Interzygomatic and Intercanthal width - Gender determination methods in forensic dentistry

Background: Personal identification is a subtle perception and often one of the most significant priorities in the investigation of criminal cases, mass disasters, and in forensic concerns. Gender determination is one of the important parameters in forensic identification. The study of anthropometric characteristics is of fundamental importance to solve problems related to such cases. Aim: This study aimed to determine gender using physical anthropometric methods like interzygomatic and intercanthal width. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 60 individuals (30 males and 30 females) in the department of Oral Pathology, Government Dental College and Hospital Srinagar. Interzygomatic width, and intercanthal width was determined using a digital sliding caliper. All the measurements were taken twice. The final value was the average of the two obtained values. Results: There was significantly higher mean interzygomatic and intercanthal width in males as compared to females. Conclusion: Interzygomatic and intercanthal measurements may serve as diagnostic markers for gender identification in forensic applications like mass disasters.

Denosumab can be used successfully as a bridge to surgery in patients with severe hypercalcemia due to primary hyperparathyroidism

SUMMARY Severe hypercalcemia is a medical emergency that requires immediate and aggressive management. Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) often causes severe hypercalcemia. Volume resuscitation, parenteral salmon calcitonin, and administration of intravenous bisphosphonates are common measures used to stabilize patients. However, the use of these measures is inadequate in several patients and may even be contraindicated in individuals with renal insufficiency or severe systemic illness. This study demonstrated the efficacy and safety of denosumab in patients with severe hypercalcemia due to PHPT, when immediate surgery was not feasible. We present four patients with severe hypercalcemia due to PHPT. Immediate surgery was not feasible because the patients had severe systemic illness, such as seizures and altered sensorium (case 1); acute severe pancreatitis (cases 2 and 3); or coronavirus disease 2019 pneumonia (case 4). Intravenous normal saline and parenteral salmon calcitonin were inadequate for controlling hypercalcemia. Intravenous bisphosphonates were avoided because of severe systemic illness in all cases and impaired renal function in three cases. Denosumab was administered to control hypercalcemia and allow the stabilization of patients for definitive surgical management. Following denosumab administration, serum calcium levels normalized, and general condition improved in all patients. Three patients underwent parathyroidectomy after two weeks and another patient after eight weeks. The use of denosumab for the management of severe hypercalcemia due to PHPT is efficacious and safe in patients when immediate surgical management is not feasible due to severe systemic illness.

Assessment of Dental Students about the Problems Faced in Studying Oral Pathology: A Cross-Sectional

Oral pathology, a unique and diversified branch of dentistry that identifies and manages oral diseases pertaining to the oral and maxillofacial region. Aim and objectives: To evaluate and assess the dental students oriented towards oral pathology and also to take necessary measures for further improvement of the teaching process. Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study was carried out in the department of Oral Pathology, GDC Srinagar where the prepared questionnaires was given to all the undergraduate students and interns of GDC, Srinagar except first year BDs and postgraduate students. The questionnaire was in the form of multiple choice questions and designed in such a way which was simple to evaluate and answer. Results: In this study, dental students should have adequate knowledge of this subject but there are still holes between the understanding and awareness for this subject in the students. Conclusion: This study emphasized the difficulties felt by the dental students in their recent curriculum in the subject of oral pathology. By making little alterations in the current schedule, it can be made more interesting and systematic for the students.

Problems Encountered by Dental Students in Understanding Oral Histology and Dental Anatomy: A Cross-Sectional Study

Dental anatomy and oral histology as a subject need comprehensive information for its application in every wake of academic as well as clinical life. It’s also the responsibility of the trainers for a brighter prospect and enhancement in their academic field. Aim and objectives of the study: To analyze the problems encountered by the dental students in understanding oral histology and dental anatomy as well as to find out the necessary solutions to overcome these problems. Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study will be conducted in the department of Oral Pathology, GDC Srinagar where the prepared questionnaires will be distributed to all the undergraduate students and interns of GDC, Srinagar. The questionnaire will be in the form of multiple choice questions and designed in such a way which will be simple to understand and answer. Results: In the present study, dental students have satisfactory knowledge of this concerned discipline of dentistry but there are still gaps between the understanding and interest for this subject in the students. Conclusion: In the present study, students felt problems/difficulties which are easy to handle if proper measures are taken. By making few variations in their recent curriculum, it can be make more interesting and comprehensive for the future aspirants

Estimation of hematological parameters in patients with Hepatitis B and C

Background: Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C are the blood-borne diseases with high morbidity and mortality. These are responsible for liver diseases, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma so determination of hematological parameters is essential in these patients. The aim of the present study was to compare the change in the hematological parameters in patients with hepatitis B and C than those of healthy individuals. Material and methods: A case-control study was carried out by the routine screening of the hepatitis B and C patients by using rapid immunoassay test. The study group comprised of 15 cases of Hepatitis B positive, 15 cases of Hepatitis C positive and 15 cases of healthy individuals. Blood samples were collected from the patients with seropositive hepatitis B and C as well as healthy individuals to determine the variation in the hematological parameters. Results: Variation in the hematological parameters has been observed in patients with seropositive Hepatitis B and C virus as compared to healthy individuals. Conclusion: This study determines the need for routine hematological investigations in seropositive hepatitis B and C patients. Follow up of patients even after recovery from Hepatitis B and C virus infection should create an essential part of these patients’ management.

Effect of different solvent extracted samples from the leaves and fruits of Datura stramonium on the growth of bacteria and fungi

Different solvent extracted samples from the leaves and fruits tissues of D. stramonium were tested against five pathogenic microorganisms by disc diffusion susceptibility method using 1, 2 and 3mg disc-1 concentrations. Methanol and chloroform extracted fractions from both leaves and fruits measured good growth inhibition of all the tested microorganisms at all concentrations. Bacillus subtilis was very resistant to n-butanol and aqueous extracted fractions of fruits tissues at all the tested three concentrations. The growths of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pnuemonia were efficiently reduced by all the solvent extracted fractions from the fruits while aqueous fraction was unable to restrain the growth of Bacillus subtilis. The growth of Candida albicans was effectively reduced by aqueous extracted fraction from the leaves tissue at the highest concentration. Maximum growth reduction of [77%] was shown by chloroform extracted fractions from the leaves against Klebsiella pneumonia at 3mg disc-1 concentration. Minimum zone of inhibition [35.4%] was measured by n-butanol extracted fractions from the leaves against Pseudomonas aeruginosa at the lowest concentrations of 1mg disc-1. In case of leaves the most vulnerable bacteria was Bacillus subtilis while in case of fruits Klebsiella pneumonia was the most susceptible while Bacillus subtilis was the most resistant one

Phytochemical screening and antibacterial activity of different solvent extracted samples of Arisaema jacquemontii

The current research was carried out to assess the antibacterial activities and phytochemical analysis of the methanol, n-hexane, ethyl acetate, n-butanol soluble fractions and aqueous extracts of the tubers of Arisaema jacquemontii. All the extracts were tested for their antibacterial potential at 1, 2 and 3 mg disc-1 concentrations against 6 bacterial strains through disc diffusion suseptibility assay. The data suggested that different extracts showed varying degree of growth inhibition against the tested microbes. Statistical analysis revealed that n-hexane and ethyl acetate soluble fractions significantly inhibited the growth of all the bacterial strains at the tested concentrations. Moderate activities were recorded for n-butanol and methanolic extracted samples at different concentrations against all the tested strains of bacteria. P. aeruginosa, S. aureus and X. campestris showed resistance to all the tested concentrations of the aqueous extract. B. subtilis and K. pneumoniae were resistant at 1 and 2 mg disc-1 concentrations of the aqueous extract and 3 mg disc-1 of the same extract reduced the growth of the same bacteria. Phytochemical analysis of the different solvent extracted samples suggested the presence or absence of various metabolites including alkaloids, saponins, tannins, sterols, flavonoids, protein, carbohydrates and fats

Postgraduate medical trainees' understanding of biostatistics: a pre- and post-research methodology workshop experience

Objective: To evaluate understanding of biostatistics among postgraduate medical trainees before and after biostatistics workshop

Study Design: Quasi experimental study

Place and Duration of Study: Regional Centre, Islamabad, College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan, from March to September 2017

Methodology: Two hundred and seventy postgraduate trainees were enrolled after taking informed consent. Structured questionnaire containing 21 multiple choice questions regarding understanding and application of biostatistics was given to all participants on the first and the last day of workshop and compared pre- and post-workshop by McNemar test of significance. SPSS version 21 was used for data analysis with p-value <0.05 as significant level

Results: The response rate was 100%. Among these participants, males were 81 [30%] and females were 189 [70%], mean age was 28.5 +/- 2.5 years. One hundred and twenty-five [46%] postgraduate trainees were from Islamabad. Most of the doctors were in the first year [37%] and second year [57%] of their training. With total correct answers of 42.9% [preworkshop] and 57% [post-workshop], p-value was <0.001

Conclusion: Understanding regarding application of biostatistics in research among PGTs improved significantly and immediately after teaching biostatistics in research methodology workshop

Phytochemical analysis, phytotoxic and insecticidal activities of medicinally important periploca hydaspidis

The present study investigates the phyto-chemical analysis, phytotoxic activity and insecticidal activity of the stem and root tissues of medicinally important Periploca hydaspidis. All the extracted samples exhibited the phytotoxic activity. The data confirmed that water was the best solvent to extract the phytotoxic compounds from stem and root tissues. Roots extracted with different solvents exhibited better phytotoxic potential than samples obtained from the stem tissues. Samples extracted in methanol and water from both stems and roots tissues were active against the subject insects while hexane, ethyl acetate and butanol extracted samples in both parts exhibited no insecticidal activity. Water extracted samples of the stem and root exhibited better insecticidal activity compared with methanol extracted samples. Tribolium castaneum and Rhizopertha dominica were more sensitive in both the cases than Callosobruchus maculates. The plant contained alkaloids, flavonoids, carbohydrate, proteins and saponins

Antinociceptive, antimicrobial potential and phytochemical screening of different solvent extracted samples from the stem of Acer pentapomicum

The present study investigates the antinociceptive, antimicrobial activity and phytochemical assessment of samples from A. pentapomicum. Different microbes were tested using disc diffusion assay at three concentrations [1, 2 and 3 mg/disc]. Antinociceptive activity was determined by acetic acid induced and hot plate methods. The tested plant extracts revealed significant antinociceptive activity at dose dependent manner when measured by acetic acid induced method. The growth of all the tested microbes was inhibited by methanol, butanol, and ethyl acetate extracted samples at all concentrations. Chloroform, n-hexane and aqueous extracts inhibited the growth of the different microbes at high concentration. The most susceptible microbe was P. aeruginosa measuring 94% and 79% zone of inhibition by butanol and ethyl acetate extracts at 3mg /disc. C. fruendii, however, was the most resistant bacterium followed by S. aureus. The presence of alkaloids, proteins, amino acids, carbohydrates, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and fats were confirmed in phytochemical screening of different extracts

Impact of different solvent extracts from leaves and fruits of Eucalyptus globulus on growth of different bacteria and fungi

The present research investigates the antimicrobial activities of the samples extracted from the leaves and fruits of Eucalyptus globulus through disc diffusion susceptibility assay using 1, 2 and 3mg disc-1 concentrations. Different extracted samples from the leaves and fruits of Eucalyptus globulus exhibited different degrees of antimicrobial. The data indicated that n-butanol and ethyl acetate extracted fraction of both the leaves and fruits inhibited the growth of all microorganisms at all the tested concentrations. Aqueous extracted sample of the leaves inhibited the growth of Candida albicans while the same fraction from the fruits showed no activity against Bacillus subtilis at any concentration. N-hexane extracted samples of the leaves inhibited the growth of Bacillus subtilis, E. coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa at the tested concentrations while no activity was recorded against Klebsiella pneumonia, Candida albicans and Stephylococcus aureus. N-butanol extracted samples from the leaves and fruits showed activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa at the tested concentrations. In case of leaves, the most susceptible bacteria was Bacillus subtilis [gram positive] and Stephylococcus aureus [gram positive] was the most resistant one. In case of fruits the most susceptible bacteria was Stephylococcus aureus [gram positive] and E. coli [Gram negative] was the most resistant one

GC-MS profile of bioactive compounds from medicinally important Periploca hydaspidis

The aim of the present study was to investigate bioactive compounds in different solvent extracted samples from the stem tissues of P. hydaspidis using Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectroscopy techniques. GC-mass spectrum was compared with the data base of National Institute of Standards and Technology [NIST] containing more than 62000 patterns of the mass spectrum. During matching with NIST library the match factor greater than 700 was considered only for better and pure results. The results revealed that different solvent extracted samples analyzed through GC-MS contained appreciable quantities of different bioactive molecules including antibiotics, fatty acids and protein which have important pharmacological significance

Extraction and isolation of important bioactive compounds from the fruit of Physalis ixocarpa

The current study investigates pharmaceutically important bioactive compounds in the fruits of Physalis ixocarpa. Two different extractions methods were used to study its effect on percent extract yield, recovery of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of the extracts. The data indicated that Soxhlet extraction had high efficiency of recovery than maceration method for extracting compounds; percent extract yield and antioxidant activity of the extracts. In maceration, the percent extract yield was found to be in order of water >methanol >ethyl acetate whereas in Soxhlet extraction, it was in order of methanol >water >ethyl acetate. Ethyl acetate extract produced by Soxhlet extraction showed strong antioxidant activity of 59.7% [250ppm] as compared to other extracts. Analysis of ethyl acetate extract showed the presence of Triglyceride. GC-MS study of triglyceride revealed the presence of trilinoleinic acid [9,12Octadecdienoic acid], tripalmitin [hexadecanoic acid] and trioleinic acid [9-Octa decenoic acid]. Four impure and three pure compounds were isolated from crude methanol extract of the fruit. The structure of pure compounds were identified by NMR and characterized as sugar, glucose and fructose

Heparin and insulin in the management of hypertriglyceridemia-associated pancreatitis: case series and literature review

SUMMARY Severe hypertriglyceridemia accounts for up to 7% of all cases of acute pancreatitis. Heparin and insulin activate lipoprotein lipase (LPL), thereby reducing plasma triglyceride levels. However, the safety and efficacy of heparin and insulin in the treatment of hypertriglyceridemia-associated acute pancreatitis have not been well established yet. We successfully used heparin and insulin as first-line therapy in four consecutive patients with acute pancreatitis secondary to hypertriglyceridemia. In a literature search, we revised almost all reports published to date of patients managed successfully with this combination. Heparin and insulin appear to be a safe, effective, and inexpensive first-line therapy for hypertriglyceridemia-associated acute pancreatitis.

Screening of leaves extracts from Calamus aromaticus for their antimicrobial activity by disc diffusion assay

The current research investigates the anti-microbial activities of different solvent extracted samples from the leaves of Calamus aromaticus against Gram positive, Gram negative bacteria and fungi using 500, 1000 and 2000 micro g disc[-1] concentrations. Escherichia coli, Citorbacter freundii and Candida albicans showed resistivity to crude methanolic extract and the same microbes were more susceptible to water extracted fractions. Maximum activity was measured by hexane extracted fractions against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis and Xanthomonas campestris and minimum growth inhibition by water extracted fractions. Maximum growth of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus was measured by ethyl acetate fraction. Majority of the tested microbes were resistant to water and butanol extracted fractions. Staphylococcus aureus revealed maximum susceptibility among gram positive bacteria and Bacillus subtilis showed minimum. Among Gram negative bacteria, Citorbacter freundii was more susceptibile while Xanthomonas campestris revealed resistively

In vitro antibacterial and antifungal activities of different solvent extracted samples from the stem of Euphorbia heliscopia

This paper presents the anti-microbial potentials of methanol, ethyl acetate, n-hexane, butanol and water extracted samples from the stem of Euphorbia heliscopia against S. aureus [Gram positive], B. subtilis [Gram positive], P. aeruginosa [Gram negative], K. pneumonia [Gram negative], E. coli [Gram negative], C. albicans [fungal specie] by discs diffusion susceptibility assay using 0.5 and Img disc[+1] concentrations. Our results showed that all the extracted samples from the stem of E. heliscopia exhibited varying degree of antimicrobial activity. Ethyl acetate extracted samples measured maximum activity against the studies microbial species followed by the n-butanol and crude methanolic extract, n-hexane extracted samples inhibited the growth of all microbial species except P. aeruginosa and E. coli at lower concentration. Aqueous fractions showed inhibitory activity against B. subtilis, K. pneumonia and C. albicans. The most susceptible gram positive bacteria were S. aureus while B. subtilis was the most resistant one. Among Gram negative bacteria, P. aeruginosa showed more susceptibility while K. pneumonia was resistant

Antimicrobial potentials of different solvent extracted samples from Physalis ixocarpa

The present study investigates the antimicrobial activities of different solvent extracted samples isolated from different parts of Physalis ixocarpa through disc diffusion assay using three different concentrations. Statistical analysis of the data revealed that different parts of the plant showed varying degree of inhibition against different bacteria at different concentrations. Different solvent extracted samples from the calyx showed inhibitory activity against most of the bacteria under study. Extracts from leaf and fruit samples showed activity against S. aureus and K. pneumoniae and extracts from the stem tissues were effective to control the growth of E. coli and K. pneumoniae. Crude methanolic extract from the stem and n-butanol extracted samples from fruit exhibited strong inhibitory activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae at highest concentrations. Antifungal activity was observed only in crude methanol extract from the leaf against Rhizopus stolinifer, Aspergillus niger and Penicillium chrysogenum

Antimicrobial potentials of Catharanthus roseus by disc diffusion assay

The present research work investigates the in vitro antimicrobial activity of different solvent extracted samples from the aerial parts [stem, leaf, fruit and flower] of C. roseus against different microbial species using disc diffusion assay at two different concentrations of 1 and 2 mg disc-1. Hexane extracted samples inhibited the growth of all tested microbial strains except S. typhi. Similarly, ethyl acetate extracted samples was effective to control the activity of all the tested microbial strains. E. coli and S. typhi showed resistance to chloroform extracted samples and the remaining eight microbial strains were susceptible to the same extract. Butanol extracted samples did not inhibit the growth of K. pneumoniaandS. typhi at low concentration, however, at higher concentration the same extract reduced the growth of different microbes. Methanol extracted samples effectively controlled the growth of all tested microbes at both concentrations except for S. typhi. Water extracted samples did not inhibit the growth at low concentration except E. coli, K. pneumoniaandS. aureus and were ineffective against P. aeroginosa at both concentration. C. albicans, showed resistance against chloroform and water extracted samples at low concentration and susceptible to other solvent extracted samples at both concentration. All fractions were effective against plant pathogens i.e. E. carotovoraandA. tumefaciens

In vitro antimicrobial activity of Allium cepa [dry bulbs] against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria and fungi

The present research was carried out at the Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, the University of Agriculture Peshawar KPK Pakistan. Analysis of the data revealed that all the extracts from dry bulbs showed different ranges of antimicrobial activities. Ethyl acetate fractions showed inhibitory activities against all tested eight microbes including bacteria and a fungus while chloroform fractions inhibited all the microbes except Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Butanol fractions showed second highest activity at both lower and higher concentrations. Ethanol and water fractions were found least effective or ineffective. Among Gram positive microbes, Staphylococcus aureus was the most susceptible bacteria and the most resistant Gram negative bacteria were Pseudomonas aeurginosa and Salmonella typhi.

Antimicrobial potentials of Mentha longifolia by disc diffusion method

This study was conducted for the assessment of the antimicrobial activities of different solvents extracted samples from the aerial parts of Mentha longifolia against ten microbial species through the disc diffusion assay using two different concentrations of 1 and 2 mg disc1. All extracts from Mentha longifolia showed different ranges of antimicrobial activities. Butanol and ethyl acetate fractions showed inhibitory activities against all microbial species. Methanol fraction showed inhibitory effects against all the tested microbial species except Salmonella typhi. Salmonella typhi was also not controlled by methanol, petroleum ether and dichloromethane extracted samples. The most susceptible gram positive bacteria was Bacillus atropheus and Bacillus subtilis and were inhibited by all extracts and Staphylococus aureus was least susceptible among gram positive bacteria. Klebsiella pneumoniae was the most susceptible gram negative bacterium and Salmonella typhi was highly resistant among the gram negative bacteria. Erwinia carotovora and Agrobacterium tumefaciene were susceptible to all fractions. All fractions showed antifungal activities against Candida albicans except water extracted samples