Shilajit attenuates streptozotocin induced diabetes mellitus and decrease in pancreatic islet superoxide dismutase activity in rats

Diabetes mellitus was induced in male Wistar rats by the administration of streptozotocin (STZ, 45 mg/kg, s.c. on 2 consecutive days). Hyperglycaemia and superoxide dismutase activity of pancreatic islet cells was assessed on days 7, 14, 21 and 28, following STZ administration. In two other groups, shilajit (50 and 100 mg/kg, p.o.) was administered concurrently for 28 days. STZ induced significant hyperglycaemia by day 14, which increased progressively on days 21 and 28. STZ also induced a decrease in pancreatic islet cell superoxide dismutase, which was apparent by day 7 and increased progressively, thereafter on days 14, 21 and 28. Shilajit (50 and 100 mg/kg, p.o.) had no discernible per se effect on blood glucose levels in normal rats but attenuated the hyperglycaemic response of STZ from day 14 onwards, though only the effect of the higher dose was statistically significant. Similarly, both the doses of shilajit reduced the STZ-induced decrease in superoxide dismutase activity from day 14 onwards, the effect of the lower dose being statistically insignificant. The findings confirm earlier observations that STZ-induced hyperglycaemia may be the consequence of a decrease in pancreatic islet superoxide dismutase activity, leading to accumulation of free radicals and damage of the β-cells. Shilajit attenuates both these effects of STZ possibly by its action as a free radical scavenger. The findings support the postulate that shilajit can prevent maturity onset diabetes mellitus.     

Cross-sectional echocardiographic recognition of submitral left ventricular aneurysm

Three cases of annular submitral left ventricular aneurysm precisely diagnosed by cross-sectional echocardiography are reported from the Indian subcontinent. The cineangiographic findings are available in all and morphologic findings in two cases. The apical four-chamber view demonstrated a characteristically large aneurysm arising below the mural leaflet of the mitral valve extending anterolaterally and posteriorly and communicating with the left ventricular cavity in all the cases. Contrast echocardiography performed during cardiac catheterisation promises to be a good technique for the qualitative assessment of the associated mitral regurgitation. Cross-sectional echocardiography is invaluable in diagnosis and assessment of results of surgery in this entity.     

Ventricular tachycardia induced by Valsalva's manoeuvre in a patient with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

We describe a patient with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy who developed reproducible ventricular tachycardia during Valsalva's manoeuvre. This phenomenon has not previously been described.     

Real-time photovoltaic parameters assessment of carbon quantum dots showing strong blue emission

The need for replacing conventional sources of energy with renewable ones has been on a swift rise since the last couple of decades. In this context, the progress in third-generation solar cells has taken a good leap in the last couple of years with increasing prospects of high efficiency, stability, and lifetime. Quite recently, a new form of carbon has been discovered accidentally in the form of carbon quantum dots (C QD), which is being pursued actively owing to its chemical stability and luminescent properties. In the current work, we report highly luminescent C QD prepared via a simple hydrothermal route. Transmission electron microscopy revealed an average particle size of 3.4 nm. The prepared C QD were used in a co-sensitized solar cell, where an improvement in the device characteristics was observed. The enhancement in the device characteristics is supported by impedance and electron life-time analysis. Further, the time-dependent analysis of the current and voltage revealed the functioning of the solar cell in real-time condition.

Carbon QD showing bright blue fluorescence aid in improving the photovoltaic parameters in a co-sensitized solar cell. Time-dependent I–V analysis revealed the real-time functioning of the device.     

Biochanin A impedes STAT3 activation by upregulating p38δ MAPK phosphorylation in IL-6-stimulated macrophages

Inflammation Research - IL-6-induced STAT3 activation is associated with various chronic inflammatory diseases. In this study, we investigated the anti-STAT3 mechanism of the dietary polyphenol,...     

Imaging of neurovascular emergencies in pregnancy and puerperium

Acute neurovascular events, though rare, can complicate pregnancy and postpartum period. It is important to be aware of these clinical conditions for reducing maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. In this review, we present a few important neurovascular emergencies and their imaging manifestations by various imaging modalities—computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and digital subtraction angiography (DSA)—which presented at our institution in the peripartum period.     

Folie a deux and delusional disorder by proxy: an atypical presentation

Delusion of parasitosis is a rare condition characterised by an individual harbouring the delusion of being infested with insects or parasites. We report a rare and interesting case of delusion of parasitosis presenting as folie a deux, that is, the delusion is shared by both the parents of an 18‐month‐old child, with proxy projection of parental delusion on the child. The case highlights the rare concomitant occurrence of two psychocutaneous disorders and emphasizes the importance of early recognition and appropriate intervention to safeguard the well‐being of the child.