Alleviation of neuropathic pain by trazodone in rats

Neuropathic pain is generally characterised by an abnormal sensation (dysesthesia), an increased response to painful stimuli (hyperalgesia), and pain in response to a stimulus that does not normally provoke pain (allodynia). The present study was designed to investigate the effect of trazodone (5mg/kg and 10mg/kg) on peripheral neuropathic pain induced by partial sciatic nerve ligation in rats. Mechanical hyperalgesia, cold allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia were assessed by performing the pinprick, acetone, and hot plate tests, respectively. Biochemically, lipid peroxidation level and total calcium levels were measured. However, trazodone administration (5 and 10 mg/ kg i.p.) for 21days significantly diminished partial sciatic nerve ligation-induced neuropathic pain along with areduction in oxidative stress and calcium levels. The results of the present study suggest that trazodone is effective in attenuating partial sciatic nerve ligation-inducedpainful neuropathic states, which may be attributed to decreased oxidative stress and calcium levels

Flipping pharmacoepidemiology classes in a Saudi Doctor of Pharmacy program

Purpose: To examine student perceptions towards the flipped classroom approach and its impact on their learning and their course evaluation  when compared to the traditional classroom method.Methods: Five classes of the pharmacoepidemiology course were delivered using the flipped classroom approach. Student perception towards the flipped teaching method was measured using a satisfaction survey. Measuring the impact of the flipped classroom on student learning and the  student course evaluation was achieved by comparing the midterm grades and the results of the standard endof- course evaluations with the previous semester's cohort.Results: Students’ perceptions of the flipped classroom were mostly favourable. The course and its various components were viewed more favourably in the second semester than in the first semester. Statistically significant improvements were observed in the perception of the topics covered in the course (p = 0.045), fairness of the grade assessment (p = 0.004), and perception of course feedback (p = 0.021). No statistical  difference was noted between the midterm examination scores of the first semester cohort (24.53 ± 3.80) and the second semester cohort (25.15 ± 3.00); [t (22.54) = 0.53, p =0.3].Conclusion: This study demonstrates that using the flipped classroom approach for teaching pharmacoepidemiology can improve student satisfaction, as well as maintain their academic performance. Keywords: Flipped classroom, Pharmacy education, Blended learnin

Anti-nociceptive effect of gabapentin in mouse models of acute and chronic pain

Purpose: To investigate the anti-nociceptive effect of gabapentin in acute and chronic pain models. Methods: Four mouse models of pain were used in this study. These comprised thermal tests (hot plate and tail immersion tests), and chemical tests (formalin and acetic acid-induced writhing tests). A total of seventy-two (72) albino mice weighing 25 - 40 g (mean weight = 32.5 ± 5.1 g) were used. In each test, the mice were randomly assigned to three sets of 6 mice each: control group, celecoxib group and drug treatment group. Each test was performed at intervals of 30, 60 and 90 min. Results: During the acute phase, there was no significant decrease in foot raising (FR) or licking and biting (L & B) episodes among the groups (p > 0.05). However, these episodes were significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in the second delayed phase, in the celecoxib and drug-treated groups, when compared with normal control group. Gabapentin significantly (p < 0.05) decreased pain response throughout the course of the thermal tests. The number of writhes within 30 min were significantly reduced in celecoxib and gabapentin-treated animals, compared with negative control group (p < 0.05). Gabapentin produced approximately 60 % protection of writhing, similar to that produced by celecoxib, the standard non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used (61 %). Conclusion: The results demonstrate that the gabapentin is effective against chronic inflammatory pain in mice and therefore can be potentially developed as an effective anti-inflammatory agent for humans

Therapeutic rice (Oryza sativa L.): Crop breeding interventions to combat chronic diseases

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) serves not only as a dietary staple worldwide but also harbours a rich array of bioactive compounds with therapeutic potential. This review explores various therapeutic traits in rice such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins, elucidating their profound health benefits. These compounds act as antioxidants and are crucial in reducing oxidative stress and the risk of type 2 diabetes, obesity, hypertension, high cholesterol, cardiovascular diseases and certain cancers, thereby offering notable nutraceutical benefits. Enhancing these compounds in rice is advantageous, as it is a staple food. The success of crop improvement programs depends on the availability of genetic diversity. This review extensively discusses the genetic diversity among rice genotypes for therapeutic traits and the potential for enhancing these traits through breeding initiatives. Molecular-based approaches are essential in breeding programs, as they enable accurate identification of genetic markers associated with desirable traits and Quantitative Trait Loci (QTLs), facilitating marker-assisted selection easier. These techniques also help to understand the genetic basis and expression of targeted traits. Advances in molecular markers and genomic tools are explored, with an emphasis on developing rice varieties enriched with health-promoting compounds. Furthermore, genome editing and transgenic technologies are examined for their role in precisely modulating bioactive compound levels. This synthesis offers a comprehensive perspective for breeders aiming to enhance therapeutic traits in rice

A comparative study of long short-term memory based long-term electrical load forecasting techniques with hyperparameter optimization

Long-term load forecasting (LTLF) is crucial for reliable electricity supply, infrastructure planning, and informed energy policies, ensuring grid stability and efficient resource allocation. Traditional methods, like statistical models and expert judgment, rely on historical data but may struggle with dynamic changes in technology, regulations, and consumer behavior. Addressing challenges such as economic uncertainties, seasonal variations, data quality, and integrating renewable energy requires advanced forecasting models and adaptive strategies. This research aims to develop an efficient LTLF model for the Coimbatore region in Tamil Nadu, India, using long short-term memory (LSTM) networks. While LSTM has limitations in capturing long- term dependencies and requires high data quality and complex management, optimizing hyperparameters, including through the opposition-based hunter- prey optimization (OHPO) technique, is explored to enhance its predictive performance. The results show that the proposed OHPO-configured LSTM model for LTLF achieves superior performance compared to other techniques, with a mean square error (MSE) of 0.25, root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.5 and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of 0.27. This research underscores the significance of improving LTLF precision for informed decision-making in infrastructure planning and energy policy formulation

Assessment of Population Exposure to Coarse and Fine Particulate Matter in the Urban Areas of Chennai, India

Research outcomes from the epidemiological studies have found that the course (PM 10 ) and the fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ) are mainly responsible for various respiratory health effects for humans. The population-weighted exposure assessment is used as a vital decision-making tool to analyze the vulnerable areas where the population is exposed to critical concentrations of pollutants. Systemic sampling was carried out at strategic locations of Chennai to estimate the various concentration levels of particulate pollution during November 2013-January 2014. The concentration of the pollutants was classified based on the World Health Organization interim target (IT) guidelines. Using geospatial information systems the pollution and the high-resolution population data were interpolated to study the extent of the pollutants at the urban scale. The results show that approximately 28% of the population resides in vulnerable locations where the coarse particulate matter exceeds the prescribed standards. Alarmingly, the results of the analysis of fine particulates show that about 94% of the inhabitants live in critical areas where the concentration of the fine particulates exceeds the IT guidelines. Results based on human exposure analysis show the vulnerability is more towards the zones which are surrounded by prominent sources of pollution

Mental health and hypertension: assessing the prevalence of anxiety and depression and their associated factors in a tertiary care population

BackgroundAnxiety and depression are more common in those with hypertension. Identifying factors may lead to earlier assessment and treatment of depression and anxiety. So the study was aimed to assess the prevalence of anxiety and depression and examine the associated factors among hypertensive patients in a tertiary care hospital.MethodsThis cross sectional study was conducted over a six-months period (October 2023 to March 2024) in the Department of Medicine at Karuna Medical College Hospital, Kerala, India. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used to assess the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with anxiety and depression.ResultsAmong 262 hypertensive patients, the prevalence of symptoms of anxiety were 43.8% and symptoms of depression were present in 51.3%. Female gender [OR 1.607 95% CI (0.962–2.687)] and BMI ≥ 25 [OR 0.608 95% CI (0.361–1.024)] were found to be significantly associated with anxiety (p < 0.05). Uncontrolled BP and stage1/stage 2 hypertension were found to be significantly associated with anxiety and depression (p < 0.05). Whereas factors like age (>50 years), living with alone, unmarried/widow, unemployed/retired/house wife, illiterate, living in rural area and patients with comorbidities showed to be non-significantly association with anxiety and depression (p > 0.05) in patients with hypertension.ConclusionAccording to the findings, overall 50% of hypertensive patients experience anxiety and depression, which were significantly associated with uncontrolled BP, stage1/stage 2 hypertension, female gender and obesity. Healthcare providers can help identify mental health issues early, improving outcomes, with special attention needed for women with comorbidities and limited social support

Biosocial predictors and blood pressure goal attainment among postmenopausal women with hypertension

ObjectivesIn postmenopausal states, women may not maintain blood pressure (BP) in the same way as men, even though most women follow their treatment plans and prescriptions more consistently than men. Biological and lifestyle factors influence the progression of hypertension in postmenopausal women (PMW). This study aimed to determine biosocial predictors associated with achieving the target BP in PMW with hypertension.MethodsA prospective observational study was conducted in the General Medicine Department at Karuna Medical College Hospital, Kerala, India. The definition of BP goal attainment was established based on the guidelines outlined by the VIII Joint National Committee 2014 (JNC VIII). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyse biosocial predictors, such as educational status, employment status, body mass index (BMI), number of children, age at menarche, age at menopause, and number of co-morbidities, associated with BP goal achievement.ResultsOf the patients, 56.4% achieved their BP goals on monotherapy and 59.7% achieved it on combination therapy. Level of education [odds ratio (OR) = 1.275, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.234–7.172], employment status (OR = 0.853, 95% CI: 0.400–1.819), age at menopause (OR = 1.106, 95% CI: 0.881–1.149), number of children (OR = 1.152, 95% CI: 0.771–1.720), BMI (OR = 0.998, 95% CI: 0.929–1.071), and number of co-morbidities (OR = 0.068, 95% CI: 0.088–1.093) did not show a significant relationship, and age at menarche (OR = 1.577, 95% CI: 1.031–2.412) showed a significant association with BP goal attainment among hypertensive postmenopausal women.ConclusionHalf of the hypertensive postmenopausal women did not achieve their BP goals. Interventions are required to expand screening coverage and, under the direction of medical professionals, there should be plans to improve hypertension control and increase awareness of the condition

Emergence of a multidrug-resistant and virulent Streptococcus pneumoniae lineage mediates serotype replacement after PCV13 : an international whole-genome sequencing study

© 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an Open Access article under the CC BY 4.0 licenseBackground: Serotype 24F is one of the emerging pneumococcal serotypes after the introduction of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV). We aimed to identify lineages driving the increase of serotype 24F in France and place these findings into a global context. Methods: Whole-genome sequencing was performed on a collection of serotype 24F pneumococci from asymptomatic colonisation (n=229) and invasive disease (n=190) isolates among individuals younger than 18 years in France, from 2003 to 2018. To provide a global context, we included an additional collection of 24F isolates in the Global Pneumococcal Sequencing (GPS) project database for analysis. A Global Pneumococcal Sequence Cluster (GPSC) and a clonal complex (CC) were assigned to each genome. Phylogenetic, evolutionary, and spatiotemporal analysis were conducted using the same 24F collection and supplemented with a global collection of genomes belonging to the lineage of interest from the GPS project database (n=25 590). Findings: Serotype 24F was identified in numerous countries mainly due to the clonal spread of three lineages: GPSC10 (CC230), GPSC16 (CC156), and GPSC206 (CC7701). GPSC10 was the only multidrug-resistant lineage. GPSC10 drove the increase in 24F in France and had high invasive disease potential. The international dataset of GPSC10 (n=888) revealed that this lineage expressed 16 other serotypes, with only six included in 13-valent PCV (PCV13). All serotype 24F isolates were clustered in a single clade within the GPSC10 phylogeny and long-range transmissions were detected from Europe to other continents. Spatiotemporal analysis showed GPSC10-24F took 3–5 years to spread across France and a rapid change of serotype composition from PCV13 serotype 19A to 24F during the introduction of PCV13 was observed in neighbouring country Spain. Interpretation: Our work reveals that GPSC10 alone is a challenge for serotype-based vaccine strategy. More systematic investigation to identify lineages like GPSC10 will better inform and improve next-generation preventive strategies against pneumococcal diseases. Funding: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Wellcome Sanger Institute, and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention