Natural DENV-2 NS2B/NS3 protease inhibitors from Myristica cinnamomea King

@#The NS2B/NS3 protease is crucial for the pathogenesis of the DENV. Therefore, the inhibition of this protease is considered to be the key strategy for the development of new antiviral drugs. In the present study, malabaricones C (3) and E (4), acylphenols from the fruits of Myristica cinnamomea King, have been respectively identified as moderate (27.33 ± 5.45 μM) and potent (7.55 ± 1.64 μM) DENV-2 NS2B/NS3 protease inhibitors, thus making this the first report on the DENV-2 NS2B/NS3 protease inhibitory activity of acylphenols. Based on the molecular docking studies, compounds 3 and 4 both have π-π interactions with Tyr161. While compound 3 has hydrogen bonding interactions with Gly151, Gly153 and Tyr161, compound 4 however, forms hydrogen bonds with Ser135, Asp129, Phe130 and Ile86 instead. The results from the present study suggests that malabaricones C (3) and E (4) could be employed as lead compounds for the development of new dengue antivirals from natural origin.

Task dependent muscular volume in unilateral edentulous patientsby magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) / Volume muscular função-dependente em pacientes desdentadosunilaterais por ressonância magnética (RM)

Objective: To assess the sequelae of unilateral chewing on muscles of mastication via comparing the approximatemuscular volume (AMV) of the masseter (MM), medial pterygoid (MPM), temporalis (TM),superior and inferior lateral pterygoid muscles (SLPM/ILPM) bilaterally using MRI. Materials and methods:Twenty patients (16 females and 4 males) were selected from outpatient dental clinics of Kaser AlAini Hospitals, Cairo University, complaining from being unilaterally edentulous for one year or more. Alsosix fully dentate individuals (2 males and 4 females) were selected as control group. Magnetic ResonanceImaging (MRI) of the masticatory muscles was performed followed by measuring the approximate musclevolume (AMV) for each muscle bilaterally using the planimetry method. Results: Showed increase in theapproximate muscular volume (AMV) of the dentate side in both right side and left side edentulous patients.Conclusion: Our study shows the effect of long term unilateral chewing on decreasing the AMV in the nonfunctioningside, suggesting that measuring the approximate masticatory muscle volume using MRI couldbe helpful in detection of long-term functional disability of each muscle in comparison to adjacent muscles.

Objetivo: Avaliar as sequelas da mastigação unilateral sobre os músculos da mastigação por meio da comparaçãodo volume aproximado muscular (AMV) do músculo masseter (MM), pterigóideo medial (MPM), temporal(TM), músculos pterigóideos laterais superior e inferior (SLPM/ILPM) bilateralmente usando ressonânciamagnética. Materiais e métodos: Vinte pacientes (16 mulheres e 4 homens) foram selecionados a partir deambulatórios odontológicos do Hospital Kaser Al Aini, Universidade do Cairo; todos os participantes eram unilateralmentedesdentados há um ano ou mais. Também, seis indivíduos totalmente dentados (2 homens e 4mulheres) foram selecionados como grupo controle. Imagem por Ressonância Magnética (RM) dos músculosmastigatórios foi realizada seguido pela medição do volume muscular aproximada (AMV) para cada músculobilateral utilizando o método de planimetria. Resultados: Foi observado aumento no volume aproximadomuscular (AMV) do lado dentado em ambos os lados direito e esquerdo de desdentados laterais. Conclusão:Este estudo mostra o efeito em longo prazo da mastigação unilateral na diminuição da AMV no lado nãofuncional, o que sugere que a medição do volume muscular mastigatório aproximado usando ressonânciamagnética pode ser útil na detecção de deficiência funcional de cada músculo em comparação com músculosadjacentes em longo prazo.

Comparative Study between 12 and 15 Lead Electrocardiograms for Evaluation of Acute Posterior Myocardial Infarction.

Background: The ECG diagnosis of acute posterior infarction has traditionally been based on the presence of ST segment depression on the pericardial chest leads. However, such ST segment depression is neither specific nor sensitive for the diagnosis of a posterior infarction. Detection of ST segment elevation in V7- V9 in 15 lead ECG can help in early diagnosis of acute Posterior myocardial infarction. Method: Total of 100 patients Inferior myocardial infarction was evaluated by Electrocardiography in standard 12 lead and 15 lead. The patients were categorized into group I having posterior/ and or associated changes and group II having without posterior changes in ECG. Echocardiography and LVgraphy was done to evaluate the posterior wall movement. Result: For diagnosis of posterior myocardial infarction, 43.3% sensitivity and 95.1% specificity was found in 12 lead ECG, whereas in 15 lead ECG it was 80.0% sensitivity and 95.1% specificity. Conclusion: 15 Lead ECGs (including V7-V9) more sensitive than 12 lead ECGs in diagnosis of acute posterior myocardial infarction. Patient with inferior myocardial infarction or anterior ischemia developed more complications if associated with acute posterior myocardial infarction. 15 lead ECGs can routinely be used in patients with ischaemic type of chest pain.

Changes in central retinal artery blood flow after ocular warming and cooling in healthy subjects.

Context: Retinal perfusion variability impacts ocular disease and physiology. Aim: To evaluate the response of central retinal artery (CRA) blood flow to temperature alterations in 20 healthy volunteers. Setting and Design: Non-interventional experimental human study. Materials and Methods: Baseline data recorded: Ocular surface temperature (OST) in °C (thermo-anemometer), CRA peak systolic velocity (PSV) and end diastolic velocity (EDV) in cm/s using Color Doppler. Ocular laterality and temperature alteration (warming by electric lamp/cooling by ice-gel pack) were randomly assigned. Primary outcomes recorded were: OST and intraocular pressure (IOP) immediately after warming or cooling and ten minutes later; CRA-PSV and EDV at three, six and nine minutes warming or cooling. Statistical Analysis: Repeated measures ANOVA. Results: (n = 20; μ ± SD): Pre-warming values were; OST: 34.5 ± 1.02°C, CRA-PSV: 9.3 ± 2.33 cm/s, CRA-EDV: 4.6 ± 1.27 cm/s. OST significantly increased by 1.96°C (95% CI: 1.54 to 2.37) after warming, but returned to baseline ten minutes later. Only at three minutes, the PSV significantly rose by 1.21 cm/s (95% CI: 0.51to1.91). Pre-cooling values were: OST: 34.5 ± 0.96°C, CRA-PSV: 9.7 ± 2.45 cm/s, CRA-EDV: 4.7 ± 1.12 cm/s. OST significantly decreased by 2.81°C (95% CI: −2.30 to −3.37) after cooling, and returned to baseline at ten minutes. There was a significant drop in CRA-PSV by 1.10cm/s (95% CI: −2.05 to −0.15) and CRA-EDV by 0.81 (95% CI: −1.47 to −0.14) at three minutes. At six minutes both PSV (95% CI: −1.38 to −0.03) and EDV (95% CI: −1.26 to −0.02) were significantly lower. All values at ten minutes were comparable to baseline. The IOP showed insignificant alteration on warming (95% CI of difference: −0.17 to 1.57mmHg), but was significantly lower after cooling (95% CI: −2.95 to −4.30mmHg). After ten minutes, IOP had returned to baseline. Conclusion: This study confirms that CRA flow significantly increases on warming and decreases on cooling, the latter despite a significant lowering of IOP.

Record based study of snake bite cases admitted at Shri Vasantrao Naik Government Medical College & Hospital, Yavatmal (Maharashtra).

The present hospital record based cross-sectional study was undertaken with the objectives of finding out the epidemiological profile of snake bite cases admitted in Shri V. N. Govt. Medical College and hospital during the period of 1998-2002. The data was collected from the filled case papers of snake bite cases, through medical record section under the department of PSM and analyzed manually. The outcome of snake bite treatment was noted and defined. Proportional case rate of snake bite cases varied from 6.8 per 1000 admissions in 1998 to 6.0 per 1000 in 2002. Snake bite cases were seen among Males (69.4%), 97.4% of cases were agricultural workers and labourers. The cases seen during the period of June to Aug (35.5%) followed by Septeber to November (33.5%). About 78.7% of the victims either got relived or cured with a experienced mortality 4.3%.

Development and validation of risk scoring system for prediction of cancer cervix.

A Hospital based group matched case-control study was conducted to devise a risk scoring system for the prediction of cancer cervix at the Gynecology Clinic, Government Medical College Hospital, Nagpur, India. The study consisted of 230 cases of cancer cervix (histopathologically confirmed) and equal number of controls, group matched for age. The risk factors considered were Illiteracy, long duration of married life (>25 years), Early Menarche (<13 years), marital status (widow, separated, divorcee), multiparity (> 3), h/o abortion, h/o tobacco use, h/o passive smoking, poor genital hygiene, (grade III & IV) and low socioeconomic status. Statistical Analysis included unconditional multiple logistic regression analysis Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. The overall predictive accuracy was calculated by Wilcoxon statistic as an equivalent of area under ROC curve. Five risk factors, illiteracy, poor genital hygiene, long duration of married life, multiparity and early menarche were identified to be significantly associated with cancer cervix. These factors were given statistical weights of 13, 10, 7, 5 and 5 respectively. A total score of 21 was found to be the best cut off for prediction and the overall predictive accuracy of the risk scoring system was calculated to be 0.74(0.67 - 0.81). In case of consistent further validation using other data sets this additive risk scoring system can be used for reducing the cost of universal screening by subjecting only high-risk subjects to laboratory screening procedure (Pap smear) in population setting.

Gynecology and obstertrical conditions requiring intensive care admission

Gynecological admissions to the surgical intensive care unit vary from the obstetrical cases. Pregnant women are of prime age and can tolerate the pregnancy and delivery well. There are certain rare conditions or complications, which make the pregnant women's life pass through a critical time. These are dealt with in a high dependency area, which is short of the intensive care unit. In King Khalid University Hospital there is no such arrangement, so the mildly affected and critically ill patients together are cared for in the surgical intensive care unit. The objective of this study is to study the gynecological and obstetrical conditions requiring intensive care admission in King Khalid University Hospital, surgical intensive care unit. All obstetrical and gynecological patients who were admitted to the surgical intensive care unit were included. The demographic particulars, reason for admission, the course of the surgical intensive care unit stay and outcome were studied. During the study period of 3 years, there were 83, [100%] obstetrical and gynecological admissions to the surgical intensive care unit. Two [2%] cases were due to anesthesia complications. The majority of causes of admissions were due to obstetrical [n=63, 76%] complications or combination of medical and surgical conditions. Gynecological admissions comprised only 18 [22%] cases. There was no mortality in the group studied. Management of major obstetrical emergencies and gynaecological patients require an understanding of medical conditions' influence on the patients, and the physiological changes of normal and abnormal pregnancies. Intensive care unit management is an essential part in raising the level of patient care; health personnel training and continuing health care education may be improved

Risk factors for cancer cervix: a case control study.

The present hospital based, group matched case control study was carried out at Gynaecology clinic, Govt. Medical College Hospital, Nagpur, to study risk factors for cancer cervix and investigate their independent and interactive role in the outcome of cervical cancer. The study included 230 cases of cancer cervix and equal number of controls, group matched for age. Univariate analysis included 17 hypothesised risk factors for cancer cervix and identified significance of 10 risk factors. However multiple logistic regression (MLR) analysis recognised and confirmed the significance of illiteracy, poor genital hygiene, long duration of married life, multiparity and early menarche in the ultimate outcome of cancer cervix. Estimates of Attributable Risk Proportions (ARP) and Population Attributable Risk Proportion (PARP) endorsed the etiological and preventable role of these risk factors, respectively. Considering the public health impact of elimination of these risk factors on the cancer cervix problem in this population, development of a preventive strategy based on these risk factors would be an appropriate step towards curtailment of this "Biggest Scourge of womankind".

Parity as a risk factor for cancer cervix.

The present hospital based, group matched case control study was carried out at Gynecology Clinic, Govt. Medical College hospital, Nagpur, to investigate role of parity in the outcome of cancer cervix. The study included 230 cases of cancer cervix and equal number of controls, matched for age. The study identified significance of multiparity, as a risk factor for cancer cervix. Estimates of attributable risk proportion (ARP) and population attributable risk proportion (PARP) endorsed etiological and preventable role of multiparity in the outcome of cervical cancer, respectively.

A study of some etiological factors and morbid conditions in mentally handicapped children.

In the present study most of the subjects belonged to mild and moderate degree of mental handicap i.e. 30.8% and 44.9% respectively while severe degree of mental handicap was present in 22.7% subject. The factors responsible for mental handicap include prenatal factors (34.6%), perinatal factors (15.1%) and post natal factors (37.9%). In 12.4% cases etiology was not known. The associated behaviour problems were observed in 33% of the study subjects while other morbid conditions were present in 47% of the study subjects.

Sequential pattern of non-medical drug use in the drug career of opiate dependents in Nagpur, India.

A study was carried out in a group of opiate addicts who reported to various centers in Nagpur city, India, to know the sequential pattern of nonmedical drug use in the drug career of opiate dependents in Nagpur. The mean age of the study group was 28.2 years, the majority were males, educated up to 10th standard, employed in various occupations like petty business, vehicle driving, etc, with an average monthly income of Rs. 316. The average number of drugs ever used per person was 3.7 +/- 1.2, those recently used was 2.6 +/- 0.9 and currently used was 2.2 +/- 0.6. The study group experienced 13 drug types in their addict careers. Beedi¿cigarette was the first drug abused by the majority. Drug careers starting with beedi¿cigarette, progressing to alcohol and then to canabis and finally to heroin were observed in a majority of subjects. There appeared to be a shift from multidrug use to the singular combination of heroin and beedi¿cigarette currently. Use of all other drugs declined in favor of heroin as the career progressed. The study indicates that preventive programs should be directed at reducing the use of initial drugs like beedi¿cigarette and alcohol and also reducing the social acceptability of these drugs as measure for preventing progression to hard drugs like heroin.

Diagnostic accuracy of planar, single photon emission computed tomography [SPECT] imaging and conventional radiography of temporomandibular joint [TMJ] disorders

Planar and SPECT bone scintigraphy were performed on fifteen patients with different age and sex. They complained from various disorders in TMJ and they were selected from outpatients-dental clinic, Faculty of Oral and Dental Medical, Cairo University SPECT imaging of TMJ pathos is confirmed by the clinical signs and symptoms and radiographic studies. From the result, it was found that 70% of the patient TMJ had positive SPECT scans for osseous while the other 30% were negative which can be detected by other modalities as arthrography and magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]. It can be concluded that SPECT scintigraphy is a sensitive accurate indicator of the TMJ disorders that can detect and stage the metabolic disorders of the TMJ and can depict some organic changes of the joint that are not apparent radiographically. Also, can differentiate the active from arrested TMJ disease

microbiological study of the effect of irradiation on the anaerobic oral flora in patients under radiotherapy

This work was conducted on 35 patients [27 males and 8 females], their ages were ranging from 20 to 70 years with malignant tumours of the head and neck region. Their salivary glands were free from any pathologic condition, and they were treated by radiation therapy. Salivary stimulated samples were collected aseptically from the patients before, during, immediately after and 6 months after irradiation. Anaerobic bacterial identification and count were done for each specimen. The positive cultures for strict anaerobic microorganisms performed before irradiation included Bacteroides [68%], Veillonella [12%], Peptostreptococci [36%] and Propionobacterium [8%]. There were no significant changes in count of strict anaerobic bacteria during or after irradiation. The disparity of counts necessitated the use of long transformation of data to increase homogenity with remarkable changes in Bacteroides. Also similar changes but of less magnitude were seen in Peptostreptococci and Veillonella, while the level of Fusobacterium slowly increased during treatment and more so 6 months after irradiation. Regarding Propionobacterium, there was a slight rise in the middle of therapy, whereas there was a drop after 6 months and reached the base line