Anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of the essential oil isolated from Cupressus arizonica Greene fruits

Background@#Cupressus arizonica Greene is a coniferous tree with great importance in fragrance and pharmaceutical industries. Essential oils from C. arizonica (EC) have shown potential antioxidant, and anti-microbial activities. This study aimed at investigating the anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects/mechanisms of EC. @*Methods@#The EC was evaluated for anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities on male Wistar rats using a formalin test and carrageenan-induced paw edema, respectively. Also, we pre-treated some of the animals with naloxone and flumazenil in the formalin test to find out the possible contributions of opioid and benzodiazepine receptors to EC anti-nociceptive effects. Finally, gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis was used to identify the EC’s constituents. @*Results@#EC in intraperitoneal doses of 0.5 and 1 g/kg significantly decrease the nociceptive responses in both early and late phases of the formalin test. From a mechanistic point of view, flumazenil administration 20 minutes before the most effective dose of EC (1 g/kg) showed a meaningful reduction in the associated antinociceptive responses during the early and late phases of the formalin test. Naloxone also reduced the anti-nociceptive role of EC in the late phase. Furthermore, EC at the doses of 1, 0.5, and 0.25 g/kg significantly reduced paw edema from 0.5 hours after carrageenan injection to 4 hours. GC/MS analysis showed that isolated EC is a monoterpene-rich oil with the major presence of α-pinene (71.92%), myrcene (6.37%), δ-3-carene (4.68%), β-pinene (3.71%), and limonene (3.34%). @*Conclusions@#EC showed potent anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities with the relative involvement of opioid and benzodiazepine receptors.

Cancer stem cell-targeted chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy: Challenges and prospects

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) with their self-renewal ability are accepted as cells which initiate tumors. CSCs are regarded as interesting targets for novel anticancer therapeutic agents because of their association with tumor recurrence and resistance to conventional therapies, including radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells are engineered T cells which express an artificial receptor specific for tumor associated antigens (TAAs) by which they accurately target and kill cancer cells. In recent years, CAR-T cell therapy has shown more efficiency in cancer treatment, particularly regarding blood cancers. The expression of specific markers such as TAAs on CSCs in varied cancer types makes them as potent tools for CAR-T cell therapy. Here we review the CSC markers that have been previously targeted with CAR-T cells, as well as the CSC markers that may be used as possible targets for CAR-T cell therapy in the future. Furthermore, we will detail the most important obstacles against CAR-T cell therapy and suggest solutions.

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.

Personal qualities of brilliant surgeons: a myth or reality

Objective: To explore the qualities of brilliant surgeons that makes them distinctive

Study Design: A qualitative exploratory study

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Armed Forces Hospitals, Rawalpindi, from Jan to Jul 2017

Material and Methods: A purposive sampling technique was applied for in-depth, semi-structured interviews of 19 members [ten surgeons, six anesthesiologists and three operation room assistants] having experience of surgical environment for more than 20 years in different institutions. Computer Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis Software [CAQDAS] was employed for thematic data anal ysis using software NVIVO 11 Pro

Results: Study participants reported observation of distinctive personality characteristics of a few surgeonshitherto termed as [brilliant]. Multifaceted aspects of their personality were identified and categorized into five major themes: mental, psychological and emotional, social, mechanical, and structural strength. The first three themes were found to be common among brilliant achievers in all other professions as well, however, the mechanical and structural strength domains were considered to have unique and substantial bearing on the achievement of brilliance in surgery

Conclusion: A category amongst the surgeon has been identified and termed as [brilliant]. These brilliant surgeons were gifted in five domains of their personality with a distinct set of qualities which made them outclass their contemporaries

Pre-stenting in a difficult ureter: what is the incidence?

Objective: To estimate the occurrence of [difficult ureter] where stenting was performed as a preliminary step for passive ureteric dilatation before second ureterorenoscopy and to create awareness of the incidence of this abnormality in our setting

Study Design: Cross sectional prospective case review study

Place and Duration of Study: Study was conducted in Urology department of PNS Shifa Karachi, from Jul 2017 to Mar 2018

Material and Methods: All patients who presented to our institute for ureteric calculi with normal creatinine and no urosepsis were included in the study. The procedure was carried out either in spinal anesthesia or general anesthesia using laryngeal mask. The outcome data of ureterorenoscopyin all patients including those patients who required pre-stenting for difficult ureters were documented

Results: Ureterorenoscopy was performed in 164 patients [mean age 34 years, range 14 to 70 years] for treatment of ureteric calculi. Among these 29 patients [17.7 Percent] had upper, 52 patients [31.7 Percent] had middle and 83 patients [51 Percent] had lower ureteric calculi. Stone clearance was achieved in 135 [82 Percent] of patients. In 16 [9.7 Percent] patients the stone had to be pushed back for Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy later. [Difficult ureters] were encountered in 13 patients [7.9 Percent] in which Double J stents were placed under fluoroscopy and staged successful ureterorenoscopy were performed after 2 to 3 weeks without any complication

Conclusion: There was a 7.9 Percent [about 8 Percent] incidence of encountering [difficult ureter] while performing ureterorenoscopy for ureteric calculi resulting in failed access for which a Double-J stent will have to be introduced to avoid ureteric injury. This possibility of occurrence of a [difficult ureter] and a staged ureterorenoscopy after 2 to 3 weeks should be discussed with the patients preoperatively, in order to avoid patient dissatisfaction after the procedure and allay his undue emotional suffering

Evaluation and identification of medication errors in diabetic and general medicine departmentof Chandka medical College hospital Larkana

Objective: To assess and find out the events of medication errors and to classify the medication error in the diabetology and general medicine department.

Study Design: The longitudinal cohort prospective observational study

Place and Duration of Study: Diabetes and general medicine department of Chandka Medical College Hospital larkana from Jan 2017 to May 2017

Material and Methods: Data was gathered from 1255 prescriptions of both inpatient and outpatient department of diabetology and general medicine after ensuring the ethical approval. This prospective observational study was made in tertiary care chandka medical college hospital larkana

Results: Male 730 [58.10 percent] and 525 [41.8 percent] Females and medication error recorded was 513 to both genders .In male 289 [56.3 percent] errors and in females 224 [43.7 percent] prescriptions were found

Conclusion: From the present study the conclusion can be made that there is huge ratio of medication error in practice and the possible contributors of medication deviation are incorrect dosage forms, incorrect strengths, lack of diabetes counseling and others. Pharmacist is the key role to prevent such errors

Experience with renal cell carcinoma- a single centre study from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Objective: To analyze the clinical characteristics, management and outcome of renal cell carcinoma [RCC] and its variants in patients treated at CMH Peshawar, from Aug 2011 to Aug 2014

Study Design: Retrospective descriptive

Place and Duration of Study: Combined Military Hospital [CMH] Peshawar, from Aug 2011 to Aug 2014

Material and Methods: All patients who underwent nephrectomy for renal masses at our institution between Aug 2011 and Aug 2014 were included in the study. The demographic distribution, symptoms, tumour characteristics, operative findings and histopathology reports were extracted from the hospital records and analysed via SPSS version 20.0

Results: Among 27 patients male to female ratio was 1.25:1. Mean age was 55.5 +/- 11.7 years. Flank pain was the commonest symptom reported. Mean maximum diameter of the tumour was 13.6 +/- 4.6 cm. All the tumours were malignant and most common histopathological type was conventional/clear cell RCC. All patients were treated by radical nephrectomy through transperitoneal approach. One patient developed post operative thrombosis of inferior vena cava. Two patients developed metastatic deposit during follow up

Conclusion: Renal tumours in the study population of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at our centre presented late with large sizes, and incidental diagnosis is rare. Health education and availability of advanced diagnostic facilities will improve outcomes

Antihyperglycemic effect of persea duthieion blood glucose levels and body weight in alloxan induced diabetic rabbits

The present study was designed to investigate the antihyperglycemic effect of Persea duthieion blood glucose concentration and body weight in alloxan induced diabetic hyperglycemic rabbits. The results illustrated significant antihyperglycemic activity of crude extract with 17.44% and 28.02% amelioration at 25 and 50mg/kg p.o. respectively after 24th day of drug treatment; equally supported by body weight recovery. Upon fractionation, most dominant antihyperglycemic effect was displayed by aqueous fraction with 22.12% and 34.43% effect followed by ethyl acetate fraction with 24.32% and 32.05% effect at 25 and 50mg/kg p.o. respectively after 24th day of drug treatment. The effect on blood glucose was also reflected on body weight of animals. In conclusion, our study documented marked antihyperglycemic activity of extract/fractions of P. duthiei

Antinociceptive, antioxidant and phytochemical studies of Pakistani medicinal plants

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the antinociceptive activity of the selected Pakistani medicinal plants [Chenopodium botrys, Micromeria biflora and Teucrium stocksianum] in-vivo followed by their antioxidant potential against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhidrazyl [DPPH] in-vitro. The results demonstrated profound antinociceptive effect of both the crude methanolic extract of Chenopodium botrys [CBM] and subsequent aqueous fraction [CBW] of C. botrys with 80.76% and 84% pain relief in acetic acid induced writhing test at 100 mg/kg i.p respectively. Similarly the crude methanolic extract of Micromeria biflora [MBM] and its subsequent aqueous fraction [MBW] with 66.46% 78.08% pain reversal in acetic acid induced writhing test respectively at 100mg/kg i.p. However, the crude methanolic extract and isolated water fraction of Teucrium stocksianum [TS] did not show any significant effect at test doses. Both the crude extracts and aqueous fractions of selected medicinal plants exhibited marked scavenging effects on DPPH and therefore strongly support the antinociceptive activity. Phytochemical analysis indicated the presence of various classes of natural products [alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids etc.] and thus the current finding can be attributed to the presence of these compounds. In short, our findings provide a strong scientific background to the folk uses C. botrys and M. biflora in the management of various painful conditions

In vivo antinociceptive and muscle relaxant activity of leaf and bark of Buddleja asiatica L.

The current study was designed to assess the antinociceptive and skeleton muscle relaxant effect of leaves and barks of Buddleja asiatica in animal models. In acetic acid induced writhing test, pretreatment of ethanolic extract of leaves and barks evoked marked dose dependent antinociceptive effect with maximum of 70% and 67% pain relief at 300mg/kg i.p. respectively. In chimney test, the ethanolic extract of leaves and barks evoked maximum of 66.66% and 53.33% muscle relaxant effect after 90min of treatment at 300mg/kg i.p respectively. In traction test, the ethanolic extract of leaves and barks caused maximum of 60% and 73.33% muscle relaxant effect after 90min of treatment at 300mg/kg i.p respectively. In short, both leaves and barks demonstrated profound antinociceptive and skeleton muscle relaxant effects and thus the study provided natural healing agents for the treatment of said disorders

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

Causes of male and female sub fertility in the couples who underwent 'In vitro fertilization' at life clinic

Objective:To explore the causes of male and female sub fertility in the couples undergoing 'In Vitro Fertilization' at LIFE clinic

Materials and Methods:In this retrospective, cross-sectional, observational study from Lahore, Pakistan all couples coming for evaluation and treatment for sub-fertility from 1st January to 30th April 2015 at Lahore institute of fertility and endocrinology LIFE with n=344 patients were included Fertility and Endocrinology [LIFE]. Sampling method was non probability consecutive.The data collection instrument was an especially designed Performa. Causes of Sub fertility male and female were studied and data was extracted from the files of LIFE

Results:Out of 344 patients 138[40.1%] had female factors, 122[35.5%] had male factor, 38[11.0%] had combined factors whereas 46[13.4%] had unexplained infertility. Out of 138, 55[39.85%] females had tubal factor, 2[1.45%] had endometriosis, 21[15.22%] had PCO and 60[43.47%] had unexplained causes of sub-fertility. Out of 122 males, 90 [74.4%] had oligospermia/asthenospermia and 32[25.6%] had azoospermia

Conclusion:Tubal factor was a major cause of sub-fertility in females whereas in 2/3 of the females, cause of sub-fertility was not explained.Among the males,oligospermia was the most common cause and was found in 74.4%. Health education about menstrual hygiene should be imparted early in life to prevent Sub-fertility due to infection. Premarital counseling and testing should be made easily available. Andrology should be made part of the Gynecology courses and curricula. Community based Sub-fertility research should be encouraged to assess the disease burden and frequency of preventable causes

In vivo sedative and muscle relaxants activity of Diospyros lotus L

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the sedative effect of Diospyros lotus L (D. lotus) extract in mice using the open field and Rota rod tests. METHODS: For the sedative and muscle relaxants activities of extract/fractions of the plant, in-vivo open field and phenobarbitone-induced sleeping time were used, while the Roda rod test was employed in animals for the assessment of muscle relaxant activity. RESULTS: Results from this investigation revealed that the extracts of D. lotus have exhibited significant sedative effect in mice (45.98%) at 100 mg/kg i.p. When the extract was partitioned with different solvents, the n-hexane fraction was inactive whereas the chloroform fraction was the most active with 82.67% sedative effect at 50 and 100 mg/kg i.p. On the other hand, the ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions displayed significant sedative effects (55.65% and 40.87%, respectively) at 100 mg/kg i.p. Among the tested extract/fractions, only chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions showed significant (P < 0.05) muscle relaxant activity in the Rota rod test. CONCLUSIONS: In short, our study provided scientific background to the traditional uses of D. lotus as sedative.

Study of the effect of inorganic and organic complexes of arsenic metal on the status of GSH in T. cells and B. cells of blood

Arsenic is a major threat to large part of the population due to its carcinogenic nature. The toxicity of Arsenic varies with its chemical form and oxidation states. Glutathione [GSH], a major intra-cellular tripeptide plays a major role in arsenic detoxification. The present study was designed to provide insight into the extent of changes in GSH level by inorganic arsenic in the form of Arsenic trioxide [ATO] and organic arsenic in the form of nitro benzene arsenic acid [NBA]. Lymphocytes [T.cells and B.cells] were investigated for determination of change in GSH metabolic status caused by arsenic. The depletion of GSH level positively correlated with increasing arsenic concentration and time of incubation. The decline in GSH level was consistent with increasing pH and physiological temperature. Our findings show that changes in GSH status produced by Arsenic could be due to adduct [As-[SG][3]] formation. This change in GSH metabolic status provides information regarding mechanism of toxicity of inorganic and organic arsenicals. These findings are important for the rational design of antidote for the prevention of arsenic induced toxicity

Antimicrobial activity of different tea varieties available in Pakistan

In this antimicrobial study, various extracts of Green and Black tea [Camellia sinensis] and Lemon grass [Cymbopogon citrates] were evaluated for antimicrobial activities against six bacterial strains including both human pathogenic bacteria [Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeuroginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella typhi] and plant pathogenic bacteria [Erwinia carotovora, Agro bacterium tumifaciens] and one fungal strain Candida albicans by disc diffusion susceptibility method. Of human pathogens, P. aeruginosa was most susceptible to all three different tea varieties; though rest of the strains also demonstrated prominent sensitivity. In comparison, black tea extracts were less activities than green tea and lemon grass. However, all the three tea varieties illustrated profound activity against plant pathogenic bacteria. Similarly, when extracts of tea were tested against C. albicans, green tea and lemon grass exhibited significant activity while black tea was mostly inactive

Antipyretic and antinociceptive activity of Diospyros lotus L. in animals

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate pharmacologically the traditional use of Diospyros lotus as antipyretic and antinociceptive in various animal models.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>In vivo experimental models were used in this study. Antipyretic activity of extract/fractions was evaluated in brewer's yeast induced hyperthermic mice while antinociceptive activity was studied in acetic acid induced writhing test at 50 and 100 mg/kg i.p.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The crude extract strongly ameliorated the induced pyrexia during various assessment times. Upon fractionation, the antipyretic effects were strongly augmented by the chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions of the plant. However, hexane and butanol fractions were insignificant in their effect as antipyretic. The extract showed marked inhibition on the noxious simulation induced by post acetic acid injection. The effect was strongly supported by other fraction expect hexane.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>In short, our study scientifically validated the traditional use of the plant as antipyretic.</p>

In vitro biological activity of decoction of Joshanda

Joshanda is a polyherbal product, commonly practicing in inflammation of upper respiratory tract as tea. The present study was conducted to find out its antimicrobial, phytotoxic, leishmanicidal and cytotoxic activities. The decoction of the product showed profound activity against Gram positive tested pathogens especially S. aureus 36.5 mm zone of inhibition at 8.0 micro g/ml. However, it was inactive against C. albicans. Closed correlation was observed between two methods in terms of results. It had potent phytotoxic activity [75%]. However, it was devoid of any activity leishmanicidal and cytotoxic activity. Phytochemical studies of Joshanda showed the presence of various pharmacologically active groups

Attenuation of erythrocytic acetyl cholinesterase by paracetamol and chloroquine: evidence in an in vitro study

The present study deals with the erythrocytic acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity of paracetamol and chloroquine in an in vitro protocol using Michaelis Menten parameters [Apparent Michaelis Constant [aKm] and Apparent Maximum Velocity [aVm]. Paracetamol showed marked inhibition of the erythrocytic acetylcholinesterase. The inhibitory values for aKm and aVm were 65.6% 51.36% respectively, which reduced with respect to control and therefore, proposed an un-competitive type of antagonism. When chloroquine was tested, it showed 45.14% inhibition for aKm which increased while 69.21% for aVm decreased with respect to control; proposed a mixed type of antagonism. In conclusion, the cholinergic intervention by paracetamol in this study suggested a new mechanism for its analgesic activity as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors have already shown both peripheral and central analgesic activity, while the cholinergic activation by chloroquine provided explanation for some of its side effects

Preliminary antioxidant profile of Pistacia integerrima Stewart

To explore the free radical scavenging properties of crude ethanolic extract of galls, bark, leaves, roots of Pistacia integerrima and its subsequent solvent fractions viz., n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol against 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl [DPPH] stable. In vitro DPPH based free radical was employed using querceitin as standard antioxidant while methanol as negative control. Different parts of P. integerrima showed marked scavenging on DPPH in a concentration dependent manner. The ethanolic extract exhibited 60.51 88.51% scavenging effect on DPPH which differentiated upon fractionation. Of the part used, leaves of the plant were the least effective while n-hexane was the least dominant fraction. However, the rest of the parts and fractions demonstrated profound scavenging potential. This in-vitro study revealed an outstanding free radical scavenging potential of various solvent fractions of different parts of whole plant P. integerrima