Trans-radial Angioplasty of Anomalous Origin of Right Coronary Artery: A Single-Centre Experience.

Successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to anomalous coronary arteries is technically challenging, particularly through transradial route. The application of appropriate techniques and devices may help overcome these challenges. The objective of this study is to explore the technical and procedural challenges in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of anomalous origin of right coronary artery (AORCA) through the trans-radial route. This prospective study consisted of 25 consecutive patients who underwent PCI for an angiographically significant stenosis in AORCA from November 2017 to May 2019 at Ibrahim Cardiac Hospital & Research Institute (ICHRI). Demographic details and procedural data including numbers of catheters used, access, hardware, techniques, duration of procedure, volume of contrast and complications were recorded and statistically analyzed. The origin of AORCA was 48.0% each from the right and left coronary sinus, with 4.0% arising from the ascending aorta. Among those of right coronary sinus origin, superior take off was 83.3% and inferior take-off was 8.3%, with a further 8.3% originating from the left main, with a common origin with the left anterior descending (LAD) artery, from right coronary sinus. The mean age was 55.8±7.5 years. Diabetics were 84.0%, hypertensive 88.0%, dyslipidemic 68.0% and 20.0% had a history of smoking. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was performed successfully in 100.0% cases. Transradial access was the default route for coronary angiography in all cases. Angioplasty was performed trans-radially in 92.0% and trans-femoral in 8.0%, for two cases requiring switch over from radial to femoral route. The average number of guide catheters used was (2.0±1.0), (range: 1-4). The guide catheter hooked the coronary ostium selectively in 32.0%, off ostium in 56.0% and deep intubation was done in 12.0% cases. Anchoring wire to enhance guide support was used in 12.0%. 6 Fr guide extension catheter Guidezilla was used in 8.0% cases. The average duration of the procedure was 39.4 (range; 15-90) minutes, the average volume of contrast used was 67.0 (range: 30-150) ml. Average stent length was 28.6 (range; 12-43) mm. For PCI, Judkin's left (JL) and Judkin's Right (JR) were most commonly used guides (36.0% and 28.0% respectively), followed by multipurpose angled (MPA) guide (12.0%). The majority of the lesions stented were of ACC/AHA classification of type B (48.0%) followed by type A (36.0%) and type C (16.0%). Thrombus extraction was performed in a single case. One case was complicated by coronary artery dissection. PCI of AORCA through transradial route is technically challenging but feasible with a reasonable amount of contrast and radiation, and appropriate use of guides and techniques. Proper localization of ostium and selection of suitable guide is the key to success, aided by additional devices in the armamentarium of interventional cardiology such as guide extension catheter and anchoring wires.

In Silico Pharmacokinetics, Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamics Simulation Studies of Nucleoside Analogs for Drug Discovery- A Mini Review.

Nucleoside analogs have been widely used as antiviral, antitumor, and antiparasitic agents due to their ability to inhibit nucleic acid synthesis. Adenosine, cytidine, guanosine, thymidine and uridine analogs such as didanosine, vidarabine, remdesivir, gemcitabine, lamivudine, acyclovir, abacavir, zidovusine, stavudine, and idoxuridine showed remarkable anticancer and antiviral activities. In our previously published articles, our main intention was to develop newer generation nucleoside analogs with acylation-induced modification of the hydroxyl group and showcase their biological potencies. In the process of developing nucleoside analogs, in silico studies play an important role and provide a scientific background for biological data. Molecular interactions between drugs and receptors followed by assessment of their stability in physiological environments, help to optimize the drug development process and minimize the burden of unwanted synthesis. Computational approaches, such as DFT, FMO, MEP, ADMET prediction, PASS prediction, POM analysis, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation, are the most popular tools to culminate all preclinical study data and deliver a molecule with maximum bioactivity and minimum toxicity. Although clinical drug trials are crucial for providing dosage recommendations, they can only indirectly provide mechanistic information through researchers for pathological, physiological, and pharmacological determinants. As a result, in silico approaches are increasingly used in drug discovery and development to provide mechanistic information of clinical value. This article portrays the current status of these methods and highlights some remarkable contributions to the development of nucleoside analogs with optimized bioactivity.

Species Identification and Antifungal Susceptibility Pattern of Candida Isolates in Patients with Vulvovaginitis from Mymensingh, Bangladesh.

Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (VVC), a frequent and cumbersome reproductive tract infection affects women's physical and mental health. Although Candida albicans was reported as the most common agent of VVC yet, recently there are significant changes in the pattern of Candida species causing VVC with varying antifungal susceptibility pattern. Therefore this cross-sectional, descriptive type of observational study conducted to identify the spectrum of Candida species associated with VVC and assesses their antifungal susceptibility pattern from March 2021 to February 2022. High vaginal swabs from 175 patients clinically suspected of VVC were collected and cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar with Chloramphenicol. Species were identified by phenotypic methods like- germ tube test, sub-culture in chromogenic agar media and genotypic methods like- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). Antifungal susceptibility was done by disk diffusion method. Out of 175 patients, 52(29.7%) were positive for Candida species. Of the isolates- C. albicans 34(65.0%), Non albicans Candida (NAC) 18(35.0%). Among NAC, C. glabrata 5(9.6%), C. tropicalis 5(9.6%), C. parapsilosis 4(7.7%) and each of C. krusei, C. kefyr, C. ciferrii, C. dubliniensis were 1(1.9%). On susceptibility testing highest resistance was to Clotrimazole 31.0% followed by Nystatin 13.0%, Itraconazole 12.0% and Fluconazole 10.0%. Resistance to azole was higher in NAC than in albicans. Of these patients, 16(31.0%) had history of recurrent VVC (RVVC) of which 12(75.0%) were by NAC, predominantly C. glabrata 5(32.0%). The results showed the increasing incidence of NAC associated vaginitis with higher resistance and recurrence that should be considered in gynecology clinics.

Uridine Derivatives: Synthesis, Biological Evaluation, and In Silico Studies as Antimicrobial and Anticancer Agents.

Nucleoside analogs are frequently used in the control of viral infections and neoplastic diseases. However, relatively few studies have shown that nucleoside analogs have antibacterial and antifungal activities. In this study, a fused pyrimidine molecule, uridine, was modified with various aliphatic chains and aromatic groups to produce new derivatives as antimicrobial agents. All newly synthesized uridine derivatives were analyzed by spectral (NMR, FTIR, mass spectrometry), elemental, and physicochemical analyses. Prediction of activity spectra for substances (PASS) and in vitro biological evaluation against bacteria and fungi indicated promising antimicrobial capability of these uridine derivatives. The tested compounds were more effective against fungal phytopathogens than bacterial strains, as determined by their in vitro antimicrobial activity. Cytotoxicity testing indicated that the compounds were less toxic. In addition, antiproliferative activity against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cells was investigated, and compound 6 (2',3'-di-O-cinnamoyl-5'-O-palmitoyluridine) demonstrated promising anticancer activity. Their molecular docking against Escherichia coli (1RXF) and Salmonella typhi (3000) revealed notable binding affinities and nonbonding interactions in support of this finding. Stable conformation and binding patterns/energy were found in a stimulating 400 ns molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) investigation indicated that acyl chains, CH3(CH2)10CO-, (C6H5)3C-, and C2H5C6H4CO-, combined with deoxyribose, were most effective against the tested bacterial and fungal pathogens. Pharmacokinetic predictions were examined to determine their ADMET characteristics, and the results in silico were intriguing. Finally, the synthesized uridine derivatives demonstrated increased medicinal activity and high potential for future antimicrobial/anticancer agent(s).

Predictors of In-hospital Mortality in Patients Presenting with Acute Coronary Syndromes in a Tertiary Cardiac Center in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

The outcomes of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) vary internationally, given regional differences in patient co-morbidities, access to health care, interventional procedures and adherence to guideline-based management practices. This study aimed to identify the predictors of mortality from a large ACS registry of patients admitted to a tertiary care cardiac centre in Dhaka, Bangladesh. This was a hospital record based retrospective cross sectional observational study that included all patients presenting with ACS to Ibrahim Cardiac Hospital and Research Institute, Dhaka, Bangladesh from January 2013 to December 2013. Data were collected from cardiac catheterization laboratory database and hospital discharge records. Statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.0. A p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Ethical approval was obtained by Institutional Review Board of the hospital. A total of 1914 ACS patients were studied: 39.8% presented with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), 39.7% with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and 20.5% with unstable angina (UA). There were 146 in-hospital deaths (7.6%). Mortality was highest among STEMI patients (10.5%), followed by NSTEMI (8.1%) and UA (1.03%). The mean age of expired patients was significantly higher than that of those who survived (64.82±12.14 years vs. 57.32±11.99 years; p<0.001). Male patients were 71.4%, with no significant gender differences observed between expired and surviving groups. Age >50 years {odds ratio (OR) 2.56, p=0.005}, chronic kidney disease (CKD) (OR 2.1, p<0.001), shock (OR 16.82, p<0.001), left ventricular failure (LVF) (OR 2.43, p<0.001) and STEMI (OR 1.92, p=0.002) were independent predictors of mortality among ACS patients. Although diabetes per se was not associated with mortality (OR 1.3; 95% CI=0.89-1.91; p=0.169), uncontrolled diabetes defined as HbA1c levels ≥7.5% had significant risk of mortality (OR 51.4, p<0.001). ACS patients who did not undergo angiography (OR 16.4; p<0.001) or PCI (OR 18.9; p<0.001) had greater risk of mortality. ACS patients complicated with shock, LVF, uncontrolled diabetes and CKD had increased risk of in-hospital mortality. Improved outcomes may be likely with prompt angiography and PCI during index admission. This study is a preliminary initiative, and prospective multi-centre registries with nation-wide involvement are warranted.

Risk Factors of Microvascular Complications Among Type 2 Diabetic Patients Using Cox Proportional Hazards Models: A Cohort Study in Tabuk Saudi Arabia.

Purpose: The burden of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is high in Saudi Arabia, but data related to its complications are limited. This study aimed to determine the incidence of microvascular complications caused by T2D and evaluate the impact of the associated risk factors. Patients and Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted at two military hospitals in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Data on the socio-demographics, glycaemic profile, blood lipid indices, duration of T2D, and associated microvascular complications were collected from electronic health records and medical files. Descriptive statistics and Cox proportional hazards models were used for data analysis. Results: This study included 1563 T2D patients. The incidence of microvascular complications was 34.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 32.0-36.6). Retinopathy was the most common complication (incidence=20.0%; 95% CI, 18.0-22.0%), while nephropathy was the least common complication (incidence=12.2%; 95% CI, 10.6-13.8%). Advanced age (≥65 years) showed the highest risk of retinopathy (Hazard ratios [HR], 2.86; 95% CI, 2.56-3.21), neuropathy (HR, 2.70; 95% CI, 2.40-3.05), and nephropathy (HR, 2.37; 95% CI, 2.12-2.64) compared with their counterparts. After adjusting for potential confounders, the study found that the significant risk factors for microvascular complications were longer duration (≥10 years) of T2D (HR, 5.3; 95% CI, 5.1-5.6), uncontrolled hypertension (HR, 3.9; 95% CI, 3.3-4.2), poor glycaemic control (HR, 4.6; 95% CI, 4.3-5.1), obesity (HR, 2.3; 95% CI, 2.2-2.6), and dyslipidaemia (HR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.2-2.0). Conclusion: Given the high burden of microvascular complications in military healthcare facilities in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, a context-specific accessible public health program focusing on the promotion of a healthy lifestyle, physical activity, and consumption of a healthy diet, as well as the early diagnosis and management of diabetes, needs to be developed and implemented.

Synthesis, antimicrobial, SAR, PASS, molecular docking, molecular dynamics and pharmacokinetics studies of 5'-O-uridine derivatives bearing acyl moieties: POM study and identification of the pharmacophore sites.

Because of their superior antibacterial and pharmacokinetic capabilities, many nucleoside-based esters show potential against microorganisms, and may be used as pharmacological agents to address multidrug-resistant pathogenic problems. In this study, several aliphatic and aromatic groups were inserted to synthesize various 5'-O-decanoyluridine (2-5) and 5'-O-lauroyluridine derivatives (6-7) for antimicrobial, in silico computational, pharmacokinetic and POM (Petra/Osiris/Molinspiration). The chemical structures of the synthesized uridine derivatives were confirmed by physicochemical, elemental, and spectroscopic analyses. In vitro antimicrobial screening against five bacteria and two fungi, as well as the prediction of substance activity spectra (PASS), revealed that these uridine derivatives have promising antifungal properties when compared to the antibacterial activities. Density functional theory (DFT) was used to calculate the thermodynamic and physicochemical properties. Molecular docking was conducted against lanosterol 14a-demethylase CYP51A1 (3JUV) and Aspergillus flavus (1R4U) and revealed binding affinities and non-covalent interactions with the target. Then, a 150 ns molecular dynamic simulation was performed to confirm the behavior of the complex structure formed by microbial protein under in silico physiological conditions to examine its stability over time, which revealed a stable conformation and binding pattern in a stimulating environment of uridine derivatives. The acyl chain {CH3(CH2)9CO-} and {CH3(CH2)10CO-} in conjunction with sugar, was determined to have the most potent activity against bacterial and fungal pathogens in a structure-activity relationships (SAR) investigation. POM analyses were conducted with the presence of an antifungal (O δ- -- O' δ-) pharmacophore site. Overall, the present study might be useful for the development of uridine-based novel multidrug-resistant antimicrobial.

Novel uridine derivatives were designed and synthesized. The chemical structures and purity of these new uridine derivatives were confirmed by usual spectroscopic techniques.In vitro antimicrobial activity and SAR study was investigated. The incorporation of various aliphatic and aromatic groups in uridine structure significantly increased their biological activity.PASS prediction analysis indicated that the compounds were less potent as anti-carcinogenic agents (0.31 < Pa < 0.52) than as antimicrobial agents.Molecular docking analysis showed that the novel uridine derivatives 2, 5 and 6 may possess excellent effectiveness for lanosterol 14a-demethylase CYP51A1 (3JUV) and Aspergillus flavus (1R4U).The stability of the docked complex was confirmed by performing molecular dynamics along with an estimation of MMPB/GBSA binding free energy which ensured that complex of derivatives 2, 5 and 6 were reported in improved dynamics stability as revealed by their uniform RMSD and RMSF profiles.In silico ADMET calculations predicted improved pharmacokinetic properties of all uridine derivatives.The POM analysis showed the presence of an antifungal (O ^δ− --- O' ^δ−) pharmacophore site.

Pattern of Tubercular Uveitis in Active Pulmonary Tuberculosis.

Ocular tuberculosis is an extra-pulmonary form of systemic Tuberculosis (TB). It is rarely found concomitant with active pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). The aim of this prospective observational study was to evaluate the pattern of tubercular uveitis (TBU) in the patients with active PTB who attended in our Uvea clinic at NIO&H from July 2018 to December 2020. Active PTB patients who had uveitis consistent with TBU and TBU patients who were confirmed as active lung lesion were included in the study. Chest X-ray, TST, IGRA (QuantiFERON-TB Gold Test), RT PCR of aqueous fluid for tubercular bacillus, Gene Xpert TB test of sputum were done to confirm the diagnosis of ocular and primary TB. If the induration is 15 mm of TST was considered patient in this study. Among 33 patients of active PTB, 4 had TBU (12.12%). Among 48 patients of TBU, 5 had active PTB (10.41%). 13 eyes of 9 patients were affected. Mean age at presentation was 41.8 years. There were anterior uveitis in 23.00% eyes, posterior uveitis in 69% eyes and panuveitis in 7.00% eyes. Choroidal granuloma was the most common presentation of posterior uveitis (46.00%). There were more than 4 times chance to develop choroidal granuloma in patients with active PTB than extrapulmonary TB (Χ²=4.53, <0.05), TBU patients with choroidal granuloma should be evaluated meticulously for active PTB and active PTB patients should be evaluated routinely by ophthalmologist for the search of TBU.

Investigating the incidence and risk factors of hypertension: A multicentre retrospective cohort study in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension is a major global health concern affecting approximately 1.13 billion people worldwide, with most of them residing in developing countries. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of different stages of hypertension and its associated modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors among patients in military-setting hospitals in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study was conducted at two hospitals in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. The data were collected from hospital electronic records from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2019. The blood pressure levels of patients from the last three separate medical visits were recorded. Descriptive statistics and multinomial logistic regression were used for the data analysis. RESULTS: The study included 884 hypertensive patients. The incidences of stage of elevated BP, stage 1, stage 2, and hypertension crisis were 60.0, 29.5, 7.0, and 3.5 cases per 1000 persons. Multivariate analysis indicated that progression from the stage of elevated blood pressure to hypertension crisis was significantly associated with advanced age (odds ratio [OR] = 3.62, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.99-8.42), male sex (OR = 2.84, 95% CI: 0.57-5.92), and a positive family history of hypertension (OR = 1.95, 95% CI: 1.23-3.09). Other key determinants of the development of stage of elevated blood pressure to hypertension crisis were current smoking status (OR = 1.74, 95% CI: 1.23-4.76), and physical inactivity (OR = 6.48, 95% CI: 2.46-9.14). CONCLUSION: The incidence stage of elevated blood pressure was high among the patients investigated at armed forces hospitals in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. The logistic regression model proposed in the present study can be used to predict the development of different stages of hypertension. Age, sex, marital status, family history, smoking status, and physical activity play an important role in the development of hypertension. Better strategies to improve awareness, screening, treatment, and management of hypertension are required in Saudi Arabia.

A Comparison of the Anti-Cancer Effects of Free and PLGA-PAA Encapsulated Hydroxytyrosol on the HT-29 Colorectal Cancer Cell Line.

BACKGROUND: Hydroxytyrosol is one of the phenolic compounds of olive oil and can induce anticancer effects on colorectal cancer cells. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the free hydroxytyrosol and nano-capsulated hydroxytyrosol effects on the cell cycle arrest in HT-29 colorectal cancer cell line. METHODS: The nano-capsulated hydroxytyrosol was synthesized in poly lactide-co-glycolide-co-polyacrylic acid (PLGA-PAA) copolymer. MTT assay was performed to evaluate the anti-proliferative and anti-tumor effects of the free hydroxytyrosol and nano-capsulated hydroxytyrosol. Finally, the relative expression of CDKN1A, CDKN1B, and CCND1 genes was evaluated in control and treated colorectal cancer cells by using Real-Time PCR. RESULTS: The obtained results from the MTT assay showed that the cytotoxic effects of the nano-capsulated hydroxytyrosol on the colorectal cancer cell line (IC50= 6PPM) were significantly more than free hydroxytyrosol (IC50= 12PPM) after 72h. Also, nano-capsulated hydroxytyrosol showed more significant effects on the upregulation of CDKN1A and CDKN1B genes and down-regulation of the CCND1 gene in colorectal cancer cells. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the present study showed that hydroxytyrosol led to the death of colorectal cancer cells through cell cycle arrest. Also, the PLGA-PAA copolymer dramatically caused to increase the cytotoxic effects of the hydroxytyrosol on the colorectal cancer cells.

Psychological impact of home isolation on children aged 6-14 years during the COVID-19 pandemic in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia 2020.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of home isolation on feelings and behaviors of children aged 6-14 years during COVID-19 pandemic in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted between June and August 2020 in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. A snowball sampling was applied, parents with children aged 6-14 years participated in this survey (N=361). questionnaires were distributed electronically. RESULTS: Four out of ten children reported severe psychological impact on feelings (41.3%), while a majority of the children demonstrated mild psychological impact on behavior (74.8%). Age was associated with risk of psychological impact on behavior (OR: 7.24, 95% CI: 1.35-16.18). Being male was associated with risk of psychological impact on feelings (OR: 2.38, 95% CI: 0.67-6.43), and behavior (OR: 3.50, 95% CI: 0.42-6.00). Living in a small house or without an outside play area was associated with risk of psychological impact on feelings and behaviors. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that children experienced mild-to-severe psychological impact on behaviors and feelings during home isolation during COVID-19 pandemic. Priority should be given to boys, older age, children of low-income families, living in small houses and those without outside play areas.

Road Traffic Injuries and Related Safety Measures: A Multicentre Analysis at Military Hospitals in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Road traffic injuries are one of the major public safety issues around the world, as they put a great burden on countries' economies. Saudi Arabia has a good road transportation system, but still, road-related fatalities are higher in this country. The main purpose of this study was to determine the association between the severity of injuries caused by road traffic collision and safety measures taken by the drivers admitted to the emergency departments at two military hospitals in Tabuk, a city in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A total of 342 male drivers who had injuries due to road traffic collision took part in this multicentre, cross-sectional study. The research sites were King Salman Armed Forces Hospital and King Khalid Armed Forces Hospital in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. The data were collected using a common protocol and a self-reported questionnaire with the help of convenience sampling approach. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis were done using IBM SPSS version 23. RESULTS: Nearly 62.0% of the male drivers were aged less than 36 years. About 90% of the drivers were from low- and middle-income groups. Logistic regression analysis indicated that drivers who had road traffic collision and used mobile phones while driving were four times more likely to have severe injuries (OR = 3.89; 95% CI (2.53, 5.95)), those who drove the vehicle at an excessive speed limit were three times more likely to have severe injuries (OR = 2.71; 95% CI (1.01, 4.97)), and those who attempted to overtake another vehicle were two times more likely to have severe injuries (OR = 1.85; 95% CI (1.24, 3.77)). CONCLUSION: Based on the results of the present study, the most important safety measures which contributed the most to road traffic collision were use of mobile phones while driving the vehicle, driving at an excessive speed limit, irregularity in maintaining the vehicle, attempt to pass other vehicles, and not following the traffic rules. All the safety measures are protective, but if care is not taken, they will risk the life. There is an urgent need to spread traffic safety awareness in this region.

Death Due to COVID-19 in an Infant with Combined Immunodeficiencies.

BACKGROUND: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 has affected millions of people, and especially in adult patients with underlying diseases lead to death. Meanwhile pediatric patients with inherited defects of T cell should be prone to viral diseases. CASE PRESENTATION: Herein, we report an infant with severe combined immunodeficiencies, who were affected and died because of COVID-19. CONCLUSION: Considering the importance of finding how immune system can affect the viral infection, presentation of COVID-19 in immune deficient patients can be valuable.

Survival Predictions of Ceramic Crowns Using Statistical Fracture Mechanics.

This work establishes a survival probability methodology for interface-initiated fatigue failures of monolithic ceramic crowns under simulated masticatory loading. A complete 3-dimensional (3D) finite element analysis model of a minimally reduced molar crown was developed using commercially available hardware and software. Estimates of material surface flaw distributions and fatigue parameters for 3 reinforced glass-ceramics (fluormica [FM], leucite [LR], and lithium disilicate [LD]) and a dense sintered yttrium-stabilized zirconia (YZ) were obtained from the literature and incorporated into the model. Utilizing the proposed fracture mechanics-based model, crown survival probability as a function of loading cycles was obtained from simulations performed on the 4 ceramic materials utilizing identical crown geometries and loading conditions. The weaker ceramic materials (FM and LR) resulted in lower survival rates than the more recently developed higher-strength ceramic materials (LD and YZ). The simulated 10-y survival rate of crowns fabricated from YZ was only slightly better than those fabricated from LD. In addition, 2 of the model crown systems (FM and LD) were expanded to determine regional-dependent failure probabilities. This analysis predicted that the LD-based crowns were more likely to fail from fractures initiating from margin areas, whereas the FM-based crowns showed a slightly higher probability of failure from fractures initiating from the occlusal table below the contact areas. These 2 predicted fracture initiation locations have some agreement with reported fractographic analyses of failed crowns. In this model, we considered the maximum tensile stress tangential to the interfacial surface, as opposed to the more universally reported maximum principal stress, because it more directly impacts crack propagation. While the accuracy of these predictions needs to be experimentally verified, the model can provide a fundamental understanding of the importance that pre-existing flaws at the intaglio surface have on fatigue failures.

Outcome of Induction of Labour in Prolonged Pregnancy.

This was a hospital based prospective clinical study conducted among women having prolonged pregnancy to assess the outcome of induction of labour in prolonged pregnancy cases. One hundred and thirty nine women having uncomplicated prolonged pregnancy were studied. The study was carried out in Sir Salimullah Medical College & Mitford Hospital, Dhaka from 01 July 2010 to 30 March 2011. In this study 66% of the respondents had vaginal delivery on routine induction of labour and in 34% cases induction failed. Ninety three percent (93%) of the multigravida had vaginal delivery and in primigravida their vaginal delivery rate was 47.5%. Regarding cervical condition for delivery, 75% of the respondents having favourable cervix had vaginal delivery and in case of unfavourable cervix respondents, they had 55% cases of vaginal delivery. About the foetal outcome it was evidenced from this study that the perinatal adverse outcome increases with the increasing age of gestation beyond 40 completed weeks of gestation. This study showed that the use of prostaglandins for cervical ripening and by confirming the diagnosis of prolonged pregnancy, the delivery outcome in prolonged pregnancy can be improved. The study also showed that induction of labour is not associated with any major complications and the routine induction of labour in prolonged pregnancy is beneficial for both mother and the baby.

Seminal plasma: an essential attribute to spermatozoa.

The biochemical composition of seminal plasma (SP) is very complex and variable among species. Advances in reproductive technologies reveal SP as a nutritive-protective medium for sperm cells suspended in it, and some SP components are very important for sperm metabolism, as well as sperm function, survival, and transport in the female reproductive tract. Biochemistry of SP is a relatively modern but rapidly expanding field of research, particularly concerning the biological significance of the various biochemical constituents of SP. However, identification of active factors in SP and mechanisms by which they act are not sufficiently understood in different species. Especially in camelids, the origin, composition, and function of the viscous component of SP remain a mystery, and only some biochemical and morphological characteristics of SP have been described. In this review, we focus on the current understanding of physiological and biochemical properties of SP in ruminants and camelids.

Toxicological studies of "Chondrokola Rosh", an Ayurvedic preparation on liver function tests of rats.

Chondrokola Rosh (CKR) is a traditional metallic Ayurvedic preparation widely used by the rural and ethnic people of Bangladesh in dysuria. It is a preparation of various roasted metals (Hg and Cu), non-metal (sulphur and Mica) and medicinal herbs. Considering the controversy over the risk of toxic heavy metals in Ayurvedic herbo-mineral preparations, toxicological parameters on liver functions were investigated. A single dose of 100mg/kg body weight of the preparation was administered orally to the rats of both sexes for ninety days. In this evaluation a statistically significant (p<0.001) increase of serum albumin levels in male (17%) and female (15%) rat groups were observed. On the other hand, the plasma bilirubin level was decreased 50% and 28% respectively in both rats groups. But no remarkable differences were observed in plasma protein, sGPT, sGOT and ALP activities from their corresponding control values. This study showed that CKR had no remarkable toxic effect on liver of the animals despite the presence of traces of transformed heavy metals.

Preliminary report on anaerobic culture at Mymensingh Medical College Hospital in Bangladesh.

Puerperal sepsis is an important cause of maternal morbidity and mortality in developing countries. This study was undertaken to isolate and identify the anaerobic bacterial agents of puerperal sepsis among the patients admitted in Mymensingh Medical College Hospital (MMCH) during the period from July 2006 to June 2007. Endocervical swabs/secretions were collected from 50 cases of puerperal sepsis and were cultured anaerobically. Anaerobiasis was done by using gas pack (BD GAS PAK TM EZ) in anaerobic jar. Out of 50 samples, 42(84%) yielded growth in cultures. Among 42 culture positive cases, 20(40%) were Aerobic organisms and 22(44%) were mixed, i.e., Aerobic and Anaerobic bacteria. The isolated Anaerobic organisms were Peptostreptococcus 14(63.63%), Bacteroides fragilis 3(13.64%), Prevotella melaninogenica 3(13.64%) and Clostridium perfringens 2(9.09%). As a preliminary study, it was observed that anaerobic culture could be carried out with available logistic arrangement. So, it was recommended to design further study on anaerobic bacterial isolation with particular emphasis on their antimicrobial susceptibility.

Development of agricultural biotechnology and biosafety regulations used to assess the safety of genetically modified crops in Iran.

Rapid progress in the application of biotechnological methodologies and development of genetically modified crops in Iran necessitated intensive efforts to establish proper organizations and prepare required rules and regulations at the national level to ensure safe application of biotechnology in all pertinent aspects. Practically, preparation of a national biotechnology strategic plan in the country coincided with development of a national biosafety framework that was the basis for the drafted biosafety law. Although biosafety measures were observed by researchers voluntarily, the establishment of national biosafety organizations since the year 2000 built a great capacity to deal with biosafety issues in the present and future time, particularly with respect to food and agricultural biotechnology.

Recombinant human tyrosine hydroxylase types 1-4 show regulatory kinetic properties for the natural (6R)-tetrahydrobiopterin cofactor.

Human tyrosine hydroxylase (hTH) exists in four isoforms. The four recombinant hTH isoenzymes types 1-4 (hTH1-4) produced in and purified from Escherichia coli showed regulatory kinetic properties for the natural (6R)-L-erythro-tetrahydrobiopterin (RBPH4) as a cofactor. In contrast, the unnatural cofactor (6S)-L-erythro-tetrahydrobiopterin (SBPH4) and a synthetic cofactor (6RS)-methyl-tetrahydropterin (6MPH4) showed usual kinetic characteristics with each of hTH1-4. Substrate inhibition by tyrosine was observed for each of hTH1-4 with natural RBPH4. Two different Km values for pterin cofactor were observed at a high concentration (200 microM) of L-tyrosine only with natural RBPH4, in contrast to a single Km value for unnatural SBPH4 or synthetic 6MPH4. The present results suggest that in the presence of relatively high concentrations (approximately 100 microM) of tyrosine in vivo, RBPH4 cofactor may have a regulatory role for the activity of all four human isoenzymes in vivo. We also found that recombinant hTH1 and 3 were more unstable than hTH2 and 4, suggesting that the 4-amino-acid insertion in hTH2 and 4 may be responsible for the relative stability of hTH2 and 4 isoenzymes.