAs, and the expression of selective piRNAs in donor eyes was assessed by qRT-PCR.

Analysis of heavy metals in dying wetland Pallikaranai, Tamil Nadu, India.

Pallikaranai wetland has high ecological significance as it has been a home for other associated biodiversities. This wetland is highly polluted due to the rapid industrialization, urbanization and dumping of solid waste. The water quality of the Pallikaranai wetland has been studied with reference to toxic metals.

Evaluation of anti-inflammatory and anti oxidant activity of a poly herbal formulation - Chyavana drink.

The study was designed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of a poly herbal formulation-Chyavana drink. The inflammation was induced in albino rats by carrageenan. The formulation was effective when compared with a known anti-inflammatory drug.

Corrosion behavior and biocompatibility of nanostructured TiO2 film on Ti6Al4V.

The corrosion behavior and cell adhesion property of nanostructured TiO2 films deposited electrolytically on Ti6Al4V were examined in the present in vitro study. The nanostructured TiO2 film deposition on Ti6Al4V was achieved via peroxoprecursors. SEM micrographs exhibit the formation of amorphous and crystallite TiO2 nanoparticles on Ti6Al4V before and after being annealed at 500 degrees C.

Family education in schizophrenia: A comparison of two approaches.

Background: Family education programme (FEP) for families of persons with schizophrenia is practised in several centres as a part of patient-and family-related services.

Aim: This paper describes two models of FEP conducted at the Schizophrenia Research Foundation (SCARF), Chennai.

Methods: The first programme was a part of a research study and was structured utilizing standard evaluation instruments.