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Novel 6-arylethyl-1,2,4-trioxanes6a-i and 7a-i are easily accessible in one step from the diimide reduction of 6-arylvinyl-1,2,4-trioxanes 5a-i. All of these new trioxanes were assessed for their oral antimalarial activity against multidrug-resistant Plasmodium yoelii nigeriensis in a Swiss mice model. Most of the saturated trioxanes 6c, 6f, 6g, 6h, and 6i, the active compounds of the series, provided 100% protection to the malaria-infected mice at a dose of 24 mg/kg × 4 days. Further, trioxane 6i, the most active compound of the series, also showed 100% protection even at a dose of 12 mg/kg × 4 days and 20% protection at a dose of 6 mg/kg × 4 days. In this model, β-arteether provided 100% protection at a dose of 48 mg/kg × 4 days and only 20% protection at a dose of 24 mg/kg × 4 days via the oral route, which was found to exhibit 4-fold antimalarial activity compared with the currently used drug β-arteether.

Present investigation was made to evaluate effect of PGRs on shoot and root length of Fagopyrum esculentum. Results revealed that there was increase in shoot length by GA at 100 mg l-1 and root length by IAA at 50 mg l-1 at 30, 60 and 90 days of plant growth. ABA at 25 mg l-1 and 100 mg l-1 decreased shoot length as well root length. BAP at 100 mg l-1 also decreased root length. In combinations, IAA+GA 100 mg l-1 treatment enhanced shoot length as well as root length. Decrease in shoot length was observed in IAA+ABA, ABA+BAP (50 and 100 mg l-1) and root length by ABA+BAP (100 mg l-1) treatment.

Introduction: Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in India as well as worldwide. CT angiography is an excellent imaging modality for evaluation of CAD. Previous studies with 64 or lesser slice CT scanner have failed to show consistent and optimal Image Quality (IQ) at Heart Rate (HR) more than 70 bpm and required beta blockers. Aim: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of 256-slice Dual Source CT Angiography (DSCTA) in comparison with Catheter Coronary Angiography (CCA) in evaluation of Coronary Arteries (CA) in patients with clinical suspicion of CAD and to study its effectiveness at higher HR without using beta blockers. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on patients (n=46) with suspected CAD using ECG triggered 256-slice Dual Source Computed Tomography (DSCT) over a period of nine months. Patients were sub grouped according to HR (Group I: 50-70 (18 patients), Group II: 71-90 (24 patients) and Group III ≥91 (8 patients). A total of 48% patients had HR of 71-90 bpm while 16% had HR ≥91 bpm. Scan protocols included prospective ECG triggering (HR 75 bpm). CA segments were analysed for IQ on a 4 point scale (1 is worst while 4 is best) by two independent readers who were blinded to the patient details. Accuracy to detect significant luminal stenosis was correlated with CCA (gold standard). Statistical significance of the study was established by Chi-square test (p

Here we present a rare case of spontaneous pneumomediastinum complicated with pneumorrhachis (PR) in a young man who is a known case of carcinoma rectosigmoid region. Our young male was diagnosed with novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and remained asymptomatic for any respiratory complaints. Though an association of pneumomediastinum has been reported in COVID 19 patients, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of PR in a COVID-19 oncological case. The role of a radiologist is to identify this condition as cases reported earlier may have serious neurological consequences. Pursuing the cause can be a diagnostic challenge but it reaps the clinical benefit in the appropriate management.

The aim of current study is to provide a significant traditional knowledge on wild medicines used for ethnoveterinary purposes in the rural area of Maraog region in district Shimla. The medicinal plants have played a significant role in the treatment of human as well as animal’s diseases. The rural people of the Maraog region were interviewed through a questionnaire and extensive field surveys were conducted from June 2020 to July 2021. The discussion, observations and interviews were conducted in study site and included 96 informants. The information gathered from the residents is presented in a table format and includes scientific and local names, different parts used, diseases treated and mode administration. The most commonly used taxa are calculated with used value. The study revealed 100 plants in which trees (7), shrubs (26), herbs (56), ferns (5), grasses (3) and climbers (3) were identified. The most commonly documented livestock diseases were found to be hoof infections, eyes infections, poisoning and skin infections. In the current study, the Rosaceae family was reported as being the highest number (11), followed by Asteraceae (10) and then Lamiaceae (6). It was found that leaves, roots, flowers and fruits are the commonly used parts for ethnoveterinary medications. The phytochemicals present in the plant, such as alkaloids, sterols, glycosides, flavonoids, lignin, coumarins and terpenoids, etc., may be responsible for their medicinal properties. In this documentation, it was observed that the younger generation does not have good knowledge of medicinal plants as compared to the older ones. Therefore, it is necessary to preserve the traditional knowledge of these medicinal plants before their permanent loss. The documentation and conservation of medicinal plants can be a good start for novel phytopharmacological research in the veterinary field.

Objectives: To explore the potential of Radiomics alone and in combination with a diffusion-weighted derived quantitative parameter, namely the apparent diffusion co-efficient (ADC), using supervised classification algorithms in the prediction of outcomes and prognosis. Materials and Methods: Retrospective evaluation of the imaging was conducted for a study cohort of uterine cervical cancer, candidates for radical treatment with chemo radiation. ADC values were calculated from the darkest part of the tumor, both before (labeled preADC) and post treatment (labeled postADC) with chemo radiation. Post extraction of 851 Radiomics features and feature selection analysis—by taking the union of the features that had Pearson correlation &gt, 0.35 for recurrence, &gt, 0.49 for lymph node and &gt, 0.40 for metastasis—was performed to predict clinical outcomes. Results: The study enrolled 52 patients who presented with variable FIGO stages in the age range of 28–79 (Median = 53 years) with a median follow-up of 26.5 months (range: 7–76 months). Disease recurrence occurred in 12 patients (23%). Metastasis occurred in 15 patients (28%). A model generated with 24 radiomics features and preADC using a monotone multi-layer perceptron neural network to predict the recurrence yields an AUC of 0.80 and a Kappa value of 0.55 and shows that the addition of radiomics features to ADC values improves the statistical metrics by approximately 40% for AUC and approximately 223% for Kappa. Similarly, the neural network model for prediction of metastasis returns an AUC value of 0.84 and a Kappa value of 0.65, thus exceeding performance expectations by approximately 25% for AUC and approximately 140% for Kappa. There was a significant input of GLSZM features (SALGLE and LGLZE) and GLDM features (SDLGLE and DE) in correlation with clinical outcomes of recurrence and metastasis. Conclusions: The study is an effort to bridge the unmet need of translational predictive biomarkers in the stratification of uterine cervical cancer patients based on prognosis.

The Indian Society of Gastroenterology (ISG) Task Force on Inflammatory Bowel Disease and the Indian Radiological and Imaging Association (IRIA) developed combined ISG-IRIA evidence-based best-practice guidelines for imaging of the small intestine in patients suspected to have or having Crohn’s disease. The 29 consensus statements, developed through a modified Delphi process, are intended to serve as reference for teaching, clinical practice, and research.

Plants need to counter continuous threats posed by the environment, such as pathogen attacks (fungi, viruses, insects, nematodes) and harsh physical conditions (drought, salinity, temperature, exposure to UV radiation). Plants recognize the threat signals through their receptors and sensors and activate defense responses to stabilize against these stresses. The responses include accumulation of secondary metabolites. Enhanced synthesis of secondary metabolites, called elicitation ensures the survival, persistence and competitiveness of the plant. Secondary metabolites include volatile oils, flavonoids, alkaloids, glycosides, tannins, resins etc that have been successfully exploited for vital sources for food additives, flavors, and industrially important pharmaceuticals. The improved production of the secondary metabolites through elicitation has unlocked a new area of research that could have significant economic benefits for the pharmaceutical and therapeutic (including neutraceutical) industry. The present review discusses about the different elicitation methods through various biotic (proteins, carbohydrates, plant growth promoting rhizobacteria, fungus, hormones) and abiotic elicitors (heavy metals, low and high temperature, light, salt, drought) that could bring about increased yield of secondary metabolites especially in medicinal plants beneficial to the medicinal and aromatic industry.

A new series of 1,2,4-trioxanes 9a1-a4, 9b1-b4, 10–13 and 9c1-c4 were synthesized and evaluated against multidrug-resistant Plasmodium yoelii nigeriensis in Swiss mice via oral and intramuscular (i.m.) routes. Adamantane-based trioxane 9b4, the most active compound of the series, provided 100% protection to the infected mice at the dose 48 mg/kg × 4 days and 100% clearance of parasitemia at the dose 24 mg/kg × 4 days via oral route. Adamantane-based trioxane 9b4, is twice active than artemisinin. We have also studied the photooxygenation behaviour of allylic alcohols 6a-b (3-(4-alkoxynaphthyl)-but-2-ene-1-ols) and 6c (3-[4-(tert-butyl-dimethyl-silanyloxy)-naphthalen-1-yl]-but-2-en-1-ol). Being behaving as dienes, they furnished corresponding endoperoxides, while behaving as allylic alcohols, they yielded β-hydroxyhydroperoxides. All the endoperoxides (7a-c) and β-hydroxyhydroperoxides (8a-c) have been separately elaborated to the corresponding 1,2,4-trioxanes, except from endoperoxide 7c. It is worthy to note that TBDMS protected naphthoyl endoperoxide 7c unable to deliver 1,2,4-trioxane, which demonstrated the strength of the O-Si bond is not easy to cleave under acidic condition.

Malaria epidemics represent one of the life-threatening diseases to low-income lying countries which subsequently affect the economic and social condition of mankind. In continuation in the development of a novel series of 1,2,4-trioxanes 13a1-c1, 13a2-c2, and 13a3-c3 have been prepared and further converted into their hemisuccinate derivatives 14a1-c1, 14a2-c2, and 14a3-c3 respectively. All these new compounds were evaluated for their antimalarial activity against multidrug-resistant Plasmodium yoelii nigeriensis in mice by both oral and intramuscular (im) routes. Hydroxy-functionalized trioxane 13a1 showed 80% protection and its hemisuccinate derivative 14a1 showed 100% protection at a dose of 48 mg/kg × 4 days by both routes, which is twice active than artemisinin by oral route.

Ethnomedicinal plants have a significant role in the lives of people of rural and tribal areas. Thousands of medicinal plant species are used to treat various diseases, including jaundice, and are considered an important therapeutic resource to minimize these diseases. Jaundice (icterus) is a chronic disease that occurs when the amount of bilirubin in the blood increases. This review describes different ethnomedicinal plants used for curing jaundice by tribal and rural people of Himachal Pradesh. The study reveals 87 ethnomedicinal plant species belonging to 51 different families, which are used for treating jaundice in Himachal Pradesh. These plants are arranged in a systematic way, which includes a description of their common name, botanical name, along with its family, plant parts used, region, and mode of use in tabulated form. Some of the plant extracts have already been explored for their phytochemical and pharmacological significance and proved their potential in the preparation of new medicines or drugs against the treatment of jaundice. This review is an attempt to highlight the indigenous knowledge of medicinal plants, which are specifically used for the treatment of jaundice. The data mentioned in the present review is compiled from various sources like existing literature, books, Google Scholar, and Scopus publications. Among all the observed plant species, most used medicinal plants for the treatment of jaundice include Justicia adhatoda, Emblica officinalis, Ricinus communis, Saccharum officinarum, Terminalia chebula, Berberis aristata, Cuscuta reflexa, and Tinospora cordifolia. Plants that are mostly utilized for the treatment of jaundice need to be scientifically validated by pharmacological analysis and should be subsequently used for the preparation of new drugs, which may prove far more beneficial than the existing one.

Extra-axial cavernous sinus haemangioma are rare extra-axial parasellar lesions. These are non-neoplastic lesions, but can behave in a manner like that of neoplastic lesions as their slow growth with progressive enlargement of thin-walled vascular channels may result in extrinsic compression on adjacent retro-orbital neural structures. It is important to diagnose these lesions preoperatively as surgery in these lesions is often complicated by incomplete removal, severe intraoperative haemorrhage and significant operative morbidity and mortality. A parasellar lesion showing homogeneous markedly increased signal on T2 or proton density weighted images with progressive centripetal “filling-in” with contrast on dynamic Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) should suggest the diagnosis. We are presenting three interesting cases of cavernous sinus haemangioma.

Aging is a complicated biological process in which functional and structural alterations in a living organism take place over time. Reactive oxygen species is one of the main factors responsible for aging and is associated with several chronic pathologies. The relationship between aging and diet is quite interesting and has attained worldwide attention. Healthy food, in addition to dietary antioxidants, are required to delay the process of aging and improve the quality of life. Many healthy foods such as fruits are a good source of dietary nutrients and natural bioactive compounds which have antioxidant properties and are involved in preventing aging and other age-related disorders. Health benefits linked with healthy consumption of fruit have drawn increased interest. A significant number of studies have documented the advantages of fruit intake, as it suppresses free-radical development that further reduces the oxidative stress created in the body and protects against several types of diseases such as cancer, type 2 diabetes, inflammatory disorders, and other cardiovascular diseases that ultimately prevent aging. In addition, fruits have numerous other properties like anti-inflammatory, anti-cancerous, anti-diabetic, neuroprotective, and have health-promoting effects. Mechanisms of various bioactive compounds that aids in preventing various diseases and increases longevity are also described. This manuscript provides a summary of various bioactive components present in fruits along with their health-promoting and antiaging properties.

We aimed to interpret MR mammography (MRM) using the Kaiser scores for equivocal or inconclusive lesions on mammography (MG).Retrospective IRB-approved evaluation of 3623 MG for which MRM was deployed as a problem-solving tool, after inclusion-exclusion criteria were met. Three readers with different levels of experience assigned a final score from 1 to 11 based on the previously established tree classification system. Area under the curve (AUC) derived from receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to determine the overall diagnostic performance for all lesions and separately for mass and non-mass enhancement. Sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratio values were obtained at different cut-off values of4,5, and8 to rule in and rule out malignancy.Histopathology of 183 mass and 133 non-mass enhancement (NME) lesions show benign etiology in 95 and malignant in 221. The AUC was 0.796 [0.851 for mass and 0.715 for NME]. Applying the Kaiser score upgraded 202 lesions with correct prediction in 77 %, and downgraded 28 lesions with correct prediction in 60.8 %. Using a score5 instead of4 to rule out malignancy improved our diagnostic ability to correctly identify 100 % benign lesions. Applying Kaiser score correctly downgraded 60.8 % (17/28) lesions; thus avoiding biopsies in these. Using a high cut-off value8 to rule-in malignancy, we correctly identified 59.7 % of lesions with 80 % specificity and positive likelihood ratio of 3.The Kaiser score has clinical translation benefits when used as a problem-solving tool for inconclusive MG findings.

The present study was carried out in Himachal Pradesh of the Western Himalayas, India to obtain information on the wild edible plants used by the migratory shepherds. The shepherds started their migration in July from Chitkul, Rakchham, Batseri, Sangla and Kamru of district Kinnaur (Himachal Pradesh). Questionnaire for the survey, personal field visits and participatory observations were used to collect information about the use of various plants by the migratory shepherds. The shepherds move in a group of 5 to 6 comprising their own family members and size of the flock (of sheep and goats) varied from 654 to 990. The migration route followed from their villages to Churdhar ranges (mid hills) and to Sirmour ranges (low hills). It was observed that in all 50 species were used by shepherds enroute from high hills to low hills. In high hills, 23 species, in mid hills 31 species and in low hills 34 species were found to be used as livelihood source. Some of the plants, besides being used as fruits and vegetables, are also used as herbal tea (bark of Betula utilis) and condiments. Morchella esculenta was found to be one of the delicacies used for food in their tribe. The documentation of plant resources and the indigenous knowledge of shepherds highlighted in the present study is a step in raising awareness about the importance of these edible plants and their further conservation. Key words: Edible plants, sheep, goats, shepherds, seasonal migration, Himachal Pradesh.

A series of short chain 4-aminoquinoline-imidazole derivatives have been synthesized in one pot two step multicomponent reaction using van leusen standard protocol. The diethylamine function of chloroquine is replaced by substituted imidazole derivatives containing tertiary terminal nitrogen. All the synthesized compounds were screened against the chloroquine sensitive (3D7) and chloroquine resistant (K1) strains of Plasmodium falciparum. Some of the compounds (6, 8, 9 and 17) in the series exhibited comparable activity to CQ against K1 strain of P. falciparum. All the compounds displayed resistance factor between 0.09 and 4.57 as against 51 for CQ. Further, these analogues were found to form a strong complex with hematin and inhibit the β-hematin formation, therefore these compounds act via heme polymerization target.

Secondary metabolites not only play vital role in plant defense against herbivory and other interspecies defenses but also used by humans as medicines, flavorings, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, fragrances, colours, biopesticides, food additives and drugs. Many of the drugs retailed today are simple synthetic modifications of the naturally obtained substances. The developing commercial status of secondary metabolites in recent years has resulted in a great interest in secondary metabolism. Different strategies have been extensively studied with the objective of improving the production of secondary metabolites in plants. Based on this limelight, the focus of the present review is to study the application of plant growth regulators for the production of some essential plant secondary metabolites. This review covers brief introduction of secondary metabolites and plant growth regulators and production of secondary metabolites by using different plant growth regulators according to their classification.

Segmental dilatation of ileum (SDI) is a less known uncommon entity with a confusing clinical scenario and no definite etiopathogenesis. The preoperative diagnosis is of exclusion. However, it has an excellent prognosis after surgery. We describe a case of a young patient who presented with anemia without any overt gastrointestinal (GI) bleed. Thorough radiological examinations were needed to reach the diagnosis of SDI which was confirmed postoperatively.

The ethnomedicinal plant extract of Trillium govanianum was assessed for its antimicrobial activity and for the presence of phytochemicals to provide scientific support for its ethnomedicinal use. Ethanolic rhizome extract of the plant was used for the antibacterial study and displayed a maximum inhibition zone against a standard isolate of K. pneumoniae (16.66 ± 0.57) followed by an inhibition zone against clinical isolate of K.pneumoniae (16.33 ± 0.57) at 200 μg/disc. The antimicrobial activity of plant rhizome extract was observed against five pathogenic microbial strains, with both standard strains and clinical isolates viz. Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella typhimurium and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Standard analysis of phytochemicals in the plant showed the presence of flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, alkaloids, reducing sugars and saponins, however, tannins were found to be absent. In GC–MS profiling the plant rhizome extract showed the presence of important compounds possessing antibacterial, anticancer, antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties. DPPH and FRAP assays showed optimum antioxidant potential of the plant. Antimicrobial and phytochemical investigation of the plant rhizome extract revealed therapeutic potential of Trillium govanianum, thus scientifically supporting its ethnomedicinal use.

Gastric duplication cysts are rare and mostly present in the first year of life. In adulthood presentation is in the form of obstruction, ulceration, bleeding, fistulization etc. Malignancy is extremely rare with only 12 cases reported to date. We came across a gastric duplication cyst with papillary adenocarcinoma in a 63 year old man. He underwent cyst excision with radical subtotal gastrectomy. The awareness of such a condition made it possible for us to have a suspicion of malignancy preoperatively based on imaging and thus a radical surgery was performed. High index of suspicion is necessary to diagnose this condition preoperatively on CT scan. Literature review revealed that this is the first case to be reported from India.

The Indian Society of Gastroenterology (ISG) Task Force on Inflammatory Bowel Disease and the Indian Radiological and Imaging Association (IRIA) developed combined ISG-IRIA evidence-based best-practice guidelines for imaging of the small intestine in patients with suspected or known Crohn's disease. These 29 position statements, developed through a modified Delphi process, are intended to serve as reference for teaching, clinical practice, and research.

Syncarpamide 1 , a norepinephrine alkaloid isolated from the leaves of Zanthoxylum syncarpum (Rutaceae) exhibited promising antiplasmodial activities against Plasmodium falciparum with reported IC 50 values of 2.04 μM (D6 clone), 3.06 μM (W2 clone) and observed by us 3.90 μM (3D7 clone) and 2.56 μM (K1 clone). In continuation of our work on naturally occurring antimalarial compounds, synthesis of syncarpamide 1 and its enantiomer, ( R )- 2 using Sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation as a key step has been accomplished. In order to study structure-activity-relationship (SAR) in detail, a library of 55 compounds ( 3 – 57 ), which are analogues/homologues of syncarpamide 1 were synthesized by varying the substituents on the aromatic ring, by changing the stereocentre at the C-7 and/or by varying the acid groups in the ester and/or amide side chain based on the natural product lead molecule and further assayed in vitro against 3D7 and K1 strains of P. falciparum to evaluate their antiplasmodial activities. In order to study the effect of position of functional groups on antiplasmodial activity profile, a regioisomer ( S )- 58 of syncarpamide 1 was synthesized however, it turned out to be inactive against both the strains. Two compounds, ( S )- 41 and its enantiomer, ( R )- 42 having 3,4,5-trimethoxy cinnamoyl groups as side chains showed better antiplasmodial activity with IC 50 values of 3.16, 2.28 μM (3D7) and 1.78, 2.07 μM (K1), respectively than the natural product, syncarpamide 1 . Three compounds ( S )- 13 , ( S )- 17 , ( S )- 21 exhibited antiplasmodial activities with IC 50 values of 6.39, 6.82, 6.41 μM against 3D7 strain, 4.27, 7.26, 2.71 μM against K1 strain and with CC 50 values of 147.72, 153.0, >200 μM respectively. The in vitro antiplasmodial activity data of synthesized library suggests that the electron density and possibility of resonance in both the ester and amide side chains increases the antiplasmodial activity as compared to the parent natural product 1 . The natural product syncarpamide 1 and four analogues/homologues out of the synthesized library of 55, ( S )- 41 , ( R )- 42 , ( S )- 55 and ( S )- 57 were assayed in vivo assay against chloroquine-resistant P. yoelii (N-67) strain of Plasmodium . However, none of the five molecules, 1 , ( S )- 41 , ( R )- 42 , ( S )- 55 and ( S )- 57 exhibited any promising in vivo antimalarial activity against P. yoelii (N-67) strain. Compounds 4 , 6 , 7 and 11 showed high cytotoxicities with CC 50 values of 5.87, 5.08, 6.44 and 14.04 μM, respectively. Compound 6 was found to be the most cytotoxic as compared to the standard drug, podophyllotoxin whereas compounds 4 and 7 showed comparable cytotoxicities to podophyllotoxin.

Primaquine (PQ) is the only drug used to prevent relapse of malaria due to P. vivax and P. ovale, by eradicating the dormant liver form of the parasite (hypnozoites). The side-effects associated with PQ limits is uses in treatment of malaria. To overcome the premature oxidative deamination and to increase the life span of drug in the biological system, the novel glyco-conjugates of PQ were synthesized by coupling of primaquine with hexoses in phosphate buffer. The saccharide part of the hybrid molecules thought to direct the drug to the liver, where hypnozoites resides. All the synthesized compounds were fully characterized and evaluated for their radical curative activities. The three compounds viz glucoside (15a), galactoside (15b) and mannoside (15c) with high activity were tested for their activity in rhesus monkeys where the most active compound 15b showed twofold activity (100% radical curative activity at 1.92 mmol/kg) than the standard drug PQ diphosphate (3.861 mmol/kg). It is proposed that results from these studies may be advantageous to develop a new potent tissue schizonticide antimalarial compound.

A survey of wild edible plants of Gaddi tribes of Himachal Pradesh was carried out in Chamba and Kangra districts of Himachal Pradesh located in Western Himalayas. The inhabitants subsisted primarily on pastoralism and agriculture and have traditional knowledge on wild edible plants. A total of 49 edible plants belonging to 24 families were recorded in the study area. These were commonly used as vegetables, fruits, spices, and chutney. Nearly half of the species belong to Polygonaceae and Rosaceae families. Herbs, shrubs, climbers, and trees form the habit of these plants. The highest proportion of edible species were herbs (29) followed by trees (10), shrubs (8), climber (1), and Morchella esculenta (fungi) (1).

Context: Pancreatic masses are routinely encountered on imaging and often present as a diagnostic dilemma. These masses range from benign inflammatory masses, requiring no intervention to malignant masses, which carry grave prognosis and hence require aggressive management. Aims: Compare the diagnostic accuracy of 256 multislice CT and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) in characterization and assessment of resectability of pancreatic masses and compare the multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and EUS findings with histopathological findings. Settings and Design: Prospective study. Subjects and Methods: 36 patients with pancreatic masses were included who underwent dual phase CT using pancreatic protocol and EUS using 5–13 MHz transducer. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) was done wherever feasible. Parameters regarding tumor size, location, imaging morphology, and vessel involvement were recorded. Findings were compared with histopathological/operative diagnosis/clinical follow-up. Statistical Analysis Used: Descriptive statistics with percentages and proportions and Chi-square test. Results: Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and EUS established diagnosis consistent with tissue diagnosis in 30 (83%) and 22 (61%) patients, respectively. However, the best results were obtained with the combined use of MDCT and EUS. The number of patients categorized as inconclusive by MDCT were lower compared to EUS. Assessing resectability for pancreatic adenocarcinoma, MDCT showed specificity and positive predictive value (PPV) of 100% compared to EUS, which had specificity and PPV of 75% and 92.3%, respectively. MDCT is the first-line imaging modality in detection, characterization of pancreatic masses, and assessment of resectability in malignant neoplasms. EUS is beneficial in the detection of masses

A new series of side chain-modified 4-aminoquinolines were synthesized and screened for in vitro antiplasmodial activity against both chloroquine-sensitive (3D7) and chloroquine-resistant (K1) strains of Plasmodium falciparum. Among the series, compounds 30 and 31 showed significant inhibition of parasite growth against K1 strain of P. falciparum with IC50 values 0.28 and 0.31 µM, respectively, whereas compounds 34, 35, and 38 exhibited superior activity against K1 strain with IC50 values 0.18, 0.22, and 0.17 µM, respectively, as compared to 0.255 µM for chloroquine (CQ). All the compounds displayed good resistance factor between 1.54 and >34.48 as against 51.0 for CQ. All these analogues were found to form strong complex with hematin and inhibited the β-hematin formation in vitro, suggesting that this class of compounds act on a heme polymerization target. Overall results suggest that present series of compounds appear to be promising for further lead optimization to obtain compounds active against drug-resistant parasites.

A new series of ester analogues of artemisinin 8a-f, incorporating diphenylmethyl as pharmacologically privileged substructure, and 8g-j have been prepared and evaluated for their antimalarial activity against multidrug-resistant (MDR) Plasmodium yoelii nigeriensis in Swiss mice via oral route. These diphenylmethyl-based ester analogues 8a-f were found to be 2-4 folds more active than the antimalarial drugs β-arteether 4 and artesunic acid 5. Ester 8a, the most active compound of the series, provided complete protection to the infected mice at 24 mg/kg × 4 days as well as 12 mg/kg × 4 days, respectively. In this model β-arteether provided 100% and 20% protection at 48 mg/kg × 4 days and 24 mg/kg × 4 days, respectively.

In a focused exploration, we designed, synthesized, and biologically evaluated chiral conjugated new chloroquine (CQ) analogues with substituted piperazines as antimalarial agents. In vitro as well as in vivo studies revealed that compound 7c showed potent activity (in vitro 50% inhibitory concentration, 56.98 nM for strain 3D7 and 97.76 nM for strain K1; selectivity index in vivo [up to at a dose of 12.5 mg/kg of body weight], 3,510) as a new lead antimalarial agent. Other compounds (compounds 6b, 6d, 7d, 7h, 8c, 8d, 9a, and 9c) also showed moderate activity against a CQ-sensitive strain (3D7) and superior activity against a CQ-resistant strain (K1) of Plasmodium falciparum. Furthermore, we carried out docking and three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship (3D-QSAR) studies of all in-house data sets (168 molecules) of chiral CQ analogues to explain the structure-activity relationships (SAR). Our new findings specify the significance of the H-bond interaction with the side chain of heme for biological activity. In addition, the 3D-QSAR study against the 3D7 strain indicated the favorable and unfavorable sites of CQ analogues for incorporating steric, hydrophobic, and electropositive groups to improve the antimalarial activity.

In the present study we have synthesized a new class of 4-aminoquinoline derivatives via replacement of the diethylamine functionality of chloroquine (CQ) with acyclic and/or cyclic amine groups containing basic tertiary terminal nitrogen and bioevaluated them for antimalarial activity against Plasmodium falciparum in vitro (CQ-sensitive strain-3D7 & CQ-resistant strain-K1) and Plasmodium yoelii in vivo (N-67 strain). Among the series, thirteen compounds showed superior antimalarial activity against K1 strain as compared to CQ. In addition, all these analogs showed 100% suppression of parasitaemia on day 4 in the in vivo mouse model against N-67 strain when administered orally. Further, biophysical studies suggest that these compounds act on the heme polymerization target.

Post-pancreatitis pseudoaneurysms are not uncommon. They have a high associated mortality due to a propensity to rupture. Current standards of treatment advocate immediate intravascular interventions. We describe two cases of alcohol-related post-acute pancreatitis pseudoaneurysms arising from the second-order branches of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) that were endoluminally inaccessible. Both cases were successfully treated with percutaneous thrombin injection into the pseudoaneurysm sac under ultrasound guidance. We suggest that endoluminally inaccessible pseudoaneurysms that are percutaneously accessible can be expeditiously treated with percutaneous thrombin injection. Further, due to the efficaciousness of this procedure, it could be considered as a first-line minimally invasive therapeutic option.

A field experiment was conducted at Indira Gandhi Agricultural University, Raipur Chattisgarh India to evaluate the growth and yield of wheat varieties under Ceiba pentandra (L.) Gaertn based on agrisilviculture system. The experiment consisted of 76 treatments combination of three tree spacing treatments (4×4m, 4×6m and 4×8m), four wheat varieties ( Sujata, GW-173, GW-273 and HD-2004) , two pruning regime, three distances (0.5 to 1.0 m, 1.0 to 3.0 m and >3.0 m) and four control plots (for each wheat variety). The experiment was laid out in a factorial randomized block design and it was replicated four times. After 9 years, Growth parameter of Ceiba tree stands revealed that the tree height, diameter at breast height, crown width and length, Number of pod tree -1 , Pod length, seed and floss yield decreased numerically from the lower tree density to higher density. Growth and yields were significantly higher in sole wheat than in wheat grown with C. pentandra. Shoot length in wheat decreased by 4.5-17.1%, while root length decreased by 29.8-35.9% at 60 days after sowing. The leaf area index of wheat did no t exhibit any significant variation, but photo synthetically active radiation (PAR) interception was significantly higher in sole wheat and wheat intercrops under 4×8m spacing. The grain yield ranged from 24.0 to 29.1q/ha, Grain yield was highest in HD-2004 variety. The order of yield reduction in different verities was HD-2004 (34.5 %)>GW-173 (17.6 %)> Sujata (14.5%) when compared with HD-2004 variety. Higher grain yield (28.7 q/ha) was obtained in 4x8m tree spacing , while in other two tree spacings the grain yield was ( 25.40 q/ha) in 4x6m and (24.90 q/ha ) 4x4m spaicng. Growth parameters and Grain yield also varied with distance from the tree base.

Adverse side effects and drug resistance issues are the two most important drawbacks which influence the widespread use of existing antileishmanial drugs. Use of immune stimulating agent with standard antileishmanial might be helpful to minimize the toxic effect of drug, shorten the dose regimen and delay the emergence of resistance. In the present study, we explored the in vitro immunomodulatory potential of an immunomodulator, leptin with lower concentration of standard drug, miltefosine. The level of Th1/Th2 cytokines, production of nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species and phagocytic activity was assessed by ELISA, Griess reaction and flow cytometric analysis, respectively. Leptin at a concentration of 15μg/mL showed heightened level of Th1 cytokines and nitric oxide generation from murine macrophages (J-774A.1 cells). Leptin (15μg/mL) also reduces the effective concentration of miltefosine by 2-folds from 7.5μM to 3.7μM. When given in conjunction with lower concentration of miltefosine (4μM), leptin (15μg/mL) significantly (***p0.001) elevated the level of IL-12 (7.7 fold), TNF-α (8.1 fold) and nitric oxide (6.6 fold) along with markedly (***p0.001) suppressed level of IL-10 and TGF-β when compared with untreated infected macrophages. Leptin plus miltefosine also induces the phagocytic ability (**p0.01) of macrophages in comparison to leptin alone and miltefosine alone treated groups. These finding illustrate that leptin activates host macrophages to generate protective immune response for the successful elimination of Leishmania parasite at lower concentration of miltefosine and has potential for further exploration in experimental animal model of visceral leishmaniasis (VL).

As part of Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative's lead optimization program for the development of new chemical entities to treat visceral leishmaniasis (VL), a series of aminothiazoles were synthesized and screened for in vitro efficacy, solubility and microsomal stability. The primary aim of identifying a lead structure with sub-micromolar activity was achieved. Out of 43 compounds synthesized, 16 compounds showed in vitro activity at less than 1 μM against VL. Compound 32 showed excellent antileishmanial potency (IC50 = 3 nM) and had all the acceptable properties except for metabolic instability. Blocking the metabolic soft spots in compound 32, where the 4-methoxy pyridine substituent was replaced by 5-ethoxy group, led to compound 36 (IC50 = 280 nM) with improved stability. To understand the disposition of 36, in vivo pharmacokinetic study was conducted in a mouse model. Compound 36 showed high clearance (91 mL/min/kg); short half-life (0.48 h) after intravenous administration (1 mg/kg) and exposure (AUC0-24) following oral administration was 362 ng h/mL with absolute bioavailability of 8%. To summarize, 43 analogs were synthesized out of which 15 compounds showed very potent sub-nanomolar efficacy in in vitro systems but the liability of metabolic instability seemed to be the major challenge for this chemical class and remains to be addressed.

The choledochal cysts, which refer to the cystic dilatation of the biliary duct, are rare lesions generally seen in children. Choledochal cyst of the cystic duct is an uncommon entity. Often, it is associated with the choledochal cyst of the rest of the biliary tree. Isolated cystic duct choledochal cyst is quite rare. Most of these lesions have been recognized only on surgery. Modern cross-sectional imaging methods have facilitated preoperative recognition and characterization of cystic duct cyst enabling formulation of appropriate management strategy. We report the imaging findings in three cases of choledochal cyst involving the cystic duct. All these cases were correctly diagnosed preoperatively. A review of cases reported in the literature and the role of imaging in guiding the management are also presented.

Malaria parasite resides within the host red blood cells, where it degrades vast amount of haemoglobin. During haemoglobin degradation, toxic free heme is liberated which subsequently gets converted into hemozoin. This process is facilitated by action of various proteins viz. heme detoxification protein (HDP), and histidine rich proteins II and III (HRP II & III). Out of these, HDP is the most potent in hemozoin formation and plays indispensible role for parasite survival. Despite this, the detailed study of HDP from rodent and simian parasite has not been performed till date. Here, we have cloned and sequenced hdp gene from different malaria parasites Plasmodium vinckei, Plasmodium yoelii, Plasmodium knowlesi, and Plasmodium cynomolgi. Furthermore, HDP from P. vinckei (PvHDP) was over-expressed and purified for detailed characterization. The PvHDP is cytosolic, expressed throughout the intra erythrocytic stages and its expression is higher in late trophozoite and schizont stages of parasite. The PvHDP interacts with free heme (KD = 89 nM) and efficiently converts heme into hemozoin in a time and concentration dependent manner. Moreover, PvHDP showed activity in acidic pH and over a broad range of temperature. Histidine modification of PvHDP using DEPC showed reduction in heme binding and hemozoin formation, thus emphasizing the importance of histidine residues in heme binding and subsequent hemozoin production. Furthermore, applicability of PvHDP to screen anti-plasmodial agents (targeting heme to hemozoin conversion) was also determined using chloroquine, and mefloquine as reference antimalarials. Results showed that these drugs inhibit heme polymerization effectively in a concentration dependent manner. In conclusion, our study identified and biochemically characterized HDP from rodent malaria parasite P. vinckei and this will help to develop a high throughput assay to evaluate new antimalarials targeting hemozoin pathway.

Glucose uptake by Plasmodium -infected erythrocytes (RBC) is higher compared to uninfected RBC. Glucose is transported across the cell membrane by transporter proteins. Particles of median size 146.3 ± 18.7 nm, containing anti-malarial agents in corn starch were prepared for investigating: (a) whether the glucose moiety in starch targets RBC via hexose transporter(s), (b) whether there are differences in the extent of targeting to uninfected RBC versus infected RBC (iRBC) in view of higher cell surface density of these proteins on iRBC and (c) whether targeting provides enhanced efficacy against P. falciparum in comparison to drugs in solution. Binding of these particles to RBC was target-specific, since it could be blocked by phloretin, an inhibitor of glucose transporters (GLUT), or competed out in a dose-dependent manner with d -glucose in a flow cytometry assay. Significant ( P = 0.048, t -test) differences in extent of targeting to iRBC versus RBC were observed in flow cytometry. CDRI 97/63 incorporated in particles was 63% more efficacious than its solution at 250 ng/ml, while quinine was 20% more efficacious at 6.25 ng/ml in a SYBR Green incorporation assay. Preferential targeting of iRBC using an inexpensive excipient promises advantages in terms of dose reduction and toxicity alleviation.

Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome (RCVS) is a syndrome mimicking diverse clinical and radiological conditions. Pathologically there is altered cerebral vascular tone without histological evidence of active inflammation or vasculitis. Most common clinical presentation is hyper acute thunderclap headache with or without neurological deficit. It poses a great diagnostic dilemma; however knowledge of symptoms and radiological manifestations can help in accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Aneurysm of sinus of valsalva is a rare disorder. Rupture of sinus of valsalva into the right atria, right ventricle and the left ventricle is more commonly seen. Dissection of sinus of valsalve into the interventricular septum is rare, moreover right ventricular outflow tract obstruction due to it is still rarer. We present a case of ruptured sinus of valsalva aneurysm into the interventricular septum causing right ventricular outflow tract obstruction presenting with heart block.

Aortopulmonary window is a rare congenital communication between ascending aorta and main pulmonary artery. The condition carries poor prognosis in absence of early corrective surgery. Few case reports exist in literature where adult survival is seen in untreated patients. We present such a case of a 27-year-old male who had developed irreversible pulmonary hypertension secondary to aortopulmonary window and is thus being managed medically.

Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal is a high value medicinal plant. It synthesizes a large array of biologically active withanolides. The impact of photoperiod on morphological, physiological, biochemical parameters and neuroactive constituent with anolides has been studied. In light treatments (blue light) one month old plants were exposed to different light regimes (8 h, 12 h, 16 h, 20 h and 24 h) with constant at 22 h with light intensity of 55 μmol. The light treatments significantly decreased stem length, root length, fresh weight and dry weight in all the treatments except 8 h and 12 h photoperiods, where there was marginal increase in stem length due to etiolation effect. Changes in leaf area, membrane stability and relative water content was also observed and decreased with stress. Total carbohydrates, protein, carotenoids, tocopherol, ascorbic acid and alkaloids were decreased. The antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase, DPPH (1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS (2, 2’-azino-bis-3ethyl benzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) enhanced due to stress treatments. Withanolides were found to be higher in long photoperiod treated plants. W. somnifera was found to have protective defence mechanism against oxidative damage by maintaining higher enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants.