Methods: DTI images were processed to produce FA and ADC values of the acquired axial slices with the regions of interest placed within the stenotic and non-stenotic segments. The final quantitative radiological derivations were matched with the clinical scoring system. Results: Total 52 people (24 men and 28 women), mean age 53.16 years with different symptoms of myelopathy, graded as mild (n=11), moderate (n=25), and severe (n=16) as per the mJOA scoring system, underwent MRI of the cervical spine with DTI. In the most stenotic segments, the mean FA value was significantly lower (0.5009±0.087 vs. 0.655.7±0.104, p<0.001), and the mean ADC value was significantly higher (1.196.5±0.311 vs. 0.9370±0.284, p<0.001) than that in the non-stenotic segments. The overall sensitivity in identifying DTI metrics abnormalities was more with FA (87.5%) and ADC (75.0%) than with T2 weighted images (25%). Conclusions In addition to the routine MRI sequences, DTI metrics (FA value better than ADC) can detect myelopathy even in patients with a mild grade mJOA score before irreversible changes become apparent on routine T2 weighted imaging and thus enhance the clinical success of decompression surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To extract and isolate berberine from Berberis aristata (Berberidaceae). Isolated berberine was characterised using spectroscopy and its antioxidant and antiarthritic activity was analyzed. METHODS: The berberine was isolated from B. aristata using microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) and characterised by a spectroscopic technique. The isolated berberine was evaluated for its antioxidant activity in DPPH, nitric oxide, and superoxide scavenging assays, while antiarthritic activity was evaluated in the complete freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis rat model. RESULTS: The antioxidant activity of berberine revealed potent antioxidant activity in DPPH, nitric oxide, and superoxide scavenging assays. The in vivo antiarthritic activity of berberine in the CFA-induced arthritis rat model showed a significant reduction in paw diameter, arthritic score, and an increase in body weight. Furthermore, a concentration-dependent ameliorating action of berberine on haematological parameters was noticed. Proinflammatory biomarkers, including IL-6, IL-10, and TGF-b in serum were reported, and histopathology examination revealed that berberine decreased pannus formation, synovial hyperplasia, and bone erosion. Radiographic investigation showed soft tissue inflammation, bone resorption and erosion, joint gap reduction, and substantial connective tissue expansion after treatment with berberine. CONCLUSION The ameliorating action on haematological parameters and proinflammatory biomarkers of berberine makes them a suitable remedy for the treatment of arthritis.