Evaluation of traditional uses, phytochemical constituents, therapeutic uses and future prospects of Pyracantha genus: a systematic review.

The Pyracantha genus consists of evergreen shrubs distributed from Southeast Europe to South-East Asia. They are found in geographical regions of India, China, and South West Europe. They are used in traditional medicines against earache, menstrual cycles, constipation etc.

Curcumin inhibits spike protein of new SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern (VOC) Omicron, an in silico study.

Background: Omicron (B.1.1.

In silico study of some selective phytochemicals against a hypothetical SARS-CoV-2 spike RBD using molecular docking tools.

Background: This world is currently witnessing a pandemic outbreak of 'COVID-19' caused by a positive-strand RNA virus 'SARS-CoV-2'. Millions have succumbed globally to the disease, and the numbers are increasing day by day. The viral genome enters into the human host through interaction between the spike protein (S) and host angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) proteins.

Cadmium selenide (CdSe) quantum dots cause genotoxicity and oxidative stress in Allium cepa plants.

Quantum Dots (QDs), are considered as promising tools for biomedical applications. They have potential applications in agricultural industries, novel pesticide formulations, use in bio-labels and devices to aid genetic manipulation and post-harvest management. Since interactions with higher plants are of important environmental and ecological concern we investigated the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of CdSe QDs in a model plant (Allium cepa) and established relationships between QDs genotoxic activity and oxidative stress.

Phytochemicals as potential drug candidates for targeting SARS CoV 2 proteins, an in silico study.

Unlabelled: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a member of the family Coronaviridae, and the world is currently witnessing a global pandemic outbreak of this viral disease called COVID-19. With no specific treatment regime, this disease is now a serious threat to humanity and claiming several lives daily. In this work, we selected 24 phytochemicals for an in silico docking study as candidate drugs, targeting four essential proteins of SARS-CoV-2 namely Spike glycoprotein (PDB id 5WRG), Nsp9 RNA binding protein (PDB id 6W4B), Main Protease (PDB id 6Y84), and RNA dependent RNA Polymerase (PDB id 6M71).

Iron-pulsing, a novel seed invigoration technique to enhance crop yield in rice: A journey from lab to field aiming towards sustainable agriculture.

Bulk fertilizer application is one of the easiest means of improving yield of crops however it comes with several environmental impediments and consumer health menace. In the wake of this situation, sustainable agricultural practices stand as pertinent agronomic tool to increase yield and ensure sufficient food supply from farm to fork. In the present study, efficacy of iron-pulsing in improving the rice yield has been elucidated.

Effect of low-dose exposure of aluminium oxide nanoparticles in Swiss albino mice: Histopathological changes and oxidative damage.

Rapid growth in the use of aluminium oxide nanoparticles (AlO NPs) in various fields such as medicine, pharmacy, cosmetic industries, and engineering creates concerns since the literature is replete with data regarding their toxicity in living organisms. The objective of the present study was to demonstrate the potential toxicological manifestations of repeated exposure to AlO NP at low doses . In the present study, AlO NP was orally administered at 15, 30 or 60 mg kg body weight for 5 days to Swiss albino male mice.

Potential antigenotoxicity assessment of fruit.

Mill. fruits are nutritionally rich and have a broad spectrum of health benefits. In this work we hypothesized that this natural product rich in polyphenols might protect humans against DNA damage and its consequences.

Oxidative stress responses of two different ecophysiological species of earthworms (Eutyphoeus waltoni and Eisenia fetida) exposed to Cd-contaminated soil.

The aim of this study was to assess the biomarkers of oxidative stress [reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) and lipid peroxidation (LPO)] in earthworms of different ecological categories [epigeic Eisenia fetida (E. fetida) and anecic Eutyphoeus waltoni (E. waltoni)] exposed to cadmium (Cd)-polluted soil (30, 60 and 120 mg kg) for 28 days.

Malathion and dithane induce DNA damage in Vicia faba.

The increasing use of pesticides such as malathion and dithane in agriculture causes environmental mutagenicity. However, their genotoxicity in edible crops is seldom assessed. In this study, the genotoxic potential of malathion and dithane was evaluated in the roots of Vicia faba L.

Cost-effectiveness of alternative colonoscopy surveillance strategies to mitigate metachronous colorectal cancer incidence.

Background: The incidence of metachronous colorectal cancer (MCRC) among colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors varies significantly, and the optimal colonoscopy surveillance practice for mitigating MCRC incidence is unknown.

Methods: A cost-effectiveness analysis was used to compare the performances of the US Multi-Society Task Force guideline and all clinically reasonable colonoscopy surveillance strategies for 50- to 79-year-old posttreatment CRC patients with a computer simulation model.

Results: The US guideline [(1,3,5)] recommends the first colonoscopy 1 year after treatment, whereas the second and third colonoscopies are to be repeated at 3- and 5-year intervals.

Changes in utilization and costs for patients with rheumatoid arthritis, 1997 to 2006.

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that often results in joint pain, inflammation and bone erosions. Perhaps the most notable change in RA treatment during the last decade is the advent of biologics, and, in particular, anti-tumour necrosis factor agents. Given these advances, it is useful to assess how healthcare and work-loss costs of patients with RA have changed.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of roflumilast/tiotropium therapy versus tiotropium monotherapy for treating severe-to-very severe COPD.

Objective: To conduct a cost-effectiveness analysis comparing roflumilast/tiotropium therapy vs tiotropium monotherapy in patients with severe-to-very severe COPD.

Methods: The economic evaluation applied a disease-based Markov cohort model with five health states: (1) severe COPD, (2) severe COPD with a history of severe exacerbation, (3) very severe COPD, (4) very severe COPD with a history of severe exacerbation, and (5) death. Within a given health state, a patient may have a mild/moderate or severe exacerbation or die.

Economic implications of nighttime attending intensivist coverage in a medical intensive care unit.

Objective: Our objective was to assess the cost implications of changing the intensive care unit staffing model from on-demand presence to mandatory 24-hr in-house critical care specialist presence.

Design: A pre-post comparison was undertaken among the prospectively assessed cohorts of patients admitted to our medical intensive care unit 1 yr before and 1 yr after the change. Our data were stratified by Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation III quartile and whether a patient was admitted during the day or at night.

Estimating the unknown parameters of the natural history of metachronous colorectal cancer using discrete-event simulation.

Objectives: Some aspects of the natural history of metachronous colorectal cancer (MCRC), such as the rate of progression from adenomatous polyp to MCRC, are unknown. The objective of this study is to estimate a set of parameters revealing some of these unknown characteristics of MCRC.

Methods: The authors developed a computer simulation model that mimics the progression of MCRC for a 5-year period following the treatment of primary colorectal cancer (CRC).

Impact of discontinuity in health insurance on resource utilization.

Background: This study sought to describe the incidence of transitions into and out of Medicaid, characterize the populations that transition and determine if health insurance instability is associated with changes in healthcare utilization.

Methods: 2000-2004 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) was used to identify adults enrolled in Medicaid at any time during the survey period (n = 6,247). We estimate both static and dynamic panel data models to examine the effect of health insurance instability on health care resource utilization.

Improving clinical access and continuity through physician panel redesign.

Background: Population growth, an aging population and the increasing prevalence of chronic disease are projected to increase demand for primary care services in the United States.

Objective: Using systems engineering methods, to re-design physician patient panels targeting optimal access and continuity of care.

Design: We use computer simulation methods to design physician panels and model a practice's appointment system and capacity to provide clinical service.

The net value of health care for patients with type 2 diabetes, 1997 to 2005.

Background: The net economic value of increased health care spending remains unclear, especially for chronic diseases.

Objective: To assess the net value of health care for patients with type 2 diabetes.

Design: Economic analysis of observational cohort data.

Comparison of the surgical and follow-up costs associated with microsurgical resection and stereotactic radiosurgery for vestibular schwannoma.

Object: The best approach to the management of vestibular schwannoma (VS) remains controversial. The aim of this study is to analyze the initial and follow-up costs of resection and stereotactic radiosurgery for patients with VS.

Methods: Initial and follow-up costs in 53 cases in which patients with unilateral, previously unoperated VSs > 3 cm underwent resection (21 cases) or radiosurgery (32 cases) at the Mayo Clinic from June 2000 until July 2002 were analyzed for 36 months.