Sedative and antinociceptive activities of two new sesquiterpenes isolated from Ricinus communis / 中国天然药物

Two new sesquiterpenes, trivially named ricinusoids A (1) and ricinusoids B (2), were isolated from ethyl acetate fraction of Ricinus communis. The structures of new compounds were elucidated by detailed spectroscopic techniques, including 1D- and 2D-NMR, UV, IR spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. The compounds (1-2) were also assessed for in-vivo sedative and analgesic like effects in open field and acetic acid induced writhing tests respectively at 5, 10, and 20 mg·kg i.p. Pretreatment of both test compounds caused significant (P ≤ 0.05) reduction in locomotive activity like sedative agents and abdominal constrictions like analgesics. Both compounds (1-2) possessed marked sedative and antinociceptive effects in animal models.

Sedative and antinociceptive activities of two new sesquiterpenes isolated from Ricinus communis / 中国天然药物

Two new sesquiterpenes, trivially named ricinusoids A (1) and ricinusoids B (2), were isolated from ethyl acetate fraction of Ricinus communis. The structures of new compounds were elucidated by detailed spectroscopic techniques, including 1D- and 2D-NMR, UV, IR spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. The compounds (1-2) were also assessed for in-vivo sedative and analgesic like effects in open field and acetic acid induced writhing tests respectively at 5, 10, and 20 mg·kg i.p. Pretreatment of both test compounds caused significant (P ≤ 0.05) reduction in locomotive activity like sedative agents and abdominal constrictions like analgesics. Both compounds (1-2) possessed marked sedative and antinociceptive effects in animal models.

Bioassay-guided isolation of novel and selective urease inhibitors from Diospyros lotus / 中国天然药物

Two new dimeric naphthoquinones, 5',8'-dihydroxy-6,6'-dimethyl-7,3'-binaphthyl-1,4,1',4'-tetraone (1; Di-naphthodiospyrol D) and 5',8'-dihydroxy-5,8-dimethoxy-6,6'-dimethyl-7,3'-binaphthyl-1,4,1',4'-tetraone (2; Di-naphthodiospyrol E), along with known naphthoquinones diospyrin (3) and 8-hydroxy diospyrin (4) were isolated from the chloroform fraction of extract of Diospyros lotus roots. Their structures were elucidated by advanced spectroscopic analyses, including HSQC, HMBC, NOESY, and J-resolved NMR experiments. The fractions and compounds 1-4 were evaluated for urease activity and phosphodiesterase-I, carbonic anhydrase-II and α-chymotrypsin enzyme inhibitory activities. Compounds 1 and 2 and their corresponding fractions showed significant and selective inhibitory effects on urease activities. The IC values of 1 and 2 were 260.4 ± 6.37 and 381.4 ± 4.80 µmol·L, respectively, using thiourea (IC = 21 ± 0.11 µmol·L) as the standard inhibitor. This was the first report demonstrating that the naphthoquinones class showed urease inhibition.

Three new anthraquinone derivatives isolated from Symplocos racemosa and their antibiofilm activity / 中国天然药物

Three new alkyl substituted anthraquinone derivatives, trivially named as symploquinones A-C (Compounds 1-3) were isolated from Symplocos racemosa. The structures of these compounds were determined on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analyses (UV, IR, Mass, H- and C-NMR, and two-dimensional (2D) NMR techniques). The resulting data were also compared with the reported literature. These compounds were then subjected to antibacterial or antibiofilm testing. Compounds 1 and 3 exhibited good antibacterial activity in the concentration range of 160-83 μg·mL against Streptococcus mutans, methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Proteus mirabilis. Both compounds were further screened for anti-biofilm activity, which revealed promising activities at sub-MIC concentrations. None of the compounds were found to be active against Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies of Zanthoxylum armatum DC

The pharmacognostic and phytochemical investigations on the leaf, stem bark, and fruit of Zanthoxylum armatum were carried out. Macroscopic study of leaf, stem bark, and fruit of Z. armatum revealed some of the characteristic features like size, shape, color, odor and taste of the crude drug. Distinguishing fragments were identified from the powder drug. Leaf, bark, and fruit powder of this plant have higher values of total, acid insoluble, and water soluble ash as compared to the powder of this plant exhausted with ethanol and n- hexane. Extraction values in methanol were highest for leaves [20.10%] and fruit [11%], while bark showed highest value in chloroform [8.5%]. The extractive values varied among other parts with different solvents. Fluorescence analysis of the Z. Armatum leaf, stem bark, and fruit powder with various reagents showed characteristic coloration at day and under UV light. Quantitative phytochemical screening revealed the presence of many bioactive constituents in leaves, such as alkaloids [15.60+/-0.10 mg/g], sterols [71.60+/-0.10mg/g], saponins [21.57+/-0.12mg/g], tannins [34.43+/-0.21mg/g], phenols [11.66+/-0.33mg/g] and flavonoids [13.68+/-0.66mg/g]. Alkaloids [19.60+/-0.10mg/g], sterols [33.83+/-0.29mg/g], saponins [14.78+/-0.10mg/g], tannins [28.62+/-0.13mg/g], phenols [16.48+/-1.33mg/g] and flavonoids [18.33+/-1.22mg/g] were reported form the bark, while fruits were reported to have alkaloids [25.07+/-0.21mg/g], sterols [164.92+/-0.14mg/g], saponins [28.60+/-0.10mg/g], tannins [35.5+/-0.5mg/g], phenols [21.68+/-0.44mg/g] and flavonoids [22.8+/-1.33mg/g]. Z. armatum is an important medicinal plant, traditionally used for various ailments. This study will be helpful in the future pharmacognostic standardization of this important plant

Research design and statistical methods in Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences [PJMS]

Objective: This article compares the study design and statistical methods used in 2005, 2010 and 2015 of Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences [PJMS]

Methods: Only original articles of PJMS were considered for the analysis. The articles were carefully reviewed for statistical methods and designs, and then recorded accordingly. The frequency of each statistical method and research design was estimated and compared with previous years

Results: A total of 429 articles were evaluated [n=74 in 2005, n=179 in 2010, n=176 in 2015] in which 171 [40%] were cross-sectional and 116 [27%] were prospective study designs. A verity of statistical methods were found in the analysis. The most frequent methods include: descriptive statistics [n=315, 73.4%], chi-square/Fisher's exact tests [n=205, 47.8%] and student t-test [n=186, 43.4%]. There was a significant increase in the use of statistical methods over time period: t-test, chi-square/Fisher's exact test, logistic regression, epidemiological statistics, and non-parametric tests

Conclusion: This study shows that a diverse variety of statistical methods have been used in the research articles of PJMS and frequency improved from 2005 to 2015. However, descriptive statistics was the most frequent method of statistical analysis in the published articles while cross-sectional study design was common study design

Prevalence of Ttype II diabetes in district Dir Lower in Pakistan

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of type II diabetes and pre-diabetes and its risk factors in the District Dir Lower Pakistan

Methods: This study was a population based cross-sectional analysis of 1650 individuals of age 20-80 years, using cluster random sampling technique. After an overnight fast, diabetes and pre-diabetes were analyzed according to the World Health Organization recommendation

Results: The prevalence of diabetes and prediabetes was 11.1% and 16.0%, respectively. Type II diabetes was found 11.0% in female and 11.2% in male subjects. Stepwise multiple logistic regression showed that growing age, positive family history, body mass index [obesity], hypertension, exercise [less physical activates], education, monthly income, are statistically significant risk factors with type II diabetes

Conclusion: Our results suggest that type II diabetes has become a main health problem in District Dir Lower and better strategies are required to handle this problem

In vitro antimalarial and xanthine oxidase inhibition of 2-Aminoanthraquinone

In the present research study 2-Aminoanthraquinone were scrutinized for their antimalarial and Xanthine oxidase inhibitor potential. It demonstrated marked concentration dependent antimalarial activity with maximum effect of 89.06% and with IC[50] of 34.17 micro M. Regarding Xanthine oxidase inhibitor activity, it evoked significant effect with 57.45% activity with IC[50] value of 81.57.19 micro M. In conclusion, 2-Aminoanthraquinone showed potent antimalarial and xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity

Preliminary phytochemical screening, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of Euphorbia milli

Euphorbia milii is a Pakistani herb used for various infectious diseases. In this study we have carried out phytochemical, antibacterial and antioxidant investigation of different extracts/fractions. Phytochemical studies showed the presence of cardiac glycosides, steroids/phytosterols, anthocyanin, proteins, terpenoids, flavonoids and tannins. Susceptibility testing by well diffusion assay of its chloroform and methanol fractions revealed good antimicrobial activity against Klebsiella pneumonia and Staph epidermis. Ethyl acetate fraction of roots also exhibited considerable antimicrobial activity against most of tested pathogens. Various fractions [Hexane, chloroform, methanol and water] of E. milii were screen for their antioxidant potential using DPPH radical scavenging assay at different concentrations among these, chloroform fraction exhibited good scavenging activity. The IR spectroscopy of the various extracts/fractions indicated the presence of OH, saturated CH stretching, C=C, C=O, NO[2], C-N, Ar-O, C-O- and R-O-Stretching respectively. The findings provide helpful evidence for the use of E. milii in traditional medicines

Frequency of depression in patients with chronic heart failure

Heart failure is a prevalent debilitating disease of poor prognosis in which heart cannot fill with or eject the sufficient amount of blood that is required due to structural or functional cardiac disorder. Depression is 4-5 times as common in heart failure [HF] patients as in the general population, and it might confer a higher risk of developing HF and negatively affect prognosis in established HF. To determine the frequency of depression among patients presenting with chronic heart failure. This descriptive cross sectional study was conducted in cardiology department Hayat Abad Medical Complex Peshawar from November 2011 to April 2012. In this study a total of 121 patients were observed by using 13% proportion of depression in heart failure, 95% confidence level and 6% margin of error, under WHO software for sample size determination. Mean age was 55 +/- 1.26 years. Sixty-eight percent patients were male and 32% were female. Fifteen percent patients had chronic heart failure for less than 1 year, 37% had chronic heart failure for 2-3 years and 48% patients had chronic heart failure for 3-4 years. Seventy percent patients had HADS score <11 and 30% had HADS scored of >11. Thirty percent patients had depression in chronic heart failure while 70% did not have depression in heart failure. Depression is common among CHF patients. Severe depression is more frequent than mild depression.

Clinical relevance of peripheral blood eosinophil count in allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis

Currently, there is not a uniform consensus regarding the number of criteria or specific cut-off values for the variety of tests that are used to diagnose allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis [ABPA]. Traditionally, an eosinophil count >1000cells/microl is considered an important criterion in the diagnosis of ABPA. The goal of this study was to delineate the significance of the peripheral blood eosinophil count in the diagnosis of ABPA, and the relationship between eosinophil counts and lung function and immunological and radiological parameters. This study was a retrospective analysis of the data from ABPA patients who were managed in our chest clinic. Based on their eosinophil count, the patients were classified into the following three categories: <500, 500-1000 and >1000cells/microl. The spirometric, immunological and radiological characteristics were also assessed. We studied 108 males and 101 females with a combined mean [ +/- SD] age of 34.1 +/- 12.5years. The median [IQR] eosinophil count at diagnosis was 850 [510-1541]cells/microl, and 60% of the patients had an eosinophil count of <1000cells/microl. We found no relationship between eosinophil count and lung function using spirometry and other immunological parameters. The median eosinophil count was higher in patients with an high resolution computed tomography [HRCT] chest finding of bronchiectasis [986 vs. 620, p<0.001] vs. those without and in patients with high-attenuation mucus [1200 vs. 800, p<0.001] compared to those without high-attenuation mucus. A peripheral blood eosinophil count has limited utility in the diagnosis of ABPA, and there is no relationship between eosinophil count and lung function or other immunological parameters. The higher eosinophil count that we observed in patients with central bronchiectasis or high-attenuation mucus suggests that eosinophils are primary mediators of inflammatory activity in ABPA

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy; outcome in patients with co-morbidity

To determine the frequency of bleeding, surgical site infection and common bile duct injury after laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in patients with co-morbidity. Descriptive Study. [Case series]. Department of Allied and D.H.Q hospital Faisalabad. July 2006 to December 2007. It comprised of 30 consecutive patients of cholelithiasis with co-morbidity presenting in surgical department. Patients having uncontrolled hypertension, chronic obstructive airway disease and malignancy were excluded. Detailed history and physical examination was carried out as per protocol. It was followed up by relevant investigations. All the cases underwent laparoscopic cholecstectomy. The age of the patients ranged from 23-68 y, with mean age of 40-56 y. Among these 14 cases were having D.M [46.66%], 06 patients were cirrhotic [20%], 06 patients had acute cholecystitis [20%], 02 patients were having H.T.N [6.6%] and 02 patients were > 70 years [6.6%]. All the patients were females. Out of diabetic patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy, SSI was noted in 02 [6.66%] patients. While mild postoperative bleeding was noted in 01 [16.6%] of cirrhotic patients after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.No untoward event was noted in patients with H.T.N ac, Cholecystitis and advanced age. In high risk patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy, very few complications were noted. Postoperatively, Morbidity following above procedure was quite low as compared to conventional one. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy should be the preferred option in high risk patients for better outcome

Effect of calcium and light on the germination of Urochondra setulosa under different salts / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

Urochondra setulosa (Trin.) C.E. Hubbard is a coastal halophytic grass thriving on the coastal dunes along the Pakistani seashore. This grass could be useful in coastal sand dune stabilization using seawater irrigation. The purpose of this investigation was to test the hypothesis that Ca(2+) (0.0, 2.5, 5.0, 10.0 and 50.0 mmol/L) alleviates the adverse effects of KCl, MgSO(4), NaCl and Na(2)SO(4) at 0, 200, 400, 600, 800 and 1000 mmol/L on the germination of Urochondra setulosa. Seed germination was inhibited with increase in salt concentration with few seeds germinated at and above 400 mmol/L concentration. No seed germinated in any of the KCl treatments. Inclusion of CaCl(2) substantially alleviated the inhibitory effects of all salts. Germination was higher under photoperiod in comparison to those seeds germinated under complete darkness. Among the CaCl(2) concentrations used, 10 mmol/L was most effective in alleviating salinity effects and allowing few seeds to germinate at 1000 mmol/L KCl, MgSO(4), NaCl and Na(2)SO(4) solution.

Determinants of outcome of primary repair of colonic trauma

To search of parameters for the selection of the group cases of colonic injuries getting maximum benefit of primary repair. A prospective non-randomized study. Surgical Unit IV, DHQ Hospital, Faisalabad. Patients with colonic trauma due to penetrating and non-penetrating injuries. The main outcome determinants found significant were age, proper prompt treatment, severity of injury, haemodynamic status at the time of operation and gross faecal contamination. Thirty patients colonic trauma who the basis of history, clinical examination and investigations. Patients were closely observed for sign and symptoms of anastomotic leak, and intra- record of these patients was maintained on preformed proforma. All risk factors were made measurable on abdominal sepsis, wound infection. Out of 30 patients, presented to Emergency Ward during one year, underwent exploratory laparotomy. The complete 24 patients were managed by primary repair and six patients were managed by staged procedure. All the 24 patients developed no infective complications. One out of six patients of staged procedure group died on 3[rd] post-operative day due to sudden myocardial infarction and three out of six patients developed infective complications. Age, proper prompt treatment, severity of injury, haemodynamic status at the time of operation and gross faecal contamination are determinants of outcome of primary repair of colonic trauma

Blunt liver trauma: selective conservative approach

To highlight the scope of conservatism in the selective blunt liver injuries in patients who are hemodynamically stable. Prospective non-interventional descriptive study. The study was conducted in Surgical Unit-I and IV of Allied and DHQ Hospitals, PMC, Faisalabad, during three years from August 2004 to august 2007. Out of 45 patients received during this period, 28 were hemodynamically unstable and were immediately explored, the remaining 17 were enrolled in the study who were managed conservatively. After resuscitation all the patients underwent Ultrasound and then followed up with serial Hb% estimation and repeat ultrasound scanning in the High Dependency Unit of the wards. The patients were discharged on 7[th] day, if the hematology and check Ultrasound scan was normal with the advice to restrict physical activity and the regular follow-up in the OPD. Out of the 17 patients treated conservatively, 14 were male and only 3 were females.the SGPT levels were elevated in 84%. More than one liter of hemoperitoneum was detected in two cases who were given 4 units of blood and 11 of the 17 patients needed blood transfusion. There was no missed intraabdominal injury in our series. The mean length of hospital stay was 10.2 days. The two patients [11.76%] developed perihepatic abscess and were treated by subcutaneous drainage. Selective non-operative approach is a valid policy for patients with blunt liver trauma who are hemodynamically stable

Transmural migration of surgical sponge evacuated by defecation

The spontaneous defecation of the retained surgical sponge is very rare. Here, we report a case of retained surgical sponge that migrated into the colon and was evacuated by defecation

Tuberculosis of the liver

A fifty years old lady underwent elective extended right hemicolectomy for a mass of ascending and transverse colon along with incision and drainage of abscess in the right lobe of liver. Histopathology turned out to be tuberculous liver abscess and tuberculous colitis. Although tuberculosis is very common in our country, but tuberculosis of liver is rare this case is one of that, showing the decreased immunity of the patient and local spread of disease. The tuberculous liver abscess is rare [1], when present is associated with focus of infection in the lungs or the GIT