Extracellular Matrix in Human Craniofacial Development

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a highly dynamic amalgamation of structural and signaling molecules whose quantitative and qualitative modifications drive the distinct programmed morphologic changes required for tissues to mature into their functional forms. The craniofacial complex houses a diverse array of tissues, including sensory organs, glands, and components of the musculoskeletal, neural, and vascular systems, alongside several other highly specialized tissues to form the most complex part of the vertebrate body. Through cell-ECM interactions, the ECM coordinates the cell movements, shape changes, differentiation, gene expression changes, and other behaviors that sculpt developing organs. In this review, we focus on several common key roles of the ECM to shape developing craniofacial organs and tissues. We summarize recent advances in our understanding of the ability of the ECM to biochemically and biomechanically orchestrate major events of craniofacial development, and we discuss how dysregulated ECM dynamics contributes to disease and disorders. As we expand our understanding of organ-specific matrix functionality and composition, we will improve our ability to rationally modify matrices to promote regeneration and/or prevent degenerative outcomes in vitro and in vivo.

ASCENT (Automated Simulations to Characterize Electrical Nerve Thresholds): A pipeline for sample-specific computational modeling of electrical stimulation of peripheral nerves

Electrical stimulation and block of peripheral nerves hold great promise for treatment of a range of disease and disorders, but promising results from preclinical studies often fail to translate to successful clinical therapies. Differences in neural anatomy across species require different electrodes and stimulation parameters to achieve equivalent nerve responses, and accounting for the consequences of these factors is difficult. We describe the implementation, validation, and application of a standardized, modular, and scalable computational modeling pipeline for biophysical simulations of electrical activation and block of nerve fibers within peripheral nerves. The ASCENT (Automated Simulations to Characterize Electrical Nerve Thresholds) pipeline provides a suite of built-in capabilities for user control over the entire workflow, including libraries for parts to assemble electrodes, electrical properties of biological materials, previously published fiber models, and common stimulation waveforms. We validated the accuracy of ASCENT calculations, verified usability in beta release, and provide several compelling examples of ASCENT-implemented models. ASCENT will enable the reproducibility of simulation data, and it will be used as a component of integrated simulations with other models (e.g., organ system models), to interpret experimental results, and to design experimental and clinical interventions for the advancement of peripheral nerve stimulation therapies.

Evaluation of antipsoriatic activity of gel containing Pongamia pinnata extract on Imiquimod-induced psoriasis

Background Pongamia pinnata (Fabaceae) is among those categories of plants mentioned in Ayurveda and traditionally known to use in several types of disease and disorders. The objective of the present work was to investigate the anti-psoriatic activity of Pongamia pinnata leaves extracts in Herbal gel formulation. Results Hydroalcoholic leaves extract of Pongamia pinnata was first subjected to phytochemical screening and quantification of phytoconstituents. Herbal gel was prepared containing Pongamia pinnata extracts using Carbopol 934 as gelling agent. The prepared gel formulations were studied for pH, viscosity, Spreadability and in vitro diffusion studies. The imiquimod-induced psoriatic mouse model, showed a prominent anti-psoriatic activity of the extract as evident through index grading. Treatment with extract confirmed a noteworthy reduction in psoriasis in the treated groups as there was a considerable diminution in the thickness and scaling of skin. Conclusions Lack of proper treatment and disadvantages associated with allopathic medicines pave the way to extensive research in natural products with anti-psoriatic activity. The present research scientifically justified the anti-psoriatic activity of the Hydroalcoholic extracts of Pongamia pinnata leaves.

REVIEW ON AYURVEDIC PLANTS AS IMMUNOMODULATORS

In todays era use of immunomodulators has tremendously increased to treat various human and animal diseases like viral diseases,cancer, autoimmune diseases, inflammantary conditions etc. Immunity is the bodys natural ability to identify and resist various infectious disease and disorders. Immunomodulators are biological or synthetic substances that can stimulate, suppress or modulate any aspect of immunity including adaptive as well as innate immunity. Various factors such as balanced diet,environmental temperature,stress, pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria,proper exercise affect the immunity. Natural drugs are used since ancient times for treatment of various diseases because of minimal side effects. Natural compounds are also used enormously as immunomodulators. There are about 1000 natural compounds having immunomodulatory effect they either affect the immune cells or affect the antibody secretion and influence the immune response. Here in this review we have discussed in detail definition of immunity,concept of immunomodulators,classification of immunomodulators,correlation between immunomodulators and Ayurveda and Ayurvedic plants having immunomodulatory activity. The main purpose of this review is to highlight efficacy of available literature on Ayurvedic plants as immunomodulators.

PROBIOTICS AND THEIR ATTRIBUTES IN HUMAN HEALTH THERAPY: REVIEW

There is a strong correlation between diet and human health. Research shows that a number of disease and disorders can be prevented/regulated by the use of probiotic microorganisms. Probiotics are used in the management of illnesses/disorders such as intestinal pathogenic infections, helicobacter pylori infections, urogenital infection, cancer, obesity, Type 2 diabetes, GIT, IBD and lactose intolerance among others. Probiotics may also have a direct or indirect influence to the human health by the elimination of toxins, protection against enteric microorganisms and boosting the body immune system. These benefits among others have led to the in-depth studies aiming at the understanding of specific probiotics and the mechanism involved in disease therapy. Some commonly used probiotic strains in the dairy industry include among others Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium longum, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus reuteri, and S. boulardii. Although the mechanisms used by probiotics in disease treatment is not specifically clear, its reported that the modification of the intestinal microbiota, production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) hence maintenance of the pH in digestive system, production of bacteriocin and vitamins could be among the possible mechanisms. The aim of this review paper is to highlight the benefits of probiotics in human health & infections control through the consumption of probiotic products and some mechanism involved.

A Low Voltage High Speed Segmented Current Steering DAC for Neural Stimulation Application

A multi-phasic neural stimulator using current steering Digital to Analog Converter with low resolution is in great demand to ameliorate symptoms of Parkinson's disease and disorders of consciousness. This article presents 5-bit segmented DAC designed for such applications. In order to simulate the design, cadence virtuoso tool with 180 nm MOS technology is used. The results obtained after simulation indicate that the proposed DAC offers +0.34 LSB INL and +0.36 LSB value for DNL. For the input of 200 MSPS, the power dissipation is about 22 mW when working with 1.8 V of supply voltage.