Synthesis, characterization and evaluation of antioxidant potential of 2, 6-diphenylpiperidine-4-one compounds and their novel imine derivatives

In search of potent molecules having antioxidant activity the present work was designed to synthesize 2, 6diphenylpiperidine-4-one compounds [1a and 1b] and their imine derivatives [2a, 2b, 3a, and 3b]. Compounds 1a and 1b were synthesized by Mannich condensation reaction. The method was found to be simple, convenient with high yield and products were easily separated. Compounds 1a and 1b serves as an intermediate for the preparation of highly functionalized novel imine derivatives. Oxime [2a, 2b] and carbothioamide [3a, 3b] derivatives of 1a and 1b compounds were produced by condensation reaction with hydroxyl amine hydrochloride and thiosemicarbazide respectively. These compounds were characterized by IR, EI-mass and 1HNMR spectroscopy. The antioxidant activity of compounds was analyzed by 1, 1- dipheny1-2-picrylhydrazyl [DPPH] assay method. It was found that substituted aryl derivatives containing phenol and methoxy groups [1b, 2b and 3b] showed better antioxidant activity [IC50 values rang from 1.844.53[micro]g/ml] than unsubstituted aryl derivative [1a, 2a and 3a] [IC50 rang from 6.46-11.13[micro]g/ml]. Compound 1b exhibited excellent antioxidant activity [IC50 1.84 +/- 0.15[micro]g/ml] comparable to standard ascorbic acid [IC501.65 +/- 0.16[micro]g/ml]

[Esophageal perforation due to swallowing a glass body]

Esophageal perforation is a rare yet very serious condition, which usually needs surgical repair. In spite of its rarity, esophageal perforation could become extremely dangerous and even life-threatening. Therefore it needs immediate surgical intervention. The first symptom to appear is pain. Perforation in the middle and lower third of the esophagus might as well cause difficulty in swallowing, dyspnea, and chest pain. A 61-year-old man presented to the Emergency Room due to sensation of a foreign body and epigastric pain after meal for which he underwent upper endoscopy. The foreign body was seen in the lower third of the esophagus. Considering the bilateral penetration of the sharp foreign body to the esophageal wall, no effort was made to bring the foreign body out. The patient underwent computed tomography [CT] without contrast, which showed right posterolateral mediastinal air leakage and slight pleural effusion in the right hemithorax. As recommended by thoracic surgeon, instead of thoracotomy, the foreign body was brought out in the operating room by endoscopy [under preparation in order to convert the procedure to thoracotomy if needed]. After the procedure, a CT with oral contrast was done, which showed free air and leakage of contrast to the right posterolateral hemithorax as well as an increase in the pleural effusion. Normal saline was immediately injected to both sides of the perforation site by endoscopy in order to prevent further leakage. The patient was observed by both surgery and gastroenterology teams for a week to undergo thoracotomy in case he develops mediastinitis. After a week, he underwent Gastrografin swallow and then Barium swallow. The patient was discharged from the hospital because no evidence of remaining perforation or any microperforations were seen. Esophageal perforation is a surgical emergency usually happening due to diagnostic and pass through esophagous to go to the therapeutic actions. Most swallowed foreign bodies stomach, but sharp objects may cause perforation in esophagus. Foreign bodies mostly get trapped in the physiologic constrictions. Dysphagia and odynophagia are subcutanneous common symptoms of foreign body invasion in to the esophagous. Emphysema is a diagnostic key for the matter of esophageal perforation. Treatment for such condition differs among various patients

Management of lower urinary tract stones in paediatric population. A comparison of endoscopic versus open procedures

To compare the safety and efficiency of endoscopic treatment methodology vs open surgical procedures in pediatric lower tract stone disease. This study was conducted in Department of Urology, Karachi Medical and Dental College and Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, from July 2010 to December 2012. The characteristics of the patients in the two groups, and the outcomes of the two procedures, the endoscopic treatment [Group A] vs. the open surgery procedure [Group B] for lower urinary tract stone disease, were compared. In both groups, age range was 1 to 16 years with male to female ratio was 2:1 and 1.7:1. In group A and B in that order, size of stone was 0.8 to 1.6 cm and 0.7 to 2 cm, average duration of surgery was 39 and 31 minutes. Stone clearance was 98 and 100 percent respectively. Total post operative hospital stay was 18 to 24 hours in group A, and 5 to 10 days in group B patients. The post operative duration of indwelling catheter was 0.8 to 1 day in Group A, and 5 to 15 days in Group B. No drains were placed in group A patients while group B patients had drains for minimum duration of 2 days. Significant wound infection was found in group B patients. Endoscopic management of lower tract stones in paediatric population is the more effective treatment modality with minimum complications, short duration of indwelling urethral catheter and minimum procedure related hospital stay

Isolation and characterization of irritant components of Euphorbia pilulifera L.

Euphorbia pilulifera is commonly found weed along road sides and loamy soils. This weed is commonly used as treatment of female disorders and respiratory problems. The latex of this weed causes irritation on hand on contact. To evaluate its irritant potentials, the dermatological investigation of irritant principles from locally occurring Euphorbia pilulifera was carried out. For this purpose, after collection and drying, a series of solvents with increasing polarity were used for the successive extraction of non-polar compounds [petroleum ether extract], constituents of intermediate polarities [chloroform extract] and polar constituents [methanol extract] from the whole herb of Euphorbia pilulifera. The chloroform extract of this weed was found most irritant to rabbit's skin. Chloroform extract was further subjected to column chromatography; four fractions Ep 1 to Ep 4 were isolated from active chloroform extract by column and thin layer chromatography. The irritant potentials of these isolated fractions were evaluated on rabbit's skin. Two fractions out of the four, Ep 1 and Ep 3 appeared to be the most irritant than others. A possible structure activity relationship of these active compounds was discussed in order to establish their activity

Counter irritant activity of carthamus oxycantha

Many locally occurring species of Asteraceae are used as medicinal plants by various tribal and ethnic communities in Pakistan. Carthamus oxycantha is often occurs as weed in cultivated fields. Folk medicines indicated its use as an anti inflammatory and wound healing plant. It is used for wound healing by the local population in the form of powder paste. No scientific report, about the behavior of this plant has so far been published. The counter irritant studies of locally occurring Carthamus oxycantha was carried out. The main objectives of the project were to evaluate its wound healing effects on animal skin and the identity and characterization of chromatographically isolated fractions. For this purpose, different solvents with a broad range of polarity were successively used to extract non-polar compounds [petroleum ether extract], constituents intermediate polarities [chloroform extract] and polar constituents [methanol extract] from the whole herb of Carthamus oxycantha. The counter irritant activity of the crude extracts and isolated fractions was evaluated on rabbit's skin. Five fractions Co-1 to Co-5 were isolated from the active chloroform extract by column and thin layer chromatography. Co-1, Co-3 and Co-5 appeared to be the most potent counter irritant than others. A possible structure-activity relationship of these active compounds was investigated by using spectroscopy [UV and FTIR analysis]

Elective hemi transurethral resection of prostate: a safe and effective method of treating huge benign prostatic hyperplasia

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of elective hemi-resection of prostate in patients with huge gland, weighing more than 120 grams. Multicentric, analytical comparative study. Department of Urology, Karachi Medical and Dental College, Abbasi Shaheed Hospital and Dr. Ziauddin Hospital, Karachi, from August 2006 to July 2009. All benign cases were included in this study and divided into two groups. In group A, patients having huge prostate [> 120 grams] were placed and hemi TURP was performed. In group B, patients having 60 to 100 grams prostate were placed and conventional Blandy's TURP was performed. Results of both groups were compared in terms of duration of surgery, amount of tissue resected, operative bleeding, postoperative complications, duration of postoperative catheterization, re-admission and re-operations. Effectiveness of procedure was assessed by a simple questionnaire filled by the patients at first month, first year and second year. Patients satisfaction in terms of their ability to void, control urination, frequency, urgency, urge incontinence, haematuria, recurrent UTI, re-admission and re-operations were also assessed. Fisher exact test was applied to compare the safety and efficacy of variables. In group A and B, average age range was 72 and 69 years, average weight of prostate was 148 and 70 grams, average duration of surgery was 102 and 50 minutes respectively. Average weight of resected tissue was 84 and 54 grams and haemoglobin loss was two grams and one gram respectively. Total hospital stay was 5 and 4 days. Total duration of indwelling Foley's catheter [postoperative] was 5 days and 2 days. Patient satisfaction in term of urine flow, urinary control, improvement in frequency and nocturia were comparable in both groups. UTI and re-admission was more in hemi-resection group. At the end of 2 years follow-up, there is no statistical difference between the safety and efficacy of two methods of treatment. In selected population, elective hemi TURP for huge obstructed prostate is a safe treatment. It's safety and short terms efficacy is comparable with the results of conventional TURP

Identification and evaluation of counter-irritant potential of crude extract of Malva parviflora L. by WHO recommended methods

Plenty of medicinal plants are available in Pakistan and are in human use as herbal medicines from ancient time. Present work is based on the evaluation of the use of Malva parviflora in skin irritation problems. For this purpose, powdered plant material [The aerial part and roots separately] was extracted by using successive solvent extraction method using petroleum ether, chloroform and methanol. Resulting three crude fractions were subjected to counterirritant investigations on rabbit's ear. Petroleum ether fraction exhibited prominent counter- irritant potential. Five compounds named, as MP-1, MP-2, MP-3, MP-4 and MP-5 were isolated from petroleum ether extract by column and thin layer chromatography. These compounds were subjected to UV spectrophotometer for detection of absorption of light, then FTIR for specific functional group identification and counter-irritant potentials was evaluated on rabbit's ear skin. The MP-1 and MP-2 exhibited excellent counter-irritant activity in different dilutions than others. However, dilution 100microg/ml showed maximum activity

Irrigation free transurethral resection of prostate [TURP]

To assess the safety and feasibility of irrigation free TURP in our routine practice. This study was carried out at Department of Urology, Karachi Medical and Dental College and Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, from March 2009 to February 2010. In this interventional study our inclusion criteria was benign disease and prostate weight up to 70 grams. Patients having more than two systemic medical illness like Diabetes, Hypertension [HTN], Ischemic heart disease [IHD], Cerebro-vascular accident [CVA] and Parkinsonism, were excluded from study. Patients remains on anti coagulant medications, patients with present or persistent urinary tract infections were also excluded. Patients who had surgical trauma, incidentally invent urethral stricture and vesical stones were also excluded. All cases were operated by one qualified, experienced surgeon. The decision of irrigation free TURP was taken on the basis of satisfactory hemostasis and good peri operative blood pressure control. Irrigation free TURP was ordered in post operative notes and such cases were closely observed for next 24 hours. After initial advice of irrigation free group if the patient needed irrigation because of haematuria, different patient's and operative variables were reviewed. There were total 50 patients aged 52-84 years with prostate weight ranging from 35 to 70 grams. Mean weight of prostate was 50.12 grams. Our 27% patients were hypertensive, 20% were diabetic and 17% patients had two comorbid conditions. Out of 50 patients 39 that is 78% cases remained irrigation free and followed the routine post operative course and were discharged. Patients who developed haematuria and had irrigation were 22%, seven had about two liters irrigation fluid over 6 hours and 4 patients had larger amount of fluid for 24 hours. In those patients who needed irrigation, seventy six percent were hypertensive, forty two percent were diabetic and twenty percent had two comorbid conditions. History of urinary infection was positive in ninety percent cases. Size of prostate and duration of surgery had no major impact on post operative period in this study. Seventy percent of the patients who needed irrigation had low blood pressure during surgery and became hypertensive in post operative phase. Post TURP Irrigation is an important step that helps in avoiding clot retention in early post operative phase. It increases the work load and treatment cost. In selected patients who have moderate gland, no major co morbidities and no infection, irrigation free TURP can be practised under close observation

Complicated megaureter with aganglionosis in an adult lady

Dilated ureters are often due to mechanical obstruction. This case report describes a young adult lady with primary megaureter due to aganglionosis finally managed with extravesical Leech-Gregor Uretroneocystostomy

Ulnar nerve; occupational causes of compression across elbow

To determine the etiology of ulnar nerve compression across the elbow. Retrospective and descriptive. At AFIRM Rawalpindi. From Jan 2000 to Jan 2004. 267 cases of Ulnar Nerve Compression at elbow diagnosed after electro-physiological studies were selected. Most of the patients with a variety of complaints were referred to Rehabilitation Medical Department, Rawalpindi [AFIRM] for diagnostic evaluation [NCS/EMG] and management. Out of 267 patients 210 [78.65%] were males and 57 [21%] were females. The mean age was 35 yrs [Range 9-67yrs]. Most of the patients 180 [67.41%] had left sided Ulnar nerve compression at elbow where as 87 [32.59%] suffered on Right side. The most common mode of presentation were paraesthesia 234 [88%], pain 166 [44%] and weakness of intrinsic hand muscles 104 [27%]. Electro-physiological evaluation shows prevalence of occupational 121 [45%] and traumatic 51 [21%] causes. Management of Ulnar never compression must include a comprehensive rehabilitation program that should focus on postural correction and workstation modification along with pharmacological and surgical advice

Quality assessment of synthetic food dyes in candies and chewing gums

Synthetic food dyes are being used commonly for enhancement of visual appeal, in different candies and chewing gums. To see if permitted food colors are being used in candies and chewing gum or not. At least 40 samples of different candies and chewing gums were collected from the market and dye stuffs used in them were separated by wool extraction method. The dyes were identified by colour reaction, paper chromatography and spectophotometry. It was found that nearly all the samples collected from high to medium standard shops had permitted colors which were within the prescribed limits. However samples which were unwrapped and were collected from low standard shops contained non-permitted colors which are harmful and carcinogenic. Non permitted food colors should not be used in food items as they have a harmful effect on health and are carcinogenic

Improved high performance liquid chromatographic analysis of diltiazem in human plasma

A simple high-performance liquid chromatographic method was developed for determination of diltiazem in human plasma. Diltiazem and the internal standard, verapamil, were extracted from plasma samples using mixture of n-hexane and diethyl ether. The mobile phase was 0.1M ammonium dihydrogen phosphate - acetonitrile [62:38 v/v]. Triethylamine [0.08% v/v in the mobile phase] was added before the pH was adjusted to 5.9 with 85% phosphoric acid. Analysis was run at a flow rate of 1.0 ml/min at a detection wavelength of 238 nm. The method was specific and sensitive with a detection limit of 2.5 ng/ml at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3:1. The limit of quantification was set at 5 ng/ml. The calibration curve was linear over a concentration range of 5-160 ng/ml. Mean recovery value of the extraction procedure was about 90%, while the within and between day coefficient of variation and percent error values of the assay method were less than 10%

Adsorption of paracetamol on activated charcoal

In Vitro studies were carried out to investigate the adsorption activity of activated charcoal for paracetamol powder and tablets at pH 7.5. The effect of alcohol 6% [v/v] and methionine 0.1 [M] on the adsorption activity of activated charcoal for paracetamol was also investigated at pH 7.5 using charcoal to drug ratios as 4:1, 5:1, 6:1, 8:1, 10:1. The adsorption of paracetamol is fast and is 95.6% in 30 minutes. There was no effect on adsorption due to presence of alcohol 6% while methionine 0.1M has little effect on the adsorption of paracetamol as methionine competes for binding sites. It is concluded that activated charcoal is effective in adsorbing paracetamol. Methionine [sulphydryl] compound can be used as an antidote along with activated charcoal because of its negligible effect on adsorption of paracetamol