Vaccine-based therapeutic interventions in lung cancer management: A recent perspective.

The incidence of lung cancer continues to grow globally, contributing to an ever-increasing load on healthcare systems. Emerging evidence has indicated lowered efficacy of conventional treatment strategies, such as chemotherapy, surgical interventions and radiotherapy, prompting the need for exploring alternative interventions. A growing focus on immunotherapy and the development of personalized medicine has paved the way for vaccine-based delivery in lung cancer.

Device-handling study of a novel breath-actuated inhaler, Synchrobreathe®, versus a pMDI.

Introduction: Synchrobreathe®, a new-generation, novel breath-actuated inhaler (BAI) can address the key issues arising during the use of both pressurised metered dose inhalers ([pMDIs]; hand-breath coordination) and dry powder inhalers ([DPIs]; high inspiratory flow required) with respect to optimal drug deposition.

Materials And Methods: This was an open-label, prospective, 2-week, multicentre study that assessed device handling, ease of use, errors and participant perception regarding the use of Synchrobreathe® versus a pMDI in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (n = 162) or asthma (n = 239) and inhaler-naïve healthy volunteers (n = 59). Ability to use the device without errors at the first attempt, total number of errors before and after training, time taken to use the device correctly and total number of training sessions, and number of attempts to perform the correct technique on Day 1 and Day 14 were evaluated.

Systemic Immuno-metabolic alterations in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Background: Metabolic adaptation in immune cells is necessary to modulate immune cell function as it is intricately coupled with intracellular metabolism. We aimed to characterize the metabolic state of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) after long-term exposure to tobacco smoke in smokers with preserved lung function and COPD subjects.

Methods: PBMCs were isolated from healthy non-smokers (HNS), healthy smokers (HS) and COPD subjects, cultured and the mitochondrial respiration while utilizing glucose (glycolysis), fatty acids (β-oxidation) or pyruvate (direct Krebs' cycle substrate) was measured using the XFp Extracellular Flux Analyzer.

Herb-drug interaction of Nisha Amalaki and Curcuminoids with metformin in normal and diabetic condition: A disease system approach.

Nisha Amalaki (NA), formulation with Curcuma longa Linn (Turmeric, Haridra, Nisha in Sanskrit; Family: Zingiberaceae) and Phyllanthus emblica Linn (Indian gooseberry, Amlaki in Sanskrit; Family: Phyllanthaceae) which is described for various diseases including diabetes in ayurvedic texts and Nighantus. The aim of the present study was to assess the pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) interactions of chemically standardized NA and Curcuminoids (CE) with metformin (MET) in normal and diabetic animals. Oral administration of NA (200 mg/kg) and CE (30 mg/kg) was carried out for seven days followed by co-administration of MET till fifteen days.

Prevalence, risk factors and clinical correlates of COPD in a rural setting in Tanzania.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) causes substantial burden of disease in developed countries, but there are limited data from Africa. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of COPD in Tanzania and identify the risk factors associated with it.This was a cross-sectional descriptive survey involving adults aged ≥35 years.

Anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hyperlipidaemic effect of Arjunarishta in high-fat fed animals.

Background: Arjunarishta (AA), a formulation used as cardiotonic is a hydroalcoholic formulation of Terminalia arjuna (Roxb.) Wight and Arn. (TA) belonging to family Combretaceae.

Combination of vitamin B12 active forms improved fetal growth in Wistar rats through up-regulation of placental miR-16 and miR-21 levels.

Aim: Epidemiological studies have indicated importance of folate and vitamin (B12) during pregnancy. Also available evidence on efficacy of B12 forms viz. Cyanocobalamin (Cbl), Methylcobalamin (MeCbl), Adenosylcobalamin (AdCbl) and Hydroxycobalamin (HCbl) in preventing or treating cobalamin deficiency is limited.

Role of L. on Glucose Uptake in Isolated Pancreatic Cells and Inhibition of Adipocyte Differentiation in 3T3-L1 Cell Line.

Background: (AP) is a pteridophyte that shows antihyperglycemic activity diabetic model, but the mechanism of action is unknown.

Objective: AP was found to play a pivotal role in minimizing the high blood glucose in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Simultaneously, it was observed that it could maintain the normal lipid profile even in diabetic condition.

Studies on wound healing potential of polyherbal formulation using in vitro and in vivo assays.

Background: The use of herbal plant extracts in wound healing is known through decades, but it is necessary to provide scientific data through reverse pharmacology.

Objective: The aim of the present study is to find the mechanism behind the healing of wounds using in vitro and in vivo assays.

Material And Methods: The study was designed to determine proliferation and mobilization of fibroblast and keratinocytes at the site of injury, angiogenesis at the site of healing and reduction in oxidative stress while healing.

Antioxidants of L. Bark Extract Provide Hepatoprotection against Ethanol-Induced Hepatic Damage: A Comparison with Silymarin.

L. (amla) has been used in Ayurveda as a potent rasayan for treatment of hepatic disorders. Most of the pharmacological studies, however, are largely focused on PE fruit, while the rest of the parts of PE, particularly, bark, remain underinvestigated.

Household air pollution and its effects on health.

Household air pollution is a leading cause of disability-adjusted life years in Southeast Asia and the third leading cause of disability-adjusted life years globally. There are at least sixty sources of household air pollution, and these vary from country to country. Indoor tobacco smoking, construction material used in building houses, fuel used for cooking, heating and lighting, use of incense and various forms of mosquito repellents, use of pesticides and chemicals used for cleaning at home, and use of artificial fragrances are some of the various sources that contribute to household air pollution.

Mechanics in human fibroblasts and progeria: Lamin A mutation E145K results in stiffening of nuclei.

The lamina is a filamentous meshwork beneath the inner nuclear membrane that confers mechanical stability to nuclei. The E145K mutation in lamin A causes Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS). It affects lamin filament assembly and induces profound changes in the nuclear architecture.

Asthma Insights and Management in India: Lessons Learnt from the Asia Pacific - Asthma Insights and Management (AP-AIM) Study.

Background: Despite a better understanding of the pathophysiology of asthma, presence of reliable diagnostic tools, availability of a wide array of effective and affordable inhaled drugs and simplified national and international asthma management guidelines, asthma remains poorly managed in India.

Objective: The Asia-Pacific Asthma Insight and Management (AP-AIM) study was aimed at understanding the characteristics of asthma, current management, level of asthma control and its impact on quality of life across Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand. This paper describes the results of asthma management issues in India in detail and provides a unique insight into asthma in India.

Symptoms and medical conditions in 204 912 patients visiting primary health-care practitioners in India: a 1-day point prevalence study (the POSEIDON study).

Background: India has one of the highest disease burdens in the world. A better understanding of what ails India will help policy makers plan appropriate health-care services and infrastructure development, design medical education curricula, and identify health research priorities that are relevant to the needs of the country. The POSEIDON study aimed to record the prevalence of symptoms and medical conditions for which patients visit a primary health-care practitioner in India.

Infection control in the pulmonary function test laboratory.

Pulmonary function testing plays a crucial role in the diagnostic evaluation of patients with lung diseases. Cases of cross infection acquired from the pulmonary function laboratory, although rare, have been reported from various countries. It is therefore imperative to identify the risks and potential organisms implicated in cross infections in a pulmonary function test (PFT) laboratory and implement better and more effective infection control procedures, which will help in preventing cross infections.

Multigenerational Undernutrition Increases Susceptibility to Obesity and Diabetes that Is Not Reversed after Dietary Recuperation.

People in developing countries have faced multigenerational undernutrition and are currently undergoing major lifestyle changes, contributing to an epidemic of metabolic diseases, though the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Using a Wistar rat model of undernutrition over 50 generations, we show that Undernourished rats exhibit low birth-weight, high visceral adiposity (DXA/MRI), and insulin resistance (hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps), compared to age-/gender-matched control rats. Undernourished rats also have higher circulating insulin, homocysteine, endotoxin and leptin levels, lower adiponectin, vitamin B12 and folate levels, and an 8-fold increased susceptibility to Streptozotocin-induced diabetes compared to control rats.

Development of health supplement probiotic in relation to physical strength and biological activity in experimental animal.

A probiotic nutritive health supplement having a healthy nutritive value was formulated to enhance body function. A 90 days study proved the formulated health supplement to improve the body weight with a maintained normal level of cholesterol and triglycerides in blood which is needful for the proper cardiac function. The supplement also maintained the blood parameters to avoid any illness in the body.

Cassia auriculata: Aspects of Safety Pharmacology and Drug Interaction.

Safety pharmacology studies help in identifying preclinical adverse drug reactions. We carried out routine safety pharmacology with focus on cardiovascular variables and pharmacokinetic herb-drug interaction studies on rats fed with standardized traditional hydro-alcoholic extract and technology-based supercritical extract of Cassia auriculata for 12 weeks. Our studies indicate that both these extracts are pharmacologically safe and did not show any significant adverse reactions at the tested doses.

Molecular characterization of Xenopus lamin LIV reveals differences in the lamin composition of sperms in amphibians and mammals.

Lamins are nuclear intermediate filament proteins. They are involved in most nuclear activities and are essential for retaining the mechano-elastic properties of the nucleus. Somatic cells of vertebrates express lamins A, B1 and B2 while lamin LIII, a major component of the amphibian oocyte lamina is absent in mammals.

Simulators for intimate examination training in the developing world.

Context: Family planning clinic in urban India.

Objective: To assess the usefulness of a pelvic simulator for intimate examination and intrauterine device insertion training, and for enhancing reproductive education for women.

Design: Observational study using evaluation forms completed by staff, and focus group interviews with women and girls participating in sexual health education.

A chimeric Anabaena/ Escherichia coli KdpD protein (Anacoli KdpD) functionally interacts with E. coli KdpE and activates kdp expression in E. coli.

The kdpFABC operon, coding for a high-affinity K(+)-translocating P-type ATPase, is expressed in Escherichia coli as a backup system during K(+) starvation or an increase in medium osmolality. Expression of the operon is regulated by the membrane-bound sensor kinase KdpD and the cytosolic response regulator KdpE. From a nitrogen-fixing cyanobacterium, Anabaena sp.