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Eslicarbazepine acetate (ESL) is a new, once daily, orally administered, third generation antiepileptic drug which is indicated in the treatment of partial-onset seizures. ESL is known to exert it's anticonvulsant effect by blocking the voltage-gated sodium channels. Several clinical trials and pharmacological studies have revealed that seizure control was better with ESL monotherapy (1 200 or 1 600 mg once daily) following a switch from other antiepileptic drugs in comparison with pseudo-placebo patients. The studies have indicated the ESL to be well tolerated and produced only mild to moderate emergent adverse events with the therapy. Being a dibenzazepine family member, structure and chemistry of ESL resembles more or less to carbamazepine and oxcarbazepine. ESL differs structurally from carbamazepine and oxcarbazepine at the 10, 11 position of dibenazepine nucleus. This molecular variation results in differences in metabolism and thus helps to prevent the formation of toxic epoxide metabolites. ESL following oral administration is rapidly metabolised to active metabolite namely S-licarbazepine which is responsible for its pharmacological activity. ESL exhibits acceptable pharmacokinetic profile and shows insignificant drug-drug interactions. In phase III clinical program, ESL was found to be efficacious and well tolerated in adult patients with partial onset seizures previously not controlled with treatment with one or two other antiepileptic drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research has become an integral part of medical careers. A case report is a way of communicating information to the medical world about a rare or unreported feature, condition, complication, [...]

The pentacyclic triterpenic acids isolated from the oleo gum resin of various Boswellia species are collectively called as Boswellic acids (BA). The oleo gum resin obtained from Indian variety i.e. Boswellia serrata (Family – Burseraceae) is commonly known as Salai guggal. The resin fraction of Salai guggal is rich in Boswellic acids and its essential oil is composed of a mixture of mono, di and sesquiterpenes while gum fraction chiefly contains pentose and hexose sugars. This oleo-gum resin is quite popular among traditional practitioners of traditional Chinese and Indian Systems of medicine owing to their wide range of useful biological properties such as anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, anti-rheumatic, anti-diarrheal, anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-asthmatic, anti-cancer, anti-microbial anti-fungal, anti-complementary and analgesic activity, etc. It has been used as a herbal medicine since the prehistoric time to cure acute and chronic ailments including inflammatory diseases. Phytochemical investigation of this herbal medicine lead to identification of Boswellic acids which are found to be novel, potent, specific anti-inflammatory agents due to non-redox inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) enzyme. However, the other important targets of Boswellic acids also include topoisomerases, angiogenesis, and cytochrome p450 enzymes. This review is a sincere attempt to discuss and present the current status of therapeutic potential, phytochemical as well as pharmacological profile of Boswellic acids primarily obtained from B. serrata . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A small library of twenty-four quinoline based butenolides also known as furanones and their nitrogen analogues was prepared by using two different aroylpropionic acids, viz. 3-(2-naphthoyl)propionic acid ( 3 ) and 3-(biphenyl-4-yl)propionic acid ( 4 ), as starting materials. The 3-aroylpropionic acids were reacted with different 6-substituted-2-chloroquinolin-3-carbaldehydes ( 2a–d ) to obtain the corresponding furan-2(3 H )-ones ( 5a–h ). The purified and characterized furanones were then converted into their corresponding 2(3 H )-pyrrolones ( 6a–h ) and N -benzyl-pyrrol-2(3 H )-ones ( 7a–h ). The antimicrobial activities of the title compounds were evaluated against two strains of each Gram +ve ( Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis ), Gram −ve bacteria ( Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ) and against fungal strains of Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus flavus . In vivo anti-inflammatory potential of the title compounds was investigated by standard method. Majority of the compounds showed significant antibacterial activity against both the Gram +ve strains. Eight most potent anti-inflammatory compounds ( 5b, 5d, 5h, 6b, 7b, 7d, 7f, 7h) which exhibited >53% inhibition in edema, were also screened for their in vivo analgesic activity. All the tested compounds were found to have significant reduction in ulcerogenic action but only three compounds ( 5d, 5h and 7h ) showed comparable analgesic activity to standard drug, diclofenac. The results were also validated using in silico approach and maximum mol doc score was obtained for compounds 7a–h . On comparing the in vivo and in silico anti-inflammatory results of synthesized compounds, N -benzyl pyrrolones ( 7a–h ) emerged as the potent anti-inflammatory agents. It was also observed that compounds that possess electron withdrawing group such as Cl or NO 2 are more biologically active. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field experiment was conducted at Agricultural Research Institute-Tarnab Peshawar, KPK to determine the effect of different insecticides on the population of wheat aphids, its natural enemies and yield, yield components of wheat. Two wheat varieties, one susceptible and one "partially resistant" against aphids, were sown in a randomized complete block design in split plot arrangement, in three replicates. Varieties were kept in the main plots, while subplots received four insecticides, Thiamethoxam 25 GW at the rate of 24 g acre,-1 Imidaclopride 20% EC at the rate of 70 ml acre,-1 Acetamiprid 20 SP at the rate of 150 g acre,-1 Orange peel extract at the rate of 2500 ml acre -1. In main plot one plot was kept as control. In the sprayed plots the aphids infestation was reduced compared to control. The synthetic insecticides had sharply decreased aphids population, compared to orange peel extract plots where less aphid reduction was noticed. Wheat grain yield and yield parameters like thousand grain weight and number of grains per spike were improved in Imidaclopride treated plots compared to other treatments. If a cultivar is "partially resistant" the damage suffered by aphids should be lower than the damage suffered by a "susceptible". However, when both were treated with selective insecticides; Saleem-2000, suffered less damage compared to Pirsabak-2004. Host plant defense and natural enemies should be a good IPM package against wheat aphids. But in case of aphids population build up and to avoid economic losses selective insecticides should be applied to control wheat aphids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, two new series of pyrazolines ( 3a – h & 4a – h ) were synthesized starting from p -acetamidophenol (paracetamol) and evaluated for their antibacterial, antifungal and antitubercular activities. Chalcones ( 2a – h ) prepared by condensing 3-acetyl-4-hydroxyphenyl acetamide ( 1 ) with different aromatic aldehydes were reacted with phenyl hydrazine and isonicotinic acid hydrazide to obtain phenyl-pyrazolines ( 3a – h ) and isoniazid-pyrazolines ( 4a – h ), respectively. The structures of the synthesized compounds were confirmed by spectral and microanalysis studies. Newly prepared pyrazoline compounds exhibited significant antibacterial activity against the organisms Staphylococcus aureus , Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa when compared with the standard antibiotic Ciprofloxacin. Compound 4g showed potent antibacterial activity against P. aeruginosa and S. aureus (MIC-3.12 μg/mL), however, against E. coli compound 3d , 4c , 4d , 4f & 4g were found to have an MIC of 6.25 μg/mL. Antifungal activity of compound 4d against Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger (MIC-3.12 μg/mL) was found to be better than the standard drug Ketoconazole. The results of antitubercular activity of the synthesized compounds against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H 37 Rv by the agar microdilution method are quite promising. The antitubercular activity of compounds 4c , 4d & 4g (MIC-3.12 μg/mL) was found to be superior than that of the reference drug Streptomycin which showed MIC equal to 6.25 μg/mL. It was observed that pyrazolines with chloro, nitro or methoxy substituent showed better activity. Also, the pyrazolines derived from isoniazid ( 4a – h ) were found to be better in their antibacterial, antifungal and antitubercular action than those derived from phenyl-hydrazine ( 3a – h ). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The green bug (Schizaphis graminum) (Homoptera: Aphididae) is a major aphid species attacking wheat crop in Pakistan, and is reported as a major wheat pest across the world. Host plant resistance is a strong pillar in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for reducing the impact of this pest. Several green bug resistant genes have been identified and introduced in commercial high yielding cultivars of wheat to manage green bug. Three different experiments were conducted on ten cultivars (MPTV13, MPT-V3, MPT-V6, PR-104, MPT-V17, MPT-V26, MPT-V5, MPT-V33, MPT-V28 and PR- 102) to determine categories of resistance. During first experiment 'antixenosis' none of the genotype proved resistant while in second experiment 'tolerance' the genotype 'MPT-V33' had shown good and significant vigor compared to all the tested genotypes. The third experiment antibiosis resistance was identified in genotype 'MPT-V5', where green bug took significantly longer time (8.5 days) to produce 31.3 nymphs compared to the tested genotypes and susceptible check. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Giant cell tumor (GCT) of bone is a benign locally aggressive tumor whose biological behavior is unpredictable. Currently, there are no definitive clinical, histological, biochemical, or immunological parameters that can predict its behavior. This study was undertaken to examine whether delineation of reactive and neoplastic stromal component of GCT can help in this regard. 55 cases of GCT (30 primary, 25 recurrent) were subjected to histopathological grading, immunohistochemistry, and image analysis. Spindling of stroma was more frequent in recurrent GCT with 64% cases having more than 50% spindled stroma ( p < 0.001). Number of mitosis/10 HPF and higher grade were more in recurrent GCT. Mean percentage positivity for CD68 (38.36%) and α1-ACT (70.86%) was higher in primary than recurrent GCT. PCNA and MiB-1 labeling indices were higher in recurrent (42.62% and 9.18%, respectively) than in primary group (24.75% and 7.7%, respectively). A single numerical parameter encompassing stromal cell population and its proliferation was derived as ratio of PCNA/CD68 and PCNA/α1-ACT. Both ratios were higher in recurrent (0.81 ± 0.38; 1.58 ± 1.50) than in primary GCT (0.58 ± 0.62; 0.34 ± 0.29) ( p = 0.002; 0.01). On image analysis, parameters significantly different between the two groups were nuclear area and nuclear integrated optical density. It was thus concluded that recurrent GCT shows higher grade, increased mitosis, more spindling, fewer reactive components, and higher proliferation than primary GCT. Delineation of reactive component (α1-ACT positive) and proliferating component (PCNA positive cells) using immunohistochemistry with calculation of the PCNA/ACT ratio delivers more information than image analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to evaluate the hepatoprotective potential of aqueous extract of Tamarindus indica fruit against combination of two antitubercular drugs viz. Isoniazid and Rifampicin induced hepatotoxicity in rats. In vitro antioxidant activity of aqueous extract of T. indica by DPPH–HPLC method was found to be 81.48%. Treatment with aqueous extract of T. indica significantly reduced the elevated levels of biochemical markers such as SGOT, SGPT, ALP, bilirubin, TBARS and increased the albumin level as well antioxidant activities of SOD, CAT and GSH in intoxicated rats. The biochemical changes were supported by histological observations. Results of this study clearly demonstrate that aqueous extract of T. indica fruit protects against anti tuberculosis induced oxidative liver damage in rats and thus possess significant hepatoprotective activity. Further, it could be suggested that supplementation with this food extract might prove beneficial in the individuals on anti-TB drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dronedarone, a benzofuran containing chemical compound, is a derivative of amiodarone which is classified as a Class III antiarrhythmic agent. It is prescribed to the cardiovascular patients who have paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation to lower the chances of hospitalization. Amiodarone, sotalol, procainamide dofetilide, quinidine, ibutilide, flecainide, and propafenone are the other useful medicinal products used to treat atrial fibrillation or cardiac arrhythmia. Dronedarone was approved for clinical use in atrial fibrillation by the Food and Drug Administration in 2009. The generic name for dronedarone is Multaq (Sanofi Aventis). This article briefly highlights the important pharmacological, pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties of dronedarone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Studies were conducted to develop an IPM plan for the control of peach flat-headed borer using degree-day forecasting to predict the adult emergence time of the borer and thus determine the proper time for initiating the chemical control measures. Adult emergence in the observed years started in the first week of April with a degree-day (DD) accumulation of 567-573 and continued upto the first week of May. Cumulative degree-day (CDD) summations to first emergence in the second generation ranged from 2355-2374 and lasted till the second week of August. Third generation emergence was observed when 4545-4580 DD were accumulated. A difference of 5-15 days in the start of emergence for all the three generations was observed. Similarly, for peak emergence, a difference of more than one month was observed during the study years. CDD calculations, on the other hand could be translated into a difference of 1-3 calendar days. Thus DD can be used as an accurate predictor for initiating the control measures that can lead to precise control of the pest. Trials conducted to evaluate the efficacy of different insecticides indicated that all the tested insecticides significantly controlled the adult population. A single spray of Confidor or Ematac at the time of first adult emergence (when 570 DD were accumulated) was very effective and reduced the adult population by more than 85%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Factors influencing publication of manuscripts in reputed journals have never been studied to the best of our knowledge. This study was conducted to evaluate the trend in publication within the Indian Journal of Orthopaedics (IJO). Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted by accessing the online database of the IJO. All the issues available online were included. Published articles were classified into one of the following thirteen categories: (i) Basic Sciences (ii) trauma (upper limb and lower limb) (iii) infections (iv) pediatric orthopedics (v) arthroplasty (vi) arthroscopy (vii) spine surgery (viii) musculoskeletal oncology (ix) hand and microvascular surgery (x) adult reconstruction (including the Ilizarov technique) (xi) general orthopedics and miscellaneous (xii) letter to editor (xiii) book review. A scatter diagram was plotted to study the individual trends. Results: A total of 2213 articles from 110 issues published between 1967 and 2014 were studied. Total number of articles per issue have increased overthe years. Publications in the fields of trauma, adult reconstruction, arthroscopy and hand and microvascular surgery have increased steadily. Arthroplasty and spine surgery have recorded dramatic increase in publication. On the other hand, publications in the rest of the fields have declined of which the greatest fall is noted in the field of musculoskeletal oncology. Conclusions: Trend in publication with the IJO has changed over years with more articles being published in arthroplasty and Spine surgery. Despite advances, publication in the field of musculoskeletal oncology has fallen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]