Anti-obesity effect and UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS based metabolite profiling of Solanum nigrum leaf extract

Objective: To evaluate the antioxidant potential and pancreatic lipase inhibitory action of optimized hydroethanolic extracts of Solanum nigrum. Methods: Optimized extraction for maximum recovery of metabolites was performed using a combination of freeze-drying and ultrasonication followed by determination of antioxidant and antiobesity properties. The ultra-high performance liquid chromatography equipped with mass spectrometry was used to analyze metabolite profiling of Solanum nigrum. Computational studies were performed using molecular docking and electrostatic potential analysis for individual compounds. The hypolipidemic potential of the most potent extract was assessed in the obese mice fed on fat rich diet. Results: The 80% hydroethanolic extract exhibited the highest extract yield, total phenolic contents, total flavonoid contents along with the strongest 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging activity, total antioxidant power, and pancreatic lipase inhibitory properties. The 80% hydroethanolic extract not only regulated the lipid profile of obese mice but also restricted the weight gain in the liver, kidney, and heart. The 80% hydroethanolic extract also reduced alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase concentrations in serum. The effects of plant extract at 300 mg/kg body weight were quite comparable with the standard drug orlistat. Conclusions: Solanum nigrum is proved as an excellent and potent source of secondary metabolites that might be responsible for obesity mitigation.

Anti-obesity effect and UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS based metabolite profiling of Solanum nigrum leaf extract

Objective: To evaluate the antioxidant potential and pancreatic lipase inhibitory action of optimized hydroethanolic extracts of Solanum nigrum. Methods: Optimized extraction for maximum recovery of metabolites was performed using a combination of freeze-drying and ultrasonication followed by determination of antioxidant and antiobesity properties. The ultra-high performance liquid chromatography equipped with mass spectrometry was used to analyze metabolite profiling of Solanum nigrum. Computational studies were performed using molecular docking and electrostatic potential analysis for individual compounds. The hypolipidemic potential of the most potent extract was assessed in the obese mice fed on fat rich diet. Results: The 80% hydroethanolic extract exhibited the highest extract yield, total phenolic contents, total flavonoid contents along with the strongest 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging activity, total antioxidant power, and pancreatic lipase inhibitory properties. The 80% hydroethanolic extract not only regulated the lipid profile of obese mice but also restricted the weight gain in the liver, kidney, and heart. The 80% hydroethanolic extract also reduced alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase concentrations in serum. The effects of plant extract at 300 mg/kg body weight were quite comparable with the standard drug orlistat. Conclusions: Solanum nigrum is proved as an excellent and potent source of secondary metabolites that might be responsible for obesity mitigation.

Roles of Medical Education Department: What are expectations of the faculty?

Background and Objective: Pakistan like many Asian countries is investing in medical education to address increased societal needs and to meet the requirement of national and international accrediting bodies. Establishing medical education departments is part of this investment. The research question was ''What are the expectations of faculty from medical education department?'' The objective of this study was to explore the Faculty's perception about the roles of medical education department and their suggestions for its future endeavors

Methods: A qualitative case study design was chosen for this study. Heterogeneous group of faculty members from basic and clinical sciences departments of University College of Medicine, Lahore were invited for this study. They represented a variety of disciplines, and seniority levels. They were queried about their perception of the roles of medical education department and were encouraged to give suggestions for better functioning of department. Data was collected by audio recording through focus group interviews. Data analysis was done using NVIVO 11 software

Results: Initially 55 nodes/codes emerged which were then condensed to 35 nodes. Out of these three main themes emerged. The three emergent themes were: 1. Knowledge about the roles of medical education department. 2. Interactions with the medical education department. 3. Future Prospects of the medical education department. Roles of medical education department identified by the faculty were mainly related to faculty development, curriculum planning and implementation, student support, policy making for student induction, improving teaching strategies, student assessment, quality assurance and accreditation of the medical college. Faculty development not only encompassed faculty training but also provision of opportunities for research and curriculum development. Student support was found to be a neglected role and faculty members suggested it to be an important area to be looked upon by medical education departments

Conclusion: Institutions must ensure consultation with faculty members and should take proactive measures to sustain change, including giving ownership and team building among the faculty members

Frequency of hydrocephalus in cases of tbm

Tuberculosis meningitis [TBM] is a serious public health problem in developing countries as it leads to significant mortality and residual neurological squeal. The estimated mortality due to TBM in Asia is 1.5 per 100,000 populations

Objectives: To determine the frequency of hydrocephalus in cases of TBM

Methodology: This was a cross sectional study conducted during July 2016 to December 2016 conducted at Department of Medicine Services Hospital, Lahore. The detailed demographic data was collected. Cases fulfilling the criteria of TBM underwent CT scan of brain [with IV contrast] for confirmation of TBM at the Department of Radiology, Sheikh Zayed hospital Rahim Yar Khan

Results: In this study there were 93 cases, out of which 54 were males and 39 females with mean of 34.13 +/- 9.45 years. Hydrocephalus was seen in 61 [65.59%] out of 93 cases of TBM. It was seen significantly higher in male group where it caused it in 40 out of 54 males [74.1%] with p value of 0.04 [table 1]. In context of age groups with respect to hydrocephalus it was seen maximum in patients with age group of 31 to 40 years affecting 12 [80%] out of 15 of its respective group. It was followed by 41 to 50 years affecting 28 [68.3%] of 41 cases, though this difference was not found statistically significant with p value of 0.24. Hydrocephalus was observed maximum in stage I of TBM where it affected 4 out of 5 cases followed by stage II with 36 of 52 cases and then stage III with 21 of 36 patients. This difference was also not significant with p= 0.44

Conclusion: Hydrocephalus is an important and deadly complication of tuberculous meningitis and is noted in every 2 [65.59%] out of 3 cases. There is significant association of male gender with hydrocephalus

Occlusal splint therapy in the treatment of myofacial pain dysfunction syndrome [MPDS]

The aim of the present study was to compare the hard and soft occlusal splint therapy for the treat-ment of symptoms of temporomandibular myofacial pain dysfunction syndrome [TMPDs] .This study included 50 patients [age range 20-45 years] diagnosed with TMPDs. Patients were divided into two groups for providing hard and soft splints by simple randomization. Group I received vacuum formed Soft while Group II Hard acrylic resin maxillary splints for 6 months. Before treatment and on follow up at 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 months after treatment, the researcher measured all parameters of TMJ function including mouth opening, pain visual analog scores and tenderness of masticatory muscles .All recorded TMJ function parameters showed statistically significant improvement in both groups during 6 months period.Both hard acrylic and soft rubber splints improved TMPDs symptoms but hard occlusal splints exhibited superior results after 6 months of use

Effects of lower limb cycle training on echocardiographic parameters of left ventricle in dilated cardiomyopathy patients

Objective: To determine the effect of lower limb ergometric training on echocardiographic parameters of left ventricle in dilated cardiomyopathy [DMC] patients. Study Design: Randomized control trial. Place and Duration of Study: Rawalpindi Institute of Cardiology, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, from September 2016 to February 2017

Methodology: Clinically stable patients with DCM [n=60], were randomly allocated into an interventional group with two month interventional program and a non-trained control group [n=30 each]. Treatment protocol for interventional group was lower limb ergometer exercise for 8 weeks, 4 days/week. Pre and post-treatment echocardiography was done in both groups at baseline and after 8 weeks. SPSS 21 was used for data analysis

Results: The median [IQR] age of the patients was 51 [18] years in interventional group and 62 [11] years in control group. Male to female ratio was 18:9 in control group and 17:12 in Interventional group. Statistically significant results were detected within the groups regarding ejection fraction [EF], left ventricular internal dimension systole [LVIDS] and left ventricular internal diastolic dimension [LVIDD] [p<0.001]

Conclusion: Exercise training with lower limb ergometer was effective in improving the ejection fraction and left ventricular dimensions in patients with dilated cardiomyopathies

Interruption of warfarin before dental surgery

Objective was to find out whether interruption of warfarin before undergoing dental surgery is necessary and to determine the effects of stopping pre-operative warfarin in Patients undergoing minor oral surgical procedures

After taking full medical history, clinical examination and an orthopantogram, randomization was then done by convenience sample technique. A preoperative International Normalized Ratio [INR] and coagulation screen were arranged, with Consent on the day of dental surgery. The group I continued taking warfarin as usual [anticoagulant group]. The group II stopped taking warfarin 2 days before their dental surgery procedure. If a patient's INR was >2, a further dose of warfarin was omitted. The dental surgery was performed under local anesthesia. Oral antibiotic prophylaxis was given for patients at risk of endocarditis in both groups

Two hundred and eighteen patients form the study group. 114 were to the anticoagulant group [Group I] and!04 to the warfarin withdrawn group [Group II]. There were no significant differences between the groups in the mean age, gender, number of teeth extracted. Mean INR for the group I was > 2.5 than the group II, at 1.6 [p=0.001]. The overall rate of bleeding complications in the group I was higher than in the group II [30% compared with 14%]

It is concluded that the minor oral surgical procedures can be done without discontinuing the warfarin

Complications and their severity in patients of conventional metal ceramic fixed dental prosthesis: a clinical study

The aim of this study was to present the frequency of biological and technical complications and its severity related with metal ceramic fixed partial dentures [FPDs]. Total 245 abutments of 140 patients presented with complications in their FPDs were examined. The mean age of the patients was 42 years [range 23-83]. 66.1% and 33.8%complication were found in the FPDs provided by qualified and unqualified persons respectively with an average 5.4 years length of services. Among the biological complications caries were present in 21.2% [52] of the abutment teeth; 13.06% [32] had periapical problems, 12.65% [31] periodontal problems and 2.85% [7] had abutment fracture. Sixty eight out of 245 abutments with a decementation problem indicated a the major technical complication, whereas 25 with esthetic problem, 15 had occlusal problems. The primary technical complication decementation was associated with wrong preparation. Varying severity grades of complications, grade I 27.3%, grade II 35.1% and grade III 37.5% were observed. In conclusion majority of the FPDs having complications were provided by unqualified and were of grade II and III. The common complications were de-cementation, dental caries, periodontal disease and periapical problems

Comparison of bupivacaine moistened dressing and conventional dressing for pain relief on skin graft donor sites

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of bupivacaine moistened dressing and conventional dressing in patients requiring split thickness skin graft for reconstruction of various defects. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Plastic Surgery and Burns Unit, Mayo Hospital, King Edward Medical University, Lahore, from January 2011 to January 2013

Methodology: One hundred and fifty patients requiring split thickness skin grafting for various soft tissue defects were divided into two groups A and B, with 75 patients in each group. In Group A, skin graft donor site dressing was kept moist with 12 mL/100 cm[2] of 0.25% bupivacaine solution and in Group B, dressing was moistened with same amount of normal saline. Outcome was measured by calculating rescue analgesia requirements in the two groups after 24 hours. Significance was determined by comparing analgesia sparing effect of each dressing using chi-square test

Results: In Group A, 5 out of 75 [6.7%] patients required rescue analgesia. In Group B, 72 out of 75 [96%] patients required rescue analgesia [p < 0.0001]. There was 93.3% effectiveness of bupivacaine soaked dressing while only 4% effectiveness of conventional dressing

Conclusion: Bupivacaine soaked dressing is much more effective in pain relief and in reducing the requirement of rescue analgesia, in early postoperative period, at split thickness skin graft donor site compared to the conventional dressing

Effect of renal artery stenting on hypertension and renal function

Background: Renovascular hypertension and chronic kidney disease secondary to renal artery stenosis [RAS] can be treated by medical therapy, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty with or without stenting

Objective: To determine the effects of renal artery stenting on hypertension and renal function in patients with renal artery stenosis

Patients and Methods: This was an observational study in which 216 patients were identified retrospectively from 1[st] October, 2001 to 3T December 2006, who underwent 232 procedures. Clinical data pertaining to demographics, presence or absence of hypertension, creatinine, number of blood pressure medications and co morbidities was collected pre and post renal artery stenting, Follow up data was available for 144 procedures, with mean follow up period of 14 months

Results: In total, 232 procedures were performed on 216 patients, Of these, 95 [40.9%] had bilateral RAS [group 1], 117 [50.4%] had unilateral RAS [group 2], and 20 [8%] had RAS in a solitary functioning kidney [group 3]. Complete follow-up data was available on 144 patients. Indications for renal artery stenting were poorly controlled hypertension [56,9%], worsening renal function [8,6%], both [24.6%], and other [8,1%]. Procedural success was 100%, with no major in-lab complications. At a mean follow-up of 14.5 months, renal function remained stable with no significant difference in creatinine values but statistically significant drop in systolic blood pressure post stenting for the entire cohort and all the sub-groups

Conclusion: Renal artery stenting is a safe procedure with improvement of blood pressure control, stabilization or improvement in renal function in patients with unilateral, bilateral and RAS in solitary functioning kidneys

Comparison of mineral trioxide aggregate [MTA] and zinc free amalgam as retrograde filling materials in the surgical endodontics

The aim of this study was to compare the success rate of root end filling material using mineral trioxide aggregate and zinc free amalgam in apicectomized teeth. In the present study, [30 patients having previously failed or incomplete endodontic treatment]. The sample was divided into 2 groups, 1st group was treated with MTA root end filling, while the 2nd group was treated with Zinc free amalgam. The patients were followed up for one year to assess the periapical area both clinically and radiographically. There was no significant difference between the success rates of MTA treated group and that of zinc free amalgam treated group, although MTA has a higher success rate than amalgam treated group in some other studies. The success rate of MTA treated group was [86.6%], and of zinc free amalgam treated group was [66.6%]. It was concluded that MTA can be a good alternative to amalgam as a retro grade filling material, but amalgam is inexpensive, easily available and most of the dentists are familiar with its use

Stress testing in low risk chest pain patients might not be beneficial

Background: Assessment of non-cardiac chest pain places a considerable burden on healthcare resources. A typical admission usually requires serial cardiac biomarkers, electrocardiograms [EKGs] and at times provocative [stress] testing to detect undiagnosed coronary artery disease. Provocative testing incurs costs and additional time investment

Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify such low risk chest pain admissions and examine the utilization of stress testing in this group to determine if they are really needed and outcome of these patients

Patients and Methods: This was a retrospective observational chart review of the patients admitted to Abington Memorial Hospital, from 1[st] January 2011 to 30[th] April 2011 .We included all patients who were admitted to the hospital with atypical chest pain with no prior history of coronary artery disease, a normal non diagnostic EKG and an initial negative troponin on presentation. We recorded the prevalence of risk factors for coronary artery disease, risk stratified the patients based on TIMI risk scoring and determined the utilization of stress tests. We studied the stress test results and the increase in length of hospital stay if a stress test was ordered. Patient's charts were also reviewed to record any adverse events and 30 day re-hospitalizations

Results: Out of 272 charts, 164 patients were included based on the above mentioned criteria. Mean age was 60 years, 33.5% were male. Risk factors included: hypertension [63%], diabetes mellitus [23%], smoking [20%], hyperlipidemia [49%], and family history [38%]. Two patients had positive troponin [peak level 0.43ng/ml] and subsequent negative stress tests. In the patients who were ruled out for ACS [acute coronary syndrome] no troponin elevation was seen in the third set of tests if the second set was normal. Patients were stratified to TIMI risk 0-4. A stress test was performed in 48% of the patients. 53% of patients with a TIMI=0 underwent stress testing, 37% with TIMI=1,50% with TIMI=2,52% with TIMI=3 and 60% with TIMI=4.There was no association between TIMI score and utilization of the stress test [p = 0.494]. 70% of stress tests were recommended by internists and 30% by cardiologists. None of the stress tests were positive for ischemia. 97.4% were negative, 2.6% [2/78] were read as positive and were followed by a cardiac catheterization which revealed normal coronary arteries [false positive stress test]. One patient with a recent negative outpatient stress test and recurrent chest pain underwent catheterization that showed normal coronaries. Performing inpatient stress tests increased the patient length of stay by 17 hours on average.There were no acute coronary syndromes, no deaths, and no 30 day re-hospitalizations due to cardiac complications in patients who did or did not had an inpatient stress test

Conclusion: Ordering stress tests in low risk chest pain patients is of low yield with a high false positive rate and increases the length of hospital stay. These patients can be safely managed with short term observation with rapid and early discharge from the hospital

Stress testing in low risk chest pain patients might not be beneficial

Background: Assessment of non-cardiac chest pain places a considerable burden on healthcare resources. A typical admission usually requires serial cardiac biomarkers, electrocardiograms [EKGs] and at times provocative [stress] testing to detect undiagnosed coronary artery disease. Provocative testing incurs costs and additional time investment

Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify such low risk chest pain admissions and examine the utilization of stress testing in this group to determine if they are really needed and outcome of these patients

Patients and Methods: This was a retrospective observational chart review of the patients admitted to Abington Memorial Hospital, from 1[st] January 2011 to 30[th] April 2011.We included all patients who were admitted to the hospital with atypical chest pain with no prior history of coronary artery disease, a normal non diagnostic EKG and an initial negative troponin on presentation. We recorded the prevalence of risk factors for coronary artery disease, risk stratified the patients based on TIMI risk scoring and determined the utilization of stress tests. We studied the stress test results and the increase in length of hospital stay if a stress test was ordered. Patient's charts were also reviewed to record any adverse events and 30 day re-hospitalizations

Results: Out of 272 charts, 164 patients were included based on the above mentioned criteria. Mean age was 60 years, 33.5% were male. Risk factors included: hypertension [63%], diabetes mellitus [23%], smoking [20%], hyperlipidemia [49%], and family history [38%]. Two patients had positive troponin [peak level 0.43ng/ml] and subsequent negative stress tests. In the patients who were ruled out for ACS [acute coronary syndrome] no troponin elevation was seen in the third set of tests if the second set was normal. Patients were stratified to TIMI risk 0-4. A stress test was performed in 48% of the patients. 53% of patients with a TIMI=0 underwent stress testing, 37% with TIMI=1, 50% with TIMI=2, 52% with TIMI=3 and 60% with TIMI=4.There was no association between TIMI score and utilization of the stress test [p = 0.494]. 70% of stress tests were recommended by internists and 30% by cardiologists. None of the stress tests were positive for ischemia. 97.4% were negative, 2.6% [2/78] were read as positive and were followed by a cardiac catheterization which revealed normal coronary arteries [false positive stress test]. One patient with a recent negative outpatient stress test and recurrent chest pain underwent catheterization that showed normal coronaries. Performing inpatient stress tests increased the patient length of stay by 17 hours on average. There were no acute coronary syndromes, no deaths, and no 30 day re-hospitalizations due to cardiac complications in patients who did or did not had an inpatient stress test

Conclusion: Ordering stress tests in low risk chest pain patients is of low yield with a high false positive rate and increases the length of hospital stay. These patients can be safely managed with short term observation with rapid and early discharge from the hospital

Enhancement in the germination, growth and yield of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) using pre-sowing magnetic treatment of seeds.

The effect of pre-sowing magnetic treatments was investigated on germination, growth and yield of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus cv. Sapz pari). The dry okra seeds were exposed to sinusoidal magnetic field induced by an electromagnet. The average magnetic field exposure was 99 mT for 3 and 11 min and seeds with no magnetic field treatment were considered as control. Both treated and non-treated seeds were sown in experimental plots (120 m2) under similar conditions. Samples were collected at regular intervals for statistical analysis. A significant increase (P<0.05) was observed in germination percentage, number of flowers per plant, leaf area (cm2), plant height (cm) at maturity, number of fruits per plant, pod mass per plant and number of seeds per plant. The 99 mT for 11 min exposure showed better results as compared to control.

Aerobiology and pollen allergy in Islamabad

Pollen allergies affect a significant proportion of Islamabad residents. Many patients with pollen allergy are hospitalised in Islamabad in spring [February to April], fall seasons [July to September], and after monsoons. To determine the type and concentration of airborne pollens causing allergic diseases in the susceptible patients in Islamabad. The study was conducted from January 2005 to December 2006 and 'Burkard Volumetric Spore Trap' provided by the World Allergy Organization was used. This spore trap was placed in the F-10 area of Islamabad and samples were collected on weekly basis during the whole study period. To obtain the sample, the spore trap drum was loaded with a strip of sticky tape every week. The sampled sticky tape was then collected each week at a specified time and replaced with a fresh strip of, sticky tape, which was then collected next week. This cycle continued for whole study period. From each sample seven permanent slides were made and mounted with gelevitol mounting media. The slides were then examined microscopically, A total of 702 individuals irrespective of age or gender were included in the study. Skin prick tests were performed for pollens using allergen extracts of Hollister-Steir, USA and the results were recorded. The two flowering seasons in Islamabad i.e., spring and fall caused maximum pollen allergies. The Broussonetia papyrifera [paper mulberry] tree in spring, and the Cannabis saliva [bhang] weed in the fall season, produced the highest seasonal pollen counts. In the spring season of 2005, Broussonetia papyrifera produced the highest pollen count, [73%] of the total pollen count, with a maximum count of 1390 pollen/cu meter of air/hour on 20th of March, while in 2006, it accounted for 75% of the total pollen count, with a maximum count of 1430 pollen/cu meter of air/hour on 10th of March. In fall season of 2005, Cannabis saliva produced maximum pollen counts of 85 pollens/cu meter of air/hr on 18th of August, while in 2006, it achieved maximum counts of only 40 pollens/cu meter of air/hr on 27th of August. Skin prick tests demonstrated that out of 702 individuals selected irrespectivc of age or gender, 338 [48%] exhibited positive results in response to Broussonetia papyrifera pollen extracts, 207 [29%] were positive to grass pollen extracts, and 137 [20%] were positive to Cannabis sativa pollen extracts. The Broussonetia papyrifera has the highest pollen count in the spring, [February to April], and is the main cause of allergic diseases like allergic rhinitis and asthma among the residents of Islamabad, while the Cannabis sativa pollen count peaks in the fall season, causing allergic symptoms from July to September. Skin prick tests confirmed the findings. Regular awareness campaigns for seasonal pollen allergy should be launched before the beginning of the seasons

Potentiation of valproate-induced anticonvulsant response by nigella sativa seed constituents: the role of GABA receptors

This study investigated antiepileptic effects of the main constituents of Nigella sativa [NS] seed [i.e. aqueous extract [AE], fixed oil [FO], volatile oil [VO]] and the main components of its VO [i.e. thymoquinone, alpha-pinene and p-cymene] using pentylenetetrazole [PTZ] and maximal electroshock [MES]-induced convulsions. The potential of these constituents to induce minimal neurological deficit [MND] was also evaluated by using chimney test. Except for the FO, all of the NS seed constituents protected mice effectively against PTZ-induced convulsions. The activity of the VO in this model maybe attributed mainly to its content of thymoquinone and p-cymene and to a lesser extent, alpha-pinene. VO and its component p-cymene effectively suppressed convulsions induced by MES. The contents of p-cymene present in the effective dose of the VO maybe partially responsible for its anti-seizure effects. All of the NS seed constituents induced varying degrees of MND in the chimney test. MND induced by VO may pertain to its contents of thymoquinone [63%], p-cymene [23%] and alpha-pinene [<14%]. Protective indices of p-cymene and thymoquinone were closer to one, but only in PTZ model. Exploration on the role of receptors suggests that picrotoxin and bicuculline-sensitive GABA receptors, most probably GABAA receptors, mediate an increase in GABAergic response. In the part dealing with the interaction of valproate with thymoquinone, it can be mentioned that thymoquinone increased the potency of valproate in both PTZ and MES models

Synthesis of a new series of substituted pyrimidines and its evaluation for antibacterial and antinociceptive effects

Pyrimidines are a well known group of compounds reported to have different biological activities. Prompted from the diversity of its wider use and being an integral part of genetic material, an effort was made to synthesize a novel series of amino-pyrimidine derivatives of pharmaceutical interest by condensing the guanidinyl derivative of nalidixic acid with different chalcones. The structures of all synthesized compounds were established on the basis of IR and 1HNMR spectral studies. All of the new compounds in this series were screened for antimicrobial activity. Gram-ve and Gram-ye strains were used to ascertain the spectrum of activity. ED5O values in the tail flick test were determined and recorded. Analgesic potential of compounds by using tail flick test in SWR male mice have also revealed promising results. All of the derivatives were effective in Gram-ve test against E. coli. None of the compounds show any inhibition of Gram+ve strain S. aureus. m-Bromo substitution derivative of amino-pyrimidines showed appreciable activity against E. coli, while 2, 4 dichloro and p-chloro substitution derivatives also demonstrated improved activity. Compound 4 was most potent. The order of potency for these derivatives was 4>5 >/= 6>1>2>7>3. Parallel to antimicrobial activity, m-bromo substitution derivative showed significant [P<0.01] antinociceptive response in comparison to control, and this effect was comparable to aspirin group. Trimethoxy substitution of benzene ring demonstrated moderate activity, whereas p-bromo substitution essentially had no antinociceptive effects in mice. Comparing meta-and para-bromo substitutions, there had been significant [P<0.01] difference in the antinociceptive response of both the bromo-substituted derivatives. It was observed that bromo-substitution at meta-position demonstrated comparatively higher potential for its antibacterial as well as antinociceptive properties

Concepts, techniques and materials used for complete denture impressions by dental house officers

To report data relating to concepts, techniques and materials used by dental house-officers of local dental institutes. With the use of a questionnaire, data relating to concepts, techniques and material used for edentulous impressions were collected from 140 house officers of 10 local dental institutes of these, 121 I house officers retuned the completed questionnaires, yielding a response rate of 86.4%. 96.7% followed the 2-step impression concept of preliminary and final impression. Some 71.9% preferred impression compound only as preliminary impression material. 94.2% used special trays for secondary impressions. Some 43.8% were making them in self-curing denture-base acrylic resin. Border-molding, prior to final impression was preferred by 95.9%, out of which 86.8% were using low fusing impression compound. Vent-holes to allow escape of excess impression material were incorporated by 40.5%, of which 38.0% favored two or more vent-holes. Some 95.9% used zinc-oxide-eugenol alone as the final impression material. Recording of the reline-impression using the open-mouth technique at trial-stage, was preferred by 63.6%. Very few knew about the special impression techniques of functional, sectional, admix, window or plaster-stent impression. Statistical analyses of the data, using chi-square test showed insignificant association between the responses from the graduates working in the public sector and private sector dental institutions. Concerns and issues regarding the non-use of latest impression materials and techniques related to complete denture impressions and a lack of understanding of the related concepts of participants were observed. Strategies for rectification of these are emphasized

Dentists experiences, practices and understanding of some design statements regarding mandibular kennedy class I removable partial dentures

Mandibular Kennedy class I situation being substantial and its restoration need with removable partial dentures [RPDs], necessitates practitioners to be knowledgeable and skillful in the clinical, biological and technical aspects. It is aimed to report clinical experiences and practices with RPDs of some dentists and their understanding of some statements pertaining to the design of these RPDs. Comparative, PMDC Registered dentists in NWFP. A self-administered structured Performa documenting personal and RPD practice related information and responses to some conceptual statements pertaining to a standardized mandibular Kennedy Class I RPD was used to collect data. Data were collected, by either direct personal contact or through mail, from 120 dentists divided into 4 groups on the basis of their professional educational and practice experience level. There were wide variations in responses of dentists regarding the extent of their provision of RPDs and specifically of mandibular Kennedy Class I RPD to patients, A substantial number of dentists [77 97%] had never reappraised their RPD making skills. Not doing jaw cast surveying and delegating the RPD design to dental technician was noted in cases of some 67 - 93% and 20 - 43% respectively. Selection of inappropriate design statements pertaining to the test situation regarding the various aspects of RPD designing was also made by many dentists in the various groups. Participants having relatively fresh entry into clinical dental practice proved more knowledgeable by responding appropriately in larger numbers. Mostly within group and between-group variations were statistically insignificant. Knowledge of the participating dentists in all the 4 groups was poor regarding the understanding of the concepts related to RPD design. However, relatively younger dentists proved better than the others

Audit of a general surgical unit: reed for self evaluation

To find out the pattern of admissions and the outcome of patients in a general surgical unit of a major teaching hospital. Observational, descriptive study covering the year 2006 with retrospective data collection. Surgical Unit three, Dow Medical College and Civil Hospital Karachi. All patients admitted to the unit during 2006 either through Out-patient Department or Emergency Department or transferred/referred from other units/departments. Detailed data regarding the patients was collected and analyzed. A total of 779 patients, 492 males and 287 females, were admitted during the study period; 489 from the Out-patients Department [OPD] and 276 from the Emergency [Casualty] Dept., while 14 were transferred from other departments as they had general surgical problems. Inguinal hernias accounted for the highest number of admissions i.e. 15.5% followed by Acute Appendicitis [11 9%] and Chronic Cholecystitis [10.7%]. Trauma constituted 11.2% of the total admissions, including 46 [5.5%] cases of gunshot injuries. There is a dire need of local studies on the topic of Surgical Audit because for proper and better health care planning of the country, a knowledge of the current pattern of admissions and diseases spectrum are essential